Potential Montana State Record Mule Deer
November 1st, 2005 David King - King's Outdoor World
Montana FWPD regional office manager Fred Schultz holding the potential state record mule deer rack that was confiscated from Kelly Frank’s home.
David Letterman Scandal turns up Potential Montana State Record Muley
Originally featured in the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of Hunting Illustrated
In a strange twist of events involving Montana resident Kelly Frank, Montana Law enforcement authorities have uncovered the rack of a Mule Deer that could possibly be the new Montana state record typical mule deer.
Kelly Frank, who has been charged with plotting to kidnap the infant son of CBS talk show host David Letterman and his nanny in hopes of getting a $5 million ransom and overcharging for some work he performed at the ranch, has now been sentenced for the possession of an illegally taken game animal.
While law enforcement authorities were executing a search warrant on Frank’s home, they found a huge set of mule deer antlers that will rival the current state record. Acting on a tip from an informer that Frank had killed the deer last winter during the closed season, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department (FWPD) game wardens confiscated the antlers.
At his court hearing, Frank pleaded guilty to possessing the antlers, but said although he didn’t personally shoot the buck, he knew it had been illegally killed. In exchange for guilty pleas, prosecutors dropped charges of solicitation to kidnap. Frank received a 10-year sentence on the theft charge and a 5-year sentence on the wildlife charge and was ordered to pay Letterman’s ranch $1,500 and $8,000 to the state.
According to the Montana FWPD, the buck was officially measured for the compensation phase of the lawsuit against the poacher and officially scores 207 7/8 B&C which tops the current state record typical mule deer that was killed in 1983 and scores 205 3/8 B&C. After contacting the Boone & Crockett Club, it is possible that the buck will be accepted as the new state record if it is listed as a “pick up” with ownership going to the Montana State agency ensuring that no credit be given to the poacher.
I didn’t have all the room I wanted to in the magazine to include more information about this story. One question has come up as to how can this buck be entered into the Boone and Crockett record books since it was poached and not taken by Fair Chase standards? That is a good question, but after contacting B&C, they wanted to make sure that the following was elaborated upon to help people understand how this could happen. This is from their response:
“Basically, as ludicrous as it sounds, it obviously wasn’t the deer’s fault it was poached. Some legitimate sportsman was possibly robbed of the opportunity of taking this trophy himself. However, since it was confiscated, the Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is the legitimate owner of this trophy and holds it in trust for all the hunters of Montana. It should be recognized for the conservation efforts it represents of legitimate, Montana sportsmen.”
Therefore, what this means is the poacher could not get this buck entered in the books. However, since the antlers have been confiscated and is now in possesion of the Montana Department of Fish and Wildlife, they have the option to enter it into the books as a “pick up”, with credit going to the Fish and Game. No mention or credit will be given to the poacher.
I also tried to get more information about the buck from the Montana Dept. of Fish and Game. I asked the following questions: How wide is the buck? What is the gross score? What is the Montana FWPD going to do with the antlers? Are you going to submit the score sheet to B&C for official entry into the books? However, all answers were either a “no comment” or “don’t know at this time”.
So what did we learn from all of this? A buck was taken illegally in Montana. It was confiscated by the Montana FWPD. It scores 207 7/8 net typical B&C. It exceeds the current state record. If the Montana FWPD decides to enter the buck into Boone & Crockett (B&C) as a “pick up”, they will accept the buck. The buck has not been submitted to B&C at this time.
I guess we will wait and see what the Montana FWPD decides to do with this great potential state record typical mule deer rack.
UPDATE: (01/23/05) This buck has been submitted and accepted by Boone and Crocket with a score of 207 7/8 net typical. It is classified as a pick up and owner is MT Dept. Fish, Wildl., & Parks with a date of 2004. This buck is now officially the Montana state record typical mule deer.
Entry Filed under: News and Stuff
29 Comments Add your own
1. Shane taylor | November 21st, 2005 at 11:19 am
is it the state record or what?
my buck is just as big as that one and i got it in montana!
