The Hunting Stories Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Jesse Griffiths shares his journey as a chef and author, discussing his new online project, the Pedernal Project, which focuses on teaching cooking techniques for wild game. He reflects on memorable hunting experiences with his daughter, emphasizing the importance of family traditions and the joy of outdoor adventures. The discussion also touches on the significance of hunting techniques, recipes, and the unique perspective on trophy hunting, particularly regarding does. Jesse's passion for cooking and hunting shines through as he shares insights and stories from his culinary and hunting adventures. @sac.a.lait @Daidue @the_wild_books The Pedernal Project Discount Code: THSP25 https://www.thewildbooks.com/ @HuntingStoriesPodcast Want to be a guest? Hunting Stories Website Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunters Brief – Show Notes (Week of Sept 19 2025)#StorySources 1Search for Missing Elk Hunters – coloradosun.comcbsnews.com. 2Cornell Students Butcher Black Bear in Dorm outdoorlife.com. 3Hidden Costs of Poaching – wildlifemanagement.institutekpax.com 4FWS Expands Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Lead‑Free Incentive Program fws.govwildlifemanagement.institute 5Missouri Elk Poachers Sentenced mdc.mo.govmdc.mo.gov 6Minnesota’s “Take a Kid Hunting” Weekend dnr.state.mn.us 7CRP Enrollment Boost fsa.usda.gov 8Brown‑Headed Nuthatches Reintroduced mdc.mo.gov 9MassWildlife Fall Trout Stocking mass.gov 10Idaho Steelhead Research wildlifemanagement.institutewildlifemanagement.institute 11Interior Department Proposes to Rescind BLM Public Lands Rule kunc.orgkunc.org 12International Vulture Awareness Day in Bangladesh iucn.org Podcast feed: Hunters Brief is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe: Follow the show, leave a review, and share with fellow hunters and conservationists. Feedback & story ideas: Email us your questions, stories or legislative topics you’d like covered in future episodes. @HuntingStoriesPodcast⁠ ⁠Want to be a guest?⁠ ⁠Hunting Stories Website⁠ Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Christopher Schluep shares his hunting journey, starting from his childhood experiences in Ohio to his recent adventures in the South. He recounts humorous and insightful stories about his early hunting days, the lessons learned from missed shots, and the thrill of finally bagging his first deer. Christopher reflects on the deeper meaning of hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, family connections, and the peace found in nature. He also shares his experiences with rabbit and coon hunting, highlighting the fun and camaraderie that comes with these outdoor activities. Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am in the Elk woods so today I tell you a little about one of the greatest wins in conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Andrew Barela shares his diverse hunting experiences, from dove and goose hunting to deer and bear hunting. He discusses the importance of conservation and his involvement with various wildlife foundations. Andrew also shares personal stories that highlight the emotional connections hunters have with their experiences and the wildlife they pursue. The conversation emphasizes the significance of hands-on involvement in conservation efforts and the thrill of hunting adventures. Sponsors: ⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠ ⁠Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USDA/USFS opens Roadless Rule rescission process; public comment through Sept. 19. Sources: USDA press; Inside Climate News explainer; Alaska Daily News coverage; Texas angle via Houston Chronicle. USDAInside Climate NewsAnchorage Daily NewsHouston Chronicle House action to roll back drilling/mining limits on public lands; BLM planning note on sage-grouse areas. AP News BLM reopens public comment on sage-grouse plan amendments across 8 states; coverage and deadlines. Bureau of Land ManagementCapital Press Colorado park ranger stabbing incident determined to be a hoax; sheriff’s release and TV coverage. Jefferson Countyhttps://www.kptv.com EHD confirmed in deer in southeast OH and WV; agency statements and local reporting. WV MetroNewshttps://www.wtap.comnewsandsentinel.com/ Pennsylvania Sunday hunting expansion — what’s open where. Pennsylvania Government Alaska emergency order for a moose quota adjustment. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Dove openers and reminders (AZGFD; KDWP; MDC; CT DEEP). Arizona Game & Fish DepartmentKansas OutdoorsMissouri Department of ConservationCT.gov Bloodvein First Nation bars non-Indigenous hunters; perspectives from Outdoor Life, Manitoba Wildlife Federation, and Indigenous Watchdog. Outdoor LifeManitoba Wildlife Federationindigenouswatchdog.org Idaho Criminal Complaint Against Ryan Lampers – GearJunkie details the eight charges, including grand theft by deception, unlawful trophy possession, invalid tags, and falsifying public records GearJunkie+12GearJunkie+12Hunt Talk+12. Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Hunting Stories podcast, host Michael Scrogan interviews Austin Harriger, a passionate hunter from upstate New York. Austin shares his journey into hunting, including memorable stories of his first experiences, lessons learned, and the importance of family in the hunting tradition. He reflects on the emotional connections to his grandfather and aunt, recounting special hunts that honor their memories. The conversation emphasizes the joy of hunting, the significance of teaching the next generation, and the unique experiences that come from being in the outdoors. Hunting Stories Links ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Amazon Gear List⁠ ⁠Guest Sign up/Contact Form⁠ Sponsors: ⁠Vortex Optics Ignite Marketing Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Below is a list of the stories covered in this week’s Hunters Brief with the key sources used for each segment. Check them out to learn more. 1NIL quarterback buys hunting property – Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton uses his NIL earnings to buy 150 acres near Cross Plains for a deer lease.Staking The Plains article summarizing Morton’s comments and property details⁠stakingtheplains.com⁠. 2Fisherman catfishing story – widely shared tale of an angler using dating apps to steal fishing spots; largely unverified satire.BroBible viral article (not archived with citations); no corroboration from law‑enforcement; presented as humorous caution about sharing locations. 3Maine poaching bust – Wardens charge five poachers with 31 summonses for night‑hunting deer over bait and other violations.WABI news report on the Maine Warden Service investigation⁠wabi.tv⁠. 4Florida poaching ring – FWC arrests two men for illegally taking about 20 deer out of season using night scopes and vehicles.WJHG/WJHG article describing FWC operation and charges⁠wjhg.com⁠. 5Texas Tip411 app – Operation Game Thief launches Tip411 allowing anonymous reports of wildlife crimes via app, text, web or phone.Texas Parks and Wildlife news release outlining the Tip411 system and quotes from TPWD officials⁠tpwd.texas.gov⁠⁠tpwd.texas.gov⁠. 6More hunting access at refuges – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service expands hunting and fishing opportunities at 16 refuges and one hatchery, adding 42 new opportunities across 87,000 acres.USFWS final rule announcement detailing the expansions and policy context⁠fws.gov⁠. 7Colorado wolf removal attempt ends – CPW stops search for an uncollared wolf after six depredation incidents due to difficult terrain.KKTV report summarizing CPW and USDA Wildlife Services’ efforts and statements⁠kktv.com⁠. 8Washington forest conservation decision – Commissioner Dave Upthegrove sets aside 77,000 acres of older forests while allowing 29,000 acres to be logged; reactions mixed.Washington State Standard report detailing the decision and reactions from industry and conservation groups⁠washingtonstatestandard.com⁠. 9Kentucky fawn euthanasia controversy – State wildlife officials euthanize more than 20 illegally held fawns in a CWD surveillance zone, sparking debate over necessity and communication.LEX 18 article detailing the euthanasia, agency statements and rehabilitators’ concerns⁠lex18.com⁠⁠lex18.com⁠. 10Rhino horn stockpile debate – Arrest of former rhino breeder John Hume highlights divide over whether to burn or sell Africa’s rhino horn stockpiles.Down To Earth article outlining the case, arguments from no‑trade and pro‑trade camps, and expert commentary⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠. 11Central African lions return – Camera traps in Bamingui‑Bangoran National Park capture a lioness and three cubs, signalling a comeback for lions in the region.Newswise release quoting WCS officials about the significance of the discovery and the conservation efforts that made it possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Michael Scrogan hosts Joe Gauvain and Ross Ellis, co-founders of Drifter Hydration, as they share their personal hunting stories and the journey of creating their innovative hydration system. The discussion highlights the importance of hydration in outdoor activities, the emotional weight of first hunting experiences, and the bond formed through shared adventures. