From Cecil to Blondie: Why Lion Hunting Haters Keep Missing the Point 🦁

In the event that the weekend wasn’t quite long enough for you, here’s to hoping that your favorite dispatch from the outdoor world can give you 5-or-so minutes to prep yourself for yet 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:

I JUST PUT AWAY MY JUSTICE FOR CECIL SHIRT
FROM CECIL TO BLONDIE: WHY LION HUNTING HATERS KEEP MISSING THE POINT

It’s been about a decade since we’ve had a good old lion-killing-controversy, and just like the last one, the antis are following a very similar script. In an event that seems eerily similar to the infamous Cecil the Lion epic that took place back in 2015, it’s time to grab the popcorn and buckle up because we’ve suddenly got another lion and another outrage on the agenda for 2025.

This year’s edition involves a five-year-old male lion who is (obviously) not without an affectuous moniker. Going by the name of Blondie the lion, he was killed towards the end of June near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, following an all too familiar script : a collared research lion, baited out of a protected zone and shot by a white, likely American “trophy hunter” - the perfect recipe for unbridled outrage…

New York's Hunting Regulations Modernized: A new law has been enacted to update New York's hunting regulations, permitting hunters to carry their licenses, tags and privileges in a secure electronic format. Read the full story.

Utah Wildlife Board approves permit surrender options for hunts impacted by Monroe Canyon Fire; 4 new members named to wildlife board: During an emergency meeting on Friday morning, the Utah Wildlife Board approved a few options for hunters whose hunts may be impacted by the Monroe Canyon Fire. Two new board members were also sworn in during the meeting and began their 6-year terms serving on the Utah Wildlife Board. Read the full story.

Returned Big Game Tags Offer Additional Hunting Opportunities in Idaho Starting Aug. 7: Hunters will have another chance to secure big game tags this season, as Idaho Fish and Game opens sales of returned general season tags beginning at 10 a.m. (MDT) on Wednesday, August 7.  Read the full story.

Suspects arrested after baby deer found dead in Perry Hall: Police say several suspects have been arrested in connection with a baby deer that was found dead in Perry Hall last week after being badly burned. Read the full story.

State officials prepare for upcoming Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener: This year’s opener will take place in Ortonville, along the South Dakota border, on October 10 and 11. The two-day celebratory event will kick off the hunting season that runs through January 4. Read the full story.

Missouri Dept. of Conservation Reminds Public That Feeding Deer in CWD Zones is Illegal: Deer hunting season is a couple of months off, but the Missouri Department of Conservation is still taking measures to stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. One of those includes making it illegal to feed deer in CWD zones. Read the full story.

🫤 There are some things we’re just not destined to understand. This is one of them. Watch as these fellas perform some sort of towing service out on the lake.

Hopefully that waterway doesn’t get too narrow on you, fellas…

Facing off with another week.

📸 : @photogyllensten

Oh, and one more thing…