The 33rd Ohio Wildlife Officer Training Academy has begun with nine cadets selected from over 1,000 applicants to train with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. The cadets will complete 21 weeks of peace officer basic training and 10 weeks of specialized wildlife training, graduating in March 2027 to serve Ohio's 88 counties.
Montana's new block management enforcement network, created through Senate Bill 441 introduced by Senator Denley Loge, allows landowners to opt-in to reinforce hunter compliance. Violations result in progressive restrictions from all participating BMAs, with over 830 landowners across 550 BMAs enrolled for the 2026 season.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission filed charges against Rodney Edward Smith, 39, of Chatsworth, Georgia, for orchestrating a fraud scheme targeting Florida hunters. Smith posted fraudulent hunting lease advertisements and collected deposits from victims across 15 Florida counties, facing four felony counts including fraudulently offering property for lease.
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are investigating a cow elk shot and left to waste on private property in Clearwater County's Unit 11A between August 3-4. The elk was killed without landowner permission, leaving its calf orphaned. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sr. Conservation Officer Morgan Deards or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after a 16-year-old from East Brunswick, New Jersey, was recovered from Lake Michigan and later died at Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital. First responders from multiple agencies, including the Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, responded to the incident.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers arrested Eusebio Ramon for felony littering after discovering 26,040 pounds of illegally dumped debris in the Ocala Wildlife Management Area. The Marion County Litter Task Force called it the largest illegal dumping case resulting in an arrest since the task force's 2021 establishment.
The Maine Warden Service dive team recovered the body of 50-year-old Bethany Hancock from Biscay Pond in Damariscotta after she was reported missing. The death is not considered suspicious. The recovery effort involved the Damariscotta Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and local fire departments.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a legislative proposal to create a new standalone felony offense for aggravated illegal taking of wildlife with enhanced penalties when poachers discharge firearms near homes, occupied structures, or critical infrastructure. The proposal includes permanent revocation of hunting licenses, firearm forfeiture, and places violations under the Statewide Prosecutor's jurisdiction.
Alabama's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, working with multiple agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local sheriffs' departments, investigated a flagrant night hunter in Jackson and DeKalb counties. The perpetrator pleaded guilty to hunting at night, hunting without landowner permission, and felony eluding after officers recovered seven firearms and 15 deer racks from his property.
Jeremy Michael Hill and Ryan Francis McGuire from Harrison were convicted of multiple hunting violations across Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin counties. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks conducted a yearlong investigation revealing Hill illegally killed multiple deer over three years and used family members' licenses to tag harvested deer, while McGuire aided in vehicle hunting after legal hours. Hill received a 36-month privilege suspension and $2,980 in fines; McGuire received 24 months and $670.
Thomas House, 26, was arraigned on 50 combined firearm and wildlife violation counts including felony weapons offenses, reckless firearm use, and Wildlife Conservation Order violations. Michigan DNR conservation officers investigated after receiving a Report All Poaching Hotline tip about illegal nighttime deer hunting from a vehicle in Clinton and Gratiot counties between April and November 2025.
Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the body of Michael Downey, 48, of Louisville from a private pond in Rising Sun, Switzerland County. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death after a vehicle was discovered submerged in approximately 10 feet of water.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after an adult swimmer went missing and was recovered unresponsive from the swimming lake at France Park in Cass County. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced dead at Logansport Memorial Hospital. The cause of death is pending autopsy results.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is increasing safety measures at Grand Haven State Park during the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, July 24-Aug. 2, with enhanced enforcement of park rules regarding alcohol, marijuana, and amplified music to ensure visitor safety.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of Jalen Robinson, 22, of Gary, who was recovered from Lake Michigan at Marquette Park Beach after being reported missing. Robinson was swimming with friends when he drifted into deeper water and did not resurface. Multiple agencies including the Gary Police Department, Lake County Sheriff's Department, and regional fire departments assisted in the response.
The Ninth Circuit denied rehearing in a lawsuit challenging California's switchblade ban on Second Amendment grounds. Judge Tung and Judge VanDyke issued scathing dissents, with eight justices arguing the panel's approach conflicts with Supreme Court precedent in Heller and Bruen. Knife Rights is evaluating a potential certiorari petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Michigan DNR is investigating a 71-inch lake sturgeon found dumped on Durham Road in Whitehall on July 17. The fish shows signs of snagging, and fishing for lake sturgeon is prohibited in the White River area where it was likely taken. The public is urged to contact the DNR's Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800 with information.
Indiana Conservation Officers investigated after a body was recovered from a retention pond behind a Boonville Walmart. The victim was identified as Joseph Lucia Jr., 67, of Evansville, who had been reported missing on July 7. The Warrick County Sheriff's Department used a drone to locate the submerged vehicle, and investigators do not suspect foul play.
A 33-year-old Flint man tubing the Au Sable River through Roscommon was found in good condition after walking over 4.5 miles through the woods. Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Ben McAteer and South Branch Township Fire Chief Mike Umphrey located him at 11:15 p.m. after his family reported him missing. Campbell's Canoe, Kayak & Tubing Livery had rented the tubes for the outing.
A Mecosta County jury unanimously found Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Ryan Cox not guilty of assault charges stemming from a May 2023 incident at Merrill-Gorrel County Park. Cox used justified force while intervening in a violent attack while off-duty camping with family. Chief Brandon Kieft stated the DNR is working to return Cox to active duty.