Indianapolis Police Officer Embroiled in Illegal Deer Killing Case 🚔

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:

JUST BUY A LICENSE, MAN
INDIANAPOLIS POLICE OFFICER EMBROILED IN ILLEGAL DEER KILLING CASE

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer with a decade of service under his belt has been placed on administrative duty following misdemeanor charges related to going full outlaw over whitetails in northern Indiana last season.

Aaron Mauk, a 10-year veteran of IMPD is now staring down a quartet of misdemeanor counts in Steuben County for rawdogging licensing requirements and shooting a trio of deer in the process. 

According to IMPD and multiple reports, the probe began on the evening of January 3rd of this year when conservation officers interviewed Mauk at his home in Fishers, Indiana. A follow-up interview that took place about a week later produced a full confession from the beleaguered cop, during which he admitted to killing the deer during the 2025 hunting season—without possessing the required state hunting license…

How Pennsylvania fishing and hunting agencies hope to avoid license fee hikes: Both the state Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission say they hope to hold license fees steady, even as expenses have outpaced revenues and license sales have dipped. License fees came up as the commissions’ top administrators talked finances Tuesday with the state Senate Game & Fisheries Committee. Read the full story.

Thousands of wapiti are ready to leave the National Elk Refuge: Following a winter with meager snowpack on the Jackson Hole lowlands, the lanes are open for an early exit. Elk will disperse north into Grand Teton National Park and some farther afield from there. Read the full story.

Reward for return of stolen hunting dogs in Tunica: The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding two hunting dogs that were likely stolen. The sheriff’s office said Doc, a male Bluetick, and Dolly, a female Treeing Walker, are missing from their home in Tunica, and there is reason to believe they were taken. Read the full story.

Kurt Russell offers ‘no apologies’ for traditional hunting lifestyle: The 74-year-old actor opened up about the lifestyle and how it shaped his family’s connection to food, admitting he’s an avid hunter with a particular appreciation for elk meat during an appearance on the "Table Manners" podcast.  Read the full story.

New Hampshire Opens 2026 Moose Hunt Lottery With May 29 Deadline: Applications must be submitted or postmarked by midnight on May 29. No late submissions will be accepted. Applications can also be dropped off at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, in Concord, before 4 p.m. Winners will be selected through a random computerized drawing and announced on June 19.  Read the full story.

Missing hunter found safe in Bankhead National Forest: Lawrence County EMA officials said at approximately 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, Lawrence County Central 911 received a call reporting that a hunter had become separated from his hunting partner in Bankhead National Forest. The individuals were reported to be from out of state, and several hours had passed since they were last together.  Read the full story.

🚵‍♂️ Just out for a nice trail ride. When all of a sudden you find yourself in a high-stakes chase, and you aren't the one doing the chasing.

Hope he’s got one of them e-bike motors on that thing. Or a 10mm…

I feel like he should have made it to 96.

RIP, Chuck.

Oh, and one more thing…