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biennial report j

ONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

1941 1942

DATE DUE

MAY 3

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MAY 2 Q

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MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

&ie+uvial (l&pxvit
1941-1942

124185

n LIBRARY
* 'SITY of MONTANA

For the Period July 1, 1940 to June 30, 1942

MONTANA STATE L1BRATT
930 East Lyndale Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601

pe0 ember

1, l^2

m m„ Excellency,

BETAS-

Dear

vernor Ford: Montana Fish and tome

Transmitted W^f.S SnanciJL f$^£W?

.epar^enVsVoB-^rr^^r "ir-- "' "" ^

biennial Pe£f Btatutory changes a B.

6uch euggeatea. s mh and fur accomplishments

management ol g of the ace *avor ed to

eources.and tn * ^ your ln_

Qov&utoA. Sam Q. Qoxd

WM. CARPENTER

J. W. SEVERY, Chairman

.~#V ?&*

Policy of; the State Quit and Qame GattutUili&n

1. State Sovereignity

To maintain the sovereign rights of the state
of Montana in administration and control, propa-
gation and conservation of its wildlife.

2. Scientific Management of Wildlife

1. Improvement in the management of our
wildlife resources rests not only upon the
maintenance of the present number of
fish and game population but also upon
an increase in the population of the key
species. Such a program should rest upon
a foundation of investigational work since
very little is known concerning the actual
life histories and the influence of environ-
ment factors upon our wildlife species.

As a general policy, we feel that the
personnel of the State Fish and Game De-
partment should come to recognize the
scientific point of view and as rapidly as
possible become acquainted with some of
the methods of routine investigation. It is
our hope that projects dealing with fish,
game birds, game animals and fur-bear-
ers will be set up as rapidly as possible
with the end in view of improving the
management program.

2. Since the effectiveness of any organiza-
tion cannot be raised above the level of
the capacity of the personnel it is neces-
sary that we institute the following pro-
gram:

A. Course of the training for personnel:

a. Principles of scientific wildlife
management.

b. Law enforcement.

c. Education of the public.

d. Cooperation with University and
the State College in this educa-
tional program.

B. Periodic reports of activities of the
Fish and Game Department to be
sent to all of its field personnel to pro-
mote closer cooperation of the entire
department.

3. Cooperation

Effective management necessitates coopera-
tion of the fish and game department with
federal and other state agencies whose
spheres of activity would enable them to con-
tribute to the improvement of wildlife condi-
tions within the state.

4. Investigation

To institute an investigation program in order
to obtain basic data esential to scientific wild-
life management.

5. Education of the Public

To keep the public advised of the various
game management projects and to explain
the necessity of such projects.

6. Active Participation of Sportsmen's
Organizations

To encourage and foster desirable projects
which can be carried out by sportsmen's or-
ganizations in their respective areas in order
to assist in conservation and propagation
of our wildlife. Adequate leadership to be
supplied from the personnel of the fish and
game department for these projects.

[ 5 ]

ROBERT F. COONEY,

Coordinator

Restoration Division

tf-iAh and Qame Pestix**tnel

J. S. McFarland, State Fish and Game Warden
Office Staff

W. H. Voorhies Deputy Game- Warden Ann Crimmins ..

W. J. Everin . Chief Clerk Elsie Johnson

Doris Cunningham Secretary Carol McCauley

Regular Deputy

Lester Barton Butte

John F. Burke ... . Livingston

L. C. Clark Bozeman

John Cook U. S. Army

W. J. Dorrington Conrad

Ray Ellingwood Libby

Kenneth O. Fallang .....White Sulphur Springs

W. A. Hill Cascade

Wm. Ray Kohls Ennis

E. M. Krost Sidney

Robert Lambeth U. S. Air Force

Curtis Lindsay U. S. Navy

Frank Marshall Plains

Clerk

Secretary
. .Cashier

Game Wardens
Bruce Neal

O. J. Nollar
Charles R. Price ..

Len J. Rensch

A. D. Roushar ....
Herman C. Sailor .

Gene Sherman

Raleigh Shields ...
Dale T. Shook ....
Frank Starina
Jack Thompson ....

Charles Tudor

Waldo Vangsness
Clarence Willy

Special Deputy Game Wardens

Don Brown Harlowton P. W. Nelson .

Harry Cosner Malta Ben Wahle ...

Chas. Higgins Browning Don Wright

Harry N. Morgan Ovando

Augusta

Havre

Dillon

Miles City

Roundup

Absarokee

Lewistown

Poison
Billings

Missoula

Townsend
Kalispell

U. S. Army

U. S. Marines

Livingston

. U. S. Army
U. S. Coast Guard

V. W. Bailey

J. F. Hendricks

GAME FARMS
Foremen

Fort Peck J. R. Wells

Mings

Warm Springs

WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION

Robert F. Cooney, Coordinator

J. A. Parsell P. L. Wright

Big Game Leader Game Bird Leader

Jean Berry, Secretary
A. A. O'Claire*
Fur Leader

Fieldmen

Wm. Bergeson
Bob Brink*
Robert Casebeer*
Faye M. Couey
Ray Gibler

Robert Hiatt
Geo. Hollibaugh
Clyde Howard
H. J. LaCasse

W. H. Marshall
Lloyd McDowell
O. Marshall Moy
Wm. E. Schultz*

Julius K. Stinson*
Burke Thompson*
W. Ken Thompson
B. F. Vosburgh

*In Armed Forces.

FISHERIES DIVISION

Elmer G. Phillips, Superintendent

Isabelle Harrington, Secretary

Anaconda:

A. G. Stubblefield Foreman

.Fred Beal - Ass't Foreman

Big Timber:

Leo Gilroy - - Foreman

Ross Snyder Ass't Foreman

Forest Keller U. S. Army

Ed Furnish U. S. Army

Emigrant:

George Miller Foreman

Fied Billman Ass't foreman

Great Falls:

Melvin Larson Foreman

J. M. Colley Ass't Foreman

Hamilton:

Eli- Melton Foreman

S. A. Hamann Ass't Foreman

Bill Thompson U. S. Army

Lester Newman „..U. S. Army

Hatcheries and Personnel
Lewistown:

Iver Hoglund Foreman

Leo LaTray Ass't Foreman

Libby:

George Ripley Foreman

J. R. Jorgenson Ass't Foreman

Somers:

J. P. Sheehan Foreman

Frank Marcoe ...Ass't Foreman

Poison:

A. E. Tangen Foreman

J. P. Campbell U. S. Navy

West Yellowstone:
S. S. Drew

.Foreman

IN MEMORIAM

Fred E. Pilling died December 10, 1941, at St. James Hospital in Butte,
Montana. He was born September 6, 1871 in Richland Center, Wisconsin.

The deceased had been employed as a Deputy Game Warden in Mon-
tana since 1913. During that time, in addition to performing his regular duties,
he was very instrumental in creating the Maiden Rock Fish Hatchery and
Game Farm, transplanting elk and fish into his district, and served as Vice-
President of the Butte Anglers' Club for many years previous to 1930.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth V. Pilling, two sons, Fred E. Pilling
and John C. Pilling, two brothers and one sister.

Fred E. Pilling leaves a record of faithful, honest and conscientious public
service. He stood high in the estimation of his fellows in the service and was
respected by his fellow sportsmen generally and it is with sorrow and pro-
found regret that this record is made of his untimely death.

^abU o£ Gositetdl

Administrative Division: Page

Foreword 9

Game Problems Yesterday and Today 10

Activities of the Commission 11

Deputy Game Wardens 12

Predatory Animal Control 13

New Equipment 14

Beaver Management 15

Game Farms 16

Cooperation 17

Game Preserves 18

Recommendations 20

Recommendations for Legislation 21

Statistical Section 99

Fisheries Division:

Introduction 22

Species of Game Fish Found in Montana 24

A Five- Year Fish Distribution and Management Plan 26

Blueback Salmon of Flathead Lake 30

Fish Screening and Planting 32

Our New Fishing Waters and Their Future Possibilities 33

Increasing Productivity of Mountain Lakes 34

Rough Fish Control 35

Wildlife Restoration Division:

Introduction 36

Big Game Investigations and Surveys:

Grizzly Bear 38

Mountain Goat 41

Mountain Sheep 42

Moose 44

Flathead Management Unit 46

Judith River Management Unit 48

Lincoln County Big Game Unit 50

Bitterroot Management Unit 50

Fish Creek - Thompson River Unit 54

Gallatin Management Unit 57

Sun River Management Unit 60

Winter Surveys, 1942-1943 63

Eastern Montana Big Game Surveys 64

Antelope Survey 64

Big Game Development:

Trapping and Transplanting Mountain Goats and Mountain Sheep 67

Fur Section . 70

Fur Survey 71

Beaver Trapping and Transplanting 74

Upland Game Bird Survey (Statewide) 76

Game Bird Development:

Sage Grouse Trapping and Transplanting .... 86

Chinese Pheasant Trapping and Transplanting 88

Wildlife Habitat and Water Facilities Development 89

fyox&w.QSid

Montana presents a charming variety of topography, climate and
wildlife species. Snow-capped mountain ranges give way to rolling,
fertile plains and picturesques river breaks as one travels eastward
across the state. This natural heritage is enjoyed not only by all Mon-
tanans, but is increasingly appreciated by guests from out of the state.

The Fish and Game Commission is charged with the responsibility
of the development and maintenance of the wildlife resources in har-
mony with the carrying capacity of the environment, as well as other
important land uses. This is no easy task. A great deal of work has
been done in the past, but much is yet to do.

One point is very clear — no matter how curtailed the personnel
of the Department or its facilities, there is an obligation that will not
be broken. Wildlife must be so managed that when the boys who are
fighting for us return, they will be able to again enjoy the pleasures
and the solace of the out-of-doors and the wild things that are so much
a part of it. We can certainly do no less.

The report of the Department for the past biennium follows. It at-
tempts to summarize the activities of the Department during this period,
and at the same time to present some of the problems which arise in
managing wildlife under a multiple land use program. It is a picture
of the past with hints as to the picture of the future. It is dedicated to
a better understanding of fish and game problems by the citizenry
of the state.

k^>*

Qame. PiaU&ntl, yeAtendcuf, and ^lodcuf,

Montana has a wildlife heritage which has
few duplications anywhere else in the world.

We must depend upon the journals and
diaries of early explorers for a picture of condi-
tions as they existed in the early eighteen hun-
dreds. It is almost impossible for us to visualize
the abundance and variety of game that inhab-
ited the plains and river bottoms of eastern and
central Montana. These included vast herds of
buffola, elk, deer, and antelope. Mountain sheep,
an animal that we now associate with the craigs
of the mountain ranges, were reported as plenti-
ful in the breaks along the Missouri river and its
tributaries. Even the grizzly bear was encoun-
tered as far east as the present boundary be-
tween Montana and North Dakota.

This picture of vast abundance was changed
but little during the period of the explorer and
trapper. These men depended upon game, but
killed only what they needed for food and cloth-
ing.

The gold strikes of the early 60's brought
in a flood of prospectors. Game within the prox-
imity of the mining camps became an important
source of food. Wholesale slaughter did not take
place, however, until the overthrow of Indian
tribes in eastern Montana following the Custer
Campaign in 1876. The slaughter of big game
animals that then took place holds a unique place
in the history of wildlife destruction. In 1880 the

The American bison. The millions of yesterday ha
faded into the twilight of obscurity.

northern buffalo herd was estimated at a million
head. In four years these animals were all but
exterminated, killed for their hides and tongues.
The other big game species were vastly depleted.
Remnants, however, managed to survive by
adapting themselves to the more severe climate
of the mountain ranges.

By the turn of the century the wildlife re-
sources of Montana presented a sorry picture.
The buffalo had disappeared as a wild animal
many years before. A few scattered bands of elk
still remained in the high mountains. Deer were
rapidly diminishing in areas where they had for-
merly been abundant. Mountain sheep had for
the most part disappeared from the river breaks.
Antelope were reduced to but a fraction of their
former numbers, and the more valuable fur bear-
ers were becoming extremely rare. With the in-
creasing evidence of scarcity came the realiza-
tion that the wildlife resources of the state were
not inexhaustible. The first Board of Game and
Fish Commissioners was established by legisla-
tive enactment to take efect March 14, 1895. Sea-
sons and bag limits were set; they were, however,
extremely liberal. The big game season was from
September 1 to January 1, and the limit for each
hunter was eight deer, eight mountain sheep,
eight mountain goats, and eight antelope. The
upland bird season was from August 15 to Janu-
ary 1 with no limit on the number of grouse that
might be taken. The season on waterfowl ran
from August 15 to May 1, and also in this case
there was no limit to the number a hunter might
take.

On April 1, 1901, the first state game warden,
W. F. Scott, was appointed and a fish and game
department organized. The law enforcement per-
sonnel was limited to eight deputy wardens.

A great many problems have presented them-
selves since the pioneer days of the Department
almost half a century ago. Important industries
have developed. Ranching, farming, lumbering
and mining all play a significant role in the land
economy of the state today. Just where wildlife
fits into this complicated pattern is not always
easy to determine. It has become incr.
upparent, therefore, thai a fund oi accuj it

founded information is essential as groundwork
upon which to base the management of this im-
portant resource. In a state the size of Montana,
with its wide variety of big game, game birds and
fur bearers, the collection of this fundamental in-
formation presents a difficult problem. A lack of
finances has been a serious handicap to this work
in the past. Fortunately the passage by the Legis-
lative Assembly of 1941 of an assent to the pro-
visions of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Act made funds available for setting up within
the Department adequate facilities for the collec-
tion of this basic data.

It has been encouraging to note that several
of the big game species which had reached a
serious low by the early 1900's are now building
up to substantial numbers. These increases have
of necessity brought about important problems
in game management. There are now areas with-
in the state in which concentrations of game ani-

mals are leading to undesirable heavy use of
critical winter ranges on public lands and even,
in some cases, damage to natural or cultivated
crops on privately owned lands. There are, on the
other hand, desirable ranges which are as yet
decidedly understocked by game animals. It may
be seen, therefore, that the Department in its
work is confronted with two distinct types of
problems — those of scarcity requiring a program
of propagation, and conversely, those of abun-
dance necessitating adequate control measures.
The fact that we are engaged in a war which
is taxing our national resources and man power
to the utmost has added a more critical aspect
to the present problems. The demand for increased
production of agricultural products of all kinds
places a responsibility upon the Commission to
manage wildlife so that unnecessary damage to
agricultural production will be avoided.
(Continued on page 95)

ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSIONERS

During: the past biennium the Montana Fish and
Game Commission was confronted with an additional
responsibility beyond those of the regular duties of
fixing policy, passing regulations, and supervising the
administration of the wildlife resources of the state.
This was necessitated when the 1941 Legislative As-
sembly assented to the provisions of the Federal Wild-
life Restoration Act. Upon the Fish and Game Commis-
sion rested the obligation of wisely expending the
funds allocated to the state under the provisions of
this act. The time devoted to the planning of desirable
projects, and then following the development of those
plans, has materially increased the responsibilities of
the commissioners.

The creation of commission districts in the state
by the 1941 Legislative Assembly seems to be a wise
provision of the law. Each commissioner is coming to
know in detail the various problems which arise in
administrating fish and game withn his home district.
This gives the commission a clear picture of the wild-
life resource and the problems connected with its man-
agement throughout the state as a whole.

The commissioners have, insofar as possible, made
field trips into critical big game areas of the state.
During the summer of 1941 two commissioners and
the State Fish and Game Warden made an extended
inspection trip through the South Fork of the Flathead
River area. Later in the summer one commissioner
went as a member of a party on a trip through the
Absaroka Plateau in an effort to gain a better picture
of the relationships between recreation, wildlife and
domestic stock in that area.

In the summer of 1912 three commissioners and
the State Fish and Game Warden made an inspection
trip through the Sun River drainage and over the
Continental Divide into both the South Fork and North
Fork drainages of the Flathead River, studying man-
agement problems connected with both big game and
fur bearers in those areas.

During the same summer three commissioners
and the State Fish and Game Warden attended the
twenty-first annual meeting the Western Association
of the Fish and Game Commissioners held at Jack-
son Hole, Wyoming. This was an especially valuable
trip since these representatives of the Department had
an opportunity to discuss and understand problems of
law enforcement as well as the management of wild-
life in the various western states.

With the above duties the Commission has found
it necessary to meet every month, except one, in order
to properly handle the affairs of the Fish and Game
Department. The monthly meetings last from one to
three days. As all members of the Commission are
engaged in either business or a profession, their time,
so freely given, has nevertheless entailed personal sacri-
fice. If their combined efforts lead to better distribu-
tion and utilization of the wildlife resources of the
state of Montana, if improved fishing, hunting and
trapping results, they will have been rewarded for
the time and effort devoted to their work.

An inspection trip on the North Fork of hte Sun Biver
elk ranges.

Deputy Game Warden patrol — Absaroka Wilderness
Area, June, 1942. At Crevice Creek-Hellroaring- pass.

jbeyiUtif, Qame IVa/ixlletvl

In the spring of 1941 a Law Enforcement
school was held for all the deputy game wardens
at Helena. The personnel of the Attorney Gen-
eial's office cooperated with the department in
interpreting the proper enforcement of the stat-
utes governing the fish and game laws.

In February, 1942, the department held a
short course for the deputies at Montana State
College. Authorities in various fields dealing with
wildlife, from the State College, Montana State
University, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Public Health
Service at Hamilton, the Montana Veterinary Re-
search Laboratory, and our own department co-
operated to make this course one of exceptional
interest to the game wardens. Beyond doubt each
man received valuable training that will be use-
ful to him in his field work. It was the intention
of the commission to hold a short course annual-
ly and follow each school with correspondence
work; however, the armed services have called
so many of our men that it was decided to dis-
continue this for the duration.

Deputy Game Wardens have a very diffi-
cult assignment in carrying out the provisions of
the state fish and game laws. Each man should
be qualified in the many fields of fish and game
management and law enforcement. He should be
capable of recognizing the environmental condi-
tions affecting each wildlife species. He has to be
familiar with the streams and lake in his dis-

trict and be conversant with proper planting
methods and requirements for each body of water.

To qualify for this position a man must be
physically fit, mentally alert, and willing to learn.
His work is progressive, and factors which will
apply to a given situation one season may not
the next. Recently state colleges and universities
have been graduating students whose major
course of study has equipped them for wildlife
work. However, since these courses do not teach
methods of law enforcement, there is much for
the graduate to learn. Anyone entering the game
warden's field has to be imbued with a spirit to
conserve the state's wildlife resources if he is to
be successful. When a man enters the service,
he leaves behind him many of the freedoms he
might enjoy in other lines of endeavor.

He is subject to call day and night.

He must in the best interests of his duty often
be out in all kinds of weather and for days at a
time under the most trying conditions.

He can not indulge in political activities.

He must be capable of treating the public in
a courteous manner.

He must not only be adept at his outside ac-
tivities, but also must be able to execute his field
findings into writing for use in the Helena office.

He is subject to transfer of his headquarters
ime and to any place in the state.

One point should be clearly defined and und-
erstood in this report: The duties of a deputy

[12]

game warden are so varied and complex that it
is necessary for one entering the service to sur-
render many of his interests in other fields of
endeavor and concentrate on the position he has
chosen as his life's vocation.

The requirements by the department are so
stringent that a deputy should be paid a salary
consistent with his efforts, and after reaching a
certain age or serving a given number of years
he should be retired with a pension. Only by this
means can the state hope to employ the caliber
of men necessary to adequately carry out the
conservation, restoration and propagation of our
wildlife resources.

Applicants for deputy state game warden
positions are now required to take a written exam-

ination which covers the various fields of wildlife
with which a man must be familiar if he is to be-
come an asset to the department. The examina-
tion is divided into the following classifications:
Big Game, Birds, Fur Bearers, Fisheries, Law En-
forcement, and General. Qualifications resting
upon past experience and personality traits
are considered, along with the grade obtained in
the examination, in evaluating a man's possible
worth to the department. Successful candidates
will be placed upon an eligibility list. As the need
arises, men will be chosen from this list as spe-
cial deputy game wardens. These men will be
required to serve a probationary period. Vacan-
cies as they occur from time to time on the regu-
lar deputy force will be filled from this group.

Pnedato/uf AtUmcU GanbuU

The Fish and Game Department has contin-
ued in its effort to keep Montana's predatory ani-
mals under control during the last biennium.

By complying with Section 3685.5 of the Mon-
tana Codes, this department, through the coopera-
tion of the Livestock Commission, has paid $7,500
each year from the Fish and Game Fund as
bounties in the amount of $2.00 each for coyotes
taken during April, May and June.

In addition to this, the Commission on De-
cember 17, 1940, set aside $10,000 which was
paid out of the Fish and Game Fund by Febru-
ary 16, 1941, at the rate of $2.00 as bounty for
each coyote taken during that time. There were
numerous other coyotes killed at that time but
the $10,000.00 fund was exhausted before all
the bounty claims were presented.

The Department is continuing to pay a year
around bounty of $25.00 on each mounfain lion
killed and $2.00 on bobcat. During the past two
years, bounty claims for 17 lions and eight bob-
cats have been honored.

It is felt that the present fur market is suf-
ficiently high to encourage the taking of coyotes
and that any additional bounty expense would
be uncalled for. The fact is recognized that a few
predatory animals are an asset to our game birds
and animals in that they help maintain a vigor-

[ 13]

ous breeding population by killing the weak and
wounded game.

In adition to the predatory animal trappers
working under the Fish and Wildlife Service, the
Fish and Game Department hired a few coyote
trappers for short periods of time to better con-
trol certain small game areas in which the coy-
otes had become too numerous for the safety of
our game.

The Mountain Sheep has becom
problem big- game animal

the number
1 the west.

*H

-4a

1 -A

r:<

mfl

Aeiu £<yuip*ne4>d

Equipment plays an important role in the ad-
ministration of the wildlife resources of the state.
This has become very apparent with the recent
drastic curtailment of manpower which has thrown
an increasingly heavy load upon each member
of the remaining personnel. The following short
summary does not deal with equipment such as
trucks and hatchery facilities, which have been
built up through the years, but rather with more
recent purchases which have been found helpful
in carrying out the work of the department.

Ten head of saddle and pack stock have been
secured to facilitate the inspection of the back
country game ranges. The personnel of the de-
partment and the Commission members rode a
total distance of 21,213 miles from July 1, 1941 to
October 15, 1942, on such work. This did not in-
clude the saddle horse trips made by the Deputy
Game Wardens in carrying out their routine
duties.

Two motor boats and two canoes were pur-
chased and put into use to aid in patrolling the
lakes and rivers of the state and in carrying
out the various phases of the fisheries work.

Six Eliason motor snow toboggans were se-
cured during the winter of 1941-42. Two are being
used on the North Fork of the Flathead fur man-
agement area, and the others on the various big
game ranges of the state. This machine, with a
top speed of 27 miles an hour, enables the field
crews to cover much ground in a short period
oi time. The toboggan has a seating capacity for
three persons. Trips which would require five
days on snowshoes may now be traveled in halt
a day. Many of the roads in the mountainous por-
tions of the state that have previously been inac-

cessible during the winter months may now be
quite readily traveled for necessary investigative
work.

The fish and game departments of several of
the neighboring Western states have found im-
portant uses for airplanes in carrying out the
work entrusted to them. Counting of big game,
particularly elk and antelope, from the air has
proved to be far more satisfactory in many areas
than similar work by ground crews. Herding ante-
lope into traps, for transplanting purposes, by air-
plane has become an established practice in
three states. Law enforcement patrols by air, par-
ticularly during the winter months, have proved
to be decidedly effective. The distribution of salt
on the more remote winter game ranges, as car-
ried out in Montana last spring on the Sun River
and Flathead units, has advantages over distribu-
tion by pack string.

Planting of fish by plane is still in the experi-
mental stages, but even now shows very definite
promise, particularly in the planting of the more
inaccessible mountain lakes. Also, the placement
of fertilizer in barren lakes at high elevations in
order to build up their carrying capacity for
fish is another important activity that may be
carried on to advantage by plane. An addi-
tional important project here in Montana made
possible by the use of an airplane would be the
taking of spawn from Big Salmon Lake in the
South Fork of the Flathead. This lake presents
one of the most potentially ideal spawn taking
waters for Native and Dolly Varden trout that
may be found anywhere in the West. All of the
spawn necessary for the entire state hatchery pro-
gram for these two species of trout could be se-
cured from this lake. At the present time the spawn
is taken from a number of small scattered stations.
As Big Salmon Lake is accessible only by many
miles of pack trail, the transporting of eggs from
this lake to the nearest road by any means other
than airplane would be impractical.

It is hoped that after the war, when no doubt
the use of the state's recreational resources will
increase far beyond any volume yet attaii
airplane will find its place among the various
types of equipment used by the depaili:

>»h>k'k'uu l*iiH beou a decided uli
y wintor invostlffiitivo work.

The trapping of beaver was the first enter-
prise conducted by the whites in the Northwest.
It followed almost immediately the first explora-
tion of the territory. The Golden Age of beaver
trapping was between 1810 and 1840. By the
latter date the cream had been taken, and the
streams and rivers had been trapped to their
headquarters. There followed a long period of
scarcity. Since about 1900, however, aided by
more adequate protection the beaver staged a
very desirable comeback. They have now become
sufficiently numerous to present an important
management problem.

Under our state laws beaver are protected
throughout the entire year. However, where they
are doing actual and material damage the land-
owner may apply for a permit to trap them. After
applying for the permit, the damage must be in-
spected by a deputy game warden who recom-
mends how many beaver may be taken by the
landowner. This has become one of the most
abused statutes in the state at the present time,
mainly because it has outlived its usefulness.
Incepted during a period when beaver were prac-
tically extinct, it served an important purpose
until today, when beaver have increased until
they represent an important fur resource which
should be harvested annually not only where
they are doing damage, but in those places where
they are endangering their future food supply.
As with other animals, the population should be
governed by the food supply.

This valuable fur bearer has served an im-
portant place in the economy of our state. During
the drought years he has aided in the conserva-
tion of our waters and made it possible for hay
crops to be produced on what otherwise would
have been barren fields. Since much of his habitat

[15]

is found in the mountains and foothills, his dams
tend to control the run-off and thereby regulate
the flow of our streams. There are many places
along irrigation canals and orchards where beaver
are a nuisance, and in these places they are
either trapped under a permit or transplanted.

In the spring of 1941 it came to the attention
of some of the State officials that there was con-
siderable illicit traffic in beaver pelts in the
State of Montana. Since under the terms of the
Lacey Act furs leaving the State of Montana il-
legally were also the concern of the Federal gov-
ernment, a cooperative plan was developed by
Governor Ford, Kenneth Roahen of the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and J. S. McFarland. Later,
Attorney General Bonner was called in to coor-
dinate the activities of his office with the general
plan. The basic investgiative work was done by
Kenneth Roahen and James Gerow of the Fish
and Wildlife Service. The State Fish and Game
Warden and some of the deputies cooperated in
this work when requested to do so by the fed-
eral agents.

