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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Game Wardens Under Scrutiny At The Montana Legislature

Montana Capitol
William Marcus

Rogue game wardens were spotlighted in a hearing at the Montana Capitol this morning. Republican Representative Dale Mortensen introduced House Bill 281 to make game wardens answer to the same laws as other peace officers.

Proponents like Representative Daniel Zolnikov cited cases in which he says wardens abused power.

“The individual was fined for improperly cutting out a tag...he cut out a full day and a little piece of the next on the tag.”?

Currently under state law, game wardens have the ability to search vehicles and boats without search warrants. This bill would change that.

The bill would also made it so wardens would need to prove a person meant to violate hunting laws in order to charge them.

Former statewide prosecutor of wildlife crime Barbara Harris and several others say this is a mistake.

“I heard one witness talk about ‘doing dumb’? Realize...that ‘doing dumb’ can amount to criminal liability.”

No immediate action was taken on the bill.

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