81-year-old Arthur “Jack” Schubarth of Vaughn, Montana, is set to be sentenced in federal court in Great Falls on Monday for his involvement in the illegal creation of hybrid sheep using tissue and testicles from large sheep hunted in Central Asia and the U.S. The prosecution is not seeking prison time for Schubarth, who is facing charges of violating federal wildlife trafficking laws. Instead, they are requesting a one-year probationary sentence.
Schubarth’s attorney has argued for the probationary sentence, stating that his client’s life, reputation, and family have been ruined by the cloning of the giant Marco Polo sheep, which he named Montana Mountain King (MMK). The sentencing memorandum also commends Schubarth for successfully cloning the endangered sheep, highlighting the uniqueness of MMK and the scientific achievement involved.
Schubarth, who owns Sun River Enterprises LLC, a 215-acre alternative livestock ranch, has been involved in the game farm business since 1987. The ranch deals with buying, selling, and breeding “alternative livestock” for private hunting preserves, where captive trophy game animals are shot for a fee. Schubarth pleaded guilty in March to charges of conspiring with five other individuals to clone a Marco Polo sheep illegally brought into the U.S. and create a larger, more valuable hybrid species for captive hunting operations.
Marco Polo sheep, known for their large size and impressive horns, can weigh up to 300 pounds and have horns up to 5 feet long. Schubarth sold semen from MMK and hybrid sheep to individuals in Texas, while a Minnesota resident brought 74 sheep to Schubarth’s ranch for insemination during the conspiracy. He also sold offspring from MMK for various amounts.
In addition to the illegal cloning activities, Schubarth paid $400 for the testicles of a trophy-sized Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep harvested in Montana, extracting and selling the semen. The conspiracy involved bringing sheep breeds not allowed in Montana into the state, including 43 sheep from Texas.
While the names of the co-conspirators have not been disclosed, Schubarth’s plea agreement requires him to cooperate fully with prosecutors and testify if called upon. The case is still under investigation by Montana wildlife officials.
In a letter attached to the sentencing memorandum, Schubarth expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his enthusiasm for the “sheep project” clouded his judgment. He admitted to seeking any grey area in the law to create the best sheep possible for the industry, expressing shame for the impact on his family’s financial situation.
