On a Montana ranch in May 2025, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter landed on private property to collect shed elk antlers, raising questions about the use of military resources. Rancher Linda McMullen received a call from a neighbor who witnessed the event. "Linda, there's a green Army helicopter landed on your place, picking up elk antlers," McMullen recounted to The New York Times last year. "I said, 'Are you joking?' He said, 'I'm looking at them with binoculars.'"

The incident occurred on McMullen's ranch in the Crazy Mountains, an area known for its elk population and where collecting shed antlers is a common activity. Shed antlers, naturally dropped by elk each year, are often gathered for their value, though typically through ground-based methods. The local sheriff, who was investigating the incident, stated that he was still trying to understand the situation, noting that it was "the first helicopter I've heard of regarding shed antler collection."

The use of a Black Hawk helicopter, a multi-million dollar military aircraft, for collecting antlers valued at a few hundred dollars prompted scrutiny. The Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard, J. Peter, was reportedly involved in addressing the situation, though details of the official response remain unclear. The incident highlights the potential for misuse of government resources and raises ethical considerations regarding military activities on private land.

The event also underscores the ongoing debate surrounding resource management and the balance between public and private interests. While collecting shed antlers is generally permitted, the use of military aircraft for such purposes raises questions about fairness and access to natural resources. The incident remains under investigation, and further developments are expected as authorities determine the full scope of the activity and its implications.