2. Brian Wohlk | November 24th, 2005 at 8:21 am
I harvested a veery respectable non typical mule deer 2 years ago in Montana. He is roughly 37 1/2 wide and is a 10 X 11. I rough scored him at around 210 but he hasw never been officiaoly scored. I know that he probably would not make any national record, but I thought he might place some where in the Montana records. If some one would let me know what I need to do to find out more information I would greatly apreciate it. Thank You for your time.
3. Joshua Lord | January 12th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
It looks as if it really is the typical record for Montana. However you have to remember that is to be scored. I have hunted here all my life and never had one of my bucks scored because it is not why I hunt, but recently I had some friends over and they said I should have at least 3 of my deer scored. I have one that is a 6×6 36inch spread and 35 high,one is a 5×5 34inch spread and 34 high, the last one is a 6×7 37inch spread and 35 inches high.
4. joshua | March 29th, 2006 at 9:46 pm
What is your point, and do you have pics. Thanks, Bill
5. jimmy | April 10th, 2006 at 10:34 pm
i think it shouldn’t be in the b/c club state record for MT. granted, it is a wonderfull deer and is the dreams of many hunters, But it wasn’t taken fair chase. It was poached and there for shouldn’t be reconized as a STATE RECORD. I respect the MFWP but, they did not shoot, noor find the animal in it’s natural state. As far as I know, if a car,train, or even a plain killed a state or world record animal, it would not be reconized as a record. So tell me why it should be written in (THE BOOK) that the Montata Fish and Wildlife should get credit for that truely amazing muledeer.
6. Laura Arson | July 12th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
First of all, Jimmy, did you not read (can you read?) the above article stating that it is not the deer’s fault that it was poached?…I think the deer deserves a chance to be a world record holder (even in death) despite the fact that it was not taken fairly. Is this about the hunters or the deer? The unfortunate deer had to die, and I only think it’s fair (out of deepest respect for this trophy animal) we give it some frigging credit! Not to mention the State of Montana, which produced such a magnificent beast! Now I am having some trouble understanding how a “plain” could kill a deer? Perhaps you meant “plane”? I don’t think there would be enough of the deer left to actually score it in this instance, but whatever, it’s your story…
7. RICHARD SHUGART | August 17th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
POACHERS NEED TO BE SHOT THEMSELFS.
A@@#&* ARE TAKING AWAY FOR THE TRUE FAIRCHASE HUNTER. SORRY IT JUST GETS MY BLOOD BOLING WHEN I READ STORY LIKE THAT. I HAVE HARVESTED SOMR LARGE MULEDEERIN MY LIFE. BUT I DID IT UNDER FAIRCHASE. THE ONLY WAY…
8. Alberta-wes | September 7th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
For Jimmy # 5,
The world record non-typical whitetail was a found dead, and entered as such. Also, the hole in the horn buck was a pick up. I cant remember anymore, but one of them was picked up on a set of R-R tracks. Also the world record black bear was a pick-up, and even the worlds record walrus. Theres lots more exceptional animals that have made the minimum, that were not, for lack of better wording, harvested. Why wouldnt we want these included in our records keeping program ?? I thought we were trying to build a record of superior W I L D, big game animals from our North American continent.
9. Dan | September 11th, 2006 at 9:52 pm
The B&C and P&Y were formed to recognize outstanding animals which were harvested by fair chase hunters. My personal opinion is that this animal deserves to be mounted and put in a museum, but entered into a record book? I say we allow responsible outdoorsmen and women to be recognized along with the animals they harvested through skill and dedication, while the ANIMALS that illegally kill wildlife be recognized by thier cell numbers and lack of licenses.
10. robert roberts | November 5th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
state record my petuti I’ve shot bucks just as thick, with wider spreads, and taller and they are all in my rack pile. No bragging rights here. To me it looks like a nice buck but far from a state record. Get off the crack pipe and get real will ya.
11. Alex | November 14th, 2006 at 11:18 am
Mr. Roberts, you don’t need to be insulting. We’re all impressed with your multiple state record deer that you choose not to enter. However, this deer is a world class specimen and as the books stand now, is entitled to be listed as a pick-up and should be. Other than you, the rest of us will probably never even see a deer like this. Statistically speaking, killing a deer of this caliber is akin to winning the lottery. Maybe you should buy some tickets!
