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BULLETIN

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Published by the Montana Fish and Game Commission

Volume One

January, 1944

Number One

Know Your Department

The Fish and Game Department is the creature of
the legislative assembly. As such, it serves the entire
citizenry of the State. From the earliest days, title to
wildlife and the management of wildlife has rested with
the government of the individual state. That is one of the
unique aspects of American government. The wildlife,
wherever found, belongs to all: the child, the youth, the
adult, the aged. All can enjoy its beauty and in its natural
surroundings without cost. But, as conservation practices
have become necessary, it has been the practice within
the individual states for the sportsman who wishes to
harvest a part of the wildlife to pay a reasonable charge
for the privilege and so finance a Fish and Game Depart-
ment. At the same time it has been a part of the philosophy
of American government to give everyone an equal
chance in hunting and fishing, rather than to restrict the
opportunity to a privileged few. Since the wildlife belongs
to all of the citizens it must be managed in such a way
that use of land by wildlife will dovetail into other uses
of the land by the citizens of the state. Wildlife is one
of the big attractions in the recreational use of land. It
thus benefits directly and indirectly many businesses,
putting cash into the tills of filling stations, hotels, res-
taurants, sporting goods stores, outfitters, ranchers and
many others. It helps to build a sound state economy,
encouraging out-of-state visitors. Thus, wildlife gives to
the citizens who own a share in it, both pleasure and
profit.

History

The first board of Game and Fish Commissioners
was established by the legislature, and officially took
office March 14, 1895. The Fish and Game Department
was organized April 1, 1901. The first game warden was
Mr. W. F. Scott, and the law enforcement personnel was
limited to eight at that time.

It is a long way from that early beginning to the
Fish and Game Department of today. Now, as in the be-
ginning, responsibility for the policies of the Department
and the laying out of its activities rests with the Mon-
tana State Fish and Game Commission, whose members

By Dr. J. W. Seveiy,

Chairman Montana Fish and Game Commission

are appointed by the Governor, one from each of 5 state
commissioner districts. The State Fish and Game Warden,
appointed by the Commission, is, in fact, the executive
officer of the Fish and Game Department, and also, by
statute, serves as secretary to the Commission. As con-
trasted to the original eight law enforcement officers
allowed by law, the Department is now allowed one
chief deputy fish and game warden and twenty-seven
regular deputy fish and game wardens. The statutes also
allow the hiring of special deputy fish and game wardens
as occasion may demand.

Powers and Duties

The powers and duties of the Commission are de-
fined in a lengthy statute, section 3653, portions of which
are quoted: "The Commission hereby created shall have
supervision over all the wildlife, fish, game and non-
game birds and waterfowl, and the game and fur-bearing
animals of the State, and shall possess all powers neces-
sary to fulfill the duties prescribed by law with respect
thereto, and to bring actions in the proper courts of this
State for the enforcement of the fish and game laws of
the State, and the orders, rules, and regulations adopted
and promulgated by the Commission." "It shall have
authority to enter into cooperative agreements with fed-
eral agencies, municipalities, corporations, organized
groups of land owners, associations and individuals for
the development of game, bird, fish, or fur-bearing animal
management and demonstration projects . .- ." "It shall
have authority to fix seasons and bag limits, open or
close, shorten or lengthen seasons, except as otherwise
provided by law, on any species of game, bird, fish, or
fur-bearing animal, in any specific locality or localities
of the entire State, when it shall find, after said investiga-
tion, that such action is necessary to assure the main-
tenance of an adequate supply thereof. . . ." "It shall
have authority to divide the state into fish and game
districts, and to create fish, game, or fur-bearing animal
districts throughout the State of Montana and to declare
closed season for hunting, fishing, or trapping in any of

(Continued on Page 4)

Page 2

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

Golden Eagle vs. Bighorn Sheep

By Faye Couey

THERE is a conception prominent among outdoorsmen that eagles are one
of the contributors to losses among Bighorn Sheep. A few facts were gained
from observations during the Bighorn Sheep investigational work in the Sun
River area.

