» , > .1

The \)alley ^tnes

M_ HE night wind greets the valley pines,
The clouds move '-way, the tnoon is full;
The breeze speaks low through twisting vines,
The night birds answer, harsh and dull —

And shadows come and slip away,
Hid' by a mist the moon floats on;
The pines they say, "We weep, we play" —
Mid golden tint the dark is gone.

The valley pines stand straight, stand high.
And thick and, still, and the stars' ray
Slips through their boughs, again they sigh;
And grays the east— and comes the day —

At first long streaks of purple sheen
When sombre clouds float 'crost the sky,
The valley pines are silv'ry green,
Waving steepled tops on high —

Where trembling cedar yiestles close,
Where blooms the glory of the sun,
Where violet keeps tryst with rose,
'Tis Nature's work, long since begun.

Pines guard the aged stones below,
Sentinels of trails that lead
Eastward, where the streamlets flow.
Nor bird, nor beast, nor man to heed.

The valley pines wait there for me,
The lonely love they bear speaks soft;
Would that nigh them oft I could be
And pray 'neath busy tops aloft —

In twilight with them to look down
On beauty's fantastic web spun
With aides of all the wilds around,
And in the glory of the sun.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

The Official Publication of The State Fish and Game Commission

VOL. II.

HELENA, MONTANA, APRIL, 1930.

NO. 11.

PROGRESSIVE plans for continuing
Montana's campaign of wild life
conservation were completed at the
meeting of the State Fish and Game
Commission at the Hotel Baxter at
Bozeman, April 11. Following the husy
all-day session of the Commission, of-
ficials of the Department were guests
at the annual banquet of the Bozeman
Rod and Gun Club, of which Fred B.
Williams is president and Dr. Howard
Welch, secretary-treasurer. Those pres-
ent at the Commission meeting were:
T. N. Marlowe, chairman ; E. A. Wilson,
G. T. Boyd, W. K. Moore, Commission-
ers; Secretary Robert H. Hill; Dr. I. H.
Treece and J. W. Schofield, Ffeld As-
sistants; John C. Frolicher, Educational
Secretary; J. F. Hendricks, Superintend-
ent State Game Farm; George E. Mush-
bach, U. S. Game Protector; R. E. Bate-
man, Leader Predatory Animal Control;
W. T. Thompson, Superintendent Fed-
eral Hatchery, Bozeman, Montana; Floyd
L. Smith, Editor MONTANA WILD
LIFE; Deputy Frank R. Marshall: and
Fred B. Williams, President of the
Bozeman Rod and Gun Club.

Mr. Marlowe was instructed to have
Deputy Warden Morgan approve the
claim of Lynn Brothers of Ovando for
hay fed to elk and deer by order of
the Commission during the winter.

Secretary Hill gave a financial re-
port of the Fish and Game Fund on
March 31, 1930.

Mr. Hill advised that $3,537.29 has
been spent by the University of Mon-
tana Biological Research workers, leav-
ing a small balance of $4,000 appropri-
ated for their work. He presented a
claim for expenses incurred by Dr. R.
T. Young for $459.19, and a pay roll
item of $66. Mr. Marlowe stated that,
with the payment of these two claims,
he would advise the proper officials
that the appropriations had been spent.
Dr. Young's claim for expenses in the
Biological Research work was allowed.

Letters and petitions from the sports-
men of Hinsdale, Saco and vicinity were
presented, asking the Commission to
open the Milk River to fishing. Mr.
Hill explained that the Milk River had
not been excepted in the general clos-
ing order by the Commission in Sep-
tember, and it was ordered that the
Milk River, in Montana, be opened to
fishing the year around.

A letter from Sam F. Harris, Forest
Ranger at Augusta, requested that cer-
tain creeks in his locality be closed to
fishing. Mr. Hill had requested Mr.
Harris to secure a like request and
petition from the sportsmen of that

vicinity, but as none had been received,
the matter was laid on the table.

The petition from citizens of Troy,
requesting the closing of Spread Creek,
Peet Creek and Seventeen Mile Creek,
in Lincoln county, for the purpose of
restocking and thereby making feeders
for the Yaak River, of which they are
tributaries, was granted. A similar re-
quest from Deputy Warden Dorrington
was granted.

Reappointed

E. A. Wilson

W. K. Moore

MONTANA'S State Fish and Game
Commission will carry on. In full
realization of the vast program of
conservation in which the Commission
is engaged, Governor John E. Erickson
has reappointed William K. Moore of
Billings and E. A. Wilson of Livingston
as members for four years more. Their
terms expired April 15, 1930. Mr. Wil-
son has been a member of the Com-
mission since 1921 and has likewise
taken an active part in affairs of the
Montana Sportsmen's Association. Mr.
Moore has been actively engaged in
the work for state sportsmen since 1925.
Few Montana residents travel through
all parts of the state as does Billy
Moore. Everywhere on his travels he
makes conscientious efforts to meet and
confer with sportsmen and then spon-
sor meritorious measures. The annual
meeting will be held at Helena in May
when the Commission will organize
again. Thomas N. Marlowe of Mis-
soula is chairman. Other holdover mem-
bers are Joseph L. Kelly of Anaconda
and Gilbert T. Boyd of Great Falls,
with Robert H. Hill as State Fish and
Game Warden.

Mr. Hill presented a petition which
he had received from the sportsmen of
Broadwater county immediately after
the last meeting of the Commission,
asking that fishing for whitefish through
the ice in the Missouri River be al-
lowed. In view of the fact that the ice
has now gone from the Missouri River
and no immediate action is necessary,
the matter was tabled.

A petition was read from citizens of
Gallatin county, Gallatin Gateway, ask-
ing that a fish ladder be placed over
the dam across the West Gallatin River,
which is owned by the Farmers' Canal
Company of Bozeman. Deputy Frank
Marshall reported that State Warden
Hill, President Williams of the Boze-
man Rod and Gun Club and he had in-
spected this dam last year and that
they had found no fish ladder was nec-
essary. He stated that the fish can go
up and down stream without the lad-
der, hence the matter was tabled.

Dr. C. B. Rhodes of Butte suggested
placing a dam in the river below the
outlet of the Lower Red Rock Lake,
thereby insuring a constant water level
in the Red Rock Lakes, and providing
a nesting ground for migratory birds.
He advised that several Butte duck
clubs were interested in this project
and would like to cooperate with the
state and federal governments. George
E. Mushbach, U. S. Game Protector,
advised that it is improbable that the
federal government could appropriate
money for this cause, unless it was
done under the Federal Bird Refuge
proposition. He brought word from Dr.
Rhodes that as soon as he and an engi-
neer could go to this district and get
some accurate estimates on the cost and
results, he would present the matter
more definitely to the Commission.

Warden Hill asked the opinion of the
Commission on the present status of
the Madison River. The general order,
made in September, had excepted the
Madison River from the footbridge at
the Game Warden's cabin below Hebgen
Dam to where it empties into the Mis-
souri River. However, the specific or-
der of the Commission, in effect be-
fore this time, had excepted the Madi-
son River from the regular closed sea-
son with the exceptions of those por-
tions from the Red Bridge near Norris
to the Lower Madison Dam, a portion
of Meadow Lake, and from the Hutchins
Bridge to where the Madison River en-
ters Yellowstone Park, together with
tributaries. It is Mr. Hill's contention
that the specific order of the Commis-
sion is in effect, rather than the gen-
eral closing order. Warden Hill's con-

MONTANA WILD LIFE

ception of the closed and open areas
on the Madison River were accepted by
the Commission.

Fred B. Williams of the Bozeman Rod
and Gun Club asked that the twelve
townships in Gallatin county, all of
Townships 1 and 2 N., Ranges 3, 4 and
5 E.; all of Townships 1 and 2 S.,
Ranges 3, 4 and 5 E., be open during
the regular closed season, and was ap-
proved, effective at once. These town-
ships had been affected by the general
closing order, while the previous status
of these townships had been that the
closed season be from October 1 to De-
cember 15, instead of the regular closed
season. Eastern brook trout are in the
stream and they are more palatable
during the spring months.

A petition from citizens in the vicin-
ity of the DuRand Ranch asked that the
elk liberated from the ranch be dis-
posed of so that they will not do fur-
ther damage to crops. Warden Hill
reported that he had inspected that ter-
ritory, but that by the time he reached
Martinsdale there had been a chinook
and the elk had moved awa-' from the
ranches. Question arose as to the legal
ownership of these animals, whether
they are property of the DuRands or
of the state, and Mr. Marlowe was in-
structed to determine the ownership of
the animals.

Senator John Survant of Phillips
county requested that the Department
secure elk or buffalo for a barbecue to
be held in celebration of the opening
of the Roosevelt Highway at the sum-
mit. Mr. Hill suggested that the De-
partment might be able to secure either
elk or buffalo from the Bureau of Bio-
logical Survey.

Mr. Hill read a copy of the coopera-
tive agreement between the State Fish
and Game Department, the Forest Serv-
ice, the Bureau of Biological Survey and
the National Parks Service, relative to
the assignment of W. M. Rush in a
study of the elk in the northern herd.
Evan W. Kelley of Missoula, District
Forester, requested that the warden
sign this agreement if concurred in by
the Commission. The agreement was
accepted and the Secretary instructed
to sign it.

The claim from Sidebotham Brothers
of Corwin Springs for alleged $150 dam-
ages to their crops by elk was denied,
as was a similar claim from John Glass
of Ovando for damage to his crops by
deer.

Horace A. Bennett of Williston, North
Dakota, asked a permit to take mus-
sel shells from the rivers of this state,
but it was denied.

John E. Lewis of Kalispell asked a
permit to install traps to take suckers
in Ashley Creek, the fish to be used
as food for the foxes and mink on his
fur farm. The matter was tabled.

E. R. Gleed of Lima offered his hatch-
ery and ponds to the Commission. Mr.
Hill was instructed to write Dr. Gleed
that the Commission is not in a posi-
tion at the present time to take over
the hatchery at Lima, but appreciates
his kind offer.

A letter from the Upper Musselshell
Valley Sportsmen's Association of Har-
lowton was read, wherein that associa-
tion advised that they favor the Educa-
tional Secretary making headquarters

Virginia's Pet

LITTLE Virginia, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Ace E. Woods of Mis-
soula, is shown in the picture
fondling a fawn found in the grass near
Nine Mile Creek. The affection of the
tiny tot, however, may prove fatal to
the fawn. Sportsmen have been warned
by the Fish and Game Commission
against molesting or handling fawns
which they believe lost or strayed in
the woods. Caressing by the human
hands often causes the mother doe to
desert the offspring. Fawns are seldom
lost and if left where they are hidden
by the mother, they seldom go astray.

at Helena; that they are on record as
approving an increased license fee; and
favor the Commission allowing indi-
viduals as many of the DuRand elk as
they desire, providing they are enclosed
and properly fed. Mr. Hill also read
a telegram from Alva Hiers, President
of the Custer Rod and Gun Club, Miles
City, opposing any movement to place
the Educational Secretary under con-
trol of the State Game Warden.

