Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on a mule deer fawn killed with a blowdart in Roundup. Wardens and the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint from the public about a mule deer fawn killed by a blowdart on March 23, 2026. This incident took place on the 100 block of 5th Street West.
This bizarre case is not the only incident of blowdarts being used in poaching. Montana FWP wardens also are seeking information on ducks that were blowdarted within Billings’ city limits, but at this time they do not believe the incidents are related. In another case, a deer was killed and several more injured by blowdarts in Burns, Oregon, in 2021.
Deer can only be lawfully killed/harvested during the established fall hunting season, and it is unlawful to hunt within city limits. Also, blowdarts are not a lawful means of take for deer in Montana. As in the case of the fawn, blowdarts can be lethal to animals, either by causing immediate death or injuries as well as infection that can lead to a slow, painful death.
Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Photos provided by Montana FWP