Father and son plead guilty to Montana poaching charges

A father-and-son duo pled guilty to multiple poaching violations this month according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

The department conducted a yearlong investigation after reports of a man shooting a bull elk with a rifle during archery-only season last September. 

Michael Letasky, of Billings, was identified by FWP game wardens and Wheatland County sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop. 

During the investigation, game wardens discovered that Letasky also shot a raghorn bull elk in 2023 in the same area with a firearm during archery-only season, that Letasky was in possession of an unlawful black bear, and that his son, Kolton, had killed two animals without correct licenses in 2022 and 2024.  

In addition to charges for hunting during as closed season, the elder Letasky was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal and one count of wasted game animal. The bull elk also met the state’s trophy restitution requirements, an additional $8,000 cost. 

Letasky faces more than $12,000 in fines and will lose hunting privileges for 20 years in Montana and nearby states. 

His son, a Texan, also pled guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal and two counts of hunting without a license and faces $3,000 in fines and will lose hunting privileges for four years. 

Montana FWP officials say that reports and witness accounts from members of the public are key in opening up and carrying out poaching investigations. 

“The hunters that witnessed this trophy bull elk unlawfully shot during archery season were rightfully upset and immediately reported the crime to authorities,” said game warden Diego O’Brien, who led the investigation. “Their quick and accurate reporting and assistance in locating evidence were crucial to this investigation.” 

Anyone with possible information about crimes against wildlife or state lands is asked to call the local game warden, 1-800-TIP-MONT, or visit tipmont.mt.gov to provide details. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.