BLAINE COUNTY, Mont. (NMB) – A Belgrade man has been sentenced in Blaine County Justice Court after admitting to poaching a bighorn sheep earlier this year.
Matthew DeWit, 27, pleaded guilty to hunting during a closed season and unlawful possession, shipping, or transportation of a game animal.
His sentence includes $4,000 in fines and restitution and a 10-year suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges in 49 states.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says in a press release the back in May, Dewit shot a bighorn sheep believed to be around 8 1/2 years-old in the Missouri River Breaks during a closed season.
Dewit took the sheep’s head to the FWP’s Bozeman office to get the mandatory plug, claiming he had found the animal dead.
Game wardens, administrative and wildlife staff, and the Blaine County Attorney’s Office all collaborated in the investigation.
FWP relies on tips from the public while investigating wildlife crimes. Informants can remain anonymous and may be eligible for monetary rewards. To report a wildlife crime, please call Montana’s 24-hour poaching hotline: 1-800-TIP-MONT.
