799 F2br 1945-1946 D LEASE RFTIIRN .S. UOiUMENTS COLLECIION 930 e'^'i^il T"^' H0NT41N A STATE LIBRARS of Montana Hateo^'ia: s^ BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION FOR May 1, 1944 — April 30, 1945 May 1, 1945 — April 30, 1946 PUBLISHED BY THE MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT Helena, Montana MSI MziSZ MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 3 0864 0016 1653 4 STATE OF MONTANA BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION FOR May I, 1944 — April 30, 1945 May 1, 1945 — April 30, 1946 PUBLISHED BY THE MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT Helena, Montana NAEGELE PRINTING CO., HELENA, MONT. / To His Excellency Sam C. Ford Governor, State of Montana Helena, Montana Dear Governor Ford: Transmitted herewith is the Montana Fish and Game Com- mission's Biennial Report for the period from May 1, 1944 to April 30, 1946. The statistics compiled at the close of this biennium reveals that the Fish and Game Department has sold, during this period, its greatest number of hunting and fishing licenses in the history of the department. The following report is intended to give a brief picture of present wildlife conditions, activities of the department, and recammendations for improving administration of our wildlife re- sources. Respectfully submitted, MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION ELMER lOHNSON, Chairman. A. A. O'CLAIRE, Secretary State of Montana FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Helena, Montana MEMBERS ELMER JOHNSON, Chairman, Glasgow WM. CARPENTER, Butte J. W. SEVERY, Missoula A. C. GRANDE, Lennep E. G. VEDOVA, Roundup A. A. O'CLAIRE State Fish and Game Warden, Helena A. G. STUBBLEFIELD Supt. State Fisheries, Helena ROBERT F. COONEY Director of Wildlife Restoration W. J. EVERIN Chief Deputy FISH AND GAME PERSONNEL Office Staff Helen Redpath Chief Clerk Eleanor Thode Secretary Ann Crimmins Claims Clerk Margaret Jennings Cashier Virginia Buckland : Assistant Cashier Alice Davis Stenographer Deputy Game Wardens John F. Burke Livingston Keith Burke Red Lodge L. C. Clark Bozeman John R. Cook Glendive W. J. Dorrington Conrad Truce Emett Great Falls K. O. Fallang .....White Sulphur Springs H. C. Friede . Malta W. A. Hill Great Falls George HoUibaugh Lewistown Allen T. Holmes .♦. Billings Clyde Howard Missiula G. O. Johnson Harlowton Wm. R. Kohls Ennis E. M. Krost ..-. Sidney R. H. Lambeth Poison Frank Marshall West Yellowstone Harry N. Morgan Ovando Bruce Neal ...Augusta John Nicolay Miles City O. J. Nollar. Libby Charles R. Price Dillon Asa Rogers Havre H. C. Sailor Absarokee Wm. Schultz Butte Gene Sherman Thompson Falls Raleigh Shields Roundup Frank Starina - Hardin Jack Thompson Leave of Absence E. W. Tierney Helena Waldo Vangsness.. U. S. Army M. J. Watt Hamilton Ross Wilson Kalispell Don Wright -. Browning Game Farms V. W. Bailey, Foreman Fort Peck Lester Barton, Foreman Warm Springs J. R. Wells, Foreman Billings Hatcheries Foremen: Fred Beal .- Anaconda Clarence Ripley Arlee Forest Keller Big Timber George Miller . Emigrant Iver Hoglund Great Falls Eli Melton Hamilton Leo Gilroy Lewistown George Ripley Libby Virgil Harper :::... Ovando A. E. Tangen : Poison John Sheehan -. .-... Somers S. S. Drew^ — (Spawn Station) West Yellowstone Wildlife Restoration Division Hector LaCasse Dorothy Nopper Katherine Brewer . Draftsman Secretary Stenographer Fieldmen: William Bergeson Faye Couey Lloyd McDowell Ken Thompson Don Brown Ray Campbell Frank Lancaster Jack Owens Merle Rognrud Rex Smart Joe Gaab William Koch Senior Fieldman ... Senior Fieldman Senior Fieldman Senior Fieldman Fieldman Fieldman Fieldman Fieldman Fieldman Fieldman Assistant Fieldman Assistant Fieldman FOREWORD The importance of our wildlife resources to the residents of Montana is demonstrated by the number of citizens who purchase hunting and fishing licenses. Approximately one person out of each five citizens purchases a resident game bird and fishing license. Demands of the resident sportsman and non-resident sportsman for more fish and game is ever on the increase. Methods of transporta- tion to and from hunting and fishing grounds, as well as the methods of taking fish and game, are becoming more and more efficient. The problem that confronts Montana sportsmen and the Fish and Game Commission is to conserve our present supply of wildlife and to provide means of increasing our game fish populations and certain species of game animals and game birds in habitats which have the carrying capacity and room for an increase without upsetting existing stable economic land use programs. To meet this problem the Commission necessarily must expand its program to propagate, administer- and conserve wildlife in proportion to the demand. There is, therefore, a need to provide an increase in revenue to finance such a program and to compensate for the decline in the purchasing power of the dollar. This report of the Fish and Game Commission for the biennium presents some of the accomplishments of our game management pro- gram, and calls attention to some of the needs and recommendations to further the program. GENERAL WILDLIFE PICTURE Montana has a great variety of wildlife habitat due to its topo- graphy, which supports many of the important species of North Ameri- can wildlife in considerable numbers. Big Game. Through sound conservation measures and game man- agement practices, huntable populations on big game animals have been maintained and open seasons have been provided on elk, deer, mountain goats and bear, and limited seasons on moose and antelope. With the present total population of elk in the State estimated at not over 30,000 and with present hunting pressures almost developed to the point where the annual kill of elk is equal or possibly greater in some instances than the annual increment from its breeding stock, serious thought should be given to the inevitable adoption of the limited license for taking the desired number of animals. Present methods to close big game seasons when a desired kill has been reached has proved unsuccessful in limiting the kill to the desired number. Present estimates of our big game populations are as follows: Elk 29,779 Mule Deer 87,530 White Tailed Deer 29,173 Moose 3,610 Antelope 22,105 Grand Total Mountain Sheep 1,284 Mountain Goats 5,182 Black Bear 7,000 Carimou 15 Grizzly Bear 550 197.078 — 7— / While the total population of big game animals is not impressive considering the area of the state, it should be borne in mind that the controlling factor is availability of suitable habitat. It is doubtful if the elk population