Law Enforcement
Law enforcement on the Refuge ensures the protection of the wildlife and visitors.
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. Refuge law enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species , and to help ensure and promote public safety.
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has Federal Wildlife Law Enforcement on staff, and the Refuge works closely with other law enforcement agencies, specifically the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks law enforcement staff. The Refuge also works collaboratively with law enforcement staff from the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Forest Service, and the National Park Service. In addition to traditional wildlife enforcement, Federal Wildlife Officers protect the visiting public by enforcing traffic and boating laws in addition to various laws implemented to maintain the peace.
Please obey all posted signs and review the Refuge brochure. Montana State hunting and fishing rules apply on the Refuge, along with additional Refuge specific regulations. Due to the campgrounds, the presence of grizzly bears in the area, hunting and fishing opportunities, and being a wilderness Refuge, there are specific regulations in place that may not be found on other Refuges. Remember, activity on Refuge lands is unlawful unless specifically opened and allowed.
If you have any questions, see poaching, or any other illegal activity occurring between 8:00AM-4:30PM M-F, please contact the Refuge office at 406-276-3536. After hours or if no answer, please contact the National Wildlife Refuge Violation Reporting Hotline at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or email information to NWR_TIPS@fws.gov, 24 hours a day. For State hunting and fishing violations you may also contact TipMont at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668) 24 hours a day. In an emergency always call 911. The Refuge is routinely patrolled, including nights and weekends.