Golden Eagles are quite common in this area, both on the winter and
summer sheep ranges. The nest which we chose to observe was located in
Big George Gulch and the following visits were made:

On September 30, 1942, this nest was first visited. It is situated under a
slight overhang in the cliff and back in a crevice which protects it from the
wind and rain. It can be seen from above as a ledge protrudes enabling
one to look down at an angle of 20 degrees and from a distance of about 30
feet. It is constructed of brush and twigs — probably of many year's accumula-
tion, and is about six feet in diameter. First observations showed the bones
of a front quarter of some large animal. Below the nest there were a few
small mammal bones, a larger bone (probably deer), and some coyote hair.
It was not possible to determine if the nest had been used during 1942.

On May 19, 1943, there was an adult eagle on the nest which remained
while I stood and watched. It flew away when a stick was tossed toward
the nest and perched on a snag about a quarter of a mile away. The male
bird soared over the nest once. The mammal bones seen previously were gone
(a piece was found below the nest and is now en route to a laboratory to be spe-

cifically identified). Fresh pine twigs and branches had
been placed in the nest. One young eagle and an egg
were in the nest. The eaglet was about two to five days
old and made occasional peeping sounds. The remains
of eight Columbian ground squirrels were in the nest.

Ground Squirrels Used

On May 27th, the nest was again visited and the
remains of 12 ground squirrels were found. The one young
eagle had grown considerably, but the other egg was
not yet hatched. The adult eagle flew at my approach.

On June 7th, the adult left the nest when I was about
100 yards from it. The eaglet was quite large and awk-
ward, lying sprawled out in the nest. Its feet and beak
were yellow and its body covered with white down. It
made peeping sounds similar to that of a young turkey.
One egg still in the nest, but apparently is not going to
hatch. The remains of five ground squirrels and feathers
from a blue grouse were present. Several fresh aspen
branches had been brought to freshen the nest.

On July 1st, the eaglet was much larger with black
feathers covering the body but with some white down
on the sides and belly. It had well developed primary
wing and tail feathers. The mouth and feet were yellow.
The remains of one ground squirrel was in the nest as
well as some feathers which could have been from the
blue grouse seen on my visit of June 7th. The remains of
what looked like a wood rat were seen. Two fresh aspen
branches with leaves were in the nest. One adult was
seen on a reef, but it did not come near.

On July 7th, one entire day was spent observing
this nest. I arrived at 6:45 a. m. and concealed myself
beneath a low fir tree. The adult left at my approach.
There was a piece of bloody skin which looked like a
red squirrel in the nest. No activity about the nest during
the morning. At 12:15 one adult was seen cruising to the
west of the reef; at 1:55 saw both adults to the west; at
3:30 observed both adults to the west; at 4:00 left in a
thunder storm. The eaglet did not get much to eat this
day. I was well hidden so am certain the adults did not
see me. Possibly hunting was poor, explaining why no
food was brought in. The eaglet spent most of its time
watching swallows sailing about near the nest.

On May 28th,
the eaglet was still
there. It could walk
this time and would
change its position
occasional ly,
stretching and flap-
ping its wings. Its
beak was half
black and the
mouth yellow. The
feet were yellow
with black claws.
The legs were cov-

ifeirfofcf

(Continued

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

Page 3

GOLDEN EAGLE VS. BIGHORN SHEEP

ered with shaggy black feathers on the outside and
white ones on the inside. There was no food in the nest.

On July 29th, the nest was again visited to get some
pictures. A fresh aspen branch was there. A fawn's foot
and about ten inches of the leg was lying in the nest.
Possibly rodents were harder to catch as summer pro-
gressed, or possibly the diet changed, but is seemed that
the young bird was not getting very much to eat.

On August 11th, my final visit to the nest, the young
eagle was gone. The deer foot was still there and also a
well cleaned bone looking like the scapula or shoulder
blade of a fawn.

Summary

From these observations it appeared that the main
food of young eagles is rodents and other small animals.
With the progress of the season possibly the squirrels
get more wary and harder to catch, or it is probable that
the young bird devours the squirrel in its entirety. Larger
animals appear in the diet later in the summer, perhaps
because of the increased demand for food for the grow-
ing eaglets. It is unknown how much of their diet consists
of the larger animals and cannot be determined except
by actual observation because many pieces of meat
might be brought in without identifying bones being pres-
ent. No definite evidence has been found that Bighorn
Sheep have been used as food, although there seems
nothing to preclude this fact as deer were found to have
been taken. Last February, two eagles were seen feeding
on a calf elk which died the night before — they had eaten
the liver and heart.

