Dark Outdoors® is a multiple award-winning podcast that investigates terrifying encounters, unsolved mysteries, crime, and dangerous wildlife.
Hosted by award-winning wildlife journalist and conservation communicator Chester Moore, each episode investigates the darker side of the outdoors through gripping storytelling, expert interviews, and firsthand reporting.
From serial killers in remote forests and missing persons cases to poaching, wildlife trafficking, deadly animal attacks, cryptids, and emerging wildlife threats like screwworm, Dark Outdoors uncovers the stories most outdoor enthusiasts never hear.
Whether the danger comes from nature, criminals, or the unexplained, one truth remains: the outdoors has a dark side.
Episodes

Apr 15, 2023
Apr 15, 2023
38 min
Season two of Dark Outdoors® kicks off with Chester Moore and investigator William Ramsey digging into the mysterious drownings at Lady Bird Lake in Austin—and whether they connect to the global Smiley Face Killer phenomenon.
In the season two premiere of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester Moore is joined by William Ramsey of William Ramsey Investigates to examine the disturbing series of mysterious water deaths at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.
This episode explores:
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Whether these drownings are linked to the Smiley Face Killer phenomenon or just random tragedies
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Theories about what could really be happening along Austin’s waterfront
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Insights on the Gary Faust interview with a man who discovered a body at Lady Bird Lake—and his chilling encounter with a mysterious figure
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Other bizarre and unsettling water-related deaths that raise more questions than answers
Listeners are encouraged to explore Ramsey’s work at William Ramsey Investigates for deeper dives into unsolved mysteries.
Follow Chester on Instagram @thechestermoore and on Facebook at Higher Calling Wildlife for updates on investigations and field work.

Oct 30, 2022
Oct 30, 2022
44 min
In this bonus episode of Season One,Dark Outdoors® withChester Moore sits down with his longtime friend and fellow spooky movie fan Patrick Trumble.
Together, they dive into the weirdest, wildest, and scariest films that take place in the outdoors—where nature itself becomes the perfect stage for horror.
From cult classics to forgotten gems, this fun and creepy conversation highlights the movies that still haunt campers, hikers, and horror fans alike.

Oct 27, 2022
Oct 27, 2022
33 min
Chester Moore and researcher Jeff Stewart investigate brutal horse killings in Texas and Nevada, unveiling new details and possible motives behind these disturbing crimes.
In this shocking episode of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester Moore digs into the disturbing wave of out spreading across Texas, Nevada, and beyond. He is joined by author and researcher Jeff Stewart as they share new details on this gruesome trend and explore the unsettling question: Why are horses being targeted?
This episode covers:
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Recent horse massacres in Texas that have left ranchers shaken
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The rise of serial horse killings in multiple states, include
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Possible motives behind these crimes—from cruelty to ritual to thrill killing
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What these attacks reveal about the dark intersection of crime and the outdoors
📲 Instagram: @thechestermoore
Dark Outdoors® is brought to you by:
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Texas Frightmare Weekend
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Hog Hunt USA
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Texas Fish & Game Magazine

Oct 1, 2022
Oct 1, 2022
38 min
If you think you’ve heard it all in true crime and outdoor mysteries, think again. In this episode of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester Moore interviews William Ramsey of William Ramsey Investigates about a disturbing series of mysterious water deaths that continue to baffle police across the nation.
The discussion explores:
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The Smiley Face Killers phenomenon, a chilling theory about coordinated drownings of young men
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How these cases may connect to murders in outdoor settings across the U.S.
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The disturbing possibility of death cult involvement in unsolved killings
This episode combines true crime, deep investigation, and outdoor danger into one of the most unsettling D explorations yet.

Sep 19, 2022
Sep 19, 2022
31 min
Cottonmouth Bite Survival & Snakebite Defense
Chester Moore talks with veteran Lucas Pelt about his near-fatal cottonmouth bite—and snake venom expert Dr. Spencer Greene explains what to do (and not to do) when venom strikes.
In this intense episode of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester Moore interviews Lucas Pela, a veteran and outdoors enthusiast who survived a serious cottonmouth bite. Lucas recounts how the bite happened and shares the painful and life-changing aftermath.
In our Dark Outdoors Defense segment, renowned snake venom expert Dr. Spencer Greenebecause
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What to do if you’re bitten by a venomous snake
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The biggest mistakes and what NOT to do
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Why quick decisions can mean the difference between life and death
The outdoors may be a place of serenity and beauty—but for someone experiencing a venomous snake bite, things can turn dark in an instant.

