Times just got tougher for poachers in Montana after the state legislature passed a trio of bills known as the “poacher package” in May. Sponsored by state Senator Larry Jent, the bills put more money on the ground for law enforcement and turn what was once a misdemeanor for illegal outfitting into a felony.

“In the past, fines were only a few hundred bucks for illegal outfitters,” says Jim Kropp, chief of law enforcement for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “It was worth it for people to not get licensed and insured.”

Now, illegal outfitters can face imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of no less than $10,000. “We really put some teeth into the illegal outfitting law,” says Senator Jent, a bowhunter education instructor and member of the Elk Foundation since 1991. He says the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association was key to getting the legislation passed. “This was their legislative priority,” he says. “This was their bill.”

A second bill will pump all money seized for restitution back into law enforcement, paying for at least one or two investigator positions. “Legitimate sportsmen were paying for those investigations,” says Chief Kropp. “Now, those committing the crimes are paying for them.”

The third bill will exempt game warden positions from vacancy savings, meaning when a game warden position opens it will be filled.

“The best thing I have ever done is this wildlife law enforcement legislation,” says Jent. “The bad guys are going to get it.”