John Frolicher read a letter from
Glen A. Smith, chairman of the Mon-
tana Sportsmen's Association, objecting
to the Educational Secretary's making
headquarters at Helena. Inasmuch as
no movement had been made by the
Department to change Mr. Frolicher's
headquarters, no action was taken.
Frolicher's salary is paid by the State
Commission.

Mr. Hill read a request from the
Southeastern Montana Sportsmen's As-
sociation at Laurel for two rearing
ponds on the Stillwater River. It was
also stated that the Hardin Rod and
Gun Club would like rearing ponds
built in that territory, and the two
rearing ponds requested on the Still-
water River were ordered constructed
during 1930. Officials selecting sites
for these rearing ponds on the Still-
water were instructed to inspect sites
for two rearing ponds at or near Har-
din.

A letter was read from Fred J. Fos-
ter of the Bureau of Fisheries, in
charge of national park investigations,
asking the Commission for grayling to
plant in Glacier and Yellowstone Na-
tional Parks. Dr. Treece was instructed
to inform Mr. Hill when grayling are
to be released, and Mr. Hill to advise
the proper park officials when grayling
will be ready for distribution at the
Somers hatchery for Glacier Park and
at the Anaconda hatchery for Yellow-
stone Park.

Ed Boyes of the Libby Rod and Gun
Club reported that the elk received last
spring are doing fine. Among other
things, Mr. Boyes requested that a new
pipeline be put in at the Libby hatch-
ery. Dr. Treece advised that to his
knowledge the flume is safe and in
good condition. Mr. Boyes also asked
the Commission to cooperate with the
club in building a rearing pond on
Fisher River.

H

The Secretary was instructed to write
the Libbv Rod and Gun Club that the
Commission is considering the building
of a new pipeline at the Libby hatchery
and that Dr. Treece will investigate this
matter thoroughly and make his rec-
ommendations. Dr. Treece was also
delegated to investigate sites for a rear-
ing pond on the Fisher River and re-
port to the Commission.

Warden Hill advised that the Stewart
Mill Creek hatchery is not in use, and
asked whether the insurance on the
building should be kept up. Dr. Treece
advised that the hatchery is not needed
during spawning time, and stated he
thought he could sell the building. Dr.
Treece was instructed to see what he
can get for the building and report to
Mr. Hill.

A petition from the residents of Gal-
latin county asked that the Commission
close the season on the hunting of
female deer in that county. Mr. Wil-
liams advised that the Bozeman Rod and
Gun Club is heartily in accord with
this petition. Discussion arose as to
whether the Commission has the power
to restrict the killing of doe deer, leav-
ing the season open to the hunting of
buck deer. It was decided, however,
that Gallatin county be closed to the
hunting of doe deer for the season of
1930, subject to the opinion of the at-
torney general as to whether or not
the Commission has the power to make
such an order.

Warden Hill advised that the abstract
for the Anderson Ponds at Emigrant
(A. W. T. Anderson hatchery) had been
corrected. Commissioner Wilson ex-
plained that the original error had been
merely a mistake in copying the ab-
stract and that county and state records
agree. Mr. Wilson stated that the Miles
Trust and Realty Company of Miles
City, acting as agent for George M.
Miles, owner of the property, had quoted
a selling price of $8,000 with all the
fish in the ponds. Mr. Miles had re-
quested, if purchase was made, a down
payment of at least $4,000, and the bal-
ance in a reasonable time. The prop-
erty includes 17% acres. The Commis-
sion voted to purchase it for sportsmen
of the state.

John W. Schofield made a report of
his investigation of the advisability of
placing fire extinguishers in some of

MONTANA WILD LIFE

the hatcheries. He said that the pur-
chase of tire extinguishers would make
little difference in the fire insurance
premiums, and he suggested that the
Department not purchase fire extin-
guishers.

Mr. Moore reported that he had in-
vestigated the advisability of opening
the Little Big Horn River to fishing
the year around, and the closed season
was suspended from the mouth to the
Wyoming line, tributaries not included,
and ii is therefore open for fishing the
year around.

A report of the returns of the preda-
tory animal contest for the year 1929
was made as follows: Five clubs in the
state submitted scores for the contest.
First prize ($150) was won by the Big
Timber Rod and Gun Club; second
prize ($100) won by the Lewistown Rod
and Gun Club; third prize ($75) won
by the Northern Lewis and Clark Rod
and Gun Club of Augusta; fourth prize
($50) won by the Musselshell Valley
Sportsmen's Association ;and fifth prize
($25) won by the Stanford Rod and
Gun Club. According to the rules of
the contest, a premium of $15 is to be
paid to each of these clubs submitting
scores. The Big Timber Rod and Gun
Club won $40 for the highest score on
predatory birds, $40 for the highest
score on predatory animals, and $20
for the highest score on eggs of preda-
tory birds. Miss Dorothy Cox, a mem-
ber of the Northern Lewis and Clark
Sportsmen's Association, won $25 for
making the highest individual score.

Commissioner Moore requested that
Brook Stream, within Pioneer Park, at
Billings, be closed to fishing for two
years, in view of the fact that it is
being fished considerably, and the fish-
erman are damaging the park property,
and his motion was approved.

Mr. Moore advised that his investiga-
tions had shown that the dams at Crow
Agency, in the Little Big Horn; at In-
take, in the Yellowstone, and in the
Tongue River above Miles City, need
to have fish ladders constructed. Sec-
retary Hill was instructed and author-
ized to see that proper fish ladders are
installed.

Mr. Schofield reported that he and
W. T. Thompson of the Bureau of Fish-
eries would locate sites in the Still-
water for the two rearing ponds au-
thorized.

Mr. Moore suggested that before
planting the adult fish now in the An-
derson Ponds, at Emigrant, they should
be tagged for experimental purposes.

Mr. Moore reported that he had been
investigating building a dam at Fox
Lake, near Lambert, in Richland county,
to keep water in the lake and thus
make it a nesting place for migratory
birds. He stated that he had written
the Northern Pacific, which owns the
lake, to ascertain whether they had any
objections to flooding the lake. He dis-
cussed his plan for buying some of the
acreage around this lake and the matter
was turned over to Mr. Moore in all
its details. Mr. Marlowe advised that
he had sent some duck food to Fox
Lake.

Mr. Boyd suggested that, in closing
streams for propagating and restocking
purposes, he believes it would be fore-
sighted always to leave the headwaters

Kid Antelope

CIVILIZATION has almost wiped out
the antelope. The herds of thou-
sands that once dotted the plains
of eastern and central Montana have
dwindled to a few protected hundred.
They have gone the way of the buffalo.
This picture of an antelope kid denotes
that what few that remain are increas-
ing. Then, again, inroads are being
made on these little Montana bands
when they stray to Indian reservations.
Indians, wards of the federal govern-
ment, are permitted through some mis-
taken ruling of their federal guardians,
to fish and kill at will on their res-
ervations, despite state laws. Recent
slaughter of these beautiful little ani-
mals near Cut Bank have been traced
to Indians, yet appeals to the federal
government have proven futile.

of the streams and some of the feeder
streams closed.

Mr. Marlowe advised that O. V. San-
derlin of Missoula has perfected a fish
screen which he, Mr. Marlowe, is con-
fident will prove successful. He also
stated that M. R. Jeffry of Henderson
has a fish screen which might be work-
able. The Commission appropriated not
to exceed $250 to be used by Mr. Mar-
lowe in assisting O. V. Sanderlin of
Missoula in experimenting with the fish
screen; and not to exceed $100 to be
used by Mr. Marlowe in assisting M. R.
Jeffry of Henderson in experimenting.

John Frolicher gave a report of his
activities up to April 1. He requested
the Commission to furnish him with a
car for traveling as Secretary of the
Sportsmen's Association. No action was
taken.

J. F. Hendricks explained that he had
no truck at the State Game Farm, and
that one will be necessary in transport-
ing birds and eggs to towns.

Mr. Schofield reported that due to an
electrical storm, the power in the Great
Falls hatchery was turned off for 12
hours. The loch leven were planted in
the Missouri River in this emergency,
and the rainbow and brook trout saved
by transferring them to the two grav-
ity-fed ponds at the hatchery. He was
authorized to have these two ponds
concreted and to build a third concrete
pond. He had a quotation of $579 for
this work in its entirety.

Mr. Schofield presented the bids
which he had been requested to pro-
cure for the enlargement work at the
Big Timber hatchery. He stated he had
received five bids, the lowest of which
is $2,285, made by C. O. Pederson of Big
Timber. Mr. Schofield was authorized
to give this job to the lowest bidder,
C. O. Pederson, for $2,285, the work to
be completed by June 15, 1930.

Mr. Wilson stated he thought the De-
partment could secure land around
Dailey Lake reasonable, and he was
instructed to report at the next meet-
ing.

Chairman Marlowe presented a peti-
tion from T. F. Carmody, Everett Nay-
lor and W. A. Fredrick of Great Falls
for permission to seine suckers in the
Missouri River, and to take bullheads
with hoop nets. Mr. Thompson advised
against this permit, as did Mr. Scho-
field, and the petition was denied.

Discussion as to the liberation of
birds from the Game Farm, and sub-
sequent closed and open seasons on
these birds, followed. It was suggested
that some of the birds liberated be
banded.

Mr. Marlowe suggested the erection
of rearing ponds on streams in the
western part of the state and Dr. Treece
and Mr. Marlowe were authorized to
investigate sites.

Mr. Marlowe reported that the Mis-
soula River is badly polluted, and no
information has been secured as to the
source of the pollution. Mr. Marlowe
was instructed to take up this matter
with the University of Montana Bio-
logical workers, with a view of an in-
vestigation.

W. T. Thompson, Superintendent of
the federal hatchery at Bozeman, gave
a review of loch leven fishing condi-
tions in the state. He explained that
the Great Northern had given his de-
partment free transportation of fish to
be taken to Glacier Park from the Miles
City station. He asked that the Fish
and Game Department explain to the
Great Northern that many of the fish
taken from this station will now be
sent to other places in the state.

Mr. Thompson also explained that the
federal government had agreed, as part
of its cooperative work, to provide a
pump for the Miles City station, to keep
the water at a proper level, and that
their funds are so low such a purchase
is impossible. He stated that some
means would have to be taken to keep
the water at a level of not less than
5V2 feet to save the fish in the ponds,
and asked for cooperation from the
Fish and Game Department in this
project. As an emergency measure, Mr.
Schofield was authorized to work with
Mr. Thompson in providing means of
keeping the water level at Lake Gar-
berson up to not less than 5% feet, the
total amount of money to be spent by
the two departments to not exceed $600.

