While seemingly proving science’s theory that twins have near identical brainwave patterns, Montana officials have finally put the hurt on a pair of twin brothers after a lengthy investigation.
Trophy-Caliber Charges
Concentrating their efforts around a Fergus County ranch, investigators believe the two brothers spent the better part of ten years illegally killing trophy-caliber elk. To clarify, Montana law defines a trophy elk as having at least six points on one antler; a main beam length on each antler of at least 43 inches and an inside spread of at least 36 inches.
Seven of the illegally killed elk would officially fall under trophy status including the largest bull, that according to Montana officials, scored 365 using official Boone and Crockett measuring procedures. Charging documents indicated that the brothers concentrated their efforts around the 3 Bar Ranch on the west side of the Snowy Mountains, without permission or proper licenses between 2006 and 2016.
Twins, Basil.
James Stephen Page, of Garneill, Montana and his brother William Thomas Page, of Spokane, Washington, both 32, were charged last week after the lengthy investigation. James Page has been charged with six counts of felony unlawful possession of game animal (trophy bull elk), one count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of game animal (non-trophy bull elk), and three counts of misdemeanor purchase of resident hunting license by non-resident.
His counterpart, William Page, was charged with one count of felony unlawful possession of game animal (trophy bull elk), one count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of game animal (non-trophy bull elk), and three counts of misdemeanor purchase of resident hunting license by non-resident.
The twin brothers have entered a not-guilty plea but if convicted of poaching a trophy-sized bull elk, could face upwards of a $50,000 fine, an $8,000 restitution fee and five years in prison as well as a lifetime ban on all hunting and fishing privileges in the state of Montana.