We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
21 year old Lane T. Allen of Harlem and 19 year old Michael J. Dess of Havre have been charged with a number of misdemeanor and felony charges in connection with the poaching of Deer and Elk in Blaine and Hill Counties.
According to a press release from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 6 headquarters the two men had charges filed in Blaine and Hill Counties alleging their involvement in the unlawful take of deer and elk, out of season, in 2021 and 2022. The charges involved the take or attempt to take nine antlered deer and four bull elk, some of which qualify for trophy restitution. Charges include violations of hunting during a closed season, hunting without a license, waste of game, over limits, the use of artificial light, and the unlawful possession of game animals.
According to charging documents obtained by the Journal from Blaine County Attorney Kelsie Harwood, Dess was charged with 13 misdemeanours and one felony in Blaine County. Allen was charged with 10 misdemeanors and two felonies in Blaine County. In addition MFWP added that Dess was charged with 22 misdemeanors and two felonies in Hill County while Allen is also facing nine misdemeanor charges in Hill County.
Charges against Allen in Blaine County include: Two Counts (1 & 9) Unlawful possession, shipping or transportation of game fish, bird, game animal or fur bearing animal. Restitution over $1,000 a Felony. Misdemeanor charges include: Three counts (2, 5 & 10) of Hunting or fishing during a closed season; Three counts (3, 6 & 11) of Hunting fishing or trapping without a license; Two counts (4 & 7) of Waste of game animal, game fish or game bird; One Count (12) of hunting or killing over the limit.
The felony charges are punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed (5) five years and a fine not to exceed $50,000 or both. Misdemeanor charges are punishable by imprisonment not more than 6 months and fine not less than $50.00 and not more than $1,000 or both. Upon conviction the defendant shall forfeit any current hunting fishing or trapping license issued by this state and the privilege to hunt, fish or trap in this state for 24 months from the date of conviction, unless the court imposes a longer period, and pay restitution. Count 12 fine is no less than $500 and not to exceed $2,000 or both.
Blaine County charges against Dess are roughly the same with Counts 1, 7 & 11 being Hunting or fishing during a closed season. Counts 2, 8 & 12 are for Hunting fishing or trapping without a license. Dess is also charged with (3 & 14) Unlawful use of equipment while hunting; Unlawful possession, shipping or transportation of game fish, bird, game animal or fur bearing animal a felony plus two misdemeanor counts (10 & 13) of Unlawful possession, shipping or transportation of game fish, bird, game animal or fur bearing animal restitution less than $1,000. Counts 4 an 9 are for Waste of game animal, game fish or game bird.
Dess’s misdemeanor charges for unlawful use of equipment while hunting are punishable by imprisonment not more than 6 months and fine not less than $50.00 and not more than $1,000 or both.
The MFWP encourages anyone with information about crimes involving fish, wildlife or park regulations to visit https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont to provide details, call the FWP violation reporting hotline at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668), or get in touch with their local warden. People providing information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
