Vice Mayor and His Brother Plead Guilty in Illegal Elk 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:

THESE BOYS SEEM TO BE OWNING THE MISTAKE
WRANGELL VICE MAYOR AND BROTHER PLEAD GUILTY TO ILLEGAL ELK HUNT ON ZAREMBO ISLAND

In a case showcasing the incredibly strict regulations governing wildlife management in Southeast Alaska, Wrangell Vice Mayor David Powell and his brother Aaron Powell have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an unauthorized elk hunt. The incident, which occurred in October 2024 on Zarembo Island, underscores the challenges of sustainable hunting practices in a region where elk populations are carefully monitored and permits are highly limited.

The hunt took place on Zarembo Island, located near Wrangell in Game Management Unit 3. According to court documents, the Powell brothers, along with another local resident, Steven Gile, harvested a bull elk without the required permit. Alaska State Trooper Alisha Seward issued citations after discovering the violation, leading to the seizure of approximately 28 pounds of elk meat from David Powell and 76 pounds of meat, along with antlers, a cellphone, and a GPS device from Aaron Powell.  

Elk hunting in this area requires a specific drawing permit, known as DE324, which is issued via lottery and limited to just one tag for bull elk during the October 1–31 season in 2024…

Utah Wildlife Board approves updates for bison hunting, other changes: The wildlife board approved adjustments to some of the existing bison hunts, as well as the creation of a new cow bison hunt that would be held during the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons. Read the full story.

Non-residents now have to enter drawing to hunt elk and deer in Idaho: Idaho Fish and Game is switching things up for non-residents looking to hunt elk and deer next year. For the first time, out-of-state hunters will have to enter a drawing to get a tag for the 2026 season. Read the full story.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife  Expands CWD Surveillance Zone to Include Nine New Counties: New Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance measures are now in effect for Casey, Laurel, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne and Whitley counties.  Read the full story.

Pennsylvania hunter kills massive 717-pound black bear at state park: A Pennsylvania hunter bagged the largest black bear in the state so far this year by killing a 717-pounder in Butler County's Moraine State Park.  Read the full story.

Wisconsin DNR State Deer Specialist Jeff Pritzl retiring after 34 years: For many, he's a familiar face in the world of deer management, but after 34 years, Jeff Pritzl with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is calling it a career.  Read the full story.

2 trophy bucks illegally killed in Pennsylvania, Game Commission says: The Game Commission's Operation Game Thief said in a Facebook post on Thursday that investigators are asking the public for help after 8-point and 10-point bucks were found dead along Bob's Creek Road in Kingsley Township near the village of Mayburg on Nov. 30. Read the full story.

💨 When the only day you get to go hunting looks like this. I can’t believe this fella even climbed up in a tree with the conditions like this-let alone with a bow in his hand.

But you never know, that big one could walk out at any moment…🤣

Find the perfect twig.

📸 : @harrysituations

Oh, and one more thing…