The Enforcement Division of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is responsible for the regulation and permitting of any commercial activities that deal with native species of Montana's wildlife and, in some cases, non-native wildlife species. In general, permits are required to possess, exhibit, buy, or sell both living wildlife species and even the parts of dead wildlife. In addition, no wildlife, whether native or non-native may be released into the wild of Montana without prior authorization of the FWP Commission. These regulations are intended to protect our wildlife resources as well the human environment and the safety of the citizens of Montana.
There are many types of permits available from the Enforcement division that cover everything from the profession of taxidermy to the operation of a zoo or roadside menagerie. To obtain a permit for the type of activity that you are interested in, an application must be submitted either to the FWP Enforcement Division in Helena or to one of the FWP Regional offices. Some permits require very little evaluation prior to authorization by the Department. Other permits, in which the activity has the potential to create significant environmental impacts, require an evaluation according to the Montana Environmental Policy Act to determine significance of the impacts and whether any identified impacts can be mitigated prior to authorization for the permit.
The following provide a description of the types of commercial activities that are permitted by the Department, the laws and administrative rules that regulate the activity, and the required application forms.
