Episode 199 Details

Epic Struggle: Kayak Angler’s 11-Mile Battle and Poacher’s 24-Year Hunting Ban  

Latest News: Outdoors & Western Living

Marlin Tows Across Ocean Kayak Angler 

Listen to this story – How far would you go??

In early August, California fisherman Kei Vang embarked on a fishing trip with two friends, targeting tuna off the coast of California. They were about six miles out when Vang hooked a massive striped marlin, leading to a dramatic five-hour battle.

The marlin towed Vang’s 12-foot kayak approximately 11 miles over 5 hours time across the Pacific Ocean before the striped marlin began to tire, beginning to circle underneath the kayak. It was then the angler was able to grab the leader and finally able to get a good look at the billfish which was longer than his kayak, having him believe it to be 13 feet long and estimated to weigh around 200 pounds. He then managed to cut the line and release the fish. An Epic Struggle!

Vang and his friends had to use GPS units mounted on their kayaks to map the distance the striped marlin had taken them, which totaled about 20 miles from shore. They were carrying extra batteries along with VHF radios and other safety gear.

As night fell, realizing it would take hours to paddle back, they called a friend with a power boat who rescued them and towed their kayaks back. Vang said every kayak angler’s dream is to catch a big fish and have a photo made of it holding it up next to their kayak… That wasn’t possible with his Striped Marlin, who didn’t get a photo with the marlin, considered having a replica mount made instead.

FACEBOOK AIDES IN CATCHING POACHER

In December 2023, photos of a famous nontypical Virginia buck, known as the “Hollywood Buck,” posted on Facebook led to accusations against Virginia resident Jason Walters for poaching. Walters, who initially claimed to have killed the deer in Prince Edward County, was identified as having illegally hunted the buck and two other whitetails from Richmond, Virginia. Following a thorough investigation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), Walters pled guilty to 20 wildlife violations. He was sentenced to six months in jail (with three months suspended), fined $2,500, and ordered to pay $11,000 in restitution. His hunting privileges were revoked for 100 years, but with 76 years suspended, leaving an effective ban of 24 years.

Walters’ accomplice was also found guilty and received a $1,250 fine, 30 days of house arrest, and a six-year suspension of his hunting privileges. The DWR emphasized that these penalties are among the harshest ever imposed and aim to deter future wildlife crimes. Investigations revealed that Walters had previously posted photos of the Hollywood Buck and other deer on Facebook, which were linked to the poaching incident. This case highlights the critical role of social media in wildlife law enforcement.

Reference

https://dwr.virginia.gov/media/press-release/dwr-statement-on-the-court-resolution-of-the-illegal-killing-of-three-deer-including-the-hollywood-buck/

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/hollywood-cemetery-buck-poaching-investigation/

Alert! Bison, Buffalo The Rut Is On 

For those heading to ANY United States park with Buffalo, Bison… Take this as “You’ve been warned”… The Yellowstone National Park rangers have a statement for everyone:

The bison rut is in full swing. You may see mature males with their mouth open, tongue out and upper lips pulled back. This is how bull bison sniff pheromones and determine whether a female is ready to breed. Bulls will also display their dominance by bellowing, wallowing, and engaging in fights with other bulls. The winners earn the right to mate with receptive females.

Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time.

So let us add this, we hit on the topic last week; Please DO NOT become a Touron… A Tourist that is a Moron. A Touron. Don’t Be That Guy.

Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touron

https://www.facebook.com/YellowstoneNPS

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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.

Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.

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