In a bizarre case that captured national attention, three Montana Army National Guard members faced misdemeanor trespassing charges after landing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on private ranch land to collect shed elk antlers. The incident, which occurred back in May, in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains in Sweet Grass County, has now concluded with a military investigation revealing that such misuse of aircraft for antler collection was not entirely unprecedented.
Last spring’s incident took place during a routine training flight from Billings to Helena, when the crew—pilot Deni Lynn Draper, 36, of Clancy; Michael Vincent Bray, 30, of Helena; and Perry Wray Woodland, 30, of Great Falls—allegedly spotted some irresistible shed elk antlers from the air and decided to land on private property, turning their routine flight into a snatch and grab op.
The property is owned by rancher Linda McMullen and neighbors David and Sandy Holman spotted the Black Hawk landing near Billy Creek west of Melville and alerted McMullen, who was out of state at the time.
During the pit stop, the crew collected two individual antlers and an old elk skull with attached antlers, with an estimated value of approximately $300–$400. Shed antlers, naturally dropped by elk each year, are highly sought after for crafts, decor, and dog chews, and can fetch up to $20 per pound.
Collecting shed antlers is legal on public lands with proper permits, but entering private property without permission—especially posted as no trespassing—is illegal in Montana. As part of the bust, the antlers were later surrendered to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials where they remain today.
Deni Lynn Draper, the part-time pilot who admitted to deciding to land the helicopter, changed his plea from not guilty to no contest in court on Monday. He received a deferred prosecution, which included a $185 fine (increased from a proposed $100), forfeiture of any claim to the antlers, and the possibility of record expungement if he avoids further charges for six months. Potential additional penalties include a $500 fine and up to six months in jail if conditions are violated.
Michael Vincent Bray and Perry Wray Woodland pleaded not guilty and are still facing potential jury trials later this year.
McMullen expressed dissatisfaction with the light penalty for Draper, noting it as the cost for "using a multi-million dollar helicopter." She also stated that she plans to display the returned antlers at her ranch.
The Montana Army National Guard concluded its internal probe in early January, deeming the actions a misuse of government resources inconsistent with military standards.
In a statement filed yesterday, officials acknowledged "isolated incidents" of National Guard personnel using military aircraft to collect elk antlers in the past. Despite details being scarce surrounding the closed-book military probe, officials stated that these prior cases reportedly occurred on training grounds or public lands, not private property.
"By way of a thorough inquiry, we can confirm isolated incidents of collecting antlers (with a military aircraft) have occurred previously," Lt. Col. Thomas Figarelle, Montana National Guard chief public affairs officer said. "(The Montana Army National Guard) issued clear directives no antler collecting of any type is authorized. This is misuse of government property inconsistent with our standards. We are not going to tolerate it."
The Guard has since issued directives prohibiting any antler collection with military assets and has stated that no discharges are pending for the three involved, while broader disciplinary details remain undisclosed.
"Protecting the public trust is paramount to the Montana National Guard and we take any misuse of government resources seriously," said Brigadier General Trenton Gibson in a statement Tuesday. "Our objective throughout this — and all investigations — is to ensure justice, while safeguarding due process. This ensures outcomes are fair, lawful, and appropriate. We will always hold our Soldiers and Airmen accountable — to ensure a professional and trusted force."
