A bizarre incident unfolded in Montana, involving three members of the Montana Army National Guard who are now facing trespassing charges. The charges stem from allegations that the trio landed a Black Hawk helicopter in a mountain pasture on a private ranch, took several elk antlers, and then flew away. The incident was witnessed by a member of the public who promptly reported it to authorities, leading to a subsequent investigation and charges being filed against the guard members.
The guardsmen had claimed that the landing was part of a training flight from Billings to Helena, with the helicopter briefly touching down in a pasture in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains. It was during this stop that the crew members allegedly gathered two elk antlers and an old elk skull, all of which were still attached. Elk antlers are highly sought after, both for sale and as keepsakes. The items taken by the guardsmen were estimated to be worth between $300 to $400 and were eventually turned over to a state game warden.
Trespassing issues related to the removal of antlers from private land are not uncommon in western states like Montana. However, Sweet Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg described this particular incident as unusual. Instead of the typical scenario where individuals cross into private land to pick up a shed antler, this case involved a military helicopter landing on the property, catching the attention of authorities.
According to citations issued to the guardsmen, they were found to have entered posted private property for the purpose of elk antler removal, and one member was specifically cited for landing a military helicopter on private property. The Sweet Grass County Attorney and Sheriff’s Office are currently deliberating on whether to pursue additional charges related to the antler removal, particularly concerning the ownership of the antlers.
Attempts to reach the guardsmen for comment were largely unsuccessful, with one redirecting inquiries to their attorney and the other two remaining unreachable. However, the guardsmen are now facing criminal misdemeanor trespass charges, each carrying a $185 fine and no requirement to appear in court. It is also worth noting that taking antlers from state-owned land is legal in Montana for individuals with a state conservation license.
Responding to the incident, Montana National Guard Adjutant General J. Peter Hronek acknowledged the case and stated that appropriate action would be taken if the allegations are confirmed. Misuse of military equipment, he added, undermines the trust that the National Guard seeks to uphold with the people of Montana.
Meanwhile, the Montana National Guard has made efforts to rectify the situation by reaching out to the owner of the ranch and organizing the return of the items taken. As this bizarre case continues to unfold, it has garnered attention and scrutiny, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will develop in the wake of this peculiar event.
