Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE

CHAPTER 6. FISH AND WILDLIFE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS

Part 1. General Provisions

Unlawful Harassment Of Game Animals And Game Birds With Vehicle Or Device

87-6-107. Unlawful harassment of game animals and game birds with vehicle or device. (1) A person may not concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, run, molest, flush, herd, chase, harass, or impede the movement of or attempt to concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, run, molest, flush, herd, chase, harass, or impede the movement of a game animal or game bird from or with the use or aid of a self-propelled, motor-driven, or drawn vehicle or device, including aircraft. This section does not apply to landowners and their authorized agents engaged in the immediate protection of that landowner's property.

(2) The following penalties apply for a violation of this section:

(a) A person convicted of or who forfeits bond or bail after being charged with a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county detention center for not more than 6 months, or both. In addition, the person may be subject to forfeiture of any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued by this state and the privilege to hunt, fish, and trap in this state or to use state lands, as defined in 77-1-101, for recreational purposes for a period of time set by the court.

(b) A person convicted of or who forfeits bond or bail after being charged with a second or subsequent violation of this section within 5 years shall be fined not less than $500 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both. In addition, the person shall forfeit any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued by this state and the privilege to hunt, fish, and trap in this state for 24 months from the date of conviction or forfeiture of bond or bail unless the court imposes a longer period.

History: En. Sec. 15, Ch. 552, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 317, L. 2023.