Three Montana Military Nationwide Guardsmen face felony prices after touchdown a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on non-public property to gather elk antlers. The incident passed off on Could 4, 2025, within the Loopy Mountains north of Massive Timber, Montana.
The Guardsmen allegedly landed the army helicopter with out permission on a posted ranch property in Candy Grass County. The crew picked up two elk antlers and an elk cranium with antlers connected. A close-by witness noticed the helicopter land and reported the exercise to the property proprietor.
Authorities estimated the worth of the antlers at $300 to $400. The crew later surrendered the antlers to a state sport warden.
Officers charged Michael Vincent Bray, 30, of Helena; Perry Wray Woodland, 30, of Nice Falls; and Deni Lynn Draper, 36, of Clancy with misdemeanor felony trespass. One quotation particularly famous the unauthorized helicopter touchdown.
Every cost carries a possible penalty of as much as $500, six months in jail, or each. All three are scheduled to seem in courtroom on Could 28. Officers are additionally reviewing whether or not so as to add prices associated to antler possession.
Guard Response and Investigation
A spokesperson for the Montana Nationwide Guard confirmed an inner investigation is underway. The Guard has not disclosed the aim of the flight or whether or not the touchdown had any official sanction.
The Adjutant Normal of the Montana Nationwide Guard issued a assertion condemning any misuse of army tools and stated acceptable disciplinary motion will observe if misconduct is confirmed.
The property proprietor, 71-year-old Linda McMullen, declined a suggestion from the Nationwide Guard to return the antlers and expressed concern in regards to the incident.
“They used the excuse these are good guys, that I don’t need to break their careers,” she stated. “They need to have thought of that earlier than doing this. I believe folks have to know that is occurring.”
The Montana Division of Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to steer the investigation. No additional feedback have been launched.
