Trout Unlimited Offering $10,000 Reward to Nab Bucket Biologists

HELENA — Montana Trout Unlimited is working with the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to supplement rewards in cases where people illegally plant non-native fish into important trout waters.

The organization has said it would add up to $10,000 to a reward for information leading to the prosecution and conviction of a so-called “bucket biologist.”

Montana TU Conservation Director Mark Aagenes tells the Independent Record that $10,000 is a lot of money, but it would be well spent to deter illegal introductions when you consider the cost of lost fishing opportunities and the cost of removing an invasive species.

Introduced fish can compete with, breed with or prey on established species; spread disease and impair water quality.

Montana TU and FWP are still discussing how to create the reward program.

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