Sep 5, 2022
Sep 5, 2022
37 min
In episode four of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester takes a deep dive into the rising shark population in the Gulf of Mexico—and what it means for both the ecosystem and outdoor enthusiasts.
You'll be there.
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Which shark species are increasing in the Gulf, and why they’re vital to the ecosystem
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The truth about the bull shark’s attitude and behavior
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The often-overlooked species just behind the bull shark in attack statistics
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How a massive great white shark turned away from a surfer at the last moment
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How Shark Banz deterrent technology is helping change the game.
🌐 Learn more: darkoutdoors.com
📲@thechestermoore

Aug 28, 2022
Aug 28, 2022
1hr 4 min
Chester Moore investigates Texarkana’s infamous Phantom Killer, with rare eyewitness revelations, family ties to a prime suspect, and insights from The Town That Dreaded Sundown.
In this epic, hour-long episode of Dark Outdoors®, host Chester MooreOfFor and the Phantom Killer, the real-life terror that inspired the 1976 cult classic The Town That Dreaded Sundown.
This episode explores:
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How the Phantom Killer operated—and what his methods reveal about similar predators still at large today
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A rare revelation from an eyewitness who saw a white-masked figure in Texarkana during the Phantom’s reign of terror
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An interview with John Tennison, cousin once removed of one of the chief suspects
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A fascinating conversation with Pamula Pierce Barcelou, daughter of director Charles B. Pierce, who shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of The Town That Dreaded Sundown on its 50th anniversary
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Why outdoor lovers should remain cautious in urban and suburban parks, greenbelts, and forests where predators may still lurk
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Chester’s own personal brush with danger, to remind
This can’t-miss episode blends true crime, history, film, and survival awareness into one of the most intense Dark Outdoors® investigations yet.
🌐 darkoutdoors.com
📲 Instagram@thechestermoore
D is brought to you by:
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Texas Frightmare Weekend — The Southwest’s premier horror convention & film festival
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Hog Hunt USA — A forthcoming app for hog hunting
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Texas Fish

Aug 21, 2022
Aug 21, 2022
40 min
Host Chester Moore uncovers terrifying stories of rogue waves in Texas bays and ship channels—some towering up to 15 feet. Hear from fishermen who survived these monster waves and learn what’s fueling this dangerous phenomenon.
n this in-depth, rollercoaster of an episode of Dark Outdoors, Chester Moore speaks with fishermen who’ve encountered gigantic rogue waves across Texas bays and ship channels.
You’ll hear firsthand accounts like:
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A 10-foot wave sweeping across an entire bay
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A sheer 15-foot wall of water slamming into a boat of the same size
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Eyewitness stories of survival from those who lived to tell it
Alongside these shocking experiences, we explore what’s causing these waves, why they’re becoming more common, and how they can turn a day on the water into a nightmare. Plus, insights from a boating group working to raise awareness about this growing danger.
📷 Follow Chester on Instagram: @thechestermoore
Dark Outdoors is presented by:
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Texas Frightmare Weekend – The Southwest’s premier horror convention & film festival
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Hog Hunt USA – A forthcoming app for hog hunting

Aug 14, 2022
Aug 14, 2022
29 min
Host Chester Moore uncovers how Ted Bundy used wilderness spaces as hunting grounds, with insights from a New York Times best-selling author who interviewed Bundy himself. Discover the hidden link between serial killers and the great outdoors—and practical tips to stay safe in wild places.
In the debut episode of Dark Outdoors, Chester dives deep into the chilling intersection of wilderness and true crime. With exclusive insights from a best-selling author who interviewed Bundy, this episode reveals how Bundy used the great outdoors as his hunting grounds—and why the danger is not just in the past.
You’ll discover:
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How Ted Bundy exploited forests and remote areas for his crimes
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The rarely discussed link between serial killers and wilderness spaces
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Why women in particular should take extra precautions in outdoor settings
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Practical tips to avoid being targeted by modern-day predators
📷 Follow Chester on Instagram: @thechestermoore
Dark Outdoors is presented by:
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Texas Frightmare Weekend – The Southwest’s premier horror convention & film festival
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Hog Hunt USA – A forthcoming app for hog hunting
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Texas Fish & Game Magazine – Your ultimate outdoor resource
