Archives West Finding Aid

The Montana Board of Stock Commissioners was established in 1885 to protect the interests of cattle and horse ranchers. In 1917 it was consolidated with the Board of Sheep Commissioners to form the Montana Livestock Commission. The Commission was composed of six members to be appointed by the Governor. Each member had to be a resident of the state and an owner of cattle, sheep, or horses. The Commission was mandated to "exercise general supervision over and, so far as possible, protect the live stock interests of the State from theft and disease, and recommend from time to time such legislation as will in the judgment of the Commission, foster the industry." The Commission was also given the power to prosecute violations of livestock laws, including illegal use of brands and rustling, and to pay bounties for the killing of predator animals, including wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions. In 1971 the Livestock Commission became purely a governing body and gave up its administrative functions to the new Department of Livestock.