Exotic Deer, Fishing Fraud, and New Hunting Rules

Learn about NT Exotics’ breeding operation specializing in Whitetail, Fallow and Axis deer, a Louisiana fisherman facing jail over a false trophy bass claim, and Idaho’s tougher lifetime hunting license rules aimed at stopping residency loopholes. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 6, Episode 285 From Exotic Deer Breeding to Fishing Fraud and New License Laws NT Exotics: Where Preservation Meets Conservation Guest: Nash Murray, co-owner of NT Exotics and NT Ranch Industry Expertise: A Marine Corps veteran with a degree in Biology, Nash Murray brings a blend of leadership educating on the business of breeding, specifically highlighting the high returns of fallow and axis deer with conservation in mind. NT Exotics and NT Ranch Based in Texas, NT Exotics and NT Ranch are one of the largest Whitetail and exotic breeding operations in the US. NT Ranch and NT Exotics are a breeding operation that is committed to the preservation of hoof stock through sustainable breeding practices. They specialize in whitetail, fallow, axis Rusa, and other species and guided by our core values of Conservation, Responsibility, Quality, Innovation, Ethics, and Collaboration. Where preservation meets conservation. Learn more about the program or to purchase embryo and/or semen packages visit their website: https://www.ntranchtx.com/ Fisherman Faces Jail Time After False Trophy Bass Claim A Louisiana fisherman is facing serious charges after allegedly lying about where he caught a trophy-sized bass in an attempt to claim a reward. Jody K. Jeane of Leesville was arrested after submitting a 12-pound largemouth bass to a local “lunker” program, which rewards anglers who catch fish over 10 pounds with a free replica mount. To qualify, participants must truthfully report where the fish was caught and release it back into the same body of water. Jeane claimed he caught the fish at Toledo Bend Reservoir. But wildlife agents had already seen him earlier that day at a different location—Vernon Lake—where he proudly showed off the same fish. Distinct markings on the bass, along with social media photos, helped confirm the fish’s true origin. Authorities say Jeane later admitted to falsifying the information. He now faces charges of attempted theft and forgery, which could carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Officials say the program is designed to promote conservation and highlight trophy fishing opportunities, not to be exploited. The incident has stirred local attention, especially after a second person reportedly tried to submit the same fish weeks later. Wildlife authorities emphasize that honesty is essential to keeping such programs fair and effective. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/bass-angler-jailed-lunker-fraud/ Idaho Tightens Rules on Lifetime Hunting Licenses Idaho has passed a new law making it much harder to qualify for a lifetime hunting or fishing license, after complaints that out-of-state hunters were exploiting the system. Previously, applicants only needed to live in Idaho for six months to qualify. Under the new law, that requirement increases to five years of consecutive residency. The change takes effect July 1. Lawmakers say the update targets people who briefly moved to Idaho, bought a lifetime license at a lower resident cost, and then moved away—while still benefiting from resident status in future hunting tag drawings. State Representative James Petzke, who introduced the bill, said the goal is to ensure these licenses go to people who genuinely commit to living in the state. The licenses, which can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on age, allow hunters and anglers to remain in the resident pool for tag draws, even if they later leave Idaho. That made them especially appealing to nonresidents looking for long-term advantages. Groups like the Idaho Wildlife Federation supported the change, noting concerns from residents about so-called “loophole” use—sometimes involving remote workers or hunting influencers temporarily relocating. While officials haven’t provided exact numbers of misuse, thousands of lifetime licenses have been issued in recent years. Supporters argue the new five-year rule better reflects the program’s intent: rewarding long-term residents, not short-term opportunists. Idaho now has one of the strictest residency requirements in the country for lifetime sporting licenses—second only to Wyoming. Sample of state residency requirements (typically consecutive): 10 years: Wyoming5 years: Idaho1.5 years: Mississippi1 year: Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee6 months: Arizona, California, Texas30 days: West VirginiaValid driver’s license: Georgia Officials say the new law is meant to preserve fairness and maintain public trust in a program designed for committed residents. Reference: https:/...