(Photo: One antelope carcass retrieved by game wardens was left to rot in a farm field southeast of Billings–courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
BILLINGS — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are looking for information about an incident about a month ago when as many as 30 antelope were killed illegally southeast of Billings. The state’s TIP-MONT program is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case.
Game warden Nick Taylor said FWP received information that two males trespassed on private land west of Montana Highway 418 and south of Blue Creek. The two killed as many as 30 antelope in one field, then left them to waste. At least one perpetrator later drove into the field and removed some of the carcasses. Game wardens have retrieved several of the antelope carcasses.
Montana law makes it illegal to kill antelope without a license or out of season. It also is illegal to leave game animals to waste.
Taylor asked that anyone with information about the incident call him at 406-247-2976 or 406-697-3443. People also may call FWP’s 24-hour wildlife tip line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668). The TIP-MONT program is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case.
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.
(Report by Bob Gibson – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
