Montana FWP Issues Felony Warrants for Trophy Bull Elk Killers

Taken on private land without permission, killed with a rifle during the archery-only season, and most of the meat was abandoned and left.

That's the overview of charges facing two out-of-state hunters. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that warrants for the arrest of a Michigan father and son have been issued following a series of wildlife violations in Montana's Treasure County.

Ronald Schubert and his son, Chad Schubert, both of Belleville, Michigan, have each been charged with felony unlawful possession of a trophy bull elk. The son also has been charged with an additional felony for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, as well as four misdemeanor charges for hunting during a closed season, failure to obtain landowner permission for hunting, waste of a game animal, and violation of a commission or department rule for failure to return to a kill site. Ronald Schubert has also been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass to property.

WHERE AND HOW IT BEGAN

The investigation into the Schuberts began with information provided to Montana game wardens by the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office. After extensive investigation, warden Kyle Queer found that Chad Schubert allegedly killed a trophy bull elk in Hunting District 702 without a valid permit. The elk also was taken on private land without permission, killed with a rifle during the archery-only season, and most of the meat was abandoned and left to waste in the field. Further investigation showed that Ronald Schubert was present at the time and allegedly assisted with removal and transport of the head and antlers.

WHAT THE PENALTIES COULD BE

Potential penalties for the violations include more $60,000 in fines and restitution, imprisonment in a county detention center, and loss of privileges to hunt, fish and trap. Chad Schubert faces additional pending charges for violations related to the hunting of deer, antelope, turkeys and mountain lions in Rosebud County.

Persons accused of a crime are presumed to be innocent until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt.