Texas Game Wardens Near Conclusion of Massive 'Ghost Deer' Smuggling Investigation 👮

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:

DROPPING THE HAMMER
TEXAS GAME WARDENS NEAR CONCLUSION OF MASSIVE ‘GHOST DEER’ SMUGGLING INVESTIGATION WITH 24 SUSPECTS AND 1,400 CHARGES

Back in March, we reported on the shocking revelations from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regarding a sprawling black-market deer breeding scheme that implicated 22 suspects across 11 counties, resulting in over 1,200 criminal charges. What began as a routine traffic stop in Houston exposing an attempt to smuggle seven deer for illegal release has since evolved into one of the most extensive wildlife enforcement operations in Texas history. At the time, names were withheld due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but the violations, which ranged from falsified Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) tests to illegal poaching and transport, highlighted serious threats to the state's deer populations and conservation efforts.

Five months later, TPWD has announced that the investigation is nearing its conclusion, with the number of suspects rising to 24 and total charges ballooning to 1,400, including misdemeanors and state jail felonies. This update comes as game wardens have uncovered additional layers of the operation, involving more individuals and deeper violations that could have long-term impacts on wildlife health and the integrity of Texas' deer breeding industry…

Game Commission, PA farmers excited about new opportunities including pilot Certified Hunters: The agricultural community and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are excited about recent changes to reduce crop damage including a new pilot hunting program. Read the full story.

Mississippi Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day: The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is honored to once again participate in the nationwide observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day, taking place on September 27, 2025.  Read the full story.

Agents Cite Four Subjects for Alligator Hunting Violations in Winn Parish: Agents cited Brenton Carpenter, 19, of Winnfield, Treyton Trawick, 23, of Winnfield, Sawyer Watkins, 18, of Jonesboro, and a 17-year-old juvenile, for eight counts each of taking or possessing alligators during a closed season.  Read the full story.

Florida's new python hunting queen makes history and catches 60 snakes: A Florida woman caught 60 snakes in the state's annual 10-day challenge to eliminate the invasive Burmese python species wreaking havoc with the Everglades ecosystem. Read the full story.

New laws that Indiana hunters need to know: Indiana’s deer hunting season starts next month, with about 10 new rules and law changes hunters need to know. Read the full story.

PA Game Commission fires up Elk Cam as rutting season approaches: The Elk Cam is in the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk range, which spans over 220,000 acres, including State Game Lands 311 and Elk State Forest. The livestream offers viewers the chance to see not only elk but also turkeys, deer and other wildlife. Read the full story.

🧗 This fella has no business being on flat ground. I’m not sure where this was filmed, but I think it might be Turkey - but don’t hold me to it. Nonetheless, that little fella sure can climb…and fast!

Up, up and away!

The mark of a great Monday.

📸 : @clint_easley

Oh, and one more thing…