,\ wmft February, 1959 — Montana Fish and Game Department Official Publication Governor. STATE OF MONTANA J. Hugo Aronson Chairman. Secretary. Director Deputy Director Fisheries Superintendent Game Manager Coordinator, Restoration Chief Law Enforcement Officer Chief, Information and Education Chief Clerk I MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION E. J. Skibby, Lewistown William T. Sweet, Butte Ralph D. Shipley, Miles City H. W. Black, Poison John T. Hanson, Sr., Malta Walter J. Everin RECTORS Walter J. Everin Don L. Brown Walter M. Allen Robert F. Cooney Wynn G. Freeman Vacant Frank H. Dunkle R. H. Turnbull Editor — V. E. Craig TABLE OF CONTENTS Page While They Sleep 2 Where Were the Elk Last Fall 4 The Big Ones 7 Long Live the King 11 A Letter to Montana Sportsmen 14 Magpie Ups and Downs 17 Fishing Access and Highway Camping Areas in Montana 21 McKee Print. lin Mtxxwvxam W. K. (Ken) Thompson, Director of Information and Education for the Montana Fish and Game Department, passed away December 16, 1958. Born July 14, 1917 at Niarada, Montana, Ken was first employed by the Fish and Game Department dur- ing 1941. In 1942, he was transferred to Miles City as assistant big game leader. In 1944, Ken enlisted in the Navy; then returned to the department after he was discharged September 10, 1945. Ken was appointed as assistant director of the Wildlife Restoralion Division during 1946. He had been Chief of Information and Education since 1951 and was recognized as outstanding in his field. His many friends, nationwide, join in expressing their sympathy for the loss to his family and to wildlife conservation. TV fate 7% Steefe, Guest Editorial by Chiton Merritt Conservation clubs that do big things for their communities don't have to worry about membership drives. The outdoor group that serves its community with distinction in promoting better understanding and use of natural resources enhances the prestige of conservationists everywhere. When this situ- ation prevails, most people consider it an honor to belong to a conservation organization. More specifically, the progressive outdoor group that directs well-planned activities toward preserving the habitat of fish and game, protecting the public's right to enjoy these recrea- tional assets, and keeping its members and the general public informed of conservation developments, will have little trouble gaining recognition and gathering members. On the other hand, the rod and gun club whose members feel its main reason for existence is to recommend hunting and fishing regulations to the State Fish and Game Department is foredoomed to failure. Better trained and equipped men, the biologists and the wardens, have taken over this job. Even worse, the members of an outdoor organization that contents itself with haggling over fish and game bag limits may awake to find that there are no fish and there is no game. They may discover that while they argued and slept, man's improper use of land and water has wiped out the very objects of their interest. For let there be no mistake about it — soil ero- sion, water pollution, stream channeling, blocking of spawning runs, and other man-created harmful influences can destroy the trout in a river faster and make restoration vastly more dif- ficult than any amount of in-season fishing pressure imaginable. Likewise, elimination of winter range, either as a result of man's pre-empting the land or from the overbrowsing of too many game animals, can decimate and destroy deer and elk herds much more effectively than present lawful hunting pressure magnified many times. What, then, should outdoor groups do to keep abreast of the conservation movement and attract new support to their worthwhile cause? Here in Montana, there are streams to be cleared of pollu- tion, soil erosion to be stopped, game habitat to be improved and preserved, public access to important recreational areas to be acquired, recreational facilities to be developed, and programs that spread understanding of conservation objectives to be promoted. Enlightened and active conservation groups can carry on or support many such ventures in the public's interest. Virtually all conservation projects pertaining to renewable resources concern the land. More rod and gun clubs should analyze the outdoor needs of their communities and sponsor at least one conservation project each year for the public's bene- fit. It not only focuses the attention of the community on the positive accomplishments of the group, but it also brings in new members. Even more important, it is a step toward har- monizing man's relationship with his natural resources. Here- in lies the best possible assurance of man's survival. For, as one conservationist has aptly pointed out, "When the soil is gone, men must go — and the process doesn't take long." 'i CURE-ALLS VERSUS PRESCRIPTIONS ! [i It isn't sound to imply that any particular management tech- !| nique is always wrong. But likewise it is not always right, and for- l| merly we looked upon such things as stocking, predator killing, and !] restrictive regulations as cure-alls. They were all we knew, so they ! were all we used. The modern concept is that management pro- i[ grams should be tailored to the specific situation. Each problem must ij have competent professional study, and the prescription should be i[ written on that basis. We will move forward just as rapidly as i[ sportsmen adopt this attitude and stand up for it. — Durward L. Allen, i! Purdue University, in Outdoor America. i| 'i 'i tff 4* a,*- 6 **' && «j< -testf*- m* ***&*-*■ ,*i*,^---'..' Where Were The Elk Last Fall? By Fred Hartkorn, Biologist "Where do you suppose they were last fall?" Joe asked his partner. He nodded toward a scattered herd ol nearly 100 elk grazing on the Black- foot-Clearwater Game Range. Mid- January now, Joe thought back on the hours he'd spent running out logging roads on Boyd Mountain in search of elk last fall. The same question — "Where were the elk last fall?" — came to the minds of Fish and Game Department per- sonnel assigned to manage big game that used the game range after it was acquired in 1949. Accordingly, a trapping and tagging study was begun to determine elk movements and migrations in the area. During the past seven winters, 678 elk have been trapped, tagged and released on the game range, near Ovando, and Mineral Mountain. Five traps were operated for several years. An additional 154 tagged elk from Yel- lowstone Park were released on the game range to supplement native herds. Elk traps are made of portable wood panels joined together and supported by cables. Elk are "baited in" with hay and protein pellets. They enter the traps, usually during the night, and trip the gate mechan- ism thereby trapping themselves. Generally, there is little excitement among trapped animals until peo- ple show up. After they are caught, the elk are herded into a narrow chute where a serially numbered aluminum tag is attached to each ear. When re- leased, the critters generally dash for the nearest cover, but quickly for- get the indignity of being tagged and many return to the trap again within a few days. To date, 205 (or 24%) of these tagged elk have been reported killed by hunters. Basically, four different groups of elk were tagged. A sum- mary