Ranchers in Montana claim they saw an Army National Guard Crew illegally land achopper on private land so they could hop out and grab shed elk antlers. They allege that the chopper was landed without prior notice to or permission from the landowner – either to be on the property, or to collect shed antlers there.
If it turns out to be true, the troops who did it could face stiff penalties, the commanding general of the Montana Army National Guard said.
Ranchers claimed that they saw a Montana Army National Guard UH-60 L Black Hawk helicopter touch down on private land in the Crazy Mountains near Melville, Montana, on May 4, according to local reports.
Witnesses claim they saw people emerge from the chopper and start collecting shed elk antlers, which could be worth thousands of dollars, according to reports.
General ‘Aware Of Alleged Incident’
In a statement released Wednesday and shared with Cowboy State Daily, Major General J. Peter Hronek, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, said that if the allegations are true, the incident won’t be taken lightly.
“I am aware of an alleged incident involving a Montana Army National Guard helicopter landing on private property without authorization,” he said.
“An internal investigation is underway, and appropriate adverse and/or administrative action will take place if the allegations are determined to be true,” Hronek added.
If proven true, the misuse of the chopper was shameful, he said.
“If true, this behavior does not align with the values of the Montana National Guard. Misuse of military equipment erodes the trust we strive to uphold with the people of Montana,” he said. “Every member of the Montana National Guard is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the law.”
Sweet Grass County, Montana Sheriff Alan Ronneberg also reported that his office had received a complaint about the alleged incident.
Potential charges could include trespassing and theft, according to local reports, though such charges have yet to be filed against any suspects in the case.
A message for Ronneberg from Cowboy State Daily wasn’t answered on Wednesday.
Antler Hunting Can Bring Big Bucks
During the late winter and early spring, bull elk and buck deer begin shedding their antlers.
“Shed hunting,” or going out into the countryside to look for the antlers as snow starts to melt in the spring started out as a pastime with a relatively few devoted followers.
However, growing market demand for antlers brought money into the picture.
Artists and furniture makers use shed antlers to build things such as chandeliers. They’re willing to pay $20 or more per pound for antlers that are in good shape.
Others make money by sawing antlers into pieces and selling them as dog chews.
The allure of money has made shed hunting ridiculously competitive in some places.
Wildlife biologists caution shed hunters from getting too close to deer and elk herds. With the animals weakened by having just survived winter, the stress of having mobs of humans nearby could be enough to kill some of them, biologists say.
In 2023, the Wyoming Legislature passed a bill restricting access for out-of-state shed hunters in parts of Wyoming – such as around the National Elk Refuge near Jackson.
Shed hunting season opens there on May 1 each year.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