Bighorn ewes with small lambs were seen in close
vicinity of this eagle's nest during the period of incubation
and even after the first egg had hatched, but they were
unconcerned, even when the eagles flew over them in
search of food.

Other Observations

The following quotations from several different auth-
ors give their observations regarding the food habits of
eagles:

John Muir — "Eagles and coyotes, no doubt, capture
an unprotected lamb at times, or some unfortunate beset
in deep snow, but these cases are little more than acci-
dents."

T. Gilbert Pearson, Chairman, Pan American Section
— International Commission for Bird Conservation (1006
5th Avenue, New York) — "Regarding the Golden Eagle,
it is undoubtedly true that this species occasionally at-
tacks mountain sheep and perhaps the domestic form.
In Alaska I have twice seen eagles attempting to get
hold of a Bighorn lamb, but each time they were un-
successful."

Joseph S. Dixon, Fish and Wildlife Service, Berkely,
California, in reply to an inquiry — "That in over 40
years field investigations covering Bighorn from the
Mexican boundary to Mt. McKinley in Alaska, I have
been unable to find positive evidence that Golden Eagles
are a serious menace to young mountain sheep, although

literature, particularly in sporting magazines, would indi-
cate quite the contrary."

Dr. Fisher, James B. Dixon and Charles Sheldon, in
their studies of the Golden Eagles versus Bighorns, report
they have found no conclusive evidence where sheep have
been the victims of Golden Eagles, but all maintain it is
possible and probable but not believed at all general.

From Wyoming Bighorn Sheep Study — "In the spring
of 1940 an eagle's nest was discovered in the very heart
of the lambing grounds. Two eaglets were raised in the
nest and it was under continuous observation from June
1, to August 1, at which time the eagles left. Every time
the nest was visited it was well supplied with food. Jack
rabbits and ground squirrels were the most common food
items. After the eaglets left the nest was torn apart and
food remains and all pellets were carefully studied by
Dr. Murie. It need only be said here that no remains of
lambs or adult sheep were found."

From Idaho Mountain Sheep Survey — "No reliable
evidence of predation of eagles on lambs or mature sheep
has been discovered this year. There are at least four
eagles in this area and they have been closely observed
for long periods of time. On no. occasion have they been
seen to molest the sheep although they have been often
seen hunting over the same area on which the sheep are
grazing. During the lambing period and until the lambs
were about six weeks old there were no eagles seen on
the area. They were evidently nesting in the crags at the
time. Sometimes the mountain sheep would ignore the
presence of the eagles and sometimes one of the ewes
would take a watchful stance while the eagle was di-
rectly overhead. The eagles are no doubt capable of
killing a young lamb, but the survival of the young lambs
through the yearling stage would seem to discredit the
menace of the eagle as so popularly reported by local
enthusiasts."

Summarizing these observations, it would seem logi-
cal in the face of the meager evidence presented against
it as a predator on Bighorn Sheep, that the Golden Eagle
should not be considered as a limiting factor to the in-
crease of mountain sheep.

ATTENTION ALL SECRETARIES OF SPORTSMEN'S
GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The Commission requests that you submit your recom-
mendations for all changes in the present fishing regula-
tions which you wish to have incorporated in the 1944-
1945 Fishing Regulations. Your recommendations should
be received not later than February 1, 1944.

Recommendations for any changes in the Big Game
Regulations should also be submitted not later than Feb-
ruary 1, 1944.

The fishing and big game recommendations should
be submitted in separate letters to facilitate the compila-
tion of any changes and mailed to the State Fish and
Game Department, Helena, Montana. Your cooperation
will be greatly appreciated.

Page 4

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

A LICENSE YEAR REPORT

STATE OF MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT

FROM
MAY 1,1942 TO APRIL 30. 1943

TRAPPERS LICENSES i.3 $

_ MISC, LICENSE AND PERMITS ,9 <

WHERE THE INCOME DOLLAR CAME FROM

COMMISSIONERS
CHECKING STATIONS

7«

HOW THE INCOME DOLLAR WAS USED

KNOW YOUR DEPARTMENT

(Continued from Page 1)

said districts, so created, and later to open said districts
to hunting, fishing, or trapping. . . ." "It shall have author-
ity to establish game refuges. . . ."

