Montana wildlife

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Vol. II - No. 1

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With this issue, the official publication of the
Montana Fish and Gome Department assumes
a new name— MONTANA WILDLIFE— and a
new editor.

Essentially the same as SPORTING MON-
TANA, its predecessor. MONTANA WILDLIFE
will continue to report news of Departmental
activity, special projects and articles of timely
interest to sportsmen, conservationists and
nature lovers. It is anticipated that the
change of title will more clearly define sub-
ject matter and objectives of this publication.

Contents of this magazine may be reprinted
in whole or in part if properly credited.

Subscriptions are free and may be obtained
by writing:

MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
HELENA. MONTANA

MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT

Official

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Publication

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State of Montana

John W. Bonner, Governor

MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

Edward M. Boyes, Chairman
Elmer Johnson Walter Banka

William Carpenter Thomas S. Morgan

Robert H. Lambeth, Secretary

Now is the time when sportsmen all over the nation are remi-
niscing about their successful hunting and fishing trips and begin
planning even bigger and better expeditions for the coming year.

So, too, the Montana Fish and Game Department takes stock
of its aims and accomplishments in contemplating immediate and
long-range objectives. The blue-prints of the future are in the
capable hands of highly trained specialists who direct research and
analysis of old and new problems in wildlife management.

But satisfactory completion of any task cannot be made through
the efforts of one side alone, and success in this instance requires
the whole-hearted cooperation of sportsmen, educators, conservation
groups and everyone interested in the out-of-doors.

Therefore, we take this opportunity to express our appreciation
for the fine cooperation extended during the past and ask for con-
tinued consideration and assistance to make 1952 a still greater year.

^04n S» Mo^ufon

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How Much Does a Pxilp MiU Cost? 3

Yours To Use Wisely 4

Fisheries Restoration In Montana 6

Montana Sportmen's Projects 8

Ten Years of Wildlife Restoration 10

Timberlines 18

The Passing of a Buck 17

Predators — Enemy or Friend? 18

Fisheries Fact Finders 20

"Why Do We Need Special Seasons on Big Game?" 23

Elk Lift - 24

OUR COVER

Rugged SawTooth Mountain
towers above a portion of the
Sun River elk herd, caught for
our cover by the aerial camera
as they forage on a winter
game range. This herd, num-
bering upwards of 4,000 ani-
mals, is one of the largest in
the state. These elk annually
migrate to the 20,000 acres of
rangeland purchased in 1947
by the Wildlife Restoration Di-
vision through provisions of the
Pittman-Robertson Act.

Other projects currently in
operation under this Act are
graphically and pictorially il-
lustrated in "Ten Years of Wild-
life Restoration by Bob Cooney,
Director of Montana's Wildlife
Restoration Division (pages 10-
15 of this issue.)

VOLUME II No.l

Marjorie Mitchell, Editor

(Editor's Note: Lorraine Kurfiss Rem-
ington, former editor of "Sporting
Montana" resigned in November,
1951, to make her home in Honolulu.)

CREDIT

Our thanks to Gordon Foote
and A. C. Jacobson of Billings
whose pictures of a deer fight
appear on page 17; the U. S.
Bureau of Reclamation for the
photograph on page 21; and to
the Yellowstone National Park
Service for elk lift pictures on
pages 24-25. All other photos
used in this issue were taken
by Montana Fish and Game
Department personnel. Special
mention to artists Paul Ferryman
for drawings on pages 1, 4-5, 8,
16 and 24; and Gerry Salinas
for the cartoon on page 23.

EDITORIAL:

HOW MOCH DOES A PULP MILL COST?

How often in industry have projects been pushed with only
one goal in mind? How often has lack of "whole-sightedness"
obscured the effect of certain types of industrial development
upon our natural resources?

Dams, drainage, dredging, unwise grazing, improper timber
cutting — all these, with neither foresight nor hindsight, have left
thousands of acres desolate with eroding soil, destroyed natural
habitat for wildlife, and gained for men nothing — often not even
experience.