Despite an attempt to keep the plans and the
workers secret as far as the State was concerned,
there apparently was a leak or two resulting in
increased awareness on the part of some of those
suspected of dealing in hot furs; however, a con-
siderable number of arrests were made resulting
in convictions, and it is hoped that the trapping
and selling of beaver pelts in the State is under
closer enforcement than in the past. Following
is a recapitulation of the fur operations investiga-
tion:

Headwaters

Wood Creek, Sun River.

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND DISBURSEMENTS

Connected with Fur Operations Investigation
For Year 1941-1942

RECEIPTS

Sale of furs confiscated $6,063.00

Fines assessed by Courts 3,850.00

Total Receipts $9,913.00

EXPENDITURES

Cost of furs purchased by undercover

agents $2,745.00

Court costs deducted from fines, or paid

by State Department 154.16

Miscellaneous expenses: Telephone, tele-
grams, gas, photographing evidence,
transcript of court records for evi-
dence, postal registrations, etc 127.70

Cold storage rental, Helena 40.50

Total Expenditures $3,067.36

Net Return to Department $6,845.64

During the investigation, it was decisively
proved that the present beaver laws are inade-
quate, and that control of this valuable resource
requires better management than is now pos-
sible. Therefore, we recommend that the trap-
ping of all beaver be handled by the state and
that the pelts be sold by the state; after such
sale, that one-third of the gross proceeds be re-
turned to the landowner on whose lands the
beaver were taken, one-third be set aside for
the expenses involved in the trapping, and the
remaining one-third go into the Fish and Game
Department Fund in lieu of the ten dollar applica-
tion fee and the fifty-cent metal tag now in use.

iame

tf-asuni

Our game farms produce Chinese pheasants
and a few Chukars.

It has been the practice until recently for
the Billings and Warm Springs game farms to
operate under one superintendent. With the de-
velopment of a third game farm at Fort Peck,
the Commission felt that greater efficiency of pro-
duction and planting would result if the State
Game Warden were made directly responsible
for the management of the three farms. Accord-
ingly, the office of Superintendent of Game Farms
was abolished, and responsibility for running each
farm was vested in a foreman.

In 1941 ground was leased from the U. S.
War Department at Fort Peck for the establish-
ment of a new game farm. Barracks were pur-
chased and changed into brooder houses. The
most modern equipment was purchased. The elec-
tric brooder system was installed, thus eliminat-
ing the use of brood hens. V. W. Bailey, former-
ly superintendent of the Idaho Bird Farm at Jer-
ome, was employed to build and operate this new
unit. When completed, this farm will be capable
of producing 20 to 25 thousand Chinese pheasants
annually. The cost of construction has been com-
paratively low.

In speaking of game farms one must bear
in mind that the most useful function of a plant
is the production of birds for restocking areas. It

is impossible and impractical to artificially propa-
gate birds for the hunters' direct use. It is rather
the natural reproduction by these liberated farm
birds and other field reared birds living in a
favorable environment that provides for the hunt-
ers' pleasure.

Relatively few Chukars have been liberated
in this state, and to date these plants have not

been particularly successful. In other states thous-
ands of these birds have been liberated; how-
ever, reports have not been favorable. Montana
is still experimenting with these birds, and in the
future they will be given every possible chance
to adapt themselves to our environmental condi-
tions with a sincere hope that they will fill a
space in our hunters' need.

Gooft&ixitiosi

No department of state government could
possibly have had more cooperation than the
Fish and Game Department has enjoyed during
the past two years.

Following is a list of those organizations
which have been especially helpful. This does
not include those branches of state government
which by statute give the department so much
help as a matter of routine day by day.

All sportsmen's organizations
U. S. National Forest Service
State Forestry Service

U. S. Soil Conservation Service

U. S. Taylor Grazing Service

Dude Ranchers' Association

Associations of Guides and Packers

Farmers and ranchers

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U. S. Army Engineers

Montana Livestock Sanitary Board

Montana State College

Montana State University

State Board of Education

U. S. Public Health Service

Anaconda Copper Mining Company

Packing- fingerling- trout
into the back country.
Much appreciated coop-
eration on the part of
sportsmen, dude ranch-
ers, guides and packers,
and Forest Service per-
sonnel has aided this pro-
gram materially.

Qa+ne, PteAeSut&i

To the men who, in the early days of game
conservation, were instrumental in the creation
of game preserves can go much of the credit for
the present abundance of wildlife in Montana.
Game preserves are now, as in the past, an indis-
pensable tool in the management of all forms
of wildlife. There must always be sancutaries
where the wild creatures can find peace and pro-
tection from the guns of hunters.

It is well to remember, however, that these
preserves are tools, and as tools they may even-
tually wear out. This term as applied to a game
preserve refers to the depletion of the forage or
the failure of the sanctuary to properly stock sur-
rounding huntable areas. Under such conditions
a preserve is benefiting neither the game sup-
posed to be protected or the sportsmen.

The study of big game has brought out a
number of important facts concerning their man-
agement. One, that there is an uneven distribu-
tion of game animals over all available game
range and two, that the fullest use is not being
made of all available ranges and, three, that
several of the present game preserves are con-
tributing materially to this improper distribution
although they originally served a very useful
purpose in building up a game herd.

Several of our game preserves have already
outlived their useful functions and have been or
should be abandoned. Examples of these would
be the Deer Lodge and Halfway Lake bird pre-
serves, and the Beaverhead game preserve, which
were abandoned during 1942.

In other areas certain preserves should be
replaced by other closed areas more favorably

located, and perhaps rotated at intervals of time.
By a flexible system of rotated closed areas, the
following benefits may be derived:

1 . A better distribution of game animals over
all available range.

2. A diversified use of the range.

3. More game can be produced without se-
rious injury to any particular portions of the
range.

4. It will minimize the chance for serious
parasitic infection and the spread of contagious
diseases.

5. It will aid the department to direct hunt-
ing into the areas where hunting is needed.

6. Game animals will always have the nec-
essary protected areas into which to retreat when
the hunting pressure becomes too great.

This type of rotation has not as yet been tried
in the state, but it is hoped that it may be done
in the future.

The benefits to wildlife to be derived from
several other preserves may be increased by
slightly changing or modifying the boundaries of
these preserves. Changed conditions in hunting
pressures, forage, and the number of animals
have made such alterations necessary. For ex-
ample, a slight change was made during the
summer of 1942 in the boundary of the Gallatin
Game Preserve in order to relieve the concentra-
tion of elk during the hunting season upon critical-
ly needed winter game range.

On the other hand, there are generalized
areas where hunting would probably benefit if
new preserves or closed areas were established.
For example, the Sula Peak Closure was created
to take effect prior to the big game season of
1942. It is located in the lower reaches of the
East Fork of the Bitterroot river. This closure was
created for the purpose of building up the num-
ber of big game animals in that area.

[ 18]

MONTANA .

i (20> % -n. T~

K Vj V^T )J Racier

\ f •GiALISP^o. L. L PONDER*

n ! V%te<Q\ J \ L

-J r-J^L.-L

J

v7 \

\0

53,

134185

STATE AND FEDERAL GAME REFUGES

1.

Augusta

16.

Fort Keogh

32.

Little Rockies

47.

Skalkaho

2.

Ballantine

17.

Fort Peck

33.

Madison Bird

48.

Snow Creek

3.

Benton Lake

18.

Gallatin Game

34.

Manhattan

49.

Snowy Mountain

4.

Big Hole Basin

19.

Grass Valley

35.

Mason Lake

50.

South Moccasin

5.

Billings

20.

Grave Creek

36.

Medicine Lake

51.

State Nursery

6.

Black Coulee

21.

Great Falls

37.

Milltown Bird

52.

Stillwater

7.

Blackleaf

22.

Green Meadow-

38.

National Bison Range

53.

Story

8.

Bowdoin Lake

23.

Hailstone Basin

39.

Ninepipe

54.

Sullivan

9.

Brinkman

24.

Halfbreed

40.

Pablo

55.

Sun River

10.

Cherry Cr. (Valley Co.)

25.

Hewitt Lake

41.

Phillips Co.

56.

Teton Spring Creek

11

Cherry Cr.

26.

Highwood

(Milk River)

57.

Thibadeau, Lake

(Sanders Co.)

27.

Judith River

42.

Piniele

58.

Twin Buttes

12.

Creedman Coulee

28.

Lake Avoca

43.

Pipestone-Whitetail

59.

Willow Creek

13

Emigrant

29

Lamesteer

44.

Pishkun

60.

Wild Horse Island

14

Flathead Bird

30

Lima Bird

45

Red Rock

61.

Wolf Creek

15.

Fleshman Creek

31.

Little St. Joe

46.

Seeley Lake

O State Game Refuge.
□ Federal Game Refuge.

[19]

(lecxMnmes^ati&MA,

Administrative Division:

To permit efficient handling of the large
volume of business transacted by the Commis-
sion, more office space is needed. At present, we
are limited to five small rooms which are occupied
daily by 1 1 employees. Frequently while reports
are being compiled, there are seven employees
using one room. Property of the department is
widely scattered due to inadequate space.

It is hoped that after the war a Fish and
Game building will be erected which will provide
suitable quarters for the administrative activities,
as well as storage facilities for confiscated furs
and game. Sufficient room for the proper display
of wildlife specimens native to Montana, as well
as for an aquarium, should be included in a con-
struction program.
Fisheries Division:

In order to meet future fishing pressure which
will undoubtedly prove to be the heaviest in his-
tory, it is necessary that our hatcheries be brought
up to a much higher plane of efficiency by the
addition of refrigeration facilities amply large

to store a year's supply of fish food. Such facil-
ities would permit the fisheries division to pur-
chase in much larger quantities at a consider-
able saving in cost.

The distribution equipment must also be en-
larged and improved to allow more effective dis-
tribution with less road travel, as our present units
are much too small for present requirements and
future stocking policies demand highly improved
equipment.

The installation of a plant for processing and
canning carp or other rough fish would not only
reduce feeding costs at the hatcheries, but would
materially aid the waters from which these fish
were taken.

The establishment of a research department
to assist in developing and improving existing
physical equipment such as distribution units and
fish screens would lead to the development of
better equipment. A research department would
also carry out surveys on problem waters to de-
termine factors entering into success or failure
of plantings, including a study of the food base,
influence of rough and predator fish, etc.

raprani moment in the

life of n disciple of

Isnac Walton.

A natural rearing pond program was started
in a small way when this country was plunged
into a global war. This important program should
be materially expanded throughout the state,
when peace comes, in order to make possible

the rearing of more large trout to satisfy increased
fishing demands.

The construction of a large hatchery and
rearing ponds in the Eastern part of the state,
designed for the rearing of both trout and warm
water species and dedicated to the waters of
that region, is highly desirable.

flecamHtendatio^tl frfi Jlet^latUte. Action

Any study of the present fish ana game
statutes will reveal laws which are now out of
date. Furthermore, there are statutes whose origi-
nal intent and meaning is not too clear, and there
are others which oppear to be in direct conflict
with one another. The sportsmen will be bene-
fited and law enforcement made more effective
if the fish and game statutes are recodified. Minor
changes in some of the present laws, as well as
new ones, are needed if our wildlife resources
are to be most efficiently managed. Attention is
called to the recommendations of the Governor's
Reorganization Committee as well as to the files
of the State Fish and Game Warden to anyone in-
terested in this matter.

The attention of the legislature and all in-
terested citizens is called to the fact that the maxi-
mum salaries which may be paid to the various
categories of deputy game wardens are low when
the responsibility which the work entails is con-
sidered.

Many of the deputy game wardens who have
given long service to the sportsmen of the state
have already passed what is usually consid-
ered retirement age, and others are due to reach
that age within the near future. This is a group
of men which has loyally served the state for
many years on comparatively low salaries. It
seems to be the general opinion of sportsmen
that these men should not be discharged from
the service without some economic stability. A
retirement plan is urgently needed for these men
which would not only give them the security
which they deserve after years of service, but
which would also lead to more efficient law en-
forcement since they could be replaced by young-
er and more active men.

As the various game species build up, at
least in local areas, the problem of removing the

surplus in these areas is made difficult under
present statutory provisions. The statutes prohib-
iting the setting of seasons for antelope and moose
should be rescinded. There are areas in the cen-
tral and eastern sections of Montana where ante-
lope have become very abundant and are in sev-
eral localities causing a considerable amount of
damage to private property holders. Moose have
increased in that portion of the Absaroka forest
north of Yellowstone Park to the point where, if
the herd is not reduced by hunting, it may suf-
fer serious loss during severe winters. It has been
found by a recent detailed investigation that there
is a decided surplus of bulls which could very
well be harvested by hunters under careful regu-
lations. There are local areas in the state where
herds of deer or elk have increased to the point
where they are destructive to public range or
privately owned range property or both. To meet
all of the above situations a statute should be
passed providing for the use of a limited license
so that the surplus from these areas may be re-
moved without jeopardizing the basic breeding
stock of the herds.

At the present time there are statutes which
allow the Commission or the State Fish and Game
Warden to authorize the removal in one way or
another of elk, beaver, and muskrat doing dam-
age to property. Such provisions are not made
with regard to other wildlife species. The powers
of this statute should be broadened to allow the
Commission at its discretion to authorize the lim-
ited killing of any species causing excessive prop-
erty damage. Such a statute should provide that
animals or parts of animals killed in such man-
ner should be sold at public auction by the State
Fish and Game Warden or his deputies, and that
the funds derived therefrom should be returned
to the state treasurer's office and credited to the
funds of the Fish and Game Department.

[21]

tytiiwUeA, jbiviUan

Ontiaductiost

This biennium has been one of unusual ac-
tivity as the problem of maintaining a fishing
yield in the face of heavy and growing demands,
combined with the handicap of insufficient reve-
nue and the inability to obtain vitally necessary
materials and the loss of many of our personnel
brought about by a world at war, has required
the diligent application of the most efficient meth-
ods at our command. Practically every depart-
ment and phase of the fisheries division has insti-
tuted or developed new programs or more ef-
ficient procedures that will contribute in no small
degree to a more effective fisheries program in the
years to come.

Excellent progress was made in the huge
problem of fisheries management as related to
the future stocking policies of our streams and
lakes, and today every hatchery, whether state
or federal, is supplied with a definite and closely
outlined program. This subject is treated separ-
ately under the heading of "A Five Year Fish
Distribution and Management Plan for the State
of Montana," and we wish to impress upon the
reader that the ultimate goal or objective of such
a plan is to maintain the largest fish population
possible consistent with normal growth and avail-
able food supply, and the final assurance that
the angler will be well rewarded for his efforts.

Considerable survey work was carried out
locating sites for the construction of natural rear-
ing ponds. Several suitable sites have been lo-
cated and are scheduled for future development.
The acceptance of these sites for future develop-
ment was made only after the most careful in-
vestigation and thorough checking of the many
factors which are necessary to guarantee their
successful operation when constructed.

The constantly rising cost of fish foods for
the feeding of small trout in our hatcheries is
placing such a burden upon the department that
a more efficient and economical method is being
sought and the construction of natural rearing
ponds promises to aid materially in producing

substantial numbers of fingerling trout. We have
profited from our mistakes of the past and now
have definite factors which, if all are considered,
practically eliminate the chances of failure.

The aforementioned activities are only a few
of the many carried on by this department, and in
the following pages other phases of the fisheries
program will be presented. These activities are
being inaugurated or maintained with the sole
thought and purpose that this king of all sports
will not diminish but rather increase, and that its
thrill can be enjoyed by the ever increasing num-
bers of fishermen throughout the years ahead.

The economic and recreational value of fish-
ing is assuming greater proportions each year.
It is almost impossible to estimate the amount
spent by sportsmen in Montana each year on
equipment and other items, but it probably totals
several million dollars. But who can estimate the
recreational value, which undoubtedly is so great
and far reaching in its effect that no intelligent con-
clusion can ever be formulated, and which we
know exceeds by far the economic value. The
ease with which we may contact the many cry-
stal lakes and tumultous sparkling streams lying
in the depths of vast forests, and cast aside the
worries and turmoil of life in close communion
with nature, is a rare privilege. The fostering and
ripening of loyal friendships and congenial fel-
lowship, the return to our everyday duties re-
freshed in spirit and body — all these can be con-
sidered recreational values on which man can-
not place a monetary consideration.

It is, therefore, imperative that we who are
representatives of these departments, dedicated
to the preservation of this great heritage and na-
tural resource, strive toward the accomplishment
o! that one ideal which is the perpetuation and
rehabilitation of these resources with which the
Northwest is so bountifully supplied, and admin-
ister them in such a manner as to give an as-
sured and continued benefit to present and fu-
ture generations.

[22:

FUhlnir
of auy I

-North Fork

S-^Z

%

Sjxed&L o^ Qame tf-i&U fyo+utd tit Ma+ttana

The game fish found in Montana can be di-
vided into two classes, those native to Montana
and those that have been introduced. We will
first deal with those that are native to this state,
and included in these are cutthroat or black-
spotted trout, Dolly Varden, Montana whitefish,
and the Montana grayling.
NATIVE

The native cutthroat or black-spotted trout
were first mentioned in history when the Lewis and
Clark expedition went through Montana. They are
a member of the Salmon family and were found
in all of the drainage areas of Montana. They
spawn in the spring and early summer, seeking
the shallow waters of the smaller creeks or lakes
where gravel bars are in evidence. These trout
vary greatly in the sizes at which they reach ma-
turity, the controlling factors being the size of
the body of water they inhabit and the abundance
of the food supply. In certain lakes where food
is abundant they have been known to reach a
weight of 17 pounds, while in many small moun-
tain streams they have reached maturity at 6 or
7 inches and are often spoken of as brook trout
under the impression that they are a species dif-
ferent from the larger ones. In gameness they are
second only to the rainbow and in feeding habits
are similar to most all trout. They are opportunists
and when hungry will take anything that prom-
ises to be food, even fish of their own species.
DOLLY VARDEN

This interesting member of the charr family
is found in the streams and lakes of Montana,

Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California, and
northward in coastal streams to the Aleutian
Islands. It is found only in the Pacific drainage.
It is known under other local names such as the
bulltrout and charr. Its size is also governed by
environment and specimens only 12 inches long
might have the same age maturity as some speci-
mens weighing 30 pounds. In habits it is very-
voracious, feeding freely upon whatever offers,
and is especially fond of minnows. It spawns in
the fall of the year from September to November,
and for this purpose selects shallow streams with
gravel bottoms.

MONTANA WHITEFISH

This popular member of the game fish family
is also related to the Salmon family although it
does not resemble the trout in exterior appear-
ance. It prefers the clear cold lakes and streams
of the mountains, and those living in the lakes
remain in comparatively deep water except during
the spawning season, which occurs in the late
fall or early winter when they run out into the
tributary streams seeking suitable gravel bars.

This species attains a length of a foot or
more and a weight up to 4 pounds, though the
average is considerably less. During the spring
and summer they take the fly freely, as well as
a baited hook. However, due to the smallness of
the mouth, a very small hook must be used.
MONTANA GRAYLING

The grayling conform very closely with the
salmon family and there is no species sought for
by anglers that surpass the grayling in beauty.

Eastern Brook trout. An interesting- species of the
charr family which produces excellent fishing-.

They display a combination of color equaled by
no fish outside the tropics. The Montana grayling
was known to occur only in streams emptying
into the Missouri river, but due to successful fish
cultural activities, it is now found in several
streams and lakes on the western slope of the
Rockies, and, characteristic of all grayling, it pre-
fers the clear cold streams. The spawning season
is in April to June, depending upon water tem-
peratures. The grayling is not a voracious feeder
and confines its feeding habits to small forms of
aquatic life. Success in angling for this species
depends upon the selection of the smallest pos-
sible fly hook. The average size of this fish i?
from one-half to one pound, although specimens
weighing over two pounds have been caught.
INTRODUCED SPECIES

Many of our best fishing waters are now
stocked with exotic species which in many cases
afford wonderful fishing. Included in the list of
introduced species are the silver and sockeye
salmon, lake or Mackinaw trout, eastern brook
and Loch Leven, and last, but not least, the rain-
bow, which needs no introduction and whose
game and fighting qualities are second to none.

The habits of these introduced species are
not dissimilar to our native species and corre-
spond to the other members of the Salmon fam-
ily. The following are some of the record weights:
si-lver and sockeye salmon up to AV2 pounds,
rainbow up to 12 pounds, eastern brook up to
17 pounds, Lock Leven or brown trout up to 40
pounds; lake or Mackinaw have been caught up
to 80 pounds.

Many warm water species have also been
introduced and included in this are large and
small mouth black bass, perch, sunfish, croppies,
bullheads and carp. It was the introduction of
these species in trout waters that has created ir-
reparable harm and in many cases has ruined
fishing for both species.

FISHING WATERS OF STATE

Our state is indeed fortunate in that we will
always have a number of remote areas where
natural propagation, supplemented by plantings
from our hatcheries, will always insure the am-
bitious angler a rich reward for his efforts. Those
areas which are easy of access will have to de-
pend almost entirely upon heavy plantings from
the hatcheries, and most of these plantings
should be six-inch and larger fish to maintain
proper fishing conditions.

Time and space will not permit even a short
description of the many fishing waters within our
state, for if the streams which are fishable were
totaled, it would probably exceed 34,000 miles,
and the many lakes will probably total in excess
of 1,550, and to be able to pick from this huge
allotment the best fishing waters would indeed
be a difficult task. Many waters which at one
season of the year are not very productive of
results can be outstanding at some other time.
Each locality is usually fortunate in possessing
a few favored spots where excellent fishing can
be had at most any season of the year, and al-
most every sportsman is always eager and will-
ing to impart this information to a stranger in that
locality.

Rainbow trout. Outstanding member of Salmon

family introduced into Montana's waters many

years ago and well known for its fighting

qualities.

Montana Grayling. Originally found only in
Montana, since introduced into many states.
Their most striking feature is a large, beau-
tifully colored dorsal fin.

A fyiue-yeaA, Quit ^Utlibutio+t aW ManaCfe+ne+it Plan

With the inception of the first fisheries sta-
tion in Montana no thought had to be given
tc the territory to be stocked. The whole State lay
with hundreds of individuals willing to receive
and distribute the fish being propagated there-
in. However, it was not long before addi-
tional hatcheries were constructed at different
points over the State and at the present 11 State
hatcheries and three Federal hatcheries are en-
gaged in the rearing of trout and grayling. One
warm water station is devoted to rearing the finny
rayed species.

These 14 trout hatcheries under normal op-
erations have an annual output of over 30,000,-
000 trout of varying sizes and up to the last year
these 14 hatcheries were engaged in a distribu-
tion program based upon popular demand, pres-
sure from political groups, and the ease with
which waters could be contacted. As can be

imagined, the result was anything but satisfac-
tory and resulted in much confusion, duplication
of effort and loss of efficiency. It was thought
some years ago, when our hatcheries assumed
the responsibility of planting, that all our troubles
would be over, but it was soon discovered that
they hud just commenced.

Local pressure groups desiring to stock some
favorite spot soon found out that, by various in-
sistent demands, it was very often possible to ob-
tain trout from several hatcheries at once to stock
the same body of water. The result was that
waters ideally suited to planting very often re-
ceived no stocking at all and waters not suitable
for the species introduced received far more than
the waters were capable of supporting. Some of
the hatcheries would make a plant of 1 or lVi-
inch fish and perhaps the next day, or sometimes
within a few hours, the distribution truck from

DISTRICTS NOW ASSIGNED TO FISH HATCHERIES IN MONTANA
MONTANA .

"""£— vTJhIC

2 SOMERS

5 HAMILTON

6 OVANDO

9 GREAT FALLS
10 EMIGRANT

13 RED LODGE
1 4 MILES CITY

J GLACIER PAR
4 POLSON

7 ANACONDA

8 BOSEMAN 8 ENNIS

11 LEWISTOWN

12 BIG TIMBER

11 YELLOWSTONE

another hatchery would pull up to the same spot
and make a plant of 6-inch trout. This and many
other comparable situations were reducing the
efficiency of the hatcheries so, recognizing the
need for a closer correlation between all inter-
ested agencies, the whole fish distribution scheme
was critically reviewed during the spring of 1941
by members of the Forest Service, the National
Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Montana Fish and Game Commission. This
review showed that there was need for a closer
correlation between the national forest lands and
the private outside lands in the matters of juris-
diction of fish distribution.

It was also pointed out, as mentioned before,
that there was a definite overlapping of respon-
sibility and duplication of effort among all of
the agencies involved. The 1 1 State hatcheries in
Montana had no definite areas of responsibility;
neither did the three Federal hatcheries belonging
to the Fish and Wildlife Service. As fish distri-
bution was carried on, each State hatchery over-
lapped its neighbors to a certain extent, and the
Federal hatcheries overlapped all of those be-
longing to the State. The confusion, duplication
of effort, excess travel, and all the other ills in-
herent in a system where a lack of correlation
exists were prevalent. Requests for fish by the
Forest Service were made to both State and Fed-
eral hatcheries. These requests were often dupli-
cated by the local Rod and Gun Clubs. Superin-
tendents of both State and Federal hatcheries
often received identical requests for fish planting
in the same waters from both the Forest Service
and the local Rod and Gun Clubs.

In past years, both State and Federal hatch-
eries have been subjected to all of the pressures
that could be applied ,and their function was de-
termined primarily by these pressures. It was
almost impossible for them to give real thought
to effective fish planting, but rather their efforts
necessarily had to be directed toward alleviating
the pressures under which they were striving.
In consequence, the fisheries' resource in itself
was a secondary issue.

In the above mentioned conference it was
agreed that:

1. The State Superintendent of Fisheries
would act as coordinator of all fish planting ac-
tivities within the State regardless of whether
the fish were produced in the State or Federal
hatcheries.

2. The State would be divided into hatchery
districts for fish planting.

3. The districts would be determined pri-
marily by the hatchery production and the waters
in need of stocking. The divisions would be made
on drainage lines without regard to land owner-
ship.

4. Fish planting plans for each district would
be developed by the Forest Service and the Fish
and Game Commission on a cooperative basis.

The State of Montana was divided into 14
districts. A 15th district was made of Yellow-
stone National Park, since there is very close co-
operation in fish planting activities between Yel-
lowstone Park and the State of Montana. These
boundaries were set up tentatively and discussed
with each of the hatchery superintendents in order

Taking- Lock Leven and Rainbow Trout spawn in the Madison River above Hebgen Lake.

Each year sufficient egg's are collected at this station to supply the need of all the

hatcheries in Montana for these two species.

to correlate the unit boundaries. After this correla-
tion of unit boundaries, maps were prepared for
each of the various units showing their sphere of
responsibility.

As soon as the district boundaries were de-
finitely established, the formulation of plans for
fish distribution in each of the units was started.
In the preparation of these plans, two ideas were
dominant:

1. That the State of Montana was large, and
consequently it was impossible to make an im-
mediate intensive survey of all of the waters to
be stocked. Therefore, it was decided to use as
a basis for planting, that information gathered by
the Forest Service officials, the hatchery superin-
tendents, the State game wardens, and other
similar individuals who have intimate knowledge
of the local areas.

