Throwback Trends: Then and Now, Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo, Largest US Illegal Bird Bust

Season 5, Episode 234

The Evolution of Cool: What We Loved Then and What’s Trending Now

Nostalgia always finds a way to trend. From bumpin’ bass in your trunk to custom AI avatars flooding your feed—what’s cool evolves, but the vibe stays the same.

Let’s take a ride through the decades and catch up on what’s hot, what’s history, and what’s happening right now in pop culture, rodeo, and the wildest wildlife headline you didn’t know you needed.

From Fax Machines to 3D Cartoon Avatars 

Then: Remember the days of waiting in line at the office fax machine, praying it didn’t jam? Or spending hours crafting a MySpace page with custom HTML?

Now: We’ve moved on to creating 3D cartoon versions of ourselves using AI and ChatGPT to share on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. It’s not just for kicks—these avatars are now brand mascots, profile pics, and conversation starters.

25 Years Ago: CD Players & Subs in the Trunk

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, if your ride didn’t have a Pioneer deck and a couple of 12-inch subs in the back, were you even cool?

Whether it was Tupac, Tim McGraw, or Linkin Park, music hit different when your rearview mirror shook from bass drops. The era of custom installs and trunk-rattling power might be long gone, but the spirit lives on in today’s custom car scene and wireless audio obsessions.

Rodeo Spotlight: Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo – Montana’s Wildest 4 Days

Miles City, Montana becomes the capital of cowboy culture every May during the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo—a four-day extravaganza of raw horsepower, western tradition, and all-out fun.

Kickoff: Pendleton Whiskey Country Concert 

The event kicks off Thursday, May 15th, 2025 with a Pendleton Whiskey Country Concert featuring rising Montana country artist Tanner Laws.

“This rodeo is electric. It’s not just the horses that buck—every night feels like a full-on western party,” Tanner shared in our exclusive interview. Hear his full interview on this episode of The Bend Show.

Joining the Tanner Laws Band are special guests Tigirlily Gold, adding a powerhouse female energy to the stage, and Gary Allan, headlining the show and bringing decades of country grit.

What to Expect All Weekend

• Friday, May 16: Match Bronc Rides and Street Dances

• Saturday, May 17: PRCA-sanctioned rodeo performances

• Sunday, May 18: Cowboy Church and the PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo

Vendors, parades, beer gardens, and the best western wear you’ll find all year!

Bucking Horse Sale, Rodeo & Concert: TICKETS

ORDER NOW!! These tickets are selling fast, so make your plans and grab your tickets!

Purchase Tickets, Schedule and To Learn More visit BuckingHorseSale.com or RanchChannel.com

Largest US Illegal Taxidermy Bird Bust

In unexpected wildlife news, the largest illegal taxidermy bird bust in U.S. history just landed a Montana collector with a $900,000 fine. Authorities uncovered a treasure trove of over 300 protected species, including eagles and falcons.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called it “an unprecedented display of arrogance and disregard for federal law.”

Busted: $900,000 Fine in Largest Taxidermy Bird Sting in U.S. History

According to OutdoorLife.com; A Georgia man has been fined a whopping $900,000 in what authorities are calling the largest taxidermy bird bust in U.S. history. Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Georgia, was sentenced this week for illegally trafficking thousands of rare and endangered bird mounts and eggs from around the world — including some species possibly extinct.

Federal agents say Waldrop smuggled over 1,400 bird mounts and nearly 2,600 eggs between 2016 and 2020, using fake shipping info and even recruiting his farm’s caretaker to help hide the shipments. His massive collection included protected eagles, rare parrots, and songbird eggs — many of which didn’t have the permits required by law.

Some of the birds and eggs were from species so rare, no U.S. museum has them, including three eggs from an Asian shorebird with only around 1,000 left in the wild. Officials say Waldrop created demand that fueled illegal poaching across Africa, Asia, and South America.

Waldrop pled guilty, was fined $900,000 and will serve three years of probation. His caretaker got six months. Authorities say the case shows just how seriously wildlife trafficking is being taken — and how much it can cost when the law is broken.

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to [email protected]. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates!

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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, 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/