reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 1. Livestock Protective Committees › 81-6-105. Special livestock deputy -- duties -- compensation

81-6-105. Special livestock deputy -- duties -- compensation.
The county livestock protective committee may recommend to the board of county commissioners the appointment of a special livestock deputy, satisfactory to the department and the sheriff, whose duties are to assist the department and the sheriff in the enforcement of hide and brand inspection laws, laws governing the movement and sale of livestock and the treatment and prevention of livestock diseases, laws pertaining to the apprehension of livestock rustlers and the prevention of rustling, and other laws that are of particular concern to the livestock industry of the county, particularly with regard to cattle. The special livestock deputy may receive a commission from the department and appointment as a deputy from the sheriff of the county and shall give the same bond for the faithful performance of the duties as the bond required from officers performing similar duties. The special livestock deputy must receive compensation for services and for mileage traveled in the performance of the special livestock deputy's duties in an amount set by the board of county commissioners on the recommendation of the committee, to be paid from the livestock special deputy fund and from the county general fund in the proportions set by the board of county commissioners.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 168, L. 1953; amd. Sec. 181, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2705; amd. Sec. 127, Ch. 114, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 1. Livestock Protective Committees › 81-6-106. Discontinuing county livestock protective committee

81-6-106. Discontinuing county livestock protective committee.
Upon receipt of a petition or petitions signed as provided in 81-6-101, the board of county commissioners shall discontinue a county livestock protective committee. The discontinuance of the committee does not affect any fee imposed prior to the receipt of the petition or petitions and the proceeds of any fee imposed must be used for the purposes of this part. A district may not be discontinued as long as there is any outstanding indebtedness against it.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 168, L. 1953; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 204, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2706; amd. Sec. 227, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 1. Livestock Protective Committees › 81-6-107. Cooperation with committee by adjoining county

81-6-107. Cooperation with committee by adjoining county.
The board of county commissioners of any county adjoining a county availing itself of the provisions of this part may cooperate in the administration of this part.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 168, L. 1953; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2707.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 1. Livestock Protective Committees › 81-6-108. County participation in defraying part of administrative expenses

81-6-108. County participation in defraying part of administrative expenses.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to limit or deprive the board of county commissioners to participate in defraying a part of the expense of the administration of this part.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 168, L. 1953; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2708.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-201. Formation of districts in two or more counties authorized -- petition of cattle owners -- declaration by county commissioners

81-6-201. Formation of districts in two or more counties authorized -- petition of cattle owners -- declaration by county commissioners.
A cattle protective district embracing all or parts of two or more counties may be formed upon the filing of petitions by the cattle growers of such counties with the boards of county commissioners of each county to be wholly or partially included in the district. Such petitions must be signed by at least 51% of the cattle owners owning 55% of cattle for the protection of which the district is to be formed residing within the area designated as part of the district in each of the counties affected. Upon receipt of such a petition, each board of county commissioners must within 30 days declare the designated portion of its county a part of such cattle protective district, and the district shall be formed immediately upon the action of the last board of county commissioners to act.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 181, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2801.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-202. Selection of cattle protective committee members

81-6-202. Selection of cattle protective committee members.
Each county wholly or partially included in such district shall be entitled to three members of the district cattle protective committee who shall be chosen in the same manner as members of county cattle protective committees under 81-6-101.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 181, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2802.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-203. Powers and duties of protective committees

81-6-203. Powers and duties of protective committees.
District cattle protective committees shall be organized and have the same powers and duties as the county cattle protective committees organized under the provisions of part 1 of this chapter.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 181, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2803.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-204. Fee -- deposit of proceeds -- multiple-county district

81-6-204. Fee -- deposit of proceeds -- multiple-county district.
The district cattle protective committee may recommend to the board of county commissioners the imposition of a fee in an amount not to exceed $1 per head on all cattle 9 months of age or older in the district on the regular assessment date of each year as provided in 15-24-903, and the board of county commissioners shall impose the fee. The fee must be collected and deposited in the county treasury of one of the counties in the district, selected by the district cattle protective committee, in a special fund to be known as the livestock special deputy fund, together with any other funds made available from county, state, federal, or private sources for the purposes of this part.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 181, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 388, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2804; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 258, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 660, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 228, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 27, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 40, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-205. Removal of area from protective district -- discontinuance of district -- fee saved