2. That hatchery production should be the
basis for fish distribution, and that the number
produced should be divided as equitably as pos-
sible over the entire unit in the waters approved
for stocking. In the formulation of these plans, the
first step was to eliminate those streams and lakes
in which fish planting was not desirable for such
reasons as the drying up of the water from na-
tural causes or irrigation, or pollution by mining
and other activities of a similar type. Certain
lakes were similarly eliminated because of being
too shallow, inaccessible, or having extremely
limited food supply. After this initial elimination

of streams and lakes in which no planting was
recommended, the remaining streams and lakes
were then classified, and detailed information was
obtained regarding them from individuals having
intimate knowledge of the waters. This informa-
tion was assembled and discussed with all of the
interested agencies in the respective units, and
the thoughts and ideas of all correlated as nearly
as possible, in an attempt to arrive at a basis for
determining the stocking program. After this in-
formation was assembled, a stocking plan, based
on the production capacity of the hatchery and
the waters to be stocked, was then outlined. The
stocking of the waters, as finally determined, was
merely an allocation based on all the knowledge
it was possible to obtain as to the respective
needs.

It is well realized that such a system is not
wholly complete in many respects, but it is felt
that this is the first step toward a managed stock-
ing program. Constructive criticisms are solicited,
and as suggestions for improvement are received
they are incorporated into the stocking plans.
Stream survey data will, of course, be included,
as well as other pertinent data derived from fu-
ture studies.

These plans have been discussed with many
groups and individuals interested in fish planting
in the State of Montana. Almost everyone has
been enthusiastic over the use of such a system,
since it is realized that it is necessary to have

TOTAL MILEAGE OF STREAMS AND ACREAGE OF LAKES IN DISTRICTS
1, 2, 4, 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10, 11. 12 and 13

STREAMS

Recommended for Planting-

ai it< ;i^< en1 if' M Lleage insi

hi i .ii. i v n;it tonal inf.

districts boundaries

Not Recommended for Ranting
Mileage entire Mileage Inside

hatchery nal

31 main rivers .....
1387 major streams
4084 minor streams .

2,490
13,389

200
6,648

7,580

15,879 6,848

19,024 7,885

LAKES

Recommended for Planting
Acreage entin Vcn

hatehi i % nal ii toi i si

district! boundaries

Not Recommended for Planting-
1
hatcherj nation
disi fit-is boundaries

594 lakes ....

207,833* 42,111
207,833 42,111

995 lakes ....
Grand total— 1589 lakes

66,667 22,663
66,667 22,663

i lathi .ii. i 10, 3 10 ai n

'i in 'I'H nol Include Foi i i 'i . i. i:. ervoli with

Impoundi d

1 2a i

some basis for starting a unified program. In
every case it was pointed out to these groups that
this was certainly not the last word in fisheries
management, but that it would form a basis for
more intensive study and better developed plans
in the future.

In the determining of the production capacity
of each hatchery unit, the production of past years
was not used as a basis, because heretofore all
of the hatcheries had been required to produce a
great number of fish. In almost every unit, the
production was up to the maximum in numbers
and even exceeded what they should have hand-
led in order to care for the fish adequately. In
the preparation of these plans the production ca-
pacities were determined by the numbers of fish
that they should logically produce, based on their
trough and pond capacity. In determining these
capacities, diagrammatic maps were drawn of the
hatchery plants, and then scrutinized carefully to
determine (1) the kinds and sizes of fish that they
should produce, and (2) the species of fish thai
were needed in order to adequately stock their
territory with desirable kinds.

The hatchery units were evaluated to deter-
mine (1) how many 6-inch fish it would be possible
and desirable to produce, based on the needs of
the territory, (2) how many 3-inch fish were neces-
sary, and (3) how many 1 '/2-inch fish should be
produced.

An allocation for each stream and lake to be
stocked was then made from the above totals,
based on comparative needs. The various species
of fish were determined from the contacts that
were made with the interested groups and agen-
cies, based on their knowledge of the most de-
sirable species in the different drainages.

Since all studies that have been made in re-
gard to survival show that an increase occurs
when large fish are planted, it was the thought
of everyone concerned that as many, large fish
should be produced as possible, consistent with
the facilities and funds available.

It was found, in one case, that a hatchery
that had been producing on an average of two
and one-half million fish annually, of which only
approximately 5 per cent had been 3 inches or
over, could, by cutting the figures to 1,600,000,
produce 40 per cent of the fish 3 inches or over.

It was found also that merely by the forma-
tion of these districts and the reduced travel re-

sulting therefrom, combined with the reduced
food cost of propagating the large numbers of
small fish, a saving of approximately 20 per cent
would result, and this saving on car travel and
other items could be used for the rearing of the
larger fish called for in the program.

The primary fish species that are propagated
in the State of Montana are rainbow, cutthroat,
Loch Leven, eastern brook, and grayling, in the
order named. The majority of the waters of the
State of Montana originally were populated with
cutthroat trout, but due to the sweeping changes
that have been made by man's influence, this

Montana's largest
g-ame fisli ■ —
Mackinaw trout
from Whitefish
lake.

[29]

Trolling-, a popular sport
Flathead Lake.

■

mm

species is gradually diminishing over much of
the State, and has been superseded in many
drainages by the rainbow and Loch Leven.

Approximately 40 million fish have been
planted annually in the State of Montana, of
which rainbow, cutthroat, and Loch Leven have
amounted to approximately 10 million each. East-
ern brook, grayling, and the species of lesser
importance make up the remainder. It is thought
that by cutting this total figure to about 30 mil-
lion, approximately 25 per cent of the larger sizes
can be produced.

The final computation of the figures of this
planting program also bring out some interesting
data in regard to Montana's streams and lakes.
It was found that there are 5,502 streams and
rivers of all classes, totaling 34,903 miles. Of this

total it was found that 15,879 miles were con-
sidered fit for stocking and 19,024 miles were
found to be unfit for stocking, due to various fac-
tors such as drought, pollution, irigation, etc. It
was also found that Montana has a total of 1,589
lakes, totaling 274,500 acres and of this number
207,833 acres were considered fit for stocking and
66,667 acres were classified as unfit for stock-
ing or needing further investigation. Most of the
lakes in this category were those situated at high
altitudes and considered inaccessible or adequate-
ly stocked for the available food supply.

It is the belief of all the interested agencies
that through this positive management, coopera-
tion, and correlation of effort — the fisheries' re-
source in the State of Montana should be greatly
benefited.

<7/ie liUeUack ScUmo+i 0/ QlxdkeaJl Jiake

(Oncorhynchus nerka)

The Blueback or Sockeye Salmon is found
from the coast of southern Oregon, north to north-
ern Alaska, Kamchatka and Japan. The prin-
cipal rivers in the United States which it fre-
quents are the Columbia, Quinialt and Skagit,
in each of which very heavy runs occur. In the
Columbia River this salmon is called the Blue-
back. In the Frazer it is called the Sockeye, and
in Alaska it is known as the Red Salmon or
Redfish. This species has established itself in
various fresh water lakes where it is physio-

logically landlocked, and appears as localized
dwarfed forms sometimes known as the Little Red
Fish or Kennerley's Salmon. Among lakes which
they are known to inhabit are Altures, Petit,
Redfish and Big Payette in Idaho; Wallawa in
Oregon; Sammamish, Ozette, American and Che-
lan in Washington, and many small lakes in
British Columbia and Alaska, including the Koo-
tenai and Okanagon lakes.

The Blueback or Sockeye is the most
ant salmon on the west coast, and by
most valuable species in Alaska. However, so

[30]

reckless is the fishery being prosecuted that it is
not difficult to vision its ultimate and fatal deple-
tion.

In the year of 1914 a shipment of Sockeye
eggs was received at the Somers Hatchery, lo-
cated on the west shore of Flathead Lake. A per-
centage of the hatched Salmon from this ship-
ment found their way into the waters of Flathead
Lake and since that time have shown a steady in-
crease. Their presence in the lake was known
to very few people for many years, and it was
not until the last seven or eight years that the gen-
eral public became aware that they were inhabit-
ing these waters in such large numbers. The fa-
vored spawning areas are located principally on
the east shore of the lake, where many of the
mountain streams end the last of their tumultuous
■journey by flowing through large gravel beds
rimming the shores. Here the salmon congregate
in large numbers to complete their spawning ac-
tivities, which concludes the life cycle of this spe-
cies and it is here that the general public con-
gregate in an equally desperate effort to prevent
the completion of this cycle. The methods prac-
ticed by many bring home with a glaring clarity
the procedure that must have been used on our
once abundant forms of other animal life, such
as the buffalo and the wild pigeon, and which

has relegated them to near or complete extinc-
tion. There has been concern expressed by many
that the salmon would become too abundant and
exclude all other species, but it con safely be pre-
dicted that if the present method of capture and
take are allowed to continue it will be a matter of
relatively few years before the stock is depleted
and they will also be mere history, with these
same individuals expressing concern as to when
they will again return.

However, an important point is the great
possibility that now exists to strike a higher and
more concentrated balance in all forms of or-
ganic and vegetable matter existing in that body
cf water. These many forms of organic matter,
such as the zooplankton Crustacea which are
the principal food of all young trout fry are
directly dependent upon the amount of organic
material available, and they can increase
only through the introduction of organic matter,
and that is exactly the transformation that is tak-
ing place in that body of water today. These large
number of salmon which spawn each fall, and
then through the competion of nature's mission
all die, are contributing vast amounts of organic
material. A great fertilization program is being
carried out at absolutely no cost to any depart-
ment or agency. (Please turn to page 92).

Natives and Dolly

Varden trout taken

from riathead

Lake.

fytilt S&ueetUHXj, cutd PlasuUnxj,

The Fish and Game Department has long
realized the necessity for a clearer understanding
of the problems confronting us in the relation of
irrigation to fishing. In the spring of '41 a re-
search program was started with the main thought
in mind of bringing out the effectiveness of exist-
ing fish screens and the comparative losses of
trout and other fish in these ditches. In view of
the limited funds, the survey was confined to the
waters of the Yellowstone drainage and, although
this area requires further investigation, the find-
ings up to date bring out many pertinent facts
and many of the findings can be applied to other
irrigation and diversion problems elsewhere in
the State.

A total of over 450 irrigation diversions were
found to exist on the waters of the Yellowstone
drainage alone. In view of such a large number
existing on one drainage, it can be safely stated
that there are at least 2,000 diversions located on
waters throughout the State. It was found that
we have installed in the last several years a total
of 29 fish screens and of this total only 3 were

Oregon type fish screen with
rotating- grills — self-cleaning.

still in shape to operate satisfactorily. Most of
these installations averaged close to $800 each
and some even more when the items of concrete
work, installation, and other incidental expense
were taken into consideration. It was also found
that the average upkeep and maintenance cost
would be approximately $150 annually. Multiply
this figure by 2,000 (the number of ditches in
Montana) the annual maintenance load would
total $300,000, which is three times as much as
is available for the operations of the Fisheries
Division.

What we are faced with is a more practical
and economical solution to this huge problem. It
cannot be denied that many drainages are in need
of such a program, but there are also others where
the diversions are so large and numerous that
the remaining watershed is left entirely dry, or
it any water does remain to flow down the stream
the temperatures become too high during the hot
summer months for fish life to exist. It would be
wise to dedicate such watersheds to agriculture
and confine the plantings of trout to waters not
so adversely effected and thereby give the sports-
men better fishing in those waters dedicated to
recreation.

Many sportsmen's organizations and indi-
viduals express the thought that the installation
of fish screens throughout the State would end all
future propagational worries and an abundance of
fishing would be available for everyone. How-
ever, there are other factors which must be con-
sidered and which in many cases are entirely
overlooked. One is the fact that we have large
drainages in this State, such as the Flathead and
Kootenai where not a single irrigation diversion
exists, but a survey will show that fishing has
declined just as much in these waters as those
having diversions.

This can lead us to only one conclusion,
which is that fishing pressures and creel limits
have been in excess of our ability to restock and
an enlarged propagational program or reduced
creel limits must also play their part to bring
about better fishing in all waters.

6usi Aeiu %uUUt<j, WatelA, astd ^Jkei^ fyutune PoUi/tiUtie*

It was not many years ago that the average
fisherman was interested only in the western part
of the state insofar as the pursuit of his favorite
recreation was concerned. In truth much of the
eastern portion of our state had little or nothing
to offer, and what few streams flowed through
these regions were either too warm or muddy for
any forms of fish life except a few members of
the warm water family, and what few plantings
the department carried out were of such species
as the sunfish, bream, or catfish and related
species.

It was in the early '30s that we began to hear
reports of the splendid work being carried out
by the Soil Conservation Service and the Recla-
mation Service, and today, as a result of those
activities, many hundreds of reservoirs dot the
eastern portion of the state. While it is true that
many of these are not suitable for fish life, it has
also been proved that a great many do and can
afford splendid fishing for species of the warm
water variety and in some cases even excellent
trout fishing.

There is one body of water recently im-
pounded and still forming which gives promise
of exceptional angling possibilities, and that is
the Fort Peck Reservoir. When completely filled
this impounded area will cover 280,000 acres, an
area greater than all of the lakes in the state com-
bined, including Flathead. Within the main reser-
voir a diversity of fishing can be developed rang-

ing from such species as rainbow, mackinaw and
Loch Leven, to crappies and sunfish.

In order to obtain maximum fishing results
from the main reservoir, a careful stocking policy
will have to be carried out with the thought in
mind that the rough fish population must be held
to a minimum. In view of the fact that rough fish
species will be constantly migrating into the reser-
voir from the stream above, the stocking program
should include the introduction of some species of
game fish possessing predatory characteristics
which will offer sufficient competition and thus
prevent the rough fish from becoming too numer-
ous. The introduction of Mackinaw trout in con-
junction with other species would undoubtedly
serve the purpose of maintaining a balance of
species.

The river below the Fort Peck dam promises
to develop into excellent trout waters for a dis-
tance of 25 or 30 miles. This outlet water from the
reservoir is drawn from the bottom of the lake
and is clear and maintains consistently low tem-
peratures, even during the summer months. There
is no doubt that with a proper stocking program,
sportsmen of eastern Montana will be able tc
enjoy wonderful trout fishing right at home. How-
ever, to carry out a stocking program to ade-
quately take care of such an enormous area will
call for the construction of a hatchery and pond
culture station capable of producing both trout
and warm water species and dedicated to the
waters of Eastern Montana.

Bainbow trout taken from Fresno Lake near Havre.
The largest fish in this group weighed over 5 pounds.

Lake Wilderness, headwater of Wood-
bine Creek, Beartooth Mountains.
Typical of the beautiful mountain
lakes near tiniberline. Abrupt rocky
shoreline provides little natural fish
food. Fertilization greatly improves

9*tcSie&U«x}, PnaduatiAuty, oj Afausdcust Jlah&i

This state, like many others having moun-
tainous regions, possesses a great many lakes
situated at sub-alpine levels whose beauty and
settings are masterpieces from the hand of nature,
but whose ability to produce any appreciable
numbers of trout are extremely limited due to the
lack of sufficient natural food. This lack of na-
tural food is due to the absence of the elements
which act as fertilizing agents, namely, the ni-
trates and phosphates. Usually the terrain sur-
rounding these lakes is composed largely of rock
formations which support only meager growths
of vegetation and consequently contribute very
little fertility.

The introduction of fish foods, such as fresh
water shrimp, daphnia, and other forms, will not
accomplish the results desired unless the food to
support these organisms is present and that food,
namely algae, diatoms, etc., cannot thrive unless
the water contains sufficient fertility to promote
its growth. Hence the need for a greatly expanded
piogram of fertilization, and it is the Commis-
sioners hope that commercial fertilizing materials
will again be available in the near future, as
well as sufficient personnel to carry to a success-
ful conclusion a program which will be of inesti-
matable benefit to all sportsmen.

[34]

(lau^U tyiAJ* GohAoI

It has often been stated that man has been
responsible for more harm to fish and game
through conscientious endeavor than the man
with malicious intent, and this certainly holds
true in regard to many of our beautiful lakes in
this state.

The misguided introduction of a voracious
species of fish into many of our lakes by well
meaning individuals has so upset the biological
balance of these waters that our game fish have
been relegated to almost complete extinction, and
any further introduction of trout into these waters
is largely a waste of the sportsmen's money. For
that reason we have many splendid bodies of
water throughout the state which are lying idle
and are infested with practically nothing but
rough fish such as suckers, carp, squawfish, shin-
ers, sunfish, and other non-game fish.

It would be possible to cite many examples
of such introductions which have occurred in the
last 10 or 15 years to waters which were famous
throughout the entire Northwest for the wonder-
ful rainbow fishing which they afforded. Today,
however, they stand almost barren insofar as
trout fishing is concerned, but are teeming with
millions of suckers, sunfish and shiners which
offer such serious competition for the natural food
available that the few trout remaining are hard
pressed to find sufficient food for their existence.
Further introductions of small trout from our hatch-
eries have been anything but successful.

A FISHERMAN'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when Gabriel blows his blast
And I come home to rest at last,
Don't measure me for harp and wings,
But let me have instead these things,
Some tackle, and a rod and shiny reel,
A pair of nice dry waders and a creel,
A gushing, frothy, glacial stream,
A quiet lake by which to dream,
An Angel pal with whom to angle
And magic lines that will not tangle
And grant me leave with fingers crossed
To lie about the fish I lost.

However, there is also a bright side to this
problem and a method which can be 100 per cent
effective in a large majority of these waters, and
that is by the use of derris root or rotenone. This
substance is obtained from the roots of derris and
related plants and imported from China; it is high-
ly toxic to all fish life. When introduced into the
waters infested with rough fish, in the proper con-
centrations, it exterminates all forms of fish
life therein. However, it has the advantage of
quickly dissipating its powers, and after a com-
paratively short time the restocking of these waters
so treated can commence, and the sportsmen can
then be assured that such lakes will again pro-
duce maximum trout fishing.

It is to be regretted that this product cannot
be obtained at this time due to the fact that it
must be imported from the Orient. It is safe to
state that in the not too distant future importations
will again be resumed. When this time arrives the
department hopes to avail itself of sufficient quan-
tities to carry out many successful "tipping over"
projects and restore these lakes to their rightful
place in the angling world.

Trout waters on Hellroaring Creek.

[35]

Wildlife HeAiosuUiosi jbuuiAXm

9n£noduc£io<n

The following report presents a summary of
the work carried on by the Wildlife Restoration
Division of the Montana Fish and Game Depart-
ment. The division was formed following the pas-
sage by the State Legislature of the Assent to
the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, in
1941. This act, the result of a concentrated effort
by interested individuals and wildlife groups, was
passed by Congress in 1937. By it, funds flowing
into the federal treasury from a 10 per cent ex-
cise tax on sporting arms and ammunition were
made available to the states for the purpose of
wildlife restoration and development.

The amount apportioned varies with the
states and is based upon their size as well as the
number of licenses sold in each. For example, the
amount apportioned for the fiscal year of 1942 to
Montana was $77,247.05, while in accordance with
war time reductions the amount made available
for 1943 has been $34,268.74.

Under the act the federal government reim-
burses the states for 75 per cent of the cost of
all projects. Each of the projects undertaken is
originated and planned by the various state fish
and game departments, and the personnel to su-
pervise and carry out these projects are chosen
by them. The government, acting through the Fish
and Wildlife Service, requires only that the proj-
ects undertaken are substantial in character and
that they conform to the spirit of the act. All
equipment, improvements and developments be-
come the property of the state. The scope of the
work is broad as it covers all phases of wildlife
except fisheries. Thus, in Montana work is now
being conducted in connection with the big game,
game birds, and fur bearing animals.

According to their objectives, the projects may
be classed under the following four general head-
ings:

1. Land Development: Projects under this
classification include the improvements of the
living conditions or environment for wildlife. They

may include the planting of food and cover as
well as the protection of nesting areas, the stabil-
ization of water levels, and similar activities. The
fencing of portions of reservoirs and the planting
of these protected areas to food and cover for
wildlife is an example of this work that is now
being carried on.

The restoration of desirable wildlife species
is in a sense a phase of development. Examples
of this type of project are the trapping and trans-
planting of big game such as mountain goats
and mountain sheep, as well as the trapping
and transplanting of various types of game birds
such as sage grouse and Chinese pheasants, and
also the trapping and transplanting ■ of beaver.
In this way game animals, birds and fur bearers
are being reintroduced into desirable areas where
they once were found or into new areas that
provide all the requirements needed by the par-
ticular species.

2. Investigations and Surveys: This type of
work is being conducted for the purpose of fur-
nishing the Fish and Game Commission with a
fund of well grounded information. The surveys
undertaken are confined to those that furnish
factual information designed to aid in the admin-
istration of the wildlife resources of the state.
The scope of these field investigations is broad,
covering such activities as census work, game
range investigation, the determination of the ef-
fect of various diseases and parasites, the drain
by predators, hunters and winter kill. As this
basic information is gained, emphasis will be
shifted to more detailed types of investigation.

3. Land Purchase: Under the provisions of
the act lands may be purchased when found to
be of vital need for the betterment of wildlife.
Thus far no land acquisitions have been made.
The Department believes that if a purchase is con-
templated, it should be carried out only after a
thorough study of the economic relations between
wildlife and the various other land uses in the
area. (Please turn to page 92)

[36]

The Shiran Moo»i>. A nurture bull Is a rtniitforoui BUbJect

lor camera study at close rang-e In the fall of tho year.

Absaroka WtlilernesB Aroa.

m.p^wm.

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Q>U<ffilif, /leal Survey

SUN RIVER - FLATHEAD - ABSAROKA UNITS
Introduction:

The grizzly bear is now classed with the rare
species of big game. According to a recent na-
tionwide survey conducted by the Fish and Wild-
life Service, there are only three states left in
which over 10 of these animals are found. Mon-
tana is one of the three.

It is recognized that this big bear is dis-
tinctly a wilderness type of game animal. To ex-
tend the grizzly range into areas of important
agricultural activity would not be practical or de-
sirable. Montana is fortunate, however, in possess-
ing a substantial amount of distinctly wilderness
type range. It is upon these areas that the Com-
mission hopes to maintain a substantial grizzly
bear population. It is further hoped that, under

careful management, a take by hunters of a
limited number may be maintained.

With the realization that this valuable game
species was dangerously close to extinction over
much of its range, the Commission inaugurated
a detailed series of investigations.
Procedure:

The three principal grizzly bear ranges in the
state have now been covered. On July 1, 1941,
a two-man crew began work on the Sun River-
Flathead Unit. This comprised a coverage of ap-
proximately 2,300,000 acres. Besides the Sun River
drainage and the remaining drainages east of the
Continental Divide, north to Glacier Park, the
work covered the South Fork and the Middle Fork
of the Flathead River west of the Continental
Divide. The field work on this unit was concluded
with the hibernation of the bears in November.

In July, August and Septem-
ber of 1942 a two-man field crew
covered approximately 380,000
acres of range in the drainage of
the North Fork of the Flathead
River, as well as approximately
140,000 acres in the Whitefish
Range area. In both cases the
work progressed north as far as
the Canadian boundary.

During the same period an
additional two - man crew was
working in the Slough Creek-Hell-
roaring area north of Yellowstone
Park. The primary objective of this
latter crew was to gain information
pertaining to moose; however, as
much time as possible was spent
in working with grizzly bear.

re Inr move nbnmlnnt
lore widely distributed
the grizzly.

The primary objective of the work was to
gain a reasonably accurate census of the grizzly
bear inhabiting these important units. All possible
information was also required pertaining to feed-
ing habits, annual increase, reaction to closed
areas, and property damage.

The impracticability of obtaining a 100 per
cent visual census of this species is of course
apparent. A system worked out by the Alaskan
Game Commission was therefore adopted. This
called for the use of tracks to supplement the
number of bear actually seen. In order that du-
plications might be avoided, this method required
the measurement of all tracks used. The length
(from the end of the toes, not including the claw,
to the end of the heel) and the width (across the
toes) was recorded. It was found in Alaska, and
verified here, that there was sufficient variation
in these two measurements for the various tracks
used to distinguish one from another in case of
doubt. The fact that bear follow trails a great
deal in the mountains and also frequent muddy
places along the margin of lakes and streams
made the task of finding tracks less difficult than
it was thought it might be.

Much worthwhile information concerning
feeding habits was obtained by observing the
bear, finding such evidence as overturned rocks,
torn logs, and also dug up areas where roots
and bulbs had been obtained. In addition, a field
analysis was made of all fecal material found.
Findings:

Census Figures
Area No. Bear

Sun River-Teton (East of Cont. Divide) 54

Flathead-South Fork, Middle Fork 58

North Fork of Flathead 23

Whitefish Range Unit (Graves Creek Area)... 18
Absaroka Primitive Area (Slough Creek-

Hellroaring) 10

Total 163

There are no doubt small additional numbers
of grizzly bear scattered throughout the upper
Gallatin, the headwaters of the Madison, and the
Cabinet, Mission and Bitterroot Ranges.

The following is a summary of the observa-
tions on food habits of the grizzly obtained on
the various units of study:

Early Spring: Search for and use of winter
killed animals. Use of first green vegetation, both
grasses and weeds.

Middle and late spring: Important use of
bulbs and roots. Large areas torn up searching
for the bulbs of the dog-toothed violet and the
starchy roots of wild parsley (cogswellia sp). An
increasing use of green vegetation, particularly
grasses; the use of the leaves of poas, festucas,
bromes, and several species of sedge most no-
ticeable.

Summer: A continued use of the leaves of
green grasses. An increasing use of ants, beetles,
and other insects as well as their eggs, larvae
and young. Much of this type of food is found
in and under rotten stumps, logs and under
rocks. Torn logs and overturned rocks are un-
mistakable and rather striking evidence of the
presence of bear at this season of the year. Use
of wild fruits and berries became increasingly
evident during the late summer. The most im-
portant of this type of food was the tall huckle-
berry (Vaccinium membranaceum) and the small
or low huckleberry (Vaccinium scoparium).

Fall: The use of pine nuts was found to be
very important. This use was almost entirely re-
stricted to the nuts of White Barked Pine (Pinus
Albacaulis). Presumably for this purpose the griz-
zlies spend a great deal of their time during the
fall in the sub-alpine basins, side hills and ridges,
at elevations above 6,500 feet where the White
Barked Pine is most commonly found. The bear
were able to obtain these nuts by digging up
squirrel caches.

Use of rodents was noticed at various times
during the late spring, summer, and fall. This type
of food was not considered of primary importance
in the area covered by the study. Occasional use
of young calf elk has been noted, but is not con-
sidered important either to the bear as a source
of food, or the elk as a decimation factor.

It may be seen from the foregoing summary
that the grizzly has been aptly classed as om-
niverous, in that the types of food taken are wide-
ly varied.

The reaction of this species to the protection
of closed areas has been demonstrated in both
Yellowstone and Glacier Parks. The effect of a
small closure was shown by the larger number
of grizzlies found within the Sun River Game
Preserve (closed since 1912). The population in-

[39:

MONTANA.

