Big Win! Results of Another Montana Poaching Case Crackdown

A headless elk carcass prompted an investigation that uncovered a web of illegal hunting in our backyard.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that three Big Horn County men were recently charged in Montana by a designated special prosecutor for unlawfully killing several bull elk and one mule deer buck in the Sarpy Creek area near Hardin between 2022 and 2023.

The investigation began with reports to Montana FWP wardens about a headless elk carcass in an area where no one had permission to hunt. After an extensive investigation, wardens found that the group allegedly unlawfully killed and possessed several large bull elk during a closed season and without landowner permission. The group also allegedly killed one mule deer buck without hunting licenses and without landowner permission.

During the investigation, Montana wardens executed multiple search warrants and seized several mounts of the allegedly unlawfully killed elk and deer. Wardens also seized multiple elk mounts, which were voluntarily turned over to FWP.

The individuals involved in this case have been charged with 33 total charges by the special prosecutor, including 10 felony charges and 23 misdemeanor charges. Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation was in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S.  Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

READ MORE: Six Suspects Charged in Another Ugly Montana Poaching Incident

Anyone with information about crimes against wildlife or state lands is encouraged to visit FWP's TipMont webpage or contact their local warden to provide details. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.