can be greatly increased except in a few areas vi'ith- out conflicting with existing land uses. There perhaps is room for a large increase in many areas for deer, antelope, mountain sheep, moun- tain goats and grizzly bear. The antelope offers a promising future for Montana sportsmen and has responded well to management. Game Birds. Native upland game bird populations fluctuate in cycles from causes of which at present we know little. The seasons and bag limits have been regulated according to the period within these cycles. Open seasons were provided during the past biennium on Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Franklin Grouse and Sharptailed Grouse. Due to a low in the Sage Hen cycle, no open season was provided during the 1945 season. Continued protection may help increase the Sage Hen popula- tion to huntable proportions within a reasonable time. The Ring-neck Pheasant and Hungarian Partridge population has been on the wane during the last few years. This decline became so evident that the Fish and Game Commission reduced the length of the season and bag limit in some areas in the state during the 1945 season. Factors which have contributed to this decline in population are: un- favorable weather during the rearing season, illegal kill of hens, re- duced cover and an increase in predators during the corresponding period. Limited open seasons and a reduction in the bag limit, together with an expanded planting program from our game farms and a con- certed effort to eradicate predatory birds and animals, will help bring back the pheasant population so that an open season can be provided each year in the future. Migratory bird regulations of the Federal Government are adopted each year by the Commission. Montana was placed in the northern zone during the 1944 and 1945 seasons. Local duck populations have re- mained fairly constant; however, the northern flights upon which many localities depend for duck shooting has been noticeably smaller during the past two years. Game Fish. Because of favorable natural spawning conditions in many waters and supplemental planting from the hatcheries, the greater portion of our lakes and streams have been kept fairly productive of game fish. However, the inci'eased fishing pressure on the most ac- cessible lakes and streams has resulted in an overall reduction in game fish populations. The lack of fishing pressure in most streams, lakes and reservoirs supporting warm-water species is one problem in the management of such waters, because of the tendency of warm-water species to over populate and subsequently dwarf due to competition for available food. The opposite is true of trout streams and lakes. Increased fishing pressure has created a problem to keep the most accessible waters pro- ductive of game fish. Thus it is evident that separate management practices are necessary to keep waters productive according to the species of fish a par- —8— ticular drainage or body of water is capable of producing. During the past biennium the Commission provided open seasons and bag limits accordingly. GAME DIVISION Game Farms. During the biennium covered by this report, only the Fort Peck Game Farm vv^as in production. The Warm, Springs Game Farm and the Billings Game Farm, which suspended operations in the fall of 1942 for the duration of the war, were not in production . How- ever, during the fall of 1945 preparations were being made to put both of these farms back into full production for the 1946 season. In Decem- ber, 1945, contracts were let for the construction of four brooder houses at the Warm Springs Game Farm and four brooder houses at the Billings Game Farm. The four houses were completed at the Warm Springs Farm for use during the 1946 season, but due to shortage of building materials, the buildings at the Billings Farm were not com- pleted. Construction of additional brooder houses is planned at both farms so that incubators, hatchers and hovers can be used to raise pheasants without depending upon the use of domestic setting hens. In February, 1946, the Commission purchased eighty acres of land in the Moiese Valley in Lake County for the purpose of establishing a fourth game farm in Montana. This site was picked due to its favor- able climatic condition, soil, exposure, and its acreage under irrigation. The Commission has been unable to do anything toward the construction of buildings and runways to date due to the scarcity of the materials needed. Predatory Bird and Animal Control. Since the fall of 1942, the cur- tailed amounts of ammunition available to sportsmen has resulted in fewer sportsmen in the field which heretofor had killed a great many predatory birds and animals. Immediately thereafter a large increase in predators was apparent. Many sportsmen's organizations have con- tinued to inaugurate predatory animal and bird campaigns. During the past two years limited magpie and crow poisoning campaigns were car- ried out by the Department as well as the operation of magpie traps. The Department has continued to pay a $2.00 bounty on Lynx Cats and a $25.00 bounty on Mountain Lions, in addition to paying one-half the bounty list of the State Livestock Commission on coyotes. The Fish and Game Commission also paid the salaries and expenses of four Government predatory animal trappers for four months during the winter months of 1946 and for two months during the winter of 1945. Law Enforcement. During the past biennium the return of six wardens from the armed forces, in addition to those previously returned, bolstered the law enforcement division. Also during this time, three regular district vacancies were filled by new personnel who are also veterans of World War II. There were 640 arrests made for violations of the Fish and Game Laws and Regulations of the Commission during the period covered by this report. In addition to the actual numbers of arrests, a great many infractions of the Game Laws were investigated for which no arrests —9— were made. Violators paid fines totaling $16,358.11 which has been deposited to the credit of the Fish and Game Fund. During this same period, an unprecedented total of 2,845 applications for Permits to Destroy Beaver were investigated and 29,374 beaver pelts were tagged by Deputy Game Wardens, in addition to the regular patrol work and other activities carried on in their respective districts. Due to the increase in all activities in each warden's district, such as hunting, fishing, trapping and continued reports of infractions of the Fish and Game Laws, all indicate that the wardens' districts are too large for the greatest