Learn the latest as Oregon voters reject an anti-hunting initiative, a $10,000 Wyoming wolf hunter bounty sparks controversy, and Ohio YouTubers are convicted in a long-running deer poaching case. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! The latest on Oregon's anti-hunting ballot measure, the $10,000 Wyoming wolf hunter bounty backlash, and the Ohio YouTubers' deer poaching convictions. These three news hunting and agriculture topics are hot! Learn why it is important to advocate for our Outdoors and Western Way of Life from ranching to farming and rodeo too. Oregon Hunting, Fishing & Agriculture Protected as Anti-Hunting Ballot Initiative Falls Short Oregon's controversial Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), also known as the PEACE Act, has failed to qualify for the November ballot after falling roughly 13,000 valid signatures short of the required threshold. The proposed measure would have removed long-standing exemptions to Oregon's animal cruelty laws, potentially criminalizing legal hunting, fishing, ranching, farming, wildlife management, and other animal-related activities. Conservation groups, agricultural organizations, sportsmen, and bipartisan state leaders strongly opposed the proposal, warning it would have far-reaching impacts on Oregon's rural communities, food production, wildlife management, and outdoor heritage. Supporters of hunting and conservation welcomed the outcome, viewing it as a victory for science-based wildlife management and responsible stewardship. Organizations including the Sportsmen's Alliance and the Oregon Hunters Association argued the measure threatened sustainable conservation programs funded by hunters and anglers, while jeopardizing livelihoods tied to agriculture and ranching. Notably, opposition to the initiative crossed political lines, with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Democratic legislative leaders, and Republican lawmakers all publicly rejecting the proposal. Although the initiative failed to reach the ballot, its chief petitioner acknowledged the campaign was intended to build long-term momentum for similar measures in Oregon and other states, signaling that sportsmen, agricultural producers, and conservation advocates will likely remain engaged in defending regulated hunting, fishing, and farming practices in future election cycles. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/oregon-hunting-ban-fails/ What Is IP28? The proposal, known as the PEACE Act (Initiative Petition 28), would remove many of the legal exemptions that currently allow activities involving animals, including: Hunting, trapping, and fishing (including catch-and-release fishing) Livestock and ranching operations Some forms of pest control Certain wildlife and animal research practices The measure would also create programs intended to help Oregon transition toward what supporters describe as a "no-kill or harm" sanctuary state. Why Is It Gaining Attention? Previous versions of the proposal failed to reach the ballot in 2020 and 2022. Opponents believe this year's effort has a stronger chance because organizers have more funding and have used paid signature gatherers, which Oregon law allows. $10,000 Bounty on Wyoming Wolf Hunters Sparks Outrage A Texas social media influencer is offering a $10,000 reward for information identifying anyone who legally harvests a gray wolf from a Yellowstone pack after it leaves the national park, prompting sharp criticism from Wyoming wildlife officials and hunting advocates. Jonas Black announced the bounty on Facebook, saying he wants to identify hunters who harvest wolf 1090F or members of her pack during Wyoming's upcoming wolf season. Black also threatened to publicly expose anyone who legally tags one of the animals. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department called the offer "outrageous," saying it encourages harassment of hunters who are following state law. Wyoming protects the identities of lawful wolf hunters from public disclosure because of past threats and intimidation directed at sportsmen. Wildlife officials emphasize that while wolves are protected inside Yellowstone National Park, they can legally be hunted once they leave park boundaries in designated management areas. Biologists also note that the famous Yellowstone pack is managed like any other wolf pack under the state's science-based wildlife management plan. To protect local wolf populations, Wyoming reduced the number of wolf tags available in the affected hunting unit from eight to four this season. The season opens September 15, and successful wolf hunts remain rare, with statewide hunter success rates averaging only about 3 percent. Hunter advocates warn that publicly targeting law-abiding hunters could discourage participation in regulated wildlife management programs and put private citizens at risk of harassment or threats. Our thoughts, private hunters should not face intimidation for participating in a legal, state-managed hunting season. https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/bounty-wolf-hunter-identities/ Ohio YouTubers Convicted After Years-Long Deer Poaching Scheme Two Ohio YouTubers who ran the now-removed Creek Kings Outdoors channel have been sentenced after investigators uncovered a years-long deer poaching operation tied to online content and sponsorship money. William Bethel, 28, and Justin Booth, 23, admitted to 20 wildlife-related offenses each, including illegally hunting deer, trespassing, and failing to properly tag harvested animals. Investigators say the pair illegally hunted deer in Columbus-area parks where hunting is prohibited and falsely claimed some of the animals were harvested in Kentucky. According to Outdoor Life, Franklin County Wildlife Officer Mark Williams says the men were motivated by YouTube views and sponsorship deals, calling the case "wildlife commercialization with a modern twist." He says every deer featured on their channel was illegally killed or possessed in some way. The investigation began after park staff discovered bait, tree stands, and trail cameras inside Three Creeks Metro Park. Even after officials removed the equipment, the men returned, allowing investigators to identify and document their activities over the following hunting season. Williams says the case also highlights clues that can help expose illegal hunting, such as transporting an ungutted deer over long distances to conceal where it was actually killed. The two cousins were ordered to pay more than $37,000 in combined fines, fees, and court costs. They will each serve nine days in jail, lose their hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for five years, and are banned from Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks during that time. Reference: http://outdoorlife.com/conservation/creek-kings-youtube-poaching-bust-ohio/ OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.
