The Hunting Stories Podcast: The Hunters Brief August 29th, 2025

Below is a list of the stories covered in this week’s Hunters Brief with the key sources used for each segment. Check them out to learn more. 1NIL quarterback buys hunting property – Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton uses his NIL earnings to buy 150 acres near Cross Plains for a deer lease.Staking The Plains article summarizing Morton’s comments and property details⁠stakingtheplains.com⁠. 2Fisherman catfishing story – widely shared tale of an angler using dating apps to steal fishing spots; largely unverified satire.BroBible viral article (not archived with citations); no corroboration from law‑enforcement; presented as humorous caution about sharing locations. 3Maine poaching bust – Wardens charge five poachers with 31 summonses for night‑hunting deer over bait and other violations.WABI news report on the Maine Warden Service investigation⁠wabi.tv⁠. 4Florida poaching ring – FWC arrests two men for illegally taking about 20 deer out of season using night scopes and vehicles.WJHG/WJHG article describing FWC operation and charges⁠wjhg.com⁠. 5Texas Tip411 app – Operation Game Thief launches Tip411 allowing anonymous reports of wildlife crimes via app, text, web or phone.Texas Parks and Wildlife news release outlining the Tip411 system and quotes from TPWD officials⁠tpwd.texas.gov⁠⁠tpwd.texas.gov⁠. 6More hunting access at refuges – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service expands hunting and fishing opportunities at 16 refuges and one hatchery, adding 42 new opportunities across 87,000 acres.USFWS final rule announcement detailing the expansions and policy context⁠fws.gov⁠. 7Colorado wolf removal attempt ends – CPW stops search for an uncollared wolf after six depredation incidents due to difficult terrain.KKTV report summarizing CPW and USDA Wildlife Services’ efforts and statements⁠kktv.com⁠. 8Washington forest conservation decision – Commissioner Dave Upthegrove sets aside 77,000 acres of older forests while allowing 29,000 acres to be logged; reactions mixed.Washington State Standard report detailing the decision and reactions from industry and conservation groups⁠washingtonstatestandard.com⁠. 9Kentucky fawn euthanasia controversy – State wildlife officials euthanize more than 20 illegally held fawns in a CWD surveillance zone, sparking debate over necessity and communication.LEX 18 article detailing the euthanasia, agency statements and rehabilitators’ concerns⁠lex18.com⁠⁠lex18.com⁠. 10Rhino horn stockpile debate – Arrest of former rhino breeder John Hume highlights divide over whether to burn or sell Africa’s rhino horn stockpiles.Down To Earth article outlining the case, arguments from no‑trade and pro‑trade camps, and expert commentary⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠⁠downtoearth.org.in⁠. 11Central African lions return – Camera traps in Bamingui‑Bangoran National Park capture a lioness and three cubs, signalling a comeback for lions in the region.Newswise release quoting WCS officials about the significance of the discovery and the conservation efforts that made it possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices