The weekend might not be here just yet, but your favorite dispatch from the great outdoors is.
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:
Should we though? - Cali wants to bring back grizzlies, but can they really handle that right now? Time will tell 🐻
Bird shot - NJ hunter in hot water after shooting fellow hunter and dog 🤦
Call it a comeback - The lesser prairie chicken is back and officially delisted from ESA 🐓
Tough season - Virginia officials caution hunters to expect a difficult turkey season this year 🦃
Big extension - If one Oklahoma lawmaker gets their way, the state could have a 4-month bear hunting season 🗓️
Three’s (not) a crowd - When the boys show up like this, you’re in heaven 😌
IS THIS A GOOD IDEA?
CALIFORNIA EYES GRIZZLY BEAR COMEBACK AFTER CENTURY-LONG ABSENCE
Even though it’s been more than a century since the last grizzly bear roamed freely in the Golden State, a bold new proposal could pave the way to paws on the ground. Towards the end of last month, State Senator Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) introduced Senate Bill 1305, dubbed the California Grizzly Restoration Act, with the hopes of forming a plan that would one day result in an epic return of the iconic symbol that remains depicted on the state’s flag.
And while the bill does not physically release any bears, it sets in motion a multi-year planning process to study whether and how grizzlies could return but it seemingly does not prescribe any research on whether or not they should…
QUICK HITS // FROM AROUND THE WEB
N.J. hunter charged after shooting man, dog with birdshot pellets: The 47-year-old Hamilton, Mercer County man was charged by the Division of Fish & Wildlife with the negligent use of a firearm following the shooting in Kingwood, the state Department of Environmental Protection said. Read the full story.
Hundreds of acres added to 3 Louisiana’s wildlife management areas: The expansions range from 52 acres to more than 600 at the John Franks Wildlife Management Area in Caddo Parish, the Sandy Hollow WMA in Tangipahoa Parish and the Salvadore WMA in St. Charles Parish. Read the full story.
New Farm Bill Advances in House Committee: Key Impacts for Hunters and Anglers: The House Agriculture Committee has advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, launching the next phase of negotiations over conservation programs that will impact wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing access. Read the full story.
Lesser Prairie Chicken Delisted from Endangered Species Act.: NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife. Read the full story.
Virginia Wildlife Officials Predict Tougher Turkey Hunting Season for 2026: Virginia's spring turkey hunting season is expected to be more challenging this year due to poor weather conditions that reduced turkey reproduction rates. State wildlife officials report the lowest poult-per-hen ratio in recent years at 1.3, though hunters will benefit from new regulations and healthy adult bird populations. Read the full story.
Oklahoma lawmaker presents bill extending bear hunting season : Currently bear season lasts two weeks; this bill would extend it to nearly four months. Opponents say it is unnecessary, as Oklahoma has no problems with over-population or attacks Read the full story.
VIDEO // SOME THINGS JUST HAVE TO BE SEEN
😍 This is one situation where three is not a crowd. These boys got all hot and bothered they never even bothered to notice the young lady taking off in the opposite direction!
Hell of a situation to find yourself in…
WEEKEND MEME // EASY, SWEETHEART
WANDERINGS // A SFW GLIMPSE OF OUR BROWSER HISTORY
I’ve got no problem with trying to be healthy, particularly if you are incredibly unhealthy. But making it one’s identity is a flaw I believe we can all see growing in our society today. In fact, it’s a phenomenon that philosophers both predicted and warned against for centuries now. You’ll never guess which movie got stolen the most at Blockbuster locations back in the day. You might also find it hard to imagine that these incredible actors (is Jim Carrey real though?!?!) were never nominated for an Oscar. And 14 real life animals that legit served as inspiration for mythical creatures.
EYE CANDY // PICTURES > WORDS
The pull of the weekend.
📸 by: @kellyhoffmanreynolds
Oh, and one more thing…
