Wyoming Hunter’s Trophy Elk Kill Tainted by Trespassing Allegations 👮

While we continue to slowly inch towards the weekend, let’s all take a minute to grab a coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get into what this beautiful Tuesday has to offer.

Here's what's worth reading about so far this week:

THIS STORY TOOK A BAD TURN
WYOMING HUNTER’S TROPHY ELK KILL TAINTED BY TRESPASSING ALLEGATIONS

A seemingly triumphant hunting story coming out of Wyoming has taken a contentious turn after some pretty damning trespassing allegations surfaced and casted a dark shadow over the originally celebrated elk kill. On September 18th, Terrance J. Monger of Gillette, shot what he called the “bull of a lifetime” on public state trust land in Elk Hunt Area 129, near Campbell County. However, the hunt has since drawn scrutiny due to claims that Monger illegally crossed private ranch land to reach the public parcel, leading to a misdemeanor citation and an ongoing investigation.

Monger’s achievement was initially a cause for celebration after a Wyoming publication detailed his success in bagging a massive bull elk using an over-the-counter general elk license. After four years of unsuccessful attempts, Monger’s persistence paid off in a remote, landlocked section of public land surrounded by private ranches. He described the elk as a trophy-class animal, a rare prize for any hunter. The story, published shortly after the hunt, painted a picture of dedication and skill, resonating with hunters everywhere, particularly those who brave public lands in search of trophy-caliber animals.

That is, until the narrative shifted dramatically…

👍 Rogue Squirrel Attacks Spark Fear in Bay Area. That’s right, a rogue squirrel is sparking fear in the hearts of many across the Lucas Valley neighborhood of San Rafael, California, after attacking at least five people, and sending two to the emergency room. The aggressive squirrel has reportedly bit and scratched numerous victims, leaving a wake of arm scratches requiring stitches amid reports of unprovoked attacks including one incident where the assailant launched itself into one of the victim’s faces. Local warnings have been posted about the “very mean squirrel” that has been known to strike unexpectedly.

At this point, officials are monitoring the situation and are under the assumption that this particular bushy-tailed attacker is likely the result of food conditioning or was at some point, someone’s pet. If the bloodletting continues, a local animal welfare group may be forced to coordinate with state officials to lethally remove the squirrel from the landscape.

🐺 Six Hunting Dogs Killed, Two Injured in Three Wolf Attacks in Wisconsin. Over Friday and Saturday of last week, three separate wolf attacks in Langlade County, Wisconsin, resulted in the deaths of six hunting dogs and injuries to two others, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The USDA-Wildlife Services confirmed that two attacks occurred in the Town of Ackley near Antigo, with three dogs killed and two injured in one incident, and two dogs killed in another. A third attack in the Town of Elcho claimed one additional hunting dog’s life.

Wolf attacks on hunting dogs have been a persistent issue in Wisconsin since the gray wolf population rebounded in the 1990s, with the Department of Natural Resources documenting over 200 verified depredations since 2013, with many of those taking place during bear and hound training seasons. A record 29 dogs were killed in 2023 alone, the third-highest year on record, prompting DNR officials to remind dog owners to exercise caution in wolf-occupied areas to prevent further incidents.

🙏 Iowa Teen Fatally Shot in Tragic Squirrel Hunting Accident. In a tragic hunting accident in rural Iowa, 17-year-old Carson Ryan of Washington was fatally shot while squirrel hunting on Saturday. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Ryan was accidentally shot in the back of the head by another hunter in his group who mistook him for game. Despite being rushed to UI Health Care Medical Center, Ryan did not survive. The incident has been deemed accidental, and no charges are expected to be filed.

The Washington community and surrounding areas have rallied in support of Ryan’s family, raising over $43,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. Ryan, a beloved member of Washington High School’s homecoming court, was remembered as kind, caring, and inspiring. Multiple Iowa schools are honoring him by encouraging students and staff to wear orange and black during the school’s homecoming week.

🐐 Think your Subaru is the GOAT???? OK. That was corny. But seriously, watch these two goats test the dexterity of this ‘Ru out in Colorado.

What are the chances??

Oh, and one more thing…