A father and son in Billings, Montana, could face thousands in fines and a loss of hunting privileges if the two are found guilty in a poaching case.
Michael Jason Letasky of Billings pleaded guilty to five charges, including unlawful possession of game animals, hunting during a closed season and wasting a game animal, according to a Friday release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Mr. Letasky’s son, Kolton Letasky of Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty to four charges, including unlawful possession of game animals and hunting without a license.
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If he is found guilty, the elder Letasky faces $12,000 in fines and will lose hunting privileges for 20 years. His son faces $3,000 in fines and a four-year hunting suspension.
The investigation into the Letaskys began in September 2025, when archery hunters reported seeing a man shooting an elk with a hunting rifle during a bow-only season in Montana’s Little Belt Mountains. Michael Letasky was identified as the suspect by wardens, who also found the head of the bull elk he had killed.
During the investigation, additional evidence was uncovered of the Letaskys illegally hunting elk, deer and black bear dating back to 2022.
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