12. Sam | November 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Mr. Roberts you sound awfully arrogant about your rack pile. This buck is a certified state record my friend. Stop smoking that Mexican sin semilla and focus here. The Federal Authorities have confirmed this. You’re incorrect.
13. Marcus | January 9th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
You people who all claim to have deer bigger than this one, I would like to see them. This picture may be decieving, but you have to look at the ratio from the antlers to the skull, the skull is fairly small compared to the antlers which puts it in more of a perspective, also the front forks on this deer are very lage which makes a big difference in the scoring of the deer.
14. Anthony Botts | June 21st, 2007 at 3:05 pm
to all who say they have shot a larger mule deer then the new state record please step forwar and send pictures ot the deer and what part of the state you shot it and what year. it seems there are alot of new records out there in piles next to hunters homes. So step up and let al of us enjoy your trophy as hunters.
15. Josh Bell | September 21st, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Man, there sure must be a lot of big mulies in Montana for so many of you to have shot one bigger than this guy. If your big bucks aren’t worth scoring, why do you claim that they are bigger? Somebody who must have had a pretty good knowledge of what could be a record buck saw this rack and said “Wow, we should score that rack!”. How come people haven’t said that about the rest of these monster racks stacked out in your “rack piles”? (Just thinking out loud) I think the idea of the Montana record being a poached deer should give you high country boys some some gumption to get out there and find that next B&C buck.
16. jake | September 22nd, 2007 at 11:08 pm
i would like to see pics of joshs bucks because if thoses are true they would score sweet! prove it!
17. josh l | November 4th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
i know a kid who might have the new state record. no nonsense either. he was alot like some of you guys above who haven’t had their mule deer scored. he wasn’t going to until the taxidermist did a quick green score and told him to come pick his deer up and contact B&C, because he was propably holding the new state record and just maybe a chance at the world record also. so my point is take care of these “racks”, and have someone score them. im sure if you don’t want your name in the papers and what-not, you can have them submitted anonymously. a side note: the world record is not much larger than our MT state record. i belive it is 226 7/8, so why not take a stab at it. unless you are all bluffing. lol
18. JAND | November 6th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I am so sick of hearing of all this boone and crockett crap. With all the outfitting and land being leased to cater to rich out of state people, these records mean nothing. People need to realize hunting is going to be reserved for only the rich. These hunting magazines and so called “experts” are ruining their own sport. They go on outfitted hunts and claim to be experts. They are only paying for someone to find animals for them, then killling them. Hunting is actually finding game yourself, the harvest is the least important thing. Money should never change hands, the wild life belongs to the public. BOONE AND CROCKETT MAY HAVE MEANT SOMETHING YEARS AGO, BUT IT MEANS NOTHING NOW. Lets work together and quit supporting paid “killing” now or else real hunters will hunt no more.
19. Jand Is my Hero | November 21st, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Jand’s comment is so fitting and sadly, true. How is it possible for people like Chuck Adams to take a record Elk, Mule deer, and Whitetail deer every year on public land fair chase?
And to all of you people out there with racks so much bigger than this. Did you poach them also and are afriad to bring them into the light? There is no way that 7 out of the 16 posters here have LEGALLY taken deer larger than this awesome animal.
20. cstem | December 1st, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Josh you are either full of it or you are hiding something,I think more to the former.You have two bucks 35 inches tall????Prove it,how are you measuring them??The tallest buck ever killed is 26 inches tall,and for all you guys that claim you have deer as big as this one better check yourselves,do you know how much a rack like that is worth??Why are hunting if you dont give the deer credit?(throw the horns in a pile)If you are hunting for meat dont kill those big bucks,leave them for somebody that truly appreciates them!!I dont beleive a word several of you have stated
21. Buck Shot | December 13th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Some people’s kids…. well that deer got its credit, as it should. I use to see alot of 180+ mule deer like 10 years ago. this state and its managment has gone down hill. poaching! outfitting, pay hunting, all account for it. what can be done? I know for a fact, (I hunted quite possible the new state record this year with my bow) my hunting buddy has seen this above rack, the buck we hunted was straight, mass, ect. 35′’ wide. no one killed him, I didn’t hunt him during rifle since I shot a nontypical 190′’ 6×8 mule deer the day before going after him… can’t wait tell next year….records are made to be broken, lets make it a home boy not a freaken-out-of-stater!!!!!
