Explore a record elk controversy, a record-breaking Wisconsin muskie, bear speed facts, TSA Halloween costume rules, pet safety tips, and spooky New Orleans bars. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! From Record-Breaking Wildlife to Halloween Adventures Worth Exploring Record Elk Now in Question After Hunting Guides Are Charged With Trespassing A Pennsylvania hunter’s potential record-setting elk is under scrutiny after two hunting guides were cited for allegedly trespassing during the hunt. Mike Skvarla harvested the massive bull elk with a crossbow on September 15, his 40th birthday. He was one of just 15 hunters selected from about 50,000 applicants for Pennsylvania’s once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt. Skvarla hired two guides to help him, but a landowner later alleged the hunting party had entered his property without permission. The Pennsylvania Game Commission says the hunter was unaware of the alleged trespassing and will not face charges. The two guides, Mike Conaway and Abner Druckenmiller, have pleaded not guilty. Their court date is November 19. Meanwhile, the elk’s antlers are undergoing a required 60-day drying period before official scoring. Skvarla estimates the rack could score 428 inches before deductions, potentially surpassing Pennsylvania’s existing archery record of 381 inches. State officials have not yet decided how the entry will be handled. The bull weighed an estimated 900 pounds and is among the largest elk ever harvested in Pennsylvania. The state’s elk herd numbers about 1,400 animals, following decades of restoration efforts supported by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/pennsylvania-record-elk-trespassing-citation/ How Fast Can A Bear Run? According to OutdoorLife, Despite the challenges, researchers have established benchmarks for grizzly bear speed, black bear speed, and polar bear speed. Here’s what we know: Grizzly bears can run up to 40 mph The grizzly bear, or brown bear, is the fastest bear in the world and can achieve a top speed of 40 mph, which means it can cover about 20 yards in a single second. Black bears can run up to 30 mph Polar bears can run up to 25 mph *Remember bears are preparing for winter hibernation, eating accordingly in preparation. **Inform a trusted family or friend on whereabouts when heading into the backcountry Tip: Share pins with that trusted individual in case of an emergency. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/how-fast-do-bears-run/ Wisconsin Angler Reels In Record-Breaking Muskie — Then Lets It Swim Away Some fishing trips are memorable. Others make history. And for Wisconsin angler David Grisar, one October fishing trip delivered a monster catch — and a new state record! Grisar was fishing Green Bay on October 7, 2026 with longtime charter captain Nolan Koepp. They’d been trolling for hours without much luck when, just after noon, a fish slammed a perch-colored lure in about seven feet of water. Grisar grabbed the rod and battled the powerful fish for about ten minutes. It never leaped out of the water, but it put up one heck of a fight. When Koepp finally netted the fish, the two anglers got a good look at the catch. It was a muskellunge, or muskie, measuring an astonishing 57-and-a-half inches long. Koepp estimated the fish weighed around 40 pounds. And here’s the twist: this was Grisar’s very first muskie! Koepp, an experienced guide who’s caught plenty of big muskies over the years, said he’d landed fish measuring 55 inches before, but never one quite this long. The anglers took photos, measured their prize and quickly returned it to the water after just two minutes out of the lake. Watching the record muskie swim away strongly. Wisconsin fisheries officials have since certified Grisar’s catch as a new state record for a catch-and-release muskie, topping the previous record of 57 inches. Even more impressive, this is the fourth consecutive Wisconsin muskie record to come from Green Bay. Grisar plans to commemorate the catch with a replica mount. And Koepp has a souvenir of his own: the very lure that fooled the record fish, now sporting some impressive tooth marks. He’s offered to give Grisar the lure to display with his replica — a fitting reminder of a fishing trip that began with a quiet morning and ended with a record-breaking fish that lived to fight another day. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/wisconsin-record-muskie-catch-and-release/ TSA Flying Rules: What Halloween costume accessories are not allowed? Props depicting explosives — including bombs, grenades or rocket launchers — are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage. Any weapon-like costume props including prop knives, swords, lightsabers, brooms, pitchforks or guns are also not allowed in carry-ons. They may be allowed in checked luggage, but the final say rests with the TSA officer on duty. Can I wear my Halloween costume in the airport? Comfortable, pajama-like costumes are allowed to be worn in the airport and through security. If the costume contains metal, remove those metal pieces and pack them in a carry-on before reaching the security checkpoint. TSA recommends avoiding full-face makeup or masks at security checkpoints, as travelers will be asked to remove them during screening. Veterinarians share Halloween safety tips for pets According to KPLC - LAKE CHARLES, La - As families prepare for Halloween and the holiday season, local veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep candy, certain foods and other potential hazards away from their animals. While sharing treats with pets may seem harmless, some popular Halloween foods can be dangerous. Veterinarians say chocolate is one food pet owners should keep away from dogs and cats. “We want to be careful with what our dogs are getting into, our cats, as well, what they’re eating so we wanna watch out for things like chocolate we want be just aware of people coming and going the doorbell ringing and we wanna make sure just to make that our pets are very comfortable.” said Dr. Jan Cardona, Veterinarian at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers. It is also recommended to take precautions when trick-or-treaters come to the door. For example, frequent doorbell ringing and people coming and going can make pets uncomfortable, so owners should make sure their animals have a safe place to relax. https://www.kplctv.com/2026/10/20/veterinarians-share-halloween-safety-tips-pets/ Halloween pop-up bars bring spooky drinks, witchy vibes to New Orleans Looking to sip a spooky cocktail, cast a love spell or take a trip to a gothic undersea graveyard? New Orleans is serving up Halloween fun with pop-up bars that bring the tricks, treats and spirits. From creepy curiosities and late-night horror vibes to witchy courtyard cocktails, these themed bars are giving the spooky season a spirited twist. Black Lagoon: Dive into a gothic undersea graveyard Black Lagoon is transforming the space into a creepy, immersive Halloween cocktail experience that feels like stepping into a gothic undersea graveyard. The Haunting: Cocktails with a side of classic horror If your ideal Halloween night includes a little nostalgia, a dash of camp and just enough creepiness to keep things interesting, The Haunting might be calling your name. Expect an eerie atmosphere inspired by neighborhood haunted houses and the classic campiness of late-night horror marathons, The Haunting is designed to bring back the spooky-season memories you know and love. Impractical Magic: Sip a spell in the courtyard Impractical Magic is bringing witchy vibes to the courtyard at The Eliza Jane, where guests can sip spooky-themed cocktails and indulge in a little Halloween enchantment. With midnight margaritas and love spells on the menu of experiences, the pop-up invites visitors to settle into a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a witch’s dream. 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,
