Wolverine Lawsuit, Poaching Punishments in Montana Hunting News

The fate of an elusive, mysterious creature and a lot of illegally taken deer and elk are hitting hunting headlines in Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced their plan to take over a recent endangered species listing. And two Montana hunters are facing fines of over $24,000 and lost privileges for their illegal hunting sprees.

WOLVERINES

Montana FWP has informed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of intentions to pursue legal action over the recent listing of wolverines as a threatened species. This is on the heels of the USFW switching course and identifying the lower 48 states, as a whole, a "distinct population segment."

In its press release, Montana FWP spokesperson Quentin Kujala was quoted as saying, "In Montana, wolverines continue to do well and inhabit much, if not all, of their available habitat. We work closely with our neighboring states to ensure the continued conservation of these iconic species. Federal protections in this case will only get in the way of good conservation work."

FWP Director Dustin Temple was quoted as saying, “In the Northern Rockies, wolverines are doing well and states are working closely on monitoring and conservation efforts. This listing is not only unnecessary, it fails to recognize current science.”

POACHING

Acting on tips via the 1-800-TIP-MONT hotline, game wardens pursued and apprehended two Montana men for their excessive illegal hunting activities. Michael Dess of Havre, and Lane Allen of Harlem, had charges filed against them for their involvement in the unlawful taking of deer and elk out of season over a two-year period.

Charges include the take or attempt to take nine antlered deer and four bull elk, some of which qualify as trophy animals; hunting during a closed season; hunting without a license; waste of game; and the unlawful possession of game animals.

Mr. Dess was charged with 13 misdemeanors and one felony in Blaine County, and 22 misdemeanors and two felonies in Hill County. Mr. Allen was charged with 10 misdemeanors and two felonies in Blaine County and nine misdemeanors in Hill County.

After a plea agreements, Dess's fines and restitution total $16,010, and the loss of his privilege to hunt, fish, and trap in the state of Montana and all other states that are members of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, for a period of 10 years.

Allen’s plea agreements resulted in fines and restitution totaling $8,210, and the loss of his privilege to hunt, fish, and trap in the state of Montana and all other states that are members of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, for a period of 10 years.

Congratulations to Montana FWP game wardens (pictured here with what was seized) and much appreciation to those who called in tips to the hotline.