BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is offering a reward for information about four trophy mule deer bucks that were killed illegally and left to waste north of Hardin on Oct. 24.

The four dead deer were found on private property near the Sarpy Creek Mine in Big Horn County. FWP game wardens believe two perpetrators drove a silver or gray Ford Excursion SUV from the early to mid 2000s.

FWP game wardens believe two poachers who killed four trophy mule deer bucks north of Hardin were driving a silver or gray Ford Excursion from the early to mid 2000s, similar to the one pictured. Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo



The poachers remove the head from one deer and left all four to waste. The crimes happened two days before the general rifle season opened.

FWP is offering a reward of as much as $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the crimes. Anyone with information may call FWP game warden Jake Barzen at 406-860-7796 or anonymously report to FWP’s 24-hour crime-reporting line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668).

The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a toll-free number where people can report violations of fish, wildlife or park regulations. Callers may remain anonymous. It is similar to the well-known Crimestoppers program and offers rewards for information resulting in conviction of persons who abuse Montana's natural, historic or cultural resources.

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