81-6-205. Removal of area from protective district -- discontinuance of district -- fee saved.
Upon receipt of a petition or petitions signed in the same number and the same manner as the petition to form the district provided for in 81-6-201, a board of county commissioners shall remove the area in its county from the cattle protective district or the boards of county commissioners of all of the counties affected may discontinue the entire cattle protective district. The discontinuance of a district or part of a district does not affect any fee imposed prior to the receipt of the petition or petitions and the proceeds of any fee imposed must be used for the purposes of this part. A district or portion of a district may not be discontinued as long as there is any outstanding indebtedness against it.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 181, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 204, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2805; amd. Sec. 229, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-206. Formation of county district authorized -- petition of cattle owners -- declaration by county commissioners

81-6-206. Formation of county district authorized -- petition of cattle owners -- declaration by county commissioners.
A cattle protective district embracing part of one county in the state of Montana may be formed upon the filing of a petition by cattle growers within said district with the board of county commissioners in said county. Such petition must be signed by at least 51% of the cattle owners owning 55% of the cattle for the protection of which the district is to be formed residing within the area designated. Upon receipt of such petition, the board of county commissioners must within 30 days declare the designated portion of its county a cattle protective district and the district shall be formed immediately thereafter.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 91, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2806.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-207. Selection of cattle protective committee members

81-6-207. Selection of cattle protective committee members.
Each cattle protective district shall be entitled to three members, who shall be chosen in the same manner as members of a county cattle protective committee under 81-6-101.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 91, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2807.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-208. Powers and duties of protective committees

81-6-208. Powers and duties of protective committees.
Such district cattle protective committees shall be organized and have the same powers and duties as the county cattle protective committees organized under the provisions of part 1 of this chapter.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 91, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2808.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-209. Fee -- deposit of proceeds -- single-county district

81-6-209. Fee -- deposit of proceeds -- single-county district.
The district cattle protective committee may recommend to the board of county commissioners the imposition of a fee in an amount not to exceed $1 per head on all cattle 9 months of age or older in the district on the regular assessment date of each year as provided in 15-24-903, and the board of county commissioners shall impose the fee. The fee must be collected and deposited in the county treasury in a special fund to be known as the livestock special deputy fund, together with any other funds made available from county, state, federal, or private sources for the purposes of this part.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 91, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 388, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2809; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 258, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 660, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 230, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 27, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 40, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 2. Cattle Protective Districts › 81-6-210. Discontinuance of district -- fee saved

81-6-210. Discontinuance of district -- fee saved.
Upon receipt of a petition or petitions signed in the same number and in the same manner as the petition to form the district, the board of county commissioners shall discontinue the cattle protective district. The discontinuance of the district does not affect any fee imposed prior to the receipt of the petition or petitions, and the proceeds of any fee imposed must be used for the purposes of this part. A district or portion of a district may not be discontinued as long as there is any outstanding indebtedness against it.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 91, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 204, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2810; amd. Sec. 231, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 3. Livestock Crimestoppers › 81-6-302. Definitions

81-6-302. Definitions.
As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Department" means the department of livestock created in Title 2, chapter 15, part 31.
(2) "Livestock" includes ostriches, rheas, and emus in addition to other livestock.
(3) "Program" means the livestock crimestoppers program created under 81-6-313.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 571, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 206, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 99, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 3. Livestock Crimestoppers › 81-6-313. Powers and duties of department -- rules

81-6-313. Powers and duties of department -- rules.
(1) The department may:
(a) create, maintain, and promote a statewide livestock crimestoppers program in order to assist law enforcement agencies in detecting and combating livestock-related crimes;
(b) advise and assist in the creation and maintenance of local programs;
(c) encourage the channeling of information from the programs to law enforcement agencies;
(d) foster the detection of livestock-related crimes by the public;
(e) encourage the public, through a reward program or otherwise, to provide information that assists in the prosecution of livestock-related crimes;
(f) promote the state and local programs through the media;
(g) accept gifts, grants, or donations for the furtherance of the program and spend these in compliance with the conditions of the gifts, grants, or donations; and
(h) adopt rules necessary to administer the provisions of this part.
(2) The department shall recommend to the board of livestock:
(a) the names of individuals to be rewarded for providing information used in detecting and combating livestock-related crimes;
(b) the amount of any reward recommended; and
(c) means for promoting the program.
History: En. Secs. 6, 7, Ch. 571, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 99, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 6. Livestock Protective Associations › Part 3. Livestock Crimestoppers › 81-6-314. Confidentiality