Dr. D. R. Crawford of the College of
Fisheries of the University of Washing-
ton, was employed by the Department.
He suggested that his work in this
state would include drying suckers to
be used for fish food. His experiments
with this work have proven successful.
Dr. Treece and Mr. Schofield recom-
mended his employment. Dr. Crawford

MONTANA WILD LIFE

was employed for the summer months
at $200 per month and expenses.

Mr. Marlowe read correspondence he
had with Mr. Whitely, chief of the Bu-
reau of Scientific Research, Fish and
Game Commission of Ohio, relative to
the propagation of Lake Superior white-
fish in Montana. Mr. Whitely sug-
gested many improvements which could
be made in Montana in propagating
whitefish. He offered to come at no
salary, his expenses to he paid by this
department, and work with the state
fisheries men in investigating and bet-
tering conditions. Mr. Marlowe was
instructed to write Mr. Whitely to come
to Montana at department expense.

Mr. Marlowe reported that bass are
bring taken from Nine Pipes Reservoir
in such quantities that this reservoir
should be closed to bass fishing for an
indefinite period to avoid undue deple-
tion, and action was taken closing the
reservoir, located in portions of Sec-
tions 27, 33, 34 and 35, Township 29,
North of Range 20 East, and in por-
tions of Sections 1, 2, 3 and 11 in Town-
ship 19, North of Range 20 West, M.
P. M., Lake county, Montana, until fur-
ther order of the Fish and Game Com-
mission.

Chairman Marlowe advised that he

Mostly Legs

Opposes Killing Does

BELIEVING that the privilege ex-
tended to hunters to kill does dur-
ing the last season was a mistake
on the part of hunters who made the
request, and that it should be corrected
before another season comes, petitions
are being circulated among sportsmen
of Gallatin county to have the Montana
Fish and Game Commission return to
the former system and ban the killing
of does.

Petitions are being circulated in Boze-
man with that purpose in view and by
the eagerness with which sportsmen
are signing them indicate to the circu-
lators that at least 2,000 names will
be signed as a protest to the present
law.

When all of the signatures have been
obtained the petitions will be forwarded
t" the Fish and Game Commission at
Helena and action is expected to be
taken before the open season for big
game shooting begins, according to the
Bozeman Chronicle.

The following is the petition:

"To the Montana State Fish and Game
Commission, Helena: We, the under-
signed residents of Gallatin county, re-
alizing the serious damage which oc-
curred during the 1929 hunting season
to the deer of Gallatin county by rea-
son of the restriction on the killing of
does being lifted, respectfully petition
your body to take the necessary action
to close the hunting of doe deer in this
county. We feel that such action is
necessary prior to the 1930 hunting
season to prevent danger of depletion
of the deer in this county."

Gallatin sportsmen are to be admired
for their courageous and timely stand,
yet they have apparently overlooked the
fact that the opening and closing of
the deer season is a matter for legis-
lative deliberation and must be taken
up at the next session in January, 1931.

MOOSE are increasing in Montana
while under protection. This gan-
gling moose calf, which runs
mostly to legs, was snapped by W. M.
Rush in southern Montana while Mother
Moose watched eagerly from a dis-
tance, probably crooning, "Yes, Sir,
That's Mv Baby."

had been making inquiry relative to
hiring an expert to take moving pic-
tures of Montana's wild life for the De-
partment. He presented letters from
Paul J. Fair of Berkeley, California,
and others, and Mr. Marlowe was au-
thorized to employ Mr. Fair, beginning
May 1, at a salary of $500 per month
and expenses, to be employed for not
less than six months, for the purpose
of making these wild pictures for the
Department.

J. F. Hendricks reported that S. F.
Rathbun, Commissioner of the Wash-
ington State Department of Fish and
Game, had presented the Montana Game
Farm with a shipment of fancy birds
from the Walla Walla Game Farm. He
also stated that August Bade of Youn-
ville, California, has offered to ship the
Game Farm some fancy birds. The
Secretary was instructed to thank
Messrs. Rathbun and Bade for their co-
operation.

Mr. Marlowe read a letter from Mr.
Perry, State Game Warden for the state
of New Mexico, asking that two pairs
of mountain goats be sent to New Mex-
ico for experimental purposes. Jeff
White of Darby has agreed to under-
take catching these goats and the of-
fer was approved. The New Mexico
Fish and Game Department has offered
to send two dozen Gamble quail from
their state in exchange. Mr. Marlowe
was requested to thank them and to
ask them to ship these quail to the
State Game Farm at Warm Springs.

Mr. Marlowe reported that the Lake
County Reclamation Service is raising
the dam at Kicking Horse Reservoirs
and will flood more than 675 acres. It
is possible for the State Fish and
Game Department to get a small piece
of ground there for a nesting place if
a government permit can be secured.

A petition was presented from the
citizens of the northern end of Powell
county, asking the Commission to ex-
tend the closed season to July 1 each
year on the outlet, to Cooper's Lake.
Deputy Morgan recommended such ac-

tion, in view of the fact that the fish
in the lake go down this channel to
spawn each year, and when returning
to the lake they are fished out. The
petition was granted.

Mr. Marlowe presented a letter from
Paul E. Haines of Two Dot, president
of the Montana Fox and Fur Breeders'
Association, asking when a committee
of the Commission and their committee
could meet to discuss problems of in-
terest to both. Mr. Marlowe was re-
quested to advise Mr. Haines to call on
State Game Warden Hill.

The Flathead Game Protective Asso-
ciation and the Somers Rod and Gun
Club requested the closing of Big Fork
River from the power dam to Flathead
Lake, for an indefinite period, and
these petitions were granted.

Mr. Marlowe advised that he has a
quotation from a dealer for valley quail
at $4 a pair. He stated that he would
like to purchase some of these birds
for liberation in western Montana. Mr.
Hendricks advised that he thought they
would thrive there. Mr. Marlowe was
instructed to purchase fifty pairs.

Mr. Hill read a petition from the Red
Lodge Club asking that loch leven be
planted in the Clark's Fork River. Mr.
Schofield advised against it.

How to Fry Black Bass

IT IS one thing to catch a black bass
and another thing to know how to
fry it properly, according to Harry
B. Hawes, United States Senator from
Missouri, whose latest book on wild
life conservation and the life of sports-
men in the open, "My Friend, the Black
Bass," has just been issued from the
press.

Senator Hawes' formula for preparing
a savory mess of black bass runs about
like this:

"Scale and wash the fish before cook-
ing; don't skin it. Cut off the fins and
head, cut down the back clear to the
backbone. Open the fish, remove the
viscera, wash and clean, then put a
plentiful supply of salt and -"nper on
the inside. Roll in cracker crumbs or
corn meal. Put enough butter, lard or
bacon grease in the pan nearly to cover
the fish. Heat the grease to the smok-
ing point, and if the fish is not too
large, put it in whole, with the skin on.
If it is too large, cut it in half, not
down the back but crosswise. Hold the
cut ends in the grease for about half
a minute until they are seared. You
can tell when it is done by the feel.
During the whole process keep in mind
the retaining of the juices. Fish should
be cooked through, thoroughly done,
with no suspicion of rareness about
them.

"After cooking, you may remove the
flesh from the bones by running a fork
down the side of the backbone. It will
come away easily. Dont' destroy the
natural flavor of the bass with artifi-
cial condiments. Leave out sauces and
the condiments."

Cavalry Sergeant: "For the love of
Mike, don't shove your hand in that
horse's mouth!"

Cavalry "Rookie": "I ain't, I'm trying
to get it out."

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Bounty Totals $9149

Hunters are Busy

Deer Killed by Autos

STOCKMEN and sheepmen in 44 of
the 56 counties of Montana have
trapped, shot or poisoned coyotes
during the last calendar year, the total
reaching 4,241 coyote pups and 303
grown animals, in addition to three
mountain lions in Missoula county. For
these 4,544 predatory animals a total
bounty of $9,148 has been paid. This
bounty comes from what is known as
the biological survey fund made up by
the State Fish and Game Department
and the Livestock Commission. In many
of these counties a greater bounty has
been paid than the total amount ex-
pended for fishing and hunting licenses.
The following figures provide food for
thought:

Counties
Beaverhead

Coyotes
520

Bounty
Paid

$1,040

24

490

Big Horn

Blaine

12
... 245

Broadwater

8

16

Carbon

54

108

Carter

234

468

Cascade

... 106

212

Chouteau

55

110

Custer

Daniels

13

44

26

88

Dawson

.... 116

232

Deer Lodge

97

Fallon

194

Fergus

810

1,620

120
64
14

Flathead

Gallatin

Garfield

Glacier

60
32

7

Golden Valley
Granite

7

14

Hill

Jefferson

462

924

Judith Basin

31

62

Lake

Lewis and Clark

Liberty

Lincoln

5

72

6S

11

3

1

10
144

McCone

Madison

Meagher

Mineral

136

22
6

2

Missoula

42

Musselshell

84

Park ,

21

42

Petroleum

64

128

Phillips

Pondera

354
39

708

78

Powder River

Powell

Prairie

113

4

37

226

8
74

Ravalli

Richland

Roosevelt

Rosebud

Sanders

73

.... 271
1

146

542

2

Sheridan

Silver Bow

91
97

182

Stillwater

194

Sweet Grass

Teton

Toole

39

66

6

78

132

12

Valley

Wheatland

Wibaux

60

70

15

8

120

140

30

16

... 4,544

Totals

$9,149

ACCORDING to the report of R. E.
Bateman, leader of Montana pred-
atory animal control, during March
the hunters employed on cooperative
work carried on by the Bureau of Bio-
logical Survey, the Montana Fish and
Game and Livestock Commissions, killed
137 coyotes, 22 bobcats and three moun-
tain lions. In addition to the predatory
animals destroyed the hunters also re-
ported taking 265 magpies, seven ravens
and 42 porcupines. Other animals and
birds accidentally trapped were two
badgers, 10 skunks, six hawks, four
eagles and two owls.

Reports received from 37 other co-
operators, consisting of stockmen and
sportsmen, have resulted in taking 220
coyotes, 10 bobcats, 1,095 magpies, six
skunks, one eagle, two hawks and two
badgers, making a total of 357 coyotes,
32 bobcats, three mountain lions, four
badgers, 16 skunks, 42 porcupines, 1,361
magpies, seven ravens, two owls, five
eagles and eight hawks destroyed
through the cooperation of the State
Livestock and Fish and Game Commis-
sions, Biological Survey and stockmen
and sportsmen.

C. E. Beebe, whose headquarters are
at Columbia Falls, again heads the list
for the highest average in points by
taking three mountain lions, which give
him a credit of 60 points. Major Ver-
mandel and Ed Gunther took 10 coyotes
each.

