Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE

CHAPTER 6. FISH AND WILDLIFE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS

Part 2. General Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Offenses -- Related Offenses

Unlawful Contest Or Prize

87-6-214. Unlawful contest or prize. (1) (a) Except as provided in subsections (1)(b) through (1)(d), a person, firm, or club may not offer or give a prize, gift, or anything of value in connection with or as a bag limit prize for the taking, capturing, killing, or in any manner acquiring any game, fowl, or fur-bearing animal or any bird or animal protected by law.

(b) A prize may be awarded for any one game bird or fur-bearing animal on the basis of size, quality, or rarity.

(c) A person may conduct or sponsor a contest for which the monetary prize, certificate, or award does not exceed $50 for a person who kills a game animal possessing the largest antlers or horns, carrying the greatest weight, or having the longest body or any similar contest based upon the size or weight of a game animal or part of a game animal. The monetary restriction provided in this subsection (1)(c) does not apply to recognition given by a nationally established and recognized Boone and Crockett trophy institute.

(d) Reimbursements for receipts of costs incurred related to the hunting or trapping of wolves may be given to persons licensed to hunt or trap wolves pursuant to Title 87, chapter 2.

(2) A person convicted of 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, upon conviction or forfeiture of bond or bail, may be subject to forfeiture of any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued by this state and the privilege to hunt, fish, or 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.

History: En. Sec. 15, Ch. 258, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 286, L. 2021.