Florida Gator Hunting: More Than a Hunt, A Family Affair

Season 6, Episode 286

Gator Glades Hunts

Gator Glades Hunts is the ultimate outfitter for Florida Gator, Hog, and Turkey Hunts!!

Public land hunting is educational for the family and shows the importance of conservation for nuisance reptiles.

Learn more or to book a hunt here:

Outfitter: Gator Glades Hunts – Moore Haven, Florida

Guide: Justin Guerry

Phone: (863) 673-0161

Address: 3288 Wayman Road, Moore Haven, FL 33471

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063586179823

UK Farmer Tries to Make Highland Cows Less “Instagram-Friendly”

In the United Kingdom, one farmer is taking an unusual step to protect his livestock from social media attention—by trying to make them less cute.

Alex Birch, a farmer in Derbyshire, says he plans to crossbreed his Highland cattle to reduce their famously photogenic appearance. The goal: discourage influencers and visitors from approaching them for selfies and videos.

Birch says the problem has grown over several years, with tourists regularly entering fields, touching the animals, and filming content—sometimes even staging yoga sessions nearby. The cows, which graze in the scenic Baslow Edge, have become a viral attraction online.

Local authorities, including the Peak District National Park Authority, have repeatedly warned visitors not to approach or touch the animals, citing real risks of trampling or injury—especially when calves are present.

Despite those warnings, Birch says crowds continue to gather. In one instance, he found dozens of people surrounding his herd with cameras. He worries that if someone gets hurt, he could be held legally responsible.

Crossbreeding the cattle with other hill breeds, he says, may tone down their shaggy coats and distinctive look—features that have fueled their online popularity.

It’s not a decision he’s happy about. The cows have been in his family since the 1970s. But for Birch, it’s become a choice between preserving tradition and protecting both animals and people from a growing social media trend.

Officials say the message remains simple: admire from a distance.

Reference: Farmer to crossbreed his Highland cows to make them ‘less photogenic’

Federal Officials Seek Public Input on Colorado’s Wolf Program

Federal wildlife officials are asking the public to weigh in on how Colorado is managing its wolf reintroduction effort—especially when it comes to conflicts with livestock.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it wants to hear directly from ranchers, landowners, and others about their experiences with wolf attacks, prevention efforts, and compensation. Public comments are open through June 5.

Colorado voters approved the return of gray wolves in 2020, and the state began releasing animals in late 2023. Under a special federal designation, Colorado has some flexibility to manage the wolves—including, in limited cases, killing them—even though the species remains protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Since reintroduction began, state officials have confirmed just over 50 wolf attacks on livestock and guardian animals. Compensation to ranchers has already exceeded initial state funding levels, with more than $700,000 paid out this year alone—and total payouts expected to surpass $1 million.

Federal officials are now asking whether those compensation programs are working, how effective nonlethal deterrents have been, and how well agencies and communities are coordinating.

The request for input comes amid rising political tension. Some conservation groups argue the review could undermine wolf recovery efforts, while others—including some lawmakers—are pushing to remove federal protections for wolves altogether.

For now, federal officials say the goal is to gather feedback and improve how the program works—for both wildlife and the people living alongside it.

Reference: Feds ask for input on how Colorado is handling wolf program, conflict with livestock

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

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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 the 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.

https://tiggerandbec.com/