Can You Kill Raccoons in Montana? What State Law Actually Allows

Raccoons are a growing nuisance across Montana — raiding chicken coops in the Bitterroot Valley, tipping garbage cans in Billings, and denning under porches from Missoula to Miles City. If one has made itself at home on your property, you’re probably wondering exactly what you’re legally allowed to do about it.

The short answer is yes, you can kill raccoons in Montana, and the state gives you more flexibility to do so than most people realize. But the rules hinge on how raccoons are legally classified, where you are, and whether you’re hunting, trapping, or simply dealing with a nuisance animal. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you act.

Are Raccoons Protected in Montana?

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are not protected game animals in Montana. Under Montana Code Annotated 87-6-101, nongame wildlife is defined as any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, or other animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation — and raccoons are specifically listed as an example of nongame wildlife.

Montana statute defines nongame wildlife as “any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation of this state.” Essentially, nongame animals are classified by what they are not — meaning any animal not classified as big game, upland game birds, migratory game birds, furbearer, or predator.

Over 85% of Montana’s birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are classified as nongame, totaling almost 500 species. Raccoons sit firmly in that category, which has real practical consequences for how they can be taken. They are not afforded the seasonal protections or harvest limits that apply to regulated furbearers like bobcat or otter.

Important Note: While raccoons are unprotected nongame animals under state law, federal protections do not apply to them either. However, always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) before taking any action, as rules can change.

When Can You Legally Kill a Raccoon in Montana?

Nongame wildlife such as raccoons and red fox are completely unregulated in Montana — no trapping license is required of residents — and they can be trapped year-round, in unlimited and unreported numbers. This applies equally to lethal control. There is no closed season, no bag limit, and no mandatory reporting requirement for raccoons taken by residents.

There are currently no regulations restricting the shooting of nongame species. Shooting any animal on private land requires landowner permission, and shooting animals on public land may require land management agency permits or fees. So if a raccoon is causing damage on your own property, you can legally shoot it at any time of year — provided you’re on land where you have the right to be and firearms use is otherwise permitted in that area.

On private property, it is illegal to hunt or attempt to hunt raccoons without the landowner’s, lessee’s, or representative’s authorization. If you’re on someone else’s land, you must have explicit permission before taking any action. This is a firm rule regardless of the animal’s nongame status.

Pro Tip: Raccoons are most active from dusk through early morning. If you plan to shoot one causing damage, be aware that Montana hunting statutes restrict artificial lighting for hunting purposes — check with FWP on how that applies to nuisance control on private property.

Legal Methods for Killing Raccoons in Montana

Because raccoons are unregulated nongame animals, Montana law does not restrict the methods you can use to kill them the way it does for regulated game species. That said, some practical and legal guardrails still apply depending on location and circumstances.

Common tools for taking raccoons include a small-caliber rifle or shotgun, headlamps and backup lights, tracking equipment, insulated clothing, and boots suitable for uneven terrain. Smaller calibers are preferred when pelt condition matters, but for pure nuisance control, the priority is a clean, effective shot.

• Firearms: Legal for nongame species on private property with landowner permission. No special license is required for residents. Use calibers appropriate to the setting — avoid over-penetration near structures.
• Traps (kill traps): Body-gripping traps such as Conibear-style traps are a common and effective method. No resident trapping license is required for raccoons.
• Hunting with dogs: It is acceptable to hunt raccoons with dogs in Montana. Strong-nosed hunting dogs with experience can pick up the scent of raccoons in the air and help locate them.
• Archery: Permitted where safe and practical, though rarely used for nuisance raccoon control.

One important restriction applies in a specific geographic area of western and central Montana. Starting December 1, 2024, a free Supplemental Trapping Permit is required by all trappers targeting nongame animals (including raccoons, badgers, and red fox) and predatory animals inside the geographic area defined by a federal court order. The only exception is that trappers using water sets or live cage traps do not need this free permit.

The Free Supplemental Trapping Permit is available online through the FWP online licensing system or by stopping by an FWP office. It costs nothing but must be obtained before setting ground traps in the affected western regions. Check the FWP Supplemental Trapping Permit page for the current map of the affected area.

Trapping Raccoons in Montana: Rules and Restrictions

Trapping is one of the most practical ways to deal with a problem raccoon, and Montana’s rules for trapping nongame species are among the least restrictive in the country. There is no resident license required to trap nongame wildlife. Nonresidents, however, must purchase a license before trapping raccoons or other nongame species.

Although Montana has a lengthy furbearer and wolf trapping season, unregulated trapping is legal year-round for nongame animals and predators. The latter fall under the bailiwick of the Department of Livestock. This split jurisdiction is important to understand — FWP manages furbearers, while nongame species like raccoons largely fall outside formal FWP oversight for trapping purposes.

There are a few hard limits on where trapping can occur regardless of species:

• The three exceptions to year-round nongame trapping are Fishing Access Sites, Wildlife Refuges, and National Parks (unless exceptions are granted).
• Trapping on FWP lands — including Wildlife Management Areas, Fishing Access Sites, and State Parks — requires written authorization from the area manager or a department employee. Conditions for permission may require special regulations or restrictions that differ from standard rules.
• The free Supplemental Trapping Permit applies in western Montana for ground-set traps targeting raccoons (see above).

Pro Tip: When setting live cage traps for raccoons, bait with marshmallows, hard-boiled eggs, or sweet corn. These attract raccoons effectively while being less likely to draw in non-target animals like skunks or domestic cats.