of their movements is given in Table 1. Information gained from reported kill locations of tagged elk indicates that Joe had a fair chance of run- ning into an elk on the game range last fall, since about half of the tagged elk have been taken there. An especially high percentage of elk from Yellowstone Park released on the game range and elk used in a nutritional study (animals confined from late December through mid- March) have been taken within five miles of their release site. With only one exception, the na- tive tagged elk have been reported taken near, or north of, the tagging site. Returns have indicated little drift of the native elk herds across major drainages. The elk that drift to the high divide country probably intermingle with elk that winter in the South Fork of the Flathead or other parts of the Blackfoot. How- ever, they appear to be creatures of habit and return to the same areas to winter. There are very few in- stances of elk being caught at differ- ent traps in subsequent years, even though it was less than ten miles between traps. During the relatively severe win- ters of 1951-52 and 1955-56, elk were trapped at several ranches east of the game range where they were damaging haystacks. They were trucked to the game range, tagged and released. Recoveries suggest that many of these elk returned to their "old home range". Some of the same elk that had been moved in 1952 were moved from the same TABLE 1. Distance and direction that tagged elk were reported killed from release site in the Blackfoot unit. Under 5 5 to 20 Over 20 Type Elk Miles Miles Miles Direction of Fall Recoveries and Remarks Trapped and released 54°/ Trapped and relocated 37% Yellowstone Park Elk Nutrition Study Total 66% 77% 54% 39% 56% 21% 20% 38% 7% 13% 3% 8% North — with only a few animals crossing major drainages. A few taken in Young's Creek drainage of South Fork of Flathead. North and east. A fair number were reported killed near original trapping sites at ranches east of the game range. Several also taken in Dana- her drainage of South Fork of Flat- head. South — most taken in Garnet Range. North — similar pattern to other native elk by those drifting off Blackfoot- Clearwater Game Range. Native elk to north. south and east. Relocated elk to ranch again in 1956. These observa- tions suggest that moving elk a short distance from where they are doing damage will probably result in only temporary relief. The movement of Yellowstone Park elk to the south is rather surprising. Off-hand, one would expect the trans- planted elk to join native herds and drift to their northern summer-fall range. Possibly their custom of southern spring movements in their native Yellowstone area, is still an impelling force. Such erratic move- ments of transplanted animals strongly suggest the danger of trans- planting elk near areas where they are not necessarily wanted. They may move out of the country where they were transplanted into an area where too many elk are already present. The reported kill of ten elk in the South Fork of the Flathead, that were tagged in the Blackfoot, shows that at least a portion of the Black- foot elk are present in the South Fork during the fall. It is believed that enough elk have been tagged in the Blackfoot-Clear- water area to show the patterns of movements and migrations. Hunters can be a part of this program by re- porting details of tagged elk they kill to the Montana Fish and Game Department. Movements of tagged elk in the Blackfoot unit. (Note erratic pattern of transplanted Yellow- stone elk.) THE BIG ONES By Dr. Philip L. Wright Montana State University The 1958 edition of the Boone and Crockett Club's record book has re- cently come off the press. This book lists, in order of size, all of the rank- ing big game trophies that have been officially measured. Scores of approximately 8,000 heads are sum- marized in this book and of these 85 were taken in Montana. Twenty years ago hunting for big trophy heads was confined to a relatively small group of well-to-do hunters but in recent years the efforts of the Boone and Crockett Club have re- sulted in many big game hunters be- coming trophy conscious. Each fall an increasing number of Montana big game hunters sally forth with the hope of bagging a big head that will win a place in the biennial con- tests sponsored by the club or one that will be large enough to find a permanent listing in the next edition of the record book. The official meas- uring system in use by the club in- volves a whole series of measure- ments of each head so that symmetry as well as size is taken into account for all of the antlered and horned heads. No single measurement is responsible for the placing of any head in any particular category. Among the antlered game animals, Montana elk have fared better than the other species and 25 elk of the 185 listed were killed in Montana. The largest recent Montana elk is in 6th place and was taken by John Willard in 1953 in Jefferson County. Trophy quality elk, which have been obtained in most portions of Mon- tana's elk ranges, are generally 6 or 7 point bulls with heavy beams and long symmetrical points. Mule deer are scored by the club in two categories. The typical mule deer normally has exactly 5 points on each antler, but many large mule deer carry a large number of points which may be irregular in position and such animals are scored in a separate non-typical category. The highest ranking typical Montana mule deer was killed by Paul Gam- ble in Treasure County in 1956. This animal is in 24th place and would have scored considerably higher had its antlers not been so excessively wide-spread. The highest ranking non-typical Montana mule deer taken in recent years is in 51st place and was killed by Daniel Cainan in 1957 in Ravalli County. This head has a total of 20 points on the antlers. In the white-tail class Montana heads do not show up very well in comparison with some of the other white-tail deer areas. The highest ranking typical Montana white-tail head is in 181st place and was taken near Missoula by William A. Speacht. The highest ranking non- typical white-tail deer head in 67th place was taken by Dr. W. F. Mor- rison in 1956 near Seeley Lake. Mr. Faye Couey, District Game Biologist in Kalispell, and myself are convinced that Montana white-tails would make a good showing here if Montana hunters would recognize high-quality heads when encoun- tered. In fact, in the few weeks since the book was published two Mon- tana white-tail heads have come in that will score much higher than any of those previously listed. In order for a typical white-tail deer to score well it should have 5 or more even- ly matched points on each antler. If the points are long and symmetri- cal and the antler has a heavy beam, such a head may belong in the record book. Montana moose are classified along with those from Idaho and Wyoming in a separate category from the Canadian and Alaskan moose and we find four of the 21 record class Wyoming moose were killed in Montana. The largest of these was that great head taken by C. M. Schmauch at Red Rock Lakes in Beaverhead County in 1952. This head is in 5th place and it won first place in the 1953 contest. There are only a few bighorn sheep from Montana in the record book. The largest ones were taken