MORE deer are being killed every
year as a result of collisions with
automobiles. Between 40 and 50
deer were killed in this manner last
summer on one 25-mile stretch of road
in Michigan, according to the state con-
servation commission.

To reduce such mishaps in the future,
the Michigan department will post signs
next summer at five-mile intervals be-
tween certain points, in the Upper Pen-
insula where such fatalities have oc-
curred. The signs will read: "Slow
at Night — Deer in Road."

Motorists are warned to realize the
fact that such collisions not only dam-
age wild life, but also endanger human
lives and property. Tourists in partic-
ular desire to take advantage of the
increasing stretches of good road being
built through wilderness, game pre-
serves and sanctuaries.

Investigation shows that the use of
calcium chloride road salt as a dust
layer was proving an inducement to
the deer to frequent the highwavs at
night. The headlights of automobiles
confuse them so that they may be ex-
pected to do almost anything, often
jumping suddenly from the ditch where
they are more or less invisible into the
center of the lights and immediately in
front of the cars.

They're In the Velvet In the Springtime

THIS unusual photograph of a young
bull elk with his horns in the vel-
vet was taken near Yellowstone
National Park by W. M. Rush, who has
been commissioned by the Montana

—Photo by W. M. Rush.

State Fish and Game Commission, the
U. S. Biological Survey, the Forestry
Service and the National Parks Service,
to make a study of conditions surround-
ing the great northern herd in Montana.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

COMMISSIONERS.
Thomas N. Marlowe, Missoula, Chairman.
G. T. Boyd, Great Falls.
Joseph L. Kelly, Anaconda.
W. K. Moore, Billings.
E. A. Wilson, Livingston.

ROBERT H. HILL, Helena

State Fish and Game Warden

Secretary.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

The Official Publication of the State

Fish and Game Department.

Published Monthly at Helena, Montana.

FLOYD L. SMITH, Editor.

Subscription Rate $1 per Year — 15 Cents per Copy
Advertising Rates on Application.

Copy for advertisements subject to approval of State
Commission and must be in the hands of the editor at the
State Capitol building, Helena, on the 15th of the month
preceding publication date.

VOLUME II.

APRIL, 1930.

M'MBKK 11.

INCREASE THE LICENSE FEE

MONTANA'S enviable position as a paradise for sports-
men has for years been recognized by sportsmen
throughout the nation. If the fish and game heritage
is not maintained, if increased activities to meet inroads are
made impossible, difficulties that now beset denuded eastern
states are ahead for Montana. Clubs of sportsmen through-
out the state have suggested an increased hunting and
fishing license. Some have suggested an increase from $2
to $3 with a corresponding increase to non-residents.

During the last year, licenses were issued to 82,792
residents of Montana at $2 — just two bucks for 12 months'
sport. This figure is the greatest in the history of the
department. In 1928 the figure was 75,063, in 1927 it was
67.0S3, and in 1926 the mark was 71.249. In 1918 only
42,744 resident licenses were issued. These figures empha-
size the gain in the continuing drain on fields, forests and
streams, while at the same time funds demanded of the
State Fish and Game Commission for increased facilities
for stocking streams and fields have not increased propor-
tionately. In 1918 only 741 non-resident licenses were is-
sued, while in 1929 the total was 4,745. This is further
proof of increased tourist travel that turns its way west-
ward annually to enjoy Montana's hunting and fishing.

Montana sportsmen who are foresighted see the need of
acquiring state-owned preserves, the distribution of duck
food, and the employment of more deputy game wardens.
Montana now has only 27 deputies covering the 56 counties
nf the state, many of these counties being larger than an
eastern state. Bird sanctuaries must be established. More
rearing ponds must be . constructed to make possible the
releasing of larger trout. The first game farm has been
established and will this year release 3,000 birds for the
82,000 hunters. At least three additional farms should be
established. Bounty should be paid on predatory birds and
animals which menace game birds. Public shooting grounds
are becoming mandatory with the grabbing up of desirable
sites by private clubs. The wanton waste of wild life must
be checked. Isolated lakes should be stocked with eyed
eggs. Provision should be made for the purchase of feed
tor game birds during winter months and for elk and deer
as well. More fish hatcheries and the construction of more
ii nk trucks with which experienced men may plant finger-
lings are becoming necessary. The leaks in game conser-
vation must be plugged. Montana sportsmen support and
maintain their own department. They have blazed the con-
servation trail in the past and will not fail in years to come.
To accomplish these results increased funds must be raised.
These suggestions may provide food for thought.

MONTANA'S STATE FLOWER

THE Bitter Root, state flower of Montana, will soon be
blooming in nooks and crannies in The Land of Shin-
ing Mountains. This month's cover of MONTANA
WILD LIFE presents a beautiful photo of a group of Bitter
Root blossoms, taken by the Colville Studios of Missoula.
It should be of value to every student in the state and of
interest to devotees of wild life, whether it be forest and
flowers or fish and game.

Once known only as a root which the Flathead Indians
used as a vegetable, the Bitter Root became the symbol of
spring to hardy westerners who had spent long months in
snowbound isolation. It gave its name to a range of moun-
tains and to one of the state's most fertile valleys and was
crowned with honor when it became the floral emblem of
the Treasure State.

Mentioned by Captain Meriwether Lewis in the journal
of his expedition to the Pacific Coast in 1805 and 1806, the
Bitter Root was christened Lewisia Rediviva by the Botan-
ist Pursh, who was among the first to mention it in au-
thentic scientific literature.

Captain Lewis mentions that Indians brought him sev-
eral vegetable roots which he appreciated after a long meat
diet. Some were exceedingly palatable, but the Bitter Root
"had a very bitter taste which was naucious to my pallate
and I transferred them to the Indians who ate them
heartily."

Roots of the plant are starchy and form a paste some-
thing like that of flour when boiled. "It is a near relative
of the cactus family and the flower is wholly like that of
the cactus rose red," says Nuttall in a work written in
1834. The plant was described by Father De Smet in writ-
ing of his mission to western Montana in 1845.

Because of the sentiment developed in hearts of the
pioneers for this first flower of spring in the Rocky Moun-
tain country, the Bitter Root was chosen Montana's state
flower in 1894 by the Montana Floral Emblem Society, of
which Mrs. Matt W. Alderson was president. The follow-
ing year it was officially named the emblem of Montana
by the state legislature in a bill introduced by Representa-
tive Walter Cooper of Gallatin county.

LOGIC

It doesn't do to do much talking

When you're mad enough to choke
For the word that hits the hardest

Is the one that's never spoke.
Let the other fellow do the talking

Till the storm has rolled away,
Then he'll do a heap of thinking

'Bout the things you didn't say.

BARBED WIRL KILLS DEER

MEANS of protecting California deer from being killed
and crippled by barbed wire fencing during their
migrations from one county to another are being
sought by the Division of Fish and Game of the Depart-
ment of Natural Resources and the Southern Pacific Rail-
way Company. The latter organization is experimenting
with a plan to prevent deer from .being hurt during their
journeys across Modoc county, where a new railroad right-
of-way has been opened up. There is one particular
stretch of country about eight miles long where many deer
have been reported killed or crippled by being caught in
the wire fence along the railroad track. One solution to
the problem may be found by placing a board along the
top of the fence, thereby marking the obstacle so that it
can be seen by the migrating animals. If the plan proves
successful, the Southern Pacific Company has indicated
that the practice will be extended to the fences of the
company for the entire distance where injury to animals
has been reported.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

PROTECT THE SONG BIRDS

MONTANA'S State Fish and Game Commission is just
as much concerned about the preservation of song
and insectivorous birds as it is about game, and to
this end they again ask nature lovers to assist in the con-
trol of enemies of our feathered friends. One of the worst
enemies of birds is the half-wild house cat. It probably
destroy s more valuable song birds and game than any other
agency. Feathered vermin take a certain toll, and so do
various mammals, and snakes, but these are kept fairly
well under control.

Uneducated foreign-born residents must be watched, for
in certain foreign lands no protection whatever is given
song birds and the peasants kill and eat them all year
around. Perhaps these persons can't be called willful vio-
lators— they are simply ignorantly following a custom they
have been used to all their lives.

We must also guard against the over-enthusiastic boy,
who, at a certain stage of his development, feels the urge
to kill and plunder, and saunters forth with a sling-shot
or air-rifle. Most boys need only to be told that they are
destroying the lives of valuable wild creatures and they
are sorry. Others have to be reprimanded.

Every Montana citizen should be interested in a pro-
gram for bird protection. Every one benefits both from
their economical and aesthetic values. If it were not for
the millions of injurious insects and noxious weeds that
the birds destroy each year, farmers, orchardists and gar-
deners would suffer losses in crops, fruit and flowers.
Were it not for the birds starvation would overtake the
country in a short time.

There has been much more interest taken in the study
of bird life during the last few years than ever before.
Bird clubs are hard at work; schools have adopted bird
study as part of their curriculum; and Boy Scouts are
building houses, bird baths, feeding, and otherwise helping
to insure a happy livelihood for feathered friends.

A hunter who reaches a quarter of a mile for a duck i.s com-
parable to the baby who reaches for the full moon; the only
difference is that the baby usually realizes his limitations after
one or two ineffectual attempts.

NEW JERSEY SEEKS GAME LANDS

fT\0 guarantee hunting and fishing privileges for all time
to the sportsmen of New Jersey is the object of legis-
lation in that state, now pending, which would allow
the state to acquire permanent hunting and fishing rights
on vast areas to be kept well stocked with game and fish,
b/ providing funds through an increase of the present resi-
dent fishing and hunting fee from $1.50 to $3, one dollar
to go into the land fund and the balance to be used to con-
trol species injurious to game and to abate pollution of
public waters.

President H. J. Burlington of the New Jersey State Fish
and Game Commission states that the proposed act would
have the double advantage of putting the average sports-
man in such a position as to enjoy the same privileges held
by members of private clubs, and of discouraging the post-
ing of lands. New Jersey does not stock posted lands.

"Since New Jersey has become a mecea for sportsmen,
due to the extensive stocking campaign carried on by the
Fish and Game Commission," says Mr. Burlington, "much
of the best hunting and fishing areas of the state are being
acquired gradually by newly formed sportsmen's clubs, or-
ganized for hunting and fishing purposes by people from
out of the state. If stocking does not continue on a large
scale, as at present, the state will revert to what it was 15
years ago, with a little native game, rapidly diminishing.

"Licensed hunters and fishermen have increased about
50,000 in the last few years. The increased stocks of fish
and game have largely accounted for the leasing of large
areas of land and waters by private clubs."

The point is stressed that owners who lease their prop-
erties to sportsmen are "killing the goose that lays the
golden egg," because when their property is shot and
fished out the state will not stock it for them. "It is the
sportsmen's money, without any expense to the general
taxpayer, that protects the owner from illegal pot-hunting,
protects the insectivorous birds, destroys the vermin through
the warden service and saved and built up the great hunting
and fishing resources the state now enjoys."