The above mentioned statute has many other clauses
authorizing the establishment of fish hatcheries, game
farms, restoration areas, rearing ponds, educational and
biological work, and many other procedures and activ-
ities.

It is therefore the duty of the Fish and Game Commis-
sion through the enforcement of legislative statutes and
of the regulations promulgated by itself, under authority
of powers delegated to it by the legislature, to do every-
thing in its power to protect, preserve, and propagate fish,
game, and fur-bearing animals, game and non-game birds
within the State of Montana, to the end that each citizen
may enjoy wildlife populations maintained at as high a
level as is consistent with the productivity and use of
those lands and waters which are used by wildlife.

Income

The Department has never been supported by a gen-
eral legislative appropriation. Its income is derived through
receipts from the sale of the various classes of hunting,
fishing, and trapping licenses together with miscellaneous
receipts from other sources.

With the coming of the standard highway system
and the modern automobile, the pressure upon Montana's
wildlife resources jumped by leaps and bounds. Just
before the war Montana was selling close to 100,000 resi-
dent bird and fish licenses, and between 45,000 and 50,-
000 resident big game licenses per year. Sales of non-
resident licenses were increasing annually. Total receipts
vary from year to year, but apparently the Department
can count on an average income of at least $325,000.00
annually in normal times. As the picture looks now an in-
come of $325,000.00 would be expended in the average
year about as follows:

General administration, in-
cluding law enforcement ....$160,000.00— $170,000.00

Game Farms 30,000.00— 40,000.00

Fisheries 90,000.00— 100,000.00

Wildlife Restoration Division,

State contribution 25,000.00— 27,000.00

The totals for each activity would vary from year to
year according to funds available and with the relative
needs of the various activities. The gross expenses, listed
for each activity, includes the cost of capital equipment,
maintenance costs, supplies, salaries and wages.

NOTE — Parts of the above article were given in a
recent radio address over the Z-Bar Net by Dr. Severy.

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

Page 5

Eastern Montana Fish Distribution Program

There has been an outstanding need for many years
for a coordinated planting program of the warm water
fish in the many reservoirs throughout the Eastern part
of this State.

Last year a preliminary survey was made of the
many reservoirs which would either require stocking or
be in need of the introduction of species other than those
which were present at that time.

This survey showed many hundreds of potential
reservoirs which were in need of a definite classifica-
tion, and, if found desirable, to carry out the stocking
program as quickly as possible.

As a further result of these findings, Deputy Game
Warden John Cook, with headquarters at Glendive, Mon-
tana, was placed in charge of the distribution of all warm
water fish for the entire Eastern portion of Montana.

At the present time there is only one Pond Culture
Station, which is located at Miles City, Montana, and
operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation
with the State Fish and Game Department, devoted ex-
clusively to the propagation of warm water fish. The
State Department also brought into production for the
first time this year a warm water rearing pond located
on the Bowdoin Refuge near Malta, Montana. The rescue
operations from this pond were very successful and con-
tributed very substantially to the stocking of many reser-
voirs located in the Northern and Eastern part of the
State. The majority of the output of the Miles City Sta-
tion was directed to the reservoirs in the Southern and
Eastern part of the State, thereby cutting down trans-
portation mileage as much as possible.

The stocking of warm water reservoirs carries with
it the one favorable possibility that when once properly
stocked, there is very little likelihood that they will need
restocking for many years unless the pond is subject
to winter killing or other adverse factors.

The majority of warm water species reproduce in
such tremendous numbers that when once properly
stocked it is usually a question of not enough fishing
pressure rather than too much which governs the size
of the fish to be taken from such waters for if such ponds
are not subjected to sufficient fishing pressures, the
populations become so numerous and the competition
for natural food becomes so severe that such fish are
inclined to maintain what might be termed a balance
of growth in relation to available food supplies and very
often are found to be consistently small and stunted
whereas if such ponds are fished quite heavily and the
populations are consequently reduced, the remaining fish
are found to be much larger and more desirable for all
angling purposes.

