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