U.S. Crew of Black Hawk on Trial for Illegal Landing to Collect Moose Antlers

In Montana, a U.S. National Guard pilot has pleaded guilty to illegally landing a UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter on a private ranch to collect moose antlers.

He accepted a plea deal, agreeing not to challenge the charges of trespassing, as reported by Task&Purpose.

The incident occurred in May 2025 when Chief Warrant Officer Deni Lynn Draper landed on the ranch to retrieve antlers and a skull the crew had spotted from the air. The court in Montana fined him $500.

National Guard representatives stated that the pilot may also face disciplinary action within his unit for “improper use of government property.”

According to Sheriff Alan Ronneberg, neighbors of the ranch owner saw the crew collecting two sets of antlers and one skull with antlers. Investigators confirmed this by finding helicopter tracks in the grass.

Draper and his team were conducting a landing during a training mission of the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, stationed in Helena. This unit is considered one of the most active in the state, regularly participating in firefighting, rescue operations, and overseas missions.

Two other crew members – Michael Vincent Bray and Perry Ray Woodland – pleaded not guilty and may face trial by jury.