Balenger sentenced for illegal elk possession

On Wednesday, May 19, Mineral County James Balenger appeared in court to receive sentencing for the charge of illegal possession of an elk. According to Bev Smith, Missoula County Justice Court Clerk, Balenger was ordered to pay a fine of $535.00 and has lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for twelve months. Balenger was also ordered to forfeit the elk mount and to turn it over to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Balenger also received a deferred twelve month sentence. Smith said that after twelve months Balenger would be able to apply for deferral and the charge of possessing an illegal mount would be removed. Smith said that this condition would only be instated if Balenger receives no other charges in the twelve month period, has no run-ins with the law and complies with the aspects of his sentencing. In the event that all the criteria are met, Smith said that it would be likely that the charges would be dismissed.

For the deferred sentence of twelve months in jail, Balenger changed his plea to guilty in the case.