The accused with his trophy | Terrance Monger-Cowboy State Daily
A seemingly triumphant hunting story coming out of Wyoming, has taken a contentious turn after some pretty damning trespassing allegations surfaced and casted a dark shadow over the originally celebrated elk kill. Terrance J. Monger, of Gillette, shot what he called the “bull of a lifetime” on public state trust land in Elk Hunt Area 129, near Campbell County. However, the hunt has since drawn scrutiny due to claims that Monger illegally crossed private ranch land to reach the public parcel, leading to a misdemeanor citation and an ongoing investigation.
Monger’s achievement was initially a cause for celebration after a Wyoming publication detailed his success in bagging a massive bull elk using an over-the-counter general elk license. After four years of unsuccessful attempts, Monger’s persistence paid off in a remote, landlocked section of public land surrounded by private ranches. He described the elk as a trophy-class animal, a rare prize for any hunter. The story, published shortly after the hunt, painted a picture of dedication and skill, resonating with hunters everywhere, particularly those who brave public lands in search of trophy-caliber animals.
Terrance Monger
The narrative shifted dramatically when ranch manager Tanner Handy of the Quarter Circle (7) Ranch accused Monger of trespassing to access the public land. According to Handy, Monger crossed approximately six miles of private property - about one mile on his ranch and five miles on a neighboring ranch - without permission. Adding to the allegations, Handy reported that a lock on one of his ranch’s gates was either “cut or shot” off, suggesting unauthorized entry. Days after the hunt, Handy discovered the kill site, alerted by the odor of the unprocessed elk carcass, which Monger had not field-dressed as required by hunting regulations.
On the day of the hunt (September 18th), Monger was cited for violating Wyoming’s Title 23 hunting-related trespass statute, a misdemeanor that carries strict liability for hunters. Unlike general criminal trespass under Title 6, which requires posted “no trespassing” signs and carries fines up to $750, the hunting statute demands that hunters verify land boundaries and secure explicit permission to cross private property. Penalties for violations can include fines up to $1,000, suspension of hunting privileges, seizure of firearms or harvested game, and potential criminal charges.
Terrance Monger
The citation was filed in Campbell County Circuit Court, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has not provided any additional information at this time as this remains an active investigation.
Handy went on to state that the ranch remains highly selective about its hunting permissions, allowing only a limited number of bull elk to be hunted to protect the herd's genetics. He noted that the alleged killing of a bull by Monger filled this year's tag, thereby removing the opportunity for hunters who had been previously granted permission to hunt the property.
