Open Season: True Stories of the Maine Warden Service

by Daren Worcester

Woods Cop: True Stories of the Maine Warden Service is a collection of 21 stories from two former colonels, two lieutenants, two sergeants, four district wardens, a warden pilot, and one currently active duty corporal. Altogether, their cumulative experiences account for more than 300 years of warden experience. Before reality TV cameras, GPS devices, and dashboard computers, these wardens presided over a coming of age era for the Maine Warden Service. It was a time when a compass, map, and their wits were what mattered most in the field. Every day offered the potential for an exciting new adventure, many of which endangered the wardens themselves. This book recreates the full warden experience. In addition to hair-raising, life-and-death scenarios, the collection covers moments such as a child innocently outing his parents as looking for deer at night, the doldrums of a stakeout, and the grief of tragedy. The stories have been written in a third person, narrative format to ensure consistency in style and to help readers feel the excitement of a twig snapped in the dark, the frustration of second guessing yourself when lives are at stake, and the duty to do what s right, even if it means breaking the law."

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Trip Down Memory Lane As a young lad, I remember listening in amazement to the stories my father and his game warden friends would tell while sitting around a table playing cards.  Their exploits and adventures made me think they were like gods. Now, 50 some odd years later, Worcester has reminded me of those times. His chronicle of conservation wardens in Maine tell so many wonderful stories. The short but well written chapters tell of events that were frightening, funny and sad. Each one can be read at leisure, in any order the reader wants. The book serves as a great reminder of the men who dedicate their lives in a daily struggle to protect the fish and game of our country. A wonderful read!

[Wayfaring_Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! I love compilation books like this. Very much like sitting around a campfire hearing stories, or little bits of history.

[Pknapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and entertaining, with a mix of lighthearted and deadly serious stories. Seems as if the big priorities for Maine wardens are stopping poachers and rescuing lost hikers and hunters. The book is especially fun if you know Maine and recognize some of the locations.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was expecting a book similar to one I read about backcountry rescues in the ADK. However, it turns out the Maine warden service are more similar to cops, which makes sense since they are the law enforcement arm of the department. I was just surprised at the scope of their ability to investigate crimes.

If you have a hankering to read a lot of stories about poachers, this book might just be for you. There are obviously some other stories, dangerous rescues, and murder, and all that, but poachers. A lot of poachers.

The stories themselves are written decently enough. Sometimes there was a lack of backstory to get you truly interested in what was happening.

The book isn't for everyone. You have to really want to read warden stories (a lot about poachers) to enjoy it.

3.5/5 stars rounds to 4.

[JoAnn Plante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not only was it a series of real game warden accounts, it was emotionally charged and factual. Every tale in this book is filled with highs and lows and lots of suspense. You never really know how the tale will end. Some of them are so sad, they almost make you cry, but they are all true accounts of life as a game warden and the toll it takes on your family and yourself. This is a must-read for anyone, who wants to enter law enforcement in any branch. The work is fascinating, but also dangerous and extremely demanding. I give this one 5 stars!

[Carl Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of stories from Maine game wardens runs the gamut from intriguing to hilarious to suspenseful to heartbreaking. I was left with admiration for the hard work of those who safeguard the environment and those who enjoy it. The format, with each chapter being a complete story that takes 5-20 minutes to read, made for a great "pick up and put down" book.

[becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of anecdotal stories from a multitude of Maine's Wardens. The stories were truly enthralling. Each story was different from the last, and showed insight from the warden's perspective. Some stories were horrific, sad or terrifying and some were humorous and goofy. Definitely a good read. a 4.5 in my mind

[Andrew Lamberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

Well written stories that are perfect for a short read before bed. Some are funny, some are a little tense but turn out well. One has a sad ending and made me realize I was pretty lucky as a kid not to have been the subject of the story.

[Kathryn]

Born and raised in Maine, now living on the West Coast. I enjoyed reading this book as I miss Maine and Mainers so much. The Maine State Game Wardens are an iconic part of Maine, so it was fun to read about some of their more memorable calls.

[Stephen Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Includes story about the Rolfe Brook smelt run in Raymond. I walked this brook on Camp Timanous property in Raymond last weekend!

[Stanley Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories written in a Maine vernacular. Wish there were more books like this - Americana.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a snorefest unfortunately

[Alexander MacLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Not as gripping as you might expect but maybe that's what makes it good, the stories aren't sensationalized.

[Sarah Schott · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A good, casual read! The book opens like you are sitting around a campfire, and that’s how this feels. The way the short stories are compiled make the book interesting and easy to read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Rachel Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*E-book received via NetGalley for an honest review.

My hometown was the kind of place where schools were closed for the first day of deer hunting season. I practically grew up on stories about hunters and fishers. So when I found a book that told those stories from the perspective of law enforcement I had to pick it up. A lot of these stories had me laughing as much as a Patrcik F. McManus collection. The sheer stupidity of some poachers. Other times it was the dumb luck of the wardens that had me chuckling. Fair warning, though, not all the stories have happy endings, there are a handful of sad stories. Fortunately Worcester does a wonderful job of balancing the sad with the happy and the silly, making this a very good book to pick up for anyone you know who considers themselves hunters, fishers or woodsmen.