What Actually Happened with Muley Freak's Erik Van Woerkom | HUNTR Podcast

[@RedneckRangeTime]

As someone from the community this happened in, I have had similar run ins with the same land owner. I was hunting a piece that bordered it, and watched this buck bed in the same place every morning, but couldn’t pattern where he was crossing the fence at because he never crossed in the same place. I talked to the landowner and asked if I could go after this buck on his property, and he told me I could, but not to let his nephews catch me on the property. I actually feel responsible for Erik getting into this situation. I ran into him at our local gas station and he asked how the hunting was here. I told him it’s decent, and he drew a tag. I felt awful for recommending it to him because of the stress it put on him, Janessa, and his family.

[@HUNTRPOD]

First off really appreciate you putting this out there. It’s not your fault or Erik’s, ultimately this landowner is a pathological liar, and that paired with some over the top law enforcement made this situation a shit storm lol

[@MuleyFreak]

It’s not your fault, amigo. If words aren’t your bond and a handshake means nothing then what good are we? 🤷‍♂️ “Go ahead and hunt Erik, just don’t let anyone see you because I don’t want a million people stopping by after they see you hunting” your story with the same landowner sounds awful familiar.

[@RedneckRangeTime]

@@MuleyFreak didn’t change the feeling, I knew what happened, but didn’t change how I felt. I’m glad it all ended the way it did brother.

[@dstagg069]

Great podcast as always guys!!! Keep up the good work! Wasn't able to attend Iowa deer classic this year as we had prior obligations however it would be great to meet u all sometime!! Hopefully you all attend the classic next year!

[@HUNTRPOD]

Heck yea man look forward to it!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Hunting mulies in the West is always such a great time

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

💯

[@MuleyFreak]

It's the best the time!

[@mikerussell883]

Erik is a solid guy who is out to help the hunting industry. He is passionate about creating content for everyone to watch and enjoy just as much as he did making the video. Erik's comment when he said he wasn't going to press charges against the DNR officer, show the true person Muley Freak Erik is. Thanks for sharing this experience, and I hope it will provide some help to someone who is going through a similar issue. Thanks to HUNTR for putting this great podcast together for everyone to listen. Keep making content for all to enjoy.

[@MuleyFreak]

Appreciate the kind words, Mike!

[@coltonread]

How is a civilian going to press charges against a DNR officer?

[@jeremycavaretta1035]

Another great one boys! I am now a big Muley Freak fan!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for the listen, Jeremy!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

People will drive ya crazy. Sounds like it should have been squashed real early. Drives me absolutely nuts when people refuse to answer the phone or return calls.

[@MuleyFreak]

Should of been squashed early on, but again, a few folks were gunning for promotions...

[@jeremywilliams7439]

Should be a recourse on the Fish Cop, at least make it public on who it is and let the outdoor industry publish articles on these individuals in the same fashion.

[@MuleyFreak]

We considered some recourse there, but at the end of the way wanted to be done with it. You reap what you sow.

[@jeremywilliams7439]

@@MuleyFreak I can completely understand your take, however wouldn't it be nice to have an app that published every county in every states game violations and whos doing the ticketing? That way there is a public data showing proven history for people to be aware of when applying for units. Of course everyone should ALWAYS go above and beyond to make sure they do not break any laws but those states agencies who employee these offers should also feel some of the repercussions of their actions.

[@ep3389]

​@@MuleyFreakI think you should out them as well. Ppl have the right to know who they are dealing with. They also destroyed your name, why let them do that to someone else?

[@Leatherwoodoutdoors]

Great podcast. Imagine how often this happens and you never hear about it. Glad he had the evidence.

[@wiscofan53821]

He pleaded down to lesser charges, this is the 3rd or 4th time this has happened to him and it’s always somebody else’s fault

[@bigbadfella]

What evidence? He plead guilty.

[@HUNTRPOD]

He pled guilty to disturbing the peace lol essentially the DA spent too many tax payer dollars on it so had to do something

[@bigbadfella]

@@HUNTRPODNice try. It wasn’t just disturbing the peace. He pled guilty to trespassing too. How many trespassing convictions is that now? Keep ball gargling all you want but the real ones know the truth.

