Higher Calling Wildlife

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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Uncategorized

Discovering Bighorns

March 19, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Dubois, WY – The awe-inspiring story of one of North America’s most iconic wildlife species comes to life in Discovering Bighorns, a brand-new documentary by award-winning wildlife vjournalist Chester Moore and cinematographer Paul Fuzinski.

Moore embarked on a mission to uncover an educational platform that not only supports wild sheep conservation but also ignites passion for wildlife in the next generation. His search led him to the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY and the heart of bighorn country, where the Center’s dedication to outreach, education, and conservation takes center stage.

Moore visiting with Vivian, one of the kids in hs program at the National Bighorn Sheep Center.

Through Moore’s Higher Calling Wildlife® initiative—an extension of his Wild Wishes® program, which grants wildlife encounters to children facing special challenges—Discovering Bighorns showcases how real-life experiences in nature can transform lives and cultivate young conservationists. The film captures these emotional and powerful moments, blending stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

“I initially collaborated with them on connecting with families in their area that quality for our Wild Wishes program and soon found the facility not only had great educational value but heart. So, we decided to document this through a mini documentary,” Moore said.

Filmed by Paul Fuzinski and Seth Gieb, and edited by Fuzinski the documentary also features the team’s journey to Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the majestic landscape that supports wild sheep and other mountain ungulates.

Produced, written, and narrated by Chester Moore, Discovering Bighorns not only introduces viewers to the breathtaking world of bighorn sheep, but also delves into the National Bighorn Sheep Center’s national impact—from its interactive exhibits and wildlife tours to its tireless efforts in community outreach and habitat conservation.

Located near the Wind River Mountains, the National Bighorn Sheep Center is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It offers immersive exhibits, guided tours, and crucial education on the threats facing bighorn sheep—including disease, predation, and human encroachment—while fostering a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

“Discovering Bighorns is more than a film. It’s a call to action—a celebration of those who dedicate their lives to conserving these incredible animals and a tribute to the children whose lives are changed by their encounters with them,” Moore said.

The first in a series of public viewings of the film will be at the Hunt-Fish Podcast Summit in Texas March 21 as part of their film festival.

Discovering Bighorns is now available for viewing here. To learn more about the film, the National Bighorn Sheep Center, and how to support bighorn conservation, visit bighorn.org

For interview requests with Chester Moore, email chester@chestermoore.com or text 409-920-2062.

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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

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Check out this unusual bear story from Texas I did for Texas Fish & Game.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Uncategorized

700-Pound Black Bear Taken In Louisiana

January 20, 2025 Chester Moore Leave a comment

The first Louisiana black bear hunting season in more than 35 years successfully concluded Sunday (Dec. 22) and included a 696-pound adult male bear harvested by Louisiana military veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Deron Santiny, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The bear was the largest harvested in Louisiana during the season and the biggest observed in recent department history.

“I could not be prouder of the efforts of Secretary Sheahan and the entire LDWF team for making this black bear season a reality for the first time in over 35 years. Congratulations to each of the hunters who successfully harvested bears, especially to Louisiana military veteran Deron Santiny. Deron harvested the potential largest bear in state history, coming in at 696 pounds,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Louisiana is finally back on the map for bear hunting, and we are only going to grow from here!”

A total of 10 bears – eight males and two females – were harvested in the special season, which was administered by LDWF, and ran from Dec. 7-22. The season, in which 11 hunting permits were distributed, included Bear Management Area 4, made up of Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes and portions of Richland, Franklin, and Catahoula parishes. Of the 10 bears, one 490 pound male bear and one 383 pound male bear were harvested in North Madison parish near where Teddy Roosevelt camped in his successful Louisiana bear hunt in 1907.

“We are so excited about the success of this historic black bear season and proud of the many efforts of our department, hunters, private landowners, and partners to bring back this treasured Louisiana species,” said LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “Providing hunters in our state a chance at harvesting a bear for the first time this century is a big win for conservation, and to see our hunters have such great success with a military veteran harvesting a potential record-breaking bear is indicative of many prosperous black bear seasons to come.”

