Four men from Columbia Falls have been charged in a series of poaching incidents last year where 19 deer were shot and left to waste near Whitefish.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens say Dillan Erickson, 19, Chase Wilson, 20, Tyler Kellar, 19, and Paul West, 19, have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges issued Sept. 27 of waste of game, using artificial light to hunt big game, unlawful possession of big game animals, and hunting during a closed season.

Wardens say most of the deer were shot at night and left to rot. In some cases, antlers were taken.

The violations mainly occurred in the Farm to Market Road, Dillon Road and Voerman Road areas.

FWP is also seeking information about a 5x6 whitetail buck that was illegally shot the evening of Nov. 5 off Dillon Road east of Whitefish.

The shooter left the scene before officers could arrive and left the deer in the field. The suspect was driving a dark colored pickup truck with large tires, brush guard and top bar.

Game Wardens urge anyone with any information to call 1-800-TIPMONT. A person that gives information that leads to a conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.