Man Pleads Guilty to Poaching Trophy Mule Deer in Uptown Butte

A poaching case which drew local attention and outrage is now closed. A 20-year-old Butte man pled guilty this week to killing the trophy mule deer buck that was left mortally wounded on North Main Street in Uptown Butte in September of 2016.

Kyler Olsen pled guilty to several charges including unlawful possession, shooting with artificial lights and within city limits, shooting from a vehicle, and abandoning a big game animal.

On the morning of Sept. 12, 2016, FWP wardens received a call about an injured deer in the Uptown Butte area. When responding, game wardens found the deer had died from a gunshot wound. They immediately put the call out for tips through the media and local sportsmen’s groups.

The investigation was helped by information provided by the public and the tracing of the bullet which was recovered from the deer.

Olsen also pled guilty to two charges related to the shooting of another mule deer buck during the general hunting season – unlawful possession and taking a deer over the limit.

Olsen will have to pay a total of $11,695 in fines and restitution. That includes $8,000 in trophy restitution to Montana for the 5×5 mule deer killed in September. Olsen’s hunting, fishing and trapping privileges have also been suspended for five years.

FWP appreciates the help of the public as many cases might go unsolved without that valuable information. The best way to alert FWP to wildlife crime in Montana is to call 800-TIP-MONT. Callers may remain anonymous.