Per a 2008 telephone survey of agency enforcement and fisheries personnel (B.M. Johnson, unpublished data). Note that intentional stocking may be found to be in violation of multiple laws and result in forfeitures, as well as higher penalties, and prison terms than those listed here. Further, perpetrators may be liable for mitigation costs which can easily run into the millions of dollars. All U.S. states listed are now members of the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact which recognizes license revocations across member jurisdictions.
Western North America
Jurisdiction |
Penalty |
Prison Term |
Loss of License |
|
Canada*
|
$100,000
|
1 year
|
5 years
|
|
Alaska
|
$10,000
|
1 year
|
varies
|
|
Arizona
|
$2,500
|
1 year
|
5 years
|
|
California**
|
$1,000
|
6 months
|
lifetime
|
|
Colorado
|
$68
|
none
|
none
|
|
Idaho
|
$1,000
|
varies
|
3 years
|
| Montana |
$5,000
|
1 year
|
lifetime
|
|
Nevada
|
$500
|
6 months
|
3 years
|
|
New Mexico
|
$500
|
6 months
|
3 years
|
|
Oregon
|
$6,250
|
1 year
|
2 years
|
|
Utah
|
$2,500
|
1 year
|
varies
|
|
Washingon
|
$,5,000
|
1 year |
none
|
|
Wyoming
|
$1,000
|
6 months
|
3 years
|
|
*Illegal fish stocking in Canada falls under the federal Fisheries Act **stocking invasive species (e.g., northern pike, carries a fine of up to $50,000) |
|||