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about Ross's first deer and Joe's successful archery hunt, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of hunting. The episode concludes with reflections on the support within the hunting community and the significance of mentorship in the sport. Drifter Hydration Promo Code: HSP10 Drifter Instagram Drifter Youtube Hunting Stories Links Website Instagram Amazon Gear List Guest Sign up/Contact Form Sponsors: Vortex Optics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Below is a list of all stories covered and where to find the original reporting. Each link goes to a reputable source referenced in this episode. This completes your comprehensive weekly briefing. Stay tuned for more updates next week! StorySourceCanada wildfires cause hiking banNova Scotia Government news release (Aug 5, 2025)news.novascotia.ca Colorado wolf reintroduction funding pausePost Independent article (Aug 19, 2025)postindependent.com Florida bear hunt lawsuitWTXL (ABC 27) article (Aug 20, 2025)wtxl.com Colorado lead ammo phase-out advocacyColorado Public Radio article (Aug 20, 2025)cpr.org Air Jordan 3 “Family Affair” Realtree sneakerSneaker Files (Aug 9, 2025)sneakerfiles.com Colorado park ranger stabbingColorado Public Radio article (Aug 19, 2025)cpr.org USFWS to rescind blanket 4(d) ruleRMEF news release (Aug 19, 2025)rmef.org MN DNR urges hunters to avoid collared bearsMinnesota DNR news release (Aug 20, 2025)dnr.state.mn.us California lobster poaching bustMeatEater Conservation News (Aug 14, 2025)themeateater.com Nova Scotia hiking ban continuingSame as first story (ongoing enforcement)news.novascotia.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Michael as he welcomes Ben Dettamanti, also known as Shed Crazy, to the Hunting Stories Podcast. In this episode, Ben shares thrilling tales from his hunting adventures, including a viral elk hunt, a challenging coues deer pursuit, and the trials of antelope hunting. Discover the highs and lows of public land hunting and the unexpected twists that come with it. Key Highlights: Ben's viral elk hunt story and the controversy that followed. The challenges of hunting coos deer in Arizona. A memorable antelope hunt with unexpected outcomes. Insights into public land hunting and dealing with other hunters. Ben's journey to complete his 50 sheds in 50 states challenge. Guest Info: Ben Dettamanti, aka Shed Crazy, is a full-time content creator and avid hunter. Follow his adventures on YouTube at Shed Crazy Official and on Instagram for more hunting stories and insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Colorado rabbits develop horn‑like growths from Shope papillomavirusCBS Coloradocbsnews.com 2 Secret Service raised Ohio river for Vice President J.D. Vance’s kayak tripAssociated Press via KPTVkptv.comkptv.com 3 Mountain Lion Foundation board dismissal claim (unverified)Foundation email; no independent confirmationmountainlion.org 4 Florida approves 23‑day black bear hunt with 187 permitsU.S. News & World Report & Observer Local Newsusnews.comobserverlocalnews.comobserverlocalnews.com 5 National Park Service warns against feeding bearsCBS Newscbsnews.comcbsnews.com 6 Scientists debate active forest management vs. hands‑off approachesMongabaynews.mongabay.com 7 Argentine authorities add charges in country’s biggest wildlife trafficking caseMongabaynews.mongabay.com 8 Illegal hunting guide sentenced to prison in ColoradoColorado Suncoloradosun.com 9 California bill proposes hunting invasive mute swansCalMatterscalmatters.org 10 Elisabeth Teige wins Rusch Memorial Game Bird Scholarship for prairie‑chicken research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Michael Scrogan and John Barklow delve into the world of hunting, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences. They discuss the evolution of hunting skills, the importance of quality gear, and the thrill of mountain goat hunting. John shares captivating stories of unexpected twists in the field, encounters with wildlife, and the impact of predators on hunting strategies. The conversation highlights the beauty of nature and the lessons learned from various hunting adventures, culminating in reflections on the hunting experience and a look towards future adventures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Radioactive Wasp Nests at Savannah River SiteWashington Post, Smithsonian, AP News Wikipedia+10The Washington Post+10Smithsonian Magazine+10 DOI Proposes LWCF Fund DiversionWashington Post, Field & Stream The Washington PostField & StreamFriends of the Columbia Gorge “Don’t Feed the Bears” Act IntroducedLWCF Coalition (press) (note federal policy overlap) Colorado Wolf