Poachers sentenced after lengthy investigation in northeastern Montana
Offenders focused on unlawful hunting of mule deer bucks in HD 652
Wednesday Feb. 16th, 2022
HELENA – A poaching investigation in northeastern Montana that lasted more than two and a half years, ended with several men being sentenced last month in the Montana 16th Judicial District Court in Garfield County.
“FWP enforcement’s excellent work and diligence resulted in the exposure of one of the most disturbing poaching cases in recent history,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech. “From initial investigations to sentencing, our wardens demonstrated their commitment to the stewardship and protection of Montana’s outdoor resources.”
The investigation centered on a hunting party led by Richard LeBlanc and their continued poaching activities on and around the Byron Kerr Ranch in Garfield and McCone counties. From 2005 to 2011, 31 citations were issued to LeBlanc and other members of his hunting parties for numerous violations. Additional information received in 2014 started the most recent investigation.
“The poachers targeted deer and antelope, but their main focus was the unlawful hunting of mule deer bucks in hunting district 652,” said Fish, Wildlife & Parks Criminal Investigator Steve Marx.
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