Category Archives: Dark Outdoors

Wardens Arrest “Primal Predator”? Hunting Squirrel With His Teeth?

A wild story has been spreading across social media — claiming that Texas Game Wardens arrested a man for trying to hunt squirrels with his bare hands and teeth near Lake Tawakoni. According to the viral post, the man called himself a “primal predator” and argued his “God-given claws and fangs” meant he didn’t need a hunting license.

Watch the video here.

It sounded so absurd… it had to be true, right?

Well, not exactly.

Watch until the end — you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe even double-check your next viral post.

In Case You Missed It!

Did you see the video I did about the new “black panther” photo circulating? This is the most interesting photo I have seen in years.

Check it out here.

Market Killing of Great White Sharks

Over at our sister site www.gulfgreatwhites.com, I posted a blog about the killing of great white sharks for illegal trade in shark parts.

Check out that post here.

And please subscribe to that blog as well for in-depth shark content.

Chester Moore

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors October Begins!

The nights are getting longer, the air is crisp, and the woods feel just a little darker this time of year. That can only mean one thing: Dark Outdoors October has arrived.

All month long, we’re turning up the atmosphere with stories, scares, and survival tips that bring out both the thrill and the reality of the great outdoors.

And we’re celebrating it in the style of my award-winning podcast Dark Outdoors®!

You can listen and subscribe here.

Creepiest Campfire Stories

Everyone loves a good campfire tale — the kind that makes you glance over your shoulder when the trees rustle. This month, we’ve collected some of the creepiest outdoor stories we’ve ever heard. From strange disappearances on lonely trails to ghostly encounters deep in the wilderness, these tales are meant to keep you hooked… and maybe a little spooked.

Yep, we’re going to have some fun monster tales.
Outdoor Safety Awareness

Darkness and fear make a perfect mix for a good story — but real danger is no joke. That’s why Dark Outdoors October isn’t just about chills. We’re also spotlighting essential outdoor safety awareness: how to prepare for solo hikes, how to stay safe when camping off the grid, and what to do if you encounter wildlife in unsettling situations. Our goal? To make sure the only scares you face are the ones you want.

The most dangerous thing in the woods is people-and this guy (Ted Bundy) was the apex version of that.
Strange Outdoors Cinema

For those who like their scares on screen, we’re also exploring strange and unsettling cinema set in the great outdoors. From backwoods horror classics to overlooked indie gems, we’ll talk about how filmmakers capture the primal fear of being far from safety — and why the wilderness is one of the creepiest settings for a story ever told.

No way we’re letting the month pass without talking about outdoors-centered horror like Friday the 13th.
See Me Live

If you’re in the area, you’ve got a chance to be part of the adventure in person:

  • 🎤 This weekend I’ll be speaking in Honobia, Oklahoma — sharing stories, insights, and a taste of the Dark Outdoors spirit live.
  • 🎬 On October 17, I’ll be debuting a new Dark Outdoors documentary in Jefferson, Texas. It’s a project I’m incredibly excited about, and I can’t wait to share it with you first.
Be Part of the Dark Outdoors Community

If you’ve been enjoying Dark Outdoors, now’s the perfect time to make sure you never miss an episode. 🎙️ Subscribe today on your favorite podcast platform — Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows. It’s the easiest way to stay plugged into Dark Outdoors October and every spine-tingling story to come.

👉 To make it even easier, I’ve put everything in one place: my Linktree. One click, and you’ll find all the platforms plus extras in one hub.

A Special Treat: Swamp Devil

Here’s something extra for the true diehards: the first 10 people to email me at chester@chestermoore.com will receive a download link to Swamp Devil — a recently recovered track from my early-2000s band Freak13.

It’s dark, raw, and straight from the swampy depths — a perfect soundtrack for October.

So subscribe, spread the word, and shoot me that email if you want to claim your exclusive piece of music history. Once those 10 slots are gone, they’re gone.

🔥 Creepy campfire stories, outdoor safety tips, strange cinema, live events, and now rare music from my vault — Dark Outdoors October is going to be unforgettable.

See you out there… if you dare. 🌲🌙

PS: If you’ve never seen it watch the original Dark Outdoors® project-the award-winning documentary Journey into the Dark Outdoors here.

Chester Moore

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Deep Dive On Black Panthers In America!

What if America’s wilderness hides a predator science won’t acknowledge? In this episode of Dark Outdoors®, author Michael Mayes—known for his work Shadow Cats—joins us to dig into the controversial and chilling reports of black panthers roaming across the U.S.

Listen here with links to the show on Spotify, Apple, IHeartradio & Audible.

