HELENA — Illegal killing and waste of game animals continues to challenge law enforcement across the state, with poaching cases reportedly doubling in Montana over the past two decades, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

(Watch the video for more on what game wardens are seeing.) Montana continues to see high number of poaching cases

Some recent cases included a black bear cub shot near Stevensville and three men charged in Big Horn County for killing several bull elk and mule deer.

“A lot of it is opportunistic,” Capt. Josh Leonard, a game warden for FWP Region 3, said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Leonard says that with over a decade in the field, deer and elk are the most commonly poached species.

“When an animal is taken in violation of state law, it becomes u

See Full Page