Trio of Wisconsin Teens Charged Poaching Spree Involving Deer and Even Raccoons 🦝

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:

THESE YOUNG LADS DIDN’T DISCRIMINATE
TRIO OF WISCONSIN TEENS CHARGED WITH MONTHS-LONG POACHING SPREE INVOLVING DEER AND EVEN RACCOONS

Three teenagers from central Wisconsin are facing multiple misdemeanor charges after a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources investigation uncovered a string of illegal hunting incidents that stretched from spring of this year and into late September.

Ethan Lashua, 18, of Iola; Ian Johnson, 18, of Amherst; and Landan Fuhs, 17, of Scandinavia were formally charged this week in Waupaca County Circuit Court with hunting deer during closed season, shining deer and raccoons at night, discharging firearms from vehicles and highways, possessing unlawfully taken game, and other related violations. Johnson and Lashua also face additional counts of obstructing a conservation warden.

According to court documents and statements given to DNR wardens, the illegal activity began well before the nine-day gun deer season even opened…

🐻 Louisiana Officials Offer Big Reward After a Nearly 400-Pound Black Bear Was Found Illegally Killed. Towards then end of November, a large male black bear weighing nearly 400 pounds was illegally shot and killed in Concordia Parish, Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating the incident as a poaching case, noting that while the state permits black bear hunting during a designated season, it requires a special license obtained through a lottery system. The bear's death occurred outside of these regulations, prompting authorities to seek public tips to identify the perpetrator.

To encourage information, a $3,500 reward is being offered for leads resulting in a conviction: $2,500 from the Safari Club International Acadiana Chapter and up to $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511, by texting “LADWF” to 847411 via the tip411 program, or using the “LADWF Tips” app.

🤬 Sask. Wildlife Federation Reports Surge in Unethical Hunting Complaints During Elk Hunt. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has reported a significant increase in complaints about unethical hunting practices during the province's short-term additional antlerless elk hunt, implemented to address agricultural damage from overpopulated elk. Launched in early November 2025, the hunt aimed to balance wildlife management with farmers' needs but has instead sparked something of a careless bloodletting. Executive Director Todd Smith noted that the organization received at least 20 complaints via calls, texts, and emails, highlighting issues like poaching, hunting on private land without permission, and animals being shot and left to waste.

“We would argue you’re into a poaching case and not a hunting case,” Executive Director Todd Smith said. “We classify that as waste of game. So unacceptable, both from a legal and ethical point of view.”

Smith emphasized the need for better implementation, and noted that the SWF plans to use hunter surveys and feedback to advocate for more targeted approaches in future seasons. The public is encouraged to report violations anonymously through TIPP at 1-800-667-7561 or saskatchewan.ca/tipp.

Washington's 'MyWDFW' app available for digital hunting, fishing licenses in 2026: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Wednesday its new digital licensing app called "MyWDFW" is now available for download on Google Play and Apple App stores. Read the full story.

Iowa launches new strategy on chronic wasting disease ahead of deer season: The plan, which is written for 2025 through 2030, said the state is shifting focus from eradicating the disease to instead “mitigating its spread and managing its impacts.   Read the full story.

Georgia DNR pitches hunting licenses as holiday gifts before Christmas: Pitched to the public as a gift option for people difficult to shop for, these licenses offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy Georgia’s wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. Read the full story.

Officials seek information on cow elk shot near Polebridge: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are asking for the public's assistance in gathering information about the shooting of a cow elk on private land roughly two miles south of Polebridge, near North Fork Road in Flathead County. Read the full story.

Banff considers clearing forest near train tracks to reduce elk-train collisions: The Town of Banff is considering thinning out a forest near a railway track to prevent the number of elk being killed on the stretch of line. Read the full story.

Big Game Hunting Season Ended with Harvest Totals Up Slightly Over the Five-Year Average in West-Central Montana: Montana’s 2025 general big game hunting season closed Sunday, Nov. 30 with harvest totals up slightly up from the five-year average for both deer and elk in west-central Montana, despite mild weather for most of the season. Read the full story.

🏌️‍♀️ Once upon a time at a golf course in Canada…the reality of mother nature was on full display for all those about to tee off to see.

Plenty of debate online about this. So what says you…?

The pull of the weekend.

📸 by: @brufkeef

Oh, and one more thing…