GRIZZLY BEAR RANGE

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CRAZY MOUNTAIN GOAT PLANT 1941 NO PLANTED ■ 10

BEARTOOTH RANGE GOAT PLANT 1942 NO PLANTED^ 12

side the Preserve was approximately one grizzly
bear to 1 1 square miles of range, while the av-
erage outside was one grizzly to 32 square miles
of bear range.

The average annual increase of the species
in the areas covered was found to be approxi-
mately 15 per cent. The kill by hunters previous
to the complete closure in 1942 approximately
equalled the rate of increase in the Sun River-
Flathead ranges.
Recommendations:

Very careful management of this rare species.

A limited yearly take by hunters controlled
by a limited license system. The number taken
to be based upon the annual increase.

Mousitcrin Qoat Swut&y,

BITTERROOT RANGE UNIT
(Progress Report)
Introduction:

The natural range of the mountain goat within
the state has apparently changed but little from
that of historic times. This species has been found
in but three states — Montana, Idaho and Washing-
ton. The geographic center of their range is far-
ther north in British Columbia.

The mountain goat is hunted in only two
areas within the state, the Flathead and the Bitter-
root ranges. The kill has been limited by a short
season and the remoteness of the ranges involved.

The Commission has been anxious to ascer-
tain the effect of the present drain by hunters

and other sources upon the goat population with-
in the state. With this purpose in mind the pres-
ent survey was initiated.

Procedure:

On July 1, 1942, a fieldman was assigned to
the Bitterroot goat ranges. The plan for this work
called for a complete coverage of the west side
of the Bitterroot drainage to the Idaho line between
the West Fork of the Bitterroot river and Lolo
creek. The coverage has progressed systematical-
ly through Tincup creek, Rock creek, Roaring
Lion creek, Saw Tooth creek, and Canyon creek.

Findings:

Up to October 15, 102 mountain goats had
been observed. They have been widely scattered.
It is thought that more favorable census condi-
tions will be found when the goats have concen-
trated on their winter range.

The work has indicated a satisfactory kid
crop. It will be necessary to check throughout
the winter in order to determine the percentage
of survival. Detailed work on this species in the
State of Washington has indicated a high mor-
tality rate among the kids during severe winter
conditions. This report further suggests the pos-
sibility that mountain goats are monogamous
rather than polygamous. As this is an important
point in reference to the management of the spe-
cies, an effort is being made to gain accurate
information here in Montana.

The effect of predatory animals has not yet
been found to be serious. Their activities may
become more pronounced during the winter
months.

A detailed report will be submitted follow-
ing the completion of this work.

SUN RIVER — FLATHEAD UNIT

Information was obtained regarding moun-
tain goats on the Flathead and Sun River ranges,
during the grizzly bear surveys conducted in those
areas. This work indicated that the mountain goat
population in the area open to hunting was hold-
ing its own. The neighboring closed areas ap-
parently play an important part in that goats
were found to drift into the hunted areas from
protected ranges.

[41

SUN RIVER UNIT

(Progress Report)
Introduction:

The small number of mountain sheep remain-
ing in the state are apparently little better than
holding their own. The reason for this is the
number one wildlife problem, not only in Mon-
tana but throughout the West. From one of the
more abundant big game species of half a cen-
tury ago, the mountain sheep have dwindled to
a small number of isolated groups.

Many theories have been put forth attempt-
ing to explain this unsatisfactory condition. In
breeding, due to the isolated location of the small
bands, an overabundance of rams, and the affect
of disease — particularly pneumonia, have been
put forth as possible contributing causes. There
is also the thought that the activities of civiliza-
tion have caused the mountain sheep to remain
throughout the year in areas of higher elevation
and a more severe climate than they were ac-
customed to on their historic range. Competition
for forage with other game species and, in some
cases, livestock is another consideration.

To date the riddle has remained unsolved.
One band in the West, however, has proved the
exception to the rest. The Tarryall herd in Colo-
rado, which is said to have numbered seven head
in 1923, now includes over 400. This exception only
goes to prove that mountain sheep have the po-
tential possibility of rapid increase if conditions
are favorable.

The Sun River herd has been selected for a
detailed investigation. This unit is representative
of the mountain sheep ranges of the state. It is
therefore felt that the result of the investigation
in this area may be applied for the development
of this species in other parts of the state.
Procedure:

On May 20, 1942, a fieldman was assigned
to the Sun River area to carry on detailed in-

vestigations of the mountain sheep and their

ranges.

Findings:

All of the sheep seen during the present sum-
mer have seemed healthy. The census to date
totals 206 animals: 13 rams, 75 ewes, 20 yearlings,
49 lambs, and 49 unclassified. This represents the
summer count. Few mature rams were seen on
the lower and intermediate portions of the range.
Those that were found were in high inaccessible
areas. Counts during the breeding season of early
December will no doubt show a marked increase
in rams.

A desirable number of lambs has been ob-
served during the past summer season with a
ewe-lamb ratio of 1 : .83. However, the number
of yearlings was comparatively small, indicating
the probability of a rather serious loss of lambs
during the first winter.

The range conditions have been recorded as
excellent. No evidence was found of coyote dam-
age during the summer months. Golden eagles
are very common the year around in this area.
The possibility of predation from this source is
being carefully checked.

The work on this project will be completed
on June 30, 1943. A detailed report covering the
complete findings will be available at that time.

URAL TWEED MOUNTAIN SHEEP REPORT

A cooperative mountain sheep investigation
was carried on during the winter of 1940-1941.
The work was conducted on the game ranges
between Five Mile and Sutton creeks on the east
side of the Kootenai river. This area lies 30 miles
north of Libby on the road to Rexford. The Mon-
tana Fish <S Game Commission and the U. S.
Forest Service sponsored this project jointly. Rob-
ert Brink conducted the field work and submitted
the final report.

Within the winter range of the big horns the
mountains rise rather abruptly from the narrow-
river bottoms. Outcroppings of ledge type rock
occur along these steep side hills. The entire area
is predominately timbered with larch and fir.

It was found that approximately 100 head of

mountain sheep were wintering in the area. There

was no evidence which indicated serious deple-

(Please turn to page 93)

[42:

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MONTANA.
MOOSE RANGE

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Moose in Montana are quite widely scattered
throughout the mountainous portions of the state.
They lack the gregarious habits of the elk and
are therefore seldom found in groups numbering
more than three or four individuals. The more im-
portant moose ranges are located in the Big Hole-

crop) Bull moose ieeding- in a lliffh mountain
Lake Abundance.

(Bottom) Meadow at lower elevation. Dead willows indi-
cate heavy winter use.

Wise River area, the headwaters of Rock Creek
south of Phillipsburg, portions of the Bitterroot
range, the North Fork of the Flathead River drain-
age, and the ranges north and west of Yellow-
stone Park.

The moose ranges lying north of Yellowstone
Park have been designated as the Hellroaring-
Slough Creek Unit. The following is a summary
or short digest regarding the findings resulting
from wildlife investigations that have been car-
ried out within this unit.

Yellowstone National Park has served as a
nucleus for the protection of moose and from there
they have spread into the Asbaroka Primitive
Area, the Gallatin, Tom Miner Basin, and other
adjacent ranges. The Slough Creek, Buffalo and
Hellroaring drainages, an area of approximately
183,000 acres which lies adjacent to the northern
boundary of Yellowstone National Park in the Ab-
saroka National Forest, contains a heavy popula-
tion of these comparatively rare animals. During
the winter of 1941-42 an extensive survey of this
and other areas was made, and throughout the
summer of 1942 an intensive study was continued
in the Slough Creek-Buffalo-Hellroaring Unit alone.

For years this wilderness tract, with an abun-
dance of natural forage and marshy terrain, was
highly desired by moose. About 1925 they be-
gan to be seen in large numbers, and by 1935
they had increased to such an extent that the
principal forage plant, the willow, was being par-
tially killed in certain of the more heavily used
winter range areas.

Sex Ratio: Female-

SUMMARY OF MOOSE CENSUS

Drainage

Slough Creek
Buffalo Forks
Hellroaring ....

Yearling
Male

5

0
4

Yearling
Female Female

20 5

13 1

20 8

Calves Total Add. Est.

12 73 54

8 44 11

10 77 25

53

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GRAND
TOTAL

1 27
55
L02

90

Total Males
-40.25 per cent.

-97 Total Female— 67
Male: 59.75 per cent:

284
Total Yearlings 23

Total Young— 30

Per cent of Young: 15.46 per cent

[44]

Procedure:

Early in June, 1942, a two-man crew started
the intensive study, making Eagle Creek Cabin
near Gardiner, Montana, their headquarters. By
using two pack and two saddle horses, they were
able to make camp in different parts of the drain-
ages and to work from these progressively. After
each day's fieldwork, the route of travel taken
during the day and the amount and kind of game
seen was plotted on a map. A complete fieldbook
was also kept which contained the following data:
date and location of moose, elk, deer, bear, and
grouse seen; weather and mileage records; for-
age utilization figures; and the size of all bear
tracks measured. A rough analysis of all bear
feces was made.

A total of 164 adult (40.25 per cent female and
59.75 per cent male) and 30 calf moose were seen
during the summer. This figure does not include
duplications. If what was thought to be the same
moose was seen on more than one occasion, it
was not recorded. The identification of individual

animals was fairly positive, due to the wide
variation of their physical features, such as: size
and shape of antlers, size and shape of bell, and
size and color variation of body form. The calving
period in moose extends over a period of ap-
proximately one month, and therefore calves vary-
in size and color during the first three or four
months of their lives. This fact helps distin-
guish one family group from another.

A calf crop of 15.46 per cent was found. This
figure indicates that the moose are increasing
normally in the area studied.

Due to the surplus of bulls and the damage
being done the main food species, it is recom-
mended that a plan be put into effect which will
even up the sex ratio the first year and the fol-
lowing years allow for a harvesting of the an-
nual increase. In order to put the sex ratio on
a 50-50 basis, the limited kill of 30 mature bulls
is suggested, as shown in the following table:

(Please turn to page 93)

MONTANA MOOSE SURVEY

SLOUGH CREEK- BUFFALO- HELLROARING UNIT SUMMER 1942

4

fylatUead Qcune McMGUfetnent 1rf*ut

South Fork and Middle Fork Units
Winter 1941-1942
Introduction:

This unit consists of the drainages of the
Middle Fork and South Fork of the Flathead
River. The lower portion of the Middle Fork drain-
age is rough, precipitous, and many snowslides
occur in this area during the winter months. The
upper drainage is rough to rolling, with many-
windswept ridges. The South Fork drainage rises
from an elevation of 3,200 feet at Coram to 5,400
on the low divide at the head of Danaher Creek.
The valley floor is from one to two miles wide
on an average; however, it narrows to a gorge
type at several points. The vegetative cover va-
ries from mature forest to thickets of lodgepole
reproduction and brush. This latter type has come
in on burned over areas.

The first authentic records of elk in this
unit were furnished by Colonel Seevers in 1876.
He reported having killed elk near the upper end
of the Spotted Bear River. The first record of elk
having been killed in any number was recorded
in 1911, when 115 elk were taken from this area.
No detailed study was made of the Flathead elk
herd until after the severe winter of 1931-32. A
crew making a trip through the area in the late
winter of 1932 reported many elk had winter
killed. They found over 500 dead elk while trav-
eling from White River Flat to Cayuse Creek, a
distance of less than ten miles. They reported
that the remainder of the herd was in very poor
condition.

There is no farming or stock grazing within
the unit. Logging operations on the lower reaches
of the drainage have no apparent effect upon
the game or winter ranges. Other than watershed,
the primary value of this area lies on its recrea-
tional resources, including wildlife.
Procedure:

By November 1, 1941, all necessary outpost
camps and main stations had been fully stocked
with provisions and equipment. Six men con-
ducted the survey work that was carried on con-
tinuously until May 1, 1942. One two-man crew
worked the Middle Fork drainage, one crew the
lower South Fork, and the third the upper South

Fork. During the six-month period, these men
traveled a total of 4,106 miles over winter game
ranges, the majority of this travel being on snow-
shoes. Because of the mild winter, light snows,
and lack of heavy game concentrations, the men
were required to cover much more country than
would be necessary under more severe winter
conditions, with elk concentrated on restricted
winter range.

The census work indicated the numbers of
elk in the South Fork drainage to be 2,870 and
in the Middle Fork 750. The survey and classifica-
tion of 119,000 acres of the 135,000 acres total
winter game range rated 11,000 acres as under-
populated, 49,000 acres overpopulated, and 58,-
500 acres as properly used by game. The condi-
tion of the forage on the winter ranges was used
as a basis for determining the above informa-
tion. The heavily used areas indicated a serious
amount of damage among such important species
as willow, aspen, mountain maple, and even in
some cases the conifers, as lodgepole pine and
Douglas fir. The elk in the Flathead unit are pri-
marily dependent upon the use of shrubs through-
out the winter months, because this damage to
this class of forage drastically curtails the car-
rying capacity of the range.

In order to obtain an appraisal of the im-
portant winter ranges in the South Fork and
Middle Fork units, areas that were found to be
properly utilized were used as guides in esti-
mating the proper number of elk that should be
carried on adjacent winter ranges of similar char-
acter. All of this information was summarized
and the findings indicated the possibility of in-
creasing the numbers in some portions of the
range, and the necessity of decreasing in others.
The final figures show that for the Middle Fork
a safe stocking would be 660 elk. This closely
approximated the determined number in the area.
In the South Fork it was determined that the
available winter forage would support approxi-
mately 1,800 to 2,000 head of elk, which indi-
cates a desired decrease of between 800 and 900
head. For the entire Flathead unit it was deter-
mined that 2,500 head of elk would be a safe
number to maintain. (Please turn to page 95)

t46]

FLATHEAD GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT

IfuaUtlt (Zioe/i MattcXfement Idtut

Introduction:

The Judith River Management Unit, an area
of approximately 240,000 acres, was intensively
studied during the winter of 1941-42. This region
is drained by the Judith River in the Little Belt
Mountains. Other parts of the Little Belts, Castle
and Crazy Mountains were extensively surveyed
to find their relationship with the Judith River Unit.

In 1929 the Judith River Game and Bird Pre-
serve was created. This, along with the buck law,
predator control, better law enforcement, and less
stock on the National Forest lands, tended to
increase the mule deer population until it reached
its maximum number in 1939. Due to the top-
ography of the drainage, the deer use a limited
area as winter range, part of which is privately
owned land.

During 1927-28 eighty-six elk were planted
in the game preserve. They had increased to ap-
proximately 275 head by 1941, not including the
annual hunter harvest. During severe winter
weather the elk use a small portion of privately
owned land as winter range; however, the pres-
ent extended season on male elk until February
28 in the Indian Hill area helps hold them on
the national forest lands.

The main purpose of the study was to find
the extent of damage being done to privately
owned lands, and the degree of use of the forage
species on the National Forest lands in the heav-
ily populated areas. To accomplish this, an ac-
curate census of both mule deer and elk had
to be made, along with monthly inspections to
determine the condition of the winter range.
Procedure:

On November 1, 1941, a two-man crew began
work on this unit, using the Judith Station as
headquarters. Two cabins were stocked with sup-
plies, one on the Middle Fork and one on the
Lost Fork of the Judith River. The Judith Unit was
then divided into 30 range units, and each was
visited for the purpose of inspecting the condition
of the range and of making game counts. After
this was accomplished each month, an extensive
survey was made over other parts of the Little
Belts, Castle, and Crazy Mountains.

The crew fini:'h<-<] tin 1 1 tiold work the last of

April after spending approximately six months
in the field. They traveled a total of 5,539 miles by
car, 1,818 miles by foot, and 240 miles by horse.
Findings:

A census of 1,800 mule deer and 275 elk was
made in the Judith River Unit alone. Approxi-
mately 63 per cent of the deer were found to be
ranging off the National Forest on privately owned
lands during the winter months. In the Sapphire
Mines area the deer count averaged from 60 to
140 per square mile during this period.

When the range livestock was removed from
the National Forest lands October 15, the range
was found to have been utilized 45 per cent. The
first heavy use of forage by game was noticed
on the lower portion of the game preserve. This
was due to the congregation of deer and elk
within the protected area during the hunting sea-
son. Over a period of years abnormal early use
of this critical portion of the winter range, coupled
with the continued use after the hunting season,
has resulted in serious damage to the forage
species. Several adjacent range areas were found
to be under used by game. Thus the problem
was found to be distinctly one of distribution.
Recommendations:

It is recommended that the present boun-
daries of the Judith River Game and Bird Pre-
serve be shifted so as to eliminate the lower,
heavily used portion and enlarge the upper part.
This change would prevent the deer and elk from
congregating on winter range during the late fall
and early winter, and would thus achieve util-
ization of the more abundant forage at the higher
elevations. Revision of the present boundary
would also tend to redistribute the game to under
populated game areas by changing the migra-
tion routes, and would thus enable the winter
ranges within the National Forest to support a
larger number of game animals than at present,
without causing damage ot privately owned lands.

A closed area in a portion of the Dry Wolf
Unit, which lies adjacent to the northern boundary
of the Judith River Unit, is also recommended. The
purpose of this closure would be to increase the
big game population in this area which offers an
abundance of winter forage. In this way a more de-
sirable distribution of game would be achieved.

[48]

JUDITH RIVER
GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT

Jli+icoln Go+uitif Blf Qame Iftut

The unit includes all of Lincoln county. Top-
ography, climate and vegetative cover blend
themselves to make this Montana's most ideal
deer range. Wildlife, particularly deer, has al-
ways been plentiful. This resource has played an
important part in the development of the area.
The early explorers and trappers, the miners that
followed, and eventually the railroad builders
all depended on the wildlife for the stocking of
their larders. Between 1898 and 1900, deer hides
became legal tender, valued at 50c per hide, and
as a result there followed a low ebb in the popu-
lation of deer. Even in the latter depression years
the deer of this area played an important part
in the economic welfare of the community.

The period between 1911 and 1918 showed
a gradual increase in the population of deer.
However, it was not until after 1933 that the be-
ginning of a remarkable build-up in their num-
bers became evident. The creation of the Wolf
Creek Game Preserve in 1923, the adoption of

(Upper) Mule deer fawn of the previous spring-.
(lower) The Franklin's Grouse, or fool hen, is more abun
dant in Lincoln County then anywhere else in the state.

the buck law, and the creation of the Graves Creek
Preserve in 1933 and the series of favorable years
that have followed have been responsible for
the development in this area of the greatest single
herd of deer in the state.

The survey conducted by the Fish and Game
Department during the winter of 1941-42 disclosed
a population of 25,000 deer, 35 elk, and 98 moun-
tain sheep. Grizzly bear and mountain goats
are only represented in small numbers and
are at the present on the decline, while black
bear have been gradually increasing since 1923.

Too little is known of actual hunting pressure
in this area, but whatever the losses from legal
and illegal hunting, accidental and natural caus-
es, it is known that it does not approach the an-
nual production of deer, as is evidenced by the
steady growth over the past few years.

As the amount of available winter range
will always control the numbers of game ani-
mals that can be maintained within a given area,
the efforts of the game studies men were con-
fined to the 416,000 acres of principal winter
range within the area. For a four-month period
each year there are confined to this winter range
25,000 deer, 35 elk and 98 mountain sheep. Distri-
bution over the whole area, as computed from
these figures, indicates one deer for every 16.64
acres of winter range. Unfortunately there is not
an even distribution. On the Wolf Creek-Fisher
River area there were found 5,500 deer on 41,600
acres, or one deer to every 7.5 acres. A study
of range conditions shows that all key species
of forage plants, as well as some emergency
food species, are being utilized to the point of
killing. Similar conditions exist on the winter
ranges in the Graves Creek area. The number
of deer in these two areas has increased beyond
the carrying capacity cf the forage. Other units
of range, as shown on the map, are either under-
stocked or considered to be properly stocked.

In making recommendations for management
of this unit, it is realized that a considerable
amount of factual material is still needed. Such
management as is recommended at this time will
not go beyond that which can be sub^i
by the investigative work carried out in the area.
The present as well as the future proposed man-
agement practices will be directed toward (1)
[50]

the relief of the present overstocked portions of
the area; (2) to effect a distribution of game ani-
mals into understocked areas, and (3) the opti-
mum production of game animals over the entire
area consistent with demand for game and the
continued vegetative productivity of the ranges.
In order that a more desirable distribution
of deer may be obtained in the Wolf Creek area,
it is recommended that the boundary of the pre-

serve be shifted to embrace an adjoining under-
stocked unit of comparable size to the north of
the present closure.

A detailed salt distribution plan has been
developed and is being carried out. The presence
of salt on the higher ranges will tend to draw-
deer from the natural licks located on winter
ranges and thus relieve the present prolonged
use of these vitally needed areas.

[51]

Mountain goat. A fine billy take]
in the Bitterroot range.

IZittevioot .2W and Zlk
Survey

WINTER OF 1941-1942

The Bitterroot winter big game survey was
originally intended to cover all of the moun-
tainous portions of Ravalli County. The unit was
bounded by the Rock Creek and Sapphire Rang-
es on the East and South, and the steep, jagged
Bitterroot Range on the West. For convenience
in the development of management plans, the
area was divided into four units; these may be
described as follows:

1. The East Fork Unit. This includes the
entire drainage of the East Fork of the Bitterroot
River and Rye Creek.

2. The Skalkaho Unit. The ranges lying be-
tween Rye Creek and Willow Creek make up
this area.

3. The Burnt Creek Unit. This includes the
game ranges lying on the west slope of the Sap-
phire Range between Willow Creek and the coun-
ty line.

4. Bitterroot Range Unit. The West Fork of
the Bitterroot River drainage, as well as the Bit-

terroot Range lying between the valley and the
Idaho line, make up this large unit.

It was found that a detailed coverage of the
area by a two-man crew would be impossible.
As units (1) and (2) presented the most urgent
problem, a majority of the time was spent in these
two areas. Detailed observations were made of
the migration of both deer and elk from their
summer to their winter ranges. After the game
had settled down on their winter ranges, a cov-
erage was made every two weeks to obtain in-
formation concerning numbers of game animals,
sex ratios, percentage of young, losses, and win-
ter range conditions. The following is a brief
summary of the information obtained from the
winter's investigations.

East Fork Unit

(a) The winter range as a whole is not yet
seriously overused. However, damage to impor-
tant browse species by game animals, coupled
with increased use of hay stacks and cultivated
fields, indicates that the saturation point has been
reached.

(b) One of the most important limiting fac-
tors to further expansion of the game herds in
this area is the fact that the majority of the vital
winter range is either privately owned or leased.

(c) The use resulting from the presence of
approximately 1,700 deer and 850 elk, in addi-
tion to the summer use by domestic livestock on
the 23,000 acres of critical winter range, was
found to be too heavy for continued productivity.

(d) It was agreed that the range would sup-
port a deer herd of 1,250 animals and 650 elk,
plus the present use by domestic livestock.

(e) After the game herds have been ad-
justed to the carrying capacity of the winter range,
an annual kill of 120 elk and 200 deer could be
maintained.

Skalkaho Unit

(a) It was found that the present number
of 675 elk and 575 deer does not overstock the
range.

(b) The summer distribution of game, par-
ticularly elk, was found to be undesirable. Much
of the forage on critical winter ranges was being
used during the summer months.

(c) Present use of private lands by elk does
not present a serious problem. These ranges are

(Please turn to page 94)

[52]

BITTERROOT GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT

Y7Z\ PROPERLY STOCKED

OVER STOCKED
E^| UNDER STOCKED

ION ROUTES

^■lUi GneeJi-<1Uo4tupAxi*t (liuesi l4*u£

WINTER 1941 and 1942

The Fish Creek-Thompson River Game Man-
agement Unit lies in western Montana and in-
cludes all of the Cabinet and a portion of the
Lolo National Forests. The unit boundaries, stort-
ing at Missoula, extend south to Lolo, Montana,
thence in a westerly direction following Lolo
Creek to the Montana-Idaho divide, thence in a
north-westerly direction along the State divide to
Divide Peak, thence north to Scotchman Peak,
thence in a general eastern and southeasterly di-
rectly along the Sanders-Lincoln county line to
Crystal Lake, thence to Meadow Peak and Mc-
Gregor Peak, thence in a southeasterly direction
along the Indian Reservation line to Grant Creek,
thence south to Missoula, point of starting.

The terrain is largely mountainous, consist-
ing of the Bitterroot range, the Couer d'Alene and
Cabinet mountains. Timber types are generally
yellow pine on the south slopes, Douglas fir on
the north slopes, and lodgepole in the bottom
areas. The principal browse species are redstem
and evergreen Ceanothus, servicebe'rry, moun-
tain maple, and willow. Cheat, bunch grass, and
fescue make up the dominant grass coverage, and
associated with these low growth forms are kin-
nikinnick, elk sedge, and Oregon grape.

Climatic conditions are fairly uniform over
the area at comparative altitudes, with snow
depth ranging from 0 to 12 inches on the south
slopes to four feet on the north slopes at the
elevations used by big game.

Mule deer on typical win
age. The Mountain Bolm
may lie seen in the for

The management unit comprises an area of
about 4,000 square miles which is reduced to 480
square miles of usable big game winter range.
Of the available winter range, 256 square miles
was found to be under used by game, 156 square
miles properly used, and 69 square miles heavily
used.

The principal game management problem
is one of redistribution, the objective being to
lessen the use on the heavily used areas and
build it up upon the under used sections. It is
thought that this may be brought about by care-
fully controlled hunting, supplemented by proper
and adequate salt distribution. Within the entire
unit, four areas were found that presented par-
ticular problems. These were the Fish Creek,
Little Joe, Thompson River, and Cherry Creek
winter game ranges.

The Fish Creek area was found to have a
game population of approximately 1,600 mule
deer, 1,200 white tail deer, and 90 elk. The mule
deer winter range was found to be adequate and
would support up to 1,600 deer. The whitetail
range was much more restricted. Due to the lack
of this particular type of range, it was felt that
to avoid heavy winter losses the number of white-
tail deer to be maintained year after year should
not greatly exceed 500 head. A salting plan was
drawn up and is being put into effect. The pres-
ence of adequate amounts of salt upon the sum-
mer ranges will tend to draw the game up off
the badly needed winter range as quickly as pos-
sible in the spring, and hold them in the higher
ranges later in the fall.

The most urgent problem found in the study
of the Little Joe Game Preserve was one of re-
distributing the present heavy mule deer popula-
tion in order to build up their numbers in adjoin-
ing districts and to prevent further undesirably
heavy use of the available winter range. Only
9,500 acres of the total of 65,000 acres were found
to be available to the deer during the winter
months. The foraging activities of the 2,600 game
animals have resulted in damage to the range
due to heavy use of browse plants upon exposed
sites. It was further indicated that the deer popula-
tion upon the preserve had not materially In
creased during the past seven years.

FISH CREEK- THOMPSON RIVER
GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT

WESTERN MONTANA

UNIT BOUNDARY

> Closure-
preserve BOUNDARY -

RELATIVE ABUNOANCE WINTER RANGE
. OVERSTOCMI

The investigation brought out the point that
this heavy use of vitally needed winter forage
could be remedied by shifting the boundary of
the present game preserve to embrace a neigh-
boring understocked area of comparable size.