81-6-314. Confidentiality.
The identity of a person submitting information under the program and any information that may lead to the disclosure of such identity is confidential.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 571, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-101. Definition

81-7-101. Definition.
For the purpose of this part, the term "predatory animal" includes coyote, red fox, and any other individual animal causing depredations upon livestock.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 73, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 3417.1, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 27, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 67, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 235, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1902; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 244, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 316, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-102. Department to supervise destruction of predatory animals -- cooperation with other agencies -- administration of money

81-7-102. Department to supervise destruction of predatory animals -- cooperation with other agencies -- administration of money.
(1) The department shall conduct the destruction and control of predatory animals capable of killing, destroying, maiming, or injuring domestic livestock or domestic poultry and the protection and safeguarding of livestock and poultry in this state against depredations from these animals. The department shall formulate the practical programs for accomplishing these objectives in this state and for carrying out the programs in an efficient and practical manner responsive to the need for control in each area of this state.
(2) The department shall adopt rules applicable to predatory animal control that are necessary and proper for the systematic destruction of the predatory animals by hunting, trapping, and poisoning operations and payments of bounties. The department shall make field, area, range, or other orders and instructions, including orders and instructions to hunter and trapper personnel and others, that are appropriate in the various areas at different seasons of the year, taking into consideration the habits, presence, migrations, or movements of the animals and their attacks on livestock and poultry, either singly or in packs or bands.
(3) The department shall cooperate with authorized representatives of the federal government, including the biological survey and the fish and wildlife service, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, boards of county commissioners, voluntary associations of stockgrowers, sheepgrowers, ranchers, farmers, hunters, and anglers, and corporations and individuals, in the systematic destruction of predatory animals by hunting, trapping, and poisoning operations.
(4) Section 81-7-103 and this section do not interfere with or impair the power and duties of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks in the control of predatory animals by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks as authorized by law or the obligation of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks to expend its funds in cooperation with the department for predatory animal control as required by law. Funds of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks for the cooperative predatory animal control must be administered and expended by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 73, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 3417.2, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 113, L. 1947; amd. Sec. 98, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 100, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 27, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 150, Ch. 310, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 67, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 235, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 417, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1903(1), (3); amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 218, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 244, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 316, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2669, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-103. Administration of funds by department

81-7-103. Administration of funds by department.
Except as provided in 81-7-106(2), the department shall administer and expend for predatory animal control all money that is made available to it, including the money allocated for this purpose under 81-7-104 and all money that is made available to the department by appropriations made by the legislature for predatory animal control by the department. The department shall expend the funds for predatory animal control by all effective means responsive to the necessities of control in various areas of the state, including employment of hunters, trappers, and other personnel, procurement of traps, poisons, equipment, and supplies, and payment of bounties in the discretion of the department at those times of the year it considers advisable.
History: Ap. p. Sec. 2, Ch. 73, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 3417.2, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 113, L. 1947; amd. Sec. 98, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 100, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 27, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 150, Ch. 310, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 67, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 235, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 417, L. 1977; Sec. 46-1903, R.C.M. 1947; Ap. p. Sec. 4 1/2, Ch. 73, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 2081.1, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 422, L. 1975; Sec. 84-5215, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1903(2), 84-5215; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 660, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 316, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 339, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-104. Predator control money -- use of proceeds