many years ago. The largest re- cently killed bighorn sheep was taken by Bruce McCracken from the Sun River in 1955. This head is in 36th place. A record class sheep is usually an old ram 12 to 15 years old with a full curl and horns over 14 inches around at the base. There are five mountain goat heads listed in the book, the highest 8 /<~" nr ■it- This is a sample of an official Boone and Crockett Scoring Form. of which is one killed by Gene Biddle along the Flathead River in 1957. This head is in 43rd place. Almost all of the record class goats are from old billies with horns over 10 inches long and 5 inches or more in cir- cumference at the base. The largest ranking bison head from Montana was killed some time prior to 1891 and is owned by O. P. Chisholm of Helena. This head is in 5th place, but in 9th place we find the bison which H. E. Lillis killed in the Absaroka wilderness in 1953 with a bow and arrow. A fair number of pronghorns (an- telope) are listed for Montana with the largest taken by H. H. Applegate in Fergus County in 1951. This head is listed in 10th place. Generally, an antelope head must have horns of over 14 inches in length and have a very large circumference to be elig- ible for the records. Bear and cougar trophies are scored on the length and width of the skull. Only one Montana black bear is shown in the book but a consider- able number of grizzlies are listed. The highest ranking specimen was taken in 1890 in eastern Montana where the species is now extinct but another tremendous grizzly, which was listed in 12th place, was killed by Ted Johnston in the Upper Boul- der River in 1934. There is one category in which the Montana heads are in the fore and that is the listing of mountain lion where no less than 9 heads among the 65 listed were killed in Montana. The largest of these was taken by Lowell Hayes near Darby in 1953. This trophy is in 3rd place and the skull is only 1/1 6th of an inch shorter than that of the world record taken by Theodore Roose- velt in 1901 in Colorado. The mini- mum score for cougar heads has been deliberately placed quite low by the club in order to allow excep- tional female skulls to be listed in the records. This actually permits almost any fully matured male cou- gar to find a place in the record book. I am sure that there are many high quality trophy heads already in the possession of Montana hunters scattered throughout the state that have not been officially mea ured for the records. Hunters possessing such heads are urged to bring or send them to one of the official meas- urers designated by the Boone and Crockett Club to have the heads properly scored. The club recognizes the follow- ing measurers in Montana: Don Brown, Fish and Game Department,. Helena, Montana; Joe E. Gaab, 1106 W. Cambridge, Livingston; Ross J. Wilson, Route 3, Kalispell; Captain Lewis E. Yearout, 4005 4th Ave. N., Great Falls; Dr. Philip L. Wright, De- partment of Zoology, Montana State University, Missoula. Any one of these men will be happy to measure your head for you if you think it may be of trophy quality. The next biennial competition will probably be conducted by the club in the fall of 1959 and any high- quality heads that are not already in the record book are eligible for this competition even though they may have been taken some years ago. The heads do not have to be mount- ed. The actual measuring of an an- tlered head such as a large elk or deer takes considerable know-how and also a good deal of time. Gen- erally, the hunter is inexperienced in scoring heads and encounters difficulties which the experienced measurer knows better how to cope with. The current record book can be purchased from the Secretary of the Boone and Crockett Club, 5 Tudor City Place, New York 17, New York for $10.00. If the price is too steep for you, ask your sportsman's club to buy a copy or two and deposit them in your public library. Many hunters are of the opinion that the really large heads occurred only in the "old days" but this is not necessarily so and there have been many world record heads taken by trophy hunters in the United States and Canada during the last ten years. Perhaps that big set of antlers you have in the garage or stored in the attic which has never been meas- ured is actually a new world's record. I TO 10 -■ 1VC :1 -Photo by Wes Woodgerd An important chapter was written in the Montana hunting annals dur- ing the first weekend in October, 1958, when the season was opened on Merriam's wild turkeys. The Montana Fish and Game Commis- sion declared a three day hunting season on these birds in the Long- pines Forest in Carter County. The history of the Merriam's wild turkey in Montana is a brief story of the successful introduction of an ex- otic species. In January of 1955, five toms and thirteen hens were ob- tained from Wyoming and released in the Longpines Forest. The rapid expansion from this modest start has exceeded the most optimistic hopes of wildlife biologists who have kept By Wes Woodgerd Assistant, Cooperative Research Unit Montana State University a continual check on the welfare of these birds. Since that original re- lease, less than four years ago, the reproduction from these eighteen tur- keys has provided birds for trans- planting into eight other areas in Montana. The biologists concerned with their management estimated that there were about 1,000 turkeys in the Longpines population at the time of the hunting season. Montana's hunters can rightly boast of the finest hunting in the United States and the addition of the largest North American game bird to the huntable species is an- other important milestone. No re- strictions were placed on the num- ber of hunters or the means of tak- 11 ing birds during the open season and dire predictions of slaughtering the entire population were commonly heard. This certainly did not prove to be true. The wild turkey in hunted populations has the reputation of being one of the wariest of game animals and after the season had been open for an hour the Longpines turkeys were reacting true to form. They got the idea right away that this noisy horde of people was really after their scalps and suddenly be- came as crafty as an old white- tailed buck. In fact many hunters reported that they had abundant op- portunities to bag whitetails but caught only fleeting glimpses of turkeys through the trees. This was a very important season in providing information to the biol- ogists responsible for future manage- ment of this bird. As observed in other states, hunt- ing success was not as high as for many other species of game. About 500 hunters participated in this open season and slightly less than 100 turkeys were killed. Thus it can be quickly calculated that approximate- ly one hunter in five bagged a bird and that every "turkey-in-the-pot" was the result of more than 50 man hours of hunting effort. There was no evidence to show that these birds sought refuge in the closed portion of the area but, rather, continued to play hide-and-seek on the timbered ridges and in the brushy draws throughout the three day season. All types of guns and ammunition were legal and it was found that shotguns were by far the most popu- lar. Over 70% of the birds were killed with shotguns while big game rifles and 22's accounted for about