Santiny’s bear was taken in Tensas Parish and is believed to be in its late teens to early 20s. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks said it is the largest bear he has seen in Louisiana, topping a 608-pound bear that was killed in a vehicle accident. Louisiana adult male black bears generally grow to between 450-550 pounds. The bear will be measured after the 60-day waiting period for Boone and Crockett scoring.

Santiny was the recipient of a hunting permit from the Healing Road Foundation. The foundation was able to raffle a harvest permit for the 2024 season designated for a Louisiana military veteran.

The Healing Road Foundation is a veteran-founded and managed organization dedicated to providing life-changing outdoor experiences to wounded veterans, survivors and their children to help reconnect families and lead them on a path to rehabilitation and healing. Through partnering with the Healing Road Foundation, LDWF is able to give back to those who have served our country and advance black bear management efforts to provide more hunting opportunities to sportsmen of Louisiana.

All black bear lottery fees and license revenue will be reinvested directly into the Louisiana Black Bear Program. These funds will assist LDWF biologists in continuing to conduct bear management operations such as annual live trapping and radio-collaring of bears, winter den checks to monitor reproductive rates, and non-invasive hair sampling to monitor range expansion.

The Louisiana black bear is one of the state’s most recent conservation success stories. The animal was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of many stakeholders to monitor black bear population numbers, restore habitat and protect the bear for the long term, it was removed from the list in 2016.

For more information on Healing Road Foundation, go to https://www.thehealingroad.org/.

For more information on the management of the Louisiana black bear, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB_oXGkwDUA.

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Recently a police officer in Longview in East Texas road-killed a cougar. You can read that story here.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Cougars, Uncategorized

Photographic Proof Mountain Lions – Cougars – Roam East Texas

January 9, 2025 Chester Moore 10 Comments

The existence of mountain lions (cougars) in East Texas has been a controversial topic over the last 50 years.

Wildlife officials have balked at their existence and at one point their distribution was officially designated as living only West of Interstate 35 with breeding populations only in the Trans Pecos (far West Texas) and the South Texas Brush Country.

The fact is cougars are native in East Texas and have never been eliminated completely.

They are indigenous to the entire Lower 48, much of Canada and extend their range into the southern tip of South America.

When wildlife was wiped out in the late 1800s and early 1900s cougars like everything else declined. But as science-based wildlife management took root whitetail populations rose from 500,000 continent-wide to 25 million.

Cougar populations rose too.

It is my opinion through much research and many interviews they never left East Texas but they did decline and their seems to be ample of evidence more are showing up in the region.

In 2010-11 I reached out to many hunters, hunting clubs and wildlife enthusiasts and was given three different photos of cougars taken in that span in Newton and Jasper Counties. These photos were never circulated on the Internet. These were firsthand accounts. I thought I had lost these but was recently able to recover an old computer and found them.

These two photo were taken near Newton, the seat of Newton County on the Louisiana border. They were taken a few miles apart a fairly short time apart and me and the taker of the second photo believe it’s the same cat.

This next photo is a much larger cat-a mature male (no doubt) and this was taken on a hunting club in Jasper County. This is not the same animal and was taken the previous year.

These are not grainy shots with a motion blur showing a bobcat with the tail obscured. These are actual mountain lions and none of them showed up on the Internet before I published them in a series I was doing at the time in the Port Arthur News.

I get photos of cats sent to me multiple times a week for identification. Some think they’ve seen a black panther while others are wondering if they got a cougar.

The vast majority of the “cougar” photos are bobcats. People have a hard time judging scale and recognizing bobcats actually do have tails and some of them are pretty long.

Some of these “cougars” are actually feral house cats.

And I don’t fault anyone for misidentification. Not everyone is a wildlife expert.

But there are cougars out there west of Interstate 35 in Texas and there are legitimate photos and videos nows from Louisiana, Arkanas and other states.

There certainly isn’t a dense population like those that exist in Colorado or even the Trans Pecos of Texas but there are cougars out there. They have a big range and I believe they are reestablishing themselves in areas where many have thought them extinct for decades.

They are in East Texas.

How many? No one knows but their existence is unquestionable.

A big part of my journey as a wildlife journalist was encountering one while rabbit hunting in Orange County in seventh grade. You can read about that encounter here and the unique confirmation of my sighting.

