Influencer Behind Controversial Wombat Video Now Faces Illegal Hunting Charges in WY
A Montana woman who went viral earlier this year for grabbing a baby wombat in Australia is now facing a long list of wildlife-related charges in Wyoming. Newly obtained court documents, reviewed by GearJunkie, outline eight misdemeanor counts against Samantha Strable, also known online as Sam Jones or Sam_Strays_Somewhere. These include accusations that she falsely claimed Wyoming residency to secure discounted licenses and later used those licenses to hunt elk, antelope, black bear, and a mountain lion.
Strable was booked into the Sublette County Jail on Nov. 21 and released on the same day on her own recognizance.
What the Documents Show
According to a sworn affidavit filed by Wyoming Game and Fish Warden Jake Miller and obtained by GearJunkie, the investigation began after a Stop Poaching report alleged that Strable continued to buy resident tags despite not living in Wyoming. The affidavit describes a detailed review of her license history, travel records, social media activity, and field interviews.
The affidavit states that Strable applied for and obtained multiple resident licenses in 2024 and 2025 while maintaining an Alaskan driver’s license and listing out-of-state mailing addresses. Investigators reported that she spent limited time in Wyoming during those years and traveled extensively through Montana, Alaska, North Dakota, and Kansas.
Travel records cited in the affidavit indicate that she spent only 35 days in Wyoming throughout 2024. Records through mid-2025 show only 12 days in the state. Wyoming law requires a person to live in the state for at least one full year before claiming resident status, and individuals must not be residents of another state during that time.
The affidavit also includes a field interview with Strable on Oct. 19, during which she provided inconsistent statements about her residence. She referenced Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, and seasonal positions in Glacier National Park. When asked for a Wyoming address, she was unable to provide one.
Strable later stated, “I just never changed my residency,” when confronted with residency requirements.
The Charges
The Criminal Information filed in Sublette County and obtained by GearJunkie lists eight misdemeanor counts:
False Swearing or False Statement (Counts I through VI)
Prosecutors allege that Strable falsely claimed residency to obtain:
- a resident elk license on Aug. 11, 2025
- a resident black bear license on May 5, 2025
- a resident mountain lion license on Jan. 11, 2025
- a resident 12-month fishing license on Sept. 27, 2024
- a resident antelope license on May 1, 2024
- a resident elk license on April 3, 2024
Each count carries potential penalties of up to 1 year in jail, fines of up to $10,000, and loss of license privileges.
Taking Game Without a License (Count VII)
Prosecutors allege that Strable killed an elk on Oct. 5, 2024, in Sublette County without a valid license.
Nonresident Hunting in a Wilderness Area Without a Guide (Count VIII)
The state alleges that she hunted in a federally designated wilderness area on the same date without a resident guide or licensed outfitter, which is required under Wyoming law for nonresidents.
Link to the Wombat Incident
Strable drew global attention earlier this year after a video surfaced of her picking up a wombat joey in Australia. The clip spread quickly and resulted in widespread criticism from wildlife advocates and government officials. She later apologized and left the country. Her recent arrest in Wyoming is unrelated to the incident in Australia.
What Happens Next
A summons has been issued for Strable to appear in Sublette County Circuit Court. Additional fines or license suspensions may be imposed if she is convicted.
Wyoming Game and Fish has not issued further comment beyond the affidavit included with the charging documents.
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