efficiency in administration and law enforcement. RECOMMENDATIONS The volume of business transacted by the Fish and Game Commis- sion has almost doubled during the last ten years, and it has become a serious administrative problem to take care of this increase due to lim- ited office space and store room facilities. To relieve this situation ,it is recommended that serious consideration be given to the construction of a Fish and Game administration building, should the plans for a State Capitol office building fail to materialize. Due to increased demands upon our wildlife, it is important that the Fish and Game Commission reduce to a minimum the illegal taking of wildlife in order to provide adequate populations for open seasons on the various species. All efforts to increase certain wildlife species through propagation from our hatcheries and game farms, or closed seasons is greatly diminished if protection through law enforcement is not in- creased in proportion. There should be no limit as to numbers of Deputy Game Wardens allowed by law. The number needed to protect our wild- life and funds available should be the only factors of limitation. In order to attract and hold the type of personnel needed in our law enforcement division, there should be no limitation of salary set by law below the standards required for such a position. It is recommended that if any salary limitation is retained, that it be a basic salary for the position with provisions for increases according to merit. The activities of the Fish and Game Department is gradually in- creasing from year to year. It can reasonably be expected to continue to enlarge its fields of activity to keep in step with progress toward the development of our state. In order to give adequate supervision in the state-wide fields of activity, it is recommended that necessary legislation be enacted to provide for a district supervisory system. Re- organization of the Department to provide for a director in charge of all activities, personnel and administration, with an assistant director, Fisheries Supervisor or Superintendent, Wildlife Restoration Supervisor, and from eight to ten district supervisors would be a progressive step toward greater coordination, provide better supervision over all ac- tivities, give greater service to the public and raise the efficiency of the personnel of the Department. In addition to the above recommendations it is suggested that the Fish and Game Laws be amended to provide for: 1. The hiring of legal assistance by the Commission when necessary. —10— 2. Provide for a commercial seining license to take non-game fish from waters designated by the Commission, set the fee for the license, and define the size of a seine or net which must be licensed, and authorize the Commission to regulate the size of the mesh of all seines or nets used in designated waters. 3. More definite legislation relative to fur farm licenses, set a date the report of animals on hand and number pelted is to be submitted to the Commission, the expiration date of the license, and provisions for a fee to be paid for capturing certain species of fur bearing animals from the wild for breeding stock. 4. Greater control by the State Fish and Game Warden in regulating the sale of hunting and fishing licenses by license agents, and re- quiring that all moneys received by agents from sale of license be kept in a separate account which at all times shall belong to the State of Montana, and remitted to the State Fish and Game Warden once each month. 5. Changing the expiration date for applying for a permit to destroy beaver from November 30 to September 30. This change will give our wardens in the field time to investigate damage claims before adverse weather conditions hinders or makes reliable inspections impossible. 6. A shorter open season on mink and muskrats, and provide an open season during the time the pelts are prime and provide for the tagging of marten pelts by the Commission. FISHERIES DIVISION In the Fisheries Division the past biennium has been both gratifying and disappointing. It has been disappointing because we have not been able to do many of the things which were planned because of the shortage of material and equipment. It has been gratifying because in spite of ever increasing handicaps, it was possible to maintain an almost normal production and distribution of fish from our hatcheries. Much of the credit for maintaining operations is due to the untiring efforts of the men at the hatcheries who have made every effort to ac- complish their work with worn out equipment and material shortages. The greater portion of the output of fish from the hatcheries has been of a size larger than previous years. Fewer fish in numbers have been planted, but the increase in number of pounds has off-set any numerical reduction. In order to distribute the larger sized fish more economically, a new fish distribution tank was designed for use on a two-ton truck capable of hauling up to 600 pounds of fish for long distances. In March of 1945, the Commission purchased the Arlee trout rearing ponds and hatchery which had been leased by the department for several years. The development of this property is started, and to date a new brood pond is nearing completion which is approximately 100 feet wide and 600 feet long. The purpose of a brood pond of this size is to raise brood stock for spawning purposes at the hatchery. A modern cold storage building was completed at the Libby hatchery. This cold storage room has a capacity of approximately twenty tons of —11— perishable fish foods. A call for bids for the construction of similar re- frigerated storage rooms at the Anaconda, Great Falls, Lewistown, Ham- ilton, Big Timber and Emigrant hatcheries was made. The Commission rejected the bids which were received for construction of these storage rooms for the reason that the bids were in excess of the amount allotted for construction. Another call for bids will be made when conditions are more favorable. The Fish and Game Department with the cooperation of the Phillips County Wildlife Association built a hatchery at Nelson reservoir for hatching walleyed pike. The planting of a portion of the output of this hatchery into Nelson reservoir, together with the seining operations to remove carp which is carried on each year, should result in greatly im- proved fishing in this reservoir. Adjacent to Nelson reservoir, the McNeill Slough was also developed by the department and the cooperative group to form two lakes which are now favorable bodies of water for Rainbow Trout. The Warm Water Fish Cultural