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 Relocation Of Fish

87-6-219. Unlawful relocation of fish. (1) A person or firm may not:

(a) place or cause to be placed caged live fish in any of the public waters of the state of Montana, except as provided by department regulation;

(b) without written department approval, move live or dead salmonid fish or eggs from one in-state location to another when the fish or eggs are known to be infected with fish pathogens specified by the department as posing a threat to fisheries;

(c) import live salmonid fish or eggs into Montana without meeting the requirements of 87-3-221; or

(d) discard, place, or allow uncertified salmonid fish, parts, or eggs that have been transported into Montana to enter into surface waters other than sewage or disposal systems pursuant to 87-3-222(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. 20, Ch. 258, L. 2011.