equal portions of the remainder. There were no indications of a great- er crippling loss from any one type of gun. You bet he's happy! This hunter was in the right place at the right time. Biologists also obtained informa- tion on sex and age ratios of the kill. The old long-bearded gobblers were perhaps the most sought after and comprised 20% of the turkeys taken. Average dressed weight of these birds was 14 pounds. Juvenile birds comprised 70% of the kill and their average weight was about one- half that of the adult toms. The 12 high percentage of juvenile birds was another reflection of the favor- able production of these birds ex- perienced this past year. Other data of value for better man- agement of this bird were obtained. Banded birds which were taken pro- vided some knowledge as to the amount of seasonal movements. Crops collected showed the preferred foods of this bird for this season. This information is of great value in evaluating ranges for future turkey transplants. Thus the Fish and Game Depart- ment gained valuable information from the hunting season and the hunters got many hours of recrea- tion and a chance to bag a large tasty bird for the table. All in all, the season was a success and even the hunters who were not in the right place at the proper time did not find it necessary to apologize. They had matched wits with the king of the game birds and to be out-guessed by this crafty character in his own backyard was certainly no disgrace. The trapping and transplanting program is being continued and it is hoped that in the not too distant fu- ture other areas in Montana may be the scene of such enjoyable hunts as has been experienced in Long- pines in Carter County. 13 A LETTER TO MONTANA SPORTSMEN Dear Montana Sportsman: In our recent contacts you have asked many questions about the Montana Fish and Game Depart- ment's big game management pro- gram. Most of these questions should be answered below. 1. Big game season recommenda- tions by department personnel are based primarily upon three consid- erations: (1) the condition of the game food supply on winter ranges, (2) the trend in game population numbers, and (3) the trend in the numbers har- vested by hunters. The Montana Fish and Game Department employs a staff of technically trained men to obtain this information. 2. The condition of a food supply is measured each year after game has left its winter range. This en- ables game managers to determine if the previous year's season was adequate in keeping the animals in balance with their food supply. It also provides a reliable basis for recommending the type of season needed for the coming fall. 3. Trends in game numbers are determined by a variety of methods. Ratio counts of the number of young per 100 adults measure year to year changes in herd productivity. Pellet group counts on sample plots are used to measure year to year changes in the relative numbers of animals using a range. If aerial counts of elk can be made under similar conditions each year they also provide an index of population trends. Year to year trends in game numbers are correlated with game food conditions to determine the ef- fects of management practices. 4. The number of game animals harvested each year is determined from checking station records and a statewide hunter questionnaire. Year to year comparisons of the number of animals harvested also enable game managers to determine the ef- fects of management practices. 5. Elk and deer herds in Mon- tana's mountainous areas migrate considerable distances between high elevation summer ranges and foot- hill winter ranges. The size of a win- ter range area may be less than one- tenth of the total area occupied by a big game herd during the summer. 6. Hunting season dates are set so that game will be hunted when it is widely scattered on its summer range during the first part of the sea- son. This is done to provide a sport- ing type of hunt for those who like to be in the field when game has a greater chance to elude the hunter. 7. The chances of harvesting a big game animal are greater during the latter part of the hunting season when fall storms provide a tracking snow or force game to congregate on their winter ranges. In some areas hunt- 14 ■<$•' Checking station reports provide valuable information on hunter harvest. ing seasons are extended in order to harvest the desired number of animals. 8. It cannot be stressed too strong- ly that the relatively few deer which were once year-long residents in ac- cessible areas along roads were not a part of our manageable deer herd. It is impossible to have easy deer for roadside hunters without having over-populations of animals on the less accessible range areas where the bulk of the deer herd is carried. 9. Montana hunters enjoyed a bon- anza hunting season in 1957. The 134,000 deer harvested were more than the number harvested in any other state. Resident hunter success on first deer was an unprecedented 86 percent and about one-third of the total hunters harvested a second deer. This marks the sixth year (since 1951) that both the number of deer harvested and the percent success of hunters have increased. The year 1951 saw the end of general buck seasons. Despite predictions that the shooting of females would harm deer herds, the yearly harvest has been tripled between 1951 and 1957. Where 39,000 bucks were harvested in 1951, about 90,000 bucks were harvested in 1957. The remaining one-third of the 1957 harvest was does and fawns. Over 12,000 elk 15 were harvested in 1957. About one out of five elk hunters was success- ful. Approximately 35 percent of the harvest was bulls and 65 percent, cows and calves. Preliminary infor- mation shows that 1958 will again be an outstanding year for Montana hunters. The number of deer and elk harvested will probably be simi- lar to 1957. 10. Most Montana deer herds peaked in numbers from about 1948 through 1952. During this period, winter food supplies were severely overused and more animals were lost by starvation than were harvested. Starved deer — a sign that a herd is not in balance with winter food supplies. Despite the fact that we now have fewer deer, winter food sup- plies on many ranges are still criti- cal. Deer populations will continue to decline where they are not in bal- ance with their winter food supplies. Declines will be due to reduced fawn production and die-offs in severe winters rather than the harvest we have obtained with hunters. With our present regulations we can ex- pect to harvest somewhat over 100,000 deer each year, but in the near future it will take more than roadside hunting to bag a deer. 1 1 . Where deer are not in balance with their winter food supply, two deer either-sex seasons are needed for the best management. One deer either-sex seasons are recommended where food conditions are not criti- cal. Montana now ranks as the lead- ing deer producing state in the na- tion. With sound management we shall continue to lead and at the same time assure productive and healthy deer herds for the future. 