The Thompson River winter game range con-
sists of the entire drainage of the river from
Thompson Lakes to the Clark's Fork River. The

principal game species is the whitetail deer; there
are only a small number of mule deer and elk
in the area. The census work showed that ap-
proximately 2,600 whitetail deer were winter-
ing upon a restricted range of not over 12,500
acres. Only a small percentage of this area (ap-
proximately 500 acres) produces a substantial
amount of important browse plants.

[55

Every effort should be made to conserve for-
age on the winter range for use during the criti-
cal periods. The two natural licks on the Thomp-
son River winter range should be fenced. Deer
use these licks heavily in the spring and to a
lesser extent during the summer and fall. This
use keeps game on the winter ranges when they
should be on the adequate summer range. A
salting plan has also been worked out to aid
in drawing the deer off their winter range. For
this reason the plan calls for the plant of salt
on the ridges and passes away from the areas
used during the winter months.

The present average take by hunters of 200
bucks a year is thought to be adequate.

The use of critical winter range areas by
game should be given careful consideration in
the formation and correlation of land use plans
for this area.

A careful investigation of the Cherry Creek
Game Preserve indicated that only a small num-
ber of areas within its boundary show evidence
of heavy use by game. Of the 35,000 acres in
the preserve, about 9,600 acres constitute winter
range. Past records indicate that for several years
the game population has fluctuated but little.

The need for a revised salting plan is evi-
dent. In several cases salting in the past had
been carried out upon portions of the winter
range. The new plan calls for salt placements
to be made only on the high summer ranges. This
area is quite accessible by mountain roads. If
the game population builds up to a point where
it becomes injurious to its own food supply, it
may be easily controlled by a limited amount
of hunting.

r,N,l'f

A mule deer fawn a few hours old.
The pattern of white spots blends
harmoniously with the lights and
shadows of the forest floor. This,
coupled with the fact that these little
fellows are almost, if not entirely,
odorless, is an important protection
from roving: predators.

QalLatUt Ma*u2Xfe*He*tt IttUt

Introduction:

The area included in this unit lies on both
sides of the upper reaches of the Gallatin River.
The princial winter range includes a total of ap-
proximately 60,000 acres and extends 20 miles
down the Gallatin River from the Yellowstone
Park boundary.

Historians differ as to the origin of this elk
herd, but the concensus of opinion is that the
remnants of elk that survived the early day plains
hunter adapted themselves to the mountainous
environment.

According to Mr. C. K. Skinner of the Park
Service, elk were scarce in Yellowstone Park
up to 1890, after which they began to increase
in numbers. In 1908 the records indicate that
winter storms and deep snows in the park drove
large bands of elk into the valleys of the Madi-
son and Gallatin Rivers.

Between 1890 and 1906 the present winter
elk range was grazed heavily by range live-
stock. In 1908 the first area in Montana to be set
aside for big game was closed to grazing by
the Forest Service. This game range was located
on the Bacon Rind, Snowslide and Monument
Creeks of this winter area. Heavy stocking con-
tinued over other portions of the range, however,
until 1917. Since 1917 the numbers have been
gradually reduced. The result has been the re-
moval of the serious conflicts on the winter elk
ranges.

The principal problem as regards manage-
ment of elk in this area is primarily one of dis-
tribution. That is the prevention of undesirably
heavy concentrations on relatively small areas
during the winter months. The number of elk
that this unit will support year after year is of
necessity limited. One of the specific objectives
of the winter's investigation was, therefore, the
determination of the carrying capacity of these
winter ranges.
Procedure:

On November 15, 1941, a two-man crew
started the investigative work that was carried
on continuously until April 30, 1942. Headquar-
ters was at the Cinnamon Station, which is situ-
ated in the approximate center of the winter
range area. Field stations at convenient intervals

were stocked early in the fall. The 60,000 acres
of winter range was covered twice each month
by horse as long as snow depths permitted, after
which coverage was made on foot with the aid
of snowshoes or skis.
Findings:

The attached map shows the extent of the
average winter range. By the appropriate sym-
bols are shown areas of heavy use, under use,
and those ranges that are considered to be prop-
erly stocked with game animals. A survey to
eliminate portions of the winter range that were
found to be nonusable because of barren rock,
heavily drifted snow, cliffs, or other reasons, re-
sulted in a reduction of the available range on
an average winter to 41,830 acres.

The Key Area — Key Species method was used
in determining the desirable carrying capacity
of the winter elk range. By this method the use
made of the most important forage plants on
typical portions of the various units of the win-
ter range was used as an index to the number
of elk the area as a whole would support through-
out the critical winter months. In this way it was
determined that the Gallatin unit would support
approximately 2,000 elk.

The census for 1941-42 placed the total num-
ber in this herd at approximately 2,500 head.
From 875 identified animals of breeding age a
sex ratio of one bull to 6.4 cows was determined.
Of the total herd, 57.3 per cent were cows (in-
cluding yearlings), 19.3 per cent were bulls, and
23.4 per cent were calves. This year's study
indicates an increase of 620 animals over the
number determined in the area the previous
year.

The dates of migration from the summer
range in the park to the Gallatin winter range
appear primarily controlled by weather condi-
tions. During the average year it has been found
to begin during the latter part of September.
By October elk have been observed in migra-
tory herds in the park area from Daily Creek to
the headwaters of the Gallatin River. Their travel
to the winter ranges follows well established
migration routes. The presence of hunters along
the boundary of the Gallatin Game Preserve has
acted as a check to this natural drift. This has

[ 57 ]

in the past created a concentration of 1,000 to
1,500 elk on the vital winter ranges of the Tepee
and Daily Creeks, preventing a normal distribu-
tion and utilization of the ranges of the lower
country. The attached map shows this area of
heavy use. On the upper Gallatin, in the vicinity
of Tepee Creek, there is marked evidence of over-
utilization of forage by elk during winter months.
In this area most of the Key-Species have been
used very heavily, and some to the point of
killing. Early stages of erosion are evident on
the west and south exposures of the hills in the
lower Tepee, Daily and Black Butte Creeks.

Conservation Committee for the Upper
Gallatin Water Shed

In February, 1932, a group of men interested
in this particular game problem, and representing
the Montana State College at Bozeman, Bozeman
Chamber of Commerce, Forest Service, National
Park Service, Sportsmen's Organization, Dude
Ranches, State Game Department, Stockmen and
the Northern Pacific Railroad, were called to-
gether by Fred B. Williams, president of the
Bozeman Rod and Gun Club, to correlate the sev-

eral uses being made of the winter range of the
Gallatin elk herd. Out of this group there ema-
nated the Conservation Committee of the Upper
Gallatin Watershed. (When it was created, the
Junior Chamber of Commerce was also included
in the group.)

The members of this committee have trav-
eled on horseback twice each year over the
principal winter elk ranges. As a result of these
inspection trips, a definite set of recommenda-
tions has been drawn up and submitted to the
Fish and Game Commission. The aid and co-
operation given by this group has been greatly
appreciated.

Recommendations:

(1) That the number of elk using this winter
range should be maintained at approximately
2,000 head.

(2) That the Squaw Creek Checking Station
should be maintained in order that accurate data
may be kept on the kill by hunters. It is fur-
ther recommended that an annual field check
be made during the most desirable winter period.

(Please turn to page 95)

This yearling: mule deer buck seems
very proud of his first antlers. The
single spikes as shown in this picture
are rather rare in this species in Mon-
tana. Small two-point hoads are far

$ .-

&u+i Rive/i Qame Ran^e A lea

Introduction:

The range of the Sun River elk herd lies with-
in the drainage of the upper Sun River and im-
mediately adjacent drainages. An area of ap-
proximately 600,000 acres is included within this
unit. Geographically, the area is bounded on the
west by the Continental Divide, on the north by
and including the drainage of the Teton river, on
the south by the drainage of the Dearborn river,
and on the east the prairies.

The Sun River Game Preserve, comprising
199,661 acres, was created in 1913. This appar-
ently marked an important step in the develop-
ment of the present elk hred. By 1920 the elk in
this area had increased so markedly that they
were classed with the more important herds in
the United States. The Sun River elk developed
entirely from native stock. A plant has never
been made in the area.

During the period prior to the creation of the
National Forests and for some time thereafter,
range livestock, both cattle and sheep, grazed in
large numbers over the more accessible portions
of the Sun River ranges. There has been, how-
ever, a marked reduction in the use of this area
by domestic livestock. This has been particularly
true on units found to be important as winter
elk range.

The drift of elk into areas outside the Forest
boundary has presented an important manage-
ment problem for a number of years. Prior to 1925
the elk from the Sun River herd wintered well
back within the boundaries of the National For-
est. Early severe fall storms that year caused elk
to drift down onto lower ranges, reaching in some
cases areas outside the Forest. The first heavy
kill in the history of the herd took place that fall
(637 head). During subsequent winters the pat-
tern of elk migration definitely expanded to in-
clude the lower and foothill ranges. The use of
these lower ranges by elk reached its peak during
the extremely severe winter of 1929-30.

Control measures were inaugurated soon after
the drift to outside ranges set in. This consisted
of actual patrol work. The men engaged traveled
on horseback, on snowshoes and on foot. The
objective has been to keep the main body of
the elk herd within the Forest boundary during
the winter months.

The success of the patrol work has increased
markedly throughout the years. A lack of man
power was a definite handicap until the winter
of 1938-39. The work that winter marked the be-
ginning of an intensive patrol. This type of work
has been carried on each winter since that time
with a marked degree of success.
Procedure:

Last winter's big game work on the Sun
River area extended from November, 1941, to
April, 1942. The two fieldmen made their head-
quarters at Hannan Station on the lower Sun
River Canyon. Other field stations were used
as stop-over camps on the regular trips through-
out the winter game ranges. During the winter
the crew traveled approximately 1,140 miles on
foot and snowshoes and 724 miles on horseback.
The winter ranges were covered once each month.

A detailed record was kept concerning each
day's observations. This included census figures,
range conditions, feeding habits, and movements
or migrations of game animals, as well as in-
formation pertaining to disease and parasites and
other information considered important phases of
the life history of the Sun River elk herd.
Findings:

Weather conditions on the Sun River game
range during the past winter apparently varied
in no important respect from normal. The move-
ment of elk beyond the Forest boundary was
very light. The State elk patrol was successful
in checking this drift.

The most heavily used winter elk range was
found in the lower West Fork of the Sun River
within the Game Preserve boundary. Heavy use
occurs during late fall in this area. The elk are
held back by hunters along the lower margin of
the closed area, and at the same time are pushed
down out of higher ranges by deepening snows.
Elk use this area very heavily during the spring
and early summer. The large natural lick near
the mouth of the West Fork tends to hold large
numbers of elk on these lower ranges when they
should be drifting onto the high summer ranges.

[61

Limited areas on the North Fork of the Sun River
range receive heavy elk use during the spring
months. This type of usage is confined to the
most exposed slopes, as well as areas within the
proximity of natural licks.

(Top) Looking- south along: the ChineBe Wall from Larch
Hill Pass. ThiB escarpment extends for many miles along
the Continental Divide between the Sun River and riathead.
It is 70O to 1,000 feet in heig-ht. Elk are able to cross at
only a few high passes, and these are blocked by deep
drifts during the winter months. (Middle) A migrating- herd
of elk on one of the high passes. (Bottom) Loading 50-
pound blocks of game salt at Augusta in preparation for
distribution by airplane.

Census work carried on during the past sea-
son indicates that between 2,500 and 2,600 elk
wintered in the Sun River area. The age class
distribution, as based upon positively identified
animals, showed that 27 per cent were calves of
the previous season. This figure indicates a high
rate of increase for the herd.

Two distinct phases of migration have been
found to occur in connection with the Sun River
elk herd:

1. Migrations from one portion of the Sun
River drainage to another. These movements are
motivated by a desire for forage. During the win-
ter months, distinct routes are followed as the
elk move from the deep snow of the high ranges
onto areas where food is more available.

2. Migrations in and out of the Sun River
proper. The past year's work, as well as previous
surveys and observations, have pointed toward a
relationship between the Sun River and Flathead
elk herds. Use by elk of the passes along the
Continental Divide was first noticed in 1917. The
volume of this movement has apparently in-
creased markedly since that time. It appears that
the early hunting season throughout the head-
waters of the South Fork of the Flathead has been
an important factor in causing a movement of
elk into the Sun River during the early fall. Ob-
servations further indicate that the majority of
the elk that move into this Sun River, winter there.
It is thought that this movement of elk from the
Flathead has been an important factor in main-
taining the number of elk on the Sun River
ranges.

Work in the field, both during the fall and
spring, has shown that the most important elk
passes along the Continental Divide are the fol-
lowing:

1. Indian Creek-Molly Creek Pass.

2. Larch Hill-White River Pass.

3. Lick Creek-Hart Creek Pass.

An analysis of the number of elk killed by
hunters for each season since 1910 indicates that
weather has been the most important single
factor in determining the volume of kill. Severe
fall storms have tended to move the elk out of
the more remote ranges into areas where they
may be reached by hunters. Checking station
records covering the past 1 1 years are listed in
the following tabulation:

Elk Killed by Man in Sun River Area
In Last 11 Years

Year

Kill

Year

Kill

1932 642

1933 200

1934 187

1935 266

1936 200

1937 505

1938 1,000

1939 200

1940 600

1941 ...1,100

1942 1,108

Recommendations:

(a) The number of elk in the Sun River herd
should be maintained at between 2,000 and 2,500
head. This is based upon the estimated carrying
capacity of the available winter range within
the National Forest boundary.

(b) The problems of heavy vegetative use
in the Sun River area are local in character and
due primarily to faulty distribution. Every effort
should therefore be made to achieve the proper
distribution of the elk herd.

The placement of salt on game ranges has
been found to be an important factor in drawing
elk into desired areas. An intensive salting pro-
gram has been developed for the Sun River. The
salt plan calls for placement in strategic areas
at intermediate and high elevations. The follow-
ing objectives were kept in mind when the plan
was drawn up:

All salt should be placed above the winter
ranges. In this way, elk would be drawn up off
important winter ranges as soon as possible in
the spring of the year and kept off until late
in the fall. As a result the maximum amount of
forage would be reserved on ranges available to
the elk during the critical winter period. The de-
veloped plan also takes into consideration the
relief of heavy concentrations about natural licks.
It has been found that salt, properly placed and
available during the spring and early summer
months, has the desired effect of attracting elk
away from natural licks.

In the light of the above described objectives
it is recommended that the intensive salting pro-
gram inaugurated three years ago be continued.

A field check was made during the past sum-
mer to determine the results of the distribution of
1 1,700 pounds of salt by airplane on June 18, 1942.
The salt visited during this check indicated that
(Please turn to page 96)

[62]

/Zuj, Qame Suboeyd., WuUe* 19*2.-1943

SWAN VALLEY UNIT

Large portions of the Swan Valley have been
legged off at various intervals in the past. Much
of the cut over area now supports a heavy growth
of willow, as well as conifer reproduction. The
abundance of browse species has no doubt been
responsible for a rapid increase in the numbers
of whitetail deer in the area. Much important
information is needed in regard to the actual
numbers of deer now inhabiting the area, the
effect of predators, carrying capacity of the avail-
able winter ranges, as well as other important
facts pertaining to the well being of the game ani-
mals in the area.

BIG BLACKFOOT UNIT

The work in this area will be conducted on
the drainages of the Big Blackfoot and Clearwater
Rivers. As with the Swan unit, this is primarily
a deep snow country. Winter ranges are of neces-
sity restricted. Willow and other important browse
species make up an important share of the criti-
cal winter forage. The principal big game species
is the whitetail deer, although mule deer and elk
are also found within the unit. There appears to
be an interesting relationship between portions
of this range and the Danaher range on the upper
South Fork. An interchange of elk has been noted.
The same type of information is necessary as
that described under the discussion of the Swan
Valley unit.

Comparatively little has been known up to
this time concerning game conditions on both of
these big game ranges. A fund of reliable informa-
tion is therefore essential in developing the wild-
life resources on both these units.

h&u J ' -

MADISON VALLEY UNIT

The two man crew assigned to this unit will
cover not only the Madison but also the Gravely,
Ruby and Tobacco Root ranges. The present in-
formation pertaining to game conditions in this
area is very inadequate. It is particularly import-
ant to determine the affect the kill of doe deer,
allowed upon a portion of this unit, has had upon
the distribution, numbers and sex ratio of game
in that area. This kill was found necessary as a
control measure in preventing damage to private
property that had resulted from concentrations
of mule deer on several restricted ranges. The
past open season on both sexes in the area re-
sulted in a kill of 255 deer, of which 115 were
bucks and 140 does.

Small numbers of elk, mountain sheep and
moose also inhabit the area.

Snow blowing- from the crest of Sawtooth Mountain,
Lower Sun River Canyon. On many winter game ranges
strong winds play an important part in moving the
snow from exposed side hills and ridge tops, thus
creating vitally needed feeding areas.

ZaAtesut Matdcwa Bif Qatne Sww&tf,

A decided lack of information exists concern-
ing the possibilities of big game development on
the eastern half of the state.

In order that this type of work might be car-
ried on wisely and with due regard to other
land uses, a man was assigned to the area in the
fall of 1942. His job has been to inspect the ranges
upon which either deer or antelope or both may
be developed in substantial numbers. Plans for
the trapping of deer from overcrowded ranges in
the western portion of the state, and the trans-
planting of these animals upon desirable ranges
in eastern Montana, is an important phase of the
work being outlined. The possibility of reintro-
ducing mountain sheep in the breaks along the
Yellowstone and Missouri is also being investi-
gated.

Strategic locations for closed areas are being
mapped out. It is felt that a pattern of carefully
selected sanctuaries will aid materially in the
development of the big game resources on that
vast area.

Atitelofie, Survey

During the summer of 1941 six men made a
systematic coverage of all counties where ante-
lope are now found. This survey was incidental
to the regular upland game bird investigation,
but since in their work it was necessary to cover
all of the areas in which antelope are found, the
men were instructed to obtain the numbers of
antelope and map their present range. The data
was recorded progressively as the work advanced
through the counties. The map included in this
report indicates their present range. Counties in
which the heaviest concentrations of antelope
were found during the summer of 1941 were:
Carter, Stillwater, Powder River, Choteau, Mussel-
shell, Hill, Golden Valley, Wheatland, Custer and
Garfield.

Time did not permit intensive studies rela-
tive to their life history, sex ratio, per cent of
young, condition of range, or conflict with other
uses of the lands. The result of the survey, how-
ever, does indicate that Montana now has ap-
proximately 14,000 antelope which are distributed
throughout the eastern and central section of the
state.

Under ideal conditions and complete protec-
tion, antelope will increase approximately 25
per cent annually; that is, antelope possess the
highest potential rate of increase of any of our
big game species. A general open season would
prove fatal to numerous small herds. The only
safe way of harvesting the surpluses from de-
sired areas would be to permit only a given num-
ber to be taken from certain carefully designated
localities. Because of the limiting factors con-
trolling the maximum numbers of antelope that
can be raised, and the comparative ease with
which this species may be killed by hunters, it
is doubtful if it will ever be possible to harvest
a crop of antelope in any other way. The limited
license system has worked out very satisfactorily
in the hunting of antelope in neighboring western
states.

The antelopo has increased rapidly

throughout many portions of eastern

and central Montana.

MONTANA.

ANTELOPE RANGE ___

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MONTANA

ELK RANGE

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MONTANA.

WHITE-TAIL DEER RANGE

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IZuj, Qatne ^bevel&psn&nt

The introduction of game animals into de-
sirable new ranges and also their reestablishment
in areas where they were once found are im-
portant phases of wildlife development work.

The planting of elk has been an established
practice in several states, including Montana, for
many years. There are very few remaining areas,
however, where these animals may be intro-
duced without serious conflict with other land
uses. Interest has for that reason shifted to the
planting of other game species such as mountain
goats, mountain sheep, deer, and antelope.

Trapping and Transplanting Mountain Goats
and Mountain Sheep

The present, as well as the historic, moun-
tain goat range is quite limited in Montana. It is
found along the Continental Divide and on sev-
eral of the higher ranges to the West. There are
a number of areas located in the mountainous
portions of central Montana which present ap-
parently ideal goat range but upon which no
mountain goats are found. It is desirable, there-
fore, to introduce goats into these ranges.

A mountain goat nanny and her kid of the previous spring:, the Deep Creek pen.

The picture has been different with the moun-
tain sheep. They were at one time abundant over
a large per cent of the mountainous portion of the
state and also out along the breaks of the Mis-
souri and its tributaries. Due to excessive hunting,
the bands were greatly depleted in the early
1900's. The majority of the remainder have dwind-
led during the intervening years until now they are
represented by only a scattering of small isolated
bands.

The transplanting of mountain sheep into
ranges where they were once abundant is a logi-
cal step toward the ultimate reestablishment of
this species. This program also calls for the inter-
change of several rams. It is hoped in this way to
introduce new blood among these small isolated
bands and thus to determine whether inbreeding
may be a factor in holding down the mountain
sheep population.

Procedure:

In trapping both mountain goats and moun-
tain sheep, a woven wire pen was used. This
was forty-five feet long, twenty-five feet wide,
and eleven feet high. The pen was baited with
common stock salt. A gate was used which could
be tripped 300 yards away from the trap.

The capturing pen for mountain goats was
located in the main Rocky Mountain range west
of Choteau. The first attempt to trap and trans-
plant was made in April, 1940. The Fish and
Game Department was reimbursed for half the
expense of this project by the Big Timber Rod
and Gun Club. Ten goats were captured and
transplanted to the Sweetgrass Canyon of the
Crazy Mountains in Sweetgrass county. There

is no record of goats having previously inhab-
ited this rather isolated range; the topography
and vegetative composition, however, appear
ideal for this species. Two additional yearling
billies were moved to the small herd in the
Eenchmark area.

MOUNTAIN GOATS

PLANTED IN THE

CKAZY

MOUNTAIN AREA

Tag-

Date

No.

Planted

Sex

Age

Weight

■Where Placed

4-14-41

Male

3 yrs

Sweetgrass Canyon

Crazy .Mountains

4-14-41

.Male

1 VI .

4-14-41
4-14-41

Female
Female

4 yrs
3 yrs

2'.i2ii1

4-21-41

Female

4 yrs

141

29202

4-24-41

Female

47

29203

4-27-43

Male

1 yr.

55

Benchmark Area
Sun River

29204

4-27-41

Male

1 yr.

60

29205

4-24-41

Female

4 yrs

1114

Sweetgrass Canyon
Crazy Mountains

29206

4-24-41

Female

2 yrs

68

29207

4-24-41

Male

3 yrs

112

29208

4-24-41

Male

2 yrs.

90

During the spring of 1942 twelve mountain
goats were captured in the same pen. They were
transported to the Beartooth Mountains and re-
leased near the mouth of the Lake Fork of Rock
Creek just west of the Red Lodge-Cook City high-
way. Topography is similar to the ranges along
ihe Continental Divide where goats are now found.
Elevations run from 4,500 feet in the foothills up
to 12,850 feet on Granite Peak, the highest moun-
tain in the state. It is thought that the long dis-
tances separating the Beartooth Range from the
areas in which mountain goats are found have
prevented a natural drift.

The following tabulation lists the information
concerning the Beartooth plant:

in goat capturing pen located on a high bench within
the Deep Creek drainage west of Choteau.

The first catili.

billy, tv
old kid.

MOUNTAIN GOATS PLANTED IW

BEARTOOTH RANGE

Tag-

Date

Date Lib

No.

Trap

Trapped

erated

Sex

Ag-e

wt.

8 Wes

0j choti

au

3-31-42

4-10-42

Female

1 yr.

48

!i

3-31-42

1-10-42

Male

3 yrs.

1 7"

i n

3-31-42

4-1H-42

Female

6-8 yrs

144

I I

1-8-42

1-10-42

Male

2 VI S.

128

1-8-42

1-18-42

Female

IMS

15 2

I I

1-25-42

4-27-12

Female

2 yrs.

IX

1-25-42

1-27-42

Female

1 yr.

37

16

4-25-42

4-27-42

Female

2 yrs.

19

IT

1-25-42

1-27- 12

Female

2 yrs.

5 2

18

4-25-42

4-27-42

Female

5-6 yrs

122

211

5-1-42

4-2-42

Male

1 yr.

42

22

5-1-42

4-2-42

Female

3 yrs.

158

Mountain Sheep

Up to the present time there have been 1 1
mountain sheep placed in the Gates of the Moun-
tains area on the Missouri river. Five were cap-
tured and released during the spring of 1942, and
the remaining six this fall. These mountain sheep
were taken from the Sun River herd.

MOUNTAIN

SHEEP PLANTED IN

GATES OP

THE MOUNTAINS AREA

Tag

Date

Date

No.

Trap

Trapped

Liberated

Sen

Age

1

Sun Rivei

3-18-42

5-18-42

Female

3 yrs.

3-21-42

5-18-42

Female

3 yrs.

3

4-15-42

5-1S-42

Female

2 yrs.

5

4-15-42

5- IS- 12

Female

2 yrs.

s

1-1 5-42

5-1S-42

Female

1 yr.

7

10-26-42

10-27-42

Male

2 yrs.

8

111-26-42

10-27-42

Female

1 yr.

li

11-17-42

11-18-42

Female

:; yrs.

in

11-17-42

11-18-42

Female

2 yrs.

11

11-17-42

11-18-42

Male

1 yr.

12

11-17-42

11-1S-42

Female

2 yrs.

Mountain sheep were abundant on the Gates
of the Mountains range during pioneer times.
Heavy hunting depleted their numbers. The last
report of this band was during the severe winter
of 1919-20.

Transfer of Rams

On November 27, 1942, a three-year-old ram
captured in the Sun River Canyon area was
transported to the Gallatin Canyon and liberated.
The ram was released on the west side of the
river at the mouth of Deer Creek in close prox-
imity to the mountain sheep of the Gallatin Can-
yon band. This was in accordance with a pro-
gram involving the eventual exchange of sev-
eral rams between the Sun River, Gallatin and
Libby herds in an effort either to prove or dis-
prove the theory of inbreeding as it may be af-
fecting the natural increase of this species, which
is now represented by small isolated groups.

On December 27, 1942, this ram (as identified
by a tag in the ear) was seen with 22 other moun-
tain sheep on the west side of the Gallatin river
approximately one mile above the mouth of Deer
Creek.

A five-year-old ram was captured in the Gal-
latin Canyon at the mouth of the West Fork and
on December 27, 1942, was transported to the
Sun River Canyon where he was released at
the mouth of Hannan Gulch in the proximity of
other mountain sheep.

Deep snows in the vicinity of the trap during- the spring- of

1942 necessitated packing- goats on horseback in specially

designed crates.

