Montana man tries to break hunting partner's back, gets rebuffed, pulls a knife

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A Montana man allegedly pulled out a knife on his hunting partner when the friend turned down his drunken sexual advances after a day of hunting and drinking together, according to police.

Robert Dale Saunders, 31, was charged with felony assault with a weapon Monday.

Saunders reportedly "became verbally abusive and aggressive" with hunting partner Michael Smith when they returned to Smith's home in Hamilton, Montana, Sunday night, according to an affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun.

After cursing at Smith, Saunders allegedly grabbed him around the neck and pushed against his body. Saunders then grabbed his own groin and said, "You know what this is about."

Smith told police he rebuffed Saunders' sexual advances and asked him to leave, but Saunders refused.

As his hands were around Smith's neck, Saunders allegedly pulled a 4-inch hunting knife from a sheath on his hip.

Fearing for his safety, Smith said he reached for his own knife. The two men entered into a stand-off, each holding a knife in the other’s direction, according to the affidavit.

Saunders then put down the knife, and Smith pushed him out the garage door before locking it, the affidavit said.

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Saunders blood alcohol content was at .308, more than three times the legal limit of .08.

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