This holiday season, consider ditching traditional gifts and embracing the idea of gifting experiences instead. The America the Beautiful Pass offers year-long access to National Parks and Monuments, making it the perfect gift for adventure seekers. Plus, recent headlines—like zombie drones created with taxidermy and a brave Ontario man saving his wife from a polar bear attack—remind us how wild the world can be, reinforcing the importance of connecting with nature. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Material gifts often lose their luster, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's hiking through breathtaking landscapes or camping under the stars, these moments become cherished stories.

In a world already overwhelmed with "stuff," experiences like a National Parks adventure simplify life and enrich the soul, leaving behind no material clutter.

The America the Beautiful Pass is an annual pass that provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including National Parks, Monuments, and Forests.

Use the America the Beautiful Pass as the foundation for year-long celebrations. Plan trips for birthdays, anniversaries, or "just because" moments, turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.

Use the America The Beautiful Pass to plan trips throughout the year and then use those upcoming adventures as a gateway to gift giving throughout the year. Gear for the upcoming trip works perfectly to give throughout the year (birthday, anniversary or Christmas.)

Complement the America the Beautiful Pass with gifts that enhance the experience:

When gifting travel or adventure items this holiday season, remember TSA’s advice: avoid wrapping gifts. Security checks may require unwrapping, so consider decorative gift bags instead.

Reference:

https://store.usgs.gov/2025-annual-pass

Researchers are developing "zombie duck drones" and robot pheasants using taxidermy birds to improve wildlife research. These drones, made by combining preserved bird parts with battery-powered robots, mimic natural bird movements, allowing researchers to monitor wildlife without disturbing them. 

The team at New Mexico Tech has created flying and swimming drones using taxidermy ducks and pheasants. These robots help study waterfowl and other birds without the distress caused by traditional drones. The team has tested these robots in controlled environments but now seeks permission to test them in the wild. The goal is to use these drones for less invasive wildlife observation and research.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/zombie-duck-drones/

In Fort Severn, Ontario, a man displayed incredible bravery when he saved his wife from a polar bear attack early one morning. The couple had stepped outside to search for their dogs when a polar bear lunged at the woman. Without hesitation, the husband jumped onto the bear, preventing the attack but suffering severe injuries to his arm and legs. 

While this courageous act of heroism unfolded, a neighbor witnessed the horrifying scene and rushed to intervene. Armed with his firearm, the neighbor "shot the bear several times," causing it to retreat. Emergency responders later found the bear nearby dead due to its injuries.

The attack is rare, as polar bear encounters with humans are uncommon, though sightings have increased due to climate change disrupting the bears' hunting patterns. As the ice melts earlier, the bears are pushed inland in search of food. Experts stress the importance of securing food waste to avoid attracting bears and recommend fighting back if attacked, as playing dead is a myth.

https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/ontario-man-bravely-saves-wife-from-polar-bear-attack-83624

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The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.

AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com

https://tiggerandbec.com/

Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.

Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.

United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.

Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.