81-7-104. Predator control money -- use of proceeds
. (1) In addition to the transfer provided for in 15-24-925, the department shall allocate a portion of the money from the fee under 15-24-921 for the purpose of protecting livestock in the state against destruction, depredation, and injury by predatory animals, whether the livestock is on lands in private ownership, in the ownership of the state, or in the ownership of the United States, including open ranges and all lands in or of the public domain. This protection may be by any means of effective predatory animal destruction and control, including systematic hunting and trapping and payment of bounties.
(2) Money may be paid out only on claims presented to the department and approved by the department in accordance with the law applicable either to claims for bounties or for other expenditures for predatory animal control by methods other than payment of bounties, as determined by the department. Money designated for predator control must be available for the payment of bounty claims and for expenditures for planned, seasonal, or other campaigns directed or operated by the department in cooperation with other agencies for the systematic destruction and control of predatory animals, as determined by the department and its advisory committee. Claims may not be approved in excess of money available for that purpose, and warrants may not be registered against the money.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 127, L. 1915; re-en. Sec. 2081, R.C.M. 1921; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 73, L. 1923; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 152, L. 1929; re-en. Sec. 2081, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 111, L. 1947; amd. Sec. 103, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 54, Ch. 100, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 108, Ch. 405, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 422, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 62, Ch. 566, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5214; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 445, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 660, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 244, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 316, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 232, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 339, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-105. Disposition of proceeds from sale of skins, hides, and specimens -- presenting to museums

81-7-105. Disposition of proceeds from sale of skins, hides, and specimens -- presenting to museums.
Furs, skins, and specimens taken by hunters or trappers shall be sold by the department. The proceeds from the sales shall be credited to the state special revenue fund. The proceeds shall be used to carry out the provisions of 81-7-101 through 81-7-105. Specimens may be presented free of charge to a state museum or institution.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 73, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 3417.3, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 99, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 151, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1904; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-106. Predatory animal state special revenue account

81-7-106. Predatory animal state special revenue account.
(1) There is an account in the state special revenue fund established by 17-2-102 to be known as the predatory animal special revenue account. The account is administered by the department.
(2) Money from per capita fees is transferred to the account pursuant to 15-24-925 for the purpose of protecting livestock in the state under the provisions of 81-7-101 through 81-7-104. The department is not required to spend all money allocated to this account by the end of each fiscal year.
(3) The predatory animal special revenue account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the department for the purpose of protecting livestock as provided in subsection (2) of this section. (Subsection (3) terminates June 30, 2029--sec. 1, Ch. 20, L. 2023, sec. 2, Ch. 20, L. 2023.)
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 339, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-111. Evidence of killing by bounty claimant

81-7-111. Evidence of killing by bounty claimant.
(1) Any person killing a predatory animal, except a mountain lion, to obtain a bounty shall within 30 days of the date of the killing:
(a) exhibit the entire skin of the animal, including the entire head with ears, the tail, and all four paws, to the bounty inspector nearest to the locality in which the animal was killed; and
(b) at the same time file with the bounty inspector an affidavit setting forth:
(i) that the person killed the animal from which the skin was taken;
(ii) that the animal was killed nearer to or, if more than one hide is presented, that the greater number of animals were killed nearer to the residence of the bounty inspector to which the animals are being presented than to any other bounty inspector; and
(iii) the county or counties in which the animals were killed.
(2) Any person killing a mountain lion to obtain a bounty shall present the mountain lion to a bounty inspector as provided in this section, except that, in addition to the requirements of this section, the skin of a mountain lion must also contain the entire skin of the lower jaw, which must be severed by the bounty inspector and thereafter treated in the same manner as the skins of other animals subject to this section.
(3) Every bounty inspector appointed under the provisions of 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122 is empowered to administer oaths to persons making the affidavit required by this section.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.5, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1906; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 214, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-112. Bounty inspectors

81-7-112. Bounty inspectors.
The sheriff of a county and undersheriffs and deputy sheriffs located at the county seat but not elsewhere shall receive and examine skins and pelts presented for bounty in their respective counties. The sheriff shall receive 10 cents for each skin examined, this amount to be paid by the owner of the skin.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.6, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 152, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1907(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-113. Claim for bounty