Station located at Miles City is operated by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Montana Fish and Game Department. The planting of streams, lakes and reservoirs in the eastern part of the state with warm water fish from this hatchery has provided good fishing for many people who formerly were denied the sport and recreation of fishing unless they traveled to other areas. Fort Peck Lake on the Missouri River is rapidly coming into its own as a favored fishing area, and now provides good trout fishing as well as numerous pike, catfish, bass and perch. FISHERIES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM A fish improvement program is under way which will be enlarged as funds, material and trained personnel become available. It is recognized that habitat improvement should go hand in hand with fish propagation and distribution. The program is divided into fields of endeavor as follows: 1. The building of concrete rearing ponds of the raceway type at those hatcheries which have a sufficient flow of water will make it pos- sible to rear more fish to yearling size, give a better control of fish at all times, and allow grading of fish for size, thereby cutting to a mini- mum the loss by cannibalism and disease. 2. Program of stream and lake improvement which will increase natural food production and provide a better game fish habitat in many waters. 3. The development of a rough fish control program. Unless this control is made a major part of our fish program, many of the waters of the state may become less productive of game fish. In the minds of a great many people, the solution of our fishing problems is simply the introduction into the waters of more fish. It is now realized that it is necessary to improve the fish food conditions in the wateis themselves and also to reduce or i-emove the rough fish which are contaminating so many waters. It is necessary to reduce as much as possible rough fish —12— populations in many waters where rough fish compete with game fish in such numbers that a reduction in game fish results. 4. The department is in the process of acquiring new sources of suitable water for development of new hatcheries and rearing ponds. When ever possible, the raceway type rearing pond will be installed be- cause of its greater efficiency in fish production. The adoption of better feed formulas, especially in the more heavily oxygenated waters of the raceway type pond, should materially increase the weight of planted fish. The above program is intended to increase facilities for production at the hatcheries and contribute toward greater productivity of game fish habitat in lakes and streams throughout the state. WILDLIFE RESTORATION « Introduction The Restoration program became possible following the Assent Act of the 1941 Montana Legislative Assembly to Federal Aid in Wildlife Development. By this Act, funds that were going into the Federal Treasury from a Wye excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition were made available to the Fish and Game Departments of the various states as an aid in the restoration of their wildlife resources. The amount allotted each state is based on the actual size of the state and the number of hunting licenses sold in each. Due to its rela- tively large size, Montana is eighth in the amount allotted. Much as our Federal Aid to highway program, the State matches Federal funds on a 25-75'^'r basis; that is, the State pays 259f of the cost of the various projects. Each of the projects undertaken is originated and planned by the State and the personnel to supervise and carry them out are chosen by it. The Government, acting through the Fish and Wildlife Service requires only that the projects undertaken are substantial in character and that they will definitely benefit wildlife. For convenience, this unit of the Fish and Game Department has been called the Restora- tion Division. As explained in former biennial reports, the work undertaken has been state-wide in scope and as would be expected in a state of this size, the projects are diverse in character. Wildlife Development Projects Careful investigations throughout important wildlife areas of the state, indicated a definite need for various development projects. The trapping and transplanting of game species has been an important de- velopment project. In all cases the animals and birds nioved have been taken from localities of abundance and placed in areas where they were scarce or entirely lacking. In this way, new game herds are being developed in desirable areas where they will not conflict with agricultural activities and game bird distribution is being improved. Trapping and Tran.splanting Ring-Necked Pheasants The work entailed in live trapping ring-necked pheasants was con- tinued throughout the past two winters. During this period 2,846 mature birds were captured and moved into desirable locations. It is —13— felt that these full grown wild caught birds are particularly desirable for planting purposes as they are accustomed to shifting for themselves even under severe winter conditions. These birds were trapped from limited areas where varying degrees of damage was being reported by the landowners. Thus, the work served the dual purpose of relieving a condition in the trapping area as well as providing an excellent type of planting stock for under-popu- lated localities. Trapping and Transplanting Goats This program was continued through the past two years under a curtailed program and 9 mountain goats were taken during this period. They were released in the Stillwater Canyon in the Beartooth Plateau region. It is felt that the plant in this location will supplement in time the original plant made in the Rock Creek district near Red Lodge. The entire Beartooth Plateau, over which the Cooke City-Red Lodge highway travels, is ideal range for mountain goats. However, due to its isolated position in regard to the present range of this species of big game, there is no record that mountain goats were ever in the area. Investigations during the past year indicate that the goats in the Crazy Mountains, where the original plants were made (22 goats re- leased), are doing very well. Trapping and Transplanting Mule Deer This program was continued with 345 deer moved during the two- year period. These were moved from ranges where they were con- sidered surplus or where they were actually doing damage. They were transported by truck to several mountainous areas in the eastern portion of the state; namely, the Glendive Badlands, the Bull Mountains south of Roundup; as well as the Wolf Mountains, or Sappy