If you have photos or videos of cougars -mountain lions -or of any mysterious cat email me at chester@chestermoore.com. I would love to see the photos and can maybe share some insights with you.

Cougars are amazing animals and their ability to remain elusive is what makes them so special. I’m grateful we have trail cameras now to even the odds a bit and give us a look at their lives in the wild areas-even of East Texas.

Chester Moore

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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Dark Outdoors, Uncategorized

Huge Drones Seen Coming Off Water -Major Drone Mapping Project Announced

December 27, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Dark Outdoors® gives an exclusive, detailed report of a huge drone seen at Sabine Lake on the Texas-Louisiana border as well as a large drone in the interior of Louisiana, plus more reports from the region.

We also talk with Scott Tompkins who has created www.dronetracker.app a mapping system to log drone sightings and to help get to the bottom of what’s going on.

Have you seen a strange drone? If so, you can share with us and choose to remain anonymous. Email chester@chestermoore.com.

So Why Report On These Drones?

*It’s obvious something strange is going on and the government is not being honest.

*People are seeing these on the water and while hunting, hiking and camping-that’s our domain.

*I have been putting together reports that go back several years of people being followed and even harassed by strange drones in the great outdoors.

Subscribe to Dark Outdoors®

Please subscribe to the award-winning Dark Outdoors® podcast to get an outdoors show like no other.

We cover true crime, animal attacks and strange encounters in the great outdoors and are set to make a big announcement on the show.

You can subscribe by clicking the link below that has links to the program on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeartradio & more. This helps me do what I believe is important work.

Thank you for supporting me all these years! Much, much more to come in 2024.

Subscribe to Dark Outdoors® here.

Chester Moore

Download and subscribe on all major podasting platforms such is IHeartradio, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Link to the podcast on all of these platforms below.

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Grizzly Attack Survivor Speaks For The First Time!

October 22, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Ben Verheul, a hunter from Wyoming, experienced two harrowing encounters with grizzly bears during an elk hunting trip that pushed his survival instincts to the limit.

In an interview with Chester Moore on Dark Outdoors, Verheul recounted how the first incident occurred during the day when he was scouting the area.

Get link to listen to the program on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & IHeartradio by clicking here.

You can also listen to the player below.

He came face-to-face with a grizzly, narrowly escaping a direct confrontation. As if that wasn’t enough, a second, even more intense encounter unfolded later that night. While walking back to camp in the darkness, Verheul was suddenly attacked by another grizzly, leaving him in a desperate fight for his life.

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If you would like to contribute to Higher Calling Wildlife’s next expedition in the Smoky Mountains you can donate here.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

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The White Buffalo, Hope And The Higher Calling Wildlife Yellowstone Expedition

July 25, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

The Higher Calling Wildlife® “Hope Is Alive Expedition” kicked off this week in the breathtaking Yellowstone region.

This initiative, led by founder Chester Moore, seeks to uplift children facing extraordinary challenges such as critical illnesses, the loss of parents or siblings, and marginalization. These young participants will be mentored in wildlife conservation and how to use photography as a means of making people aware of wildlife and their habitat.

A symbol of this mission’s spirit is the expedition’s official logo, a white bison. This emblem was inspired by the recent birth of a rare white bison in Yellowstone, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the extraordinary possibilities that nature offers.

An early Higher Calling Wildlife expedition led to kids finding this white bison in Texas. (Photo by Chester Moore)

Moore expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with the National Bighorn Sheep Center.

Moore received the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY “Bighorn Educator of the Year Award” in 2024. Now, the Center is helping connect kids to Higher Calling Wildlife’s outreach.

“Their support has been instrumental in helping us reach out to these incredible kids in the region. The Center’s dedication to wildlife conservation aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re making a difference in these children’s lives.”

Aptitude Outdoors is on hand to document this transformative journey, aiming to create an inspiring documentary. This film will highlight the expedition and encourage children to engage in wildlife photography, a powerful tool for raising awareness about conservation.

Reflecting on his own childhood, Moore shared, “Growing up, I devoured magazines like Sports Afield, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life. I dreamed of traveling west to see bighorn sheep, bison, bears, and to fish the pristine trout streams. Now, not only do I get to live that dream, but I also get to share it with kids who need hope the most. Empowering them to experience the beauty of wildlife and nature is truly a dream come true.”

