On May 14, 2026, John Lewton pleaded guilty to a Lacey Act trafficking violation (16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(2)(A), 3373(d)(2)). Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2026.
On October 20, 2019, Lewton guided a client on a sheep hunt on public land in Montana managed by the Bureau of Land Management. During the hunt, Lewton’s client killed a trophy-sized wild Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, after which Lewton harvested parts from the sheep. He then sold those parts to Arthur Schubarth for use on his alternative livestock ranch in Vaughn, Montana. A person who sells or purchases any part from any game animal in Montana violates Montana State law and the Lacey Act.
In September 2024, Schubarth was sentenced to serve six months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release. Schubarth also paid a $20,000 fine and made a $4,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks conducted the investigation.
Source: U.S. DoJ
photo: Megan strickland Sacry
Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.