ReintroductionDOI GAOA impact page, Colorado Sun (context) U.S. Department of the InteriorThe Colorado Sun Dragon Bravo Fire – North RimColorado Sun (context) The Colorado Sun Michigan’s Bear‑Baiting Ban PushNews reports (placeholder) ND Pronghorn Licenses IncreasedField & Stream Field & Stream CA Rodenticide Warning for Wild Pig HuntersField & Stream, CDFW outreach Field & Stream Drone GUARD System for Deer DeterrencearXiv (scientific release) ZME Science Michigan Conservation EventsLocal news (placeholder)Podcast Links Website Contact Gear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging episode, John Kesler shares his rich experiences in hunting, guiding, and the deep connections he has with his family and the outdoors. From his early days in Colorado to his epic mule deer story, John reflects on the traditions of hunting and the emotional ties to his grandfather's legacy. The conversation also delves into the challenges and humorous moments of elk hunting, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport and the bonds formed through shared adventures. https://www.elevationangling.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/elevationangling/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@captainjuan27 TikTok : Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Hunter’s Brief, Michael covers 15 headlines from July 26–31, 2025. Topics include California’s razor‑clam reopening, hunter input meetings, rodenticide‑tainted pigs, coral conservation, wolf removal, Sunday hunting expansion, simplified deer licensing, leftover tag sales, Florida’s proposed bear hunt, Wisconsin’s record turkey harvest, public‑lands advocacy, youth hunt opportunities, Arizona’s Copper State Draw and West Virginia antlerless lotteries. Each segment explains the essentials, why it matters to hunters or anglers, and ends with a light‑hearted remark. Story headlines: Razor clamming reopens in Del Norte County California seeks hunter input on Yolo Bypass and Grizzly Island Public meeting for Northern San Joaquin Valley wildlife areas Rodenticide taints wild pigs in California Confiscated corals get second chance at the New York Aquarium Washington removes a problem wolf from Togo Pack Pennsylvania opens 13 straight Sunday hunts Minnesota simplifies deer licensing for 2025 Colorado leftover tags go on sale Aug. 5 Florida moves toward a regulated bear hunt Wisconsin’s spring turkey season sees record harvest Public‑lands activists celebrate a victory Cañada de los Osos youth hunts open for applications Arizona’s Copper State Draw opens July 30 West Virginia opens antlerless deer hunt lotteries Sources: California razor‑clam reopeningwildlife.ca.gov CDFW hunter meetings: Yolo/Grizzlywildlife.ca.gov & Mendota/Los Banos/North Grasslandswildlife.ca.gov Wild pigs rodenticide warningwildlife.ca.gov WCS coral propagation programnewsroom.wcs.org Washington wolf removalcapitalpress.com Pennsylvania Sunday hunting expansionlockhaven.com Minnesota deer regulationsdnr.state.mn.us Colorado leftover tag salefourcornerssci.com Florida bear hunt rule amendmentsmyfwc.com Wisconsin turkey season totalsmidwestfarmreport.com TRCP public‑lands celebrationtrcp.org Cañada de los Osos youth huntswildlife.ca.gov Arizona Copper State Drawazgfd.com WVDNR antlerless deer lotteriesmybuckhannon.commybuckhannon.commybuckhannon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Hunting Stories podcast, host Michael Scrogan welcomes Whitney Tramel, an adult onset hunter who shares her journey into the world of hunting. Whitney discusses her transition from gun to bow hunting, her emotional connection to the sport, and the importance of mentorship in her experiences. She reflects on her first hunting experiences, the challenges of elk hunting, and the thrill of hunting in different states, including her adventures in Molokai. The conversation also touches on the impact of hunting on mental health and Whitney's aspirations for her podcast, Wild Strength. Personal instagram: whitneytramel__ Podcast instagram: wildstrengthpodcast Youtube: WildStrengthPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Hunter’s Brief covers top stories, from a major public-land “corner crossing” case now headed to the Supreme Court and new predator management moves, to local wildlife encounters (a cougar attack in Washington, a rare bear attack in Wisconsin), record-breaking fish catches in New York and Kansas, and international updates on trophy import debates and rhino poaching. It’s a quick, factual, and lightly humorous rundown of the news that matters to hunters and anglers. Stories Covered: Wyoming Corner Crossing Case Goes to Supreme Court – Ranch owner petitions SCOTUS to overturn