Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 80-year-old Montana rancher, admitted guilt on Tuesday to two felony wildlife crimes, culminating in an elaborate scheme involving the creation of massive hybrid sheep species for trophy hunting.
The operation, spanning a decade, saw the illegal importation of biological tissue from central Asia to breed these unique animals.
Schubarth, owner of a 215-acre “alternative livestock” ranch in Vaughn, Montana, initiated the venture in 2013. Alternative livestock, including hybrids of mountain sheep and goats, often attract affluent individuals seeking trophy hunting opportunities.
The scheme began when an unnamed accomplice unlawfully transported biological tissue from a Marco Polo sheep, the world’s largest sheep species, from Kyrgyzstan into the United States in 2013. These sheep, with males weighing over 300 pounds and boasting horns exceeding 5 feet in width, are both endangered and protected by international treaties and U.S. law. Montana prohibits the importation of these sheep and their parts to safeguard local species from potential diseases.
After smuggling the sheep parts into the U.S., Schubarth sent them to an undisclosed laboratory, which produced 165 cloned embryos. These embryos were implanted into ewes on Schubarth’s ranch, resulting in a genetically pure male Marco Polo argali named ‘Montana Mountain King’ or MMK. Schubarth then used the semen from MMK to artificially inseminate female sheep, creating hybrid offspring intended for trophy hunting.
Schubarth went as far as forging veterinarian inspection certificates to transport the hybrid sheep and even sold MMK’s semen to other breeders in the U.S. In 2018, he sent 15 artificially inseminated sheep to Minnesota and sold 37 straws of MMK’s semen to a buyer in Texas. He also offered to sell an offspring of MMK, known as Montana Black Magic, for $10,000 to another party in Texas.
CLICK HERE to Watch The Rants of Izzo Show!
Discussions between Schubarth and an unnamed associate included deliberations on naming the new breed of sheep, with suggestions like “Black Argali” rejected to avoid exposing the sheep’s lineage.
Schubarth pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act and conspiracy to violate it, both of which prohibit the acquisition, transportation, or sale of wildlife contrary to federal law. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim emphasized the audacity of Schubarth’s scheme, which not only violated international law but also endangered native animal populations.
Listen to “It’s Happening! Illegal Migrants are Taking Over America!” on Spreaker.
Schubarth’s involvement with at least five other individuals, unnamed in the indictment, could lead to significant legal consequences. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris for the District of Montana is scheduled to sentence Schubarth in July.
The case underscores the importance of wildlife protection laws and the consequences of exploiting endangered species for personal gain. Schubarth’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the need for stringent enforcement and vigilance to preserve the integrity of ecosystems and wildlife populations.
