Cops in the Woods

At Maine Crime Writers today I have a more reflective post concerning "North Woods Law," the new reality TV show on the Animal Planet that features the Maine Warden Service. The series, which premieres tonight at 9 p.m. (check your local listings), plays up the drama of being a conservation officer. The Warden Service definitely took a risk when it made the decision to go public to a national audience—the work wardens do isn't isn't always pretty or without controversy. There might well be some blowback. The better scenario is that increases awareness of the need for conservation law enforcement in Maine and helps reverse a trend of leaner budgets for the department.

North Woods Law

A couple of years ago, National Geographic launched a TV show about California conservation officers. It was fun, but I thought that, for sheer weirdness and wildness, nothing would beat a reality series on Maine game wardens. I'm delighted to say that Animal Planet saw the wisdom of taking my advice. Set in Maine and featuring many of the officers who advised and inspired The Poacher's Son and Trespasser, "North Woods Law" premieres this week. There's a sneak peek tonight (March 11) at 11 p.m. Going forward, the show will air on Fridays at 9 p.m. You'll know I'll be watching.