Sec. B Page 9 Missoulian Centennial 1897 Montana Game Laws
1897 Montana Game Laws
The game laws for 1897 in Montana provided:
The killing of bison, buffalo, quail, Chinese pheasants, beaver and mountain sheep is absolutely prohibited.
Not more than two moose or elk may be killed in any one season, and the open season for these animals is from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
The open season for deer, antelope, and Rocky Mountain goat is from Sept. 1 to Jan. 1 and not more than six of either may be killed in one year.
Dogs in the chase are prohibited.
Not more than 20 grouse, prairie chickens, fool hens, sage hens, pheasants or partridges may be killed in one day, and the open season for these birds is from Aug. 15 to Dec. 15.
The open season for ducks, geese, brants and swans is from Sept. 1 to May 1.
Singing birds shall not be killed, and the nests of birds of all kinds are protected from despoliation.
It is unlawful to trap, or otherwise catch, or restrain, for sale or domestication, any buffalo, elk, moose, or mountain sheep.
A pole, line and hook are the only legal implements for fishing, except below the great falls of the Missouri River, where a two-inch seine may be used.
The sale of trout and grayling is prohibited.
Dynamiting for fish is a penitentiary offense.
The sale of any of the birds or animals mentioned is prohibited, and so is killing for hide or head.
One-half of every fine will go to informer.
A screen, with meshes not exceeding one inch square, shall be maintained from July 1 to Nov. 1 at the head of every ditch or flume from a stream containing trout or grayling.
Penalties for violation of the law is very severe.