Bozeman man pleads guilty to felony charge

An investigation initiated by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations in April 2021, revealed Joshua Anders Rae of Bozeman, Montana, was collecting shed elk antlers outside legal dates for areas west of the continental divide in Wyoming. In April 2021, Law Enforcement Officers patrolling a winter range closure outside Jackson, WY encountered Rae hiding illegally collected antlers under the cover of darkness. The longstanding closure was established to protect wintering deer and elk. Rae, who entered the closure by traveling cross country a significant distance, was present in the area the day before the legal opening date, thus depriving numerous shed hunting enthusiasts of equal enjoyment and opportunity during the highly regulated opening day event outside Jackson, WY.