GILLETTE, Wyo. — A man accused of claiming he didn’t need a hunting license because he was an American-born citizen has been charged with illegally taking a buck mule deer as well as a pronghorn antelope, Campbell County court records say.
David L. Goetting is charged with two counts of illegally taking a big game or trophy animal. The charges stem from an August 2024 investigation that started with a tip to a local game warden alleging Goetting had taken multiple animals without a license in fall 2023, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case.
Per court documents, the alleged offenses occurred on a Cosner Road property in Hunt Area 26, with a second anonymous resident reporting helping Goetting dress the animals but not kill them. The resident said Goetting had used a pump-action Winchester shotgun to kill deer, shooting first with 00 buckshot and following up with a slug to ensure the animal was dead.
The resident claimed Goetting admitted to not having a hunting license and said he didn’t need one because he was an American-born citizen, the affidavit states, adding that the resident provided photo evidence and stated Goetting likely had game meat in his freezer and had maintained possession of two antler sets.
During the investigation, wardens were able to match locations and Goetting’s vehicle depicted in the provided photographs. Search warrants were sought, secured and served on Aug. 14, 2023, per the affidavit.
Court documents say Goetting confessed to killing a buck mule deer and a pronghorn antelope. He said he used a 12-gauge shotgun on at least one of the animals and the firearm was seized as evidence. Wardens also matched additional locations with the photographs Goetting took of the animals.
While searching Goetting’s property, skullcaps for a buck mule deer and buck pronghorn antelope matching the animals from the pictures were located. Goetting also took wardens to where he disposed of the animals’ remains, though only the pronghorn antelope remains were located, per the affidavit.
Suspected game meat was seized from his freezer and Goetting was placed under arrest shortly before 8 p.m. Aug. 14, court documents state.
According to Wyoming State Statutes, illegally taking a big game or trophy animal is classified as a high misdemeanor. Each count is punishable by a maximum of a year in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
