Wildlife Removal Laws in Montana: What Property Owners Need to Know

Montana is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife — from white-tailed deer and black bears to mountain lions, skunks, and beavers. When those animals wander onto your property and cause damage, the instinct to act quickly is understandable. But acting without knowing the law can turn a nuisance animal problem into a serious legal one.

Montana wildlife removal is governed by a layered set of state statutes, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regulations, and federal protections that vary significantly depending on the species involved. Whether you are dealing with a raccoon in your attic or a beaver flooding your pasture, the rules about what you can do — and who can legally do it — differ widely.

This guide walks you through Montana’s wildlife removal laws section by section, so you know exactly where you stand before you set a trap, hire a contractor, or attempt to relocate an animal on your own.

Can You Remove Wildlife Yourself in Montana

In Montana, property owners do have limited authority to deal with nuisance wildlife on their own land — but that authority is narrowly defined and species-specific. The Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations set the boundaries for what a private landowner can legally do without professional involvement.

Under MCA 87-1-225, landowners may take certain wildlife that is damaging their property, crops, or livestock — but only under conditions specified by FWP. This does not give you blanket permission to kill or trap any animal causing problems. The statute applies to specific circumstances, and many common nuisance species still require a permit or professional involvement even when damage is occurring.

For unprotected or non-game species — such as certain rodents, pigeons, and starlings — self-removal is generally permitted without a license. However, for furbearers, big game, birds of prey, and any federally protected species, self-help remedies are either restricted or prohibited entirely. If you are unsure which category your problem animal falls into, contacting FWP directly before taking action is always the safest step.

Pro Tip: Montana FWP has regional offices across the state that can advise you on specific nuisance situations at no cost. A five-minute call can save you from an expensive violation.

Non-lethal deterrents — exclusion fencing, motion-activated lights, repellents, and habitat modification — are always legal and often the most effective long-term solution. Montana law does not restrict your ability to prevent wildlife from accessing your property through these passive methods.

Which Animals Can Be Removed Without a Permit in Montana

Montana classifies animals into several regulatory categories, and that classification determines whether you need a permit to remove them. Non-game, unprotected, and invasive species generally offer the most flexibility for property owners acting on their own.

Animals you can typically remove without a special FWP permit include:

• House mice and Norway rats (non-native rodents)
• Common pigeons (rock doves)
• European starlings and house sparrows (non-native invasive birds)
• Gophers and ground squirrels on private agricultural land
• Prairie dogs on private land in many circumstances

Coyotes occupy a unique position under Montana law. They are classified as a predator species, which means landowners and their agents can take coyotes year-round on private land without a hunting or trapping license when the coyotes are causing damage to livestock or property. However, standard trapping regulations — including legal trap types and placement rules — still apply even when no license is required.

It is worth noting that “no permit required” does not mean “no rules apply.” Even for unprotected species, you must still comply with any applicable local ordinances, discharge restrictions, and humane handling standards. Some Montana counties have additional restrictions on the use of poison or certain trap types within city or town limits.

Important Note: Migratory birds — including swallows, swifts, and most songbirds — are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act regardless of the damage they cause. Removing nests, eggs, or birds without a federal permit is a federal offense, not just a state one.

If you are dealing with nuisance wildlife in a neighboring state and want to compare how Montana’s rules stack up, see how Colorado handles wildlife removal laws or review the rules under Wyoming’s framework for additional regional context.

Which Animals Require a Licensed Wildlife Removal Professional in Montana

Many of Montana’s most common nuisance animals fall into protected categories that require either an FWP permit, a licensed wildlife control operator, or both. Attempting to trap, kill, or relocate these animals without proper authorization exposes you to significant fines and potential criminal charges.

Species that generally require professional involvement or a specific FWP permit include:

• Black bears — fully protected big game animals; no self-removal without an FWP damage control authorization
• Mountain lions — classified as big game; removal requires FWP involvement or a specific depredation authorization
• Beavers — classified as furbearers; trapping requires a license and must follow furbearer season rules unless a special permit is issued
• Raccoons — furbearer status means trapping outside of season requires an FWP nuisance permit
• Skunks — classified as furbearers in Montana; subject to furbearer trapping regulations
• Muskrats — furbearers requiring a license for trapping in most circumstances
• River otters — protected furbearers with strict take restrictions
• Wolves and grizzly bears — federally protected species; any take requires federal authorization and coordination with FWP
• Raptors and birds of prey — protected under both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; no removal without federal permits

For big game animals causing crop or property damage, FWP can issue a Wildlife Damage Management authorization. These authorizations are not automatic — you must document the damage, contact FWP, and receive written approval before taking any action. The FWP’s powers and duties under MCA 87-1-201 include the authority to authorize wildlife damage control activities on private land.

