FWP officials charge four with 2012 wildlife violations

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks wardens have charged four people with numerous counts of wildlife violations based on 2012 activities related to whitetail deer poaching near Whitefish.  

The violations mainly occurred in the Farm to Market Road, Dillon Road and Voerman Road areas.    

Charges include, but are not limited to, waste of game, using artificial light to hunt big game, unlawful possession of big game animals and hunting  during a closed season.

The persons, who have not been identified by FWP officials, have pleaded not guilty and the case will proceed in the coming months.  

Meanwhile, Libby Game Warden Tamie Laverdure is continuing her investigation into the taking of whitetail and mule deer for what she called camp meat.

Laverdure said only the backstraps were taken from deer in the Powerline and Ziegler Mountain areas in early Novemeber and late October.

FWP officials also are seeking information related to a five-by-six whitetail buck recently shot and left off Dillon Road east of Whitefish.   

At about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, the shooter left the scene before officers could arrive. The deer was  left in the field.  

The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a dark-colored pickup truck with large tires, brush guard and top bar.   

Game wardens urge anyone with any information to call 1-800-TIP-MONT.  A person who gives information that leads to a conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.