Couple arrested for poaching

Nick Ianniello

Mineral Independent

A Superior couple was arrested the morning of Nov. 26 on felony poaching charges after a search team of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens searched their home just west of Superior.

Rick and Blair Carr were brought in on felony charges of unlawful possession of game animals Wednesday while eight game wardens and a federal agent searched their home finding evidence that the couple was in possession of at least two whitetail bucks and two whitetail does.

The total value of the four animals is $1,000.

MFWP Game Warden for Mineral County Mike Fegely said that the investigation into the Carr’s activities is ongoing and there may likely be more to the charges against the couple as the investigation continues.

“From what the investigation looks like up to this point, there’s going to be more to investigate,” Fegely said.

Authorities took guns, knives and hunting implements from the Carrs’ home, along with memory cards from digital cameras and any other evidence they needed. Fegely said that at this point in the investigation there is little more he can release about the Carrs.

“It’s something that’s been going on and we’ve been investigating it for a while,” Fegely said.

The Carrs each paid $5,000 bail bonds and are scheduled to appear in district court on Dec. 17.

As conditions of their release the Carrs must obey all state and federal laws, cannot leave the state of Montana without written permission from the court and can have no contact with any potential witnesses except through legal counsel to prepare for defense. Also, the Carrs are not allowed to go hunting or allow anyone to stay at their home while hunting and cannot own firearms or other dangerous or destructive devices.

The maximum penalty the Carrs face for their current charges is up to five years in a Montana State Prison and a fine of $50,000.  Additionally the Carrs could have to pay back the full value of the animals killed to the state of Montana and may lose their hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for life.