About this series: The vast majority of the Montana’s hunters operate within regulations designed to ensure the health of one of the state’s most coveted and protected resources: its wildlife. But not all. As stories of headless elk, shot wolves and illegally taken bears, antelope and mule deer keep popping up, Lee Enterprises took aim at answering some of the deeper questions about poaching across Big Sky Country. This series examines the costs, challenges and trends that law enforcement, lawmakers and prosecutors face as they attempt the daunting job of stopping poachers.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens provided this photo of four decapitated whitetail bucks in Carbon County.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo
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Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, talks to reporters at a press conference following the adjournment of the 2025 legislative session on in 2025.
Sonny Tapia, Helena Independent Record
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John Sullivan is pictured in this provided photo. Sullivan serves on the board of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
Provided photo
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Prosecutor Ben Krakowka walks back to his seat during the second day of trial at Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse in Butte on Feb. 03.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Montana Standard
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A 6x6 bull elk was poached in October 2025 near Musselshell.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks logo.
RYAN BERRY Billings Gazette
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Dylan Charles Boyer changed his plea to guilty Jan. 14, 2026 before Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Michael McMahon.
SONNY TAPIA
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