Five New Disturbing Deer, Elk Poaching Cases in Western Montana

As Montana's general big game rifle season approaches its final week, it's getting even uglier out there.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Sergeant Aaron Berg told me that it has been one of the most unsettling seasons of reports of game animals being shot and left to waste. And incidents this week have only exasperated the situation in western Montana.

BITTERROOT VALLEY

Montana FWP game wardens are seeking information on several deer and one elk shot and left to waste in the West Fork of the Bitterroot during the first two weeks of November.

Two mule deer bucks and one bull elk were found in the area of Piquett Creek and Painted Rocks Reservoir. Another mule deer buck was found nearby. All deer were entirely left to waste. The head and legs from the elk were taken and the rest was left to waste.

POTOMAC

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are also seeking information on a white-tailed deer buck that was killed last week near Potomac in the Blackfoot Valley. The buck was found in a field on private property. Warden Chris Hamilton investigated and believes it had likely been shot and left the day before.

FWP game wardens say that wildlife cases like these are often solved because of leads from the public. If the people responsible are stupid and thoughtless enough to do it, there is a chance they are stupid enough to brag about it, hopefully being overheard by a conscientious citizen that could be of vital importance in solving a case.

Anyone with possible tips on the Bitterroot incidents is encouraged to contact Hamilton directly at 406-210-7513. Or in any of the cases, you can fill out an incident report on the Montana FWP TipMont website page.

You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.