Montana Father and Son Face Heavy Penalties in Poaching Case

A father and son from Billings, Montana, and Austin, Texas, have lost their hunting privileges for a combined 24 years and face thousands of dollars in fines after pleading guilty to multiple wildlife violations. The case stems from a yearlong investigation conducted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens across Wheatland and Musselshell counties.

The investigation began in September 2025 in the Little Belt Mountains, when two bowhunters witnessed a man shoot a bull elk with a rifle during the state's archery-only season. The witnesses immediately contacted authorities and provided detailed descriptions of the suspect, even sacrificing their own hunting trip to help investigators locate evidence and the kill site.

Diego O'Brien, an FWP game warden and lead investigator on the case, praised the prompt response from the public. "The hunters that witnessed this trophy bull elk unlawfully shot during archery season were rightfully upset and immediately reported the crime to authorities," O'Brien stated, adding that their accurate reporting and proactive assistance were vital to the resolution of the case.

Using information provided by the witnesses, law enforcement officials located Michael Jason Letasky, of Billings, during a traffic stop. Although he matched the description of the suspect, the elk's antlers and meat were missing. Authorities later recovered the carcass of the 6x6 trophy bull elk, which met the state's trophy restitution standards with a Boone and Crockett score of 321 2/8, noting that the animal had been left entirely to waste.

Further investigation by game wardens uncovered a broader pattern of illegal hunting activity spanning multiple years. Authorities discovered that the elder Letasky had also unlawfully shot a raghorn bull elk with a firearm during the 2023 archery season and was in possession of an unreported black bear.

The inquiry also revealed evidence implicating Michael's son, Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas. Investigators determined that Kolton had killed a mule deer buck in 2024 and a bull elk in 2022 without acquiring the proper permits.

In court, Michael Letasky pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal, two counts of hunting during a closed season, and one count of wasting a game animal. His penalties include a 20-year hunting suspension—enforced across Montana and all other states participating in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact—along with more than $12,000 in fines and restitution.

Kolton Letasky pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal and two counts of hunting without a license. He received a four-year hunting suspension and was ordered to pay over $3,000 in fines and restitution. FWP officials thanked local law enforcement agencies and county attorneys for their collaboration in prosecuting the case, while reiterating the critical role that public tips play in stopping wildlife crimes.