According to Campbell County court records, a guy who allegedly claimed he didn’t need a hunting license because he was an American citizen has been charged with taking a pronghorn antelope and a buck mule deer without permission.
David L. Goetting faces two charges related to unlawfully obtaining a trophy or large game animal. According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, the allegations are the result of an August 2024 investigation that began with a tip to a local game warden stating Goetting had taken many animals without a license in fall 2023.
The alleged offenses, according to court documents, took place on a Cosner Road farm in Hunt Area 26, and a second unnamed individual claimed to have assisted Goetting with dressing the animals—rather than killing them. According to the resident, Goetting killed deer with a pump-action Winchester shotgun by first using 00 buckshot and then slugging it to make sure it was dead.
According to the affidavit, the resident stated that Goetting had admitted to not having a hunting license and that he didn’t need one because he was an American citizen. The resident also provided photo proof and claimed that Goetting had probably kept two sets of antlers and had game meat in his freezer.
Wardens were able to match places and Goetting’s car in the supplied photos during the inquiry. According to the affidavit, search warrants were requested, obtained, and served on August 14, 2023.
According to court records, Goetting admitted to murdering a pronghorn antelope and a buck mule deer. He claimed to have shot at least one of the animals with a 12-gauge shotgun, and the weapon was taken into custody as proof. Wardens also connected the dots between other locations and the pictures Goetting shot of the animals.
Skullcaps for a buck pronghorn antelope and buck mule deer that matched the animals in the photos were found while scouring Goetting’s land. According to the affidavit, Goetting also led wardens to the location where he disposed of the animals’ remains; however, only the pronghorn antelope remains were found.
Just before 8 p.m., suspicious game meat was taken out of Goetting’s freezer, and he was taken into custody. August 14, according to court records.
The unlawful taking of big game or trophy animals is considered a severe misdemeanor in Wyoming, according to state statutes. A $10,000 fine, a maximum of one year in jail, or both might be imposed for each count.
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