An extensive investigation into illegal hunting in northeastern Montana has resulted in nearly $37,000 in fines, 44 combined years of lost hunting privileges, and three lifetime hunting bans. The case involved 13 individuals from five states and unlawful hunting activities spanning approximately a decade.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has announced the results of a major poaching investigation in McCone County, where game wardens uncovered years of illegal hunting involving deer, pronghorn antelope, and upland game birds. The investigation, which began in 2024, exposed a pattern of wildlife violations involving both Montana residents and out-of-state hunters.
Montana FWP
Illegal Hunting Across Multiple Properties
The investigation centered on property owned by Kelly Nelson near Vida, a small community in northeastern Montana. According to FWP, hunters from Montana, Washington, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Indiana illegally pursued wildlife on Nelson’s farm and neighboring properties.
Investigators identified 13 suspects connected to more than 80 violations committed over approximately 10 years. During the investigation, wardens seized or obtained the surrender of more than 100 deer and antelope mounts, antlers, and horns, providing physical evidence of the extensive illegal hunting activity.
McCone County is known for its mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn, and upland bird hunting opportunities. The region attracts both resident and nonresident hunters, making enforcement of hunting regulations particularly important for protecting wildlife populations and ensuring fair access to hunting opportunities.
Nearly $37,000 in Fines and Lifetime Hunting Bans
- 89 Citations issued
- $36,785 Total fines
- 44 years Combined loss of privileges
- 3 Lifetime Montana hunting bans
The penalties reflect the seriousness and scale of the violations. In addition to the fines and suspensions, three nonresident hunters permanently lost their Montana hunting privileges. Nelson, the landowner at the center of the investigation, entered a plea agreement that included a fine and an eight-year suspension of his hunting privileges.
FWP reported that all but two suspects pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. As of the agency’s October 29 announcement, one hunter’s case was still awaiting final resolution through the McCone County Attorney’s Office.
Montana FWP
Why the Case Matters to Montana Hunters
Illegal hunting affects more than the individual animals taken. Poaching can reduce hunting opportunities for law-abiding sportsmen, undermine wildlife management efforts, and create unfair advantages for individuals who disregard established seasons, licenses, and harvest limits.
The McCone County investigation also demonstrates that wildlife violations can carry consequences long after the animals have been harvested. Game wardens were able to investigate activities stretching back years, using recovered trophies and other evidence to build cases against multiple individuals.
For hunters who follow the rules, enforcement cases of this magnitude reinforce the importance of protecting Montana’s wildlife resources and maintaining public confidence in regulated hunting.
Reporting Wildlife Violations
Montana FWP encourages hunters and other members of the public to report suspected wildlife crimes. Information can be submitted through TIP-MONT or by calling 1-800-847-6668. Individuals who provide useful information may qualify for rewards of up to $1,000.
Hunters can also help prevent unintentional violations by checking current regulations before entering the field. Montana’s hunting rules vary by species, hunting district, season, and weapon type, making it essential to understand the requirements for each location.
The Hunterizer app helps hunters navigate these regulations by showing what species can legally be hunted at a specific location and date. It provides hunting district maps, season dates, legal weapons, bag limits, shooting hours, license and tag requirements, and after-harvest rules. Whether pursuing deer, pronghorn, or upland game birds in Montana, Hunterizer makes it easier to plan a legal hunt and avoid costly mistakes.
