Ranchers send Colorado officials a $580K bill for wolf depredations 💸

The weekend might not be here just yet, but your favorite dispatch from the great outdoors is. And let me tell you, this one’s juicy.

So grab your coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and let's get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past 24-or-so hours. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

• Last ditch effort - Ranchers hurl bill at Colorado officials with hopes of halting wolf reintroduction 💸

• See something, say something - Nevada officials looking for help on two elk poaching incidents 🔎

• Don’t kill our bird - Someone poached a bald eagle and the reward is up to $15K 🦅

• 10K SZN - Missou’s alternate hunting season brings in 10k deer 🦌

• Chippewa County CWD - The Wisconsin county’s first brush with the disease 🤮

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WAS IT ENOUGH?
RANCHERS HURLS OVER $580K WORTH OF COMPENSATION CLAIMS AT COLORADO OFFICIALS OVER WOLF DEPREDATION

Like the old saying goes, things are bound to get worse before they get better for Colorado officials as the battle over the state’s reintroduced wolf population continues to rage on.

Despite capturing an entire pack back in September, corralling the insatiable wild canines did nothing to protect the state’s Parks and Wildlife Department from the forthcoming conflict from ranchers. 

With seemingly endless reports of wolf depredation on cattle and other livestock, ranchers in Grand County have finally hurled a $582,000 bill at the state’s wildlife management agency…but will it be enough to sway the vote?

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🕵️‍♂️ Nevada game wardens are asking for public assistance to solve two elk poaching cases along the Utah-Nevada border. The two incidents, which took place over the last 6 months of 2024 remain unsolved and have prompted officials to reach out to the public once again for assistance in uncovering the mystery behind the senseless killings.

The first bull elk was found shot, killed and beheaded over the Labor Day weekend in Lincoln County. Located about 1.5 miles from the Utah border, officials suspect that the elk was shot at night and the remainder of the animal was left to waste. The second bull was shot and left to waste around December 5th or 6th, also in Lincoln County, about .75 miles from the Utah border.

"These crimes should upset everyone. It’s a waste of Nevada’s wildlife," said John Anderson, Game Warden Lieutenant for NDOW. "Let’s be very clear, these were not legitimate hunters. In both cases, these people blatantly stole a mature bull elk from the people of Nevada and then left it to waste."

Game wardens are hoping someone might have seen or heard something that might help with the case. “Our hope is that someone will come forward with information that will help us solve this crime,” he said.

🦅 Reward increased to $15,000 for information regarding illegal bald eagle killing in Alabama. The carcass of a mature bald eagle was found on December 8th near Mount Hope, AL and caught the attention of the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Launching an investigation into the senseless killing, the eagle was found to have several shotgun pellets lodged in its carcass when it was recovered, prompting the US Fish and Wildlife Service to initially offer a $2,500 reward for information on the killing.

With no news to report, the Center for Biological Diversity increased the reward by $12,500 this week, bringing the total to $15,000 for any information that would lead to a conviction.

“This majestic bird didn’t deserve a heartbreaking death, and whoever killed them must be brought to justice,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center. “This cowardly act against America’s national bird can’t go unpunished. I hope someone steps forward with information.”

Anyone with information about the killings should contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Brad Rabalais at (601) 331-0292 or the Alabama Game Watch Hotline at (800) 272-4263.

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😡 “Oh she’s maaaaaad”. You think? Watch as this momma bear slides through that fence and charges this fella passing by in his truck. I ain’t getting in the way of that ol’ girl, I’ll tell you that right now.

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Apply for an Arkansas public land turkey hunting permit: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will open the application window for 2025 Wildlife Management Area Turkey Hunt Permits Jan. 15-Feb. 15.   Read the full story.

Governor Gianforte Announces Winners of the 2024 Youth Hunting Story Contest: “Hunting is a vital part of Montana’s legacy, connecting generations through respect for the land and wildlife,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The Youth Hunting Story Contest celebrates this tradition. It’s inspiring to see so many young hunters submit stories about carrying it forward and I’m thrilled to invite the ten winners to the State Capitol to celebrate.” Read the full story.

More than 10,000 deer harvested in Missouri during alternative method hunting season: The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reported a total of 10,071 deer were harvested between Dec. 28 and Jan. 7. Read the full story.

CWD shows up in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, for first time in wild deer:  Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in a wild deer in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, for the first time, prompting the renewal of baiting and feeding bans in two counties. Read the full story.

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Snake River territory.

📸 : @mcfarlandproductions

Oh, and one more thing…

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