You can listen directly on Podbean here.

For decades, eyewitnesses from Texas to the Appalachians have sworn they’ve seen something impossible: massive black panthers prowling the woods, stalking farmlands, and vanishing into the shadows. Yet, mainstream science insists such creatures don’t exist in North America.

In this thought-provoking episode of Dark Outdoors, we sit down with author and researcher Michael Mayes to explore the mystery at the heart of his book Shadow Cats. Together, we examine chilling accounts, folklore, and the deep cultural roots of black panther sightings. Are these elusive predators a product of myth, mass misidentification, or could there be something truly hidden in America’s wild places?

Expect a conversation that pushes beyond campfire tales—diving into history, biology, and the unsettling implications of predators that may walk unseen. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this is one episode that will make you think twice the next time you walk into the woods after dark.

Are they black mountain lions – black cougars?

Are they black jaguars?

Are they jaguarundi?

Are they escaped exotics?

What about the mysterious black longtail?

Take a deep dive on black panthers with us.

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Man Holding Infant Daughter Fights Mountain Lion!

A family hike turned into a fight for survival when a father, his wife, their toddler, and infant daughter came face-to-face with a mountain lion. Dark Outdoors dives deep into the wilderness dangers that most people never see coming.

Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more by clicking here!

On this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors,® we recount the terrifying true story of a family’s dangerous encounter with a mountain lion.

What began as an ordinary hike quickly spiraled into a life-or-death struggle when a father, hiking with his wife, three-year-old son, and infant daughter strapped to his chest, came face-to-face with one of nature’s most feared predators.

Listeners will hear how this quiet day on the trail turned into a desperate fight for survival. With his young children and wife at risk, every decision mattered. The father’s quick thinking, protective instincts, and raw courage kept his family alive against all odds.

This episode goes beyond the story itself, exploring the realities of mountain lion behavior, how families can prepare for dangerous wildlife encounters, and what survival experts recommend if you ever come face-to-face with a predator in the wild.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • A firsthand account of a family’s mountain lion encounter on the trail.
  • How a father protected his wife, toddler, and infant from a deadly threat.
  • Survival insights and safety tips for hikers and families in mountain lion country.
  • The hidden dangers of hiking with young children — and how to prepare.

If you’re fascinated by true survival stories, wildlife encounters, and the resilience of the human spirit, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Listen by clicking here on your favorite podcast platforms and please subscribe.

Chester Moore

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Subscribe & Survive: Get a Free Dark Outdoors -True Crime -Decal

“The most dangerous thing in the woods is people.” If you’re into the hard-edged, real-world side of the outdoors—cases, cautionary tales, and how to come home safe—Dark Outdoors® the multiple award-winning podcast is your show and this blog is your gateway to it.

This is the decal you will get!

To thank new listeners and readers, I’m mailing out a limited run of Dark Outdoors: The Most Dangerous Thing in the Woods is People decals—free.

What you’ll get

That creepy phantom killer image above is what you will get! It’s a perfect slap for your cooler, gun case, tackle box, or back glass. It’s a badge that says you take the wild—and the people in it—seriously.

How to claim yours (3 quick steps)

  1. Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast using my Linktree where you will find links to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartradio & Audible:
    👉 linktr.ee/darkoutdoorspodcast
  2. Subscribe to this blog (Prompt Below)
  3. Email me at chester@chestermoore.com with subject line “Dark Outdoors Decal” and include:
    • Your mailing address (name, street, city, state, ZIP)

That’s it—I’ll drop a decal in the mail.

Why subscribe?

  • Real cases & real takeaways. Situational awareness, backcountry smarts, and stories that could save a life.
  • Expert voices. Law enforcement, search-and-rescue, biologists, survivors.
  • No fluff. Field-tested safety talk for hunters, anglers, hikers, and anyone who goes where the pavement ends.

Fine print (simple & fair)

  • Free while supplies last. One decal per household.
  • U.S. mailing addresses only for now.
  • Please allow a couple of weeks for delivery.
  • Your mailing address is used only to send the decal—no spam, no sharing.

Want to help even more?

After you subscribe, leave a quick rating or review in your podcast app. It helps other outdoorsmen and women find the show—and it helps keep people safer outside.

Stay sharp out there.

Chester Moore

PS: As I say at the end of every episode before you enter the outdoors, “Pray. Prepare & Pack Heat”.

Survival Tips From Delta Force Original

Join us on Dark Outdoors® for an unforgettable conversation with Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mike R. Vining—explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) pioneer and Delta Force operative—and his wife, acclaimed wildlife photographer and author Donna Ikenberry. Married atop Mauna Kea in 1999 after Mike’s decorated 30‑year military career (including Vietnam, Eagle Claw, Desert Storm, and more)

Donna has since published over a thousand images, guidebooks, and magazine articles from nearly every continent Donna Ikenberry Photography.

You can listen and subscribe here.

 In this episode we explore:

  • Top strategies for staying safe in remote terrains—from avalanche zones to wildlife territory.
  • How Donna approaches storytelling through photography in unpredictable environments.
  • Lessons Mike has learned from decades of military and outdoor leadership: situational awareness, risk assessment, and self-reliance.
  • Tips for adventure couples: teamwork, planning, resilience—and capturing moments worth preserving.

Tune in for a uniquely dynamic pairing: military precision meets nature’s art—illuminated by humor, hard-earned wisdom, and couple‑led courage in the wild.

And if you missed the previous episode-about the double murder at Devil’s Den State Park go back and listen.

On July 26, 2025, Clinton and Cristen Brink were brutally murdered while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park—a place known for peace and natural beauty, now marked by violence and fear.

We cover it from what I believe is a different perspective than the rest of the media and link it to a sadly familiar pattern.

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Double Murder Of Hikers At Devil’s Den State Park

In this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors®, we investigate the heartbreaking double homicide that has shaken Arkansas and the hiking community nationwide. On July 26, 2025, Clinton and Cristen Brink were brutally murdered while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park—a place known for peace and natural beauty, now marked by murder and fear.

You can listen and subscribe here via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartradio or Audbile.

We dive deep into:

  • The latest updates from Arkansas State Police and the FBI-led manhunt for a still-unidentified suspect.
  • The composite sketch and vehicle description released to the public.
  • How the Brinks died protecting their daughters, who miraculously survived the attack.
  • The timeline of events, the 6-hour delay in public alerting, and the investigative challenges posed by rural terrain and limited cell service.
  • A chilling pattern of trail and park-related murders across North America, from the Appalachian Trail to remote campsites in Oregon and Canada.
  • How we can balance our love for the outdoors with realistic safety strategies.

This episode is a powerful reminder that wilderness crimes are not just urban legends—they’re happening now, in places we trust. With true crime insightemotional storytelling, and expert analysis, we bring you the full scope of this ongoing tragedy and the broader implications for hikers, families, and nature lovers.

🎬 Don’t Miss the Documentary: Gulf Great White Sharks – Return of An Icon

Dive deeper into the full story in our groundbreaking documentary:
Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of An Icon — the first film ever dedicated to these mysterious and majestic sharks of the Gulf

It’s getting great reviews and lots of media coverage.

This story and interview with Gulf Great White Shark Society founder Chester Moore on Texas Public Radio has gone viral.

We’ve also had coverage in hundreds of other websites and blogs and in publications like The ExaminerGalveston Daily News, Port Arthur News and Hunter’s Horn.

Special feature from The Examiner.

It’s great to raise awareness to great whites in the Gulf in such fun fashion.

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Mysterious Horse Killers Return & Gulf Great White Sharks

In this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover a chilling and ongoing mystery unfolding across Texas and beyond—where horses are being found shot, mutilated, or poisoned in a string of brutal and unexplained attacks.

From Kendall and Waller Counties to Bexar and Smith, horses are being executed in pastures, dumped in brush, or even tied up and shot in the head. Authorities have few leads—and the killers remain free.

LIsten to the episode here.

We examine whether these killings are tied to the illegal horse meat trade, part of a ritualistic pattern, or the work of thrill killers. And we expand our search beyond Texas—to Nevada—where a serial horse killer is targeting ranch animals near Las Vegas with chilling precision.

With exclusive insight from Higher Calling Wildlife’s investigative reports, this episode dives deep into what may be a multi-state pattern of cruelty, fear, and silence. If you’re a rancher, horse owner, or outdoor enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this investigation into what might be the most underreported animal cruelty crime wave in the U.S.

Follow Us At Gulf Great White Shark Society

In June 2025, I launched the Gulf Great White Shark Society, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the presence and importance of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.

Timed with the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the Society’s founding celebration took place at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, Texas, featuring a documentary premiere, awards, and scholarships honoring young conservationists.

The Society has already garnered recognition, with its website receiving “Best Outdoors Website” honors from the Texas Outdoor Writers Association.

For updates, ocean education, and behind-the-scenes looks at shark conservation efforts, follow the Gulf Great White Shark Society on Instagram: @gulfgreatwhitesharksociety

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

This One Tip Can Save You From Massive Outdoors Dangers-And No One Talks About It!

One of the most important outdoor safety tips I can give for the outdoors—especially if you’re hiking or exploring remote areas—is this: be cautious of places that have an unusual amount of foot traffic for how remote they are. If you’re deep in the wilderness and start noticing a lot of signs of people—worn paths, tire tracks, trash, even campsites in strange spots—that’s often a red flag.

These areas can sometimes be used for illegal activity, and trust me, you do not want to accidentally stumble into something like that. I once found myself in a situation just like this, and it led me straight to a meth lab. It was one of the most unsettling experiences I’ve had in the outdoors. I talk about some of the host horrifying encounters I’ve collected over the years in the latest episode of Dark Outdoors. Listen here.

Encounters with illegal grows or trafficking operations are some of the most dangerous things that can happen out there. We’ve collected several terrifying tales from people who’ve faced these kinds of threats firsthand—including one near the infamous ‘Murder Mountain,’ made famous by the Netflix series.

🎧 Click here to listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Audible.

Plus, the episode talks about a savage trained killer dog sent to attack a hiker who found a growing area.

*A serial killer who turned himself in with “physical” evidence.

*Held at gunpoint on a deer lease 

*A special defense segment with Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, FL.

Mountain Goats!

Rocky Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are the alpine acrobats of North America, thriving in some of the continent’s most rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Despite their name, these creatures aren’t true goats; they’re more closely related to antelopes and belong to the Bovidae family. Their unique adaptations allow them to scale near-vertical cliffs with slopes exceeding 60°, thanks to specialized hooves with rough pads that provide exceptional grip on rocky surfaces .

Both male and female mountain goats sport black, recurved horns that continue to grow throughout their lives, with age rings that can be counted to determine their age after about 22 months . Their thick, white double-layered coats are not just for show; they provide insulation against harsh alpine climates, withstanding temperatures as low as -46°C and winds up to 160 km/h .

I am revamping our Higher Calling Wildlife® podcast with a new format but before we do, we have a killer episode on mountain goats that my daughter Faith helped co-host.

Check it out here.

Gulf Great White Shark Documentary Premiee-You’re Invited!

A documentary from award-winning wildlife journalist & conservationist Chester Moore.

A mysterious great white shark sighting out of Sabine Pass, TX leads to a 20-year investigation from the Texas Gulf Coast to Cape Cod. This proves the true apex predator of the Gulf of Mexico is returning to southern waters in a big win for ocean conservation.

Click here to access the event page on Facebook. Please RSVP.

World Premiere Presentation at Museum of the Gulf Coast Saturday June 21.

700 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640

Event 10-2

Documentary Premiere at Noon with second playing at 1 p.m.

Celebrating the new groundbreaking documentary on the 50th anniversary date of the “Jaws” release. 

*”The Jaws Effect: Presentation by Chester Moore 

*Premiere of Documentary 

*Q&A with Chester Moore & Videographer & Editor Paul Fuzinski and some of the stars.

*Door Prizes 

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Black Bear Kills Florida Man

In a shocking and unprecedented incident, an 88-year-old man and his dog were killed in what officials believe was a black bear attack near Jerome, Florida, early Monday morning. According to ABC News, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed this as the first fatal bear attack ever recorded in the state.

The victim, Robert Markel, was found by his daughter after she heard a disturbance and witnessed a bear attacking their family dog. After the dog was fatally mauled, she searched for her father and tragically discovered that he, too, had been attacked and killed. The two attacks occurred within a few hundred yards of each other and at different times, according to FWC spokesperson George Reynaud.

As reported by CBS News, wildlife officers immediately began searching for the black bear, setting four traps in the area and using drones to canvass the terrain. Two bears were euthanized Monday night, and The Associated Press notes that DNA testing is currently underway to determine whether either of them was responsible for the attacks.

The incident occurred near State Road 29 and U.S. 41, on the southern edge of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the area while the investigation continues and to exercise caution around wildlife

Read the rest of the story here.

Strangest Poaching Case Ever?

In this unusual episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover the bizarre case of a man who posed as a woman to gain illegal access to a city park—and its vulnerable deer population. What starts as a strange poacher scheme spirals into a web of wildlife trafficking, leading investigators deep into the shadowy world of exotic animal cloning. Join us as we track the trail from urban deer blinds to high-stakes deals involving the cloning and black-market trade of the elusive Marco Polo sheep and it’s “Frankensheep” hybrids.

Click here to listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartradio & Audible.

You can listen directly on Podbean here.

Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms

To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.

Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

@thechestermoore on Instagram

Chester Moore’s YouTube.

Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.