[@MuleyFreak]

When this went down we had a dozen DMs of folks in similar situations over permission and politics of other hunters who had permission on the same tract of land. Unfortunately, it happens. We chalked it up as a learning experience and cover your butt going forward.

[@jordanhudson5075]

Podcast room looks really good, audio is so much better

[@HUNTRPOD]

Nice! Thanks man

[@dylaningram9633]

Love the content fellas. Western PA fella and maybe I’ll see you boys in Columbiana County sometime!!

[@Leatherwoodoutdoors]

Room looks good. I spy a liquor shelf!. Needs to be highlighted just a bit, hard to see whats there 😉. Look foward to listening!

[@HUNTRPOD]

We have some good ones showing on it!

[@jimmyalamo839]

not gunna lie this gives me mad respect for what trumps going through right now.

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

🙏🔥

[@nickmillican4341]

Amen

[@MuleyFreak]

Truth prevails in this case.

[@AikensLake701]

lol that’s a joke right?

[@jimmyalamo839]

@@AikensLake701 hell yea what trumps going through right now is a joke. glad alot of people can see the corruption in our justice system

[@robertmyers7542]

Erik, thanks for calling out Jesus in this podcast brother! We need more men like you that won’t dodge the King. When you did they immediately changed the subject quick, fear of losing listeners and money. Keep spreading the word Erik, thanks for being a strong man of faith!!!!

[@MuleyFreak]

Jesus is king! Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@jeremycavaretta1035]

Definitely be getting that harness with the arrow quiver for sure! Such a great idea

[@MuleyFreak]

It should be ready here in just a few short weeks!

[@jamiebeale4458]

Just got my game changer today hands down awesome product thanks Eric

[@danchamberlain9434]

Great show & a cool dude!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Thanks for watching 💪

[@primerevolution2307]

No one does more for veteran and disabled hunters than Muley Freak. That alone tells me the true character of these folks.

[@MuleyFreak]

We love our Veterans!

[@daveyboy8907]

Unfortunately our system is flawed,crooked and corrupt...That's why the statue of the lady of justice is tilted. Sad but true..Great stream guys ..🍻

[@JRegerWVOH]

wonder if you thought that too about George Floyd.. lol

[@wiscofan53821]

It’s never Erik’s fault, it wasn’t the first time he got busted, or the second time, or the third time. This guy is a total tool and it’s wild that you would try to paint him in a sympathetic light

[@jackjohnson7236]

Seems like you're the tool

[@metalheadshred]

So a guy who has never been convicted of a serious crime is a tool? If you do your research and really look into things instead of reading headlines and rumors you can see he’s a good person, not perfect, but good, and innocent. These things are not simple. He’s lucky he’s able to put up a legal fight because most people can’t. You guys sound like the judgmental internet tools. God damn uninformed keyboard cowboys. No better than woke cancel culture trolls on the left.

[@aaronwilson1123]

Eric is bad news for the outdoor community and industry. Guy uses his kids for content to generate money. This guy needs to go on Hunt Quietly podcast with Matt to explain his whole situations. Go listen to Matt’s podcast talking about this screwdriver(Muleyfreak). I never let this guy step foot on my ranch knowing he’s taking 700 yard shots at deer that others maybe hunting

[@HUNTRPOD]

That last comment is confusing. Are you saying he should shoot bucks other are “hunting” that’s a joke

[@killintime8431]

I totally agree the guy is bad news this isn’t the first or last time Eric has done stuff like this the guy really gives hunters a bad name

[@dougahrens5877]

@muleyfreak sorry to hear you had this happen to you. I had a similar situation while fishing, and my GoPro footage saved us from Trespass charges. Could you share the county in Idaho, DA’s name, and any other party that was part of this situation?

[@TimberAnglinDude]

I thought it was a great interview. Then I read the comments. Not sure who or what to believe. But I do know there’s way too much hate/ jealousy/ greed/ disrespect/ dishonesty in today’s society.

