A Watford City man is facing multiple felony charges following a nearly two-year investigation into the alleged poaching of 38 big game animals in western North Dakota. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the charges on March 24, 2026.
Authorities allege that 41-year-old Justin L. Smith illegally killed three bull elk, one bull moose, and 34 deer over a period of several years. The investigation, which began in 2024, involved game wardens from multiple units and was described as one of the largest poaching cases in recent state history.
Smith was arrested and held at the Southwest Multi-County Correction Center in Dickinson. He is charged with multiple counts of felony waste of big game animals, among other charges. Court documents indicate the alleged poaching occurred across several western counties.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department emphasized that the case highlights the importance of public tips in combating wildlife crime. A court date has been set, and Smith could face significant fines and the loss of hunting privileges if convicted.
