Montana Game Wardens Seize Mounts: Multi-Year Poaching Case

Here in Montana, we take our wildlife seriously and we sure as heck don’t take kindly to poachers. That’s why a recent bust by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is making waves across the state.

Between 2020 and 2024, six suspects, from both Montana and Washington, were allegedly on a poaching spree in the Bull Mountains near Roundup. We’re not talking one or two mistakes here. We’re talking multiple trophy bull elk and mule deer bucks killed without tags, permits, or any shred of respect for the rules that protect Montana’s wild game.

Thanks to a confidential tip and some serious investigative work by FWP wardens, the game was up. Wardens traveled all the way to Washington to serve search warrants and seize illegally mounted elk and deer. Eleven mounts were taken in total. That’s eleven animals stolen from the land and the people of Montana.

In all, 34 charges and 13 warnings have been issued, racking up nearly $23,000 in bonds and restitution. Charges will go through Musselshell County Justice Court, and as always, the accused are innocent until proven guilty.

FWP credited teamwork from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Billings PD, and the Musselshell County Attorney’s Office for helping close in on the case.

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Just a reminder... poaching not only robs the state, but also harms all individuals who responsibly use our natural resources. See something shady? Hit up tipmont.mt.gov. You might even earn yourself a reward.