Six Charged in Bull Mountains Poaching Case; 11 Trophy Mounts Seized

BILLINGS — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens have charged six 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 by a confidential informant and resulted in the seizure of 11 taxidermy mounts as evidence. Game wardens executed search warrants in both Montana and Washington state to recover the illegally obtained trophies.

According to FWP, the group of 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.

The individuals involved face 34 total charges and 13 warnings from FWP wardens, with bond and restitution totaling close to $23,000. The charges will be processed by the Musselshell County Justice Court.

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

During the investigation, Montana wardens traveled to Washington state to execute search warrants and seized several mounts of unlawfully killed elk and deer. Additional elk and deer mounts were seized in Montana.

The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No further details about the investigation are available at this time.

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

“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.”