Two men charged with poaching deer and elk in Blaine and Hill Counties

Press release

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has filed multiple charges connected to allegations of unlawful hunting in Blaine and Hill counties against two local men.

Michael J. Dess of Havre, 19, and Lane T. Allen of Harlem, 21, 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.

Dess was charged with 13 misdemeanors and one felony in Blaine County, and 22 misdemeanors and two felonies in Hill County.

Allen was charged with 10 misdemeanors and two felonies in Blaine County and nine misdemeanors in Hill County.

The charges were filed following an extensive investigation after a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens in the fall of 2022 received a 1-800-TIP-MONT call detailing unlawful hunting activity in the Bear Paw Mountains.

The FWP wardens and investigators said they would like to thank the public for helping provide crucial information in this case.

Anyone with information about crimes involving fish, wildlife or park regulations is encouraged 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.