An 81-year-old Montana man is set to face sentencing in federal court for illegally cloning giant sheep to breed large sheep for captive trophy hunts in Texas and Minnesota.
Arthur “Jack” Schubarth of Vaughn, Montana, used tissue and testicles from large sheep hunted in Central Asia and the U.S. to create hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting operations. Prosecutors are not seeking prison time but have requested a one-year probationary sentence for Schubarth for violating federal wildlife trafficking laws.
Although Schubarth’s attorney mentioned that cloning the giant sheep has negatively impacted his client’s life and reputation, they also praised him for successfully cloning the endangered sheep named Montana Mountain King. Despite the accomplishment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services have confiscated the animal.
Schubarth, who owns Sun River Enterprises LLC, a ranch that deals with “alternative livestock,” pleaded guilty to charges related to illegally cloning a Marco Polo sheep and selling its offspring. Marco Polo sheep are known to be the largest in the world, with weights up to 300 pounds and long curled horns.
The prosecution outlined how Schubarth sold semen from Montana Mountain King and hybrid sheep to individuals in Texas, as well as assisted in inseminating sheep in Minnesota. Additionally, he engaged in activities like harvesting testicles from trophy-sized Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep for profit.
Schubarth’s plea agreement requires him to cooperate fully with prosecutors and testify if needed, as the case is still under investigation. In a letter attached to the sentencing memo, Schubarth expressed remorse for his actions and the impact on his family.
The 81-year-old’s sentencing highlights the consequences of illegal wildlife trafficking and the exploitation of endangered species for personal gain. Conservation efforts and strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws remain crucial in preserving biodiversity and preventing further exploitation of vulnerable species.