Dispatch / 10.29.26· Agencies & Hunting ·Montana
Montana Wardens Issue 89 Citations and $36,785 in Fines in McCone County Case
Thirteen suspects were charged in the Vida-area investigation, and three nonresident hunters received lifetime Montana hunting bans. The landowner lost his hunting privileges for eight years.
Key Facts
- Wardens issued 89 citations, with fines totaling $36,785, in the McCone County case.
- The suspects lost a combined 44 years of hunting privileges.
- Thirteen suspects were charged with more than 80 violations over the last decade.
- Wardens seized or took surrender of over 100 deer and antelope mounts, antlers and horns.
- Three nonresident hunters received lifetime Montana hunting bans, and landowner Kelly Nelson lost privileges for eight years.
- FWP tip rewards run up to $1,000 through tipmont.mt.gov or 1-800-847-6668.
Montana game wardens issued 89 citations and $36,785 in fines in a multi-year McCone County poaching case, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a release dated October 29, 2026, from Vida.
The investigation covered the illegal killing of deer, antelope and upland game birds. Wardens began actively investigating Vida-area landowner Kelly Nelson and the hunters who frequented his property in 2024. Montana residents and hunters from Washington, North Dakota, Wyoming and Indiana hunted illegally on Nelson’s farm and on neighboring properties.
Thirteen suspects were charged with more than 80 violations over the last decade. The investigation led to the seizure or surrender of over 100 deer and antelope mounts, antlers and horns. The citations carry a combined loss of 44 years of hunting privileges, and three of the nonresident hunters received lifetime Montana hunting bans.
Under a plea agreement, Nelson was fined and lost his Montana hunting privileges for eight years. FWP did not give his individual fine. One hunter’s case still awaits resolution from the McCone County Attorney’s office.
All but two of the subjects pled guilty and cooperated with the investigation.
Anyone with information about fish, wildlife or park violations can go to tipmont.mt.gov, call the FWP hotline at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668), or contact a local warden. Tips may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Sources
- 1 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks · Multi-year McCone County illegal hunting case results in over 100 seized animals, thousands of dollars in fines, decades of lost privileges · accessed 2026-10-29
For brands and PR
Covering your product? Send launch details, press images and review samples to the newsroom. Samples do not guarantee coverage or a positive review.
Contact the newsroomRelated Stories
Agencies & Hunting · Oct 29
Southeast Montana Check Stations Find Mule Deer Harvest 55 Percent Below Average at Ashland
Montana FWP reported fewer hunters than average at southeast Montana check stations on opening Sunday, with success rates of 34 to 44 percent at three stations. Antelope harvest rates were up.
Agencies & Hunting · Oct 29
Montana FWP Reports Hunter Success of 18% to 35% at Four Region 5 Check Stations
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported hunter success above last year at all four Region 5 check stations on the Oct. 24-25 opener. Success ranged from 18% at Lavina to 35% at Big Timber.
Agencies & Hunting · Oct 26
Roundup Mule Deer Hunt Opens Nov. 30, With 50 Archery Licenses at $10
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the City of Roundup will sell 50 either-sex mule deer licenses from Nov. 4. Resident licenses cost $10 and non-resident licenses $75.