[@HUNTRPOD]

Hahaha so did we! I guess a lot of other things people think they know

[@wiscofan53821]

you can literally do a simple google search for summaries of his Utah cases (lost hunting privileges for a year, he's on video crying to the wildlife commission that it would hurt his ability to feed his family) and the suspended sentence for Idaho, for which Erik is currently on probation. this isn't any nuance here

[@TimberAnglinDude]

Did a deep dive on the guy and yeah, looks like he’s a repeat offender. But, I stand by my original assessment that our boys Jeremy and Jared did a great interview and in the case that was presented here he was probably not guilty of the charges. I’ve never watched any of his videos and from what I read on a western hunting forum from June of 2019, I’m going to refrain from ever watching his stuff.

[@outdoorfamilytraditions9352]

@@wiscofan53821are we talking about the internet that hides what they want if it’s not in their favor or to their agenda?

[@robertmcmullen8585]

Written permission.

[@MuleyFreak]

We have some opinions on what the landowner would have done or "said" about written permission! Not sure if recall that quick convo we had on that?

[@ep3389]

If someone is willing to lie, nothing will stop them from saying you forged a signature.

[@MuleyFreak]

@@ep3389this was our exact same thoughts… 💭

[@mikevernacchio5384]

Love this episode guys. Glad he got it squared away. Muley Freak is such a fire harness I want one so bad they’re so nice

[@HUNTRPOD]

Yea the harness is sick

[@ep3389]

Too bad you didn't secretly record the convo with the judge

[@MuleyFreak]

It would have been interesting hearing it back - that's for sure.

[@lynnydimes2353]

That arrow backpack/water bladder is going to make you a millionaire!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Lynn. It should be ready here in a few short weeks!

[@ep3389]

My question is if the landowner wanted to drop it, why would he try to act like it's not him in the videos

[@MuleyFreak]

He was coached in the backroom by a certain someone....

[@MuleyFreak]

Also, if you hear the actual recorded telephone call on my podcast you'll clearly hear and understand I had permission to be where I was at.

[@ep3389]

@MuleyFreak no I 100 percent believe your story. Just thought that it's weird if he is pushing to get it dropped why he would also lie at the same time when not lieing would most likely get it dropped

[@MuleyFreak]

@@ep3389you have permission, Erik!” You didn’t permission!” I didn’t ever mean for it to go this far!” “I hate Erik” Seeing the personality trend here? It was literally different week to week depending on who the landowner was talking.

[@ep3389]

@MuleyFreak sounds like he says whatever the person he is talking to wants to hear

[@daveyboy8907]

The court didn't let up until he said let's go to trial..Trial cost alot of money and time that's why the court dropped it at the end...Plus we all know the lawyer ,judge and prosecutor are all buddy buddy eating at the country club together working deals..$ talks in America. What a system.

[@HUNTRPOD]

Bingo

[@gordonneverdies]

Having 6 kids sounds more stressful than this whole situation 😂

[@HUNTRPOD]

lol no shit

[@bryanmoorefield8890]

I’m a western guy,Colorado wilderness hunter. Mule deer or elk depending on what I draw. From Missouri hunt wife’s Nebraska farms only. Retired

[@hunterfaceful]

Lot of holes and speculation for a guy that took a plea. Let us not forget his Utah trespassing too.

[@MrMryon15]

Have trouble believing this guy wasn’t at fault the first two times or this time he trespassed.

[@HUNTRPOD]

From what we know it’s always been allegations not charges

[@bigbadfella]

@@HUNTRPOD He literally plead guilty to trespassing. It’s all public record. Does the truth mean nothing to you? It’s past a charge at this point, it’s a conviction.

[@killintime8431]

Ya the guy is bad news I’ve heard a lot of things about this guy he really gives hunting and hunters a bad name

[@lynnydimes2353]

‘Everyone in town knows this guy is a scumbag’ also ‘no matter the evidence this guys neighbors and town will convict you’ 🧐🧐🧐 Glad he got a positive resolution considering

[@HUNTRPOD]

Yea pretty wild. We want to believe in the justice system but this surely doesn’t seem right

[@RedneckRangeTime]

I’m from the town this happened near. This town hates non residents so they would hang him out just because he’s from Utah.