81-7-113. Claim for bounty.
(1) A sheriff, undersheriff, and deputy sheriff, to prevent fraud, shall carefully examine each skin presented. If the examination discloses that the scalp and ears with the skin from the entire head of the animal have not been severed, punched, patched, or marked, the officer shall, in the presence of the person presenting the skin, mark the skin by severing the skin from the head, including the ears, and then redeliver the skin to the person presenting it. The officer shall require an affidavit from the claimant that the claimant killed the animal. The affidavit must be on forms prescribed by the department and contain information the department requires.
(2) The officer shall require affidavits from two residents residing in the vicinity in which the animal was killed, setting forth that they are residents paying fees on livestock, giving their post-office addresses, and stating that they are personally acquainted with the person presenting the skin and, to their knowledge, the person did kill the animal from which the skin was taken within 30 days preceding the offering of the skin for a bounty to the sheriff, undersheriff, or deputy sheriff to which it is presented. An individual who makes a false certificate or affidavit under this section in a material portion is guilty of a felony, punishable the same as for the crime of perjury.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.6, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 152, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1907(part); amd. Sec. 233, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-114. Certificate and record of sheriff

81-7-114. Certificate and record of sheriff.
(1) Upon receiving the affidavit required pursuant to 81-7-113, the officer shall deliver to the person claiming a bounty a certificate addressed to the county clerk of the officer's county and immediately deliver to the county clerk a duplicate of the certificate, showing the date, number, and kind of skins marked for severing and the name of the person presenting the skins. The certificate must also recite that the filing of the affidavits required by 81-7-113 has been done and the examination of the skins has been made as required. The certificate must be signed by the officer in the officer's official capacity. Each sheriff shall keep a record of all skins marked and severed, showing the date, number, and kinds and the names of the persons presenting the skins. This record is an official record. The sheriff, undersheriff, or deputy sheriff may not perform any duties under 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122 except at the county seat.
(2) The sheriff shall, not later than the 15th of each month, give to the county clerk and recorder a report setting forth the names of the persons presenting skins, with the number of the certificate and the kind and number of the skins presented. The sheriff shall report for each certificate issued during the month.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.6, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 152, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1907(part); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 214, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 234, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-115. Duty of county clerk

81-7-115. Duty of county clerk.
(1) The county clerk shall, on receipt of each certificate, file the certificate in the order in which it is received and safely keep it until the arrival of the skin or skins mentioned in the certificate. On receipt of the skin or skins, the county clerk shall call upon either the county treasurer or, in the treasurer's absence, the clerk of the district court who, with both present in order to prevent fraud, shall examine each scalp or mountain lion lower jaw skin. If the examination discloses that the scalps or lower jaw skins agree with the number and kind of scalps or lower jaw skins mentioned in the certificate, the county clerk shall, in the presence of the treasurer or clerk of the district court, destroy the scalps or lower jaw skins by fire.
(2) The county clerk shall then make out and deliver to the person named in that certificate a second certificate showing the statement of the facts contained in the certificate to the sheriff, undersheriff, or deputy sheriff, with the additional statement of the examination made by the clerk and that the clerk found the scalps or lower jaw skins to agree with the number and kind mentioned in the certificate of the sheriff, undersheriff, or deputy sheriff. A bounty certificate may not be issued by the county clerk for more scalps or lower jaw skins than are actually received and counted.
(3) For each scalp or skin of a mountain lion lower jaw accounted for, the county clerk must receive the sum of 5 cents to be paid quarterly by the state treasurer out of the bounty fund.
(4) The county clerk shall keep a record of all certificates received and issued, showing the date and description of the number and kind of hides and the names of the persons presenting the hides, and this record is an official record. County clerks are required to send a report and statement to the department on or before the 20th of each month.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.6, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 152, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1907(3); amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 14, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2670, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-116. Bounty claims and certificates to be filed with department

81-7-116. Bounty claims and certificates to be filed with department.
Bounty claims and certificates issued by the county clerk and recorders under 81-7-115 shall be filed with the department and registered in a book provided for that purpose.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.7, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 153, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1908.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-117. Department to examine claims and certificates -- approval or disapproval of claims

81-7-117. Department to examine claims and certificates -- approval or disapproval of claims.
The department shall examine and investigate every bounty claim and certificate filed with the department. When it makes the examination and investigation, the department may require the holder of a certificate or claim to furnish the department with the additional evidence or proof about the certificate or claim which the department considers necessary. The evidence may be either oral or documented, as required by the department. The department shall, after making the examination and investigation, endorse on the certificate or claim its approval or disapproval of it, and if the certificate or claim or any part of it is disapproved, the endorsement shall state the reasons for the disapproval. If a certificate or claim is approved, it shall be processed as provided by law.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.8, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 97, L. 1961; amd. Sec. 154, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1909.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-118. Fee for purpose of paying bounty claims -- limitation on fee

81-7-118. Fee for purpose of paying bounty claims -- limitation on fee.
The department of revenue shall annually prescribe the fee recommended by the department to be assessed against livestock of all classes for paying for the destruction of predatory animals killed in this state. The money received must be used only for the payment of claims approved by the department for the destruction of predatory animals and for the administration of 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122. The money received for the fees imposed must be sent annually to the department of revenue by the county treasurer of each county. When the money is received by the department of revenue, it must be placed in the state special revenue fund and may then be paid out on claims approved under the law governing the payment of claims.
History: En. Sec. 10, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.13, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 97, L. 1961; amd. Sec. 101, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 156, Ch. 310, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 42, Ch. 566, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1914; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 244, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 214, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 43, Ch. 257, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 235, Ch. 574, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-119. Repealed

81-7-119. Repealed.
Sec. 8, Ch. 214, L. 1997.
History: En. Sec. 3075, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 1909, Rev. C. 1907; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 13, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 3414, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 3414, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 97, Ch. 147, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1901; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 14, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-120. Use of funds remaining after payment of bounties -- sale of furs, skins, and specimens -- presentation to museums

81-7-120. Use of funds remaining after payment of bounties -- sale of furs, skins, and specimens -- presentation to museums.
(1) If, at the end of a bounty paying season, there is surplus money available for the administration of 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122, the surplus may be used to hire salaried hunters and trappers to hunt and trap predatory animals and to purchase and supply poison to be used for a poison campaign on predatory animals.
(2) All furs, skins, and specimens taken by hunters or trappers whose salaries are paid in whole or in part out of this money must be sold by the department, and the proceeds from these sales must be credited to the state special revenue fund. These funds must be used to carry out 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122. Specimens may be presented free of charge to a state museum or institution.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.11, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 100, Ch. 147, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 155, Ch. 310, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1912; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 214, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-121. Falsifying certificates or affidavits -- penalty

81-7-121. Falsifying certificates or affidavits -- penalty.
A person who falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any of the certificates or orders and any person who falsely swears to any affidavit provided for by 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122 or procures the same act to be done by another, with the intent of obtaining any one of the certificates or orders, is punishable as provided in Title 45.
History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.12, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1913; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 14, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 214, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-122. Penalty for fraudulent claims

81-7-122. Penalty for fraudulent claims.
A person who patches up a skin or scalp or presents a punched or patched skin or scalp or who brings in any skin or skins from other states or territories with the intent to fraudulently obtain a bounty or an officer who signs a certificate without first counting and examining the skins to determine the kind of skins and to see that the skin from the scalp or head is properly severed and preserved or a person who evades or violates any provision of law of the state of Montana relative to bounties or bounty claims shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 1 year or both. Two-thirds of the fine must be given to the person, if any, reporting the evasion or violation and the balance must be deposited in the state special revenue fund and used for the administration of 81-7-111 through 81-7-118 and 81-7-120 through 81-7-122.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 109, L. 1925; re-en. Sec. 3417.14, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 102, Ch. 147, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 46-1915; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 214, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 1. Predatory Animal Control › 81-7-123. Voluntary wolf mitigation account

81-7-123. Voluntary wolf mitigation account.
(1) There is a voluntary wolf mitigation account in the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, and must be used pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
(2) The voluntary wolf mitigation account is funded by private donations. State agencies shall, as appropriate, facilitate private donations to the account, including but not limited to the following methods:
(a) a donation by a person of $1 or more above the price of a conservation license purchased pursuant to 87-2-202 or the price of a combination license that includes a conservation license; and
(b) a donation by a person, as defined in 2-4-102, through the websites of the department of livestock and the department of fish, wildlife, and parks.
(3) The department of livestock shall use the money collected pursuant to this section to contract for wolf management with the United States department of agriculture wildlife services, including but not limited to flight time, collaring, and lethal control of wolves.
(4) Funds collected pursuant to this section and paid by the department of livestock to the United States department of agriculture wildlife services are in addition to and not a substitute for any funds paid by the department to the United States department of agriculture wildlife services under any contract in effect on July 1, 2019.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 434, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 507, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-201. County fee for bounties on predatory animals -- definition

