The Hunting Stories Podcast

Supreme Court declines to hear corner‑crossing caseoutdoorlife.comoutdoorlife.com Pheasants Forever expands walk‑in accessyahoo.comyahoo.com New world‑record Wels catfish from Europeoutdoorlife.com BlackOvis and Camofire close amid controversyrokslide.com Canada’s voluntary gun return program with a looming deadlinecanada.cabuckeyefirearms.org Deer diseases threaten rural economiestheguardian.comtheguardian.com BLM Public Lands Rule rollback and shutdown complicationsdoi.govflatheadbeacon.comflatheadbeacon.comoutdoorlife.com Utah poaching convictiongephardtdaily.com Rhode Island deer‑baiting casenrinow.news Wyoming Game & Fish seeks tips on artifact lootingcounty10.com Colorado big‑game regulation surveyaspentimes.com Arkansas mountain‑lion roadkillagfc.com California provisional candidate law for threatened speciesesassoc.comesassoc.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

In this episode of the Hunting Stories podcast, our host Michael welcomes Leif Wywadis, who shares a variety of hunting stories that span from his first hunting experiences to memorable adventures in South Africa and Georgia. Leif discusses the significance of hunting in his life, the lessons learned from his father, and the joy of sharing these experiences with family and friends. The conversation highlights the emotional connections to hunting, the thrill of the chase, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Armed Forces Initiative @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

Florida bear tag sabotage & revenueOutdoor Life via Yahoo: anti‑hunters drew 23 % of Florida black bear tags and applications raised over $817,000yahoo.comyahoo.com New archery world‑record elkPope & Young/Boone & Crockett press release confirming Casey Brooks’ 478 2/8″ bullpope-young.org and NW Sportsman clarificationnwsportsmanmag.com Backyard deer hunts in TennesseeWorldDeer.org explains Hendersonville’s backyard hunting program and its aims to reduce high deer densitiesworlddeer.org Riverside County lieutenant accidentIHeartRadio and Yahoo reports describe the accidental shooting of Lt. Nathan Kaaskfiam640.iheart.comyahoo.com Deer rubs glow under UVNational Deer Association summary of UGA Deer Lab research on photoluminescent rubs and scrapesdeerassociation.com States join IUCNThe Wildlife Society article on Massachusetts and California intending to join IUCNwildlife.org Florida conservation easementThe Wildlife Society and Florida DEP press releases about the 7,514‑acre Kenansville Ranch easementwildlife.orgcontent.govdelivery.com IUCN Red List conservation winsZME Science article on species downlisted in latest Red List updatezmescience.comzmescience.com Gene‑editing debate at IUCNNPR/SDPB story on the moratorium proposal and opposing viewssdpb.orgsdpb.org Rhode Island poaching casesNBC 10 News coverage of poaching crackdownsturnto10.com Great Sand Dunes elk poachingRMEF alert seeking information on poaching incidentrmef.org ORV bills in national parksSUWA press release criticizing bills to allow off‑road vehicles in national parkssuwa.org Government shutdown impactsCenter for Western Priorities summary of furloughs and effects on public landswesternpriorities.org @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 engaging conversation, George Blitch shares his experiences as a fifth-generation Texan hunter, discussing the unique aspects of hunting melanistic deer, the challenges of turkey hunting, and the invasive hog population in Texas. He emphasizes the importance of wildlife management, conservation, and mentoring new hunters. George also highlights the stories behind his podcast, 'Son of a Blitch,' where he interviews various guests from the outdoor and arts communities, encouraging listeners to connect and share their own stories. Son of a Blitch Website George on Instagram George's Deer Article (Meateater) @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

Show Notes (Click for Sources) Congressional Review Act vote overturning North Dakota BLM plan (Congress.gov) Miles City, Montana RMP repeal vote (Congress.gov) NWF analysis of the CRA and BLM RMPs Outdoor Life coverage of Senator Mike Lee’s Border Lands bill Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance statement on S.2967 Alaska Beacon report on Ambler Road permit restoration Times Observer: Pennsylvania opens forest roads and Sunday hunting 101.5 The Hawk: Nova Scotia deer management and hunting season changes Heart of the Rockies Radio: CPW investigating moose poaching Denver 7: Reward offered in Las Animas County elk poaching case TPWD waterfowl season outlook TPWD Pollinator BioBlitz announcement The Guardian: Illegal gold rush in the Peruvian Amazon EurekAlert: Farmed totoaba could curb poaching EurekAlert: DNA barcoding fills gaps in conservation databases @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, Michael interviews Zach, a mental health therapist and avid hunter from Utah. Zach shares his unique experiences in hunting, particularly his thrilling adventure hunting hyenas in Africa and the challenges he faced during the hunt. He also discusses the importance of mental health in the hunting community, drawing parallels between his experiences and the psychological aspects of trauma, particularly after a rattlesnake encounter. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding human behavior and mental health, as well as the need for support systems in overcoming trauma. Www.hunting4happiness.com Www.butterfieldcn.com Instagram: Hunting for Happiness @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 engaging conversation, Michael Scrogan and Jayke share a wealth of hunting stories, experiences, and insights. Jayke discusses his journey from a novice hunter to a passionate elk and bear hunter, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and valuable lessons about the hunting community, the thrill of the chase, and the emotional connections that come with the sport. Jayke's stories reflect the camaraderie among hunters and the importance of authenticity in sharing experiences. @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 19–26, 2025) 1 Interior Order Undermines the LWCF backcountryhunters.orgprotectnps.org. 2Texas Licenses Go Fully Digital tpwd.texas.gov, 3California Quail and Chukar Forecast – kymkemp.com. 4Ohio Archery Season and EHD Restrictions unioncountydailydigital.com. 5Anti‑Hunters Flood Florida Bear Lottery outdoorlife.com. 6RCMP Arrests at British Columbia Ostrich Farm lobalnews.ca. 7Minnesota Artist Wins Federal Duck Stamp Contest fws.gov. 8Fat Bear Week Returns theguardian.com. 9World Rhino Day Update @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 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