Teen Turkey Hunt Controversy, Venomous Snake Awareness, & The Return of the Roper

Have you heard about this, a Teen’s First Turkey Hunt Sparks A  Felony Charge and Community Outcry? We’ve got the scoop. September thru early October brings about pests of the slithery poisonous nature, beware, and have you heard, Justin Boots has revived an iconic style?! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Season 5, Episode 254 Teen’s First Turkey Hunt Sparks Felony Charge and Community Outcry 

According to Outdoorlife.com, A Georgia teen is facing a felony charge for what many thought was a simple spring turkey hunt gone right. But the wild turkey he tagged after church Sunday, in late April on his family's 11-acre property may have belonged to a neighbor—who also happened to, now be, his former teacher. The two properties are separated by a 70-acre horse farm.

After the teen, then 16, shared photos online of his first turkey—a moment of pride for any young hunter—his now former teacher claimed the bird was actually her pet. Days later, the teen found himself charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony.

More Details:

The hunt took place on April 28th, 2025, and by all accounts, the bird was on his family's land. On April 30th, a Georgia DNR game warden visited the property following a complaint made by neighbor/former teacher, where the parents allowed a search which found one shotgun shell case, feathers at the location of harvest, confirmed it was a legal hunting ground and found no signs of baiting or violations in which the DNR concluded it would not file any charges as the turkey in question is not protected. However this DNR agent did advise the parents that other charges could be brought through the sheriff’s office or civilly.

The parents stand behind their son’s claim to have had no idea the turkey might’ve been domestic—or belonged to anyone. After harvesting the turkey, the teen brought it to a taxidermist and went about his day.

The complaint by the teacher is that the teen knowingly killed the turkey she claimed was her pet, then bragged about it online and at school. Statements given by the accuser during her in-school testimony June 4th tribunal hearing, according to her testimony there were no identifying markers on the bird, such as a band on its leg to indicate it was a pet. 

The parents don’t dispute that their son harvested a turkey on their property.  But, they say, he did not know it belonged to anyone when he shot it.  

But the fallout has been anything but normal. Felony charges were brought up against the teen, resulting in his suspension from school. He had to move out of state to live with relatives, and is now waiting for his day in juvenile court. A plea deal was offered if he admitted guilt and paid $150 for the turkey—but his family says he didn’t knowingly do anything wrong, and they stood by him.

The case has sparked debate in the small town of Waverly Hall, Georgia, and drawn national attention from hunters and supporters who say the situation has gone too far. With a court date now set for later this fall, the young hunter remains in limbo—his first turkey, once a rite of passage, now at the center of a high-stakes legal battle.

We’ll keep you updated as the story unfolds. For now, many are left asking: was this a crime, or just a kid’s first hunt caught up in a neighborly dispute?

To clarify, in Georgia, they hunt for a wild Eastern Turkey. The turkey harvested was found to be a domestic Narragansett turkey.

Difference in Appearance:

Narragansett Turkeys, a domestic breed: have a mixed feather coloration: black, gray, tan and white which gives an almost bronze-like look, a bit more white and lighter coloring compared to an Eastern wild turkey. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE, Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/georgia-teen-turkey-felony-charge/

STAY ALERT: Venomous Snake Season Is Here!

It’s that time of year—baby copperheads are active, and they’re born fully venomous. One mother can have 8–10 babies, often staying close by. These small snakes sport greenish-yellow tail tips on their first-year plumage—an identifying trait worth noting.

Though not aggressive, copperheads will defend themselves if stepped on or touched unexpectedly. Keep a watchful eye in shady, damp spots around your yard—think under flowerpots, toys, pet bowls, or bushes. Always look before you reach!

Fall brings more snake movement—prairie rattlers and western diamondbacks become active as temperatures cool. Be alert, stay safe, and remind everyone in the family to check before grabbing or leaning.

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