Man Charged With 10 Counts Of Poaching

Officials in Blaine and Phillips counties filed poaching charges against a Montana man who allegedly killed deer and elk on private property last fall.

Marvin Cole, 20, of Lodgepole, was charged with one felony and nine misdemeanor violations between the two counties. The charges allege his role in the unlawful killing, possession, waste and sale of deer and elk antlers.

In November 2024, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported poaching incidents in the two north-central counties. The antlers had been removed from a whitetail deer and elk killed on private land in Blaine County, roughly 30 miles south of Chinook, while a second headless whitetail was found on private land in Phillips County.

The 10 charges filed against Cole include: unlawful possession of a bull elk, unlawful possession of two whitetail bucks, waste of game animals, failure to obtain landowner permission for hunting, hunting without a valid license, and unlawful sale of a game animal.

“This investigation involved several scenes spread over multiple jurisdictions. This case really showcased our wardens’ investigative skills and the importance of community relationships and partnerships,” said FWP warden investigator Dirk Paulsen.

In a press release, FWP wardens and investigators thanked the public for helping provide crucial information in this case. The release also stated that assistance in the investigation was provided by the Fort Belknap Police Department, U.S. Probation- Glasgow, Havre Police Department, Wyoming Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, Cascade County Sheriff’s office, the Blaine and Phillip’s County attorneys, and the property owners where the animals were discovered.