Missoula, Mont. (AP) Tips from the public have helped state wildlife officials solve a poaching case in the Bonner area, as well as other wildlife violations.

The case involves three bighorn sheep and began last spring, when a game warden for the state found a ram that had been killed and left to rot.

An anonymous tip led to poaching-related charges against seven area residents.

Among them is a 15-year-old boy who killed a bighorn ram near Marshall Canyon without a license. He was fined and lost his hunting and fishing privileges for two-and-a-half years.

The tipster received a 500-dollar reward from Fish, Wildlife and Parks and another 500-dollars from the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.

Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-21-07 1251CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list