Now in Montana we have a question on pulp mills, an in-
dustry which is easily adapted to Montana's timber resources.

But hand in glove with such a plant goes stream pollution.
In a state like ours where there are practically no polluted
streams, it is difficult to imagine the filthy, contaminated waters
of some eastern states which support no aquatic life and are
poisonous to humans and game alike.

Those who favor establishment of paper pulp mills in this
state protest that "Montana NEEDS Industry" in order to move
forward, and they gloss over the problem of stream pollution
with varying versions of a chemical treatment which removes
most of the harmful wastes of pulp.

Their arguments are fundamentally correct. BUT — before we
seek this or any other kind of industry, let us first take stock of
the over-all picture. Let us not progress at the cost of losing our
crystal clear waters, scenery and wildlife.

First, let us pass laws to make mandatory the use of manu-
facturing methods which will guarantee elimination of harmful
waste. When this first step is taken — when we are assured that
our lands and waters will have legal protection from industrial
poison — then will we whose job it is to protect our natural re-
sources fall in step with industry in the development of business
in Montana.

But business cannot and must not be allowed to develop at
the expense of leaving a stagnant, slimy mess which is the mark
of industry in other states.

yo44A4. to- ^6J^ WHelif.

Into the book of memories, the
hunting and fishing trips of 1951
have been carefully placed: pleas-
ant days spent on Montana's
streams; thrilling hunts for big game,
upland game and waterfowl; or per-
haps just the relaxation of a trip into
a wilderness wonderland.

These are prerogatives which
have been accepted as part of the
Montana way of life. Yet, they can
be lost. They can be relegated to
that catagory of by-gone pleasures
known as "The Good Old Days."

In many respects it is a privilege
to live in Montana, but with that
privilege goes a responsibility — an
obligation to make the wisest pos-
sible use of the natural resources
which were so generously heaped
upon this state.

Across the nation much of the land
which was once habitat for wildlife

has been transformed into cities,
factories, reservoirs and agricultural
land.

However, Montana has remained
relatively untouched by man's steel

and concrete progress. Thus in its
semi-wilderness condition, its recrea-
tional facilities contribute substanti-
ally to the physical, mental and
spiritual well-being of the nation's
people. To what greater purpose
could any state aspire?

To assure the wisest use of wild-
life and the maintenance of hunting
and fishing as a top recreational ac-
tivity is one of the most important re-
sponsibilities of Montana sportsmen.

Hunter casualties take an unneces-
sary toll of Montana outdoorsmen
each year in death and injury.
Ignorance, greed and carelessness
can be largely blamed for these acci-
dents and Montana has no place for
hunters with these faults.

A place to hunt and fish on private
lands can be assured by just a little
thoughtfulness and care. Posted
lands are caused by a few but ef-
fect everyone. It therefore becomes
every hunter's responsibiilty to safe-
guard the rights of the farmer and
rancher even if it means reporting
an irresponsible fellow hunter.

Lastly, if the future of the state's
fish and game is to be assured,
facts obtained by qualified persons
doing detailed investigations must
be the basis for management prac-
tices.

Sportsmen represent a powerful
force in Montana and wildlife is de-
pendent upon their actions.

Their responsibiilty is not only to
the state — but to the nation.

Fisheries RestGration In Montana

By Charles K. Phenicie

Privacy for piscine creatures is a
thing of the past. For now, the wily
fish is tempted from favorite haunts
not only by worms and dry flies, but
is routed from reverie by inquisitive
fishery biologists seeking answers to
management and restoration prob-
lems.

Prior to July 1, 1951 Montana fish-
ery restoration projects operated on
a small scale and finned freedom
was only occasionally disturbed ex-
cept by fortunate fishermen. But on
that date, the Dingell-Johnson Act be-
came effective, channeling federal
excise taxes derived from the sale of
fishing tackle back to the states to
step-up fisheries conservation pro-
grams.

Montana's share of this federal ap-
propriation is $61,820, supplemented
by $20,607 from the state, for a total
of $82,427 in the fiscal year 1951-52.
Initial expenditures will be primarily
for investigations with three objec-
tives: first, a general survey to de-
termine problems of the entire state
and restoration steps to be taken;
second, individual problems of im-
mediate urgency; and third, inves-
tigation into fish culture methods.

