Investigation: Bizarre Beheading of Montana Hunter’s Game Animal

General big game rifle hunting season opened October 26, and this is the weirdest case of picking off someone else's harvest we've heard so far.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that game wardens are investigating an incident of theft west of Kalispell where one hunter's deer was beheaded by someone else. And based on what the successful hunter had to say about it, it had to have happened very quickly, almost as if someone was waiting in the woods for an opportunity.

Imagine bringing down a good looking white-tailed deer. You go check the animal to make sure it's deceased, even take a photo or two and admire the five-by-five antlers with the unique drop tine. Now, it's just a quick jaunt back to where you left your game cart and off you go to your vehicle to celebrate a successful hunt.

By the time the hunter had returned to the white-tailed buck, the deer's head had been removed and confiscated. Marks around the deer's upper carcass made it obvious that it had been cut with a knife or knives.

To be clear, the deer was legally harvested. The only foul play was the person or persons who actually stole its head.

Montana FWP reminds people who have any information that could assist in this case or other incidents such as poaching or shooting an animal and leaving it to waste, report a violation on the TIPMONT page of their website. For information specifically about the deer beheading, you can also call the local game warden at 406-871-3104.

Callers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.