US Black Hawk helicopter trespasses on private Montana ranch to grab elk antlers

In a bizarre incident that has captured widespread attention, a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter made an unexpected landing on a private ranch in Montana to collect shed elk antlers. This unusual approach to antler collection, typically a grassroots activity, raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity about the military’s involvement in such a mundane task. In May 2025, rancher Linda McMullen received an astonishing call from a nearby neighbor. "He said, 'Linda, there’s a green Army helicopter on your property, picking up elk antlers,'" McMullen recounted in an interview with The New York Times. Initially skeptical, she was shocked to learn it was true when her neighbor confirmed the sighting through binoculars. Local law enforcement, including the sheriff, admitted they were baffled by the situation, stating this was the first instance they had encountered of a helicopter being used for shed antler collection. Meanwhile, J. Peter Hronek, the Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard, released a statement on Facebook addressing the unauthorized use of military aircraft, emphasizing the need for clarity on such actions.