Ranch Owner Convicted by DOJ for Breeding and Illegally Selling Giant Hybrid Sheep for Captive Hunting

In a shocking case that has rocked the ranching community, Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 80-year-old livestock ranch owner from Vaughn, Montana, has pleaded guilty to charges related to breeding and illegally selling giant hybrid sheep for captive hunting. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Schubarth’s conviction, highlighting the violation of the Lacey Act and the ecological consequences of his actions.

The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits the interstate trade of wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of federal or state law. It was designed to combat wildlife trafficking and prevent the introduction of invasive species into new habitats. In this case, Schubarth’s scheme involved creating and breeding a larger hybrid species of sheep, which he would then sell to captive hunting facilities.

Schubarth is the owner and operator of Schubarth Ranch, a 215-acre alternative livestock ranch known for its breeding and sale of “alternative livestock,” including mountain goats and mountain sheep. Between 2013 and 2021, Schubarth collaborated with at least five other individuals to produce giant sheep that would fetch higher prices from game ranches.

To create these giant sheep, Schubarth obtained parts of Marco Polo argali sheep, the largest sheep species in the world, from Kyrgyzstan and brought them into the US without declaring the importation. Marco Polo sheep can grow to over 300 pounds and have horns spanning over 5 feet wide. They are native to the Pamir region of Central Asia.

Using genetic material from the imported sheep parts, Schubarth and his conspirators created cloned embryos, which were then implanted in ewes on his ranch. This resulted in the birth of a single pure male called “Montana Mountain King” or “MMK.” Furthermore, they also artificially impregnated other species of ewes using MMK’s semen to produce hybrid animals.

The species of ewes used for artificial impregnation were actually prohibited in Montana, according to the DOJ. Schubarth intended to sell these larger and more valuable sheep to game ranches, primarily in Texas. To evade detection while shipping the animals out of Montana, Schubarth and his co-conspirators allegedly forged inspection certificates from veterinarians and falsely claimed that the sheep were a permitted species.

Additionally, Schubarth is accused of illegally obtaining genetic material from Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Montana. The ramifications of his actions could have threatened the integrity of wildlife species in Montana. However, the partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the US Fish and Wildlife Service played a pivotal role in solving this complex case.

As a result of his guilty plea, Schubarth now faces up to five years in prison for each felony count, along with a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

This case not only highlights the illegal wildlife trade but also sheds light on the potential ecological consequences of such actions. The Lacey Act serves as an important tool in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting native animal populations. As Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated, Schubarth’s scheme violated international law and the Lacey Act, undermining the health and viability of native animal populations.

The conviction of Arthur “Jack” Schubarth sends a strong message that illegal activities related to wildlife will not be tolerated. It serves as a reminder that the protection of our natural resources and the preservation of native species should be a priority for everyone.