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Mule deer bucks shot south of Wolf Point; FWP trying to identify suspects

Posted at 2:35 PM, Nov 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-22 10:37:34-05
Mule deer bucks shot south of Wolf Point; FWP trying to identify suspects
Mule deer bucks shot south of Wolf Point; FWP trying to identify suspects

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Region 6 game wardens are looking for any information regarding two mule deer bucks that were shot and left south of Wolf Point sometime over opening weekend of the general deer season, and likely on the evening of Sunday, October 21.

The incident happened on private property along Highway 528 about six miles west of Hwy 13.

Warden John Huberty responded to a call on Monday, October 22, and the two deer were found roughly 100 yards south of Highway 528 about 50 yards apart in a stubble field.

The deer were shot in the head and neck area, and all the meat was left to waste. Sometime later, the likely suspects attempted to come back to the kill site to remove the antlers.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Warden John Huberty directly at 406-263-0068 or call FWP’s 24-hour wildlife tip line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668).

The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a toll-free number where one can report violations of fish, wildlife or park regulations. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for providing information that leads to a conviction.

On its website, FWP provides the following information about poaching:

Poaching is the illegal killing of fish or wildlife. It can include illegal killing of fish or wildlife:

  • for commercial trade
  • for ego gratification
  • in closed areas, during closed times, or taking more than the law allows

Poachers:

  • reduce recreational opportunities for law abiding anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts
  • kill and waste Montana game animals, threatened and endangered species, and even nongame animals
  • target Montana’s fish and wildlife resource for personal profit
  • Poaching robs law abiding hunters of game and fish, businesses and taxpayers of revenues generated by hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing recreation, and it denies many other Montanans the ability to enjoy seeing healthy, mature fish and wildlife populations.