It turns out that “playing by the rules” is more than just a polite suggestion in the Montana backcountry—it’s a $120,000 lesson for those who didn’t listen. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) recently wrapped up their 2025 season review, and the numbers from the TIPMONT board are staggering. Between fines and restitution, defendants are on the hook for over $119,000, while losing a combined 66 years of hunting and fishing privileges. The surge in numbers isn’t just bad luck; officials noted an “uptick” in significant cases, ranging from felony deer poaching to hunters trying to “backdate” mountain lion licenses after the harvest.
As FWP Operation Sergeant Brooke Shelley puts it, “By reporting poaching, individuals contribute to the conservation of endangered species and the overall health of natural habitats.”
While some cases involved blatant criminal activity—like spotlighting deer or killing a bear sow and her cub—wardens also saw a rise in “preventable” mistakes. In Western Montana, resident hunters frequently forgot to read the fine print, accidentally harvesting animals on public land when they were restricted to private property. However, it wasn’t all bad news for the law-abiding public. The TIPMONT program, which offers cash rewards for tips on resource crimes, handed out over $28,000 to eagle-eyed citizens.
Southwest Warden Captain Josh Leonard was particularly impressed by the quality of help from the community, noting, “I can honestly say some of the eyewitness details we received on some cases were exceptional – exceptional enough that all we had to do was arrive and the case was made.”
The takeaway for the 2026 season is whether it’s double-checking your permit area or reporting a suspicious shot in the dark, staying sharp pays off—literally. If you see something fishy (or elk-y) in the field, reporting it could net you a reward of up to $1,000, proving that in Big Sky Country, conservation is a team sport.