Buggin' out - bug-eyed deer shot in SC puzzles biologists 😵‍💫

Well, we survived Halloween and made it to Wednesday. Give yourself a pat on the back and buckle up for another edition of your favorite outdoors newsletter.

Grab your coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and let's get another Wednesday dispatch out the door.

Here's what's worth reading about so far this week:

• Buggin' out - Bug-eyed deer shot in SC puzzles biologists 😵‍💫

• The crowded west- Hunting is booming out west, but at what cost? 🌄

• Really???? - Blue Ridge Parkway shut down after someone picks up a bear. 🤦

• Get stuffed - PA 'fish stuffer' gets nailed for illegal hunting too 🎣

• Doggie social justice - Women steal hunting dog that was 'forced to hunt' ✊

Thanks for following along. Don't forget to tell your friends.

WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?
BUG-EYED BUCK KILLED IN SOUTH CAROLINA PUZZLES BIOLOGISTS

A hunter in South Carolina came across something seemingly out of a zombie flick when he spotted a nice looking whitetail buck with a peculiar gaze to him. As the hunter approached the animal on his side-by-side, he was surprised to see a buck of this caliber continue to stand there without flinching.

He continued his approach on the deer and as he got closer, he could see that the animal was suffering from some sort of affliction. Bloodshot eyes bulged out of the animal’s skull as it remained still as if it were blind and deaf, not moving a single muscle.

The hunter decided to make the call to kill the animal and end whatever suffering it was enduring. Doing the right thing, the hunter promptly took some pictures and video of the animal and sent them out to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

South Carolina DNR program coordinator Charles Ruth gave his thoughts on the peculiar buck...

🙏 Tough fight: Kentucky man dies after tussle with wounded deer.

🐕 Man's best friend alright: Hunting dog helps injured hunter survive the night.

🌧️ On the rebound: Texas deer populations on the mend following drought.

🌄 Is the west too crowded?: While hunting might be decline across the nation, it's booming out west.

🤦 FFS!: Blue Ridge Parkway closed because someone tried to pick up and hold a bear.

📝 Mandatory reporting on the way: Utah hunters will likely need to report all elk and deer kills in 2024.

HE’S A REAL DANDY
PA "FISH STUFFER" NOW ALSO FACING CHARGES FOR ILLEGALLY KILLED DEER

A western Pennsylvania man has made headlines by once again being embroiled in a wildlife-related crime.

Chase Cominsky, 36, of Hermitage, PA first made the news last year during a walleye tournament held in Ohio. He along with his co-conspirator attempted to take the first prize of over $28,000 by stuffing their catch with weights and fish filets.

Their plan was foiled by tournament director Jason Fischer, who was immediately suspect of the overall weight of the fish considering its size. Acting on a hunch, Fischer cut open the fish in front of the crowd at Cleveland’s Gordon Park and found a number of hidden weights and filets inside.

According to search warrant affidavits, the five walleye contained a total of eight 12-ounce lead weights and two 8-ounce weights, as well as the fish filets. The pair were indicted in Cleveland on felony charges of cheating, attempted grand theft, possessing criminal tools and misdemeanor charges of unlawfully owning wild animals. The pair were also later sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Fast forward a year later and things continue to get worse for Cominsky as his web of deceit continues to catch up to him. Following a tip from someone closely connected to Cominsky, state game wardens investigated a report stating that he had taken several deer illegally last fall...

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

🏫 Picking up the kiddos: Moose wanders car line-up at Mass. school.

🤤 That's the spot: Brown bear busts a move scratching his back.