The eleven mo
Mountain area

l sheep planted in the Gates
captured in pens similar to tho
for goats.

tf-uA, Sectixui

The restoration and increase of the fur re-
sources of the state is an essential part of any
broad wildlife program. The depletion of the valu-
able fur species is not a new problem. Trappers
followed quickly on the heels of the explorers in
the West; by 1850 the cream of the fur crop had
been taken. Since that time it has become in-
creasingly difficult to make a reasonable liveli-
hood from this activity. The majority of the furs
now taken are secured by trappers who use this
merely as a seasonal occupation during slack
periods of their regular work. There has been
little incentive to trap only the yearly increase,
thereby to leave sufficient breeding stock to as-

sure a sustained yield. The fur harvest of the
more valuable species has therefore fluctuated
markedly; years of heavy take have been of
necessity followed by periods of scarcity and
closed seasons.

It is clearly evident that a resource as po-
tentially important to the economic welfare of
the state should be handled upon as sound and
orderly a basis as possible. It is realized that a
great deal of fundamental information is neces-
sary as an aid in restoring and maintaining the
numbers of fur-bearing animals at a maximum;
in regard to their food supply and the other uses
of the land. In an effort to obtain this information,

The following- record

observations were recorded by Fieldmen White and Helleng-a from the Red Meado
This is a typical example of the field records kept by the crews

No. Marten

Timber type

rabbit, squi
rabbit, squi
rabbit, squi

adow

Station area.

Exp.

Weather

NE

S

cldy-mild

E

clear-cold

s\\

-20"

NE

-20°

s

-ln =

sw

-10°

17

rabbit, squirrel

E. Fork Wht. C.

Spr., Bal

52 5500

N

-20°

19

3

rabbit, squirrel

Red .Meadow C.

Spr., Ba

.,

19-5100

s

0°-

20

2

rabbit, squirrel

Haj Creek

Spr., Fir

Bal.

57 6

N

-10°

2 3

2

rabbit, squirrel

So. Fk. Shorty

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

60-5700

N

o°-

27

2

rabbit, squirrel

Stillwater

Spr., Bal.

Alp

il

W&N

25°

28

1

rabbit, squirrel

Whitefish I In • i,

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

5800

s

10°

29

3

rabbit, squirrel

Shorty-Stillwater

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

6400

N

5°

31

4

mice, squirrel

Whale & Deep

Spi . Bal

Alp.

60-6300

E& W

II

Feb.— K

1

rabbit, squirrel

Red Meadow C.

Spr.. Bal.

Fir

5100

E

20°

;i

2

rabbit, squirrel

S. F. Shorn

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

■ in 6500

N

-in

13

2

rabbit, squirrel

Stillwater

Spr., Bal,

Alp.

1500

S

'i

14

rabbit, squirrel

1 '• ep ("reek

Spr.. Bal.

Alp.

55 5200

S

2ii

L9

3

rabbit, squirrel

Hay Creek

Spr.. Bal.

Alp.

is :,:

S&N

0

21

2

i abbit, squirrel

Red Meadow C.

Spi . Bal.

Fir

>o »;

E

."■

■1',

3

rabbit, squirrel

Red Meadow C.

Spi . Bal

Up

52-5700

SB

:.

27

2

rabbit, squirrel

Hay Creek

Spr., Bal

Alp.

:,:. 6

E& W

in

\l.,i 6

1

i abbit , squirrel

Hay Creek

spr., Bal,

Alp.

6

s

5

7

1

rabbit, squirrel

Hay Creek

Spr., Bal.

Alp,

6000

\\

16

12

1

rabbit . squirrel

Whitefish Creek

Spr., Bal.

6000

X E

20

13

1

rabbit, squirrel

Stillwater R.

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

>;

s

:."'

17

rabbit, squirrel

Wigwam Creek

Spr., Bal.

Alp.

N E

L'"

1

i abbit, squirrel

\\ igwam ' 'i •• i.

Spr., Bal.

16 1!

XE

0°

23

1

rabbit, squirrel

Whitefish Creek

Spr , Bal.

\v

-.'•

24

2

rabbit, squirrel

Red Meadow C

Spi . Bal

Ml

II 5200

i;

L6

Total

61

marten tracks

Total

5 moose

Total

10 lynx tracks

Total

2 Rocky Mt

Goat

Total

4 fox tracks

Total

35 Whitetail

Deer

Total

8

mink tracks

Total

39 Mule Deer

Total

3

wolverine

Total

225 Ruffed Grouse

Total

5

beaver

T, -l.il

1 1 6 Blue Grouse

Total

4 Franklin Grouse

[70]

■

marten, often called the American Sable, Montana

valuable fur bearing- animal.

the Fish and Game Commission has instituted a
Fur Survey Project.

FUR SURVEY PROJECT
Introduction:

The area selected for intensive fur survey lies
within and immediately adjacent to the drainage
of the North Fork of the Flathead River. It is bound-
ed by Glacier Park on the east, the Canadian bor-
der on the north, and the Great Northern Rail-
road track on the west (see map). This area is pre-
dominately timbered and presents a variety of
types. Most important, however, are the heavy
stands of spruce and alpine fir growing at inter-
mediate and higher elevations, and the dense
growth of lodgepole pine coming in on the sites
of old bums. The terrain is steep to rolling, but
lacks the precipitous nature of the adjacent ranges

within the boundary of the Park. The principal
fur species found in this region is the pine marten.
The Canadian lynx, beaver, mink, bobcat, otter,
fox and wolverine are also represented. The area
selected presents a typical fur management unit
which, throughout the years, has become com-
paratively unproductive due to heavy trapping.

The objective of the work is, therefore, the
building up of the various valuable fur species
to the maximum capacity of the range, then to
allow the trapping not to exceed the yearly in-
crease. It is further planned to apply the informa-
tion obtained in this unit to others with the even-
tual objective of building the entire state up to
its maximum production of fur. The establishment
of a system of individual trapper units will be
an important phase of this work.

[71]

Procedure:

For convenience the entire area was divided
into three units, with a two-man crew assigned to
each (see map). Field work for the season of 1941-
42 began on November 10, 1941, and ended
April 30, 1942. During this coverage 23 headquar-
ter and field, or stop-over, stations were used.
Travel on the trails and cross-country was ac-
complished by the use of snowshoes; motor to-
boggans were used to travel between stations and
by the project leader during inspection trips. This
relatively new type of winter travel was found
to be very satisfactory. The use of the toboggans
made possible a far more complete coverage
than would otherwise have been secured.

The following objectives were set up as a
guide to the field work:

1. To secure a census by species of the fur
bearing animals in the area, this to be accomp-
lished by supplementing the numbers actually

(top) — Motor toboggan in use on fur survey, North Fork

of the Flathead. (bottom) — Overnight camp near the crest

of the Whitefish Range.

seen by those definitely determined by an an-
alysis of the tracks.

2. To record all possible information per-
taining to the feeding habits of the marten, as
well as the other fur bearing species.

3. Information secured pertaining to the
day-by-day cruising radius of each species. In
this way the average size of the home range re-
quired for each will be obtained.

4. All possible information secured in re-
gard to the rate of increase which may be
expected for each of the fur bearers studied.

5. Information obtained regarding the com-
patibility existing between individuals in each
species, and also between the species. In this
way the population densities that may be ex-
pected under exsiting conditions of food and
cover may be determined.

Findings:

The first winter's census work indicated the
following number of fur bearers to be inhabiting
the area:

90 pine marten 157 beaver

18 Canadian lynx 20 mink

3 otter 4 wolverines

6 fox 1 bobcat

Information pertaining to the rate of increase
of the various species will be obtained from the
second season's work (winter 1942-43). It is thought
that this data may be applied in similar areas
throughout the state.

It was found that the marten during the win-
ter months preferred the denser types of timber.
These appear most typically on north and east
exposures and along the creek bottoms. Recorded
information pertaining to the location of the mar-
ten tracks is as follows: 81 per cent in dense
spruce timber, 8 per cent in lodgepole pine tim-
ber, 7 per cent in Douglas fir timber, and 4 per
cent in open parks within the sub-alpine zone. It
was found last year that whenever possible
marten avoid natural openings and burned off
areas. Marten were noted as ranging the lower
elevations (3,500-4,500 feet) during the early
months of the winter. They change their field of
activity, however, to the slopes, ridge tops, and
high benches at elevations ranging between five
and six thousand feet during January and Febru-
ary. They then return to the lower ranges used
during the earlier portions of the winter. Rather

[72]

unseasonable rains and wet snows occurred dur-
ing the early winter of 1941-42. It is thought that this
somewhat unusual climatic condition may have
effected the habits of the marten during that
period. This will be thoroughly checked during
the present winter.

The principal winter foods of the marten were
found to be snowshoe rabbits, squirrels, mice and
grouse, in the order listed. The use of carrion was
also noted. The included tabulation represents

a sample of the data which was kept on the
foods and feeding habits of the marten during
the first season's work. These observations were
made in the Red Meadow area. Records of each
of the three crews show that red squirrels and
snowshoe rabbits were plentiful and generally
well distributed over the entire study area. In
some localities grouse were plentiful, but they
were not found to be so well distributed as the
other species: (Please turn to page 93).

Jdiue ^n&fifUiUf, and ^na^tlpia^ttUtc^ lieaoesi

Introduction:

Beaver living in close proximity to man may-
become a nuisance. Their ponds may flood valu-
able agricultural lands, irrigation ditches are often
dammed, and valuable shade trees may be cut
down. On the other hand, beaver in the moun-
tains and other remote areas are distinctly bene-
ficial. Their ponds and dams tend to control the
spring runoff; violent fluctuations in stream flow-
are thus prevented. Sediment is settled out of
the water, slowly building up fertile mountain
meadows. The water table is raised along the
streams, thus encouraging a luxuriant growth of
sedges, grasses and browse. These areas, in
turn, become an important part of the range for
big game or livestock.

The environment for fish has in many streams
been improved by the activities of beaver. The
ponds, dispersed throughout the length of shal-
low, rapid streams, form badly needed hiding
and resting places. Important fish . foods flour-
ish in many of these ponds.

Live trapping and transplanting of beaver,
from areas where they have become nuisances
into those where they will be beneficial, has be-
come an important phase of wildlife work.

Procedure:

The live traps used in this work resemble
somewhat a large suitcase made of heavy woven
wire. They are hinged at the back so that in
setting they are opened almost flat. One side is
placed against the side of the pond or stream;
this portion of the trap is camouflaged with wil-
low twigs. The other side is submerged in several
inches of water. The beaver, attracted by scent
from beaver castor, swims over the submerged
portion of the trap. The animal comes in contact
with a trigger that trips the trap. The side closing
quickly scoops the beaver up out of the water,
confining him in a snug wire pen. From the traps
the beaver are placed in transporting crates and
taken to their new homes in the more remote
areas. The last part of their journey is often
made by pack string.

The trapping and transplanting of live beaver
has been carried on in Montana and other states
for several years. The first attempt in this state,
however, to carry on the work on a larger scale
followed the establishment of a project during
the spring of 1941. During July three two-man
crews were sent into the field; each crew was
equipped with a camp outfit, a pickup truck, and
live traps. On August 1 it was deemed advisable
to dispense with the third crew. The most satis-
factory period for live trapping was found to

Camouflaging- the trap with leaves and willow twig's.
The other half of the trap is under water.

A beaver snugly caught in

>.* : *

be during late July and throughout the months
of August and September.

The crews were routed in accordance with
information gathered concerning the areas in
which beaver were doing actual damage. The
transplanting was done in areas in which a survey
had indicated the need for beaver. The field work

SEASON OF 1941

was discontinued the first season in the last week
in September. One two-man crew worked during
the last of July, all of August, and the first half
of September in 1942.

The local Deputy Game Wardens very ma-
terially aided the work of the crews in their
respective districts. The following tabulation in-
dicates the counties from which beaver were
taken and those in which they were planted dur-
ing the past two seasons' work.

County No. Beaver

County No

. Beaver

(Please turn tc

page 96).

Trapped

Taken

Planted

Planted

Lewis & Clark

28
22

Broadwater
Lewis & Clark
Meagher
Sweet Grass

27
1

12
10

SEASON

OF 1942

Meagher

County No. Beaver
Trapped Taken

County
Planted

No. Beaver
Planted

Hill

10

Choteau

10

Silverbow

20

Jefferson

14

Teton

2

Teton

2

Deer Lodge

6

Fergus

6

Fergus

6

Deer Lodge

1

Jefferson

1

Lincoln

2

Lincoln

2

Madison

4

Jefferson -

4

Valley

3

Valley

3

Petroleum

5

Judith Basin

5

Cascade

8

Teton

8

Fergus

3

Judith Basin

3

Silver Bow

14

Jefferson

14

Jefferson

9

Broadwater

9

Beaverhead

62

Madison

15

Lewis & Clark

15

Broadwater

15

Jefferson

16

Powell

8

Broadwater

8

Silver Bow

7

Broadwater

2

Broadwater

2

Beaverhead

24

Granite

1

Flathead

1

Flathead

11

Flathead

11

Flathead

23

Flathead

23

TOTAL

168

168

TOTAL

91

91

and 5-month-old kit.

the edge of a mountain

*mr?ZK«s;

fyfUcMxfl Qame Qitd Section

Qasne lit/id Survey

Because there has been a pressing need for
detailed information pertaining to Montana upland
game birds, the Fish and Game Department was
anxious that a state wide survey be undertaken in
order to determine the relative abundance of the
various species throughout the state. Pertinent
facts about life histories of our game birds were
to be uncovered in order to facilitate sound man-
agement of these species.

The study was instigated in June, 1941, and
a systematic coverage of the eastern Montana
counties was undertaken. A leader and six crew
men were assigned to the study. Each crew spent
several days in a county in obtaining information
from all available sources on the distribution and
abundance of the various birds. At the end of
the summer most of the eastern and central Mon-
tana counties had been studied. The results of
the summer's work were compiled and organized
during the winter months. Maps were prepared
showing the range of each species in each coun-
ty. Birds were classified as being (1) common to
abundant, or (2) uncommon to rare. By talking
with informed residents of the regions informa-
tion was gathered on population trends.

The summer season of 1942 saw the neces-
sity of completing the county by county survey.
Also it was thought reasonable to go back for
more intensive study into some of the areas shown
by the previous summer to be of particular inter-
est. In addition to obtaining specific information
on the habitat preferences of the birds, a great
deal of further information was recorded. An ex-
ample of the method of recording information is
given in figure 1. Areas were studied intensively
in Sheridan, Fallon, Garfield, Toole and Meagher
counties, and less intensive studies were made in
Carter, Glacier, and Phillips counties. The re-
sults will be discussed under each species.

In the nine remaining counties in western
Montana grouse were to be studied. Most of the

areas of good grouse habitat lie within the Na-
tional Forest in these regions. At least 100 miles
per county, and usually much more than that,
were covered by foot over forest trails in order
to obtain the desired information on the abun-
dance of grouse.

Detailed records of all observations were
kept by the crew members. The specific results
of our studies on the grouse will be discussed un-
der the individual species.

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
(Pediocetes phasianellus)

This grouse is also called the Pintail Grouse
and, erroneously, the Prairie Chicken. Figure 2
indicates the range and the relative abundance of
the sharptail in Montana. Two rather distinct
habitats are occupied by this bird in eastern and
central Montana. Over the major portion of the
range the vegetative formation of the habitat is
comprised of wheat fields, both growing wheat
and the previous year's stubble, grassland, and
more or less extensive areas of shrubby cover
including choke cherry, snowberry, rose, and sage.
Intensively cultivated areas sown chiefly to wheat
do not support sharptails in any numbers. The
most abundant populations occur where only a
half section or less is sown to wheat, the re-
mainder supporting native vegetation.

A restricted area in extreme northeastern
Montana shows the second type of habitat. This
region, approximately 22 sections of land in Sheri-
dan county, is characterized by low rolling sand-
hills. A more dense population of grouse was
found here than in any other area studied. The
central portion of this area is entirely devoid of
grain and supports only grasses, shrubs, and
weeds. Snowberry, wild rose, and chokecherry
were the most important shrubby species. The
patches of brush, often over 100 feet in diameter,
were scattered throughout the area with areas

[76]

i%M

of grass interspersed. It is felt that the scattering
of the brush patches is a most important aspect
of this habitat. The fruits of the chokecherry, snow-
berry, and rose are all known to be used exten-
sively by sharptails during the winter months.

In several of the central counties the ranges
lack some of the features indicated above as be-
ing essential to an ideal habitat; thus the birds
are less abundant. It will require considerable
work in the future to determine the effect of hunt-
ing on sharptail populations. It is significant, how-
ever, to note that the areas which maintain the
largest sharptail populations are remote from large
cities or towns.

In many cases we found that the information
recorded lended itself to statistical calculation.

To illustrate the results of this statistical study,
we have included figure 3. This graph analyses
the results of all the flushings of sharptail grouse
observed during the summer of 1942, based on
over 400 observations. Cursory examination of
the table will show that the birds flushed at great-
el distances from the observers during Septem-
ber than they did during the summer months. The
statistical treatment substantiates this fact. The
reader may feel that such a fact is of little im-
portance in a study of grouse. We feel, on the
other hand, that the accumulation of many such
facts will soon give us a scientific understanding
of the birds we are studying and such will allow
more intelligent management of the species in
question.

[77]

SAGE GROUSE

(Centrocercus urophasianus)

Also called Sage Hen

The range of the sage grouse in Montana
is indicated in figure 4. It was found that this spe-
cies occupies many regions which are not exten-
sively sage brush areas. In fact, over one-half
of all sage grouse observed occurred in aban-
doned fields where stubble, timothy, and weeds,
especially oyster plant and mustard, were most
common. Only one-fourth of the birds were ob-
served in areas dominated by sage. These ob-
servations were made during the summer months
and it is not our belief that sage grouse remain
year around in these areas without sage. Six
per cent of the birds observed were seen in cul-
tivated grain fields. This use of abandoned and
cultivated fields is most important because it has
been felt in the past that man's disturbance of the
original native vegetation would see the disap-
pearance of this grouse from the regions and
possibly their complete extinction.

Our study has shown that the sage grouse
is much more closely restricted to the proximity
of water than is the sharptail. Since the sage
grouse were observed an average of less than
one-half mile from water, and the average dis-
tance from water for sharptails was about three-
fourths of a mile, it is likely that sage grouse
drink regularly whereas we have seen no evi-
dence to indicate that sharptails need to drink
at all. It would seem, then, that in considering
areas for transplanting of sage grouse the avail-
ability of water must be considered.

RICHARDSON'S BLUE GROUSE
(Dendragopus obscurus richardsoni)

This is usually called the Blue Grouse. The
range of this grouse in Montana is quite exten-
sive in the mountainous regions (figure 5). Most
of the range lies west of the Continental Divide.
It is well known that these grouse nest at quite
lew elevations and gradually move up the moun-
tain sides during the summer months. The studies
in the western counties during the summer of

COMPARATIVE MONTHLY FLUSHING DISTANCES

FOR SHARPTAIL GROUSE DURING MONTHS OF

JUNE JULY AND SEPTEMBER - 1942

-EGEND
JUNE

MONTHS

CALC "T"

"T"F0R PROS
OF 5 %

JUNE AND JULY

1.337

1.972

JULY AND SEPT.

655

1979

JUNE AND SEPT

5. 061

1. 968

O 10 11-25 26-50 51-100 OVER 100

FLUSHING DISTANCE IN YARDS

NORTHERN FALLON. COUNTY
SECTION 4, T8N..R58E.

OBSERVER = PL WRIGHT
DATE -" JUNE 18,1942

TIME =10:30:2:00

\-.l:}::\ WHEAT KxSCl GRASS - SAGE TYPE (5%SAGE)

l3=-3j WHEAT STUBBLE ^/Xl GRASS

J BUNCHORASS-MUSTARD L\N M WEED-GRASS TYPE

FARM BUILDINGS
ROUTE OF OBSERVER

REF. NO

SPECIES

NO BIRDS

FLUSHING

DISTANCE

PROXIMITY TO
WATER

COVER

FRONT

SIDE

1

HUNGARIAN

1 ADULT

10 YDS.

10 YDS.

100 YDS.

GRASS TYPE

2

SAGE GROUSE

5 YDS.

50 YDS

GRASS-WEED TYPE

3

C. PHEASANT

IAD., 8 YG.

40* 5 Resp.

4

SHARPTAIL

1 ADULT

10 YDS.

10 YDS.

300 YDS.

"

5

25 YDS.

5 YDS

"

6

200 YDS

"

7

3 YDS.

100 YDS

BUNCHGRASS 8 MUSTARD

8

20 YDS

EDGE OF ROAD

9

5 0 YDS

200 YDS.

TALL GRASS AT ROAD EDGE

10

HUNGARIAN

30 YDS

EDGE WHEAT STUBBLE

NO BRUSHY COVER ON THIS SECTION,
NEXT SECTION NORTH.

T DENSE SAGE

1942 clearly indicate this habit. During this ascent
up the mountains, which takes place mostly dur-
ing July and August, the birds are more apt to
be seen on the south faces of the mountains than
elsewhere. By September most of the grouse are
to be found on or near the ridge tops. As would
be expected, Blue Grouse during the summer
months were found more commonly in vegetative
types with huckleberries than any other type of
forest.

During July we found Blue Grouse consider-
ably closer to drinking places than we did during
the later summer, leading us to suspect that these
birds do not require drinking water during late
summer when they are able to feed on huckle-
berries.

GREY RUFFED GROUSE
(Bonasa umbellus umbelloides)

This specie is often known as the Ruffled
Grouse, Willow Grouse, Native Pheasant, or
Brush Pheasant. Although it occupies much of
the same general regions as does the Blue Grouse
(figure 6), this grouse is found at lower elevations.
Virtually all of the ruffed grouse observed were

seen between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. Furthermore,
ruffed grouse are found closely associated with
wet places. The average distance from water of
all the ruffed grouse seen was only 113 yards.
Whether this choice of habitat so close to streams
is due to the fact that the birds need to drink
frequently we cannot say. We feel that it is
more likely a preference for the type of vegeta-
tion found in the bottom land.

FRANKLIN'S GROUSE

(Canachites franklini)

Almost always called Fool Hen

This bird formerly occurred over a much
wider range (figure 7). In most parts of its range
it is seen very rarely. Only in Lincoln County
or in some of the primitive areas can it be con-
sidered at all common. This grouse is found over
a wide altitudinal range from about 3,000 to over
7,000 feet. Since so few Franklin's grouse were
seen, we are unable to characterize its habitat,
although it seemed to be associated with spruce
and lodgepole types. It is usually found close to
water.

MONTANA.

SHARPTAIL GROUSE RANGE

ric~

\ J*Q\o> mAU«7) V^ H"'4p J^f^^Sp),

ff | i

ck.

FIG. 2

LEGEND

COMMON
ABUNDANT

M( MVTANA.

SAGE GROUSE RANGE

—r=r\

J ~) GLACIER I

,NC°<.N "I FLATHEAD ^

l-""1 rJ ' ' ' — -A-C / m

r _ ") • l PCNOePA l J ^j J^W r pHtj

\ sandcrs tj j n VJ r-r*

\\\ 1 "1 CLARK Swi L

c

^(C

y> ? MiSSOULA i £)i ' | . PL ""lJUOITH

/ ... »»5M\

V, op1

AREA AND NO- PLANTED- ^ /7 " ' !/t
I SILVER FLATS 6 2 (■'(J t /S

I i PARK

2 BROWNS LAKE

3 BITTERROOT VALLEY 3

4 MISSOURI VALLEY 3

5 JOLIET AREA

6 PIPESTONE AREA 2

7 VAUGHN AREA 7
0AREA TRAPPED FOR TRANSPLANTING

LEGEND
| | COMMON
] ABUNDANT

E

M( INTANA.

BLUE GROUSE RANGE

■ _1 T — T 1 r

VV >V«wc. ^"\1 K :~' n h • ... •/ h I pRA1,.,! !

!

u :

<-£ '1

:l

FIG. 5

LEGEND

1 I COMMON

[ j ABUNDANT

MONTANA

RUFFED GROUSE RANGE

l^oL

i ^

K /W As |) V Si, • * i '-'■""• I lungs j »"«ri L-.

S oh v J/ \ ^V^-? ^ -- ■ 1

\.^^

:.x

L =1

\ BEAV

FIG. 6 \ ^

XiaScxz

IT 3 »^rnrr~T7r

MONTANA .

FRANKLIN GROUSE RANGE

Li^s L2^V;

\ 7.— Iv— -4— V V^K. r-T~^-7 f^ V_ ,_> r M.CONEJ 1— , I

SJ 4^;-tv \ l\ ^ XI — J LEWI
^?IX\^ v^SSt j^ I

x-

I LJ /"I

! PRAIRIL ^X V

III

^ a r , // -/T'^ x - ' w ^ » r i i^ — • i

i1

riG. 7 Lsd

h«, ^ . ^

EGEND

COMMON
ABUNDANT

HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
(Perdix perdix perdix)

Often called European Partridge or, incor-
rectly, Hungarian Pheasant. Figure 8 shows the
range of this species to be the most extensive of
any species in Montana. Tpyical "hun" habitat
varies considerably over the state. In eastern
Montana the birds are found in the same general
habitat occupied by sharptails or sage grouse. In
central Montana it is the only game bird to
live in any numbers in intensively cultivated
wheat growing areas. In western Montana, aside
from inhabiting the cultivated irrigated regions,
it lives in sage brush stands and is the only game
bird to live commonly in dry cheat grass covered
hills. Most of the broods of young birds were seen
relatively close to water though some birds were
found several miles from water.

RING-NECKED PHEASANT

(Phasianus colchicus torquatus)

Often called Chinese Pheasant or China Pheasant

The range of this species (figure 9) is seen
to be closely associated with river valleys or irri-
gated regions. Even though the range map shows
this bird inhabiting only rather narrow strips
along the rivers, the abundance of the bird in
the areas it does inhabit probably makes it Mon-
tana's most abundant game bird. Good pheasant
habitat includes grain fields, irrigation ditches,
streams or pools, patches of thick brush, thick
feed covered fields, and mild enough winters to
enable the birds to obtain sufficient food during
these months. It is the hope of the Fish and Game
Department to establish strains which have more
Mongolian pheasant blood than Chinese pheasant
blood. If they are successful in doing this it may
be possible to obtain stable permanent pheasant
populations in many areas where they will not
live at present. It may be noted by referring to
the accompanying map how closely the present
range of Chinese pheasants follows the irrigated
valleys.
Poulation Trends of All Species:

It is well known that the grouse of the eastern
and midwestern states undergo cyclic periods of
great scarcity followed by periods of recovery.
It is not known whether our grouse tend to fol-
low this 10 or 12 year cycle, but further studies
of our grouse populations will bring this out. We

(above) — White-tail Ptarmigan. Winter plumage. Continental

Divide between Sun River and Tlathead. (below) — Female

Franklin's Grouse or Fool Hen.

do know that all of the native grouse of Montana
reached unprecedented "lows" in their number
some 10 or 15 years ago. Until several years'
work has accumulated accurate records on the
abundance of birds, we shall have to rely largely
on the observations of reliable people who have
lived in the regions in question for many years
for figures on trends.

There is little doubt that sharptails have
increased greatly during the past few years in
eastern Montana. Some eastern Montana resi-
dents go so far as to say they are as abundant
now as they have ever been. In the central coun-
ties the recovery is progressing at a slower pace,
and west of the divide the sharptail seems to be
nearly extinct with little hope of recovery. We

[83]

MONTANA.

HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE RANGE

■I

FIG. 8

LEGEND
I | COMMON
■1 ABUNDANT

MONTANA .

CHINESE PHEASANT RANGE

>^

MiCONt |/ _ i 1 <ff7\

\ _r.^\j LEGEND

^ [ J COMMON

FIG. 9

ABUNDANT

feel that the failure of recovery of the sharptail
in western Montana is due almost entirely to the
degeneration of its habitat. Much of the area
formerly occupied by sharptails in western Mon-
tana is now covered with cheat grass which can-
not possibly support the birds.

The sage grouse is recovering its numbers
in many parts of the state, though in most areas
its recovery is slower than that of the sharptail.
We shall point out later why this is so. Many
regions of the state seem to show the bird remain-
ing stationary and there are many areas where
the birds became extinct during the drought and
have not yet returned.

Blue grouse in general are becoming more
common, though the rate of increase is not rapid.
Ruffed grouse are apparently making more rapid
recovery of their numbers, while Franklin's grouse
apparently are steadily becoming rarer.

Brood County Studies:

In any study on game birds it is of para-
mount importance to determine the rate of in-
crease. This is best done by counting the numbers
of young in the broods of the various species.
Accordingly, whenever a brood of young birds

was encountered, special effort was made to
count the number. The results of our brood count
figures of 1942 are summarized as follows:

Number Range

of complete in number Ave. No.
SPECIES broods counted of young1 of young

Sage Grouse 28 4-10 5.9

Sharptail 8 3-14 9.4

Blue Grouse 83 1-9 2.9

Ruffed Grouse 22 1-5 3.1

Franklin's Grouse .... 22 1-6 3.5

Hungarian Partridge 32 1-19 7.7

Chinese Pheasant .... 22 1-10 5.8

These figures need some explanation. It is
well known that the number of young birds in a
brood gradually decreases during the summer
due to predators, disease, and accidents. There-
fore the number of young per brood in any species
would be much higher during June than it would
during August. It is necessary, then, for us to
indicate when our counts were taken. All of the
sharptail broods were taken from very young
birds before they had been greatly reduced by
nautral causes. Our counts on sage grouse were
(Please turn to page 96)

TOEI

MONTANA.

PTARMIGAN RANGE

LATHEAD

-.HfV* .

fc\&__J L^ I ., , !

l — .J Jj l, ;

1 Wh 'ETON

-1 1 f \J\ LEWS SOEAT FALLS S— tT<

' AND J CASCADE /

\\ r" MISSOULA i P '""lJUDlTH

•-N i e j \ L W ^ I BAS

/ f GRANITE h'-'^f Jj^^.^ . '

i i •' >r "i - S~^

}•■■■■■' .>' ' •', '/

I ^'i '■' 'J V ' "

rass r

^ MUSSELSHELL

<H MUSSI i )

s W 1 < t M

"| FALLON

, j — r x\ \

I YELLOWSTONEy1" L_ JM

i|

I

1

I .,.

<V

^

/ERHEAI )

FIG. 10

iA]

Saae Qiauie [<Saae <Jle*i\ ^tetfLfUnjC}, and ^teiHAfd&rttiHXj,

Introduction:

The sage hens are now found throughout the
greater part of eastern Montana where the habitat
is suitable. A lack of the sage types apparently
accounts for their absence in the northeast corner
of the state. Reference to the map, which shows
the distribution of these big grouse, illustrates this
general distribution in the east and also the
isolated, spotty pattern of their occurence within
the western half of the state. This is due partly tc
the presence of high mountain ranges, which the
sage hens never inhabited. However, there are
numerous sagebrush covered areas within and
adjacent to the intermountain valleys where sage
hens were once abundant. Their disappearance
was apparently due to a combination of factors.
Heavy and rather indiscriminate killing by hunt-
ers was no doubt one of the most important. A
series of dry years also had a detrimental effect.
Disease and parasites may have played a part.
At any rate, large areas are now found in the
western half of Montana where sage -hens were
once plentiful but are today totally absent.

In an effort to reestablish this native game
bird to ranges it had once inhabited, the Fish and
Game Commission undertook a trapping and
transplanting program.

Procedure:

The trapping and transplanting of sage hens
had been carried on by several neighboring
states. The methods worked out by the Wyoming
Game and Fish Commission were adopted here
in Montana.

The method in brief consists of the use of
a winged trap and a truck or car to drive the
birds. The trap was built in two sections, each
20 feet long. The front section was made of chick-
en wire and the rear section of fish netting. When
placed end to end this formed a trap 40 feet long,
6 feet wide, and three feet high. Two wings ap-
proximately 200 feet long were constructed of fish
netting; these were two feet high. When the trap
had been set up, the wings were placed out from
the front forming a wide V.

The trapping was carried on in the vicinity
of the Roy Williams ranch on Box Elder Creek in

S.i^v hens iu their now lie

Carter County. The actual field work started on
September 20, 1942. It would have been advan-
tageous to start field work earlier, but it was de-
layed due to difficulties in obtaining personnel.
The work continued until November 6, by which
time the weather had become decidedly adverse.

A total of 242 birds was trapped in 29 suc-
cessful drives, or an average of a little over eight
birds per drive. Nineteen was the largest number
taken in one drive. The birds were placed in
shipping crates, taken by truck to Miles City,
and then shipped by rail to the points of distri-
bution. From the station they were taken to the
various areas into which they were liberated.

The following tabulation indicates the num-
ber of birds thus far liberated. It is hoped that
the program may be continued for several sea-
sons in order that all of the desirable areas may
be stocked.

SAGE HEN PLANTINGS

No. of

Grouse

Area Name

County

Planted

1

Silver Flats

Lewis & Clark

62

2

Browns Lake

Powell

72

3

Bitterroot Valley

Ravalli

31

4

Missouri Valley

Lewis & Clark

38

5

Joliet Area

Carbon

6

6

•Moose Creek

Silver Bow

20

7

Rochester Basin

Madison

6

8

Vaughn Area

Cascade

7

Total

242

A brief outline is given describing the actual
capturing work. The crew consisted of two men.
Soon after sunup the men drove out into the sage
covered areas in a pickup truck. When a flock
of sage hens was sighted, they were approached.
If it was apparent that they would drive, the men
then drove off 200-300 yards and put up the trap
and the wings. This took approximately half an
hour. They would then get into the truck again,
circle the flock and slowly start driving them to-
ward the pen. The compound gear was used as it

(from top to bottom) — 1. Putting up the pen.
wing-B complete the job. 3. Taking- sage hens -
train at Helena. 4. Birds released at Brown'i
near Ovando.

(top) — Male ring-necked pheasant in trap, (middle) —
Releasing- trapped birds in under-stocked area in Hill
County, (bottom) — Six sharptailed grouse caug-ht in a
pheasant trap. These birds were released in the Flat-
head Valley.

*

■N

was not desirable to hurry the birds. It was very-
important to know where each member of the
flock was at all times, as one might be momen-
tarily overloked and, if approached too closely,
would fly. It was found that when one bird flew,
invariably the entire flock would follow. Bunches
of over 20 birds were found difficult to handle.
During the last part of the work a flock num-
bering approximately 700 birds was found. An
effort was made to cut away smaller numbers
from such large flocks.

The birds were driven carefully into the wings
and then into the trap. From the chicken wire
section they were carefully driven into the fish
net portion of the trap. One of the crew would
then crawl in and capture the birds. They were
handed out under the netting to the man on the
outside who would put a band on the leg and
place the birds in the shipping crates. Six to seven
were placed in a single crate.

It was found that a flock would drive well
into the wind but would fly if an attempt were
made to drive them with it. They drove well
uphill but very poorly downhill. There were many
other interesting characteristics which were dis-
covered during the work. This experience will be
highly valuable in carrying on any future trap-
ping and transplanting prgoram.

CHINESE PHEASANT TRAPPING AND
TRANSPLANTING

A limited program of live trapping and trans-
planting of Chinese pheasants was carried on
during the winter of 1941 and 1942. This work
was conducted in heavy pheasant concentrations
in Yellowstone County. An experimental phase
of the project was developed in Gallatin County.

During January and early February approxi-
mately 250 birds were trapped. They were lib-
erated in Lewis and Clark and Hill counties. The
trapping was accomplished by the use of small
woven wire traps baited with wheat and corn.

The introduction of these wild birds has
been found to be a very satisfactory method of
building up the numbers in desired areas. The
removal of a limited number of birds from loca-
tions of heavy concentration is beneficial as it
lessens the possibility of damage to agricultural
crops.

WUMfc JfaMai and Wate*

*
<*

There are three principal limiting factors in
the natural propagation of any type of wildlife.
These are food, water, and cover. The program
being worked out under this project, therefore, in-
cludes the improvement of water, food and cover.
This is being carried out on a state-wide basis.

Typical of the work being carried on is the
fencing of the upper portions of existing reser-
voirs and the planting of food and cover within
these enclosed areas. In this way nests and young
birds are protected from the trampling of live-
stock. It has also been found that vegetation at
the upper end of reservoirs aids materially in
de-silting the water that flows in, thus lengthen-
ing the life of these reservoirs. In all cases where
this work is being carried on, sufficient shore line
is being left unfenced to accommodate the needs
of livestock.

The shrubs being planted are species that
not only supply cover and protection, but also
furnish food. Examples of these are: Caragana,
Russian olive, wild rose, chokecherry, buffalo
berry, and wild plum. Shore line plants are im-
portant as they improve the nesting sites and also
add to the feed supply. Smart weed, millet, and
crested wheat grass are the more important
plants being used for this purpose. The plants
that grow out in the water are classed as aqua-
tics. They are of particular importance as sources
of food for waterfowl, and also afford nesting
places for several species. The more important
aquatic plants being developed under this pro-
gram are prairie and hardstem bullrush, duck po-
tato, wild celery, and several types of pond weed.
Twenty thousand shrubs are being secured
through the Soil Conservation Service at no cost
to the Fish and Game Commission.

Melstone BeBervoir in Musselshell County. The wildlife de-
velopment area is shown just beyond the fence. The planting
of shore line and aquatic vegetation will greatly improve
this reservoir for wildlife.

MONTANA.

RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT FOR WILOUFE

\Ski

PRESENT LIST OF DEVELOPMENTS

Name of Development

Type of Development

County

1

Melstone Reservoir

2

Alkali Springs

3

Alt Reservoir

4

Woods Reservoir

5

Little Meyers

6

Big Myers

7

Valentine Reservoir

8

Anderson Reservoir (56)

9

PR-21 Reservpir

10

PR-88 Reservoir

11

BR-47 Reservoir

12

BR-43 Reservoir

13

Soda Creek Reservoir

14

Johnson Reservoir

15

PR-161 Reservoir

Fencing & planting wildlife area Musselshell

Spring improvement Musselshell

Fencing & planting wildlife area Musselshell

Fencing & planting wildlife area Musselshell

Fencing & planting wildlife area Musselshell

Fencing <S planting wildlife area Musselshell

Fencing & planting wildlife area Fergus

Fencing <S planting wildlife area Phillips

Fencing & planting wildlife area Phillips

Fencing & planting wildlife area Phillips

Fencing & planting wildlife area Blaine

Fencing & planting wildlife area Blaine

Fencing & planting wildlife area Carter

Fencing 6. planting wildlife area Dawson

Fencing & planting wildlife area Phillips

The included map shows the location of the above listed developments.

[90]

Advantage is being taken of reservoirs al-
ready constructed by the Soil Conservation Serv-
ice and the Montana Water Board. By a coopera-
tive agreement, desirably located reservoirs are
being turned over to the Fish and Game Commis-
sion for the development of the wildlife habitat
upon each. Aid has also been given in the fur-
therance of this program by the Grazing Service.

During the coming season it is planned to
broaden the scope of the work to include the fenc-
ing of several 1-10 acre plots for the development

of food and cover for upland game birds. These
plots will be carefully located and will act as
key feeding areas during severe winter periods.

To date wildlife areas have been fenced
upon 14 reservoirs. In addition, one vitally needed
spring has been developed and the source fenced.
Planting has been completed on one of the res-
ervoirs. Freezing weather prevented a continua-
tion of this phase of the work. The planting will
be completed as quickly as weather conditions
will allow during the coming spring.

"

i if m

(top) — Anderson Reservoir (56)
in Phillips County, (middle) —
Canada geese. The wariest of
Montana's waterfowl, (bottom)
— Valentine Reservoir, Fergus
County. These are typical ex-
amples of reservoirs upon
which wildlife areas are being-
developed.

n^m

J^Jje"^

THE BLUEBACK SALMON OF FLATHEAD LAKE

(Continued from page 31)

Certain states and the Dominion of Canada
have expended large sums in an effort to fer-
tilize a few of their barren lakes to obtain better
fishing. Many carloads of fish offal and other
organic matter were transported from the coast
and introduced in these waters. Then followed
the introduction of various organisms and vege-
tation. When these had reproduced sufficiently
young trout fry were planted, and these waters
now afford excellent fishing. Previous to this time
they had been stocked for years with trout fry
totaling millions, with absolutely no results, as
these young fish starved to death as fast as
they were introduced, due to the absence of suf-
ficient food suitable for young trout.

A condition quite similar to this has existed
in Flathead, Whitefish and MacDonald lakes. The
type and quantity of food suitable for the propaga-
tion of young trout is relatively scarce, and until
such time as organic conditions improve to per-
mit a denser concentration of this food, the most
ambitious stocking program will not achieve the
results desired.

Investigation has revealed that the young
salmon is principally a plankton feeder and does
not interfere seriously with the food of young
trout. In fact the young Sockeye are readily eaten
and preferred by the large trout inhabiting that
body of water.

The meat of the adult or near-adult salmon
is oily, highly colored, and of a superior flavor.
On the coast the Sockeye Salmon is preferred by
all canners and commands the highest price.

During the summer months these salmon pre-
sent a most beautiful appearance, and many are
caught in Flathead lake by bait fishing and
trolling, although it is very seldom that they are
recognized as this species. They are usually
classed as silver salmon or native trout.

Another condition we wish to clarify is the
misunderstanding that has existed in the minds
of many who contend that these salmon are a
menace to the spawning habits of the Native and
Rainbow trout that exists in these waters. The
Sockeye species spawn in the fall or early win-
ter, the large majority having completed the de-

position of ova during the months of October,
November and December, whereas the rainbow
and native trout spawn in the months of March
April and May. This precludes any possibility of
competition between these species on the spawn-
ing beds.

A few years ago a portion of Flathead river
known as Foy's bend was closed to fishing by an
order of the Commission, as large numbers of
small trout locally known as "Bluebacks" or
natives were rearing in that vicinity, and of the
hundreds of sportsmen who had made large
catches of these fish, none ever realized that
approximately 90 per cent were the Sockeye
Salmon species.

The Montana Fish and Game Commission or
any other conservation agency will never have
sufficient funds to carry on a fertilization pro-
gram in such a vast body of water as Flathead
lake, and in our estimation the appearance of
these salmon is solving one of the most difficult
biological problems with which we are confront-
ed, and the only concern is that they might not
be able to complete this biological cycle before
their extermination.

WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION

(Continued from page 36)
4. Coordination: A project has been set up
for the purpose of summarizing and integrating
the data obtained by the various branches of the
Restoration Division. In this way the necessary
information is prepared and presented to the Fish
and Game Commission and the State Game War-
den. A further responsibility is the keeping of a
systematic cost accounting system and in addi-
tion, a record of equpiment purchased and its
accountability, as well as the preparation and
submission of reports required by the Fish and
Wildlife Service.

Reports of the progress of the various proj-
ects undertaken by the Division are included in
the following pages.

The reports are brief, having been taken from
detailed field records which are on file in the
Fish and Game Department office. These are
available for more intensive review.

[92]

HELLROARING - SLOUGH CREEK
MOOSE INVESTIGATION

(Continued from page 45)

POSSIBLE KILL BY DRAINAGES

Present Number Desired

Drainage Males Females Full Kill

Hellroaring Cr 39 28 11

Buffalo Forks 22 14 8

Slough Creek 36 25 11

Total Kill 30

The recommended kill is believed conserva-
tive as it is based on the total number of 194
moose actually seen during the summer's work,
and not on the estimated number of 284, which
would give a kill of 54.

During the following years the kill should be
based upon one half of the yearlings in the herd,
as it is thought the age class is a better indica-
tion of the annual increase than the calves, as
they have survived the most critical period of
their lives. This method of harvest would hold
the size of the moose herd at the maximum carry-
ing capacity of the area.

The question of transplanting or removing by
driving the surplus of mature bulls has been dis-
cussed and given thorough consideration. Due
to past experience in other parts of the country,
and the inaccessibility of the overstocked area,
this method does not appear feasible.

The harvesting of these moose can only be
accomplished by the limited license method, and
should be put under rigid control to guarantee
that only the desired sex and age class would
be taken. This would require legislative action.

It is felt that the area warrants additional
inspection carried on during the criitcal winter
period; therefore, two trips have been planned for
the winter of 1942-43. In this way the data ob-
tained from the past winter's work will be checked
and additional information obtained.

MOUNTAIN SHEEP SURVEY

(Continued from page 42)
tion of the band by parasites or disease. Poach-
ing had apparently played a part in holding the
band down in the past but was not serious at the

time the investigation was conducted. Very in-
teresting data was secured in connection with
the feeding habits of the sheep. Various species of
grass made up their principal winter diet. It was
determined that the winter range would support
up to 300 head of mountain sheep.

MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAIN SHEEP STUDY

A report compiled by Richard Alsop of the
Madison Valley Rod <S Gun Club was submitted
to the Fish and Game Commission in 1941. The
report was cumulative, including observations
made since the winter of 1935-36. The author
stated that much of the material had been obtained
in cooperation with the Gallatin National Forest.

Three distinct groups of mountain sheep were
found in Madison county. These were in the fol-
lowing areas:

1. Tobacco Root Mountains, west of Potosi
Hot Springs.

2. Indian Creek, in the Madison Range.

3. Moose and Squaw Creeks in the Madison
Range.

The estimated total of these three bands was
given as 60 head. It was definitely determined
that there had been no material increase during
the period of the study. No extensive seasonal
migration was noted. It is felt that the ranges in-
volved will carry a substantially larger number
of mountain sheep. Poaching was not found to
be a serious factor in holding down the numbers.
No evidence of disease or parasites was found.

Both the Ural-Tweed and the Madison re-
ports contain a great deal of worthwhile informa-
tion pertaining to the mountain sheep in the two
regions. This will be incorporated into the state-
wide management plan for this important spe-
cies of big game.

FUR SECTION — INTRODUCTION

(Continued from page 73)
Trailing observations indicate that marten
confine their operations to a home ronge. Follow-
ing the trails of individual marten has shown that
the cruising radius is limited to 12 or 15 miles,
going from one creek basin to another, using cer-

[93

tain passes and always returning to the place
from whence they came.

Only one instance was recorded where mar-
ten came from Glacier Park into the area being
studied. No instances were recorded where they
migrated in from Canada. This is probably due
to the continuous burned off area on either side
of the International Boundary at this point.

Marten were found in the Wigwam Drain-
age, and it is altogether probable that an inter-
change between Canada and the U. S. takes
place in that area because of the continued green
timber types.

Conclusions:

A fund of basic information was gained dur-
ing the past winter's work. Additional data will,
however, be needed to complete several phases
of the survey. Particular emphasis will be placed
upon the development of additional information
pertaining to the migratory habits of the import-
tant fur bearers and how their numbers in a
given area are affected by fluctuations in the
population of important food species such as
snowshoe rabbits and pine squirrels. "

In addition, information will be gained con-
cerning the compatability between members of
the same species and between species; in that
way the maximum possible population of fur
bearers on the area will be determined, and, by
comparison, the volume that may be produced
in other mountainous areas throughout the state.

The data will be checked in connection with
the most desirable method of taking a substan-
tial fur crop year after year without damage to
the breeding stock. In this connection, the pos-
sibility of developing a trapper unit system upon
public lands, somewhat like that now used suc-
cessfully in Canada, will be investigated. The
chief advantage of this system is the assurance
of an orderly take of fur. The trapper working
upon each particular unit will take only the an-
nual increase each year with the assurance that
no one else will come in and deplete the remain-
ing animals. In this way the violent fluctuations in
number of the more valuable fur bearers through-
out the years would be eliminated and trapping
as an occupation would be placed upon a more
reliable basis.

BITTERROOT DEER AND ELK SURVEY

(Continued from page 52)

used moderately by sheep. A quantity of the
coarser grass types are left after the herds have
grazed over the area.
Recommended:

1. Maintain the game herds in the East Fork
area at approximately 1,250 deer and 650 elk.

2. Place adequate amounts of salt well back
on the Skalkaho unit. This will tend to draw the
elk back onto the higher summer range, thus
saving the lower ranges for the critical winter
months.

3. A closure was recommended in the
Medicine Tree area north and east of the lower
reaches of the East Fork of the Bitterroot. This
area includes approximately 33 sections (see
map). The protection afforded by the closed area
would tend to draw game animals out of the
heavily utilized ranges; it would also act as a
stepping-stone in the distribution of game to near-
by understocked ranges.

4. Inaugurate an extended season in the
East Fork area during the fall of 1942. This would
aid in balancing the numbers of game animals
with the available winter range, and would also
accelerate the drift into the above described
closed area.

Progress to Date:

1. The recommended extended season to
December 15 in the East Fork area was put in
effect during the fall of 1942.

2. An adequate amount of salt was distri-
buted during the past spring on the high sum-
mer ranges in the East Fork and Skalkaho areas.
Checks during the past summer indicate that a
more desirable distribution of elk has been ef-
fected.

3. The recommended closure in the Medicine
Tree area on the lower East Fork was created
and has thus been in effect throughout the 1942
hunting season. A detailed inspection of the area
will be made during the present winter to deter-
mine its effect on game distribution.

4. A detailed investigation of mountain
goats is being carried on at the present time
in the Bitterroot Range. Important information is
being gathered relative to other species of big
game in the area as well.

[94]

FLATHEAD GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT

(Continued from page 46)

The sex ratio among the elk, as established
from positively identified animals, was 52 per
cent cows, 24 per cent calves, and 24 per cent
bulls. This would indicate an approximate in-
crease in the herd, at its present number, of
900 head.

A detailed discussion of the apparent inter-
change or migration of elk between the Flat-
head and Sun River ranges is included in the
Sun River report.

Recommendations:

(1) It is recommended that the number of
elk maintained in the Flathead approximate the
carrying capacity of the winter ranges, which
has been determined at 2,500 head. It is hoped
that in this way the productivity of the range may
be maintained and that any future waste from
a heavy winter kill, such as that which occurred
in 1931-32, may be avoided.

(2) It is also recommended that salt be dis-
tributed in accordance with the developed plan.
This salting is designed to hold elk off winter
ranges as long as possible, and to assist in dis-
tributing game from overpopulated areas to areas
that are under stocked.

. (3) That the reseeding of overused ranges
be continued, if the present seeding program
proves successful.

(4) That, because of their apparent inter-
relationship, the Flathead and Sun River herds
should be considered as one management unit.

GALLATIN MANAGEMENT UNIT

(Continued from page 58)
In this way necessary information will be ob-
tained concerning the herd and the ranges upon
which it depends.

(3) That a change be made in the boundary
of the Gallatin Game Preserve in the Tepee-Buf-
falo Horn area. This change, as shown on the
accompanying map, would protect the natural
migration route to the fall ranges, thereby avert-
ing a forced concentration of game animals in
the Tepee and Daily Creek drainages.

(4) That a series of well placed quadrats
be located for the purpose of carrying on a pro-
gressive study of critical winter ranges. In this
way accurate information may be obtained con-
cerning the density and volume of important
forage species. This important data may be used
as an index to the condition of the range. It is
suggested that this detailed investigative work
be carried on by the School of Wildlife Manage-
ment at the State College in Bozeman.

(5) That salt should be placed annually in
accordance with the developed salting plan for
the area.

Results to Date:

The Commission, during its April, 1942, meet-
ing made the recommended change in the Game
Preserve boundary.

The 1942 hunting season has clearly demon-
strated the betterment in game distribution, as
well as hunting conditions, resulting from the
change.

GAME PROBLEMS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY

(Continued from page 11)

As the population of any species buils up
to the maximum food and cover available for
that species in a given area, it becomes neces-
sary to treat it as any other crop — a crop which
must be harvested if it is not to be lost through
starvation. A corollary of this is the fact that if
the annual crop is not removed, deterioration of
vegetation and soil occurs and eventually leads
to a reduced carrying capacity for that species.
The problem of management is also complicated
by a conflict between the various economic in-
terests which are found within a state as large
as Montana. The economic stability of many com-
munities in the state rests upon agricultural ac-
tivities. There is, however, a place for wildlife
in this set up, and the relative utilization of feed
and forage by wildlife and domestic stock will
vary with the pattern of economic life in different
communities.

If the Department is able to obtain the neces-
sary personnel and travel facilities, it should be
posible during the war emergency to increase the
population of the various species in those areas

[95:

where the habitat is favorable and where there
are under-populations. With proper management
it should be possible to enter the post-war period
with more and better fishing and hunting than
Montana has had since the pioneer days.

SUN RIVER GAME RANGE AREA

(Continued from page 62)

elk were using it heavily. It is thought that a
better distribution of elk is being achieved by
this carefully planned salting program.

(c) It is recommended that a further check
be made to gain additional information on the
extent of the interchange of elk between the Flat-
head and Sun River ranges, this work to be car-
ried out during the fall and spring of the year.

It is recommended that every effort be made
to minimize the use of the large natural licks
on important winter ranges. Fencing of these licks
may be necessary to achieve this objective.

TRAPPING AND TRANSPLANTING OF BEAVER

(Continued from page 75)
It was possible for the crew during the past
summer to check several representative areas in
which beaver had been planted the previous sea-
son. In all cases the beaver were found to have
established themselves.

Detailed figures on expenditures indicated
that during the first season the total cost per
beaver planted was $12.11, and for the second
season it was $11.32.

The long distances between trapping and
liberating sites has been an important factor in
raising the cost per beaver in this program. In a
state as large as Montana this presents a diffi-
cult problem to overcome. It is felt, however,
that the experience gained during the past two
seasons, plus a more complete fund of informa-
tion concerning the localities where this work
may most economically be carried on, will sub-
stantially reduce the cost of any future work of
this kind.

UPLAND GAME BIRD SURVEY

(Continued from page 85)

made on the average a little later than the
sharptail. Most of the counts on the other species
were made later in the summer. For these reasons
the figures on sharptail broods show a higher
average than do those of the "hun," yet we know
that if the figures were entirely comparable, the
number of young per brood of "huns" would be
considerably larger than in the sharptail.

It is easy to see, however, that the rate of
reproduction of the sharptail is greater than that
of the sage hen. This accounts, we believe, for
the fact that the sharptail has recovered so much
better than the sage grouse. We have no figures
from former years to compare with our brood
counts on the mountain type grouse, so we can-
not tell whether they are typical of an average
season or not. However, local residents tell us
that the wet cold spring was very destructive to
young grouse and that brood counts taken in
normal years would be much higher than our
1942 figures. It is hoped that we will have oppor-
tunity to take similar counts in the future for
comparison.