BIOLOGISTS TO STUDY LIFE IN FORESTS

TWO research biologists have been appointed to posi-
tions in the Bureau of Biological Survey, U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, in accordance with cooperative
plans to place qualified biologists at experiment stations of
the Forest Service. These scientists will study the relation
of wild life to the forests, as authorized by the recently-
enacted McSweeney-McNary Forestry Research Act.

Thomas D. Burleigh, for the last nine years Rtfad of the
Division of Forestry of the Georgia State College of Agri-
culture and one of the appointees, has been appointed to
the position of associate biologist and will be stationed at
the Appalachian Forest Experiment Station, Asheville, N. C.
He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State College and the
Universit - of Washington. He has devoted considerable
time to the study of the bird life of Georgia.

Oliver L. Austin, Jr.. of New York, a graduate of Wes-
leyan University and who has done three years' graduate
work in Harvard University, has been appointed assistant
biologist to carry on studies of wild-life and forest rela-
tionships at the Lake States Forest Experiment Station, St.
Paul. He spent the summer of 1925 studying jungle ecology
in British Guiana, South America, and has made three trip's
to Labrador to study the distribution of the vertebrate
fauna of the region. On his Labrador trips he did notable
work in bird banding, particularly with Arctic terns, in
cooperation with the Biological Survey. Two of the terns
were recovered, one in France and another in South Africa,
establishing remarkable flight records, the latter flying the
longest distance of any banded bird ever recaptured, as far
as any known records show.

Of :ill inventions, the alphabet and the printing press ex-
cepted, those inventions which bridge distances have done most
lor civilization. — Macaulay.

ALASKAN SKINS VALUED AT $4,500,000

SKINS of fur-bearing animals to the number of 297, 44S
and valued at $4,513,863.76, were exported from Alaska
in 1929, a report from the Alaska Game Commission
to the Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agri-
culture shows. This is $215,226.63 more than the amount
of the 1928 sales, although 3S.629 fewer furs were exported.
The larger return during 1929 resulted from increased mar-
ket value of the individual furs. The report is based on
statements that fur shippers are required to file with the
agents of the transportation companies handling the ship-
ments, or with postmasters in case shipments are made by
parcel post. These in turn must forward the statements to
the Alaska Game Commission. Red fox skins to the num-
ber of 21,023 brought a return of $1,042,740.80; blue fox
skins. 7,976, brought $80S,20S.08; white fox skins, 12,179,
brought $733,7S4.75; mink, 26.695, brought $552,586.50; and
lynx, 7,575, brought $462,832.50. The number of muskrat
skins shipped in 1929 exceeded by far those of any other
species. A total of 190,377 muskrat skins brought a return
of $194,184.54. Only 1,547 beaver skins were exported in
1929 because there was no open season.

The kinds of skins of which there was a notable in-
crease in number exported during 1929 over the number
for 1928 are as follows: Red fox, 5,884 increase; white fox,
7,646; lynx, 2,598; mink, 5,658; and weasel (ermine), 7,214.
Skins of other species showed somewhat of a decrease.

The report also notes that more than 34,000 seal skins
were taken on the Pribilof Islands under the supervision
of the Department of Commerce, and netted a gross return
of $721,000 to the United States as its part of the proceeds.

When the Silver King splashes and plays in the clear, green
waters— there is royal sport for the wielders of the split bamboo.

QUAIL TAKES A RIDE

AN engineer piloting a train between Chambersburg and
Hagerstown, Pa., startled a covey of quail feeding
near the tracks and which flushed directly in front
of the engine, giving the engineer the impression that sev-
eral birds may have been killed. When the train arrived
at Hagerstown the engineer discovered two Bob White quail
crouched very low on the pilot of the engine. Aside from
being badly frightened the birds were apparently not in-
jured. The engineer secured the two birds and on his re-
turn trip released them in Pennsylvania close to the spot
where they were flushed.

10

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Mn aod Mir§o Short Eaire aed Family

By JOSEPH BALDWIN HALM, Missoula, Montana— With Photos by the Author

FEW would hope to obtain results
in taking pictures of wild lite with
the whole family at their heels.
But what's a fellow going to do when
he has both the inclination to take
pictures and the family, and all four
of that family, ardent Nature lovers,
keen and anxious as himself for the
sport? Take them along, of course,
and I must confess the day would be
totally spoiled without them.

Those who have had the good fortune
to pass through the beautiful valle/ of
the Flathead in western Montana, in
summer, will doubtless recall having
seen large tawny hawklike birds skim-
ming over the fields or silently eyeing
the passerby from some nearby mound
or post. This is the short-eared owl
(Asio Flammeus), commonly known as
the marsh owl. Great numbers of these
birds come annually to this region to
breed and rear their young. Being in-
terested in their economic value, I made
them the object of special study last
year and have proven to my own satis-
faction, at least, that they are very
useful and beneficial, especially to the
agriculturist in whose fields they spend
their summers, preying upon the de-
structive rodents which so heavily in-
fest parts of this valley.

Nature has endowed this bird with
a color scheme admirably adapted to its
nest surroundings. The young change
color rapidly from downy white to a
dull grayish brown.

The mature bird is clothed in a mot-
tled brown topcoat, a striped vest of
varying lighter shades of brown and
feathered leggins. In flight it appears
much lighter, often, almost buff.

The early arrivals from the south
probably start nesting about April 1st,
for on April 13th we found our first
nest with a full quota of nine eggs,
which seems to be the popular number
in this locality, and although I have
seen as few as seven, one had twelve,
which undoubtedly is a rare exception.
In our daily rambles about the fields
and pastures we found many nests, all

in the open with no apparent effort
made to conceal them.

In direct contrast to most owls, the
short-eared is almost wholly a diurnal
bird. Although their natural time to
hunt seems to be morning and evening,
I have counted as many as twenty soar-
ing and darting over a field in the
bright sunlight of midday.

These birds are silent hunters, skim-
ming low over fields and pastures in
graceful hawklike flight, often picking
up small rodents without alighting; or,
zigzagging to earth with incredible
speed, to seize the unwary prey.

This owl is truly a ventriloquist.
Often at dusk, when they are resting,
one may hear their call, a low, quick
ooh, ooh, ooh, given with a rising in-
flection and repeated from three to five
times.

The direction and distance from which
the call comes is extremely deceptive
and to confuse the hearer still more, a

At that instant, almost unobserved,
from beneath our feet another owl rose
silently into the air. The children
dashed for the spot.

On April 13 we found our first nest with
a full quota of nine eggs.

The eggs hatched on an average of one
every two days.

friend will answer. These will sound
like a whole flock calling from various
directions.

On May 18 last year, loaded with
cameras and tripods, we set out from
our little lodge, as we had so often
done, in search of nesting birds. We
were tramping through the tall grass
of a pasture when a short-eared owl
appeared in the air, circling nearer and
nearer until directly over us. There
was a loud clatter.

"Oh, he's clapping his hands," cried
our three-year-old son.

Sure enough, at the next evolution,

the bird suddenly brought its wings

directly beneath its body and beat them
swiftly together.

The hopeful Mrs. Short Ears was always
on the nest, reluctant to leave.

"Oh! look! a nest 'n' four white
eggs."

In a little open space among the
grass and asters, upon a scant layer of
straw and litter, were four white, al-
most transparent eggs.

The nest, hardly worthy of thje name,
bespoke plainly the shortcomings of the
housekeeper who certainly did not be-
lieve in frills.

The excited owls now circled directly
overhead, darting at us, all the while
clapping their wings, snapping their
mandibles and screaming in a frantic
effort to frighten us away.

Daily as we returned to visit this
nest the sentinel, Mr. Short Ears, would
be waiting for us on a post, his favorite
perch. Invariably he would rise and
circle toward us, coming nearer and
nearer as we approached; his tactics
never varied. The hopeful Mrs. Short
Ears was always on the nest reluctant
to leave, until almost stepped upon.
The number of eggs increased almost
daily until May 23, when there were
nine.

On June 1, just one week later, we
were delighted to find two of the eggs
had hatched. The little black-beaked
strangers, clothed in fluffy white down,
were squirming blindly about among
the eggs, no doubt searching for the
warmth of the absent mother's breast.

The parents were now more frantic
than ever over our presence; with
talons lowered they swooped so near
we could feel the swish of their wings
as they darted by, snapping their beaks,
clapping their wings and screaming eh,
eh, eh, which in owl language probably
meant go 'way, go 'way.

Unmindful of their protests and
threats, I placed the camera cloth over

MONTANA WILD LIFE

11

my head preparatory to taking a close-
up. Swish! the cloth rose into the air.
There I stood, bareheaded and dazed.
One of the birds had hooked the cloth
with its sharp talons and carried it sev-
eral yards. Although this little family
became somewhat reconciled to the
camera, which was often set as near
as three feet from the nest, I can
truthfully say they were anything but
friendly toward me.

Unobserved I often watched Mr. Short
Ears alight beside his mate and almost

Occasionally we found a young owl here
and there near the home.

immediately one would depart. I some-
times wondered if it were not Mrs.
Short Ears who had gone, leaving the
nest in the care of her spouse, but for
all my watching I was never quite sure.
Probably Mr. Short Ears had just
dropped in with a mouse for lunch and
departed again.

The eggs hatched somewhat irregu-
larly, on an average of one every two
days. Since the mother bird rarely
leaves the nest after the first egg or
two is laid, incubation starts almost
immediately, hence the progressive
hatching.

When perhaps half the eggs were
hatched, Mrs. Short Ears would leave
the nest, first for short, then for longer
and longer periods, probably helping
keep the family larder apace with the
ever-increasing demands of those greedy
little mouths. Fresh mice and shrews
were alwaj s on the bill of fare at the
owl home. From our observations we
estimated that this family alone con-
sumed upwards of sixty rodents daily.

The first arrivals were now quite
large. They clung so closely together
in the nest that the remaining eggs
were kept snug and warm during the
mother's absences. What helpless,
clumsy and overgrown creatures they
were with their great stary yellow eyes,
yet what an explosion of hissing and
chattering of bills and ruffling of
feathers when we touched them.

On June 14, just two weeks after we
found the first downy bird, the last
egg hatched. On that day we also
found the oldest owlet missing. A
search revealed the helpless little truant
a few yards away where he had wan-
dered. His dinner, a dead mole, which
his parents had evidently provided, lay
beside him.

As time went by the young, one by
one, disappeared from the nest. Occa-
sionally we found one here and there
near the old home. It was nearly four
weeks from the time the first baby
hatched before the nest was completely
abandoned.

Always during those many da: s from
one to three field mice, moles, gophers
or other rodents were lying about the
nest. Although small song birds were
plentiful everywhere, I am convinced
that these owls did not prey upon them.

