Charges filed in connection with killing of record bighorn | Great Falls Tribune
August 31, 2009 · Print This Article
By MICHAEL BABCOCK • Tribune Outdoor Editor • August 29, 2009
State investigators filed felony and misdemeanor charges against a Whitehall taxidermist and two other men this week in connection with the shooting of a record bighorn sheep in the Missouri Breaks last fall.
An undercover Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks agent shot the sheep after purposely missing it a number of times over the course of a couple days, according to court documents.
Since last fall, the killing of the ram, which reportedly measured 204 inches on the Boone and Crockett scale, has been a hot topic on the Internet, with chat-room rumor mills churning out all kinds of speculation and accusations regarding the death of the bighorn ram and the actions of the undercover agent.
On Monday, the state filed charges in Chouteau County District Court against John E. Lewton of Whitehall, accusing him of felony unlawful possession of a game animal, two misdemeanor counts of hunting without landowner permission and a misdemeanor count of outfitting without a license.
On Wednesday, the state filed charges against Lewton in Jefferson County District Court, accusing him of felony unlawful sale of a game animal.
Also charged were Blake Trangmoe of Glendive and James Reed of Rexberg, Idaho. Each of those two men faces two misdemeanor charges of hunting without landowner permission, a misdemeanor count of outfitting without a license and one felony count of unlawful possession of a game animal.
In documents filed by the state, the Attorney General’s Office alleges that Lewton claimed to have accompanied a number of bighorn sheep tag holders while they hunted in Montana during the last 10 to 15 years.
FWP undercover agents began investigating Lewton in 2005.
When the undercover agent approached Lewton last year and told him he had a sheep tag, Lewton told the agent he took the last nine holders of the “governor’s sheep tag,” which is auctioned off by the state every year, hunting for their sheep. Click Link Below For Full Story!
Lewton Found Not Guilty!! On All Acounts Bolder Montana 3-25-2010
THE BALLAD OF JUSTIN GIBBS
There are strange things done under the Big Sky sun,
by the men who hunt for rams.
Montana trails have their secret tales,
and many a soul’s been damned.
The Missouri Breaks have seen queer fates,
heard many a voice call “Dibs!”
But none could dare or begin to compare,
to the hunt of Justin Gibbs.
Now in Justin’s heart lay a secret, dark,
when he knocked on the cameraman’s door.
Feigning a smile, intent to beguile,
like the horse in the Trojan War.
In his hand he flourished the state permit,
for the coveted Bighorn Ram.
But under his shirt was a tape machine
to entrap the video man.
So off they went with their time well spent,
in quest of this mighty prize.
Searching the breaks, ignoring the aches,
for a monster of record size.
‘Til into their sight, bathed in afternoon light
walked a sheep, full curl complete.
Yet the man named Gibbs, with his homely fibs,
continued his sly deceit.
“Action, my boy,” Camera John said with joy,
“If you miss this one it’s a shame.”
“It’s an easy shot,” Not knowing the plot
and that Gibbs worked for Fish and Game.
Gibbs crouched on the ground and he raved on and on
of the size of the horn and the spread.
Then crazed with desire, in spite of his wire,
he shot, and the great ram was dead.
Now the Fish and Game thought they had John framed
and accused him of dastardly deeds.
They hauled him to Boulder with file and folder,
never thinking they wouldn’t succeed.
There were twelve good men who listened when
Gibbs defended his splendid shot.
For five long days, upon each phrase,
they thought and thought and thought.
These are the simple facts of the case,
and I guess I ought to know.
They say that Justin was weakened by lust
and I’m not denying it’s so.
But he claimed he’d be dead or maimed by John’s knife
if he hadn’t pulled down on the ram.
Or maybe his skull would be broken and bloodied
by a blow from the videocam.
Well, I’m not so wise as the lawyer guys
who preach in the courts of law.
But with what life brings, I’ve seen some things
that would drop a sailor’s jaw.
And if I had to choose, and pay the dues
between a repeating rifle and knife,
I’ll take the gun under the cold hard sun
and bet on that gun for my life.
There are strange things done under the Big Sky sun
by the men who hunt for rams.
But when the jury brought its verdict back
they declared the trial a sham.
On every charge against the cameraman,
“Not-Guilty” they declared.
So John was free of the felony
and his reputation spared.
Perhaps it was the threat of the skinning knife
or maybe the size of the horn.
But I’m told the jury slept well that night,
though the Fish and Game did mourn.
And when the cameraman stands before his god,
who knows for what deeds he’ll pay.
Let’s hope he leaves his knife at home
when he’s called to Judgment Day.