Three Wolves Removed from Northern Idaho to Help Elk Rebound 🐺

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:

ALL PART OF THE PLAN
THREE WOLVES REMOVED FROM NORTHERN IDAHO TO HELP ELK REBOUND

In walking the ever-so-shaky tightwire balancing act that is wildlife management, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently conducted a round of targeted wolf removals in the state's northern Panhandle region. Just last weekend, agency staff dropped three wolves from Unit 4 in the Panhandle Elk Zone, marking the first such action in this area.  This decision, which is part of a bigger plan to help elk numbers grow, is part of the agency’s wolf management plan that, like many others, has fanned the flames of controversy for decades…

🤨 Nominee for BLM Leadership Ambiguous on Divesting Federal Lands. Steve Pearce, former Republican congressman from New Mexico and President Trump's nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management, displayed notable ambiguity during his confirmation hearing when questioned about his longstanding support for selling off federal public lands. Pearce has a history of advocating for such sales, including co-signing letters and statements pushing to divest "unnecessary" federal lands to reduce the deficit, often highlighting that over 90% of federal land is in Western states and citing local frustrations with federal management. When pressed by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) on whether he had changed his views, Pearce responded evasively: “I’m not so sure that I’ve changed.” He repeatedly cited legal constraints, noting that federal law prevents the BLM from engaging in wholesale land sales without congressional approval, and stated he did not “visualize selling off large swaths of land” or believe the administration would pursue “wholesale” disposals.

This hedging drew criticism for appearing wishy-washy, as Pearce refused to outright disavow his past positions while offering reassurances tied to practical limitations rather than a firm ideological shift. He deflected some questions to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and shared personal anecdotes about valuing public land access, but avoided clear commitments against future sales or transfers. Senators from both parties, including Republican James Risch (R-Idaho), who declared “Idahoans do not want their public lands sold, period,” and Democrats like Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hickenlooper (who has already opposed the nomination), expressed concerns over his record. The hearing ended without a vote, leaving his stance on the issue unresolved and open to interpretation.

🧑‍⚖️ Tennessee Man Fined Thousands for Poaching Deer and Elk in Kentucky. A Tennessee man has been hit with significant penalties following a multi-state poaching investigation that uncovered illegal killings of deer and an elk in Kentucky. 25-year-old Tanner Smelcer of Sevierville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in Martin County District Court to one count of illegal taking of an elk and four counts of illegal taking of deer. The case stemmed from an investigation launched in January 2025 by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division, after a game warden suspected Smelcer of unlawfully taking wildlife. Kentucky officials coordinated with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency due to Smelcer's out-of-state residence.

Investigators determined Smelcer unlawfully killed four deer and one elk in Kentucky, using methods including spotlighting, shooting from a public roadway, hunting on private property without permission, and failing to properly tag the animals. As a result of the plea, Smelcer was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $4,804.27 in restitution (likely covering replacement costs for the poached animals and investigative expenses). He also received a three-year suspension of hunting privileges in Kentucky. A separate investigation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency remains ongoing.

Ohio’s 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons proposed to Wildlife Council: The 2026-27 Ohio hunting and trapping season dates that begin this fall were proposed to the Ohio Wildlife Council on Wednesday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. White-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game hunting seasons were included in the proposals.  Read the full story.

Montana Big Cats: Bobcat and Mountain Lion Hunting Closures: According to information from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), bobcat hunting and trapping in Region 6 will close at midnight on Saturday, February 28, by order of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. Read the full story.

TPWD Proposes Major Hunting Changes for 2026-27 Seasons: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is accepting public comment until March 26 for the following proposed changes to the 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations. Read the full story.

6-year-old from Baldwin County wins ALBBAA Big Buck Photo Contest: “We knew there was a big six-point in the area,” Bubba Williams said. “We were waiting on him to step out, but then this big eight-point showed up.”  Read the full story.

Kentucky turkey season begins in April. What to know about dates, licenses: Here's a look at some of the basics you'll need to know if you're heading out to hunt in 2026. Read the full story.

CWD is spreading in Montana. Will deer and elk populations decline as a result? : The disease is now well established in Montana, according to wildlife managers. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks told state lawmakers last month that the infection curve is climbing, particularly among white-tailed and mule deer. According to FWP's analysis, the disorder, first detected in 2017, is spreading in the Treasure State. Read the full story.

🐆 They say a leopard can cause up to 200 stitches per second during an attack. Luckily for this PH, who admittedly got a bit too close, he had some friends packing heat nearby.

As I said earlier in the week, my head doesn’t belong peeking into caves …

The pull of the weekend.

📸 by: @wheel.magazine

Oh, and one more thing…