Hills south of Forsyth. All of these areas were very seriously depleted of deer many years ago. They present sufficient range however, for the development of moderate sized deer herds under present conditions. This is being brought about by the planting of wild-caught deer. Trapping and Transplanting White-Tail Deer There have been 104 white-tail deer trapped and moved into desir- able ranges during the past two years. These animals were taken from a concentration area north of Kalispell and moved to the foothills of the Beartooth Range south of Columbus. They were released in the East Rosebud Canyon and in the Stillwater Canyon. Both of these areas present ideal range for white-tail deer. This species apparently was killed out of those areas prior to the buck law and other methods of regulation which will protect them at the present time. Trapping and Transplanting Anteloi>c The first antelope trapping work was undertaken last year. One hundred and twenty of these animals were taken during this initial work. They were secured in areas of heavy concentration and were moved into —14— localities where antelope had once been found, but had been exterminated many years ago. Areas where plants were made were the Shields River Valley, the Missouri Valley, the Waterloo Area in the Jefferson Valley, and the Horseshoe Hills in the Gallatin Valley. Trapping and Transplanting Beaver A program of live-trapping and transplanting beaver is being car- ried out. This involves moving beaver from areas in the agricultural districts where they were found to be a nuisance back into the moun- tainous portions of the state where their ponds and dams are a distinct benefit in the control of water run-off as well as an aid in the de- velopment of game fish habitat. During the past two years 364 beaver have been moved into desir- able areas. A follow-up of this work has indicated that in most cases, the introduced beaver have very quickly adapted themselves to their new environment. Posting Game Preserves and Closed Areas Work has been continued on this project dui-ing the past two years. A number of the important game preserves and closed areas within the state have been posted. Waterfowl Habitat Improvement Under this program which has been carried on since the beginning of the Restoration work, 37 reservoirs have had wildlife areas fenced around their upper edge. In addition to fencing the areas, both food bearing shrubs and aquatic plants have been placed in these areas. The reservoirs vary in size from 50 acres up to several square miles. The reservoirs upon which this work is being conducted are leased by the Montana Fish and Game Commission from the Soil Conservation Service and the Montana Water Board. Leasing Winter Game Range Approximately 120,000 acres of critically important winter deer and elk range have been leased during the past two years. These ranges are located in the Fish Creek drainage in Mineral County, the Thomp- son River area in Sanders County and the Blackfoot Canyon in Missoula County. Game Range Salting Fifty-five tons of game salt has been purchased yearly during the past two years under this project. Of this amount 12 tons were placed in the Sun River, Flathead and Mission range areas by plane two years ago and 16 tons last year. The Bitterroot range was added to the areial salting program during the past year. Salting by plane has been found to be the most practical method of getting game salt in remote wilder- ness range areas sufficiently early in the spring to obtain maximum benefits in regard to better game distribution. Ring-Necked Pheasant Food Shelter Development During the past two years 12 food shelters have been constructed in the Helena Valley and 6 in the Gallatin Valley. Food and grit hop- pers have been provided within these shelters. —15— The shelters have been carefully located in order that the birds may find food available even during the more severe winter periods. It is expected that this program will very materially lessen the winter loss of game birds. Big Game Investigations In order that necessary information would be available as an aid in working out a wide variety of problems, wildlife investigative work has been an important part of the Restoration Program. The percentage of this type of work has lessened since the first two years, at which time surveys were necessary to lay a factual foundation for the de- velopment projects which are being carried on. It has been found necessary, however, to continue a curtailed amount of this type of work in order that information be kept up to date regarding numbers of big game, range conditions, annual increase, hunter take, relationships with other land uses, as well as game bird numbers and distribution, plus many other vital problems dealing di- rectly with the complex management of the wildlife resources of the State. During the two years covered in this report additional information has been gained regarding the potential game ranges in the eastern half of the state. This is a decided aid in working out deer planting programs in such areas as the Bull Mountains, the Sarpy Creek Area, Glendive Badlands and the Missouri Breaks. Detailed information has also been gained regarding antelope. This has been decidedly important in setting up the various hunting areas, seasons and numbers to be taken. One man has been stationed in the area and has been responsible for gaining this information. An additional man has been assigned to the western end of the state and has been given the responsibility of obtaining all possible in- formation on big game in that section. He was aided during the past summer and fall by two additional men in carrying on a detailed in- vestigation in connection with mountain goats in the Sun River-Flathead Area. The findings of this work will be of particular importance in de- ciding whether a hunting season should be opened on this species of big game in this important unit. Annual winter counts have been conducted in the Sun River, Gal- latin, Northern Yellowstone and Little Belt elk ranges. Other important game ranges have been covered during the period. A mein has been assigned to checking game bird numbers and habitat conditions on a state-wide basis. This information has been vital to the various game bird development projects undertaken. Neces- sary editorial work has been completed in the Ring-necked Pheasant Food Habits Report. This has been published and distributed under the title, "The Relation of Pheasants to Agriculture in Montana." —16— f "~" ■* "" ~ / • • • • / 8. 