Rancher charged in attempted stealing of elk horns from helicopter hunters

[velvet muley]

Good to see this finally happened.



https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/0...ng-to-swipe-elk-head-from-helicopter-hunters/

 

[BigLou]

just wow...

 

[MThuntrrr]

Some people suck

 

[180ls1]

Good. It seemed wild they wouldn't pursue hunter harassment charges because he already killed the bull...

 

[Maxhunter]

Yep, hunter harassment charge should happen also.

 

[sf jakey]

Misdemeanor theft seems a little light

 

[JJ1179]

Misdemeanor theft seems a little light

I agree! Seems way light. If he’s a non resident, the tag and license alone are probably nearly that. Let alone the cost of the helicopter flight and the rest of the trip.

 

[Bugger]

It’s a damn shame, but it looks like they’ve got a solid defense against the hunter harassment charge based on Wyoming’s definition of “process”.

(a) No person shall with the intent to prevent or hinder the lawful taking of any wildlife: (i) Interfere with the lawful taking of or the process of lawfully taking any wildlife;

(h) As used in subsection (a) of this section, “process of lawfully taking” means travel, camping and other acts preparatory to taking wildlife if occurring on lands or water upon which the affected person may legally take the wildlife.

https://www.fishwildlife.org/law-research-library/law-categories/harassment-hunters-trappers-and-anglers/wyoming-harassment-statutes#:~:text=Wyoming's%20harassment%20laws%20for%20wildlife%20include:%20*,of%20up%20to%20$50%2C000%20for%20subsequent%20violations**

 

[velvet muley]

This guy charges 6500 for a 5 day elk hunt, they should take his license for a couple years, that would send a message.

I guess assuming he is licensed and not just charging that for trespass fee/accommodations.

 

[RME]

This guy charges 6500 for a 5 day elk hunt, they should take his license for a couple years, that would send a message.

I guess assuming he is licensed and not just charging that for trespass fee/accommodations.

That’s the rancher you’re talking about?

 

[velvet muley]

That’s the rancher you’re talking about?

Yes, the rancher.

 

[npm352]

I was hoping for more than a misdemeanor theft charge.

 

[Untamed]

The rancher stole the head to "discourage" the hunters. They should have made him pack it back up the mountain to the spot he stole it from at gunpoint.

 

[hoooogan]

The rancher stole the head to "discourage" the hunters. They should have made him pack it back up the mountain to the spot he stole it from at gunpoint.

Ah yes, turn a "handled' situation into a felony for yourself and your buddies. You need to watch a few more Law and Order episodes.

 

[Chief23]

I'm sure alot of the ranchers and Wyoming Game and Fish are in bed together.

 

[spike camp]

I’d be pissed too, if I was the rancher.
But legal is legal, I guess.

 

[Desert_Muley]

Misdemeanor theft seems a little light

I agree. If this elk was poached it would have been a felony due to the trophy potential. But then again he is an outfitter and we know how WY protects it's guides.

 

[Kevin W]

I’d be pissed too, if I was the rancher.
But legal is legal, I guess.

Enlighten me as to why you would be pissed too.

 

[Jethro]

The rancher stole the head to "discourage" the hunters. They should have made him pack it back up the mountain to the spot he stole it from at gunpoint.

The hunters handled it well and kept their cool. Much better than guns getting pulled by ether side.

They should have offered to not press charges in exchange for future access across the ranch. Then, not blew up the hunt on YouTube.