Ronald Schubert and his son Chad Schubert, both of Belleville, Michigan, each face felony charges for unlawful possession of a trophy bull elk. Chad Schubert faces an additional felony charge for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
The investigation began when the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office provided information to Montana game wardens. Warden Kyle Queer determined that Chad Schubert allegedly killed the trophy bull elk in Hunting District 702 without a valid permit.
“The elk also was taken on private land without permission, killed with a rifle during the archery-only season, and most of the meat was abandoned and left to waste in the field,” according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
The investigation revealed that Ronald Schubert was present during the incident and allegedly assisted with removing and transporting the head and antlers while leaving the carcass behind.
Chad Schubert also faces four misdemeanor charges: hunting during a closed season, failure to obtain landowner permission, waste of a game animal, and violation of commission rules for failing to return to the kill site. Ronald Schubert was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass.
The charges carry steep penalties including more than $60,000 in fines and restitution, possible imprisonment in county detention, and loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.
Chad Schubert faces additional pending charges for violations related to hunting deer, antelope, turkeys and mountain lions in Rosebud County.
The investigation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure County Attorney’s Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
“Anyone with possible information about crimes against fish, wildlife or state land resources is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov or to contact a game warden in your area directly,” FWP stated. “You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.”
Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.