Helena Hunting & Fishing Violation Lawyer

Hunting & Fishing Violation Attorney in Helena, MT

Ensuring that you are following all of the complex hunting & fishing regulations in Helena, Montana, can be a difficult process. From resident and non-resident licenses to poaching or federal Lacey Act violations, the intricacies of Montana hunting and fishing laws are vast. If you find yourself with a fine or criminal complaint for hunting and fishing, hire a Helena hunting & fishing violation lawyer today.

How We Can Help

With over four decades of combined legal experience, Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC has resolved more than 1,000 cases. We can work with you from start to finish and take your case seriously, no matter the size or scope. We understand Montana’s detailed hunting & fishing violation laws and want to help you seamlessly navigate the process.

Hunting & Fishing Violations

Helena hunting & fishing violations can range from hunting out of season or possessing the wrong species to harassment of a wild animal or unlawful use of electronic equipment while hunting. Offenses can often be broken down into three main areas:

• General offenses: This includes trespass and access violations, as well as unlawful hunting methods.
• Licensing, tag, and permit offenses: This can include failure to carry a license, failure to tag or validate your hunt, or lending, transferring, or using a license issued to another party.
• Hunting, fishing, trapping, or commercial offenses: These range from unlawful hunting methods and equipment to general misconduct and waste. Committing these violations while performing commercial activities like guiding or taxidermy can carry larger penalties.

Penalties for Hunting & Fishing Violations in Helena, MT

Hunting & fishing penalties in Helena, Montana can range from misdemeanor fines to jail time and often include the revocation of your fish and game licenses. State regulations govern many of the hunting and fishing offenses, which include, but are not limited to:

• Unlawful hunting within a city or town
• Unlawful use of a dog while hunting
• Failure to obtain the landowner’s permission to hunt
• Waste of a fur-bearing animal
• Avoiding a game check station

While Montana has over 30 million acres of public land, verifying that you are in a legally accessible area will take some effort. Making sure that you are following the rules and regulations determined by each managing agency of that public land, or obtaining the permission of a private landowner, can be an intricate process.

Violating the Montana hunting & fishing laws can have serious consequences within and outside the state.

Can I Lose My Hunting & Fishing Licenses in Multiple States?

In 1999, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources developed a system to track hunting & fishing violations between member states called the International Wildlife Violators Compact database. In the Spring of 2004, Montana fully integrated the IWVC database with its licensing systems.

This system identifies persons with privilege suspensions in any Compact state and notifies authorities if they try to purchase a new license or apply for a lottery for which they are ineligible.

If you have hunting & fishing violations in states that are members of the International Wildlife Violators Compact, they are recognized in Montana. Conversely, if you obtain violations in Montana, it may prevent you from acquiring hunting & fishing licenses in other Compact states.

Hire a Hunting & Fishing Violation Lawyer

While it may seem as if hunting & fishing violations can be a small concern, many violations carry steep penalties and the forfeiture of licenses in Montana and other IWVC states. It is therefore important to know the ramifications of any violation you may have committed.

While the Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC offices are in Helena, we serve clients throughout Montana, and our knowledgeable team is committed to providing excellent legal advice and client-centered service.

FAQs

How Much Is a Fine for Fishing Without a License in Montana?

The fine for fishing without a license in Montana can vary based on the offense. While initial fines range from $50 to $1,000 and can include up to six months in detention, additional offenses can add penalties. You may also be required to pay extra penalties for restitution and may lose any licenses or permits you have.

Can You Use Walkie-Talkies While Hunting in Montana?

The use of walkie-talkies while hunting in Montana is prohibited by the Two-Way Electronic Communication While Hunting regulation. This regulation prohibits the use of walkie-talkies to help with taking or locating wild animals, while hunting with dogs, to avoid game check stations, or to facilitate other unlawful hunting activity. Using two-way electronic communication for safety or other acceptable reasons is exempt from this regulation.

Are All Hunting & Fishing Violations in Montana Misdemeanors?

While many hunting & fishing violations in Montana are misdemeanors, which can carry a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, and forfeiture of licenses, there are some serious violations that carry felony penalties.

Individuals can face felony charges for unlawful possession of multiple licenses, violating protected species, or breaking fish and game laws while engaged in commercial activity, among others. These felonies can carry steep penalties of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hunting & Fishing Law Violations in Montana?

The statute of limitations for misdemeanor hunting & fishing violations in Montana is three years from when the offense is committed. Title 87 extends the statute for hunting & fishing violations from the general misdemeanor limitation of one year.

The statute of limitations for felony violations may vary depending on the classification and severity, and may be longer. The statute of limitations for general felonies in Montana is up to five years. The fish and game code does not supersede the criminal code.

Helena Hunting & Fishing Violation Attorney

If you find yourself facing hunting & fishing violation charges, knowing how to proceed next can be invaluable. The Helena hunting & fishing violation attorneys at Delli Bovi, Martin, & Reed, LLC know that our clients want efficient and economical solutions to their problems.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to hire a hunting & fishing violation lawyer. We know Montana and are familiar with local courts like the Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on East Broadway Street.