In fact there have been several instances of reser-
voirs which have been found to be badly overstocked
and through seining operations and the transporting of
these netted fish to other waters the number remaining
have made substantial growth rates and the public have
been found to again start fishing whereas previously
the average fish were too small to arouse enough local
interest and induce the sportsmen to spend their recrea-
tional hours at these places.

It has also been found from the plantings and the
findings carried out during the past two years that for
the best results there should be a definite balance between
several warm water species and the introduction of
Bream, Crappies and Bass seem to, under average condi-
tions, produce better angling results than the introduction
of other species such as Perch, Catfish or Bullheads.

It is the intention of this Department to enlarge upon
this planting program for the coming year and render
whatever assistance is necessary to the person in charge.
With the findings of the last two years and the equipment
which we now have it will be possible to complete the
stocking of practically every reservoir which has been
found suitable throughout the entire State.

The splendid cooperation which has been extended
by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the executives of
the Soil Conservation Service at Malta, Plentywood and
other regions is deeply appreciated and will contribute
in no small degree to the early completion of this stock-
ing program.

EGGS TAKEN — 1943

Loch Leven 4,321,344

Eastern Brook 3,443,980

Rainbow 6,151,200

Sockeye 3,356,780

(Seining not completed)

Ten Rainbow Trout — Weight 34 'A Pounds.

Caught on October 5, 1943 by Don Hetlne and Jack Hanson in

Fresno Lake near Havre.

Page 6

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

At current market prices the beaver pelts in this picture are worth
approximately $8,700.00.

Fur Seasons for 1943-1944 . . .

MINK — November 15 to December 31, inclusive.

MUSKRATS— March 1 to April 15, inclusive.

RACCOON — November 15 to December 31, inclusive.

FOX — November 15 to December 31, inclusive.

There will be no open season on marten, otter and
fisher.

BEAVER — Closed, exceptions, see Game Laws.

The shooting of beaver and muskrats is prohibited.

Predators — Coyote, wolf, wolverine, mountain lion,
wild cat, weasel, skunk and civet cat, blackfooted ferret
and bobcat.

Trapping License Fees:

Regular Trapping License $10.00

Land Owner's Trapping License 1.00

All Federal and State Preserves are closed to trap-
ping and hunting except upon the issuance of a permit
by the State Fish and Game Department as far as State
Preserves are concerned or Federal Refuge Managers as
far as Federal Preserves are concerned.

NO TRAPPING wil be permitted in that area included
within Flathead and Lincoln Counties bounded on the
east by the North Fork of the Flathead River, on the south
and west by the Great Northern right-of-way beginning at
Coram thence northwest to Eureka on highway No. 93
from Eureka to Rooseville and on the north by the in-
ternational line, with the exception of private lands oc-
cupied by legal owners until further notice, however,,
coyotes may be killed or trapped in the above described
area.

Dry Does . . .

Each year following the close of the deer season this
Department receives letters from conscientious hunters
stating that they had seen many dry does while hunting
the elusive bucks.

A dry doe is commonly defined in hunting circles
as one which has not raised a fawn to the weaning
stage. The common complaint is the fear that the sex
ratio is unbalanced and bucks should be protected. It is
possible that there may be some small isolated areas
where this condition exists, yet in check areas we find
that a normal increase prevails. Some loss of fawns must
be attributed to predators and other natural causes.

At our checking station located at Ennis in Madison
County only 44 bucks were checked out during the
regular hunting season from October 15 to November 15.
Since this latter date the season has remained opened
in two areas of the county for deer of either sex. Fawns
were included since they are too difficult to differentiate
from does this late in the year. From October 15 to De-
cember 23 the checking station report shows a total of
403 deer taken:

Fawns 93 — 23%

Does 143 — 35%

Bucks 167 — 42%

If we disallow the forty-four bucks taken prior to
the time the season was opened on either sex, then the
fawn crop is 25.9% of the total and may for all practical
purposes indicate the annual increase in this area.

