Michael Jason Letasky of Billings has pleaded guilty to five wildlife violations connected to illegal hunting activity in Wheatland and Musselshell counties. He faces more than $12,000 in fines and restitution and a 20-year loss of hunting privileges.
Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty to four wildlife violations in the same case. He faces more than $3,000 in fines and restitution, along with a four-year suspension of hunting privileges.
Investigation Began in 2025
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks began investigating in September 2025 after two archery hunters reported seeing a man use a rifle to shoot a bull elk during an archery-only season in the Little Belt Mountains.
Wardens identified Michael Letasky as the suspect and later found a trophy 6×6 bull elk that had been left to waste. The investigation also uncovered additional unlawful activity involving elk, deer and black bear dating to 2022.
Charges and Penalties
Michael Letasky’s guilty pleas included unlawful possession of game animals, hunting during a closed season and wasting a game animal. Kolton Letasky pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of game animals and hunting without a license.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks credited the two reporting hunters and local law enforcement agencies for assisting in the case.
Wildlife-crime information can be submitted through the state’s Tip-Mont program at tipmont.mt.gov or by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT. Tips may be eligible for rewards of up to $1,000.