Father and Son Face Severe Penalties in Montana Elk Poaching Case

Details of the Investigation Into the Montana Elk Poaching Case

A father and son involved in unlawful hunting activities across central Montana have been penalized with a combined 24-year suspension of their hunting rights. The case regarding michael letasky montana elk poaching originated last year when two bowhunters stepped forward with a report. These witnesses observed an individual shooting a bull elk utilizing a rifle while archery season was active in September 2025.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden Diego O'Brien, the observant bowhunters went far beyond a standard report. They provided direct assistance to authorities in a territory unfamiliar to the lead investigator, acting as critical resources throughout the inquiry.

Evidence and Law Enforcement Action

Utilizing descriptions and details supplied by the witnesses, law enforcement officers tracked down Billings resident Michael Letasky via a traffic stop in the Little Belt Mountains area. Although he matched the suspect description, officers found neither the animal's rack nor any meat, as the carcass had been left behind to waste.

Because the poached animal was a 6×6 bull, it met official state trophy criteria. State guidelines establish a standard restitution fee of $8,000 for the unlawful destruction and waste of such trophy elk. Alongside this specific incident, further scrutiny revealed that the elder Letasky had also unlawfully shot a raghorn during the 2023 archery season and possessed an unreported black bear.

Penalties for the Father and Son

As the inquiry progressed, authorities uncovered additional violations tied to Michael Letasky's son, Kolton Letasky, who resides in Austin, Texas. Records indicate the younger Letasky unlawfully took a Montana buck in 2024 and a bull in 2022 without acquiring proper permits.

Consequently, Kolton Letasky pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of game alongside two counts of hunting without a license. His legal consequences total over $3,000 in financial penalties and a four-year prohibition from hunting.

Meanwhile, the senior Letasky faced heavier judgments. He entered guilty pleas for two counts of unlawful possession of game, two counts of hunting during a closed season, and a single count of wasting game. His punishment includes a 20-year ban from hunting and more than $12,000 in associated fines.

Sources: Yahoo, NBC Montana, The Missoulian.