35 Convicted in “Operation Donor Deer” Fraud Scheme 👮

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 ado, 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:

CLASSY MOVE
35 INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED IN “OPERATION DONOR DEER” FRAUD SCHEME

In something of a reverse Robin Hood style of scheme, 35 individuals have been convicted after withholding deer meat destined to food banks and flipping it on the black market for profit. The convictions come after a detailed investigation, aptly referred to as “Operation Donor Deer”, by the Ohio DNR’s Division of Wildlife and included over 55 violations.

This particular investigation centered around a local deer processing operation said to be a partner with the state’s donation initiatives, but instead, used the donated venison for their own personal financial gain. At the center of the probe was Rod's Custom Deer Processing in Harrisville, a literal chop-shop owned by 59-year-old Rodney Shields…

After pilot year, Pennsylvania looks to expand tech-driven hunter-access program statewide: Pennsylvania’s hunting regulators are looking to expand an initiative that connects landowners in need of help with deer management and hunters who are looking for new ground to cover.  Read the full story.

Delta Waterfowl Foundation takes college students hunting for snow geese: The Delta Waterfowl Foundation dates back to 1911, and four years ago, the Treasure Valley chapter was created. Since that chapter was created, it has grown from six members to 20. Read the full story.

Arkansas GFC walks back proposal to reduce deer limit: In the biannual year of its regulations cycle, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is considering a large slate of hunting and wildlife regulation proposals. Read the full story.

Dog Rescued After 43 Days Lost In The Colorado Rockies: After 43 days lost and alone in the mountains of central Colorado, Rocky, an 11-year-old Labrador-boxer mix dog, has been reunited with his owner in California. Read the full story.

Manitoba urges court to throw out First Nation’s moose-hunt lawsuit: Misipawistik Cree Nation filed its statement of claim in the Court of King’s Bench in September, arguing licensed moose hunting on its traditional lands northwest of Lake Winnipeg infringes on the community’s treaty rights to hunt moose for food amid dwindling populations of the big game animal. Read the full story.

😲 Seeing double triple?? Watch as this photographer somehow stumbles upon not one, not two, but three beautiful bull moose and they just so happen to be sparring.

It looks like half meeting of the minds, half territorial bravado…

The algo is serving up gobblers in winter and I’m here for it.

📸 : @levi.glines

Oh, and one more thing…