Fact Or Fiction: Survival Hunter, New Zealand Bans #2, Montana Ends Wolf Hunt

When it comes to generating amazing stories, outdoor reality can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood’s latest craziness. But not all of the following outdoor news is true—can you figure our fibs? Read on to find out—and remember, no using the Google to cheat!

Hunter survives two weeks in Wyoming wilderness. A hunter from Casper, Wyo., went on a hunting trip to the Big Horn mountains with two friends when he became separated. Subsequent search parties were unable to find Travis McMahan, and he was presumed dead. A final search party consisting of friends and family went back into the mountains last week ahead of a predicted snow storm for one last look. To their surprise, they found him stumbling and hallucinatory from lack of food. The hunter survived for 14 days off of little more than snow, meager rations of dehydrated chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes he found in a sheepherder’s cabin, and a rotten fish.

New Zealand bans defecating in the backcountry. To the astonishment of hikers along New Zealand’s popular Routebourne Track, the Department of Conservation posted these signs at huts along the way: “Please do not defecate in our National Parks. Heavy duty tramping nappies are available from all DoC visitor centres free of charge, and DoC hut wardens carry an emergency supply. Toilets in conservation areas are strictly for urination only.” After public outcry at the Department of Conservation’s strict efforts to cut down on human backcountry waste, they finally removed the signs and restored defecation privileges.

Montana ends wolf hunt shy of quota. Montana’s first wolf hunt in decades came to an end just after sunset on Sunday, but officials capped the hunt at 72 wolves, less than the statewide quota of 75. Wildlife representatives from the state ended the hunt early, because they think weekend tallies could end up going over the limit.

And the big lie is… (CLICK HERE TO READ)

Could you call out the B.S. news item? How did you know? Which one fooled you? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Ted Alvarez