12. The Montana Fish and Game Department proposes to change the date for deliberations on deer and elk seasons from March to June. This will allow full use of all information on hunter harvests, game population trends and game food conditions. This information is obtained over a period extending from December through May. Opening dates for deer and elk seasons will be estab- lished in February to permit people to plan hunting trips in advance, but closing dates and bag limits will be tentatively set in early June. After public review, final seasons will be set in early July and hunter maps will be distributed. W. J. Everin State Fish and Game Director 16 MAGPIE UPS AND DOWNS By Robert L. Brown Predator Investigations Biologist Convinced that magpies make bet- ter villains than heros, Montanans have engaged in control efforts of one sort or another since the birds were used as watch dogs by the In- dians. In recent years, however, as magpies continued to maintain their numbers in the face of obviously in- effective control programs, an evalu- ation seemed in order not only of the bounty method used for control, but of what was involved in the control of a population. How many magpies on a land area produce how many more? And how many survive to repeat the life cycle? The answers to these ques- tions should describe the natural forces that break down artificial con- trol measures and should help de- termine whether or not there is a need for control programs. An investigation aimed at finding these answers was begun in 1956 under the direction of Dr. John Craig- head, Leader of the Montana Co- operative Wildlife Research Unit. FIG. l 2400 f00J 2300 f00s 3000 2500 J \ 1300 Nesflinos J \ U00 Nesl/mBs 0) N CO 2000 V 1200 Fledglmgs \ 1200 Fltdglmgs c .o Jo 1500 a o a. WOO 500 V^^ / 700Nesf.no B.rdi ^> J 700 Ntstmg Birds Y/mter Spung Sun 1956 Fall Wmfer Spcmg Summt 1957 Changes in Magpie Population on 6.3 Square Mile Study Area in Western Montana 17 During the two-year magpie study on a six square mile area in the Bit- terroot Valley, over 800 nest histories were obtained, 1,371 magpies were leg banded, 771 color marked and 831 live trapped. Wildlife populations have their ups and downs, and magpies are no exception to the rule. Changes in the Bitterroot magpie population studied are shown in Figure 1. Though there were seasonal fluctuations in num- bers, each spring the populations dropped to the same level without assistance from organized control programs. With a reproductive potential ot over 330 percent, 700 magpies on the six square mile area in 1956 suc- ceeded in increasing their numbers during the nesting season by 1,200 — or 170 percent. Farm boys, adverse weather, disease, great horned owls, hawks, crows, pine squirrels, weas- els, starlings and conflict between the magpies themselves combined to cut possible reproduction in half during the nesting season. Proponents of control programs who are convinced that a need exists for doing something about potential magpie increases commonly fail to consider these losses which normally occur during the nesting season. A magpie's life may suddenly end in many ways after he has survived the nesting season. Great horned owls, for example, with rapidly growing young to feed, readily take advantage of the new source of mag- Great horned owl pellet showing the usual composition of regurgitated bone fragments, hair and feathers. This pellet represents an owl's evening meal of three banded magpies and a meadow mouse. — Photo by Hector Lacasse pie protein. The extent of such pre- dation was determined during the study by tethering young owls on the ground below their nests. Both adult birds continued to feed and protect their young. Thus, the collec- tion and analysis of food remains and pellets showed what the young owls had been fed. In this way it was found that 57 magpies were in- cluded in the food items of eight young owls during three weeks of each nesting season. Few people ap- 18 predate the role great horned owls play in reducing annual magpie surpluses. The actions of many magpie elim- inators, however, combine to hold the population in check. Thus, with- out bounties or organized control projects in effect the annual popula- tion surplus met various fates. By the following nesting season the population again numbered close to 700 magpies and the nesting cycle with a similar survival pattern was repeated. Why Not Bounties? Why the bounty system has failed to control magpie populations over the years may be illustrated by find- ings from the Bitterroot study. The most economical time to control this population on six sections of irri- gated farming and grazing land would be in early spring when 700 (the lowest number of magpies dur- ing the year) are present. With a ten cent bounty only $70 would do the job. Or would it? So far, no one has come up with a way to remove the widely dispersed, seasoned survivors at a cost of ten cents each. Instead, bounty pressure is applied on the forthcoming crop of abundant and easy-to-come-by young. Sportsmen in this way may pay $20 a section for a harvested crop of magpies when without boun- ties, natural predators and rural con- trol activity accomplished the same end. Now the question arises — what if more than the annual surplus is taken? Won't this decrease the popu- lation? Depending upon local con- ditions there may be cases where more than the annual production is removed; but soon the law of dimin- ishing returns begins to take effect and as magpies become more scarce and wary, the increased effort neces- sary to continue their removal is not forthcoming. Thus, bountied popu- lations may be stabilized somewhat below their normal levels. How- ever, as depressed populations tend to have higher reproductive and sur- vival rates, a bountied harvest may even increase the annual production. Failings of the bounty system as a magpie control measure have been widely recognized. Although many sportsmen's organizations engaged in this activity in past years, the number dwindled to only six in 1958. Realizing that this bounty program could not be justified solely on its public relation merits, the State Fish and Game Commission in Novem- ber of 1958 rescinded its order which made matching funds available to sportsmen's organizations for the payment of bounties on magpies and crows. Local Pest or Damage Control Winter concentrations of magpies around farm buildings or livestock feeding areas may become a con- siderable nuisance to farmers or ranchers who find the pests every- where but in front of the gun barrel. 