Law enforcement agencies in Montana, including the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and U.S. Forest Service, conducted a multi-day backcountry training exercise in the Scapegoat Wilderness to prepare for investigations in remote wilderness areas. Due to the challenging terrain and restrictions on motorized vehicles and helicopters, officers practiced using alternative transportation like horses and mules while learning to manage limited resources and equipment. The training emphasized interagency communication, collaboration, and familiarity with each other’s capabilities to improve response efficiency in real wilderness crime scenarios.

The exercise involved investigating mock crime scenes, camping in the wilderness, and carrying all necessary supplies over long distances, highlighting the logistical difficulties of backcountry investigations compared to urban settings. Officials noted the importance of such training to build trust and coordination among different agencies, ensuring officers know they have broader support beyond their usual teams. Overall, the training was deemed successful in fostering teamwork and readiness for future remote investigations.