Utah Guide Under Fire for “Canned Hunts” and Cruelty Allegations

In case your weekend wasn’t long enough, here’s your quick western reset — five minutes of field news, gear, and grit to get you rolling into a new week.

So grab that coffee (or whiskey — no judgement) and let’s catch up.

A new 160-page Utah Attorney General report paints a brutal picture of longtime outfitter Wade Lemon — accusing him of decades of illegal and unethical behavior, including baited “canned” hunts, dog abuse, and even animal cruelty toward his own hounds.

Lemon guided a 2018 bear hunt for Donald Trump Jr., which prosecutors later said was illegally baited. The case was pled down to a wildlife infraction and a $974 fine — but investigators now claim it reflected a larger pattern of misconduct going back years.

The report suggests state officials failed to properly oversee or discipline Lemon, raising questions about accountability in the guiding industry.

👉 Read the full report via KUER

Two separate encounters near Montana’s Taylor Fork show just how quickly fall hunts can turn dangerous.

FWP reminds hunters that October overlaps peak bear feeding season — carry spray, stay in groups, and avoid carcasses.

👉 Read the official FWP release

After 45 years of applying, Wyoming hunter Lori Dickinson finally drew her dream mule deer tag — and it paid off with a stunning 200-inch buck locals nicknamed the Gray Ghost.

Shot near Rock Springs in early October, the buck is already making waves online for its massive frame and heavy non-typical growth. It’s proof that sometimes the lottery wait is worth it.

👉 Read the full story on Cowboy State Daily

🎯 Proof Research Elevation MTR 2.0
Carbon-wrapped match barrel, Zermatt action, TriggerTech trigger, and a sub-MOA guarantee — a true precision mountain rifle at around 6½ lbs.
👉 proofresearch.com/rifles/elevation-mtr

🥾 Sitka VentLite GTX Boot
GORE-TEX waterproofing, PrimaLoft Gold insulation, and Vibram Megagrip traction in a lightweight, breathable design (~35 oz each). Price: $399.
👉 sitkagear.com/products/ventlite-gtx-boot

🥾 Crispi Hunter GTX Boot
For the toughest country — high ankle support, full rubber rand, GORE-TEX liner, and Vibram Megagrip outsole. MSRP $520.
👉 crispiusa.com/hunter-htg-gtx-insulated-hunting-boot

KÜHL Interceptr Pro Vest — $109
I’ve been wearing this vest constantly — for early-morning hunts, camp coffee, and as a mid-layer under a shell. The Alfpaca GOLD fleece core keeps you warm without overheating, while the Kashmira side panels let it breathe when you’re on the move. Zippered chest and hand pockets make it practical without bulk. It’s fleece, not a wind shell — so layer accordingly when the gusts pick up.
👉 https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/fleece/interceptr-pro-vest/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUaku3i7UPf357K1ebNf1t45DsufCM_ZvKBzk6zigSB6wOZMbv&color=MUTINY%2520BLUE

This isn’t a nature clip — it’s a hands-on test of a custom-built rifle (groups, recoil, and live-fire data). If you nerd out on barrels, bedding, and which ammo the rifle prefers, this is worth the watch. Great reference if you’re thinking of a similar mountain/precision build.
👉 Watch the rifle test on YouTube

A little Monday morning muskox.
📸 @sergiushannan_photography

Thanks for reading Western Vantage — The Newsletter for Serious Hunters.
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