Montana’s approach to furbearer management is detailed in the state’s furbearer regulations, which are updated periodically by the FWP Commission. Reviewing the FWP nuisance wildlife trapping guidance gives you a clear picture of which species fall under furbearer protections and what permit pathways are available.

For comparison, states like Washington and Minnesota have similarly strict protections for furbearers and predators, though the specific permit processes differ.

Trapping Rules and Legal Methods in Montana

Montana has a well-established trapping tradition, and the state regulates trapping carefully to balance landowner rights with wildlife conservation. If you plan to trap any animal on your property — even a nuisance species — you need to understand what methods are legal and what conditions apply.

Montana law permits the following trap types under regulated conditions:

• Foothold traps (with size and jaw-spread restrictions depending on species and location)
• Body-gripping (Conibear-style) traps
• Cage or box traps (live traps)
• Snares (with specific restrictions on wire diameter, loop size, and placement)

Certain trap types and methods are restricted or prohibited in specific contexts. Snares set near roads, trails, or public recreation areas face placement restrictions. Body-gripping traps above a certain jaw size may only be used in water sets or elevated sets to reduce the risk of capturing non-target animals, including domestic pets.

Montana also requires that traps be checked at regular intervals. Licensed trappers must check their traps at least once every 48 hours under standard furbearer regulations. For nuisance trapping on private land, FWP guidance recommends checking live traps at least once every 24 hours to minimize animal stress and comply with humane handling expectations.

Pro Tip: If you are setting traps in an area where domestic animals or non-target wildlife could be caught, use cage traps rather than body-gripping or foothold traps. This reduces your liability and simplifies the release process if the wrong animal is captured.

Poison is heavily restricted for wildlife removal in Montana. Toxicants approved for specific pest species — such as zinc phosphide for rodents — require compliance with EPA label requirements and in some cases a pesticide applicator license. Using poison on furbearers, big game, or any protected species is illegal and can result in both state and federal penalties.

The trapping and snaring offense provisions under MCA 87-6-601 outline specific prohibited acts, including setting traps without authorization, using illegal trap types, and failing to properly mark or tend traps. Reviewing this statute before setting any trap is strongly recommended.

Montana’s trapping regulations are also subject to ongoing review by the FWP Commission. The FWP hunting and trapping regulations page is the authoritative source for current season dates, legal methods, and any recent rule changes.

Can You Relocate Wildlife in Montana

Relocation sounds like the humane solution — catch the animal, drive it to the woods, and let it go. In practice, Montana law places significant restrictions on wildlife relocation, and in many cases, it is either prohibited or requires a permit.

Montana FWP generally discourages or prohibits the relocation of most wildlife species for several reasons. Relocated animals often do not survive in unfamiliar territory. They can spread disease — including rabies and distemper — to new areas. And moving wildlife across county or regional boundaries can introduce pathogens into previously unaffected populations.

For furbearers such as raccoons, skunks, and beavers, relocation without an FWP permit is not permitted. Even if you trap a beaver causing damage to your irrigation system, you cannot simply transport it to a new location without FWP authorization. The agency may authorize relocation in specific circumstances, but euthanasia is often the legally sanctioned outcome for nuisance furbearers when relocation is not feasible.

For big game species — deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions — relocation is strictly an FWP function. Private individuals cannot capture and relocate these animals under any circumstances. If a bear is raiding your beehives or a mountain lion is threatening your livestock, the proper response is to contact FWP and allow their Wildlife Damage Management staff to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response.

Important Note: Transporting a live wild animal across state lines without federal authorization is a violation of the Lacey Act, a federal law that carries serious penalties. Never attempt to move a captured wild animal into another state, even if you believe relocation is the most humane option.

