New Charges Hit Black-Market Buyer in Montana Eagle Trafficking Ring

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:

THIS THING KEEPS GETTING BIGGER
NEW CHARGES HIT BLACK-MARKET BUYER IN MONTANA EAGLE TRAFFICKING RING

Last fall we covered the sentencing of Travis John Branson – the Washington state poacher who turned the Flathead Indian Reservation into his personal "killing spree" playground, slaughtering hundreds of eagles and hawks for black-market feathers. That story went on to paint a grim picture involving the 49-year-old man admitting to conspiracy and trafficking charges under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. For his actions, he was handed 46 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a whopping $777,250 in restitution – a price tag that U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich quipped was far steeper than the cost of a bullet.

Despite the heavy-handed sentencing, federal investigators weren't done digging around and managed to widen their seemingly ever-expanding web. According to details released just this week, a Texas man by the name of John Patrick Butler has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly buying and reselling those very eagle parts in what is turning out to be one of the largest poaching rings in U.S. history…

Minnesota Bear Hunting Numbers Drop But Big Catches Surprise Hunters: Through Monday registrations are at 1,650 bears shot, which is approximately 1,000 less than were shot last year at this time, which was an exceptionally high harvest season.  There was very little natural forest foods in the woods last year while that was more plentiful this year due to larger amounts of rain in northern and central Minnesota.  Read the full story.

Everything a nonresident Idaho hunter needs to know about the 2026 tag drawing: The new framework replaces the historical first-come, first-served tag sale that occurred online and at license and tag vendors, which frustrated many out-of-state hunters. Now, the modified nonresident tag framework does have one important caveat: Out-of-state hunters will be required to buy a nonresident hunting license in order to draw any 2026 tags.  Read the full story.

Jasper’s annual elk rut prompts public warning: Parks Canada is advising members of the public to give elk space as the annual rut begins in Jasper National Park. During the elk rut, which lasts from late August to mid-October, male elk gather groups of females and defend them from other bulls, making them more unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Read the full story.

Angry mama bear chasing man attacks him when he trips on leashes, CO officials say:  A man tripped over his dogs’ leashes while trying to escape a bear and was attacked, Colorado officials said.  On Sept. 6, Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers responded to an area in Boulder after a man, walking his two dogs, was charged at by a bear with her cub in the area, according to a news release by the agency.  Read the full story.

Elk reintroduction plan by Fond du Lac Band on track for 2027: Oklahoma’s annual Free Hunting Days are back this weekend, giving residents the chance to head outdoors without needing a license. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hopes the Sept. 6-7 event encourages beginners to give hunting a try. Read the full story.

‘Spare a bear;’ Sierra Club asks activist to enter Florida bear hunt lottery: The Sierra Club is now putting out instructional videos asking people to get their hunting license and enter the lottery for a permit.

“Our people are not going to use those bear permits. It’s going to be one more bear’s life that will be protected,” said Savannah Randolph, the Florida Chapter Director for the Sierra Club. Read the full story.

🦅 When freedom suddenly becomes your best friend. Watch as this fella somehow convinces this bald eagle to become buddy-buddy with him as they take in the serene scenery.

Happy Freedom Friday!

The pull of the weekend.

📸 : @prca_prorodeo

Oh, and one more thing…