Almost four years later, Montana officials bag serial poaching duo 🚔

In trusting that the weekend wasn’t quite long enough, here’s to hoping that your favorite dispatch from the outdoor world can give you 5-or-so minutes to yourself as we prepare for the onslaught of another week.

So, without further adieu, let’s grab that coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past few days. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

• Playing it safe- Hunting violations are down bigly in North Dakota 👊

• Gator extension - Louisiana hunters get more time out on the bayou 🐊

• Ohio lowering license fees - But only if you’re 65-plus 👴🏻

• Mo’ money, mo’ problems - Big Michigan budget means higher license fees 💸

• Boys being boys - The fight we all need to watch to kick off a Monday 🥊

Y’ALL GOT SERVED
MULTI-YEAR INVESTIGATION LEADS TO GUILTY PLEAS FROM MEN WHO POACHED THREE BULL ELK, BLACK BEAR AND TROUT

After grinding it out for nearly four years, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials finally have their men dead to rights in an egregious poaching case. Kicking off in August of 2021, FWP game wardens were pointed to a peculiar discovery at the Giant Springs fish hatchery display pond in Great Falls. Noting that a number of fish at the hatchery had been speared, officials kicked off an investigation that would turn into something much bigger than they had originally anticipated.

After finding a bunch of hatchery trout already deceased on the scene, FWP agents were also tasked with gathering up a number of other fish that had been badly injured by spears as well. The remaining fish that were still alive, but badly injured, ended up having to be euthanized by FWP staff members…

QUICK HITS // ^{_{FROM AROUND THE WEB}}

ND Game and Fish violations in 2024 down from previous year: In 2024, Game and Fish violations were down compared to 2023, which is no big surprise to chief game warden Scott Winkelman.   Read the full story.

Louisiana Approves Notice of Intent to Extend Alligator Hunting Season to Dec. 31: At the monthly meeting on Feb. 6 in New Orleans, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved a Notice of Intent to extend wild alligator hunting season to Dec. 31.  Read the full story.

Michigan Gov’s $83.5B budget proposal sparks controversy over hunting and fishing fee hikes: One proposal could actually cost you more if you hunt or fish here in Michigan and that's not sitting well with some lawmakers. Read the full story.

Ohio bill would make hunting, fishing licenses cheaper for 65-year-olds: If you’re exactly 65 years old and frustrated about paying full price for sportsmen licenses, then two Republicans have just the legislation for you. Read the full story.

Ohio deer hunter adult success rate for 2024-25 season was highest ever:  Ohio’s deer season, which began in leafy September, ended with the Feb. 2 close of archery hunting. A series of successful firearms seasons came and went along the way.  Read the full story.

Big changes may be coming for Pennsylvania elk hunters: Should the regulations go into effect hunters will be required to possess a valid license prior to submitting and application and out-of-state hunters will be limited to no more than 10% of the available permits.  Read the full story.

VIDEO // ^{_{SOME THINGS JUST HAVE TO BE SEEN}}

🥊 Boys will be boys. Like a bad car wreck, the explore section of Instagram or the gun rack at Bass Pro, there are some things we just can’t resist having a look at - including two big ol’ bulls duking it out.

‘Tis the season.

📸 : @domgattophoto

Oh, and one more thing…