Eleven taxidermied bull elk and mule deer bucks seized

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens recently charged seven individuals from Montana and Washington state for unlawfully killing several bull elk and mule deer bucks in the Bull Mountains near Roundup between 2020 and 2024.

The investigation began with information provided to FWP wardens by a confidential informant. After an extensive investigation, wardens found that the group of both residents and nonresidents killed several large bull elk in Hunting District 590 without the required 590-20 elk permit and also killed several large mule deer without hunting licenses.

During the investigation, Montana wardens traveled to Washington state to execute search warrants and seized several mounts of unlawfully killed elk and deer. Wardens also seized multiple elk and deer mounts in Montana. In total, 11 mounts were seized as evidence in the investigation.

The individuals involved in this case have been issued 34 total charges and 13 warnings by FWP wardens. These charges total close to $23,000 in bond and restitution.

These charges will be processed by the Musselshell County Justice Court. Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. No further details about the investigation are available at this time.

FWP wardens would like to thank the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Billings Police Department, and the Musselshell County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

“This investigation could not be possible without the assistance of these agencies,” said J.D. Douglas, FWP 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.”

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