144 Mindy Rugg - Maine Warden Service

In our final episode celebrating Women's History Month 2025, we’re excited to welcome Mainegame warden Mindy Rugg. Inspired by our very own podcast, Mindy transitioned from a successful career as a vet tech to become a game warden in 2021. Join us as she shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and the unique perspective women bring to the job.  Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes ChevroletNorth American Game Warden MuseumHunt RegsSecureIt Gun StorageXS Sights“A Cowboy in the Woods” BookMaine's Operation Game ThiefInternational Wildlife CrimestoppersHere’s what we discuss:·       Gained many skills in her previous career as a vet tech·       Needed to be outside·       Listened to the Warden’s Watch podcast·       Not everyone loves the game warden·       Hired in 2021, full-time in 2022·       Checking hundreds of boats a day·       On the job experience can be the best communication training ·       People react well if you treat them fairly·       Strategies to manage dyslexia·       Spell check, Grammarly, and text-to-speech·       Working in Western Maine – close to home, but not too close·       “Every single day I learn something new.”·       Mindy’s favorite Warden’s Watch episode ·       Maine Warden Service now has seven female officers·       Many companies don’t make clothing for women in law enforcement·       Don’t talk yourself out of it - make it happen·       It’s no longer a shock to meet a female game warden·       Women can bring a different perspective to the jobCreditsHosts: Wayne Saunders and John NoresProducer: Jay AmmannWarden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley HannettResearch / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazonGoogleWaypointStitcherTuneInMegaphoneFind More Here:WebsiteWarden’s Watch / TGL StoreFacebookFacebook Fan PageInstagramThreadsYouTube