TIPMONT Reports Rise as FWP Wraps Up 2025 Hunting Season

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is wrapping up the 2025 hunting and fishing seasons, reporting an increase in TIPMONT tips and several significant poaching cases across the state.

TIPMONT, a program encouraging the public to report wildlife crimes, saw an uptick in reports this past year. The program covers a wide range of violations, including poaching, illegal shed hunting, vandalism, littering, and cultural resource theft. Informants may be eligible for rewards of up to $1,000.

“By reporting poaching, individuals contribute to the conservation of endangered species and the overall health of natural habitats,” said FWP Operation Sergeant and TIPMONT Coordinator Brooke Shelley.

The TIPMONT Board recently met to review cases, approving $28,100 in rewards to the public. Defendants in those cases were issued $48,553 in fines, ordered to pay $71,010 in restitution, and collectively lost 66 years of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. A total of 153 charges were filed—up from 83 charges and $37,250 in restitution reported the previous year.

FWP officials noted the increase is partly due to the timing of the board’s meeting but also reflects larger and more complex cases during the 2025 season.

Regional Highlights

Southwest Montana (Region 3)

Game Warden Captain Josh Leonard said weather impacted wildlife movement, with fewer animals visible across the landscape. Despite that, hunters frequently self-reported mistakes, including harvesting the wrong species or exceeding limits. Leonard also praised the quality of TIPMONT tips, noting many included detailed evidence such as photos, videos, and GPS coordinates that helped quickly resolve cases.

Northwest Montana (Region 1)

A major case in Flathead County involved two men charged with multiple offenses after allegedly killing five white-tailed deer in a single night. The investigation also uncovered additional illegally killed animals, including a black bear sow and cub left to waste.

Central Montana (Region 4)

Wardens reported common violations such as hunting without landowner permission, waste of game, and tagging issues. In one notable trend, three of five mountain lions harvested during the fall season were taken illegally by individuals who purchased licenses only after the kill.

Southcentral Montana (Region 5)

While overall violations were average or below, wardens noted an increase in elk-related violations and over-limit cases. One case involved a hunter killing four deer while under revocation. Another spotlighting case resulted in fines, restitution, and a three-year loss of privileges.

Across the state, hunting without landowner permission remained one of the most common violations, along with tagging issues and hunting in the wrong districts.

FWP officials emphasized that while enforcement and education remain priorities, it is ultimately the responsibility of hunters to understand and follow regulations before heading into the field.