Pellets with scraps of bones, feet,
tails and particles of skin from mice
and ground squirrels were always lying
about their perch but no feathers or
other evidence of dead birds could we
find.

One rainy day, perhaps a week after
our owl family had abandoned the nest,
I was walking by their old home when
the familiar eh, eh, eh, of Mr. and Mrs.
Short Ears caused me to pause and
look about. I found two wretched lit-
tle owlets lying unprotected upon the
ground, almost drenched to the skin,
their usual fluffy feathers bespattered
with mud. Except for those alert yel-
low e; es and chattering beaks, I would
have thought them dead. My first im-
pulse was to take the unfortunate lit-
tle creatures home to warm and feed

Two wretched little owlets, almost
drenched to the skin, their usual fluffy
feathers bespattered with mud.

them but decided Mother Nature could
care for them better, so I left them hud-
dled beneath a clump of friendly yar-
row. I am sure they survived and with
the rest of their kindred are now doing
their part in policing the fields against
the rodent pest, thus helping preserve
the balance in Nature.

60,000 Pounds Carp
In One Haul

for water storage for the Milk River
project. The reservoir covers a vast
area north of Bowdoin and possibilities
of creating and conserving fish life of
game varieties long ago attracted at-
tention of the State Fish and Game De-
partment. The Department entered into
contracts with the McNeil brothers some
years ago, under which they have sys-
tematically seined the reservoir as well
as other large bodies of water in
northeastern Montana, taking carp only
for market purposes and returning all
other varieties to the water. The carp
is classed as a predatory fish and every
effort is being made to prevent its
spread.

These brothers have fished for east-
ern markets for years, formerly in Min-
nesota and of late years in Montana.
They have a complete camp on Nelson
Reservoir, ice houses, stables and fish-
ing equipment, their seines ranging up
to 3.500 feet in length, the large sizes
being used for deep water fishing. A
record haul was made when 60,000
pounds of carp were taken at one time,
the catch having been made under ice.

The fish are stored in live boxes 14
b • 14 by 10 feet until a shipment is to
be made, when they are packed in iced
containers holding 75 pounds of fish
each. Under favorable conditions a car
containing 30,000 pounds of fish can be
loaded for New York and Baltimore
markets in half a day. Eight cars have
been caught under the ice and six cars
in free water. The 14 cars have gone
to eastern markets, while two cars have
been consumed by Montana and North
Dakota markets, the price range being
3 cents a pound for No. 2 fish under
three pounds in weight, while fish of
more than three pounds bring 5 cents
at eastern markets. A crew of from 9
to 12 men handles nets and the McNeil
brothers expect to continue seining for
some weeks to meet the demand for
carp from the orthodox Jewish popula-
tion of large eastern cities.

"Darling, we have been married five
years today, and, as usual, I have
baked an anniversary cake."

"So thoughtful of you, dear," replied
the husband, "I look back upon the
other cakes as mile-stones."

THE McNeil brothers of Hinsdale
have developed a new industry in
northern Montana in seining carp
from Nelson Reservoir, an artificial
lake created by the Reclamation Service

Fresh mice and shrews were always on
the bill of fare at the owl home.

12

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Tfa© Imnportaee© of Obseeir© Fishes

Written for M(»TA>A WILD LIFE l»j I). K. CRAWFORD, College of Fisheries, University of Washington

SPORTSMEN and commercial fisher-
men are apt to be impatient with
the so-called worthless fishes.
Since such fishes are not good to eat
nor furnish sport in catching them,
what value do they have? Why not de-
stroy them at every opportunity? At
first glance it appears reasonable to
suppose that the presence of undesir-
able species is to be prevented when-
ever and wherever possible. However,
the more we study fishes, the more we
realize that the obscure fishes have a
very important place in the economy
of Nature.

Sportsmen are eager to stock all
available waters with game fishes of
all sorts. Have these men given any
thought to the food supply of the game
fishes? What, for instance, do bass and
trout eat, and how much food will be
required to allow the fish to reach large
size? What do young fishes eat?

There are various ways of obtaining
information as to what fishes eat. We
can watch the fish under natural con-
ditions and try to see what they eat,
but such observations are difficult and
the conclusions drawn are usually er-
roneous. A more certain way is to ex-
amine the stomach contents of the fish.

It is perhaps well known that all
game fishes will take a live bait, or
something resembling a live bait in ap-
pearance or actions, and that live min-
nows are very frequently used for bait.
Why are such baits so successful?

When the stomach contents of large
numbers of game fishes are examined,
the conclusion reached is that small
fishes of all sorts make up a large part
of the diet of the larger game fishes.
It is this predaceous habit that makes
the game fish what it is. If this is the
case, how can the permanent stocking
of any body of water with such fish be
successful unless there is an abundance
of smaller fishes to furnish the food
supply?

There is frequent complaint that
many bodies of water contain small
game fishes and the fault is said to be
due to degeneration of the stock. Let
us consider this proposition. There are
numerous lakes and ponds throughout
the United States which have been
caused by glacial action and in which
lish have existed since post glacial
limes. It is known that in some cases
such lakes contain an abundance of
fishes and that individuals are large
for the species. For example, Sebago
Lake in Maine contains smelts and
salmon which were noted for their size.
Since access to the sea from this lake
has been blocked for hundreds of thou-
sands of years, during which time no
new additions to the fish stock were
possible, it is reasonable to suppose
that degeneration of the brood stock
would have taken place. Comparison
of the land-locked smelts and salmon
with marine forms of the same species

shows that there has been no decrease
in size.

Many instances are known where
ponds contain black bass mature at only
a pound in weight. Yet the same spe-
cies reaches a weight of 15 pounds in
Florida. Trout in swift streams rarely,
if ever, reach a size as large as the
same species in a large lake.

Now if we examine all of the cases
where the average size of the fish is
small with all of the cases where the
average size of the fish is large, we
find that the small size and large num-
bers usually go together and that where
there are large fish they are usually
few in number. Sometimes this is not
so, but we shall examine these ap-
parent exceptions later.

Why should a crowded condition be
accompanied by small size? Many care-
ful experiments have shown that the
rapidity of growth and ultimate size
of the fish depend directly on the
amount of food supplied to the fish.
This is obvious when we compare land-
locked chinook salmon with specimens
of the same species and age from the
sea. Where large numbers of fish oc-
cur in a rather limited body of water
the food supply must inevitably be re-
duced to the quantity which it just suf-
ficient to maintain the lives of the fish,
without producing rapid growth. When
such a balance has been reached the
numbers of fishes will not increase,
nor will any of the individuals reach
a large size. The natural food supply
will be just sufficient for a definite
number of fish. If more than this
number of fish are added to the popula-
tion they must either starve to death or
the whole stock decreases in size. In
other words, there is a very definite
relation between the total bulk of fish
and the total bulk of natural food.

If we destroy such a balance either
by reducing the number of fish or add-
ing to the food supply the result will
be an increase in the size of the fish.
Where there is a very abundant natural
food supply we may obtain large num-
bers of large fish in a limited area
under natural conditions, but introduc-
tion of additional fishes may result in
reduction of size although the food sup-
ply is unimpaired.

It is found that where game fishes
are large and abundant there are also
many small fishes such as minnows,
darters, bullheads, and the young of
suckers, chubs, etc. This relationship
is too significant to overlook. Knowing
that game fish subsist largely on
smaller fishes and that to obtain large
size a game fish must have abundant
food, it is hard to understand why so
little thought is given to the source of
this food. It is not too much to say
that without the suckers and chubs and
the little redfish, we would not have
large cutthroat trout or bass in our
lakes. The young of the sucker and
minnows are hatched at a time when

fingerling trout would find them most
acceptable as food.

It has not yet been shown that the
presence of suckers or chubs has re-
sulted in reduction of trout or other
game fishes. Under observation in
aquaria it has been noted that these
fishes eat materials which are not
touched by any game fish. The conclu-
sion is reached that these fishes do not
compete with the game fish in food
supply. These fishes are generally con-
sidered as enemies of the trout and
bass, but proof is lacking that this is
the case. Therefore, the policy of de-
stroying these fish is a short-sighted
one.

Considering that an abundance of
sport fish is desirable and that more
sport is obtained with large fish than
with small fish, the best results are
obtained by seeing to it that the food
supply is maintained and increased in
waters into which sport fishes are
placed. It is submitted that the native
suckers and chubs supply this demand
and that without them successful stock-
ing of waters with large game fish
will not be permanently successful.

The quantity of food which a trout
requires to maintain its existence with-
out much growth is known to be about
1.5 per cent of the weight of the fish
in dry food per day. Since small fish
usually contain 40-60 per cent water,
the actual weight of food eaten would
be greater than 1.5 per cent of the
weight of the trout. Thus, a 2-pound
trout will require at least 0.08 of a
pound of food a day, or in 100 days
it will consume 8 pounds of food. If
the fish is to increase in size probably
10 pounds of food will be required. Ac-
tually, the amount consumed may be
more than this. Under observation, six
cutthroat trout whose aggregate weight
was about one pound actually ate a
pound of meat a day. From this it can
be seen that 100,000 two-pound trout,
in the course of a summer, will re-
quire a minimum of 400 tons of wet or
live food. Bass require fully as much.

From the foregoing an idea may be
obtained of the futility of stocking small
ponds with large numbers of bass or
trout without adequate provision for a
food supply. The natural and most cer-
tain method is to introduce small fishes
which will reproduce abundantly and
thrive on food materials which the
game fish can not use.

MAKE A DRINKIX; CUP

Take an empty milk or corn can, a
piece of baling wire about eighteen
inches long; crimp the open edge of
the can down smoothly; fasten the wire
around the top, then leave it slack and
fasten around the bottom of can, then
bring back up to top a couple of times
and you have a nice drinking cup with
a handle which will be especially handy
in drinking hot coffee.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

13

Butte Aeglers Cleb Hits High Spots

M

'0 N T A N A
sportsmen
unanimously
rejoice in the suc-
cess of the activi-
ties of The Butte
Anglers' Club, which
held its twenty-
sixth annual meet-
ing April 1 in the
shadow of "the
richest hill on
earth. With a
membership of more
than 2,000 and the
goal for 1930 set at
3,000, the Butte
Anglers' Club has
become a dominant
J. L. Boardman factor in fish and

game conservation
affairs in Montana. Under the leader-
ship of President William Carpenter
and his associates, creditable strides
have been made, one of the most com-
plete hatcheries in the state is being
operated at Divide and an extensive
rearing pond at Maiden Rock is now
contemplated. At the annual meeting
the Butte Anglers' Club voted to be-
come affiliated with the Montana
Sportsmen's Association and will have
delegates at the annual meeting in May.