19 Portable magpie trap showing details oi ground level entrance 16 inches in length. — Photo by Bob Brown Farm lads and "machine shed in- ventors" looking for a solution through the years have designed many kinds of magpie traps with varying degrees of success. A trap which has proved very ef- fective was designed by Bill Woods, Predation Committee Chairman of the Western Montana Sportsmen's Association. The five-foot square frame trap is covered with one-inch mesh chicken wire and has a funnel entrance at the ground level. Traps of this type were used to capture over 1,000 magpies during the Bitterroot study. The entrance funnel which is made of one-inch chicken wire is the only part of the trap with critical di- mensions. It is attached to the ground with stove wire and spikes as shown in the sketch. Baited with pork cracklings or meat scraps the traps proved most effective when placed between magpie feeding areas and roosting sites. A number of perches fastened in the upper section of the trap will increase its capacity and minimize the possibility of escape. From 20 to 30 magpies were often caught in the first or second setting; however, traps usually become pro- gressively less effective with contin- ued use in one place. Moving a trap as little as 50 feet has the effect of establishing a new set. Live traps of this type may be used in densely settled farming areas be- cause no danger is involved to human life or livestock. Cats and dogs may be caught, but are always found in better condition than is the trap. In order to prevent complica- tions with dogs, the trap should be staked down and the outside of the entrance funnel encircled with a strand of barbed wire. In sparsely settled areas where precautionary measures may be taken, poison is sometimes used in local magpie pest control operations. Baits composed of animal fat con- taining strychnine may be wired to poles and placed where there is minimum danger to livestock. Ranch- ers may obtain the assistance of government hunters where the use of poison is desired. Sportsmen, farmers and ranchers in the Highline area may contact our Extension Trapper, Max Stone, at Wolf Point, if more information is desired on local magpie damage con- trol through the use of traps. Inquiries may also be directed to the Montana Fish and Game Depart- ment, Helena, Montana. 20 ABBREVIATIONS W— Water Sw — Swimming S — Stoves or FS— U.S. Forest Fireplaces Service Ta— Tables CP— City Park T— Toilets HC — Mont. Highway F — Fishing Coram. B— Boating ( bring SP— State Park your boat) All campgrounds are open to the public. free of charge. Overnight camping is permitted, unles s specified otherwise. FISHING ACCESS Provided Through Montana Fish and Game Department MADISON DRAINAGE Miles from Ennis: 1. Armitage Tract 5 miles south on Highway 1, approximately 70 acres. 2. Pasely Tract 4 miles south on west side of river, approximately 27 acres. 3. Thexton Tract 6 miles south on west side of river, approximately 30 acres. 4. Coad Tract 12 miles south at V a r n e y Bridge, 5 acres. 5. Sun Ranch road right-of-way to public do- main. 40 miles south. 6. Meadow Lake west side, 5*2 acres, 7 miles north. 7. Cline Ranch 12 miles south of Three Forks 604 acres. STILLWATER DRAINAGE 1. Play Tract 6 miles south of Columbus, 5.5 acres. 2. Johnson Bridge 3 miles south of Absarokee, 2 acres. 3. Willis Tract 3 miles south of Nye, 6 acres. 4. Rosebud Isle, Fishtail, 9.80 acres. LAKES Aarod — 10 miles west of Brady, 17 acres. Upsata — 10 miles northwest of Ovando. Bean — 15 miles west of Augusta, 5.5 acres. Sophie — 5.62 acres. Broadview Pond — Broadview, 55 acres. Park Lake — South of Helena, 95 acres. Savage Lake — Near Troy. Boot Jack Lake — Near Kalispell. Dailey Lake — 22 miles south of Livingston, 122 acres. Skyles Lake — Near Whitefish, 1 acre. Sweet Grass Canyon Lake — Northwest of Mel- ville 20 miles, 20 acres. No facilities available — camping and trailer houses allowed where space will permit. CAMPING AREAS ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 2 (From West to East) Libby Creek— J. Neils Lumber Co.. 10 miles east of Libby. W-Ta-T. Space for 4 trailer's. Lions Springs — J. Neils Lumber Co., 35 miles east of Libby. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Bitterroot Lake — SP, 20 miles west of Kalis- pell, 5 miles north of U. S. 2 on Marion road. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. Java — FS, 14 miles west of Summit. W-S-Ta- T-F. No trailer space. Fielding — FS, 6 miles west of Summit, at Blacktail. W-S-Ta-T. Trailer space near by. Beaver Creek Park — County and Kiwanis, 16 miles south of Havre. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. Space for 30 trailers. Campsite— HC, 6 miles east of Havre. Ta-T. Space for 10 trailers. Campsite— HC, 1 mile east of Zurich. Ta-T. Space for 10 trailers. Malta Trafton Park — CP. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Space for 20 trailers. American Legion Plunge and Campground — 17 miles east of Malta. Turn north at Sleeping Buffalo marker. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Trailer space unlimited. Hinsdale Park — Chamber of Commerce. S-Ta- T-F-B-Sw. Space for 10 trailers. Saveway Picnic Ground — at Glasgow. W-Ta. Space for 5 trailers. Poplar Park— CP and Lions Club. W-S-Ta-T- F-B-Sw. Space for 10 trailers. American Legion Park — At Culbertson. S-Ta- T. Space for 15 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10 (From West to East, Idaho Line to Garrison) Dennemora Creek — FS, 7 miles west of Saltese. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Sloway— FS. 6 miles east of St. Regis. W-S- Ta-T-F. Trailer space near by. Pattee Canyon Picnic Grounds — FS, 7 miles southeast of Missoula. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Turah— HC, 3 miles east of Bonner. W-Ta-T. Space for 20 trailers. American Legion Park — At Drummond. Trail- er space. 21 ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10-A (From West to East, Idaho Line to Ravalli) Copper King — FS, 9 miles northeast of Thomp- son Falls; on Thompson River Road 3 miles north of U. S. 10-A. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Clark Memorial — FS, 10 miles northeast of Thompson Falls; on Thompson River road 6 miles north of U. S. 10-A. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. West Fork — FS, 12 miles northeast of Thomp- son Falls; on Thompson River road. 6 miles north of U. S. 10-A. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trail- er space. Father Donahue Campground — Thompson Falls Grange, 13 miles east of Thompson Falls. W-Ta-T. Space for 3 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10 (From West to East, Three Forks to Laurel) Missouri River Headwaters State Monument — SP, 3 miles east of Three Forks, 2 miles north of U. S. 10. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Belgrade City Park— W-S-Ta-T. Space for 4 trailers. Big Timber City Park— W-T-F. Space for 10 trailers Picnic Site— HC, 3 miles east of Big Timber. Ta. Space for 4 trailers. Fireman's Point — American Legion and Co- lumbus Fire Dept.. 3 miles southwest of Co- lumbus on Stillwater River. Ta-T-F. Space for 12 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10-A (From West to East, Drummond to Anaconda) Flint Creek— FS, 9 miles south of Philipsburg. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Echo Lake Picnic Area — FS, 18 miles west of Anaconda (2 miles north of Georgetown Lake.) W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. Cable Creek — FS, IS miles west of Anaconda (3 miles off highway). W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Upper Warm Springs — FS. 15 miles west of Anaconda; on Warm Springs Creek. 4 miles north of U. S. 10-A. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Lower Warm Springs — FS, 14 miles west of Anaconda; on Warm Springs Creek, 3 miles north of U. S. 10-A. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Upper Spring Hill— FS, 12 miles west of Ana- conda. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Lower Spring Hill Picnic Area— FS, 11 miles west of Anaconda. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Foster Creek Picnic Area — FS. 10 miles west of Anaconda, 1 mile off highway. W-S-Ta- T. No trailer space. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10-N (From West to East, Garrison to Three Forks) Cromwell-Dixon Picnic Area — FS, 15 miles west of Helena. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. MacDonald Pass— FS, 14 miles west of Helena W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Canyon Ferry State Park— 20 miles east of Helena. T-F-B-Sw. Trailer space. Rotary Campground— Townsend Rotary, 1 mile north of Townsend. Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 5 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10-S (From West to East, Garrison to Three Forks) Lions Den— HC and Butte Lions Club, 10 miles east of Butte. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Lions Rest— HC and Butte Lions Club, 11 miles east of Butte. W-Ta-T. No trailer space. Toll Mountain — FS. 20 miles southeast of Butte; on Little Pipestone Creek. 1 mile north of U. S. 10-S. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Lewis and Clark Cavern— SP, 15 miles east of Whitehall. W-S-Ta-T. Space for 5 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAYS 10 AND 12 (From West to East, Laurel to Miles City) Laurel Citv Park — 2 miles south of Laurel. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Picnic Site — HC, 3 miles east of Laurel. Ta. Space for 10 trailers. Picnic Site— HC, 2 miles west of Huntley. Ta. Space for 3 trailers. Huntley Park— W-S-Ta-T. Space for 20 trail- ers. Highwayside — HC, 2 miles west of Forsyth. W-Ta-T. Limited trailer space. Blue Star Memorial Park — Miles Citv Garden Club, 3 miles west of Miles City. Ta. Space for 4 trailers. Water Plant Park — West edge of Miles City. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. City Tourist Park— CP, west edge of Miles City. W-T-B-Sw. Trailer space. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 10 (From West to East, Miles City to North Dakota Line) Picnic Site— HC, 9 miles east of Miles City. Ta. Space for 4 trailers. Picnic Site — HC, 7 miles west of Terry. Ta. Space for 6 trailers. Highway Park — HC, west citv limits of Glen- dive. W-S-Ta-T. Space for 17 trailers. Makoshika State Park — 5 miles south of Glen- dive. W-Ta-T. Unlimited trailer space. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 12 (From West to East) Parkside — FS, 14 miles south of Red Lodge. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space near by. Ratine — FS, 8 miles south of Red Lodge. Va mile off highway. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Sheridan — FS, 7 miles south of Red Lodge, Vz mile off highway. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Basin Creek — FS, turn west just south of Red Lodge city limits; 7 miles off highway on West Fork of Rock Creek. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Red Lodge City Picnic Grounds— W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 10 trailers. (See also U. S. Highway 10 and 12. Laurel to Miles City.) 22 ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 87 (From South to North, Wyoming Line to Armington) Campsite — HC, 7 miles north of Lodge Grass. Ta. Space for 4 trailers. Musselshell Valley — 3 miles south of Roundup. S. Trailer space. Roundup Fairgrounds — CP, at Roundup. W-S- Ta-T-F-Sw. Trailer space. Camp Maiden — Fergus Co. Recreation Assn., 20 miles northeast of Lewistown. W-S-Ta-T. Crystal Lake — FS and American Legion, 26 miles southwest of Lewistown in Lewis and Clark National Forest. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 89 (From South to North) Pine Creek— FS. 15 miles south of Livingston. 2 miles off highway. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trail- er space. Carters Bridge — 5 miles south of Livingston. S-Ta-F-B. Space for 5 trailers. Picnic Area — 4 miles south of Clyde Park. S-Ta-F-Sw. Space for 10 trailers. Picnic Area — At Wilsall. No facilities. Space for 20 trailers. Kings Hill— FS, 9 miles south of Neihart. W-S- Ta-T. No trailer space. Aspen— FS, 6 miles north of Neihart. S-Ta-T. No trailer space. (For Great Falls Area. See U. S. Highway 87 and 89). Choteau City Park — W-S-Ta-T-Sw. Trailer space. Campsite — 4 miles north of Choteau. on Teton River. W-Ta-F. Space for 2 trailers. Lighthouse — Northeast of Dtipuyer on Lake Francis, 2 miles west of Valier. W-T-F-B- Sw. Space for 5 trailers. Robare — 8 miles north of Dupuyer on Birch Creek. F-Sw. Space for 10 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 91 (From South to North) Bannack State Monument — 20 miles west of Dillon. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 5 trailers. Picnic Area — 6 miles south of Melrose. No fa- cilities. Trailer space. Bison Creek Picnic Area — FS, 3 miles north of Elk Park. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Shamrock — FS, 5 miles north of Elk Park on Bison Creek. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Mormon — FS. 7 miles west of Basin. W-S-Ta- T-F. No trailer space. Picnic Site— HC, 14 miles north of Helena. W- Ta. No trailer space. Lions Creek— HC, 6 miles south of Wolf Creek. Ta. No trailer space. Lions Club Park— Shelby Lions Club, 7 miles south of Shelby at Marias River Bridge. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. Space for 6 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 93 (From South to North) Gallogy Springs — 28 miles south of Darby, just west of U. S. 93. W-S-Ta-T-Sw. Space for 3 trailers. Medicine Springs— FS, 17 miles south of Darby, 1 mile off highway. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. No. trailer space. Spring Gulch— FS, 15 miles south of Darby. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. (For Missoula Area, See U.S. Highway 10.) North Crow Creek — Ronan Jaycees. 5 miles northeast of Ronan. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Poison City Park— W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 4 trailers. Flathead Lake State Park— 14 miles north of Poison on west shore of Flathead Lake. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 10 trailers. Mary B. Island— 22 miles south of Kalispell. S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 12 trailers. West Shore State Park— 20 miles south of Kalispell, on west shore of Flathead Lake. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. Spring Creek — Montana State Forest Dept., 10 miles north of Olney. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 10 trailers. ALONG U. S. HIGHWAY 191 (From South to North) South Fork— FS, 5 miles west of West Yellow- stone. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Baker's Hole— FS, 3 miles north of West Yel- lowstone. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Rainbow Point— FS, 5 miles north of West Yel- lowstone on Hebgen Lake. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Buffalo Horn— FS. 56 miles south of Bozeman, 1V2 miles east of U.S. 191. W-Ta-T-F. Trailer space near by. Palisade — FS, 49 miles south of Bozeman, west of U.S. 191. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space near by. Red Cliff— FS, 48 miles south of Bozeman. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. No trailer space. Shady Rest— FS. 38 miles south of Bozeman, both sides of highway. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. Space for 4 trailers. Asbestos Flat — FS, 34 miles south of Bozeman. Ta-F-Sw. Space near by for 10 trailers. Swan Creek — FS, 31 miles south of Bozeman, east of U. S. 191. