The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana charged two men for shooting and killing a trumpeter swan on the Flathead Reservation.

Leroy Charles pleaded guilty to three charges -- negligent discharging of a firearm, taking a species closed to hunting and hunting by a non-member outside of season and bag limits. His was fined $500 for each count plus an additional $1,500 fine for restitution.

Timothy Brantner was also charged with recreating on tribal land without a valid permit and negligent discharge of a firearm but he didn't show up in tribal court. He was given a default judgment and fined a total of $600.

“Judge Tanner on behalf of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes imposed the maximum penalty under the law because this was such a senseless act”, tribal prosecutor Larry Ginnings said in a press release.

The crime occurred in February.

Get the Story:
Men cited in shooting death of trumpeter swan (KPAX 4/9)