It is rather difficult for most hunters to correctly
determine in the hunting season whether a doe has had
a fawn with her during the summer. Frequently an exam-
ination of the mammary glands will show the presence
of milk which is quite conclusive. On the other hand a
dry mammary gland is not conclusive that the doe was
barren.

In checks made during the last two winters by the
Wildlife Restoration crews we find the following sex
ratio. This information was gathered on deer positively
identified as to sex:

MADISON— Ruby Unit:

396 Mule Deer — 1 Buck to 3.4 does

CHEERY CREEK GAME PRESERVE:

310 Mule Deer — 1 Buck to 2.8 does
145 White Tail — 1 Buck to 2.5 does

THOMPSON RIVER:

741 White Tail — 1 Buck to 2.2 does
89 Mule Deer -- 1 Buck to 3.8 does
LINCOLN COUNTY:

Whitetail and Mule

Deer — 1 Buck to 2.9 does

Game Management men consider one buck to six
does a safe breeding ratio.

Any member of the Armed Forces is entitled to resi-
dent hunting and fishing privileges.

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

Page 7

Big Game Seasons . . .

ELK
Lewis & Clark County:

Open Area: That portion of Lewis and Clark County
from the North Fork of the Dearborn River to the North
Fork of Sun River, including that portion of the drainage
of the North Fork of the Dearborn River lying west of
the river above Blacktail Creek, shall be open to the
hunting of elk of either sex from October 15 to January
15, both dates inclusive, provided that when 600 elk have
been taken, the State Game Warden shall have authority
to close same upon two days' notice at any time after:
October 31.
Park County:

Regular Season: The regular open season for the
hunting of elk of either sex in Park County extends from
October 15 to March 1, both dates inclusive; provided
that the State Fish and Game Warden shall have author-
ity'to close the season on three days' notice.

Closed Area: The following described area shall be
closed to the hunting of elk: Beginning at Gardiner and
following the Gardiner-Jardine road, thence around the
city limits of Jardine and along the Jardine-Crevice road
to its forks just north of Clyde Gilbert's hunting camp,
thence following the lower road to Palmer Creek, thence
in an easterly direction along Palmer Creek to the bridge
near the old McCauley Mill, thence in a southerly direc-
tion along the old trail to the Park line, thence west along
the Park line to Gardiner, the point of beginning.

Hours of shooting elk in Park County shall be from
9:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m., war time, during the regular
open season from October 15 to March 1, both dates
inclusive.
Madison County:

Open Area: (Special Season) — The following area
shall be open to the hunting of elk of either sex from
November 15 to February 1, both dates inclusive:

Beginning at the intersection of Indian Creek and
State Highway No. 1, thence east following Indian Creek
to the divide between the Madison River and the Galla-
tin River near Yellow Mule station, thence north and west
along the divide to the headwaters of Mill Creek, thence
west down Mill Creek to State Highway No. 1, thence
south along Highway No. 1 to the place of beginning.

Deer Lodge and Powell Counties:

Open Area: (Extended Season). The following area
shall remain open to the hunting of elk of either sex from
November 16th to January 31st, both dates inclusive:

Beginning at the intersection of Dry Creek and High-
way No. 10 A, thence in a southerly direction up Dry-
Creek to its intersection with the township line between
townships 4 and 5 north, thence west along said town-
ship line approximately 11 miles to its intersection with
the Middle Fork of Rock Creek, thence northerly down
the Middle Fork of Rock Creek to its intersection with the
Skalkaho Road, thence in a northeasterly direction to its
intersection with Highway No. 10A, thence in a southeast-
erly direction along Highway No. 10A to its intersection
with Dry Creek, the point of beginning.

Big Game Results . . .

Only once before in the State records has September
been such a warm month. Early October continued to be
warm. When the big game season opened, the deer and
elk were all at higher elevations. The forest vegetation was
dry and the flies were still numerous. Hunters were meat
hungry and didn't want to spend much time corralling
their winter's supply. The usual snow storms which drive
the big game down didn't arrive and at this late date
we find that our game is still grazing at higher elevations
and apparently not interested in starting for their winter
ranges. The total kill of the past regular hunting season
has been very small. From checking station records we
obtain the following data:

Sun River

Flathead National Forest

South Fork ..

