Mon Sep 30 05:02:18 UTC 2024: ## Montana Man Sentenced for Illegal Breeding of Hybrid Sheep

**GREAT FALLS, Mont.** – Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 81-year-old Montana rancher, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison and ordered to pay $24,000 in fines for illegally breeding hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting. Schubarth pleaded guilty in March to charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits the illegal trade of wildlife.

Schubarth, owner of Sun River Enterprises LLC, admitted to using tissue and testicles from Marco Polo sheep, illegally imported from Central Asia, to create hybrid sheep with larger horns and greater value for hunting preserves. He also illegally obtained and used tissue from a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep harvested in Montana. These hybrids were then sold to hunters across the United States, with some even being bred with sheep brought in from Texas.

The illegal breeding operation spanned over a decade and involved multiple states. Prosecutors argued that Schubarth’s actions were complex, deliberate, and endangered the health of other wildlife.

While acknowledging Schubarth’s age and lack of a criminal record, Judge Brian Morris emphasized the need for a sentence that would deter others from engaging in similar activities. He expressed concern that Schubarth’s actions had altered the genetic makeup of native sheep species.

Schubarth, who said he has been in the game farm business since 1987, expressed remorse for his actions, stating that his passion for his “sheep project” had clouded his judgment. He faces three years of probation after his prison sentence, during which time he is prohibited from breeding game stock.

The five co-conspirators involved in the scheme remain unnamed, but Schubarth has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify if required. The investigation into this illegal breeding operation continues.

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