Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

US Fish & Wildlife Service Federal Wildlife Officers regularly patrol Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge with the focus of visitor safety and resource protection. Officers enforce federal statutes and regulations and all Montana state laws associated with motor vehicles, hunting and fishing. You can expect to encounter a Federal Wildlife Officer anywhere you travel within Charles M. Russell Refuge as they often patrol in vehicles and boats as well as by ATV, horseback and foot. Feel free to contact any officer as they are often the best resource for on-the-ground information about road conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Federal Wildlife Officers encounter a wide variety of violations on the refuge that stem from violations of hunting and fishing laws to general public use regulations. A comprehensive list of refuge regulations is available on the Rules and Policies page. For specific regulation questions, contact refuge headquarters or any officer. 

Make a difference and help protect your refuge and your wildlife resources! Report wildlife violations and suspicious activity to an officer any time you see them. With over 1 million acres to patrol, every set of eyes is helpful to officers. To contact an officer in the event of an on-going violation, call 800-TIPMONT or 911. In non-emergency events or for general law enforcement questions, contact the refuge headquarters at (406)538-8706 and ask to be directed to the officer who works in the area where you have questions. Please be advised that our officers are usually in the field, so leaving messages in their direct voicemail is often the best way to get in touch.