Last updated April 2023

Link to state website

Contact

Lauri Hanauska-Brown
Montana Nongame / T & E Program Bureau Chief
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT  59620
Phone: (406) 444-5209
Fax: (406) 444-4952

Is a state permit required for banding?

Yes. Stated expressly in the regulation:

12.9.301    WILD BIRD PERMITS

(1) The director of fish, wildlife, and parks may issue a certificate or permit for the taking, capturing, and possession of birds protected under 87-5-201 , MCA, for the purposes herein specified, as follows:

(a) bird banding as part of scientific investigations;

Permit application forms

• Application packet
• Renewal – request via email
• Threatened and Endangered – same form
• Salvage – same form (indicate that you plan to salvage)

State lands

Indicate on application form.

Prior notice

Check permit conditions. Even if not expressly required to do so, you should always contact the manager of that particular state land unit or with the owner of private land before your arrival. You want to be aware of the hunting seasons, and, of course want to be sure that your activities will not interfere with the activities of that park, wildlife management area, or other state land unit, and that your activities will not adversely affect public use of the land or with the activities of private landowners.

Policies

Statute

Montana Code Annotated
TITLE 87. FISH AND WILDLIFE
CHAPTER 2. FISHING, HUNTING, AND TRAPPING LICENSES
Part 8. Exceptions to License Requirements 87-2-806. Taking Fish Or Game For Scientific Purposes

Regulations

Administrative Rules of Montana
Ch. 12 – Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
12.9.301    WILD BIRD PERMITS

List of Threatened and Endangered Species

Threatened:
Piping Plover

Endangered:
Least Tern
Whooping Crane