Father and Son Plead Guilty to Montana Poaching Violations, Face Over $15,000 in Fines and Restitution
BILLINGS, Mont. — A father and son have pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations following a yearlong investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens involving illegally killed elk, a mule deer and a black bear in central Montana.
The investigation began after two archery hunters witnessed a man shoot a trophy bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season in the Little Belt Mountains in September 2025.
The case ultimately resulted in guilty pleas in Wheatland and Musselshell county courts, with the two men facing more than $15,000 in combined fines and restitution and a total of 24 years of lost hunting privileges.
Billings Man Faces 20-Year Hunting Suspension
Michael Jason Letasky of Billings pleaded guilty in Wheatland County District Court to five wildlife violations:
Two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal
Two counts of hunting during a closed season
One count of waste of a game animal
According to FWP, Michael Letasky faces more than $12,000 in fines and restitution and will lose his hunting privileges for 20 years in Montana and all other states participating in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
His son, Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty in Musselshell County Justice Court to four wildlife violations:
Two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal
Two counts of hunting without a license
Kolton faces more than $3,000 in fines and restitution and will lose his hunting privileges for four years.
Hunters Witnessed Trophy Bull Elk Shot During Archery Season
The investigation began September 22, 2025, when two archery hunters in the Little Belt Mountains reported witnessing a man shoot a large bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season.
Both witnesses provided descriptions of the suspect to authorities.
Montana FWP game wardens and Wheatland County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area and identified Michael Letasky as the suspect during an investigative traffic stop.
The witnesses then helped authorities locate the kill site, where investigators discovered a large bull elk that had been shot with a rifle.
The animal was a 6x6 trophy bull elk with a Boone and Crockett score of 321 2/8, meeting Montana's trophy restitution requirements.
According to FWP, the elk had been left at the scene, and the meat was no longer fit for human consumption.
"The hunters that witnessed this trophy bull elk unlawfully shot during archery season were rightfully upset and immediately reported the crime to authorities," said FWP game warden Diego O'Brien, who led the investigation.
"Their quick and accurate reporting and assistance in locating evidence were crucial to this investigation."
Investigation Uncovered Additional Wildlife Violations
As game wardens continued investigating, they uncovered evidence of additional wildlife violations dating back several years.
Investigators determined that Michael Letasky had also shot a raghorn bull elk with a firearm during archery-only season in the same area in 2023.
Wardens also discovered that he possessed an unlawfully taken black bear that he had failed to report.
The investigation additionally revealed evidence that Kolton Letasky had killed a mule deer buck in 2024 and a bull elk in 2022 in Musselshell County without the required permits.
According to FWP, Kolton did not possess the required 535-50 mule deer permit or 411-20 elk permit for those animals.
The additional discoveries expanded the investigation beyond the original September 2025 elk incident.
Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies Assisted
FWP credited several agencies for their assistance throughout the investigation.
"We appreciate the assistance from Wheatland County Sheriff's Office and Billings Police Department Digital Forensic Team in this investigation, and thank Wheatland and Musselshell county attorneys' offices for their prosecution of the charges," O'Brien said.
The investigation involved cooperation between state wildlife officers, local law enforcement and county prosecutors.
Witnesses Credited With Helping Bring Case to Court
FWP officials emphasized that the case might not have been possible without the two hunters who initially reported the illegal shooting.
"Most of all, we appreciate the reporting by the hunters who witnessed the crime. They sacrificed their own hunting trip to ensure justice was served, and this case wouldn't have been possible without their help," O'Brien said.
Game wardens frequently rely on information provided by hunters, landowners and members of the public when investigating suspected wildlife crimes.
FWP encourages anyone who witnesses possible violations to report them rather than attempting to confront suspects.
How to Report Wildlife Violations in Montana
Anyone with information about illegal hunting, fishing or other crimes involving wildlife or state lands is encouraged to contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Report suspected violations:
TIP-MONT Hotline: 1-800-847-6668
Online: tipmont.mt.gov
Local FWP Game Warden: Contact your nearest Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.
Individuals who provide information about wildlife violations may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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