EDITOR’S NOTES by Chester Moore – September/October 2020
DOGGETT AT LARGE by Joe Doggett – September/October 2020
August 26, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – September/October 2020
August 26, 2020
Friends on Fishing Trip Killed in ‘Massacre’
THAT HEADLINE SHOOK ME to the core as I had just broadcast a radio program about the dangers of encountering bad people on fishing and hunting expeditions. I have recently written a series of articles on the topic at fishgame.com.
Polk County, Florida 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 men who had been friends for years, had gathered to go fish at a remote location. The victims had been beaten and shot.
Just a few days later, Polk County Sheriff’s Department officials announced the arrest of three people they believe had ambushed the anglers on the long, desolate country road and committed the murders.
I started writing the “Deep Woods Dangers” series and doing broadcasts on the topic at fishgame.com, Moore Outdoors; 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, while fishing, hunting, and exploring in remote locations. Once I started sharing my stories, others came forth with theirs.
In my opinion, the most dangerous outdoor areas in Texas are remote spots located near large urban centers. During a radio broadcast, a caller revealed that on an early teal hunt, he found a murder victim burning on the road on his duck lease just outside of Houston.
I have personally had three fishing-related run-ins in remote spots just outside of cities. This has caused me never to go fishing in these locations.
Hunters, of course, are just as likely to encounter dangerous people.
Anthony Michael Bilodeau, 31, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Jake Sansom, 39, and Morris Cardinal, 57, in Alberta, Canada during the spring of 2020. Sansom and Morris were killed while driving back from a successful moose hunt on a rural road.
There are many reasons hunters and anglers could be in serious danger from people in these areas. The include the following:
1. Randomly running into sociopaths in rural areas who see the isolation as an opportunity to do harm.
2. Confrontations with other hunters and anglers or property owners in remote spots.
3. Idiot hunters who shouldn’t be in the woods. I’m talking about the tiny minority who shoot at anything that moves. We read stories about their acts every year.
4. Sexual predators looking for victims on hiking trails, etc.
5. Coming across meth labs, pot fields and other drug-related operations.
6. Serial killers.
Over the years, I have learned a few things about staying safe in the woods from people with bad intentions.
•Bad Vibes: If you feel bad about going into an area don’t go. I am a follower of Christ. I believe sometimes this is the Holy Spirit telling me to stay away. You may not believe that, but just call it a “gut feeling” and go with it.
•Never Alone: As much as I love to be in the distant forest alone with my camera—don’t you do it. Always bring someone along. Preferably someone who is experienced in the woods. You are far more likely to get hurt by evil people if you are alone.
•Pack Heat: If it’s legal where you are, use your Second Amendment right, and carry a firearm. Make sure you are trained in its use and be prepared to do what is necessary.
Better you should defend yourself against a maniac than become a statistic. Also, carry a large knife with you. In close quarters it could save your life.
•Study the Area: The Internet is a great tool for studying areas. For example, if you find an area is a high drug trafficking area, avoid it like the plague.
I have several areas I no longer frequent because of this issue.
•Stay Calm: If you do encounter people in the woods who seem uneasy or a bit shifty, stay calm. Getting angry or showing fear is a good way to trigger someone who has violent tendencies.
•Travel Plan: Leave your spouse or close friends a travel plan, and let them know the points you plan to explore. Give them a time frame. Let them know to call for help if you have not returned by a certain time or day.
•Strategic Parking: Always park your vehicle facing out of the area as you check out. In a tight spot, you don’t want to have to back up and turn around during a retreat.
Also, park in a spot in a clear area that you can see from a distance. If someone is waiting on you or has moved into the spot, it will give you a chance to assess the situation and prepare.
•Buy And Carry A Beacon: I carry a Spot-X beacon that will alert all rescue personnel at the touch of a button. Don’t rely on just a cell phone. Get a beacon of some kind, too.
•Talk To Locals: Not all information is on social media. Talking to locals in a gun shop or sporting goods store can give you good intel on the local region.
Have you ever had a truly dangerous or weird run-in with people fishing or hunting? 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 and hunting are 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.
Email Chester Moore at cmoore@fishgame.com
