MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS
With the
passage of Senate Bill 344 into law, it is now legal to pick up and possess the
skulls and horns of bighorn sheep that died of natural causes. Those who
recover horns and/or skulls must report the find to Montana Fish, Wildlife and
Parks within 48 hours and present it to FWP for inspection and plugging within
10 days. The fee for inspection and plugging is $25.
Recovery of
bighorn skulls and horns is still prohibited at Montana state parks and within the
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, certain restrictions
may apply to national parks and other national fish and wildlife service lands;
these land management agencies should be contacted directly about any
restrictions.
Recovered
bighorn sheep skulls and horns may not be sold, bartered or purchased and may
not be transferred to another person without a permit issued from FWP. FWP may
suspend the recovery of horns and skulls in an area if a disease-related
die-off event occurs. Naturally-caused death does not include animals that were
accidentally killed, captured, taken or struck by a vehicle.
The term
“horn” means the hollow horn sheath of a male mountain sheep, either attached
to the skull or separated from the skull. Those who find a bighorn sheep skull
or horns can call the FWP regional headquarters, area offices or warden or
biologist to report their find.
Unlawful recovery and possession of horns and skulls from mountain sheep can result in a significant fine, up to $30,000 in restitution, imprisonment or both, and the potential forfeiture of any current Montana hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and the privilege thereof for a period of time set by the court.
As a
reminder, Montana’s wildlife management units open May 15; please remember that
Montana law prohibits the capture, feeding, possession and harassment of
wildlife—both game and nongame species.
