Three Fishermen Killed in “Massacre”

3 friends on fishing trip killed in ‘massacre’.

That headline from last weekend shook me to the core as I just broadcast a radio program about the dangers of encountering bad people on fishing and hunting expeditions. And I have recently written a series of articles on the topic.

Polk County, Fla. Sheriff Grady Judd, who has worked at the department since 1972, described the killings as a “massacre.”

“This is a horrific scene,” Judd said in an article at Yahoo News. “I’ve been to a lot of murder scenes in my life, and this ranks among the worst.”

Three friends had gathered to go fish at a remote location and had been friends for years. The victims had been beaten and shot.

Describing the “quiet, quaint” community surrounded by groves, forest and cattle ranches, Judd said the area was “about as far out in the woods as you can get.”

Just a few days later, Polk County Sheriff’s Department officials announced the arrest of three people they believe committed the murders and ambushed the anglers on the long, desolate country road.

I started writing the Deep Woods Dangers series and doing broadcasts on the topic at “Moore Outdoors” on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI and the Higher Calling podcast two years ago.

It was inspired by a question someone asked me at a seminar.

“Chester, what’s the most dangerous thing you’ve encountered in the woods?”

Without blinking I said, “people”.

This was because of dangerous encounters with people I have had fishing, hunting, and exploring in remote locations. Once I started sharing my stories, others came forth with theirs.

The idea is to let people know they should be extremely cautious in remote locations. You can learn the tips I give for staying safe in remote areas here.

In my opinion, in Texas, the most dangerous outdoor areas are remote spots located near large urban centers. During a radio broadcast, a caller revealed while going early teal hunting they found a murder victim burning on the road on their duck lease just outside of Houston. I have personally had three fishing-related run-ins in remote spots just outside of cities that have caused me to never go fishing in these locations.

Have you ever had a truly dangerous or weird run-in with people fishing? If so, please email me at chester@chestermoore.com. The more we share these stories, the more people will be aware that there are dangers out there.

Fishing is generally safe but we have to be real and admit some locations these days are anything but secure. This massacre is a dark reminder of that.

Chester Moore