Latest on Kirt Darner wildlife charges

West Texas whitetail hunt offers high success on bucks from 135 to 164 Boone and Crockett. Three openings for 2008. Click on the photo for a larger image.

Washington man gets a year in jail for Alaska poaching/illegal guiding spree

Deadlines and drawings:

Utah has announced its big game permit drawing results. If you did not draw, call us because we have openings for deer and elk in areas where you can buy a tag over the counter. But we need to get you booked now so that we can buy tags as soon as they become available.

If you want to hunt deer in Kansas this year, you must apply by June 2. The state has eliminated landowner vouchers that are transferable to non-residents. So you must draw a tag to hunt. We have excellent mule deer and whitetail trophy hunts in Kansas, which probably offers the best chance to take a free-ranging exceptional whitetail in the Lower 48.

If you want to hunt deer, antelope or elk in Wyoming next year, be sure to apply for a preference point in July or August. We have hunts for which you're almost sure to draw a tag if you have a preference point.

Wild young cougar unafraid of hunters

A friend sent me an email with this picture on May 13.
Click on the photo to see the email and larger pictures.

Year of the Ram

I got lucky enough to draw a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tag in Utah. Check back in early December to see how I fared in the November hunt. I drew for a unit where I used to outfit and where a friend of mine still does. He assures me I should be able to tie my tag onto a big ram. And this is the year I finally drew a limited-quota tag in Alaska, too. So I guess this is the year of the ram. I'll have to check the next time I visit a Chinese restaurant! -- Rich LaRocco

My wife Julie and I had a great time in Hawaii in April. Here she is with her first mahi mahi, held here by the boat mate, Waldo. That's Honolulu in the background. Next time we go to Hawaii I plan to hunt. We often get calls from hunters who want to spend a day or two hunting during their Hawaiin vacation. The islands hold a good variety of game, including axis deer, feral hogs, sheep and goats, and turkeys. -- Rich LaRocco