0* — 1 <^, ■o^ / y^ in \ ^**Vi^^ d ^ ^t- ^S^ ^ \ /\ ^ / \ # / \- (r UJ z »- Z / V ^ / \% o V) i UJ / z X; Ao\ ^ / \ in V. ' g in > -v>^^ / .0^^^"' ' s o o ^ tc Q in ^ %~ o Xj 3 Ul \ — -____^_^ ^ \ > / 6 o < t- \ / ^ 5 o \ >^ 1 o" ro -1 z \ ^ Ci^ tt IT *S9, ^u. < ti^< o 1- Ci o ~j Uji T ■~^^^--<^. K < k ~- y>^ ^v. Sx >- < y ^ ^^ (T) 5^ S / Q \ li- 1 UJ Hi z UI \^ 5 UJ 1— UJ o en o -I o z I CO p ID ^— ____UCENSE r ■o- 1 z bJ u. 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Co «? 5 5 Q u. / UJ " ^ / \ 1 6 / z CJ UJ o / u 1 _i / 1- / 5 i 5 i - 1 o 2 2 C ° fer LICENSE 1 oJ « to 1 2 \^ \ ''^x i?^ / \ -o\ >r\ *■ \ -V / e \ - -5, 0 < • \ y\ x/^'" —'1 s* < \d^ a\ X >l i tS^' —1 3| \ \ \ \ 1 \^___ .„ . —18- STATEMENT OF INCOME May 1, 1944 to April 30, 1945 Licenses Fees Hunting and Fishing Licenses & Shipping Permits: Resident Bird and Fish $ 2.00 Resident Big Game 1.00 Resident Sportsman 5.00 Non-Resident Fishing ' 5.00 Non-Resident Bird - 1 0.00 Non-Resident Big Game — 30.00 Alien Big Game 50.00 Alien Fishing 10.00 Shipping Permits .60 Tourist Fishing 2.50 Total - - Less Dealers' Fees Income from Sale of 1944 and 1945 Licenses Plus 1943 and 1944 Licenses Remitted Late .. .50 Total Income Sale of Hunting & Fishing Licenses Licenses & Permits Other Than Above: Beaver Tags -- General Trappers' Licenses - 10.00 Land Owner Trappers' Licenses .— 1.00 Beaver Trapping Permits 1 — 1 0.00 Guides' Licenses — 1 0.00 Taxidermists' Licenses 1 5.00 Special Antelope Permits 1 .00 Seining Permits - 5.00 Resident Fur Dealers' Licenses _— - -- 1.00 Fur Dealers' Agent Licenses 10.00 Non-Resident Fur Dealers' Licenses — - 25.00 Certificates of Identification .50 Miscellaneous Revenue: Fines Confiscations — Sale of Furs Confiscations — Sale of Fish and Meats Sale of Elk Study - Refunds Other Revenue — Total Income — By Collections Income — By Reimbursement from Pittman-Robert- Funds for Wildlife Restoration Division _ TOTAL INCOME Number of Licenses Income 101,941 $203,882.00 45,335 45,335.00 298 1,490.00 1,882 9,410.00 337 3,370.00 479 14,370.00 1 50.00 77 770.00 3,284 1,970.40 5,221 13,052.50 $293,699.90 15,491.40 $278,208.50 426.50 • $278,635.00 2,397 $ 6,198.50 688 6,880.00 657 657.00 1,239 12,390.00 83 830.00 8 120.00 650 650.00 6 30.00 370 370.00 20 200.00 6 150.00 320 160.00 $ 28,635.50 $ 6,251.71 21,804.29 1,562.06 .50 546.65 10,988.52 $ 41,153.73 $348,424.23 76,194.35 $424,618.58 —19- STATEMENT OF INCOME May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1946 Licenses Number ol Fees Licenses Income Hunting and Fishing Licenses & Shipping Permits: Resident Bird and Fish $ 2.00 114,285 $228,570.00 Resident Big Game 1.00 52.694 52,694.00 Resident Sportsman 5.00 540 2,700.00 Non-Resident Fishing >. 5.00 2,480 12,400.00 Non-Resident Bird 10.00 548 5,480.00 Non-Resident Big Game .-. _ 30.00 1,085 32,550.00 Alient Big Game 50.00 2 100.00 Alien Fishing 10.00 94 940.00 Shipping Permits .60 4,631 2,778.60 Tourist Fishing 2.50 7,607 19,017.50 Total _. $357,230.10 Less Dealers' Fees 17,888.10 Income from Sale ol 1945 and 1946 Licenses.... $339,342.00 Plus 1944 & 1945 Licenses Remitted Late 1,318.50 Total Income Sale of Hunting & Fishing Licenses $340,660.50 Licenses & Permits Other Than Above: Beaver Tags . 50 16,977 $ 8,478.50 General Trappers' Licenses 10.00 1,125 11,250.00 Land Owner Trappers' Licenses 1.00 838 838.00 Beaver Trapping Permits 10.00 1,606 16,060.00 Guides' Licenses - 10.00 113 1,130.00 Special Elk Licenses (Less Fees) _ 1.00 195 181.50 Taxidermists' Licenses 15.00 9 135.00 Special Antelope Permits 1.00 1,575 1,575.00 Seining Permits —. 5.00 3 15.00 Alien Gun Permit 25.00 1 25.00 Special Moose Permits ., 25.00 90 2,250.00 Resident Fur Dealers' Licenses 10.00 115 1,150.00 Fur Dealers' Agent Licenses 10.00 28 280.00 Non-Resident Fur Dealers' Licenses 50.00 13 650.00 Certificates of Identification .50 354 157.00 $ 44,175.00 Miscellaneous Revenue: Fines _ $ 10,106.40 Confiscations — Sale ol Fish & Meats 1,994.77 Sale of Elk Study - 2.00 Refunds „ 1 1 0.04 Other Revenue 1,100.96 Sale of Furs — State Trapped 17,856.50 Fines Remitted Direct to Treasurer 443.50 $ 31,804.17 Total Income — By Collections $416,639.67 Refund of Advance 3,000.00 Income — By Reimbursement from Pittman-Robert- son Funds for Wildlife Restoration Division 21,783.01 TOTAL INCOME $44 1 ,422.68 —20— STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS May 1, 1944 to AprU 30, 1945 Commissioners — _ - $ 2,278.17 Administration . _ — 45,24 1 .25 Game Division (Deputies) — - 81,584.25 Game Farm — Warm Springs - 600.00 Game Form — Billings - - 114.73 Game Farm — Fort Peck - - — 34,332.80 Fisheries Division: Hatcheries: Anaconda - - $ 8,545.68 Great Falls -- 11,141.35 Hamilton --. 5,960.68 . Le^vistown — - — 6,306.52 Big Timber - 9,771.31 Poison _ - • 3,333.76 Ovando 778.28 Libby — - 1 1,205.84 Emigrant — 8,583.02 Somers .— 7,245.86 Arlee 22,657.21 Red Lodge ..- 4 1 .20 U. S. Hatchery: Miles City 1,862.21 Spawning Stations: Georgetown Lake 240.22 Bitterroot _ 1 00.00 Lake Ronan ._ 127.60 West Yellowstone ^- 5,162.56 Alvord Lake 637.17 Willow Creek .-— — - 502.50 Lake Agnes — - - — - 421.15 Ashley Lake — . 1,038.93 Big Salmon Lake — _ - — - 161.52 Marlowe Rearing Pond 504.43 Investigation, Propogation & Distribution of Fish - 1,852.51 Fish Screens 20.30 Total Fisheries Division $108,201.31 Checking Stations _ _ 338.45 Miscellaneous Activities .— 12,476.91 Wildlife Restoration Division: Coordination $ 1 0,349. 1 2 Beaver Development 1,523.08 Trapping and Transplanting _ - 7,669.57 Surveys and Investigations 33,644.06 Posting Game Preserves 795.26 Water Facilities - 8,386.13 Dry Lake 674.15 Gallatin Elk Range Acquisition — - 23.00 Winter Deer Range Lease 1,485.52 Judith River Fencing Project — 3,357.44 Tudith River Development - 496.05 Winter Refuges - __.„•... _ 1,153.40 Total Wildlife Restoration Division — $ 69,556.78 TOTAL EXPENDITURES -- - $354,724.65 —21- STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1946 Commissioners $ 3,084.02 Administration _ 57,141 .89 Game Division (Deputies) 94,635.08 Game Farm — Warm Springs 12,659.29 Game Farm — Billings ._ _ _ 7,323.26 Game Farm — Fort Peck 16,229.17 Fisheries Division: Hatcheries: Anaconda $ 1 0,833.40 Great Falls 10,107.78 Hamilton . 7,878.05 Lewistown 8,461 .88 Big Timber — .._.. 11,727.99 Poison 3,108.04 Ovando _ _ 934.22 Libby 15,303.38 Emigrant 8,459.35 Somers -- 7,240.36 Arlee — 14,1 28.64 Horse Meat Processing 3,960.31 U. S. Hatchery: Miles City - 1,627.13 Spawning Stations: Georgetown Lake 269.