In the pheasant areas we encountered the
belief that many hen pheasants commonly and
regularly produce two or even three broods of
young per year. When the untrained observer
travels through a pheasant breeding area during
late summer, he sees young birds ranging from
those the size of a meadowlark to those nearly
full grown. He naturally believes that these two
general sizes of young birds were produced by
the same hens. It is well known that nearly 50
per cent of all pheasants' first nesting attempts
are unsuccessful. These hens which have had
their nests destroyed by predators, stock, or man,
will almost invariably nest again in their effort
to produce young. When very small young birds
are seen in late summer it is believed these may
represent the results of a third attempt to bring
off young. This persistent effort of pheasants to
produce young undoubtedly results in a much
more rapid rate of increase than is found in na-
tive grouse, which do not so readily renest, and
is one of the most important reasons why pheas-

[96]

ants are capable of withstanding the heavy hunt-
ing pressure they annually take.

Densities of Populations:

Obtaining exact figures on the number of
game birds per acre or per section is one of the
most difficult aspects of any upland game bird
study. In many cases such figures are impossible
to obtain by any present known method. This
is especially true of the mountain grouse. Great
effort has been made to record the data in such
a way as to allow comparative recounts of the
birds in successive years. For example, we can-
not tell how many Blue Grouse there are in
Mineral County, but we can by rewalking the
same forest trails at the same time next year ob-
tain figures which will conclusively show wheth-
er the birds are 10 per cent or 20 per cent more
or less abundant than they were in 1942. Such
information is of great value to the Commission
in establishing open seasons and bag limits. Using
our data books of 1942, it will be possible in fu-
ture years accurately to check the changes in
population of all species of upland game birds
in the following counties: Sheridan, Fallon, Car-
ter, Garfield, Toole, Glacier, Meagher, Lincoln,
Flathead, Sanders, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli,
Powell, Granite and Lake.

"There is little doubt that pheasants reach
greater densities (birds per acre) than any of our
other game birds. Sharp tail grouse in some of the
extreme eastern counties are certainly next in
order, with sage grouse in a few areas following
closely behind. Although Hungarian Partridges
are found over a much greater area than any
other species, we have not found them to be as
abundant in any one place as the above men-
tioned species. The mountain grouse, blue, ruffed,

and Franklin's, are much scarcer even in their
areas of greatest concentration than the four
species mentioned above.

A detailed census of the heavy pheasant
population in the region of Billings was scheduled
just prior to the opening of the special open sea-
son in September, but continued rainy weather
forced us to cancel our plans. Figures from the
Flathead Valley where the birds are thought to
be less abundant than in the Yellowstone Valley
clearly show that the population there is much
higher than in most of the pheasant areas of
the midwestern and eastern states.

Future Work:

The original plan of determining the status
of each species of upland game birds in each
county has been accomplished. Future work
which is urgently needed should better tell us
the reasons for some of our findings. In view of
recent complaints lodged by farmers of damage
to crops by pheasants, detailed studies of the food
habits of this bird should be made in several re-
gions of the state. Such studies will involve exam-
ination of crop and gizzard contents of birds at
a time when they are reportedly doing damage.
It is most important in our understanding of the
native species to assign men to a full time study
on a year around basis in special regions. Only
in this way can we really come to understand
all of the factors operating against the proper
recovery of grouse in many counties.

A census check will be made of the pheasant
population in the Billings area early in January,
1943. The result of this work will be particularly
important as it will indicate the effect of the past
hunting season upon numbers of birds and also
upon the sex ratio.

o o o o o

SOMETHING T< ) THINK ABOUT!
To permit an increase of any wild bird or animal
over and above the available food supply is to destroy
that bird or animal just as surely as by overshooting.

By— David M. Newell,
Editor-in-Chief, Field & Stream

[97]

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DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1941
ADMINISTRATION:
Operation

Salaries: Game Warden $ ^

Chief Clerk 2,81250

Office Employees 7 043 0?

Supt. of Fisheries

Others

Game Manager

3,445.76
1,635.57

Postage .... i'893-^

Stationary Record Books and Blanks ^S

Sundry Office Expense .... "" b//-£i

Telephone and Telegraph . „^„

Freight, Express and Drayage ,kq^

Office Rent-Capitol Building Z , ^n nn

Auto Travel-Game Warden ^q,™

Other Travel ^9576

Auto Travel-Chief Clerk'.'.':: f^

Other Travel l°°-^

Auto Travel-Superintendent of Fisheries 33?™

Other Travel ,^ ,^

Travel of Others ^.f.

Auto Travel-Game Manager ....... 4rH"

Other Travel . ?°^9

Printing Publications . n8'

Printing Licenses . . J£-£

Official Bonds " " 4^5-98

Advertising and Notices .... 9 to.Jn

Rent and Lease of Land 2'5^°

Industrial Accident Insurance o 9, ™,

Association Dues nrH

Legal Costs , n75-00

Expense of Fairs .....'.""" " '552"lf

Insurance on Autos i^\i

Maps and Surveys ,n '

Board of Prisoners . 3'°^-66

Other Field Expenses .....I ™>-™

Auditing Expense . 90c 'nn

General Supplies and Expense Z fg^

Total Operation

Capital

Land and Land Improvement 7 nn

Machinery, Appliances and Trailers 004 si

Furniture and Fixtures ... J£y

Repairs and Replacements

Machinery and Appliances ...
Commissioners Expense

Per Diem

Travel. $ 1 .745.00

2,254.48

Total Commissioners Expense

[ 102

$ 48,242.51

1,088.22
253.81

$ 3,999.48

:

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1941

(Continued)

Miscellaneous

Salaries: Trappers and Hunters

Others

130.00
2,091.18

1,065.10

40.00

16,941.00

1,791.43

$ 22,058.71

Stream Survey

Salary

Travel

100.00
23.50

Deputies

Salaries: Regulars -

Specials

Special Field Work

39,187.74

18,653.45

2,405.89

1,495.74

123.50

3,715.03

25,321.51

Shells

10.00

Total Operation

Capital

90,789.36
64.89

$ 1,528.69

Total Administration

CHECKING STATION:
Operation

Office Supplies and Expenses ....

Travel

Auto and Truck Expense

Heat, Light and Water

Subsistence .

Hardware and Sundry Supplies .

Insurance

Miscellaneous

50.04
28.19
36.24
42.88
40.86
36.29
1.09
161.43

Total Operation
Capital

33.55

1,925.71

843.58

Furniture and Fixtures .....

26.00

Total Capital .

903.13

$166,620,

Total Checking Station

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Continued)
Year Ending June 30, 1941

GAME FARM— Warm Springs:
Operation

$ 9,388.38

96.49

326.20

483.38

385.76

2,772.17

105.36

17.93

121.85

37.56

$ 13,735.08

$ 2,511.92
$ 1,530.07

Travel

Hardware and Sundry Supplies

Miscellaneous .' -

Total Operation -

Capital

$ 10.75

1,870.23

27.24

603.70

$ 6.20

239.87

1,284.00

Repairs and Replacements

Breeding Stock -

Total Repairs and Replacements

Total Game Farm— Warm Springs..-.

$ 17,777.07

GAME FARM— Billings:

Operation

Salaries and Wages - $ 7,113.95

Office Supplies and Expense 67.55

Travel 6-53

Auto and Truck Expense 393.70

Heat, Light and Water 301.54

Bird Food - 2,681.92

Hardware and Sundry Supplies 83.53

Insurance 17.93

Distribution of Birds 166.08

Miscellaneous - 68.23

Total Operation $ 10,900.'

Capital

Land and Land Improvement .. $ 61.60

Buildings and Attached Fixtures ... 9,183.00

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment .. 88.92

Total Capital $ 9,333.52

[ 104]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1941

Repairs and Replacements

Buildings and Attached Fixtures $ 64.52

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 18.70

Autos and Trucks 39.70

Breeding Stock 1,148.00

WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT:
Administration:
Operation

Total Repairs and Replacements . $ 1,270.92

Total Game Farm — Billings

Salaries - -

Office Supplies and Expense

Travel

$

303.93
12.16
8.10

Total Operation

Research

$

475.00

Office Supplies

Travel

1.12
59.90

Total Research

Beaver Development

$

225.00

25.40

4.25

Total Wildlife Restoration

FISH HATCHERIES:

Operation

Salaries and Wages $ 46,722.05

Office Supplies and Expense 1,928.74

Travel 879.96

Auto and Truck Expense 6,021.17

Heat, Light and Water 1,941.46

Fish Foods 14,088.36

Rents 33.40

Subsistence 501.09

Hardware and Sundries .... .... . 1,255.56

Hatchery Supplies 813.35

Distribution of Fish 46.33

Insurance 419.28

Miscellaneous 42.89

324.19

536.02

254.65

Total Operation $ 74,693.64

[ 105]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Continued)
Year Ending June 30. 1941

Capital

Land and Land Improvement $ 1,981.36

Buildings and Attached Fixtures 22,078.00

Machinery and Appliances . 331.85

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 192.52

Furniture and Fixtures 119.04

Auto and Truck Expense 4,428.68

Scientific Apparatus 3,473.11

Fish Traps 195.96

Mechanical Fish Screens 3,671.86

Fish Tanks 152.53

Rearing Ponds - 1,746.65

Total Capital $ 38,371.56

Repairs and Replacements

Land and Land Improvements $ 345.35

Buildings and Attached Fixtures 5,044.73

Machinery and Appliances 267.94

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 116.41

Furniture and Fixtures 154.60

Autos and Trucks '. 1,337.68

Fish Traps 65.50

Mechanical Fish Screens 252.85

Fish Tanks 24.33

Rearing Ponds - 124.03

Egg Cases L20

Boats and Motors 33.57

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 7,768.19

Total Hatcheries $120,833.39

Total Expenditures $330,680.04

[ 106

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30. 1942

ADMINISTRATION:

Operation

Salaries: Game Warden

Chief Clerk

Office Employees

Supt. of Fisheries

Others

Game Manager

Postage

Stationery, Record Books and Blanks

Sundry Office Expense

Telephone and Telegraph

Freight, Express and Drayage

Office Rent, Capitol Building

Auto Travel — Game Warden

Other Travel — Game Warden

Auto Travel— Chief Clerk

Other Travel— Chief Clerk

Auto Travel — Supt. of Fisheries

Other Travel — Supt. of Fisheries

Travel of Others

Printing Publications

Printing Licenses

Official Bonds

Advertising and Notices

Rent and Lease of Land

Industrial Accident Insurance

Association Dues

Legal Costs

Expense of Fairs

Insurance on Autos

Maps and Surveys

Board of Prisoners

Other Field Expense

Auditing Expense

General Supplies and Expense

Total Operation

Capital

Land and Land Improvement

Machinery, Appliances and Horse Trailers.
Fumiture and Fixtures

Buildings and Attached Fixtures

Scientific Apparatus

Total Capital
Repairs and Replacements

Machinery and Appliances
Furniture and Fixtures

3,600.00
2,700.00
8,457.83
3,300.00
2,174.70

L229d9

1,622.87
549.04

1,131.32
325.18

1,500.00

576.12

554.17

35.74

3.45

484.87

953.61

42.11

1,475.51

3,997.05
409.03
777.15
562.62

3,856.06

50.00

247.53

31.22

106.08

3,001.80
455.10
338.65
131.33

4,198.83

26.47
,182.34
172.86

32.98
294.75

200.82
10.95

$ 48,878.16

Total Repairs and Replacements

[107]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Continued)
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Commissioners' Expense

Per Diem of Commissioners $ 1,555.00

Travel 1,792.08

General Supplies and Expenses 19.76

Total Commissioners' Expense $ 3,366.84

Miscellaneous

Salaries: Hunters and Trappers $ 2,805.00

Others 1 ,955.59

Bird Food and Salt 1,474.06

Poison and Traps 61.40

Bounty Expense 1,734.00

Miscellaneous '. 1,820.69

Bounties - 5,293.00

Total Miscellaneous $ 15,143.74

Stream Survey

Salaries ....... $ 1,100.00

Travel 962.86

Miscellaneous Expense , 39.90

Total Stream Survey $ 2,102.76

Deputies

Salaries: Regular Deputies ...'. $ 44,067.08

Special Deputies 18,093.66

Special Field Work 1,260.70

Miscellaneous Expense 1,673.56

Subsistence 4,144.39

Transportation 23,534.23

Shells 7.95

Uniforms 495.95

Total Operation .... $ 93,277.52

Capital

Boats and Motors - $ 227.09

Total Capital $ 227.09

Total Administration $164,917.28

CHECKING STATION:
Operation

Salaries and Wages . $ 1,472.94

Office Supplies and Expense 19.22

Travel . . 16.49

Auto and Truck Expense ... 13.10

Heat, Light and Water 80.10

Subsistence 43ii .'•>

Hardware and Sundry Supplies 2.66

Miscellaneous . 249.09

Total Operation $ 2,289.96

t 108]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Capital

Buildings and Attached Fixtures
Machinery and Appliances — .

Total Capital

Repairs and Replacements

Buildings and Attached Fixtures

Total Repairs and Replacements.
Total Checking Station

GAME FARM— Warm Springs:
Operation

Salaries and Wages ..

Office Supplies and Expense

Travel

Auto and Truck Expense —

Heat, Light and Water

Bird Food

Hardware and Sundry Supplies

Insurance

Distribution of Game Birds

Miscellaneous

Subsistence

$ 50.00

7.50

9.32

$ 8,308.20

105.58

86.55

484.38

528.51

4,055.82

17.90

15.87

58.91

28.75

7.70

$ 57.50

$ 9.32

$ 2,356.78

Total Operation

Capital

$ 14.51
256.00

$ 13,698.17

Total Capital ..
Repairs and Replacements

$ 33.01

56.60

1,759.00

15.95

5.60

$ 270.51

Total Repairs and Replacements

$ 6,800.38
301.23
10.60
602.40
136.39
1,776.46
185.80
265.10

$ 1,870.16

Total Game Farm — Warm Sjrings

GAME FARM— Fort Peck:
Operation

Salaries

Office Supplies and Expenses

Travel

Heat, Light and Water

Miscellaneous .. .

$ 15,!

Total Operation

$ 10,078.36

r 109]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Capital

Land and Land Improvements $ 305.67

Buildings and Attached Fixtures - - 5,875.64

Machinery, Appliances and Autos 3,542.50

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 74.04

Furniture and Fixtures 79.33

Total Capital ...... $ 9,877.18

Repairs and Replacements

Land and Land Improvements . $ 31.85

Buildings and Attached Fixtures 77.61

Autos and Trucks 7.80

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 117.26

Total Game Farm — Fort Peck

GAME FARM— Billings:

Operation

Salaries and Wages $ 6,583.06

Office Supplies and Expense 66.06

Travel -.: 45.80

Auto and Truck Expense 368.31

Heat, Light and Water 411.77

Bird Food 2,654.21

Hardware and Sundry Supplies 31.37

Insurance 15.87

Distribution of Fish 49.02

Miscellaneous 37.90

Total Operation $ 10,263.37

Capital

Buildings and Attached Fixtures $ 244.42

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 6.34

Machinery, Appliances and Autos 126.80

Total Capital $ 377.56

Repairs and Replacements

Buildings and Attached Fixtures $ 22.07

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 1.00

Autos and Trucks 46.13

Breeding Stock 1,639.00

Land and Land Improvements ........... 7.50

Machinery, Appliances and Autos .. 7.50

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 1,723.20

Total Game Farm -Billings $ 12,364.13

1 110]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Continued)
Year Ending June 30, 1942

WILDLIFE RESTORATION:

Administration:

Operation

Salaries - $ 4,143.96

Office Supplies and Expense 654.92

Travel 549.65

Automobiles and Trucks 496.96

Rent 375.00

Insurance and Compensation 30.04

Miscellaneous 18.00

Total Operation

Capital

Machinery and Appliances $ 194.52

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 48.36

Furniture and Fixtures 578.84

Autos and Trucks 3.54

Scientific Apparatus 174.97

Maps — Surveys and Plans 23.00

Total Capital $ 1,023.23

Repairs and Replacements

Machinery and Appliances $ 9.50

Furniture and Fixtures 11.15

Autos and Trucks 932.09

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 952.74

Total Administration $ 8,244.50

Operation

Salaries $ 38,858.28

Office Supplies and Expenses .. 567.70

Travel 6,003.70

Automobiles and Trucks . 2,004.11

Heat 807.43

Rent 1-25

Subsistence 3,097.76

Hardware and Sundry Supplies 91.76

Insurance and Compensation 117.37

Field Supplies 256.38

Films 47.64

Miscellaneous 214.89

Total Operation $ 52,068.27

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Capital

$ 32.00

Machinery and Appliances

134.56
2,108.56

Furniture and Fixtures

15.50
6,083.38

3,721.47

541.73

732.18

224.43

Repairs and Replacements

Machinery and Appliances

.75
6.55

295.36

204.19

26.75

Scientific Apparatus -

3.17

Total Repairs and Replacements

Total Research

DEVELOPMENT— Beaver:

Operation

Salaries '. $ 2,964.70

Office Supplies and Expense 76.46

Travel 1 13.05

Autos and Truck Expense 305.41

Subsistence 208.58

Hardware and Sundry Supplies .80

Insurance and Compensation 59.31

Field Supplies 1.63

Miscellaneous 25.72

$ 13,593.81

536.77

Total Operation $ 3,755.66

Capital

Machinery and Appliances $ 24.56

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 2,261.43

Autos and Trucks 804.18

Scientific Apparatus 1-00

Total Capital $ 3,091.17

Repairs and Replacements

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment $ 5.95

Snowmobiles and Toboggans .... 5.60

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 11.55

Total Development — Beaver $ 6,858.38

[ 112]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Conl
Year Ending June 30, 1942

RESTOCKING PROJECT:
Operation

Salaries $ 2,067.71

Office Supplies and Expenses 36.06

Travel - - 644.09

Autos and Trucks 428.86

Subsistence - - 51.97

Hardware and Sundry Supplies - '-1 1 ■' •' '

Field Supplies 131.00

Miscellaneous 72.31

Total Operation $ 3,683.69

Capital

Buildings and Attached Fixtures $ 164.28

Machinery and Appliances 309.49

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 32.78

Maps, Surveys and Plans 8.55

Total Capital $ 515.10

Repairs and Replacements

Autos and Trucks - - $ 54.69

Snowmobiles and Toboggans 9.48

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 64.17

Total Restocking Project $ 4,262.96

POSTING OF PRESERVES:
Operation

Salaries $ 25.98

Travel 31.90

Autos and Trucks - .94

Field Supplies 8.83

Total Operation - $ 67.65

Capital

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment $ 58.01

Total Capital .. $ 58.01

Total Posting of Preserves $ 125.66

WATER FACILITIES:

Operation

Salaries $ 404.62

Office Supplies and Expenses 1,287.56

Travel 140.35

Autos and Trucks 10.65

Subsistence 13.18

Hardware and Sundry Supplies 39.94

Field Supplies -74

Total Operation $ 1,897.04

[ 113]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Capital

Land and Land Improvements $ 3,357.78

Machinery and Appliances '. 10.00

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 61.06

Total Capital

Repairs and Replacements
Autos and Trucks

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 48.67

Total Water Facilities : $ 5,374.55

FISH HATCHERIES:

Operation

Salaries and Wages .. $ 49,980.80

Office Supplies and Expense 1,889.72

Travel ... 837.56

Auto and Truck Expense 6,813.63

Heat, Light and Water 2,157.70

Fish Food 17,152.29

Rents 44.00

Subsistence 959.51

Hardware and Sundries 637.55

Hatchery Supplies 615.06

Distribution of Fish 33.62

Insurance 337.21

Miscellaneous '. 38.64

Total Operation ....

Capital

Land and Land Improvements $ 670.60

Buildings and Attached Fixtures 885.48

Machinery and Appliances 294.68

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 95.45

Furniture and Fixtures 35.38

Automobiles and Trucks 1,452.21

Scientific Apparatus 4.50

Fish Traps 240.81

Mechanical Fish Screens 1,696.90

Fish Tanks 80.00

Rearing Ponds 2,701.40

Maps — Surveys and Plans . . 3.50

Total Capital $ 8,160.91

[114]

DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES OF FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT — (Continued)
Year Ending June 30, 1942

Repairs and Replacements

Land and Land Improvements $ 19.95

Buildings and Attached Fixtures 1,123.38

Machinery and Appliances - 150.28

Hand Tools and Petty Equipment 80.14

Furniture and Fixtures 13.35

Automobiles and Trucks 1,461.10

Fish Traps 123.10

Mechanical Fish Screens 406.67

Fish Tanks 107.99

Rearing Ponds 49.47

Boats and Motors 93.26

Scientific Apparatus - 2.25

Total Repairs and Replacements $ 3,630.94

Total Hatcheries $ 93,289.14

GRAND TOTAL $399,903.87

RECAPITULATION OF FISH AND GAME FUND

Balance Fish and Game Fund July 1, 1940 $100,393.27

Income for year ending June 30, 1941 306,887.42

Funds Available $407,280.69

Expenditures for year 330,680.04

Balance in Fund June 30, 1941 $ 76,600.65

Income for year ending June 30, 1942 327,908.77

Funds available $404,509.42

Expenditures for the year 379,800.42

Balance $ 24,709.00

Less appropriation to Purchasing Agent 1,000.00

Balance in Fish and Game Fund June 30, 1942 $ 23,709.00

Federal P. R. Fish and Game Fund:

Income for year ending June 30, 1942 $ 32,348.73

Expenditures for year 20,103.45

Balance in P. R. Fund June 30, 1942 $ 12,245.28

Total Funds on Hand $35,954.28

Vouchered and due from U. S. Government — P. R 37,495.95

Total Funds on Hand and Due $ 73,450.23

[115

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[117]

VIOLATIONS BY COUNTIES

July 1, 1940

to
June 30, 1941

July 1, 1941

to
June 30, 1942

Beaverhead

Big Horn

Blaine

Broadwater

Carbon

Carter

Cascade

Chouteau

Custer

Daniels

Dawson

Deer Lodge

Fallon

Fergus

Flathead

Gallatin

Garfield

Glacier

Golden Valley

Granite

Hill

Jefferson

Judith Basin

Lake

Lewis and Clark
Liberty

Lincoln

Madison

McCone

July 1, 1940

to
June 30, 1941

Meagher 8

Mineral 12

Missoula 17

Musselshell 4

Park 5

Petroleum 5

Phillips 2

Pondera 25

Powder River 1

Powell ... 7

Prairie

Ravalli ... 9

Richland 2

Roosevelt 5

Rosebud 1

Sanders 25

Sheridan

Silver Bow 5

Stillwater 7

Sweet Grass 5

Teton 6

Toole 1

Treasure 3

Valley .... 2

Wheatland ... 5

Wibaux

Yellowstone 17

Totals 529

July 1, 1941

to
June 30. 1942

STATEMENT OF FURS SHIPPED OUT OF STATE
July 1. 1940 to June 30. 1941

Muskrats 117,839

Silver Fox 2,737

Red Fox 180

Cross Fox 32

Blue Fox 240

Mink 8,544

Marten .. . 2,379

Beaver 17,717

July 1, 1941 to June 30, 1942

Muskrats 70,039

Fox 1,830

Mink ... 4,413

Raccoon 329

Beaver 11,161

Above figures include ranch raised furs.

[118]

FISH AND GAME LAW VIOLATIONS

July 1, 1940

to
June 30, 1941

July 1, 1941
June 30, 1942

Fishing without a license

Fishing in closed waters

Fishing during closed season

Possession of more than 5 fish under 7 inches

Possession of and fishing with salmon eggs

Illegal possession of seins, net or spear

Possession of over limit of game fish

Selling game fish or game animals

Fishing with more than one rod and line

Fishing with set line

Fishing before or after hours

Pollution of streams

Swearing to false affadavit to secure license

Hunting and killing game animals during closed season

Possession of and fishing with minnows

Illegal possession of moose

Illegal possession of antelope

Illegal possession of deer or elk

Failing to tag deer or elk properly

Destroying evidence of sex of deer

Killing or possessing cub bears

Possession of or selling bear

Operating game farm without a license

Hunting big game without wearing red

Hunting without a license

Alien in possession of firearms

Carrying firearms or hunting on game preserves

Refusing to show license

Killing game birds from an automobile, highway or motor boat .

Killing game birds during closed season

Possession of over limit of game birds

Possession of Chinese pheasant hen

Hunting game birds without a plug in gun

Hunting game birds or game animals before or after hours

Hunting ducks without proper license

Trapping during closed season

Trapping without a license

Illegal possession of furs

Shipping furs without a permit

Illegal possession of beaver hides

Guiding without a license

Lending license to another

Altering license

Failure to keep a record of fur transactions

Misdemeanor

Buying furs without proper license

Selling untagged beaver hides

Totals

[119]

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[121]

PHEASANT LIBERATION
1941-1942

Year

Year

1941

1942

Beaverhead

500

925

250

150

Blaine

400

200

Broadwater .....

490

200

Carter

300

700

Cascade

1,705

900

Chouteau

400

400

Custer

600

600

Daniels

500

500

Dawson

1,000

975

Deer Lodge

500

431

Fallon

500

700

Fergus ..

........ 1,100

700

Flathead

1,323

1,434

Gallatin

600

850

Garfield

500

500

400

300

Golden Valley

841

1,025

Granite

400

750

Hill

450

500

Jefferson

250

900

Judith Basin

450

500

Lake

....... 500

500

910

1,230

250

500

75

100

Madison

600

1,046

McCone

800

800

Year
1941

Year
1942

Meagher : 300

Mineral

Missoula 600

Musselshell 1,190

Park 700

Petroleum 844

Phillips 400

Pondera .. 400

Powder River 350

Powell 400

Prairie 400

Ravalli 500

Richland

Roosevelt 500

Rosebud 200

Sanders 500

Sheridan 800

Silver Bow 700

Stillwater 630

Sweet Grass 600

Teton 450

Toole 450

Valley 1,000

Wheatland 500

Wibaux ... 600

Yellowstone

Totals 29,608

500
150
800

1,000

1,000
500
280
900

1,239
800
500

1,550
250

1,800
100
600
500
450
750
700
800
700
990
970
500
200

PHEASANTS LIBERATED BY GAME FARMS

Warm Springs Game Farm ....

Billings Game Farm

Fort Peck Game Farm

Liberation Totals

Billings Game Farm Transferred to Fort Peck Game Farm
Warm Springs Game Farm Transferred to Fort Peck Game Farm
Held over for next year — Fort Peck Game Farm

Totals

1941

1942

15,298
14,310

13,466
15,309
8,070

29,608

36,845

235
95

1,500

29,938

38,345

CHUKAR PARTRIDGES

Billings Game Farm Liberated .

Billings Game Farm Transferred to Fort Peck Game Farm

Total Raised

1942

41 Yellowstone Co.
50

[122]

J?

Jiet'l fcuild {pi tU Qtdusie!

FEB 1 8 1969

■ -* t • . :.