Montana FWP Busts Big Horn County Men In Poaching Investigation

One of the worst offenses in hunting is poaching. It goes against everything that is taught about being a good steward of the land and the wildlife that inhabits it. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop some people from participating in it. Recently, Montana has had some success in catching serious lawbreakers.

Three men from Big Horn County were caught in what I would consider a full-blown poaching spree. The case all started when wardens got reports of a headless elk carcass found in the Sarpy Creek area, where no one even had permission to hunt. That discovery kicked off a long and detailed investigation that stretched through 2022 and 2023.

Turns out, these guys were not just single offenders. Wardens say they unlawfully killed several bull elk and one mule deer buck during closed season and without landowner permission. The report also mentioned they allegedly didn’t have hunting licenses (don't think that part mattered to them). Multiple search warrants were issued, and officers seized mounts of the animals, with several more voluntarily turned in to FWP.

All together, the three men now face 33 total charges, including 10 felonies and 23 misdemeanors. The investigation was a joint effort between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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FWP reminds everyone that each person charged is innocent until proven guilty. And if you ever see something that doesn’t sit right out in the field, report it at tipmont.mt.gov. You might even earn up to a $1,000 reward.