Mont. Code Ann. § 81-4-604
81-4-604 Sale at public auction -- branding
81-4-604 . Sale at public auction -- branding. On the date specified in the notice provided for in 81-4-603 , the stock inspector shall sell the estray at a public auction to the highest bidder for cash. Before removal from the sale, the stock inspector shall brand the estray with the recorded estray brand of the department.