Montana Wardens: High Stakes in Bear Country & Other Enforcement Cases

Illegal Bear Hunting Investigation

• 🐻 Michigan conservation officers investigated a tip about an 87-year-old woman registering a bear, but evidence suggested she did not shoot it.
• 🕵️‍♀️ The investigation revealed a potential case of tag lending, where the bear was likely shot by a family member using the grandmother's tag.
• 📸 Lack of photos of the grandmother with the bear, combined with the grandson's evasiveness, pointed to a cover-up.
• 🔫 The rifle used did not match the grandmother's account, and the grandson eventually confessed to shooting the bear without a license, leading to fines and restitution.

Deer Hunting Violations in District 5

• 🦌 In Michigan's District 5, officers encountered a hunter who had failed to tag a deer immediately after harvesting it and was driving without a valid license.
• 📜 While the deer was taken on private land, the hunter received a citation for failing to tag the deer promptly.
• 🌲 Officers also investigated an illegal hunting blind on public land that was baited, leading to further violations.
• 🎣 Two deer were found taken on public land over bait, a violation in Alcona County, resulting in fines, loss of hunting privileges, and jail time for one individual.

Poaching Case in Montana's Region 4

• 🏞️ Montana wardens responded to a report of trespassing and shots fired, leading to the discovery of two illegally killed mule deer.
• 🚗 Evidence at the scene, including shell casings and a gut pile, helped identify a suspect with a history of fish and game violations.
• 🦌 The investigation involved locating the carcasses, one of which had its head removed, and searching a vehicle believed to be involved.
• 💰 The suspect confessed to shooting two mule deer out of season, leading to charges for unlawful possession, wasting game, and failing to get landowner permission.

ORV Safety and Enforcement at Silver Lake State Park

• 🏖️ Conservation officers patrolled Silver Lake State Park during the busy Fourth of July weekend, focusing on ORV safety and park rules.
• ⚠️ Officers issued citations for passing on the up-ramp, operating without a valid license, and operating out-of-bounds.
• 🪖 A dirt bike rider received multiple citations for safety violations, including not wearing a properly secured helmet and careless operation.
• 🚨 The park rangers and conservation officers work together to enforce laws and ensure visitor safety in the popular recreational area.