World · North America · 1 day ago
Montana Father and Son Plead Guilty in Poaching Case
A Montana father and son pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations after a yearlong poaching investigation.
Michael Jason Letasky lives in Billings, and his son, Kolton Letasky, lives in Austin, Texas.
The case involved illegal hunting in Wheatland and Musselshell counties, including unlawful possession of game animals and hunting without a license.
It began in September 2025, when two archery hunters reported seeing a man shoot a bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season in the Little Belt Mountains.
Investigators identified Michael Letasky as the suspect and found a trophy elk that had been left to waste, along with evidence of other illegal elk, deer and black bear violations dating to 2022.
Michael Letasky faces more than $12,000 in fines and restitution and a 20-year hunting suspension, while Kolton Letasky faces more than $3,000 and a four-year suspension.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says people can report wildlife crimes online or by phone, and tips may qualify for rewards of up to $1,000.
A father and son pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations after an investigation in Wheatland and Musselshell counties.
Michael Jason Letasky of Billings pleaded guilty to five charges and faces more than $12,000 in fines and restitution and a 20-year hunting-privilege suspension.
His son, Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty to four charges and faces more than $3,000 in fines and restitution and a four-year hunting suspension.
The investigation began after hunters reported a man shooting a bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season in the Little Belt Mountains.
Investigators also found evidence of additional illegal elk, deer and black bear violations dating back to 2022.
- Who
- Michael Jason Letasky and his son, Kolton Letasky.
- What
- They pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations. They face fines, restitution and hunting suspensions.
- When
- The investigation began in September 2025. The plea dates are not stated.
- Where
- The violations involved Wheatland and Musselshell counties in Montana.
- Why
- The investigation followed hunters’ report of a bull elk being shot with a rifle during archery-only season. The sources do not state the men’s motives.
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Investigators later uncovered evidence of additional illegal elk, deer and black bear violations dating back to this year.
Two archery hunters reported seeing a man shoot a bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season in the Little Belt Mountains, prompting the investigation.
Wardens identified Michael Letasky as the suspect and located a trophy 6x6 bull elk that had been left to waste.
Michael and Kolton Letasky pleaded guilty to wildlife violations.
- Michael Jason Letasky
- Billings
- Michael Letasky’s guilty pleas
- Five charges
- Michael Letasky’s penalties
- More than $12,000 in fines and restitution; 20-year hunting-privilege suspension
- Kolton Letasky
- Austin, Texas
- Kolton Letasky’s penalties
- More than $3,000 in fines and restitution; four-year hunting suspension
- Investigation began
- September 2025