corner-crossing rulingwyomingpublicmedia.orgwyomingpublicmedia.org House Committee Backs Delisting Yellowstone Grizzlies – Bill advances to remove ESA protections from GYE grizzly bearswyomingpublicmedia.orgwyomingpublicmedia.org Colorado Suspends Trapping Permits to Protect Wolves – CPW halts foothold trap licenses after reintroduced wolf killedcoloradosun.com Cougar Attacks 4-Year-Old in Olympic National Park – Child saved by father; mountain lion tracked and euthanizedtheguardian.comtheguardian.com Wisconsin Nixes Hunting/Fishing License Fee Hikes – New budget uses $30M transfer instead of raising license pricesoutdoornews.comoutdoornews.com South Dakota May Expand Hound Hunting for Cougars – Proposal open for comment to allow more dog-assisted lion huntsoutdoornews.comoutdoornews.com Illinois Poachers Fined Nearly $120K for Deer Crimes – Five men sentenced for multi-year spotlighting and Lacey Act violationsoutdoornews.comoutdoornews.com Wisconsin Woman Survives Black Bear Attack – 69-year-old in stable condition after sow with cub attacks her near homepeople.com NY Angler’s 6-lb Brook Trout is Third State Record of 2025 – Lowville man breaks 12-year brookie record (22″, 6.3 lbs) in Adirondacksdec.ny.gov Kansas Angler Catches 121-lb Record Blue Catfish – Massive catfish shatters state record by 18 lbs on Missouri Riverksoutdoors.comksoutdoors.com Texas Opens Applications for 9,600 Draw Hunt Permits – Public hunting lottery offers hunts statewide for 2025–26tpwd.texas.gov Maryland Summer Striper Closure in Effect – Chesapeake Bay striped bass season closed July 16–31 due to heat stress concernssouthernmarylandchronicle.com Montana Closes Big Hole River Amid Drought – Full fishing closure on lower Big Hole as warm, low water threatens trouttheoutdoorwire.com U.K. Renews Push to Ban Trophy Imports – Nearly 200 endangered-species trophies brought to UK last year fuel calls for import bantheethicalist.comtheethicalist.com 195 Rhinos Poached in South Africa in First Half 2025 – Slight drop from 2024; new “Rhino Renaissance” plan launched to boost populationhelpingrhinos.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Greenly shares his journey as a new hunter, detailing his experiences, challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of hunting. From learning the ropes of archery to the thrill of close encounters with deer and turkeys, Chris reflects on the importance of patience, family involvement, and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the joy of sharing these experiences with his daughter and the significance of the hunting journey beyond just the kill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Hunter’s Brief covers everything from a Colorado reservoir “fish-out” caused by a broken dam to national policy changes affecting millions of acres of public land. We hit the latest on wolf and mountain lion management in the West, Pennsylvania’s historic green light for Sunday hunting, Jay Cutler’s social media hunting firestorm, and much more – including conservation wins and a few cautionary tales for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s all news that matters to hunters and anglers, served up quick and clean (with a side of wit). Stories Covered (with Sources): Colorado Lake Draining – Emergency Fish Salvage: Wildlife officials ask anglers to harvest fish from Summit Reservoir before it drains (CBS Colorado). Roadless Rule Rollback: Trump administration rescinds protections on ~59 million forest acres to allow logging (The Guardian). Washington Commission Collusion Allegations: Evidence of anti-hunting collusion among Washington Fish & Wildlife commissioners and activists (Sportsmen’s Alliance report). Jay Cutler Safari Backlash: Ex-NFL QB Jay Cutler faces social media outrage after posting trophy hunt photos from Africa (TMZ Sports). South Dakota Mountain Lion Hounds Proposal: State considers expanding use of dogs in Black Hills cougar hunts (Outdoor News). Montana Wolf Harvest Changes: FWP proposes allowing 15 wolves per hunter and night hunts on private land (Outdoor News / AP). House Bills – Lead Ammo & Grizzly Delisting: U.S. House committee advances H.R.556 to protect traditional ammo on public lands and H.R.281 to delist Yellowstone grizzlies (NRA-ILA News). Colorado Wolf Packs Forming: CPW confirms three new wolf packs in Colorado post-reintroduction (CBS Colorado). UK Trophy Import Ban Push: UK Parliament debates banning hunting trophy imports, 10 years after Cecil the lion (LionAid / Yahoo News).Wisconsin Bear Attack: 69-year-old woman survives rare black bear attack at her Wisconsin home (People Magazine / WI DNR update). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices