Higher Calling Wildlife

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

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Black Bear Kills Florida Man

May 10, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

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.

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.

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

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors, Great White Sharks

The Missing Texas 40 & Great White Event

May 2, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

In this special lost episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover a never-before-heard interview with the late Jerrie Dean, founder of the Missing Texas 40 project.

Recorded before her passing, Jerrie shares chilling insights into unsolved disappearances, cold cases, and suspicious deaths, including a disturbing case involving a body found in a barrel and a brutal murder deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas. This rare interview sheds light on missing persons, rural crime, and the haunting mysteries hidden in the Texas wilderness. Join us for this gripping true crime story that brings forgotten victims back into the spotlight.

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

.Gulf Great White Sharks Event

Join the Museum of the Gulf Coast and Higher Calling Wildlife for the official debut of Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 700 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX. This exciting, family-friendly event is free and open to the public, featuring a screening of the brand-new documentary produced by award-winning wildlife journalist Chester Moore and filmed by Paul Fuzinski. The film dives deep into the mysterious reappearance of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas waters.

Alongside the film, attendees will enjoy a shark conservation seminar, expert insights into Gulf wildlife, behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, and family activities. Celebrate ocean science and pop culture on the 50th anniversary weekend of Jaws—the perfect moment to explore the real-life counterparts of the iconic shark.

👉 Event Details on Facebook

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

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

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

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Self Defense At Campsites & Vehicles In The Great Outdoors

April 24, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

In an intense episode of Dark Outdoors, we dive into real-world survival self defense strategies for people who find themselves under attack while in their vehicles, at campsites, or in other remote locations. Whether you’re off-roading deep in the backcountry or camping far from cell service, understanding how to react in these high-risk situations can mean the difference between life and death.

Listen and subscribe here .

Joining us is special guest Jeff Stewart—renowned author, gunsmith, and outdoorsman—who brings decades of tactical knowledge and backwoods experience and self defense to the table. We cover vehicle ambush scenarios, defensive tactics, gear recommendations, and how to mentally prepare for the unthinkable.

This is a must-listen for anyone who spends serious time off-grid, from overlanders and hunters to campers and rural residents.

And don’t miss our Missing in the Wild segment at the end of the show—brought to you by Texas Fish & Game—highlighting unresolved cases from the wilderness that demand attention.

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

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

You can listen and subscribe here on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Iheartradio, Audible & More

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Mysterious Hooded People In The Great Outdoors – Who Are They?

April 2, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

My Dark Outdoors® podcast deals with true crime and terrifying encounters in the great outdoors. The idea is to raise awareness of dangers and maybe tell a few creepy campfire stories. The episode that just dropped is the darkest yet and it involves encounters with strange hooded figures.

A border patrol agent encounters hooded figures around a fire in an area known for satanic rituals. A security guard sees a ritual taking place and three boys encounter a bizarre ritual-all involving mysterious hooded figures. In this episode we talk about encountering the dark occult, secret satanic groups and sacrificial locations in the great outdoors.

Listen directly via Podbean here.

We appreciate Chris James of the Strange Things with Chris James podcast for contributing one of these mysterious accounts..

Please subscribe to Dark Outdoors® to keep up with stories about true crime and terrifying encounters in the great outdoors.”

“Jaws” Knock-Offs

The massive success of Jaws (1975) not only redefined the summer blockbuster but also inspired a wave of imitators eager to cash in on the public’s newfound fear of apex predators. While none of these films reached Spielberg’s level of artistry, many delivered their own blend of thrills, camp, and memorable moments and we thought they would be fun to talk about this year in the 50th anniversary celebration of the far superior original. Here are three standout Jaws knock-offs from the 70s and 80s that have earned their cult followings

1. Grizzly (1976)

What happens when you swap the ocean for a national park and the great white shark for a 15-foot-tall grizzly bear? You get Grizzly, directed by William Girdler and often dubbed “Jaws with claws.” This film follows park ranger Michael Kelly (Christopher George) as he battles a giant, man-eating bear terrorizing a state park.

To read the full article go to my Gulf Great White Sharks blog 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.

Listen to a special edition of Dark Outdoors® on this intriguing topic.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Feral Apes In America? We Think So

March 27, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Across the American South, particularly in states like Texas and Florida, tales have surfaced for decades of strange, often unnerving encounters in the wilderness—not with known native wildlife, but with creatures resembling feral apes or wild primates. From the dense thickets of East Texas to the swamplands of the Everglades, eyewitnesses describe encounters with everything from monkeys to baboons and even orangutans.

In many cases, witnesses claim the creatures are aggressive or territorial—throwing objects, making guttural vocalizations, and displaying what seems like deliberate intimidation.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartradio & Audible here.

Some researchers believe these sightings may be linked to feral populations of escaped or released primates. In the mid-20th century, exotic pet ownership and roadside zoos were far more common, and many animals were let loose or escaped into the wild. Over time, it’s possible that some species adapted to their environments, forming secretive breeding populations in remote, unmonitored regions.

Wildlife journalist and field investigators have documented everything from anomalous hair samples to strange vocal recordings in these hotspots. The behaviors described—chest-beating, howling, and ambush-like movements—align more with great apes than with any known North American species.

In the latest episode of Dark Outdoors, we dive deep into these encounters with feral apes and wild primates, exploring the theories, legends, and firsthand accounts that paint a chilling portrait of what might be lurking just beyond the campfire’s glow

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.

You can listen here on Apple Podcasts & Spotify here.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors, Uncategorized

Missing People In The Swamps – Plus Poaching Ring Busted

March 11, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Swamps are popular places for hunting, fishing and camping.

Swamps are also a place where many crimes are committed and where many missing people simply vanished.

In this captivating episode of the Dark Outdoors podcast, renowned author and adventurer Lyle Blackburn delves into the enigmatic and often perilous realms of North America’s swamplands, as chronicled in his book, “Sinister Swamps: Monsters and Mysteries from the Mire.” Tailored for hunting and fishing enthusiasts, this discussion unveils the hidden dangers and mysteries lurking within these shadowy wetlands.

You can also listen directly on Podbean.

Unexplained Disappearances in the Everglades and Great Dismal Swamp

Blackburn recounts chilling tales of hunters, campers, and outdoorsmen who vanished without a trace in the vast expanses of the Everglades and the Great Dismal Swamp. These stories of missing outdoors lovrs highlight the unpredictable and treacherous nature of these environments, where dense foliage and murky waters can conceal both natural and unnatural threats. Listeners are urged to consider the potential hazards that lie beyond the familiar trails, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in such remote areas.

The Eerie Phenomenon of Mysterious Dolls in an Alabama Swamp

Venturing into the heart of an Alabama swamp, Blackburn explores the unsettling discovery of mysterious dolls eerily displayed among the trees. This bizarre tableau has puzzled locals and visitors alike, sparking theories ranging from local folklore to sinister intentions. For those who frequent the outdoors, this account serves as a reminder of the inexplicable occurrences that can transform a routine excursion into an uncanny experience as is typical of Lyle’s writing style noted here on Richard Syrett’s Strange Planet.

Deadly Criminals in the Swamps

The conversation takes a darker turn as Blackburn delves into documented cases of criminals who utilized the swamps as their hunting grounds or as clandestine sites to conceal their heinous acts. The labyrinthine nature of these wetlands, with their dense vegetation and elusive wildlife, provides an almost perfect cover for nefarious activities. This segment underscores the potential dangers posed not just by the environment but by those who exploit its seclusion for malicious purposes.

By shedding light on these sinister aspects of swamplands, the episode not only entertains but also educates outdoor aficionados on the importance of awareness and safety in the field with a heart for those gone missing.

Dark Outdoors® is partnering with Texas Fish & Game to bring to light missing people in wild places. Stay tuned to the series for new cases.

Nilgai Poaching In Texas

Texas Game Wardens arrested a local hunting outfitter and two others for illegally guiding nilgai hunts on private property. The suspects used airboats and thermal optics to take clients on hunts for the exotic animals, operating a sophisticated scheme and profiting from illegal activity.

The individuals have been charged with hunting exotic animals without landowner consent, theft of exotic livestock and engaging in organized criminal activity.

The arrests were the result of a nearly year-long investigation by Texas Game Wardens in the Rio Grande Valley area. Warrants were served on multiple properties simultaneously and were executed with the support of multiple game wardens, including the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group, as well as Homeland Security Investigations, due to the organized criminal activity aspect of the case.

The case remains under investigation and no further details are available at this time.

Chester Moore

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

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

Click here to get our Linktree to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcats, IHeartradio & Audible. Please subscribe!

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Man Survives Attack By Grizzly He Met Before!

March 5, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

In this special episode of Dark Outdoors®, we bring you an uncut, hour-long firsthand account from Ben Verheul, a man who faced one of nature’s apex predators—and lived to tell the tale. Deep in the Wyoming backcountry, Verheul found himself in a life-or-death struggle with a grizzly bear, one he shockingly realized he had encountered before.

From the eerie premonition of danger to the brutal reality of the attack, Verheul recounts every chilling detail of his survival. What went through his mind in those critical moments? How did he fight back? And what does his experience teach us about the raw unpredictability of the wild?

If bear stories captivate you, this one will leave you speechless. Tune in to Dark Outdoors® for this gripping true survival tale, proudly sponsored by Texas Fish & Game, bringing you their Missing in the Wild reports in every episode.

Listen here on Podbean.

Great White Shark Documentary

Would you like to be part of a shark documentary? I am producing a very special one involving great white sharks that will be released this June. To help cover final production costs, I am opening up an opportunity to get you, your business or someone you love’s name listed in the credits.

This will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people and help us spread the word of shark conservation.

Spaces are limited. A minimum $50 donation for each name will get a credit listing until we run out of space.

You can donate here. via Payal.

Put the person or business name you want listed in the memo.

Have you ever had an encounter that sounds like it would be a good topic for Dark Outdoors? If so, please email chester@chestermoore.com.

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

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

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

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Dark Outdoors -Military Faces Man-Eating Crocs!

February 27, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Dark Outdoors® is now a weekly program! We just kicked off our weekly episodes with a wild man.

I interview author R.C. Bramhall author of Haunted War Tales: True Military Encounters with the Bizarre, Paranormal and Unexplained about the terrifying wildlife encounters faced by military around the world.

We cover:

*A Crocodile-Caused Massacre

*Tiger Attacks

*The U.S.S. Indianapolis

*Snakebites

*Huge bunker rats in Vietnam and much, much more!

Click here to get the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible & IHeartradio.

Listen directly on Podbean here.

You subscribing helps me to grow my audience which helps my family. Being an independent media worker who runs a ministry for hurting children without a salary is tough. It’s by God’s grace and people like you following my work that I can keep doing the things I do.

Great White Shark Documentary

Would you like to be part of a shark documentary? I am producing a very special one involving great white sharks that will be released this June. To help cover final production costs, I am opening up an opportunity to get you, your business or someone you love’s name listed in the credits.

This will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people and help us spread the word of shark conservation.

Spaces are limited. A minimum $50 donation for each name will get a credit listing until we run out of space.

You can donate here. via Payal.

Put the person or business name you want listed in the memo.

Have you ever had an encounter that sounds like it would be a good topic for Dark Outdoors? If so, please email chester@chestermoore.com.

Chester Moore
John 3:16

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

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

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

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors

Win For Subscribing To Dark Outdoors!

January 13, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

The great outdoors has its light and dark sides, and here at Dark Outdoors, we’re committed to exploring both. Our mission is to uncover the untold stories, raise awareness about critical issues, and shine a light on the topics that many in the outdoor community shy away from. But to keep doing this vital work, we need your help.

Why Subscriptions Matter

Dark Outdoors is an independent media project. That means no big corporate backing, no glossy sponsorships dictating our content—just raw, real stories from the wilderness. Every blog post, podcast episode, and investigation is powered by passion and the support of our community. Subscriptions aren’t just about sustaining our work; they’re about making sure we can:

Dive Deep into Untold Stories: From environmental issues to outdoor safety, we cover topics that often go unnoticed.
Raise Awareness: With your support, we can amplify the voices and issues that need attention in the outdoor world like the growing and developing true crime, animal attacks and strange encounters in the great outdoors.
Support Our Families: As an independent creator, this isn’t just a passion—it’s our livelihood. Your subscription helps keep the lights on and ensures we can continue to bring you meaningful content.

Exclusive Perks for Subscribers

We value our community and want to give something back. That’s why we’re offering a special gift:

Get a Dark Outdoors Decal: Subscribe to Dark Outdoors and send us an email with your address. As a thank-you, we’ll mail you a Dark Outdoors decal. It’s a small token of appreciation and a way for you to proudly show your support.

How to Subscribe

Joining our community is simple. We’ve provided a subscription link right here. Just click, sign up, and you’re in. Once you’ve subscribed, email us with your address, and we’ll get your decal on its way.

Why Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever

The world of independent media is more challenging than ever, but it’s also more important. We’re dedicated to bringing you stories that matter, whether it’s exposing environmental threats, sharing survival tips, or discussing the challenges people face in the wild. Your subscription ensures that these stories keep coming.

So if you believe in the power of storytelling, if you care about the outdoors, and if you want to support independent media that’s making a difference, we invite you to subscribe to Dark Outdoors today.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we can make sure these stories are told and that the important issues in the outdoor world don’t go unnoticed.

Stay wild,

Chester Moore

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

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