Non-game small mammals — such as ground squirrels and certain mice — may be relocated in some circumstances, but even here, FWP recommends consulting with a regional office before doing so. The FWP nuisance trapping guidance addresses relocation options and limitations in detail.

States like Virginia and Georgia have similar blanket restrictions on furbearer relocation, reflecting a national shift in wildlife management philosophy away from translocation as a default nuisance response.

Hiring a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Montana

When the animal on your property requires a permit, falls under furbearer protections, or poses a safety risk, hiring a licensed wildlife control operator (WCO) is both the legally appropriate and practically effective choice. Montana does not maintain a single centralized licensing program specifically labeled “wildlife control operator” in the same way some states do, but professionals operating in this space must hold the relevant FWP licenses and permits for the species and methods they use.

A qualified Montana wildlife removal professional will typically hold:

• A Montana trapping license (required for any furbearer trapping)
• Any applicable FWP nuisance wildlife permits for the species being targeted
• A commercial wildlife license if they are providing removal services for compensation under FWP’s commercial wildlife licensing framework
• Pesticide applicator credentials if toxicants are part of their service

Before hiring anyone, ask directly whether they are licensed to handle the specific species causing your problem. A contractor licensed to trap furbearers may not be authorized to handle bears or mountain lions — those situations require FWP Wildlife Damage Management staff involvement or contractors working under specific FWP authorization.

When evaluating a wildlife removal company, look for membership in the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) or a similar professional organization, verifiable references from Montana clients, and a clear written contract that specifies the methods to be used, the species targeted, and how the animal will be handled after capture.

Pro Tip: Ask any wildlife removal contractor to show you their current FWP license before work begins. A legitimate professional will have no hesitation providing this documentation. If they cannot produce it, contact FWP before allowing any trapping or removal activity on your property.

Montana’s wildlife removal industry operates within the same regulatory framework as other western states. If you want to compare how professional licensing works in nearby states, the Arizona wildlife removal laws guide and the Texas wildlife removal laws guide both cover WCO licensing structures in detail.

For situations involving livestock depredation by wolves or grizzly bears, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program works alongside Montana FWP and may be the appropriate agency to contact rather than a private contractor.

Penalties for Illegal Wildlife Removal in Montana

Montana takes wildlife law enforcement seriously. The state’s game wardens — called Fish and Wildlife Wardens — have full law enforcement authority, and violations can result in fines, license revocations, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

Penalties under Montana law vary based on the species involved and the nature of the violation. The general penalty structure includes:

Violation Type	Potential Penalty
Trapping without a license (furbearers)	Fine up to $1,000; license suspension
Taking big game without authorization	Fine up to $10,000; loss of hunting privileges
Illegal take of a wolf or grizzly bear	State and federal charges; fines up to $50,000+ federally
Using illegal trap types or methods	Fine; equipment confiscation; license suspension
Unlawful relocation of wildlife	Fine; potential misdemeanor or felony depending on species
Violating Migratory Bird Treaty Act (federal)	Up to $15,000 per bird; up to 6 months imprisonment

Under MCA 87-6-601, specific trapping and snaring offenses carry mandatory minimum fines in addition to any discretionary penalties a court may impose. Repeat violations can result in permanent loss of trapping and hunting privileges in Montana and in other states that participate in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact — a multi-state agreement that recognizes license revocations across participating jurisdictions.

Federal penalties apply any time a federally protected species is involved. Grizzly bears and gray wolves — when listed under the Endangered Species Act — carry federal criminal penalties that operate independently of whatever Montana state charges may apply. The Montana endangered species protection statutes work in conjunction with federal ESA protections to create overlapping liability for violations involving listed species.

Civil restitution is also possible. Courts can order violators to pay the replacement value of unlawfully taken wildlife, which for species like grizzly bears can amount to tens of thousands of dollars on top of any criminal fines.

The safest approach is straightforward: if you are not certain an action is legal, do not take it until you have confirmed with FWP. Montana’s wildlife laws are not designed to trap landowners — they are designed to protect a resource that belongs to all Montanans. Working within the system is almost always faster, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with the consequences of a violation.

For additional context on how other states structure their wildlife removal penalties and enforcement, see the guides covering Michigan wildlife removal laws, Pennsylvania wildlife removal laws, and North Carolina wildlife removal laws.