FWP seeks information on blow-darted ducks in Billings

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are seeking information on a series of ducks shot with blow darts in Billings.

According to a Tuesday press release, FWP wardens verified multiple complaints from the public of ducks shot and injured with a blow dart gun in 2025 and 2026 at the Shiloh Conservation Ponds and Rose Park.

In Montana, ducks can only be lawfully killed during the fall hunting season, and hunting within city limits is illegal. In addition, blow darts are not a lawful means of take for migratory birds in Montana. The only legal hunting methods include long, recurve or compound bows and arrows, shotguns and falconry.

Anyone with possible information about this is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

According to Montana Code Annotated, the penalty for hunting out of season is a fine of between $50 and $1,000; imprisonment for up to six months, and the potential loss of hunting and fishing license and privileges in the state.