If you trap a raccoon alive, Montana law has a clear rule for wild furbearers that is worth noting as context: wild furbearers captured alive must be killed or released, and it is unlawful for a person to possess or transport wild furbearers alive. While raccoons are nongame rather than furbearers under Montana law, this principle reflects the state’s general approach — holding a wild animal in captivity without proper permits is not allowed. For raccoons specifically, contact FWP if you’re uncertain about transport or holding.

For a comparison of how neighboring states handle similar questions, see how Washington regulates raccoon removal or what Minnesota’s rules look like for nongame species.

Can You Relocate a Raccoon Instead of Killing It in Montana?

Relocation sounds like a humane alternative, but in practice it comes with significant legal and biological complications in Montana. No species of wildlife may be released into the wild without specific authorization from the department. This means you cannot simply trap a raccoon on your property and release it somewhere else without FWP authorization.

Beyond the legal barrier, relocation rarely solves the underlying problem. Relocating raccoons is not a reliable solution — raccoons that are relocated are swiftly replaced by new raccoons. Without addressing the attractants (unsecured garbage, pet food left outside, accessible chicken coops), a new raccoon will typically move into the vacated territory within days or weeks.

If you are determined to pursue relocation rather than lethal control, your best path is to contact Montana FWP’s Nongame Wildlife program directly to ask whether a specific relocation is permissible and under what conditions. A licensed wildlife control operator (discussed in the next section) may also be able to facilitate a legal relocation if one is authorized.

Important Note: Raccoons are a primary vector for rabies and carry raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a parasite dangerous to humans and pets. Handling live raccoons — even briefly during relocation — carries real disease risk. Always wear gloves and avoid direct contact.

Hiring a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Montana

If you’d rather not handle a raccoon problem yourself, hiring a professional is a practical option. Montana has licensed wildlife control operators who handle nuisance animal removal on both residential and agricultural properties. These professionals specialize in the removal and relocation of a variety of wildlife, including raccoons.

Wildlife control operators handle home repairs from damage caused by invasive animals, including removal of animals from attics, ceilings, and basements, along with dead animal removal, cleanup, and disinfection. This is particularly relevant if a raccoon has established a den inside your home’s structure — a situation that often requires exclusion work beyond simple trapping.

When hiring a wildlife control operator in Montana, verify the following before signing any agreement:

1. Licensing and insurance: Confirm the operator is licensed, insured, and in good standing. Ask for documentation.
2. Methods used: Ask whether they use lethal or live-capture methods, and what happens to the animal afterward.
3. FWP compliance: Ensure they are operating in compliance with Montana FWP rules, including the Supplemental Trapping Permit requirement where applicable.
4. Exclusion services: A good operator will identify and seal entry points so the problem doesn’t recur.
5. Written estimate: Get a written scope of work and cost estimate before any work begins.

You can contact Montana FWP for referrals to licensed wildlife control professionals in your region. The National Wildlife Control Operators Association also maintains a directory of certified professionals. For comparison, see how other states handle professional raccoon removal, including Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.

Local Ordinances That May Override State Law in Montana

Montana state law sets the floor for raccoon control, but local governments can layer additional restrictions on top of it. Just because an animal is legal to deal with under state law doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions.

The most common local restrictions that affect raccoon control include:

• Discharge of firearms ordinances: Many Montana cities and towns prohibit the discharge of firearms within city limits or within a certain distance of structures. Even if raccoons are unregulated at the state level, shooting one in your backyard in Missoula or Great Falls may violate local ordinance.
• Trap placement rules: Some municipalities regulate where traps can be placed, particularly near public sidewalks, alleys, or shared property lines.
• Animal control regulations: City animal control departments may have specific procedures for reporting or handling nuisance wildlife, including raccoons.
• HOA rules: If you live in a homeowners association community, additional rules may apply to pest control methods on your property.

Before taking any action in an urban or suburban setting, call your city or county government to ask about local ordinances. In rural Montana, local restrictions are less common, but county-level rules can still apply — particularly on subdivided land or near waterways.

It’s also worth checking whether your property falls within any special management zones. Trappers running ground lines in regions 1, 2, 3, and the western parts of regions 4 and 5 must obtain a free supplemental trapping permit if they are targeting nongame species like raccoons, badgers, or fox. This federal court-driven requirement applies regardless of whether you’re in a city or rural area within those regions.

For a broader look at how raccoon laws vary across the country, the articles on Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina offer useful state-by-state comparisons. You can also review Montana’s roadkill laws for related information on how the state handles wildlife found on public roads.

The Bottom Line on Killing Raccoons in Montana

Montana gives property owners and residents broad legal authority to deal with raccoons. It is legal to trap and kill raccoons in Montana. As nongame wildlife, raccoons carry no closed season, no bag limit, and no mandatory reporting requirement for resident hunters and trappers. You don’t need a license to trap them if you’re a Montana resident, and you can shoot them year-round on property where you have permission to be.

The key conditions to keep in mind: get landowner permission if you’re not on your own land, pick up the free Supplemental Trapping Permit if you’re setting ground traps in western Montana, and check local ordinances before discharging a firearm in any populated area. For situations involving a raccoon inside a structure or a recurring infestation, a licensed wildlife control operator is often the most efficient and legally clean option.

For more state-specific guidance on raccoon laws elsewhere in the region, see the articles on Wyoming — or explore states with stricter rules like California and Illinois for comparison.