Visit FWP’s website for contact information

You’re out for an early spring hike at Fish Creek State Park and you notice a fellow hiker pick up a nice elk antler shed and walk away with it. Knowing that shed hunting is prohibited in Montana’s state parks, what should you do?

The best thing to do is to collect any details you observed and report the crime to the local game warden. Anyone who observes a violation or has information about a potential crime can go to tipmont.mt.gov and click on the area where the incident happened. FWP’s website provides contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, for wardens around the state.

“Reporting poaching is crucial because it helps protect wildlife populations from being depleted, preserves biodiversity, supports healthy ecosystems and can prevent illegal wildlife trade,” said FWP Operation Sergeant Brooke Shelley. “Essentially, by reporting poaching, individuals contribute to the conservation of endangered species and the overall health of natural habitats.”

Poaching includes a variety of crimes including illegal shed hunting, vandalism, littering, cultural resource theft and other resource crimes.

Anyone who reports a crime could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. In 2024 we received 21 requests from wardens for rewards reported by the public. All 21 received a monetary value approved by the board in July 2024 totaling $12,950.