81-7-201. County fee for bounties on predatory animals -- definition.
(1) Whenever the owners or agents of the owners of not less than 51% of the livestock of any county in this state present a petition to the board of county commissioners asking for the imposition of a fee upon the livestock of the county for the purpose of paying bounties on predatory animals killed in the county, the board of county commissioners shall impose the fee on all livestock in the county. The fee must remain in effect until a subsequent petition is submitted to modify or eliminate the fee.
(2) The board of county commissioners shall determine the dollar amount of the bounty to be paid on each predatory animal.
(3) The board of county commissioners may appoint bounty inspectors in addition to those provided for in 81-7-112.
(4) (a) Except as provided in subsection (4)(b), for the purposes of this part, "predatory animal" has the meaning provided in 81-7-101.
(b) The term does not include species managed or protected subject to Title 87.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2082, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2082, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 63, Ch. 566, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5216; amd. Sec. 236, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 78, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-202. Repealed

81-7-202. Repealed.
Sec. 5, Ch. 78, L. 2017.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2083, R.C.M. 1921; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 37, L. 1923; re-en. Sec. 2083, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5217; amd. Sec. 237, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 297, L. 2007.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-203. County bounty fund

81-7-203. County bounty fund.
The tax collected under this part must be credited by the county treasurer to a fund to be known as "county bounty fund" and must be paid out by the treasurer upon properly drawn warrants issued on the fund by the county clerk.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2084, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2084, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5218; amd. Sec. 2671, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-204. Presentation of skins -- affidavit

81-7-204. Presentation of skins -- affidavit.
A person claiming bounty on a predatory animal under this part shall present the green skin or pelt of the animal, with all four feet attached, to one of the bounty inspectors provided for in 81-7-112 or 81-7-201 and shall make an affidavit that the animal was killed within the county where the bounty is claimed. The affidavit must be corroborated by at least two reputable stockowners of the county to the effect that they know or have good cause to believe that the animal was killed within that county. For the purpose of this part, each bounty inspector is empowered to administer oaths. The bounty inspector shall endorse upon the affidavit the inspector's approval or disapproval of the claim and shall cut from the skin or pelt the four feet. The person applying for the bounty shall then present the affidavit, with the endorsements, to the county auditor or, in counties not having an auditor, to the county clerk, who shall attach the affidavit to a claim against the county bounty fund and present it to the board of county commissioners for action, the same as any other claim against the county.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2085, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2085, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5219; amd. Sec. 2672, Ch. 56, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 78, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-205. County clerk to provide forms

81-7-205. County clerk to provide forms.
The county clerk shall provide the necessary forms of affidavits and claims for carrying out the provisions of this part.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2086, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2086, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5220.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 2. County Bounty Program › 81-7-206. Existing bounty laws not affected

81-7-206. Existing bounty laws not affected.
Nothing in this part contained shall be construed as interfering with, in any way, or repealing any part of the existing laws of the state relative to the levying of taxes for and paying of the bounties on predatory animals under such state laws.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 180, L. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2087, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 2087, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 84-5221.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 3. County Predator Control for Protection of Sheep › 81-7-301. Definition

81-7-301. Definition.
The word "owners" or "persons" shall include natural persons, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and estates.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 206, L. 1943; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 123, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 87, L. 1957; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 87, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 261, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2102(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 81. Livestock › Chapter 7. Predatory Animal Control › Part 3. County Predator Control for Protection of Sheep › 81-7-302. County commissioners to conduct predatory animal control program for protection of sheep

81-7-302. County commissioners to conduct predatory animal control program for protection of sheep.
For the protection of sheep against depredations peculiar to such animals, the board of county commissioners of any county shall upon the recommendation of organized associations of sheep growers in the county have power, either alone or in conjunction with other counties, to conduct a predatory animal control program for the protection of sheep in such county or counties.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 206, L. 1943; R.C.M. 1947, 46-2101.