In a press release issued on July 24, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced charges for seven people who allegedly poached trophy elk and mule deer near the town of Roundup between 2020 and 2024. The charges came after a lengthy investigation kicked off by an anonymous tip, the state agency said.
“During the investigation, Montana wardens traveled to Washington state to execute search warrants and seized several mounts of unlawfully killed elk and deer,” FWP wrote in its press release. “Wardens also seized multiple elk and deer mounts in Montana. In total, 11 mounts were seized as evidence in the investigation.”
A photo taken during the investigation shows three shoulder-mounted elk heads of considerable size, five euro-mounted mule deer skulls, and three euro-mounted elk heads. According to FWP, the alleged poaching ring included people from Washington and Montana. The animals were killed in a central Montana hunting unit with low quotas for elk.
FWP wardens worked with officials at the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Billings Police Department, and the Musselshell County Attorney’s Office during the case. “This investigation could not be possible without the assistance of these agencies,” said J.D. Douglas, FWP's assistant chief of law enforcement. “This is yet another example of the tenacity and dedication of Montana game wardens to produce quality investigations and hold violators accountable.”
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All told, the accused poachers are facing 34 combined charges and nearly $23,000 in bonds and restitution. They'll stand trial in the Musselshell County Justice Court in the coming days. In light of the charges, FWP is reminding anyone with information about suspected poaching crimes in the Big Sky State to visit tipmont.mt.gov or contact their local warden. Anonymous informants may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
