Hunting in Montana: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

Hunting with dogs is a common practice for seasoned hunters in Montana. However, there are several important restrictions for those thinking of using dogs to aid their hunt. Use of hunting dogs is controversial in many states, and those restrictions are in place to allay objections and ensure the safety of fellow hunters and people passing through the area.

Here are four regulations that all hunters must observe when hunting with dogs

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1. Uncontrolled Dogs
A dogs must always be under the control of its owner and is not permitted to freely chase game during hunts. According to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, “A person may not chase any game animal or fur-bearing animal with a dog or purposely, knowingly, or negligently permit a dog to chase, stalk, pursue, attack, or kill a hooved game animal.”

Even if someone other than the owner allowed the dog to freely chase game, the owner shall be held responsible.

2. Penalties
If the owner of a dog violates these regulations, implementation of penalties falls to members of the parks department. Any official who encounters a loosed dog has the authority to issues fines between $50 and $1,000 to the dog's owner. Authorities who witness a dog pursuing a hooved game animal also may destroy the dog at the request of the landowner.

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3. Legal Dog Hunting
State law allows for the use of dogs to hunt specific wildlife species during their respective open seasons. These include various game birds, mountain lions during the winter season, and bobcats during trapping season. However, in those instances hunters must acquire a Class D3 resident hound license. Even during these approved dog hunting seasons, dog owners must maintain control of their dogs at all times or face penalties from the Montana FWP.

4. Tracking Wounded Animals
Hunters are allowed to use dogs to track wounded game animals without obtaining a license as long as they are accompanied by the licensed hunter who wounded the animal.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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