The “Hope Is Alive Expedition” aims to install a sense of hope and possibility in every child they work with, proving that, like the white bison, remarkable and unexpected things can happen.

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You can read that article here where I also delve into the history of elk in Texas which is deep and complex. Despite what some say, elk are a native species.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

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Uncategorized

My Texas Elk Investigation Expands

July 16, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

A few months ago I posted a blog about elk populations expanding in Texas due to high fence population escapes.

I just confirmed an was elk killed in East Texas in May and also of another shot last hunting season.

I am going to do a mini-documentary on Texas elk populations and I need your help.

I need video, photos and accounts of elk in Texas. It can be recently or in the past.

A free-ranging elk in Kendall County, TX. (Photo Courtesy Connie Powell)

There are four key areas I am looking for. They are as follows:

* East Texas: There is a small but seemingly growing population of elk in an isolated pocket of East Texas.

*Hill Country: There are elk in several areas of the Hill Country that seem to be increasing including around Rocksprings and in Kendall County.

*Trans Pecos: This is where our native herd still exists yet due to elk not being considered a game animal and there are no official surveys.

*Panhandle: I am hearing of elk roaming several areas in the Panhandle region.

You can reach me via chester@chestermoore.com with photos, videos and links to any content I might be missing out there.

The documentary will be released Oct. 3 (my birthday) and will open many people’s eyes to a truly unique wildlife story in Texas.

Gulf Great White Sharks!

Make sure and go over to our sister blog Gulf Great White Sharks at www.gulfgreatwhites.com and subscribe for lots of unique shark content.

Email me you subscribed and get one of these sweet decals.

Chester Moore

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Higher Calling Wildlife, Uncategorized

Moose Mission Kicks Off In Colorado!

July 1, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Moose are some of the most incredible animals in North America.

These massive creatures face numerous challenges, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about what’s going on with them.

While not anywhere near endangered or threatened there are issues that need a deeper examination.

Moose are primarily found in the northern parts of the United States, and Canada thriving in cold climates and forested areas. Warming temperatures, particularly in parts of their range, have disrupted their natural habitats.

Declining water sources in some areas are causing moose problems. (Photo by Caden)

This has manifested in an explosion of tick infestations. Warmer winters mean more ticks survive, leading to higher infestations. These parasites can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their chances of survival, especially in calves. One moose was verified to have more than 100,000 ticks on it.

Habitat loss is another pressing concern. As urban areas expand and forests are cleared for development, moose lose their natural habitats. This not only forces them into closer contact with humans, leading to more moose-human conflicts but also increases the likelihood of encounters with dogs, which can be dangerous for both the animals and humans involved.

Mule deer like moose which share much of the same habitat in Colorado have been impacted by increasing wolves and bears in certain areas. (Photo by Bellamy)

In regions like Yellowstone, the reintroduction of wolves has had a negative impact on moose numbers. While wolves play a role in ecosystems, their predation pressure on moose has contributed to declining populations in some areas.

In 2024, my wife, Lisa and I will lead an expedition in Colorado to give kids the opportunity to photograph wildlife and we had a great opportunity to photograph a bull moose.

Higher Calling Wildlife® aims to teach kids how to use photography as a tool for wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection with nature and raising awareness of conservation issues.

This expedition is also the launch of Lisa’s “Moose Mission” project. Inspired by a 2019 encounter with a moose in Colorado, Lisa developed a profound respect for the species and felt compelled to help them.

“That encounter made me realize just how majestic and vulnerable these animals are. I knew I had to find a way to contribute to their conservation.”

Through the Moose Mission, we hope to shed light on the various challenges moose face and encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts. By educating the next generation about the importance of preserving wildlife, we can inspire them to take action and make a difference.

We enjoyed our time in the Colorado wild with a wonderful family who took to wildlife photography and we could tell had a deep appreciation for wildlife.

Their photographic efforts shown here are helping people learn more about moose conservation. We can’t thank them enough.

And thank you for joining us in this mission. Stay tuned for updates from the field and stories from the young photographers who are making a difference. Together, we can make a significant impact on wildlife conservation.

Chester Moore

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