"Controlled species" means live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department.

Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit

Written authorization to possess a species of exotic wildlife that has been classified as controlled may be requested by submitting an application. The application requires information on the exotic species requested, the intended purpose for possession, where the exotic species will be held, and the enclosures intended to contain the exotic species. [Learn more]

Birds

The following birds are classified as controlled species and require a Controlled Species permit which can be optained from Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

All exotic (non-native) waterfowl (family Anatidae) are "Controlled Species." To learn about the requirements for possessing exotic waterfowl and to download the permit application, see the Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit page.

Fish

Coho salmon (Onocorhynchus kisutch)

These fish are classified as controlled species: ARM 12.6.2208 12/2010, a Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit is required. Coho Salmon, Onocorhynchus kisutch, may only be raised for commercial activities in a facility that: 

• is indoors and locked with access restricted solely to individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of the facility;
• is not within the 100 year flood;
• is at least 200 feet from any surface water;
• does not receive diverted surface water;
• does not have an effluent or discharge of waste or water within 200 feet of surface water including perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral streams or rivers;
• complies with all other local, state, and federal regulations and permits.
• complies with all other local, state, and federal regulations and permits.
• Live fish may not be transferred into or out of the facility.
• Fish health screening must occur annually and reported to the department within 30 days of receipt of results.
• Any significant mortality in the facility that occurs as a result of an infectious disease must be reported to the department within 30 days.
• Carcasses must either be disposed in a state regulated landfill or in another manner that would not impact state waters or be accessible to wildlife or other animals that might carry carcasses to water.

Koi (Cyprinus carpio) and Goldfish (Carrassius auratus)

These fish are classified as controlled species: ARM 12.6.2208 11/2006 for use in outdoor ponds under the following criteria. Such ponds do not require stocking permits for koi or goldfish; however, they are required to be registered with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. [Koi Registration Form]