Middle Fork
Swan River

Ennis

.Elk —194
Deer— 204

.Elk —754

Hamilton — Skalkaho East Fork..

.Elk — 47
Deer— 403

.Elk — 46
Deer— 186

Judith River Elk — 7

Deer— 92

Gallatin Elk —396

Deer— 109

Gardiner Area Small kill to date

due to mild weather the elk have not migrated
from ranges in Yellowstone Park.

Mule Deer on winter range in Fish Creek Drainage West of Missoula

ttdlj '465, PU

NOV 6 1947

Page 8

MONTANA WILDLIFE BULLETIN

WITH THE WARDENS

November and December are two heavy work months
for all the Wardens. Big Game, Chinese Pheasant, Hun-
garian Partridge and migratory waterfowl claim much
attention. Then certain fur bearers may be caught start-
ing November 15.

All beaver applications must be filed by December
1 and then the Wardens are on the double to inspect each
applicant's land before winter sets in. It seems only
natural that most applicants wait until the deadline to
apply for relief even though they have been damaged
for several months.

Some Wardens are giving demonstrations to land-
owners on the methods of trapping, skinning and stretch-
ing beaver. The proper care of a pelt enhances its value.
Thousands of dollars are lost annually because pelts
are not properly cared for.

Deer and elk poachers will keep the Wardens busy
when winter sets in. Too many individuals are not willing
the play the game fair and thereby take advantage of
the sportsmen who is willing to take his chances during
the proper season when everyone has cm equal oppor-
tunity.

Black market reports indicate that trapping pheasants
on a commercial basis is assuming some importance.
Evidence recently collected shows that birds trapped and
not shot have been responsible for the death of the birds.

Violations . . .

During the month of November the Deputy Game
Wardens made sixty-seven arrests. Total reported fines
imposed were $1,650.00. Possessing more than the legal
limit of hen pheasants seems to be the main stumbling
block.

FORMER EMPLOYEES NOW

I. P. Campbell
A. A. O'Claire
C. N. Lindsay
R. H. Lambeth
Lester Newman
J. Thompson
Waldo Vangsness
C. E. Willey
Don Brown
Donald Wright

IN THE ARMED FORCES

Ben Whale
Bob Brink
Robert Casebeer
Wm. E. Schultz
Julius K. Stinson
Burke Thompson
Forest Keller
Ed Furnish
Bill Thompson

The Kodiak Brown bears are the largest living car-
nivores in the world.

SPORTSMEN'S ATTENTION

The "mouse weasel" which occupies Alaska and
Northern Canada has the distinction of being the smallest
known species of carnivores in the world.

Of the trout commonly found in Montana the native
and Rainbow are spring spawners, while the Eastern
Brook, Lock Leven, Machinaw and Dolly Varden trout
spawn in the fall.

"fSf« '50 12, AM

This edition of "Montana Wildlife" is the first of
three we will print. Continuation after publication of the
third edition depends entirely on whether you feel the
paper is worthwhile. Financial support is derived from
the Department's funds and we must know if you feel
the paper serves as a useful medium. After reviewing
its contents will you kindly advise us if you feel it should
be continued.

Antelope Season . . .

This year Montana conducted its first antelope hunt
since 1936. Permits were issued to those applicants whose
names were drawn at the public drawing held August 20.

The total kill allowed in Carter and Powder River
Counties was not reached because many of the permit
holders lived too far away and would not travel the
distance necessary to reach the hunting grounds.

At the present time a thorough aerial census is being
made in anticipation of a 1944 season.

Antelope Report from Return Cards

Countv Permits Issued No. Killed Not Killed

Carter 400 287 66

Powder River 100 68 19

Meagher &

Wheatland 200 100 bucks 18

69 does
Hill 50 21 bucks 2

8 does

Total
Reported

353
87

187

31

There are 1,418 rivers and streams and 594 lakes
which are suitable for planting fish in Montana. There are
4,084 minor streams and 995 small lakes which at present
are not suitable for planting fish.

Bats are winged mammals and the only mammals
which actually fly. Flying squirrels do not fly but glide
from a higher elevation to a lower.

The Wolverine is the largest member of the weasel
family in Montana.

Sec. 562, P. L. & R.
U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

HELENA, MONTANA
Permit No. 8