GREAT FALLS — Two men have been convicted of unlawful possession of a game animal, unlawful possession of a game fish, waste of a game animal, waste of a game fish, and hunting without a valid license.
The poaching investigation that began with the killing of fish in the display pond of Giant Springs Fish Hatchery in Great Falls resulted in the two men being sentenced on fish and wildlife charges in the 8th Judicial Court of Cascade County.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks said in a news release on Feb. 7, 2025, that Ty Robert Lewis, 21 paid $16,000 in fines and restitution, and Richard Van Meter, 22, paid $8,000 in fines and restitution.
Both men will also lose their hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for 20 years.
The investigation began on Aug. 23, 2021, when FWP game wardens discovered that several large fish at the Giant Springs fish hatchery display pond had been speared with a sharp object.
Some of the dead fish were left at the scene, while others that survived had to later be euthanized.
On Sept. 19, 2021, wardens received a report that someone had shot and abandoned a bull elk on a ranch near Cascade. The head and antlers had been removed, as well as the lower jaw. The body had been left to waste.
During the course of the investigation wardens also determined that three bull elk and one black bear had also been taken illegally.
Tips from the public led wardens to Van Meter and Lewis, who later confessed to the crimes. Van Meter then left the state but returned recently.
“This case took a few years, but thanks to the hard work of our game wardens, we are glad to finally wrap this case up,” said FWP Region 4 Warden Captain Dave Holland. “The sentences imposed by the court reflect the value of the resources taken by these two individuals, and especially the importance that the community places on the Giant Springs Hatchery.”
