On September 27, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Wardens charged four individuals with numerous counts of wildlife violations based on 2012 activities related to whitetail deer poaching near Whitefish. The violations mainly occurred in the Farm to Market Road, Dillon Road and Voerman Road areas. Charges include, but are not limited to, waste of game, using artificial light to hunt big game, unlawful possession of big game animals, and hunting during a closed season. The individuals have pled not guilty and the case will proceed in the coming months. No further information will be released by FWP at this time.

FWP is also seeking information related to a 5 X 6 Whitetail buck recently shot and left off Dillon Road east of Whitefish. On Tuesday, November 5th, 2013 at approximately 5:30 pm. The shooter left the scene before Officers could arrive and left the deer in the field. The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a dark colored pickup truck with large tires, brush guard and top bar. Game Wardens urge anyone with any information to call 1-800-TIPMONT. A person that gives information that leads to a conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

(Report by Montana FWP; Cover photo: fieldandstream.com)