Outdoor News: Bear Encounters, Wolf Problem, and Wildfire Update

From bear attacks to hunting accidents and conservation grants, get a roundup of the past week's most interesting stories.

A lot happened in the past week. From bear attacks to a wolf problem and wildfires, check out the interesting news roundup below.

The great outdoors never stops, and Hook & Barrel is on hand to keep you up to date.

Whether it is shooting, hunting, or fishing, there is something for everyone in a busy week of news stories.

Boy Saves Father from Bear Attack

In an incredible display of bravery, a boy recently saved his father from a bear attack. A black bear charged the father, knocked him down, and ripped open his face. (Stitches fixed the latter.)

Incredibly, while the bear was on top of him, his son shot and killed the bear. The young fellow is a hero and deserves all the attention that this good news story brings.

Winchester Unleashes Model 98 Signal Cannons

Limited edition Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon

Winchester announces Dunlap Cannon Co.’s limited production run of 250 Winchester Model 98 signal cannons will be available in 2024.

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First debuted in 1903 by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Winchester signal cannon is a breech-loading cannon that fires 10-gauge shotshell blanks. With its blued steel barrel and cast-iron carriage, these cannons became fixtures at celebrations and maritime events across the nation.

“With over 120 years of tradition, these signal canons have become icons of American craftsmanship and the legendary Winchester brand,” said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “We are excited about Dunlap Cannon Co.’s introduction of what we expect to be a very successful licensed product.”

The Winchester Model 98 signal cannon will be exclusively produced and sold by Dunlap Cannon Co. and is made entirely in the United States. Each cannon is meticulously crafted with American-sourced raw materials and assembled with the unwavering precision and quality that defines the legacy of Winchester.

For more about the history of the Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon and to order yours—MSRP $3,499—before the 250 mini-blasters are gone, check out winchestersignalcannon.com.

Montana Grizzly Killed

More grizzly attacks are occurring in Montana. This time, a grizzly confronted a hunter, and the Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks staff responded to the incident, according to The Outdoor Wire. Fortunately, the hunter was not harmed.

“The hunter was in the backcountry south of Hidden Lakes in the Gallatin Range when he saw a grizzly bear and two large cubs at close range,” said an MFWP report. “The hunter climbed a tree to avoid the bear, but the bear charged at the hunter. The hunter shot and injured the bear from the tree. The hunter stayed in the tree while the injured bear remained nearby.

“The hunter called 911 and reported his location,” the report continued. FWP grizzly bear specialists, game wardens, and a pilot responded via helicopter. After they landed, MFWP staff dispatched the injured bear and found the hunter, who was not injured. FWP staff did not observe any cubs or cub tracks from the air or ground. The area was flown multiple times during the event. The euthanized bear was confirmed to be an adult female.”

Colorado Relocating Problem Wolves

An emerging theme in predator hotspots,Colorado is having to relocate wolves that continually interfere with livestock and human life. According to one report on Go Hunt, several wolves have been relocated due to repeated attacks on livestock.

BLM Shuns Recreational Shooters

According to a recent report from Sportsmen’s Alliance, BLM will move to prohibit recreational shooting (of any kind for any purpose) on the Bear Ears National Monument, which is in southern Utah.

“No surprise here, BLM told everyone many months ago that the agency’s preferred alternative was to ban recreational shooting altogether,” said Dr. Todd Adkins, Senior Vice President at the Sportsmen’s Alliance.

“The notice and comment process proved meaningless, so we must turn to the courts to keep public land truly public.”

Wildfires Wreck Wyoming

Recently, wildfires swept through Wyoming. It’s been a tragic news story with ranches destroyed, displaced families, ruined livelihoods, and taken lives. It’s also killed and displaced wildlife, damaging vital habitat, especially for mule deer.

“The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is stepping forward to help heal this wounded landscape,” said MDF. “We are committed to raising $60,000 by October 31, 2024, to restore the habitat that wildlife and ranchers alike depend on.

"Our efforts will focus on rebuilding essential fencing, providing seed for burned areas, and combating invasive species that threaten to take hold in this fragile environment.”

NWTF Donates $300,000

In another good news story for wildlife management, the NWTF recently donated $300,000 for wildlife management in the Yellowhammer State, according to The Outdoor Wire. It allocated $297,000 in Hunting Heritage Super Funds and Tag Funds for wild turkey projects in Alabama.

That money will go to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

“We are proud to partner with NWTF on the conservation of wild turkey in Alabama and thank the State Chapter for this generous donation,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Working together we can ensure this important natural resource is available to future generations of Alabamians.”

“The Alabama State Chapter continues to be a model across the nation as it relates to ongoing partnerships with our state agencies,” said Scott Brandon, Alabama NWTF Chapter President.

“Wild turkey and other species are directly affected by many of the decisions we make each year. On-the-ground projects coupled with numerous equipment purchases have led to dramatic positive changes for wild turkey habitat. I look forward to growing and strengthening the relationships with our partner agencies and creating more opportunities to enhance or create new habitats within the state.”