The re-election of the old officers of
the club and an address by Robert H.
Hill, State Game Warden, featured the
meeting at Butte at which more than
100 were present.

The club accepted with regret the
resignation of Arthur Perham, treasurer
of the organization continuously for the
last 25 years, and the resignation of
John L. Boardman, secretary for the
last three years.

William Carpenter was again elected
president; John Berkin, vice-president;
P. K. Ramsey was elected secretary to
fill Mr. Boardman's place. The new
treasurer will be selected at a later
date by members of the executive com-
mittee.

Mr. Hill, who went to Butte from
Helena to attend the meeting of the
Butte club, the largest sportsmen's or-
ganization of its kind in the state, com-
plimented the club on its initiative in
the work of planting fingerlings and
other activities in the interest of fish
and game conservation. He outlined
the work of the State Fish and Game
Commission during the year, explaining
that the installation of the new game
farm at Warm Springs and the spawn-
taking station at Lake Francis at Valier
were the two important projects under-
taken by the state body. Both are suc-
cesses, Mr. Hill said.

The state needs more spawn-taking
stations and more game wardens, the
State Game Warden declared. He ex-
plained that Montana is attracting more
and more sportsmen from all over the
country each year and residents here
must keep streams stocked and game
protected to keep Montana the sports-
man's paradise that it now is.

The Butte Anglers' Club planted al-
most 2,500,000 fish last year and this
a ear plans on increasing that amount,
Mr. Carpenter told members in his an-
nual report. Trout planted included
rainbow and native while more than
1,000,000 grayling were stocked in the
streams of this territory, the president
said.

The Divide hatchery of the club, com-
pleted last year, is probably the finest
in the state and with the installation
of 20 troughs for the fingerlings is one
of the most complete in the state. This
year's plans include the erection of a
rearing pond on the Big Hole River
near Maiden Rock, although funds for
the work will not come from the Ang-
lers' Club, it was stated. The rearing
pond will complete the Butte club's
plant and make it one of the finest in
the Rocky Mountain states, the presi-
dent told members.

The club plans to secure 3,000 mem-
bers this year and will need that many
memberships to complete its annual
program of work, the president and
other officers informed the members.
More than 2,400 members were on the
books for 1929, it was stated. Expenses
of hospitalization of the club's hatchery
caretaker, who broke his leg last year,
cut heavily into the club's finances, the
treasurer pointed out, more than $700
being paid out, although donation of
doctor's bills and cutting down of hos-
pital expenses made the bill much
smaller than it would otherwise have
been, Mr. Perham said.

Montana is attracting more sports-
men than any other state in the Union,
and its reputation as a paradise for
fishermen and hunters is well estab-
lished, William Tanner, a Minneapolis
sportsman who attended the meeting,
told members.

A plea that members subscribe for
MONTANA WILD LIFE, official month-

ly publication of the State Fish and
Game Commission, was made by the
president, who pointed out the work of
the state body. The club voted to be-
come affiliated with the Montana
Sportsmen's Association, a state body
which is doing yeoman work in promot-
ing adequate legislation for game and
fish and the conservation of wild life
of the state.

Addresses were also made by Col. D.
G. Stivers, pioneer member of the club
and president for many years; Larry
Hamilton, veteran member of the club,
and others.

Appointment of committees for the
membership campaign which will be in-
augurated shortly, and the naming of
John L. Boardman as chairman of the
rearing pond committee, were an-
nounced by President Carpenter.

Shelby C. Sweet was named chairman
of a committee of 24 which will head
the membership selling campaign, at
which the club hopes to secure a total
of 3,000 members to raise the $3,000
necessary to carry out the year's work.
Mr. Boardman will name his own com-
mittee members to complete plans for
the surveying of the ground for the
rearing pond, purchase of the ground
and completion of the project, Mr. Car-
penter announced. Eddie Hamner,
George O'Malley and Law Risken were
appointed members of the publicity
committee.

Men named on the membership drive
committee included Al Jackson, Carl
Spillum, William Beaty, P. K. Ramsey,
William Medlin, Dr. T. A. Tash, Walter
Ballard, E. J. Rule, Paul Rooney, Russ
Pelletier, J. B. Amos, W. L. Chapman,
Alex Walker, R. E. Crangle, J. W. Cur-
ran, Homer Hagens, Fred Huotte, H. R.
Falconer, A. E. Saner, R. L. Thomas,
Alex Blewett, Ben Hardin, Alex Mc-
Neil and Harry Dahlberg.

Butte Anglers' Club Hatchery at Divide

14

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Mootairoa Fij

fhtts

for Mi|

|ratory

Waterfowl

WHILE Montana's State Fish and
Game Commission is waging re-
lentless warfare for the conser-
vation of wild life within the borders
of the Treasure State, it is likewise ex-
tending the scope of its activities to
marshes and waters in adjoining states
through which pass migratory water-
fowl on the annual pilgrimage to shoot-
ing grounds in Montana and its en-
virons. Protection of public waters
from pollution by oil wastage, and
thereby protecting migratory waterfowl
which eventually may find its way into
The Land of Shining Mountains, is a
matter of national import, in which
Montana's Commission is playing a part.

Representative Hudson of Michigan
has introduced a resolution (H. R.
10625, 71st Congress, 2nd Session),
which has been referred to the Com-
mittee on Rivers and Harbors, intended
to safeguard navigation and commerce
upon all navigable waters and to pre-
vent destruction of migratory birds, re-
sulting from wastage of mineral oils.
Hearings are expected in April.

Chairman Thomas N. Marlowe of Mis-
soula, of the Montana State Fish and
Game Commission, on behalf of the
board, has again demonstrated the keen
interest of leaders of Montana sports-
men in problems of this nature, by ad-
dressing communications to representa-
tives of the state in Congress. His let-
ter to Representative Scott Leavitt at
Washington, D. C, follows:

"I have just received from Congress-
man Hudson of Michigan copy of H. R.
10625, introduced in the House March
10, 1930, which is a bill to amend an act
to protect navigation from obstruction
and injury by preventing the discharge
of oil into coastal navigable waters of
the United States, approved June 7,
1924.

"The interest we have in this legis-
lation is added protection it will afford
to migratory birds, and the further fact
that in our opinion it will prevent de-
struction to fish and fish food. In the
past few years since oil has been used
so extensively for fuel in engines of
various types, thousands of migratory
birds, and especially migratory water-
fowl, have been destroyed along our
coastal waters and navigable streams.
You may not realize it but this is un-
doubtedly true. The oil on the water
causes a scum to form on the surface
of the water and when the ducks and
geese light into this the oil clings to
their feathers and eventually prevents
their being able to fly.

Better DUCK Shooting

Order Wild Rice Seed Now
For Spring Planting. Thou-
sands of ducks will come to
an established rice field. We
also have wild celery, Sago
Pond plant, Wapato duck
potato and other attractions
and fur bearers. Also
rice for table use.
ILTON'S AQUATIC FARMS
Detroit, Minnesota

"Another thing you might not be
aware of is that while we are located
quite a ways from coastal waters of
any kind, hundreds of thousands of our
migratory waterfowl migrate from here
to coastal waters in the winter time.
On the Bison Range near here thou-
sands of ducks are banded each year
for the purpose of determining their
line of flight when they leave here.
In fact, this place is one of the largest,
if not the largest, duck banding place
in the United States. We ourselves
were much surprised to learn that of
the ducks banded at this place and
killed outside of Montana, 65 per cent
were killed along the coast of Califor-
nia. Not only this, but from duck
banding experiments carried on in east-
ern Montana we find that many of our
birds from that section of the state go
to the Gulf coast, hence you see our
direct interest in this legislation.

"While we are not so greatly inter-
ested in this phase of the matter, we
know also that oil is injurious to fish
life and a menace to fish food and we
would like to see this legislation en-
acted for the benefit it will do in this
respect.

"I have been advised that there will
be a hearing in Washington before the
Committee on Rivers and Harbors. On
behalf of the sportsmen of this state I
would like to have you attend this
meeting and voice our ideas to this
committee, and if need be, later on to
voice them upon the floor of Congress."

Word from Washington is to the ef-
fect that the tentative draft for the bill
is based upon the practicality and im-
portance of completing a comprehensive
program to regulate oil pollution on all
the waters over which the United States
has jurisdiction; all navigable waters
and their tributaries so far as affecting
navigation and commerce, the public
fisheries, and those migratory birds cov-
ered in the Migratory Bird Conserva-
tion Act of 1918, and the feeding, drink-
ing and resting places required for their
existence.

Hercules Alaskan Silver

Black

Foxes

Write

for information and

prices.

Idaho Fox Farm Co., Porthlll,

Idaho, or

Hugo

Renlund, Red Lodge

Mont.

V

for waterfowl
parched wild
GEO. D. HAM
Box 16

FOXES

Pen-Raised Alaskan Blues and Pedigreed 8Hvers. Order
Now — Early Delivery more satisfactory. We guarantee,
in Your hands or Ours, 100%increase under ranching eon-
tract on adult Blues. 6 Bank Ref. for S5yrs. and Satisfied
customers. Breeder-AEcntswanted— Yourrealopportun-
ity, "One of the World's largest"— Free booklet tells all
aEAHYBRO&.FoiFarms.&ntrireMd* *D«TTLE,UAA.

The objective of the bill is not new
legislation. The identical language es-
sential to its needs and purposes has
been approved previously, both by the
Committee on Rivers and Harbors, by
the executive departments concerned,
and by Congress, with no opposition
voiced.

This bill brings no serious hardship
upon any business, industry, or com-
munity. Neither does it impinge on
state rights. On the contrary it must
be serviceable, through more definitive
allocation of state and federal powers
and duties, by leaving to state and local
authorities the protection of health ; lo-
cal scenic areas and facilities for rec-
reation; regulation of the local fish-
eries and other public biologic assets;
the protection of private property, pri-
vate and public rights; provisions
against fire hazards, etc.; and by pro-
viding federal jurisdiction to meet re-
quired regulation and control to pre-
vent obstruction and injury to naviga-
tion and to commerce, to check the ex-
isting wasteful destruction of wildfowl
by pollutants; to avert destruction by
oil wastages of the food plants of ducks,
geese, swans, and of the feeding and
resting places upon which many spe-
cies of useful birds, protected by the
Treaty Act; and also to avoid the ulti-
mate extirpation of an important source
of national food supply, viz., clams,
oysters, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, et al.,
by Nature restricted biologically to lim-
ited areas of coastal waters, and par-

Outstanding

Are the trophies
mounted in our
shop.

FINS— FURS
FEATHERS

Lentfer Bros.

Successors to
Jonas Bros.

Taxidermists

215 W. Park St. Livingston, Mont.

Phone 337-W

Attract Wild Ducks

Natural aquatic food
plants will bring
thousands of Wild
Ducks to your fa-
vorite waters. Plant
WILD RICE, WILD
CELERY, PONDWEED SEEDS and
others guaranteed to produce results.
Prices reduced, discount on early or-
ders. Write for expert planting ad-
vice and free literature.

