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The WILD Story of an 81-year-old Man That Cloned a Giant Hybrid Sheep To Hunt and Landed Him In Prison

Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 81-year-old rancher from Vaughn, Montana, embarked on an incredible and illegal journey to clone a giant hybrid sheep. His story reads like a sci-fi thriller: a mix of scientific ambition, greed, and a brazen disregard for the law. Schubarth’s goal was to create a lucrative hybrid sheep species for trophy hunting, a venture that ultimately earned him six months in federal prison. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), this plan spanned nearly a decade, involving international wildlife smuggling, genetic cloning, and the sale of prohibited animals.

The Birth of the “Montana Mountain King”

The Birth of the “Montana Mountain King”
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

Schubarth’s audacious scheme began with the importation of genetic material – tissue and testicles – from Marco Polo sheep, the largest sheep in the world, native to Central Asia. These sheep can weigh up to 300 pounds and boast horns stretching over five feet. Schubarth smuggled this material into the United States from Kyrgyzstan, as detailed in a DOJ press release. Using a laboratory, he cloned the genetic material to create a sheep he proudly named the “Montana Mountain King” (MMK). MMK’s lineage made it a prized specimen for hybrid breeding programs designed to satisfy the demand for captive hunting.

Hybrid Sheep for High-Paying Hunts

Hybrid Sheep for High Paying Hunts
Image Credit: CBS Mornings

Schubarth wasn’t just cloning for personal satisfaction. The Associated Press reported that his hybrid sheep fetched prices as high as $10,000 per animal. These animals were sold to hunting preserves in Texas and Minnesota, where wealthy hunters pay exorbitant fees to shoot captive trophy game. Schubarth’s ranch also inseminated ewes with MMK’s genetic material, breeding a line of hybrid sheep designed for maximum profit.

Breaking Laws and Crossing Lines

Breaking Laws and Crossing Lines
Image Credit: CBS Mornings

The operation wasn’t just unethical – it was illegal. The DOJ’s investigation revealed that Schubarth violated the Lacey Act, a federal law prohibiting the illegal trafficking of wildlife. He also broke international treaties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and local Montana laws designed to protect native species. KPAX-TV reported that Schubarth forged documents to falsely certify the legality of his sheep shipments, enabling him to sell animals and genetic material across state lines.

A Complex and Risky Venture

A Complex and Risky Venture
Image Credit: CBS Mornings

Cloning is already a controversial practice, but the risks Schubarth took were particularly troubling. Authorities cited the potential for diseases to spread from these hybrid animals to native wildlife populations. According to the DOJ, at least two of Schubarth’s hybrid sheep died from Johne’s disease, a highly contagious illness that could devastate native herds. The risk of introducing new genetic strains into wild populations also raised alarms, potentially endangering the ecological balance.

A Web of Co-Conspirators

A Web of Co Conspirators
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

Schubarth didn’t act alone. The DOJ press release stated that at least five unnamed co-conspirators participated in the scheme. These individuals helped Schubarth forge documents, transport illegal sheep, and expand the operation across multiple states. Although none of these accomplices have been publicly identified, Schubarth’s plea agreement requires him to cooperate with authorities, potentially shedding light on the broader network.

The Judge’s Dilemma

The Judge’s Dilemma
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris faced a difficult sentencing decision, as CBS Mornings reported. Schubarth, an elderly man with no prior criminal record, expressed remorse for his actions. Yet, the judge emphasized the need to deter others from attempting similar ventures. Ultimately, Schubarth received a six-month prison sentence, a $20,000 fine, and additional restitution payments totaling $4,200. He must also destroy any remaining hybrid sheep on his ranch by 2025, with the meat donated to food banks.

The Science Fiction Parallel

The Science Fiction Parallel
Image Credit: Steve Lehto

The wild nature of this story drew comparisons to science fiction plots. Steve Lehto, an attorney and commentator on YouTube, likened the case to a “bad sci-fi movie.” Lehto highlighted the potential ecological consequences of releasing cloned or hybrid animals into the wild. This risk, he argued, underscores why such strict laws exist. “Unintended consequences are the real problem,” he warned.

A Passion That Went Too Far

A Passion That Went Too Far
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

In a letter submitted to the court, Schubarth admitted that his enthusiasm clouded his judgment. “I got my normal mindset clouded by my enthusiasm and looked for any gray area in the law to make the best sheep I could for this industry,” he wrote, as noted by KPAX-TV. Despite his claims of good intentions, the DOJ maintained that his actions were fundamentally driven by greed.

The Broader Implications

The Broader Implications
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

The Schubarth case highlights the ethical dilemmas and ecological dangers of genetic manipulation in animals. Trophy hunting itself is a contentious issue, and adding cloning to the mix raises even more questions. As the DOJ and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized, wildlife trafficking and genetic tampering threaten not just individual species but entire ecosystems.

A Fascinating, Troubling Tale

A Fascinating, Troubling Tale
Image Credit: KPAX-TV

This story is as fascinating as it is troubling. The sheer audacity of Schubarth’s plan – to clone a legendary sheep and turn it into a profitable hunting venture – reflects a mix of entrepreneurial spirit and moral recklessness. It’s hard not to marvel at the scientific achievement of cloning a Marco Polo sheep, yet the disregard for laws and ecological balance tempers that awe. The potential risks to native wildlife and ecosystems make it clear why such actions can’t be tolerated.

Lessons from the Montana Mountain King

Lessons from the Montana Mountain King
Image Credit: CBS Mornings

Arthur Schubarth’s saga is a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry. It underscores the importance of balancing scientific innovation with ethical and ecological responsibility. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded, protecting wildlife from exploitation is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one. While MMK may live out its days in a zoo, its story will serve as a reminder of the consequences of pushing the boundaries too far.