Montana Officials Looking For Shooter Who Illegally Killed 3 Elk

Montana has a lot to offer people who love the great outdoors. But, with that offer comes an unspoken rule of responsibility and respect that we all must follow.

3 Elk Illegally Shot: Montana Officials Are Left Looking For Answers

Last week, someone violated that unspoken code when officials made a startling discovery on the Sun River Wildlife Management Area.

"Wardens were initially contacted by a hunter on an adjacent property who reported spotting a dead elk on the morning of Tuesday Nov. 11," a post read on the Facebook page for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4, "Wardens went to the location in the Shed Creek drainage on the south end of the WMA and found a cow elk as well as two elk calves."

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"They determined all three of them had been shot, most likely a few days earlier. A special license is required to hunt antlerless elk on the Sun River WMA."

They didn't even bother claiming the meat. Pure waste, pure disrespect.

Do You Have Any Information? Montana Officials Need Your Help

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks game warden Mike Tucker says solving this case is a top priority due to another serious factor.

"This incident is especially concerning because it occurred in a public park where families frequently gather,” said FWP game warden Mike Tucker. “We take these crimes seriously and are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual that evening to contact us.”

According to Montana Code 87-6-906, illegally killing and wasting an elk with at least six points on one antler can result in restitution of $8,000. Violators can also face potential jailtime and even risk losing their hunting and fishing privileges.

If you have information that can authorities find those responsible, you're encouraged to call Mike Tucker at 406-594-4813 or visit tipmont.mt.gov.