^80 Bitterroot 277.32 Lake Ronan _ 569.67 West Yellowstone ._ _ 4,147.53 Alvord Lake 202.69 Willow Creek 469.96 Lake Agnes _ 1 30.56 Ashley Lake _ _ 860.70 South Fork Madison 33.17 Aldrich Lake , 129.44 McNeil Slough _ 1,111.41 Marlow Rearing Pond _ 10.00 Investigation, Propagation & Distribution of Fish 1,252.25 Fish Screens 40.18 Total Fisheries Division _. $113,275.21 Checking Stations _ 492.35 Miscellaneous Activities 17,069.77 Wildlife Restoration Division: Coordination $ 13,925.64 Beaver Develooment „ 922.18 Trancing and Transnlanting _ 10,987.20 Survevs and Invesfiaations 20,096.32 Posting Game Preserves 4,755.27 Water Facilities 3,545.35 Gallatin Elk Range Acquisition 9,291.89 Winter Deer Range Lease 3,580.37 Judith River Fencing Project 1 5.42 Judith River Range Acquisition 500.00 Winter Refuges _ 1,560.35 Salting • 2,575.72 Dailey Lake 515.06 Total Wildlife Restoration Division 72.270.77 Moiese Game Farm _ 6,519.40 Willow Creek Elk Camp 308.35 Funds Drawn by Purchasing Dept 1,000.57 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $402,009. 1 3 -22- RECAPITULATION OF FUNDS May 1, 1944 to April 30, 1945 and May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1946 Balance Forwarded: April 30, 1944 - - $ 135,620.09 Less check in process of collection - --. 210.70 Actual Balance Forwarded - -— — — - $ 1 35,409.39 Income During Year: By Deposits with State Treasurer $ 348,424.38 Income During Year: By Reimbursement P.-R. Funds 76,194.35 Funds Available During Year - $ 560,028.12 Expenditures During Year — Both Funds 354,724.65 Balance April 30, 1945 — Funds 131 and 104-11 $ 205,303.47 Plus Pitfman-Robertson Accounts Receivable * 19,544.66 Potential Fish and Game Funds: April 30, 1945 $ 224,848.13 Balance Forwarded: April 30, 1945 $ 205,303.47 Income During Year: By Deposits with State Treasurer 416,195.87 Income During Year: By Reimbursement P.-R. Funds -.. 21,783.01 Refund of Advance - - - 3,000.00 Remitted Direct to State Treasurer - 443.50 Total Income During Year --- $ 441,422.38 Funds Available During Year $ 646,725.85 Expenditures During Year — Both Funds -.. 402,009.13 Balance: April 30, 1946 — Funds 131 and 104-11 $ 244,716.72 Plus P.-R. Accounts Receivable: April 30, 1946 $ 40,007.53 Potential Fish and Game Funds: April 30, 1946 $ 284,724.25 *Approximat©. —23— RECAPITULATION OF EXPENDITURES Years Ending April 30. 1945 and 1946 April 30, 1945 Administration Operation _ ..„$ 42,708.1 0 Capital - _ 1 ,908.27 Repairs and Replacements 624.88 Total ._ $ 45,241.25 Commissioners Expense $ 2,278.17 Game Division (Deputies) Operation ,$ 77,035.00 Capital _ 1 49.03 Repairs and Replacements — 5,049.07 $ 82,233.10 Less Reclassification Adjustment -- 648.85 Total $ 8 1 ,584.25 Gqme Farm — Warm Springs Operation __,.$ 600.00 Capital Repairs and Replacements - — Total $ 600.00 Game Farm — Billings Operation _ $ 90.98 Capital __.. Repairs and Replacements _. 23.75 Total ._ $ 1 14.73 Game Farm — Fort Peck Operation ...$ 25,593.1 1 Capital ...„ 5,346.82 Repairs and Replacements - .— 3,215.12 $ 34,155.05 Plus Reclassification Adjustment 1 77.75 Total - _ $ 34,332.80 Moiese Game Farm Operation Capital Repairs and Replacements !-., Total Fisheries Division Operation $ 89,1 19.59 Capital 8,934.14 Repairs and Replacements 10,147.58 Total $108,201.31 Checking Stations Operation _ „ $ 300.1 1 Capital 5.25 Repairs and Replacements 33.09 Total _ $ 338.45 Miscellaneous Activities $ 12,476.91 Wildlife Restoration Operation $ 63,261.29 Capital 1 ,882.82 Repairs and Replacements 3,941.57 $ 69,085.68 Plus Reclassification Adjustment 471.10 Total - .-$ 60,556.78 Willow Creek Elk Camp $ Montana State Purchasing Department Funds Drawn by the Purchasing Department $ NET TOTAL Expenditures: Fish & Game Dept. . $354,724.65 —24— AprU30, 1946 $ 56,237.55 293.95 610.39 $ 57,141.89 $ 3,084.02 $ 86,669.14 399.77 7,566.17 $ 94,635.08 $ 4,610.90 7,887.29 161.10 $ 12,659.29 $ 5,963.22 1,021.50 338.54 $ 7,323.26 $ 13,779.56 1,186.52 1,263.09 $ 16,229.17 $ .40 6,519.00 $ 6,519.40 $ 97,232.13 5,461.01 10,582.07 $113,275.21 $ 462.95 10.00 19.40 $ 492.35 $ 17,069.77 $ 52,158.51 16,008.34 4,103.92 $ 72,270.77 $ 308.35 $ 1,000.57 $402,009.13 FISH AND GAME LAW VIOLATIONS May 1,1944 to May 1,1945 to April 30, 1945 April 30, 1946 Fishing in closed waters Possessing over legal limit of game fish Fishing without a license _ Fishing during closed season Illegal possession o£ seins, net or spear _ Fishing with set lines Possession of or fishing with salmon eggs or fish spawn ..-. Fishing before or after hours Possessing more than 5 fish under 7 inches Pollution of streams - Using explosives to destroy fish Fishing with improper license --. _ Fishing with 2 poles - Illegal possession of beaver hides - Transporting untagged beaver . Selling untagged beaver Failure to keep proper record of fur transactions _ Dealing in furs without proper license Trapping during closed season Trapping with improper license or without license Illegal trapping of beaver Shipping furs without permit Illegal possession of or sale of furs Opening and destroying muskrat houses Shooting or possessing Chinese Pheasant Hen Killing or possessing game birds during closed season Killing game birds from automobile, highway or motor boat Hunting game birds without plug in gun Shooting game birds before or after hours Hunting or killing game animals during closed season Illegal possession of big game Hunting with improper license or without license Hunting game animals with artificial light Hunting on closed area, game preserve or reservation Swearing to false affidavit to secure resident license Shooting doe or fawn deer Transporting game animals without shipping permit Trespassing or hunting on posted land Transfer of big game license or tag Failure to tag deer, elk, antelope, or improper tagging Shooting elk before hours Wasting game meat Killing Mountain Sheep Killing moose — Killing Rocky Moimtain Goats Alien in possession of firearm Failure to have red on clothing while hunting big game_ Shooting game animals from highway Illegal possession of live deer . Throwing burning cigarette out of vehicle Failure to report guiding activities Guiding and packing without Guide's License __ — Spearing muskrats — Destroying evidence of sex of deer Killing more than one elk or deer during season Shooting robins __ — — -,. ' Molesting wild geese with motor boat — - 1 Hunting migratory waterfowl with rifle . -— 1 KilUng swans - --- 3 Totals - 274 366 —25— 12 26 17 10 29 42 11 18 18 24 7 5 3 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 6 .... 1 1 .... 3 .— 1 1 3 1 4 3 5 7 4 1 2 2 2 1 10 12 16 24 6 18 9 24 32 7 15 1 7 4 1 14 1 12 13 17 13 4 14 1 2 4 2 1 9 1 1 1 2 1 4 ;"'." 5 ..._ 2 1 1 1 3 6 1 1 ..- _.„ 1 1 1 2 4 2 2 VIOLATIONS BY COUNTIES May 1, 1944 to May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1945 April 30, 1946 Beaverhead 2 2 Big Horn 1 2 5 Blaine _ 7 4 Broadwater 2 Carbon - _ 1 3 16 Carter 2 Cascade 1 4 9 Chouteau — 2 2 Custer 1 Daniels .- _ .... Dawson _ 1 3 Deer Lodge 7 7 Fallon Fergus .- 8 7 Flathead 1 5 35 Gallatin ...... 7 21 Gariield 2 Glacier 1 4 Golden Valley Granite 11 Hill 3 4 Jefferson 6 Judith Basin „ 8 Lake .. _. 37 51 Lewis and Clark - . 5 5 Liberty Lincoln _ _ 1 0 3 Madison 1 4 6 McCone Meagher 5 12 Mineral 9 1 Missoula _ 14 16 Musselshell 4 1 Park 3 19 Petroleum 1 Phillips :._ 1 3 Pondera 6 16 Powder River 7 Powell „ _ 9 2 Prnirie „_„_ -- . 2 Ravalli _ 1 5 12 Richland 6 9 Roosevelt 4 Rosebud — . Sanders 7 8 Sheridan _ 2 1 Silver Bow 2 Stillwater 6 13 Sweet Gross 2 3 Teton 1 7 Toole 1 Treasure Valley _ 5 Wheatland 3 16 Wibaux 1 Yellowstone 11 Totals 274 366 -26— LICENSE SALES BY COUNTIES May 1, 1944 to April 30, 1945 c a-2 a a c «l ^S „§ :2 Sc :« sg -S g^ g^ g6 So' ST. S Sg E Si s.? la §1 06 n §.? I I Kpa Km «w 2;u< 2- !sm 2;m < e- Beaverhead 1,829 978 15 115 592 6 5 ..- 3,540 Big Horn — _ 933 261 7 6 15 9 4 ,. 1,235 Blaine 909 175 3 _ 3 4 ._. _ 1,094 Broadwater - 670 449 10 6 -. 1,135 Carbon -... 1,938 674 2 11 57 .... .... 1 2,683 Carter 237 230 ... .. . .. - - -. 467" Cascade _. 9,911 3,855 46 26 101 1 2 33 7 13,991 Chouteau 873 218 .... 2 4 .... ..- — - 1,097 Custer 957 449 2 3 3 1,414 Daniels 266 29 .... . .... .... .... ... 295 Dawson 1,128 305 5 9 11 1 .... 1,459 Deer Lodge 2,623 1,097 12 5 39 .... .... ... 3,776 Fallon 326 1 89 1 0 3 528 Fergus 3,299 2,204 29 7 53 2 7 1 5,602 Flathead 7,301 4,031 18 84 327 20 40 14 11,835 Gallatin 4,608 2,302 10 377 1 ,797 47 72 11 9,224 Garfield 109 6 .... .... ... .... .... .... US Glacier 1,524 425 4 21 33 12 2,019 Golden Valley 355 129 .. 2 11 ... 497 Granite 612 427 2 14 9 5 1,0^9 Hill 2,093 294 6 1 19 .... 2,413 Jefferson 849 540 ... 3 16 .. 1,408 Judith Basin 655 462 .. 9 10 4 1,140 Lake 2,853 1,084 1 29 123 18 5 4,113 Lewis & Clark 4,962 2,801 23 50 101 4 56 3 8,000 Liberty 275 49 1 .... ... .... 325 Lincoln 2,323 1,470 3 78 261 4 17 3 4,159 Madison 1,551 878 2 43 226 2 1 2,703 McCone 292 32 . . .... .... 324 Meagher 762 545 6 7 23 .... . 1,343 Mineral 717 477 .41 83 6 3 1,327 Missoula 6,346 3,047 5 54 207 24 46 1 9,730 Musselshell 987 430 ... 24 10 1,451 Park 3,057 1,885 15 36 65 2 29 10 5,099 Petroleum .. .... - . .. ... ... .. . Phillips 671 97 1 3 7 2 .... .... 781 Pondera 1,390 425 1 8 15 .... „ ... 1,839 Powder River 209 191 .... .... .... ._ 400 Powell 1,517 999 1 5 31 1 37 1 2,592 Prairie 202 90 .... .... .... .. 292 Ravalli 2,892 1,610 5 23 107 1 8 4,646 Richland ,.- 1,167 468 2 4 2 34 7 1,684 Roosevelt 1,071 300 10 4 5 3 5 1,398 Rosebud 452 289 .... .... .... .. . . 741 Sanders..... 1,693 1,078 .... 53 238 25 31 1 3,119 Sheridan 652 74 10 .. . 5 . ... 741 Silver Bow 8,086 2,890 5 27 97 5 8 12 11,130 Stillwater 1,497 699 6 8 39 3 .... 2,252 Sweet Grass 976 669 .. 38 63 1 4 .... 1,751 Teton 1,164 553 6 16 17 14 .... 1,770 Toole 1,011 209 4 7 5 1 . . .... 1,237 Treasure Valley 1,527 137 2 11 26 7 2 .... 1,712 Wheatland 1,117 692 14 1 30 1 1 5 1,861 Wibaux 269 30 ... 12 2 313 Yellowstone 6,548 1,577 11 32 80 14 13 4 8,279 Idaho .... _ _ 528 142 73 .... .... 743 Washington — ^^- 42 130 ... 5 .. 177 Totals 102,241 45,504 300 1,885 5,239 338 484 77 156,068 The above figures do not include 1 Alien Big Game License, sold in Helena Office, County of Lewis & Clark. —27- LICENSE SALES BY COUNTIES May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1946 m ^•^ Km Beaverhead 1,993 Big Horn 1,077 Blaine 927 Broadwater 795 Carbon 2,185 Carter _ 305 Cascade _ 10,555 Chouteau 966 Custer 1,303 Daniels _ 335 Dawson 1,275 Deer Lodge 2,744 Fallon — 416 Fergus -... 3,544 Flathead ..- 8,299 Gallatin 5,408 Glacier 1,644 Garfield ^ 200 Golden Valley 408 Granite ._ 745 Hill 2,288 Jefferson 930 Judith Basin 780 Lake _ 3,180 Lewis & Clark ..- 5,707 Liberty 259 Lincoln _ 2,505 Madison 1 ,722 McCone -.- 406 Meagher — 880 Mineral _. 813 Missoula 7,386 Musselshell 1,182 Park 3,599 Petroleum 120 Phillips _ 806 Pondera 1,578 Powder River 248 Powell 1,607 Prairie 250 Ravalli 3,502 Richland 1,108 Roosevelt 1,181 Rosebud 574 Sanders 1,954 Sheridan 756 Silver Bow 7,912 Stillwater 1 ,627 Sweet Grass 1,193 Teton 1,380 Toole 1,081 Valley 1,872 Wheatland 1,208 Wibaux 247 Yellowstone 7,748 Idaho Washington Totals 114,713 The above figures do not include County of Lewis and Clark cr ^^ — c , , ^, cr (O c 01 s^ 0) B 0) c 0) ■o T}.!2 •a •a «) !S c B "1 ^ 0) IT 0> 0 u^ ■OO •oc « S K a K «n c W i-n m 0 C-^ aV C-0 « 7, 0) 0 (N10 — 00^0-OCNOu^ « ■» O CN(N 00 rori in tT ■<»■(») 2 o-on"— ■«)■" iWiooocNcNO o 00 cMT) ■>»■ -"T r^ — ■* 00 00 in H i^_— o — ooor^n(NCMO> o in in ««5 o o o in O O O in o n oo oo OCN o o ha. in in n ro in in o o o o o o DO, o o o in — 1^ o o o o m 00 o Q. 0. 0 u u o o o- o» n ro oo' 00 (N CN o 9 O o o o o o in ■O O « 9 « CO 00 (N O o o o o o o o OQ n in m S M OS H B 0 e oo o 1 oo oo o'o" o o d H iH 0 roo r) 5 s © M >oin - >i § C SO) o o o o o o BQ § =3 "2 ©•_ q Ov ;? 5 v in in o M l§ o o oa rH >.°- q M ^ 0 f^ rC g IH u in O 00 m oo H >s M 3 So vOOOO^O in > o oooino >o « o ■-0(N00OO r-^ D C> q -O fO >0 O -"T -"t o >— B -^ 00 o -<}■ 00 o fO r^ vo 00 O r-. •a CNINI^^OOO — coin r^ 001^ ■t 5-^- in(>->TOOoo-.oqrv--i-v ■^ 0 inr-rTfvOvOo'oo'r-r-q-" oS CO -"t in CN n CN -T CM o ^m Tj- (vjiTKNin — — — o CM d in vO c> 00 o CN CM n o -o -o o ■q o CM in q CN c^ CN < H O H Q B •9b Dg B M.S'g 2 0 2^ >'3 § <ooo-oo--mcNo^n OCS-— OOOOCOOOCNlOLD _H 00 0<3 <"^ f^Of^OO^^O— _ O OOlOO'— ocoroo -^ o — o^o e •o D > o Q ^0 00 o c > X u o I-) o (N in o U 00 4) ro O M O JQ B '3 n 04 o 00 CO O o o -q 73 O a 0 n (N — o-o -o OlT) o->r -ooo ro — ro n ■o r--.' 00 in (Nin — o IOCS — o •So ^^ o C >xl o o lo' 00 CN CN (N 00 c o £ o o 1 . r-; d) in in « n n CN ^ ,2« cs w O w tr o CO 00 B o -* -<»■ "?• CO CO g — -o 00 rN CN CO o o in !>." 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CN ■«r in voco roco IV IV, o-o Tfin 00 >q <3 CNC>^ IV in in IV inotj rvin ■oco rv" CN in ^0 ro ro O IV o H -30— GAME BIRDS LIBERATED Summer 194S Billings Game Farm Fort Peck Game Farm Warm Springs Game Farm Totals .-.- - 8,035 Pheasants 50 Chukars 8,085 Summer 1946 15,142 Pheasants 17,153 Pheasants 207 Chukars 4,724 Pheasants 37,226 STATEMENT OF FURS SHIPPED OUT OF STATE May 1, 1944 to April 30, 1945 Beaver - 11,244 Fox - - 1.035 Marten (no season) 162 Mink - - 8,520 Muskrats - - 80,680 Otter (no season) 34 Raccoon 118 May 1, 1945 to April 30, 1946 Beaver - 13,214 Fox 902 Marten (no season) . - 177 Mink - - 11,474 Muskrats - - 82,829 Otter (no season) 44 Raccoon 1,280 —31-