Wisconsin Aquatic Nurseries

Box 331-D, Oshkosh, Wis.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

15

ticularly to bays and estuaries. The
pollution of such areas has already im-
paired the business of production and
of nation-wide distribution of shellfish.
Greater destruction is already imminent,
with vaster potential damage.

Oil pollution prevents extension of
employment to skilled and unskilled la-
bor through development of artificial
propagation of fish and shellfish; and
industry, as practical as agriculture
and almost as necessary to the well-
being of our nation, for the reason that
sea food provides elements not included
in meats and cereals. A large portion
of the public waters naturally adapted
for such cultivation is becoming so pol-
luted that the products are unsalable.
The result is an actual economic loss
amounting to millions of dollars annu-
ally, and of unnecessarily high prices
to consumers on account of the losses
entailed by preventable pollution.

It is common knowledge that damages
from wastage of oils is still extending
over greater areas (notably from in-
land sources), that the damage done by
oil on land and water is long enduring
and expensive to repair; that existing
conditions call for legislation, while it
is still posible to avoid serious hard-
ships to any business.

On January 14, 1929, the supreme
court of the United States in its deci-
sion upon States vs. Illinois and Sani-
tary District of Chicago, warned, in
principle, against the unwarranted use
of public waters for scattering sewage
and other waste substances.

As a result of the progressive, eco-
nomic and social development of North
America, areas (particularly in bays and
estuaries) largely suitable for the pro-
duction of edible shellfish and for win-
ter feeding places for wildfowl, have
become vastly restricted. Today, of the
great original areas suitable for the
most important migratory birds, there
remain but relatively small portions,
and adjacent marsh lands, notably in
Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, North Caro-
lina; supplemented by the few marshes
remaining in Utah, Oregon and Califor-
nia. These constitute the remaining
chief wintering areas, the maintenance
of which is essential to the provisions
of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Al-
ready impairment of these areas by

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Silvers. Start with good stock, licensed A.
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pollutants, particularly oil, at the hand
of man, and often without compensatory
advantages, has resulted in the waste-
ful killing and loss of millions (by
summation of actual recorded counts)
of wild ducks, valuable as a source of
food and of recreation of mind, muscles,
and senses.

Unlike sewage and most factory
wastes, mineral oil is particularly dan-
gerous from the fact that it is not
dilutable in water, but has a remarkable
tendency to spread into tenuous films
which by preventing exchange of oxy-
gen and other gases both on land and
water check those processes which un-
derlie the practice of agriculture, and
even the existence of life itself. An
almost microscopically small quantity
of such oil may not only kill plants
and animals, but may render land and
water incapable of sustaining either
plant life or grazing animals, from oys-
ters to domestic cattle.

The effects of oil films, by envelop-
ing particles of other dangerous pollu-
tants, or of dust, causes them to sink
upon and to destroy the feeding grounds
of fishes and shellfish, thus seriously
threatening those limited areas which
by nature are adapted to the production
of molluscs and the young of fishes.
Such pollution has caused great eco-
nomic losses to those business enter-
prises based upon the production and
distribution of food products, by so cir-
cumscribing the areas suitable and
available, that the public has felt the
effects through increasing scarcity and
higher prices, and by the necessity of
laws and regulations which now pro-
tect the public from shellfish, which
otherwise might be "bootlegged" from
polluted areas.

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These special facts should be consid-
ered, in addition to those which have
become common knowledge, such as
danger to navigation, to public health,
to fish and other wild life, including
the microscopic plants and animals,
their eggs and young, upon which shell-
fish feed; to outdoor recreation; to
swimming, boating and fishing; to
clothing of children and of adult vaca-
tionists.

Reporter: "How did the accident
happen?"

Motorist: "My wife fell asleep in the
back seat."

IN THE TURN-OVER

"If your boy belonged to me I
shouldn't stand so much of his nonsense
at meal times. I should give him a
thrashing."

"But," said the mother, "you can't
spank the poor little fellow on a full
stomach."

"No," said her friend, "but you can
turn him over."

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Helena, Montana
Permit No. 27

BUTTE CLUB ASSOCIATES

PRELIMINARY work on a rearing
pond near the Divide hatchery has
been started by the Butte Anglers'
Club, William Carpenter, president, said
recently. Engineers from Butte made
a survey ot the area that may be util-
ized. The Divide hatchery is the major
problem of the Butte club. It is hoped
that more grayling may be produced
there, Mr. Carpenter said, and these
planted in the Big Hole district. The
club recently joined the Montana
Sportsmen's Association. P. H. Ramsey
is secretary of the Butte organization.

Yip Yap Has Bad Luck

MEETING AT LAUREL

THE annual meeting of the Laurel
Rod and Gun Club was held April
10 A banquet was followed by
election of officers, T. S. Buford being
chosen president and E. H. Ebersviller.
secretary - treasurer. The membership
drive for 1930 is well under way, W. L.
Fenton leading in number of member-
ships sold. Mr. Fenton was one of the
speakers at the banquet. Others in-
cluded Al Holmes, deputv game warden
at Billings; B. L. Price, R. T. Ferguson,
supervisor of the Beartooth national
forest, and the State Secretary.

BOZEMAN (LIB ELECTS

THE Bozeman Rod and Gun Club
held its annual meeting April 11.
following the meeting of the State
Fish and Game Commission. Fred B.
Williams, for many years head of the
club was returned to the presidency,
and ' Dr. H. Welch, another old guard,
was re-elected secretary. Allan Cam-
eron was re-elected vice-president. The
two new trustees are Gerald Collett and
Dr. E. 0. Holmes. Speakers at the
banquet included the members of the
Commission, Floyd L. Smith, editor of
MONTANA WILD LIFE, and Game
Warden Robert H. Hill. Motion pic-
tures of elk, deer, big horn sheep and
mountain lion were among the features
of the affair.

BAINVILLE CLUB COMING

THE Bainville Sportsmen's Club will
probably be represented at the
state meeting at Helena in May,
a letter from W. J. Forsyth, the secre-
tary, states.

OUTLINE GAME PROBLEMS

SPORTSMEN'S clubs all over the
state are urged to outline their
fish and game problems and to
send that outline to the State Secre-
tary, in order that the problems the
state body will consider ma/ be put in
the form of resolutions. The work will
be done prior to the state meeting at
Helena in May. Circular letters were
sent to all clubs, both affiliated and
non-member, the latter part of March.
Replies have been coming to the state
office during the past week, but all
clubs are urged to send their programs
in as soon as possible.

WHEN Senor Yip Yap, the coyote,
ventured too close to the Ger-
aldine country during the last
winter, it was a 10-to-l shot that he
ran into a mess of bad luck. The pic-
ture above shows a portion of the catch
of A. Rosenberg during the last stretch
of cold weather. The catch includes 45
coyotes, six badger and 52 of those nice
little foxes with white stripes down
their backs, sometimes coarsely referred
to as a skunk.

MEETING AT LEWISTOWN

MEMBERS of the Lewistown Rod
and Gun Club held a most suc-
cessful smoker Wednesday eve-
ning, March 19, entertaining as guests
of honor Commissioners G. T. Boyd of
Great Falls and W. K. Moore of Bil-
lings; Game Warden Robert H. Hill,
and the state secretary. Each of these
men was on the program, Judge Roy
Ayers acting as toastmaster. More than
300 sportsmen from Lewistown, Harlow-
ton, Stanford, Winnett, Grassrange and
Hobson attended the meeting.

HAMILTON CLUB MEETS

THE Hamilt;-'! Sportsmen's Club held
its annual banquet Monday night,
March 24. Mark Fitzgarrald of
Stevensville was the principal speaker,
urging a higher standard of sportsman-
ship. The other speakers included
Chairman Thomas N. Marlowe of the
Fish and Game Commission; Game War-
den Robert H. Hill; J. F. Hendricks,
head of the State Game Farm at Warm
Springs, and the state secretary. James
M. Brown of Missoula, former head of
the Sons and Daughters of Montana
Pioneers, acted as toastmaster. Matthew
"Scotty" Brown, prominent stockman
and sportsman of Missoula, expressed
gratification at plans at the game farm.
Two hundred sportsmen from Hamil-
ton, Darby, Stevensville and Missoula
were in attendance. The Hamilton club
has affiliated again with the state or-
ganization. F. J. O'Donnel is president
and Ward Sackett secretary.

IMPROVE FOX LAKE

BETTER waterfowl hunting in east-
ern Montana was assured at the
Bozeman meeting of the State
Commission, when they authorized Com-
missioner W. K. Moore to work on the
project of making a better nesting and
rearing ground on Fox Lake, near Lam-
bert. The clubs in eastern Montana
will probably cooperate in this work.

DEER LODGE CLUB MEETS

THE Deer Lodge Anglers' Club held
an interesting meeting April IS for
the purpose of considering the prob-
lems of trout planting that may arise
during the summer. Neil Grogan, sec-
retary of the club, considers the elk
problem in Powell county one of the
most important in the state, and will
welcome suggestions about its solution.
The State Fish and Game Department
has been asked to senJ representatives
to the meeting.

ROWAN HEADS I, LODGE CLUB

CC. ROWAN was eiected president
of the Red Lodge Rod and Gun
Club at the annual meeting March
2S, and Ed Pelo was re-elected secre-
tary. The meeting was one of the larg-
est affairs ever held in Red Lodge.
Game Warden Robert H. Hill was
among the out-of-town speakers. The
club sponsored the Rodeo which will
be held at Red Lodge in July. A. H.
Croonquist, member of ^he governing
board of the state asso"iation, is one
of the prime movers ii is community
affair.

STILLWATER CLUB ELECTS

AW. De GROAT of Absarokee is
the new president of the Still-
water County Rod and Gun Club,
and James Graham of Columbus is the
secretary of this organ n. The club

is one of those contributi ^ o the work
of fish planting in the southeastern part
of Montana. W. C. Phil ' 3 of Laurel
is the man who plants tht ry.

PLANTS AT NINE PIPE

PLANTING of tules and willows
around Nine Pipe Reservoir, where
the State Department has a nest-
ing ground and public shooting site for
waterfowl, was undertaken April 13 by
members of the Western Montana Fish
and Game Association. Bill Anderson
led a crew of men from Milltown and
Bonner for the greater part in the job,
which will provide more shelter for
the ducks that nest near the reservoir.

NAMES OF OFFICERS

NAMES of officers of all sportsmen's
clubs in Montana, and, if avail-
able, lists of the members of these
clubs, are wanted by the Secretary of
the Montana Sportsmen's Association.
The lists will be used to further the
work of the association, and will form
another link between the sportsmen and
the State Department.