[@thomasrobison2411]

What do you mean he had to fight against all odds?! He still plead guilty to trespassing and disorderly conduct

[@HUNTRPOD]

No disturbing the peace no trespassing

[@thomasrobison2411]

He was found guilty of trespassing. You are correct that he was found guilty of disturbing the peace and not disorderly conduct. This is all public record that can be found online at the idaho repository. This was a plea agreement to have the poaching charge dismissed. Doesn’t sound very innocent.

[@benjaminogden1640]

Grew up in the same valley and that landowner is a notorious scumbag. Then you compile that with the crooked fish and game that pander to no end to the landowners and it’s no surprise stuff like this happens. They tried sticking Erik to the coals and ultimately the truth prevailed!

[@coltonread]

If he is notorious for doing this, why wouldn’t he ensure he was safe and get written permission like the law says?

[@robertlyons3318]

I don't know a single person who asks for written permission to hunt on someone's property. A handshake is enough. ​@@coltonread

[@bradkrehbiel6040]

I don't know man?? Very sketchy story. Dudes reputation isn't the greatest!!

[@dustinwaldron2010]

Hater’s gonna hate

[@bigbadfella]

Insane that y’all get on your hands and knees and bark like a dog for a poacher.

[@HUNTRPOD]

lol how is he a poacher?

[@bigbadfella]

He killed a buck while trespassing, thats the literal definition of a poacher. Ask him about his charges in Utah for killing protected wildlife that he pled down to just trespassing too?

[@RedneckRangeTime]

@@bigbadfellaI’ve had a similar run in with the same land owner. I’m FROM the same place this happened. I asked the landowner if I could chase a buck on his property and he told me “go ahead, but don’t let my nephews catch you on the property”. I didn’t go on the property due to what he said.

[@killintime8431]

He’s a well known for trespassing and getting in peoples faces he’s bad news boys

[@MuleyFreak]

@@killintime8431 LOL. Sounds like you read a jealous hate forumn as your source who posted and circulated errounoues and false documents that Erik won a lawsuit over lol

[@rodger602]

I’m still so disappointed that this happened to you. Disappointed that this happens in America today. As someone who is apart of the Criminal Justice system, I used to believe and tell people that the truth will come out in court. But that is just not the case.

[@MuleyFreak]

Sad, but true, Rodg. Appreciate you and keep being the great police officer you are! Law enforcement needs more men like you!!!

[@rodger602]

@@MuleyFreak 🙏🏼🙏🏼🫡

[@joahprivette8646]

Could an interviewer interrupt someone more? I dont think it's possible but im not 100% sure

[@darrenfiler813]

Sounds like some LDS outdoor drama…

[@ryanfarmer5155]

Eric should say who the Fiah cop is and the DA is, let the public and hunters go on the offense, like your recent show suggested.

[@bigbadfella]

It’s all public record, if you actually read the reports you’d see bit of a dumbass Muley Cheeks is.

[@HUNTRPOD]

Yea I’m indifferent here. I think the smearing isn’t necessary but you reap what you sow

[@Bigdanthetireman]

All the questions you guys ask make it seem more confusing than what it is. Let him tell some of the story before all the questions.

[@MattJ25]

Great podcast, sounds like corruption from some WCO’s and a DA lol. Anyone know where the Alexander case stands with it’s investigation? Btw anyone out there listen to Jeff Sturgis podcast now? I love Jeff and his content, been following for 4 years now but some people shouldn’t do long form content, like Jeff. That podcast is Midwest torture, it’s so monotone and slow moving.

[@HUNTRPOD]

We are not sure where CJs case is at right now

[@amarotovar7256]

So awful Erik and everyone in his family, coworkers etc had to experience such evil of people we walk by everyday and have no idea, i only hunt public lands primarily bc az is a public land oasis and no money to travel out of state lol regardless iv invested on a body cam put backpack bc the guide outfits here in Az can get bad and they sometimes feel they own an area in public land….

[@bigbadfella]

As more and more of Erik's falsehoods have been exposed, do you guys feel stupid for letting him lie straight to your face, or you guys totally cool with being treated like dogs?

[@HUNTRPOD]

Such as?