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. Trailer space near by. Greek Creek — FS, 30 miles south of Bozeman. W-S-Ta-T-F-Sw. No trailer space. Spire Rock— FS, 28 miles south of Bozeman; 3 miles east of U. S. 191 on Squaw Creek. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space near by. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 1 (From South to North) Cabin Creek— FS, 14 miles north of West Yel- lowtone. S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Beaver Creek— FS, 26 miles north of West Yel- lowstone. S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Rock Creek— FS, 28 miles north of West Yel- lowstone. S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. West Fork Camp — FS. 36 miles south of Ennis. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Madison River Campground — V* mile east of Ennis, across river. W-Ta-T-F. 23 ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 6 (From West to East) Deep Creek — FS. 17 miles east of Townsend. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. Grasshopper — FS. 6 miles east of White Sul- phur Springs and 5 miles south on Castle road. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for small trailers. Wheatland County Park— At Harlowton. W- S-Ta-T-Sw. Space for 15 trailers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 7 Ekalaka Park— FS, 7 miles south of Ekalaka. W-S-Ta-T. No trailer space. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 8 Crazy Head Springs — Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, 8 miles north of Lame Deer. W-S-Ta-T-B. Space for 15 trailers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 13 (From South to North) Lewis and Clark Memorial Park — Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club, 6 miles southeast of Wolf Point. W-S-Ta-T-F- B-Sw. Unlimited trailer space. Sims Spring— HC. 32 miles south of Scobey. W-T. Limited trailer space. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 16 Richland County Park— 5 miles northeast of Sidney. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Space for 10 trail- ers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 18 (From West to East) Hell Creek — SP, 34 miles north of Jordan. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 6 trailers. Timber Creek Roadside Rest — HC, 30 miles west of Circle. W-T. Space for 10 trailers. Rock Creek— SP, 56 miles northwest of Circle. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. Space for 6 trailers. Sell's Grove — 11 miles southeast of Circle. No facilities. Trailer space. (For Glendive Area, See U.S. Highway 10.) ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 20 Blackfoot Park— HC, 3 miles north of Bonner W-Ta-T-F. Space for 6 trailers. Angevine Park— HC, 5 miles north of Bonner. W-Ta-F. Space for 20 trailers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 24 Fort Peck Lake Campground — Army Engi- neers. 20 miles south of Glasgow. W-S-Ta- T-F-B-Sw. Space for 30 trailers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 28 Rainbow Lake — 11 miles southwest of Hot Springs. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Unlimited trailer space. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 33 Nilan Reservoir — Augusta Chamber of Com- merce, 6 miles west of Augusta. W-S-T-F-B. Space for 30 trailers. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 34 Vigilante Campground — x4 mile east of Vir- ginia City. W-S-Ta-T. Space for 15 trail- ers. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 35 Yellow Bay — SP, 18 miles north of Poison on east shore of Flathead Lake. W-S-Ta-T-F- B-Sw. No trailer space. Flathead Lake Camp — FS, 10 miles south of Bigfork. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. Bear Dance — FS. 9 miles south of Bigfork. W-S-Ta-T-F-B-Sw. No trailer space. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 38 Stony Lake — FS, 37 miles southwest of Philips- burg. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 2 trailers near by. ALONG MONTANA HIGHWAY 43 Big Hole — Countv ParV ?fi miles west of Di- vide. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. CAMPGROUNDS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Apgar— 2 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta- T-F-B. Trailer space. Avalanche — 15 miles from West Glacier. W-S- Ta-T-F. Space for 14 trailers. Sprague Creek — 10 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F. No trailer space. Fish Creek — 4 miles from West Glacier. W-S- Ta-T-F. Space for 10 trailers. Bowman Lake — 36 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Space for 8 trailers. Kintla Lake — 44 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Trailer space. Rising Sun — 39 miles from East Glacier. W-S- Ta-T-F. Space for 10 trailers. Many Glacier — 55 miles from East Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Space tor 60 trailers.. Two Medicine — 12 miles from East Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F-B. Space for 14 trailers. The following are small campgrounds — maxi- mum capacity — 4 or 5 cars: Quartz Creek — 25 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 3 trailers. Logging Creek — 25 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 3 trailers. Bowman Creek — 30 miles from West Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 4 trailers. Walton Creek — 1 mile from Essex. W-S-Ta- T-F. Space for 5 trailers. Cut Bank Creek — 23 miles from East Glacier. W-S-Ta-T-F. Space for 2 trailers. Grocery store close to Apgar, Sprague Creek, Rising Sun. Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Walton campgrounds. Grocery store at Polebridge, about two miles from Bowman Creek campground. Lake McDonald grocery store about 5 miles from Avalanche camp- ground. Grocery store and lunch room at Agpar, about 2 miles from Fish Creek campground. Campgrounds are operated by National Park Service, Glacier National Park, West Gla- cier, Montana. 24 CAMPGROUNDS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Norris — At Norris Geyser Basin. Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Tower Falls— Near Tower Junction. Ta-T-F. Trailer space. West Thumb— On Yellowstone Lake. W-S-Ta- T-F-B. Trailer space. Fishing Bridge — On Yellowstone Lake. W-S- Ta-T-F-B. Trailer space. Madison Junction — 14 miles from West Yel- lowstone. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Lewis Lake — South entrance road. S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Specimen Creek — Northwestern corner. S-Ta- T-F. Trailer space. Snake River— South entrance. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Mammoth — At Mammoth Hot Springs. W-S- Ta-T-F. Trailer space. Old Faithful — At Old Faithful geyser. W-S- Ta-T-F. Trailer space; 450 campsites. Canyon — At Canyon Falls. W-S-Ta-T-F. Trailer space. In addition, there are a few small camps and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Campgrounds are operated by National Park Service, Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. For national forest campgrounds off the main highways, write U. S. Forest Serv- ice, Regional Headquarters, Missoula, Montana. Helena, Montana Sec. 34.66, P. L. & R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 50 FORM 3547 REQUESTED