politics
US Black Hawk helicopter trespasses on private Montana ranch to grab elk antlers
Collecting fallen (or “shed”) elk antlers is a popular pastime in elk-heavy places like Montana, but it’s usually a pretty low-tech, on-the-ground affair. That’s why last year’s story about a US Black Hawk helicopter descending from the skies to harvest shed elk antlers on a ranch was such an odd one.
TL;DR
- A Montana rancher reported a US Black Hawk helicopter landing on her property to collect shed elk antlers.
- The Montana National Guard launched an investigation into the unauthorized use of military aircraft.
- The pilot, Deni Draper, pleaded no contest to trespassing charges and was fined $500.
- Evidence included neighbor testimony, tire indentations, and exhaust marks.
- The Montana National Guard confirmed previous, isolated incidents of antler collection using military aircraft.
- The Guard has since issued clear directives banning antler collection with military aircraft, deeming it a misuse of government property.