87-5-705. Regulation of exotic wildlife, MCA
  1. MCA Contents
  2. TITLE 87
  3. CHAPTER 5
  4. Part 7
  5. 87-5-705 Regulation of exotic wildlife

Montana Code Annotated 2025

TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE

CHAPTER 5. WILDLIFE PROTECTION

Part 7. Importation, Introduction, and Transplantation of Wildlife

Regulation Of Exotic Wildlife

87-5-705. (Temporary) Regulation of exotic wildlife. (1) A person may not import into the state, possess, or sell any exotic wildlife unless:

(a) the importation, possession, or sale of the exotic wildlife is allowed by law or commission rule; and

(b) the person has obtained authorization for importation from the department of livestock pursuant to Title 81, chapter 2, part 7.

(2) The department may issue a permit for authorizing the possession or sale of controlled exotic wildlife and make the permit available to persons who wish to import, possess, or sell controlled exotic wildlife, subject to rules of the commission and the department. The department may charge a reasonable fee, as determined by department rule, for the issuance of the authorization permit.

87-5-705. (Effective March 1, 2026) Regulation of exotic wildlife -- permit and renewal fees. (1) A person may not import into the state, possess, or sell any exotic wildlife unless:

(a) the importation, possession, or sale of the exotic wildlife is allowed by law or commission rule; and

(b) the person has obtained authorization for importation from the department of livestock pursuant to Title 81, chapter 2, part 7.

(2) The department may issue a permit for authorizing the possession or sale of controlled exotic wildlife and make the permit available to persons who wish to import, possess, or sell controlled exotic wildlife, subject to rules of the commission and the department.

(3) The department shall assess a fee of $125 to obtain or renew a permit to possess a controlled exotic wildlife species. The permit expires on February 28 of the 5th year following issuance. Renewal is contingent on submission of the permit fee and any required reporting of current inventory and changes to inventory during the preceding year.

(4) The department shall assess a fee of $500 to obtain a permit to sell, breed, or exchange a controlled exotic wildlife species. The permit expires on February 28 of the 5th year following issuance. Renewal is contingent on submission of the permit fee and any required reporting of current inventory and changes to inventory during the preceding years.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 536, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 50, L. 2025.