Headless Deer and Elk Investigation Leads to Charges in Montana

We get it. This makes hunters' blood boil. Hopefully the punishment will suit the crimes.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that, thanks in part to tips from concerned citizens, poaching charges have been filed against a Montana man for his role in the unlawful killing, possession, waste, and sale of deer and elk antlers. And while it took a number of months, the group effort ultimately produced results.

Montana FWP says that during the fall of 2024, wardens requested help from the public in poaching cases involving headless deer and elk on private property in Blaine and Phillips Counties. After an extensive investigation, Marvin Cole of Lodgepole had charges filed in Blaine and Phillips Counties alleging his role in the crimes.

The antlers were removed from two whitetail deer and one bull elk. The elk and one whitetail deer were killed on private land in south Blaine County, and the second headless whitetail was discovered on private land in Phillips County.

Mr. Cole has been charged with one felony and nine misdemeanor violations between the two counties, including: unlawful possession of a bull elk, unlawful possession of two whitetail bucks, waste of game animals, failure to obtain landowner permission for hunting, hunting without a valid license, and unlawful sale of a game animal.

This investigation involved several scenes spread over multiple jurisdictions, which  really showcased FWP wardens’ investigative skills and the importance of community relationships and partnerships.

FWP wardens and investigators would like to thank the public for helping provide crucial information in this case and the property owners for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information about crimes involving fish, wildlife or park regulations is encouraged to visit FWP's "TIPMONT" website page to provide details or to get in touch with their local warden. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.