Episode 201 Details

Hunting Survival, Colorado Wolf Debate, & Global Travel Fee Hikes: Key Updates

Latest News: Hunting, Outdoors, Travel & Western Living

ALASKA: HUNTER SURVIVES BEAR ATTACK & GUNSHOT WOUND

Tyler Johnson, a 32-year-old hunter from Sterling, Alaska, survived a brutal brown bear attack and a self-inflicted gunshot wound while hunting on the Kenai Peninsula. Johnson was hunting black bears with his father, Chris, a former US Federal Wildlife Service officer, when they accidentally startled a sleeping brown bear in the dense grass.

The bear charged Tyler, who struggled to draw his sidearm before being knocked down. Despite sustaining severe injuries from the bear’s claws and a gunshot wound to his leg, Tyler managed to fire seven rounds into the brown bear, eventually incapacitating the animal. His father, Chris, helped finish off the bear and immediately began treating Tyler’s injuries which included an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to Tyler’s leg. Tyler Johnson always carries a trauma kit hunting that has QuikClot and a slingshot band which the men used on the gunshot wound. The two men worked quickly, applying a tourniquet and calling for help using a Garmin InReach. It took search and rescue over an hour to get to the hunters, Chris made his son tell him hunting stories in order to help keep him awake and mind off the pain. Tyler was airlifted to Alaska Medical Center, treated, and released the same evening. This incident marks the third bear attack in the U.S. this year.

Essentials: Hunting & Hiking Trauma Kit

Before hitting the trails during hunting season or out for a fall hike; carrying a trauma kit is absolutely necessary. The backcountry is treacherous, and must be taken seriously. First rule – Always notify someone of your hunting, hiking or camping plans, destination, and time expected to be gone. Second rule – Always fully understand how to use any of the items in your trauma kit. The field is for reaction, home is for learning, understanding and practice.

Trauma Kit Must Haves

• Tourniquet, Elastic Bandage, Gauze, Trauma Dressing & Trauma Sheers.

• QuikClot / Blood Stopper

• Emergency Heat Blanket, Headlamp, Fire Starter, Battery Pack.

• GPS Satellite Communicator: Garmin InReach or AtlasTrax for example.

• Duct Tape, Paracord, Moleskin, Tweezers.

• Benadryl (antihistamine), Tylenol, Ibuprofen.

Reference:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/kenai-brown-bear-attack/

https://quikclot.com/

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/

https://usa.atlastrax.com/

Impact of Wolf Relocation on Colorado’s Livestock Industry

Colorado’s plan to relocate the Copper Creek wolf pack, responsible for most livestock depredations in the state, has sparked controversy among ranchers. The pack, introduced from Oregon, has been linked to the deaths of cattle and sheep in Grand County, Colorado. Despite repeated requests from ranchers for lethal removal, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) opted for relocation, stating that this decision does not set a precedent for future wolf-livestock conflicts. The relocation decision aims to balance the state’s wolf restoration goals with the needs of affected ranchers. This action follows the denial of permits for lethal control, despite rising livestock losses. The Cattlemen’s Association criticized CPW for prioritizing wolves over ranchers’ rights, highlighting the significant impact of the wolves on local livestock. The agency’s strategy faces scrutiny as it walks a fine line between wolf conservation and livestock protection, with the future location of the relocated wolves still uncertain.

Reference:

https://cpw.state.co.us/news/08282024/media-statement-colorado-parks-and-wildlife-begins-operation-capture-wolves-copper

https://www.skyhinews.com/news/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-to-relocate-depredating-wolves-from-grand-county/

https://www.summitdaily.com/news/can-colorados-producers-and-wolves-find-a-way-to-coexist/

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/colorado-depredating-wolves-relocated/

Beware of Tourism Taxes & Price Hikes

New Zealand Raises Tourism Fees: What Travelers Need to Know

According to CNN, starting October 1, New Zealand will increase its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZ$35 ($22 USD) to NZ$100 ($62 USD), making it more expensive to explore the country’s lakes, mountains, and wineries. This fee, originally introduced in 2019, helps cover the environmental and infrastructure costs associated with international tourism, which brought in over $11 billion from March 2023 to March 2024. However, the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) criticizes the hike, warning it could hurt New Zealand’s global competitiveness as tourists may choose more affordable destinations like Canada or the UK. In addition to the IVL, tourist visa fees will also rise on October 1, from $131USD to $211USD, potentially leading to longer processing times. Despite concerns, similar “tourist taxes” are common in around 60 destinations globally, such as Venice and Bhutan, and studies suggest these fees don’t deter tourists.

Reference:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/new-zealand-tripling-its-tourist-tax-intl-hnk/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/travel/tourist-taxes-do-they-work/index.html

https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/ivl-increase-to-ensure-visitors-contribute-more-to-new-zealand/

https://www.tia.org.nz/assets/Uploads/20240903-MR-Tourism-Industry-says-increased-border-taxes-wont-close-gaps.pdf

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.

Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.

United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.

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