Wardens: Short Takes

It's Independence Day in Montana's District 3 and Warden James Hawkluk and partner are patrolling Lake Hauser for boat violations. Meanwhile in District 2, Joe Kambic and his four legged friend are hiking in to the Pintler Mountains to make sure that fisherman are following the laws while enjoying the beauty of the Montana wilderness.

Montana's Region 3 Warden Drew Scott starts his day off early, but it's not just another day. It's opening day of big game rifle season. It starts off with a bang, when one hunting party accuses another party of shooting too early and before legal shooting light. While east in Region 5, Warden Paul Luepke is dealing with a similar situation.

District 2 Warden, Bill Koppen, investigates Montana's Rainy Lake, where he hopes to catch fisherman trying to sneak in to the lake before the third Saturday in May, the opening day for fishing. Meanwhile, in District 3, Warden Dave Loewen patrols Beaver Creek for the same issue.

Region 5, in Billings, Montana, is where Warden Kevin Holland is responding to a heated call about a hunter breaking some serious rules. And the muddy grounds close to the hunting area in question, might just give him the clues he needs to figure this whole thing out.

In Region 5, 30 miles east of Billings, Montana, there is a meeting of the minds. Wardens Todd Anderson, Paul Luepke and Matt Ladd are responding to a call from a land owner that caught a hunter in the act of shooting a deer on his property last night without permission.

Region 5 Warden Kevin Holland scans the snow dusted terrain outside Billings, Montana. It is mid-season, a time where the lines can start to blur for those who have yet to put their tag to use. Kevin has 28 years of service as a Warden, but not all of his time is spent chasing bad guys. Meanwhile in Region 4, Warden John Lesofski spots hunters who have entered an area that is normally closed to ve

Antelope season is in full swing in Region 5, the first opportunity for Montana hunters to take to the field with rifle in hand. Watch as we follow some of Region 5's Wardens in the field.

Region 4 Warden John Lesofski responds to a call about someone seen flapping their arms around in an attempt to scare some elk off of a management block. In Montana, it is illegal to herd, harass or attempt to altart the movement of game animals. Warden Lesofski, must however, pass this call on to fellow Warden Brett Logan to investigate another call, possible trespassing and illegal killing of a

Northwest Montana, Region 1. Warden Chris Crane is on patrol today. Before he can leave the pavement, Warden Crane is called in to back-up local law enforcement on a traffic stop that is getting complicated. South in Region 2 near Missoula, Montana, Warden Aaron Berg is responding to a potential drunk driver.

The final week of big game rifle season, and the mountains of central Montana are getting pounded by snow. Region 4 Warden John Lesofski is in the high country, where hunting camps are a tradition. East in Region 5, Warden Paul Luepke is patrolling near Columbus, Montana, then responds to a a call about a dispute regarding resident and non-resident hunting licenses.

With the mercury plunged to minus 24, Region 4 Warden John Lesofski heads out on the last day of big game rifle season in Montana. Just a few miles out of White Sulphur Springs, the red shine of break lights brings Warden Lesofski to a halt. Next stop, the high country, where Warden Lesofski spots hunters breaking laws trying to fill an elk tag on the last day.

When winter hits in Montana, the outdoor enthusiasts come out to play. For Region 1 Warden Chris Crane, it is a time to keep an eye on ice anglers who are keen on a salmon bite on Beaver Lake.