[@SimanBrothersOutdoors]

@@HUNTRPODI would love to hear a rebuttal podcast to all these people that have been on and denied wrongdoing yet still we’re found guilty in court, namely Erik and CJ. I know it’s good for the clicks but you guys are definitely getting known as the “poachers podcast”, just because of the number of guests with convictions now.

[@bigbadfella]

@@HUNTRPOD The glaring omission of what his actual punishment was for starters. All you did was fluff a dude that's been convicted of trespassing while hunting on three separate occasions. Have some self-respect and quit playing nice with industry bros just because you think it might benefit you.

[@ep3389]

What happened with the utah tresspassing

[@stevenschmidt5712]

Ding, ding, ding, hit the nail on the head. Narcissist. Probably both the land owner And the “fish cop.” My first run in with a narcissist was when I joined an Ohio hunting club. The guy who ran it was one. I should have known with at least 50% turn over each year. I lasted 2 seasons before I’d had enough. I could do no right and (of course) he could do no wrong. Its a shame we all need to be on guard 24/7. CYA everyone! Times be crazy….

[@brodychapman8348]

Bowmar, Brackett, and now Trespassin Erik. You fellas sure like to cater to folks who will sell their soul and our passion out for likes and follows. Make sure you hit that like button and subscribe..

[@HUNTRPOD]

I mean I feel like people want to hear their side from the horse’s mouth, right? It’s recorded and so you’d think the story has to align with

[@MuleyFreak]

Someone jelly

[@buckalf]

totally @@HUNTRPOD

[@brodychapman8348]

@@MuleyFreak of what? all your likes and follows?

[@MuleyFreak]

@@brodychapman8348 or maybe your professions vs ours? IDK...you tell us why you're taking time out of your day to read and post jealous comments.

[@warrengreen3217]

I would not let them keep that buck no way would i say keep it after all that

[@jackjohnson7236]

Makes me think of CJ Alexander

[@kyleepegg6329]

When he says the boss who is that i dont get it

[@chrisdavis4420]

They upped the ante on the charge because he makes money in the industry and stood to profit from the "poaching"

[@MuleyFreak]

Or they were trying to intimidate him and get him to plea to a wildlife charge. Either way. Didn’t work out in the Fish Cop’s favor in the end.

[@Michael-h5r3c]

Good thing you had the money to fight it.

[@natemihlbachler3511]

If you're burning 10 acres you probably should leave yourself at least 6 hours maybe 7 or 8 although you've probably already done it LOL how long did it take?

[@HUNTRPOD]

Bout 3 hrs

[@natemihlbachler3511]

@@HUNTRPOD ahhhh you must have been burning grass.....not timber.

[@HUNTRPOD]

Oh ya haha, check out our Instagram story

[@ep3389]

I mean bowmar is no where near innocent. You don't pay 75,000 if you think you're innocent

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik paid (2)$250 fees and some addiitonal court fees for processing, yet, the internet wanted you to believe he was guilty, going to prison, and was going to pay 50K in fines.

[@ep3389]

​@MuleyFreak 250 is a lil different than 75,000. Would you have settled if your fine was 75000 but with the same charge as your 250 fine. You to me were 100 percent innocent, you had the evidence to back it up. The ppl charging you had none. Bowmar had no evidence, kept going back to a place he knew was sketchy. And they obviously had something on him or you don't pay 75,000 lose hunting rights and say that it was a fair punishment unless you know you got away with something worse.

[@bigbadfella]

18 months supervised probation and how much community service does ole Erik VanTwerksformen have to do?

[@ep3389]

@bigbadfella I don't get what you mean

[@bigbadfella]

@@ep3389 They keep deleting my comment. He got 18 months supervised probation and 100 hours community service. These guys gotta look out for each other because nothing scares them more than the idea of having to get a real job.

[@kyleepegg6329]

Boss of what??

[@HUNTRPOD]

Boss of the landowner

[@kyleepegg6329]

Just wanted to know if he ment like supervisor "boss" at work ???

[@kyleepegg6329]

Or did he call him his boss so he didn't say his name?

[@melvingreen7733]

First like

[@stephencourtright8099]

🇺🇲

[@chrisgiller2050]

We call them possum Sheriff