A Misguided Mission
In a scene more befitting a satirical action film than a military training exercise, three Montana Army National Guard members—Michael Vincent Bray, Perry Wray Woodland, and Deni Lynn Draper—are facing criminal trespassing charges after allegedly landing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on private property in Sweet Grass County to collect elk antlers during a training flight from Billings to Helena on May 4, 2025. Apparently, the crew thought they were on their own time, joyriding the countryside in a pickup truck rather than conducting a military mission in a 5.9 million dollar government-owned aircraft.
The trio reportedly touched down in a ranch pasture located in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains and retrieved two loose antlers and a skull with attached antlers, all estimated to be worth $300 to $400. The incident, witnessed by neighboring ranchers and reported by landowner Linda McMullen, has sparked investigations by both the Montana National Guard and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
The Fallout: Legal and Ethical Implications
Citations issued to two of the guardsmen stated they “entered posted private property that was posted as trespassing for the purpose of elk antler removal.” The citation for the third mentioned trespassing and that the “subject landed military helicopter on private property.” Criminal misdemeanor trespass in Montana carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and/or up to six months in county jail.
The Montana National Guard has confirmed an internal investigation is underway. Major General J. Peter Hronek stated, “I am aware of an alleged incident involving a Montana Army National Guard helicopter landing on private property without authorization. An internal investigation is underway, and appropriate adverse and/or administrative action will take place if the allegations are determined to be true. If true, this behavior does not align with the values of the Montana National Guard. Misuse of military equipment erodes the trust we strive to uphold with the people of Montana. Every member of the Montana National Guard is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the law.”
A Misguided Mission
In a scene more befitting a satirical action film than a military training exercise, three Montana Army National Guard members—Michael Vincent Bray, Perry Wray Woodland, and Deni Lynn Draper—are facing criminal trespassing charges after allegedly landing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on private property in Sweet Grass County to collect elk antlers during a training flight from Billings to Helena on May 4, 2025. Apparently, the crew thought they were on their own time, joyriding the countryside in a pickup truck rather than conducting a military mission in a 5.9 million dollar government-owned aircraft.
The trio reportedly touched down in a ranch pasture located in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains and retrieved two loose antlers and a skull with attached antlers, all estimated to be worth $300 to $400. The incident, witnessed by neighboring ranchers and reported by landowner Linda McMullen, has sparked investigations by both the Montana National Guard and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
The Fallout: Legal and Ethical Implications
Citations issued to two of the guardsmen stated they “entered posted private property that was posted as trespassing for the purpose of elk antler removal.” The citation for the third mentioned trespassing and that the “subject landed military helicopter on private property.” Criminal misdemeanor trespass in Montana carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and/or up to six months in county jail.
The Montana National Guard has confirmed an internal investigation is underway. Major General J. Peter Hronek stated, “I am aware of an alleged incident involving a Montana Army National Guard helicopter landing on private property without authorization. An internal investigation is underway, and appropriate adverse and/or administrative action will take place if the allegations are determined to be true. If true, this behavior does not align with the values of the Montana National Guard. Misuse of military equipment erodes the trust we strive to uphold with the people of Montana. Every member of the Montana National Guard is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the law.”
Restitution and Repercussions
In an attempt to make amends, a National Guard representative reached out to McMullen to coordinate the return of the antlers and offer a personal apology. McMullen confirmed the conversation but expressed skepticism, stating,
“They used the excuse these are good guys. They should have thought about that before doing this.”
The incident has raised broader concerns about military accountability and the use of taxpayer-funded resources for personal endeavors. Local residents and officials alike are questioning how such a breach of protocol occurred and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Looking Forward
This bizarre episode reminds us that even those entrusted with national defense are not above the law. The misuse of military assets for personal gain not only undermines public trust but also tarnishes the reputation of the armed forces.
As investigations continue, the hope is that accountability will be upheld, and lessons will be learned to prevent such misadventures from recurring.
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