Witnesses report a Montana Military Nationwide Guard UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter landed with out prior discover on personal property within the Loopy Mountains close to Melville, Mont., on Might 4, 2025. The crew reportedly collected elk antlers throughout the alleged unauthorized touchdown, which triggered investigations by state wildlife officers and the Nationwide Guard, in keeping with The Livingston Enterprise and different native information shops.
Neighboring ranchers David and Sandy Holman advised reporters they noticed the helicopter close to Billy Creek and noticed people gathering elk antlers. They alerted landowner Linda McMullen, who mentioned the early-season brown elk sheds might be value hundreds of {dollars}.
Candy Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg mentioned his workplace acquired the criticism and confirmed that potential costs might embrace trespassing and theft. As of Might 13, officers haven’t filed any citations or costs.
The Montana Division of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is main the investigation.
Montana Nationwide Guard Investigates Alleged Helicopter Touchdown
As of now, the Montana Nationwide Guard has not launched an official public assertion concerning the incident involving the alleged unauthorized touchdown of a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter on personal property and the alleged assortment of elk antlers. The knowledge at the moment accessible stems from reviews by native information shops, resembling KULR8 Information, which cited statements from people concerned and native authorities.
Main Ryan Finnegan, a public affairs officer with the Montana Nationwide Guard, confirmed he was conscious of the incident in a report by the Bozeman Each day Chronicle, and mentioned an inner investigation is underway.
The Montana Nationwide Guard has not shared some other info on the incident.
This information provides to a rising variety of antler thefts within the West. The excessive market worth of elk antlers continues to drive unlawful assortment. Authorities are nonetheless investigating and can launch extra info because the case develops.
