Although exact details from a closed-book military probe of three Montana Army National Guard airmen who landed a helicopter on private property in May and picked up elk antlers remain unclear, the Guard acknowledged Tuesday the antler airlifts aren’t unprecedented.

No discharges are pending for any of the guardsmen, according to Lt. Col. Thomas Figarelle, Montana National Guard chief public affairs officer.

“By way of a thorough inquiry, we can confirm isolated incidents of collecting antlers (with a military aircraft) have occurred previously,” Figarelle said. “(The Montana Army National Guard) issued clear directives no antler collecting of any type is authorized. This is misuse of government property inconsistent with our standards. We are not going to tolerate it.”

Figarelle could not confirm the frequency or details surrounding prior incidents, other than they occurred on training grounds or public lands. He added the act remains illegal and against military protocol.

He said the internal military investigation is complete and appropriate proportional action is being taken. Inquiry findings, the pilots’ previously suspended flight status, administrative action, and punitive or non-punitive letters of reprimand remain obscured. Figarelle said a lack of transparency is due to the Privacy Act of 1974, a federal law governing how agencies collect, maintain, use and disseminate identifiable records.

The investigation into three Montana Army National Guard airmen who landing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on private property in the Crazy Mountain foothills of Sweet Grass County before taking elk antlers in May 2025 has concluded.

The May 2025 incident, which garnered national headlines, was heading to a jury trial for pilot Deni Lynn Draper, 36, a Clancy resident. Draper changed his original plea to no contest on Monday through Dwight Schulte of Missoula-based Schulte Law Firm.

Defendants Michael Vincent Bray, 30, a Helena business owner, and Perry Wray Woodland, 30, a Montana Highway Patrolman from Great Falls, still face a jury trial after pleading not guilty to civilian criminal trespassing charges in Sweet Grass County Justice Court. Their jury confirmation hearings are scheduled for Jan. 14.

“Protecting the public trust is paramount to the Montana National Guard and we take any misuse of government resources seriously,” said Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, Montana adjutant general, in a statement Tuesday.

“As a proud profession, when violations occur that are inconsistent with standards, policies, or law, we act — appropriately, proportionately, and consistent with our values. This ensures accountability. Anything less would undermine who we are, and the trust placed in us.

“We also recognize that investigations often take longer than any of us would prefer. Yet, this matter involves two distinct issues. One concerns alleged trespassing, which falls under the jurisdiction of civilian courts. The other is the appropriate use of government resources, which has been investigated through established military processes.

“Our objective throughout this — and all investigations — is to ensure justice, while safeguarding due process. This ensures outcomes are fair, lawful, and appropriate. We will always hold our Soldiers and Airmen accountable — to ensure a professional and trusted force.”