22. john | January 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
is this really the record it is nice but ive seen a few that were much bigger that were unscored.
23. RJK | January 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
To all of u so called state record holders out there here is a big B.S. to you. If they are dead and out in your shed and you dont care about the size of the rack, then why did u shoot them and not a younger tastier buck if it was for the meat. I bet half of the so called 35 inchers dont even go 185 B&C. Go look at this deer in person then resubmit your findings, I would bet after holding this deer in your hands you would agree that yours is not in the same league.
24. Dick | March 31st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
how do you know that the buck was killed in MT ?
25. Terry Dotson | April 21st, 2008 at 11:51 am
The deer comments are quite interesting. Two of the biggest Mule deer ever killed in Montana were both killed in Richland County Montana. One by Joe Berzel and the other by Buster Dotson. Both Deer still rank in the top 10 and are not only large but very beautiful non typical deer. My friend Monty Berzel and I each have the heads our dads killed and have the pictures to show them. The deer head my dad shot hung in the Buckhorn Bar in Agusta Montana and has been seen by big game hunters and drooled over for many years. If this outdoor blog would like me to post a picture I would be glad to do so.
26. blown away(by b.s) | May 14th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Wow—Wow
I’ve lived and hunted Mt. my entire life. I spend a lot of time in one of the few areas set aside as a trophy muley area in the state(no luck to draw the coveted tag yet) while hunting elk we see on average about 25-30 mulie bucks in the course of our week in a semi secluded good area. Point—I have photos of most all of the big ones, and they are beautiful, none however, typical or non, score 207! With the exception of Mr. Dotson,(who’s fathers animal was put on display as the trophy it is) I don’t believe a word of your horn pile crap, and while its true hunting is becoming a bit more of a “rich mans game” what hard hunting good ole montana boy would’nt want his recognition for competeing with them using good old skill and work, Try as I might (for nearly 30 serious years) I am yet to register any critter in the book but I’ve got a photo album and memories mounted on my walls that I can’t help but think beat the #$@% out of your supposed rack piles. Yes I’am braggin I worked my tail off and loved every bit of it. If its tossed in a horn pile its obviously no trophy!!!! Mr. Lords if you infact have harvested the three mulies you described don’t waste your time posting pictures here, many a good hunting magazines would pay you for your photos and stories get in touch with one soon I look forward to the feature. Next time blow me away with the truth, thanks
27. Woody 1990 | September 27th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I agree with the fact that montana is being used to cater all the rich people from out of state to hunt all of the good areas of montana. Its coming to the point that the average joe hunter cant go hunting on the spot him and his dad went as a kid because some outfitter owns it and only lets you set foot on his ground if you got 5000 dollars to pay him. Without the average joe population deer would overun the country. And it’s going to happen eventually because not everyone has 5 grand to spend on a hunt
28. dave richeson | November 30th, 2009 at 8:08 am
i,ve hunted montana all my life and i,ve put on thousands of miles and veiwin time and that is one nice buck. some of u sound like u r in a bar talkin crap . i,ev seen one buck throug a spottin scope in wy that might have been that big and a non tipacal in the helena area (beleiae ti or not )that might have been taller n wider,u,ll have to live a long time to see another like it.and just liks the two trophy moose that have been shot lately the people that did it should be strug up so every one can see tht we as montanan,s don,t put up with that crap. bring your rack pile out and see how full of it u really are
29. Don | December 31st, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Probably got the buck on the Deep Creek drainage. Lots of blocked off, no access lands up there. It scores so well because it is so even, B&C rewarding symmetry to the max for typicals. It is also just plain big! The guy holding it is no small man and with the antlers in his grasp the man looks small. If a person legally shoots an animal of this caliber he/she should have a full body mount done.
Leave a Comment
Comment Post Guidelines
1. If you include swear words/vulgar language, your comment will be deleted
2. If you attack somebody personally, your comment will also be deleted
3. If you have something beneficial to add, please carry on...Thanks!
NOTE: All Comments are moderated and must be approved before being posted
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed