A yearlong investigation into wildlife crimes in Montana has concluded with a father and son pleading guilty to a series of poaching violations that spanned several years. Michael Jason Letasky of Billings and his son, Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas, were held accountable this month in Wheatland and Musselshell county courts for multiple illegal hunts, including the shooting of a trophy bull elk during a restricted archery season.
The case highlights how public vigilance helps enforce conservation laws. According to the Daily Montanan, the investigation was triggered in September 2025 when two archery hunters in the Little Belt Mountains witnessed a man using a rifle to take down a bull elk during a season reserved exclusively for bow hunters. Their decision to report the incident, complete with descriptions of the suspect, provided the essential lead that allowed Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) game wardens and Wheatland County sheriff’s deputies to intercept Michael Letasky during a subsequent traffic stop.
The Scope of the Violations
What began as a single report of a poached elk quickly widened into a multi-year look at the Letaskys’ hunting history. As reported by Montana Outdoor, the investigation revealed a pattern of illegal activity dating back to 2022. The bull elk he killed—a 6×6 specimen with a Boone and Crockett score of 321 2/8—was left to rot, rendering the meat unfit for human consumption.
The legal consequences reflect the severity with which the state treats such waste. Michael Letasky faces over $12,000 in fines and restitution, including an $8,000 penalty specifically for trophy restitution. Perhaps more impactful for a hunter is the loss of privileges; he is barred from hunting for 20 years in Montana and all other states participating in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
His record included the killing of a mule deer buck in 2024 and a bull elk in 2022, both taken without the required state permits. He has been ordered to pay $3,000 in fines and faces a four-year suspension of his hunting privileges.
Public Reporting as a Conservation Tool
The resolution of this case highlights the operational reality of modern game management. With vast stretches of wilderness to monitor, state agencies rely heavily on the eyes and ears of the public. Warden Diego O’Brien, who led the investigation, noted that the witnesses who initially saw the rifle shot in the Little Belt Mountains sacrificed their own time to ensure the crime was documented.
Their quick and accurate reporting and assistance in locating evidence were crucial to this investigation.
Beyond the trophy elk, the investigation uncovered that Michael Letasky had also shot a raghorn bull elk with a firearm during the 2023 archery season and was in possession of an improperly reported black bear. These additional incidents show how hard it is to detect poaching without reports from people who use the backcountry.
For those who encounter suspected illegal activity on state lands, Montana FWP maintains a dedicated reporting system. Citizens can contact their local game warden, call 1-800-TIP-MONT, or use the official state portal to provide details. The state offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction to encourage the public to help conservation officers.
While the Letasky case is now closed, it illustrates the ongoing friction between state licensing requirements and the actions of individuals who bypass them. As the state moves forward, the focus remains on the integrity of the hunting season and the preservation of trophy-class animals, which require years of careful management to reach maturity. The heavy fines and long-term bans serve as the state’s primary deterrent against the waste of natural resources that belong to the public.