Walter M. Allen, State Superin-
tendent of Fisheries, has been named
coordinator of Montana's program
and under his direction the state has
been divided into six units or dis-
tricts, illustrated by the map on op-
posite page.

At present, three districts are in
operation: District One at Somers
under Frank Stefanich; District Four
at Belt, supervised by Nels Thore-
son; and District Six at Miles City
headed by Arthur N. Whitney. Va-
cancies in Districts Two, Three and
Five are expected to be filled in the
1952-53 fiscal year.

These biologists will survey their
districts for the first two or three
years to ascertain what restoration
and management measures are nec-
essary for Montana's diverse ter-
rain and water types.

Already begun in each district are
experiments to evaluate the contribu-
tion of trout from hatchery and rear-
ing ponds to the fishermen's creels;
fish abundance for certain important
fishing waters; effects of logging on
trout stream populations; studies of
fish populations and effects of fish-
ing on certain streams and lakes.

In the central and southeastern
districts, biologists are working in co-
operation with Montana State Col-
lege and the State Extension Service
in addition to general survey work.
These two districts embrace some
of the more arid land in the state
where stock water reservoirs provide
the bulk of fishing. A two-year
study of these reservoirs showed
that many fish species were not al-
ways suited to the specific pond in
which they were found. Controlled
experiments will determine species

and combination of fish best suited
to particular pond environments.

Statewide creel census informa-
tion, supplied by game wardens and
cooperative fishermen, will supple-
ment district surveys on species of
fish found in various waters.

Grayling and irrigation ditch stu-

velop and extent of losses are dis-
covered, investigations will expand
to other parts of Montana.

Diseases and nutritional problems
of state hatcheries' "sick fish" are
being investigated by Jack E. Bailey
to assure absolutely healthy, prime
conditioned fish for release into lakes

MON'IANA.

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Oi the Six Montana fisheries restoration districts shown above. Districts One, Four
and Six are now in operation.

dies are also important phases of
the Dingell-Johnson program in Mon-
tana. The grayling study, under the
direction of Perry H. Nelson, is at
present confined to the Red Rock
Creek Drainage in Beaverhead
County in an effort to insure perpetu-
tion of this species in an area
where it is still found in abundance.
William D. Clothier is project lead-
er for the study of fish losses in irri-
gation ditches. This work is restrict-
ed at present to ditches in the Gal-
latin Valley, but as techniques de-

and streams.

Dingell-Johnson projects planned
for the near future call for (1) habitat
improvement including installation
of protective structures such as
screens and dams of various types;
rough fish control; watershed im-
provement; and stream and lake im-
provement (2) creation of new fish-
ing waters by stocking fish in virgin
lakes; building and stocking small
impoundments and (3) acquisition
and development of fishing areas
for public use.

FIRST IN A SERIES

HOAD TOPABLO

Montana Sportsmen's Projects

A place to hunt is an American
heritage and yet in many regions
it is gradually slipping away from
hunters because of several factors.

First, because of selfish, thought-
less, careless hunters many "No
Trespassing" signs have ben posted.
Hunting privileges leased on private

land for use only by clubs and or-
ganizations restrict others.

Result? Mr. Average Hunter finds
fewer and fewer places to hunt.

Montana has been fortunate in
this respect because there is so
much public land and also because
private land owners are generous.

8

However, the hand-writing has ap-
peared on the wall in some areas of
this state in recent years, worst of
which is Pablo Reservoir.

This is a Federal Wildlife Refuge
and hunting is permitted around its
boundary. However, private hunt-
ing clubs have leased shooting priv-
ileges surrounding it until access for
non-club-member hunters was re-
stricted to one small area owned by
Howard Light, Pablo rancher. He
had steadfastly refused to lease hunt-
ing rights on his property to a few
individuals because he felt that all
should have a place to hunt.

Unfortunately, without proper
guidance, t h e hunters generally
fouled up the fowl hunting. The
small piece of unrestricted land be-
came alive with hunters who shot
with no discretion at birds out of
their range; argued over whose bul-
let had downed a goose; and cre-
ated a fine uproar which distracted
hunters and hunted alike.

To remedy this situation, Mr. Light,
members of Poison Outdoors, Inc.
and the Montana Fish and Game De-
partment got together to solve the
problem.

Thirty-six pit type blinds were dug
at the edge of Mr. Light's winter
wheat crop by sweating Poison
sportsmen. Each pit was about three
feet deep and eight feet long, large
enough to hold two hunters. These
pits are filled in at the close of hunt-
ing season and re-dug for the fol-
lowing year.

Sign boards were erected and leaf-
lets printed by Poison Outdoors, Inc.
to explain objectives and regulations

of the shooting grounds. A game
warden was assigned to patrol and
maintain the area.

Rules governing this hunting
ground are simple, designed only to
assure equal rights to all hunters.
Briefly these rules specify that hunt-
ers enter and leave by central en-
trance; register and check out Pit
Identification Discs from warden;
leave cars and dogs out of hunting
area; proceed carefully and not dis-
turb other hunters.

The project has been most suc-
cessful and may become a pattern
for other state shooting grounds.

Nearly 2,000 hunters (1,892 to be
exact with a maximum of 72 occupy-
ing the blinds at one time) used this
shooting area last year.

They had good shooting too, for
the warden in charge checked out
493 mallards, 171 pintail, 83 Canad-
ian Geese, 54 baldpates and 14 teal
with other less common species.

Duck hunters are directed by grounds

supervisor (left) to unoccupied blinds at

this entrance to open hunting area.

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Elk migrating from the South Fork of the Flathead to the Sun River winter range were photo-
graphed crossing the Continental Divide.

Ten Tears of Wildliie Restoration

By Robert F. Cooney,
Director Wildlife Restoration Division

Until last year when the Dingell-Johnson Act
v/as passed for restoration work in fisheries,
the Wildlife Restoration Division was the Mon-
tana Fish and Game Department's youngest
child.

This Restoration program came into being in
Montana with the assent to the Pittman-Robert-
son Act by the 1940-41 legislature. Three-
fourths of the funds thus made available
originate from an excise tax on sporting arms
and ammunition and the Fish and Game
Department budget supplies the remaining
one-fourth. This new source of funds made it
possible for the Department to inaugurate a
much needed program previously impossible
because of inadequate finances.

Early Emphasis on Investigations

The program has been divided into three
general phases: investigation, development
and acquisition. As the work has progressed
these three have, however, become closely
interwoven. In almost every case, investiga-
tion has indicated the need for various types
of management often involving wildlife de-
velopment or acquisition. It was felt necessary
to emphasize investigations during the early
years of the program. In that way a rapid

10

state-wide inventory of big game, game birds
and waterfowl was accomplished. This overall
coverage brought out specific problems which
needed more detailed, immediate attention.

Grizzly Bear

The grizzly was found to be dangerously
low in numbers. This big bear had dis-
appeared entirely from most of its former
range throughout the west. Because of the
seriousness of the problem, a special study
was made covering the wilderness habitat of
the silver tip in Montana. It was found that
the spring hunting seasons allowed at that
time were taking a heavy toll. On the
brighter side of the ledger closed areas, such
as the Sun River Game Preserve, were
functioning as important sources of stock for
surrounding range. Immediate action was
taken by the Commission discontinuing the
spring hunting season and establishing a
more complete pattern of open and closed
areas as recommended by the study. By
combining these two factors of management,
Montana was able to retain first place in
grizzly numbers and has been able to con-
tinue with the regular hunting season.

Sun River Elk Herd

Detailed work with the Sun River elk herd
emphasized the need for additional winter
range. The Commission was able to turn
these recommendations into action with Re-
storation funds by the acquisition of the Sun
River Winter Elk Range. This area, which in-
cluded State and public lands, makes up a
tract of approximately 20,000 acres. The v/in-
ter range thus acquired in the foothills has
solved one of the State's most difficult big
game problems.

Gallatin Elk Herd

The Gallatin was selected for detailed work
because the relationship of the Gallatin elk
v/ith the Northern Yellowstone herd and those
of the Madison range presented a very com-
plicated problem. The tagging of elk and
return of these tags by hunters has aided a
great deal in gaining definite information on
this inter-relationship between the herds.

Because of a critical winter range condi-
tion existing in the Gallatin, the area was
also selected for a careful game range in-
ventory. The Forest Service and Park Service
have aided in working out the needed in-
formation to be used as a basis for the proper
stocking of the winter ranges. It has been
found that the "trial and error" method was
much too costly in winter-killed game and
was badly depleting forage. The purchase
of winter elk range in the Gallatin, amounting
to 6628 acres, has been a further outgrowth
of the original work and is materially aiding

in the management of this important herd.

Blackioot-Clearwater Game Range

Winter investigations on the game ranges
of the Blackfoot and Clearwater drainages
pointed up the need for additional winter
forage for both deer and elk. An acquisition
project was, therefore, adopted which led to
the purchase and lease of a tract of approxi-
mately 55,000 acres in the heart of the most
critically needed winter range. An important
additional result of this purchase, as well as
others, has been the drawing of game off near-
by private lands.

Work on the Fish Creek-Thompson River
area resulted in a lease of approximately
120,000 acres of winter game range.

Judith River Range

The purchase of 2,149 acres of winter game
range in the Judith River area followed a
careful investigation of that region. This add-
ed winter range is aiding materially in work-
ing out a serious forage problem that has
existed in that area.

The effect of deer upon pine seedlings has
long been a controversial subject in north-
v.'estern Montana. A project has been set up
to gain information on this important phase
of deer management.

The Mountain Sheep Problem

The mountain sheep has perplexed game

managers and sportsmen for many years.

From the vast abundance in historic times,

(Continued on page 14)

^•^

The Fish and Game Department works closely with the U. S. Forest Service in solving big
game problems. Here, technicians examine forage on Gallatin Drainage winter range.

11

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These mule deeer were live-trapped and await trans-
portation from their sector to an area of low population and
better forage. Many new herds are developed this way.

Airplanes hove made big game census lid
surveys are coordinated with information cqp

Mountain goats are the most difficult big game animals
to capture because of the rough, remote terrain they in-
habit. Salt is the most effective bait used to entice goats
into small wire pens, built in almost inaccessible places.

in Afti

Montana ranks first in number of anteloj
an improved portable trap to capture thesele
Antelope are driven intil

-^

ing more eiiicient in remote areas. Aerial
oiled by ground crews on snowshoes.

Waterfowl are banded annually to determine migration
routes and summer-wintering grounds. Montana's program
is tied in with continent-wide studies of the llyways.

Pheasants found in areas of abundance are caught in
winter when conditions are favorable for live-trapping and
released in regions where populations are lower.

trapped and transplanted and has devised
set-footed animals rapidly and economically,
he trap by an airplane.

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Suitcase-like wire traps are used to catch
beaver for transplanting to localities where
dams are needed to check S'wift waters and
create pools for fish and waterfowl.

only a handful remain. Because of this seri-
ous situation, the bighorn became an im-
portant target for a state-wide study. The
lack of adequate winter range was found to
be a distinct handicap. In this regard, the
recently acquired Sun River Game Range is
aiding materially as it now draws elk off the
previously over-used mountain sheep ranges.
Most recent census checks in this area indi-
cate a definite improvement among the moun-
tain sheep.

A careful coverage of eastern Montana led
to the reintroduction of big-horns into the
badlands where the now extinct Audubon
sheep was once abundant. This initial plant
en the south side of the Fort Peck Game
Range may well represent the most important
single step in the Restoration program for big-
horns in Montana.

Antelope

An airplane was found essential in keep-
ing abreast of the rapidly expanding antelope
herds of the eastern half of the State. Census
figures thus gained have been used each
year as a basis for the setting of hunting
seasons. During the past ten years antelope
numbers have nearly trebled. During this
time the hunting of this fleet-footed animal
has taken its place high on the list of big
game sport.

Upland Game Birds and Waterfowl

In addition to these big game projects, a
great deal of important work has been car-
ried out in obtaining information on upland
game birds and waterfowl. A study was
completed on the food habits of the ring-
necked pheasant with particular reference
to their relationship to agriculture. Along

14

v/ith state-wide census work these have been
examples of some of the more intensive proj-
ects carried out in regard to this important
game bird.

The banding of 16,000 ducks and six hun-
dred geese in cooperation with the Fish and
Wildlife Service has represented a real con-
tribution to the better understanding of the
facts upon which waterfowl management is
based.

Trapping and Transplanting

Trapping and transplanting has been a
very important phase of wildlife restoration
work. Montana sportsmen pioneered in this
field. They sponsored the transplanting of
elk out of Yellowstone Park, to form new
herds, as early as 1910. When the Restora-
tion funds became available ten years ago, it
was determined that transplanting other
species of big game should also be explored.
In all cases, the plan was the same. Animals
would be taken from areas of abundance and
m.oved to desirable new ranges. The greater
part of the trapping and transplanting tech-
nique was new. For this reason, the fieldmen
who actually did this work are to be com-
plimented because of their ingenuity in work-
ing out a multitude of problems. Among the
big game, mountain goats, mountain sheep,
mule deer, white-tailed deer and antelope
were moved in substantial numbers.

Aquatic vegetation planted for food and
cover for ducks and geese is an important
feature of waterfowl habitat development.
This vegetation also checks siltation.

SUMMARY OF BIG GAME TRAPPED AND

TRANSPLANTED UNDER THE

RESTORATION PROGRAM

Number New Herds
Species Trapped Produced

Mountain goats 112 6

Mountain sheep 32 2

Mule deer 1,295 14

White-tailed deer 422 9

Antelope .„. 3,469 65

In addition to the big game, numerous
game birds have been moved to replenish
nev/ areas. Of these 5,683 ring-necked pheas-
ants were captured. The introduction of these
thrifty wild birds was found to be particularly-
stimulating in building back depleted areas.
Sage grouse were trapped in the southeastern
corner of the state. Two hundred fifty of
these big grouse were moved into sage land
areas in central Montana from which they
had long been absent. Hungarian partridges
and sharp-tailed grouse were also trapped in
smaller numbers.

Big Game Salting

The placement of salt on big game ranges
has become an important project. One of the
chief benefits has been the better distribution
of game. Increased use has been made of
the airplane in distribution, particularly in
the more remote back country areas. Last
year, seventy-two tons of salt were put out
on the game ranges of the State. Of this
amount thirty tons were distribtued by air-
plane.

Waterfowl Food and Cover Plantings

To benefit waterfowl, food and cover plant-
ings were made on thirty-seven reservoirs
in the eastern portion of the State. These
development areas were protected by fencing
portions of the shoreline. Additional nesting,
feeding and resting areas were thus de-
veloped on key reservoirs.

Pheasant Cover Plantings

Experimental plantings were made to fur-
nish badly needed winter cover for pheasants.
This project was carried out north of Billings
in the Broadview area. The chief objectives
have been to determine the possibility of the
expansion of the present pheasant range out
into desirable dry land farm areas beyond
the present limits of the valley bottoms.

Measuring spurs in one way to determine
the age of pheasants. The percentage of
young to old birds so checked shows the
success of the current year's hatch.

Marsh Land Acquisition

Particular attention is now being focused
on the purchase of marsh land for the de-
velopment of additional waterfowl habitat.
Areas now being explored for possible ac-
quisition and development include Freezout
Lake in the Fairfield area, Chain-O-Lakes near
Fresno Lake northwest of Havre, Little Muddy
Creek out of Cascade, Fox Lake near Lambert
in Richland County, Brown's Lake in the
Blackfoot Valley, as well as a series of
smaller areas located within the Milk River
Valley. The contemplated purchase in the
Bowser Lake area north of Kalispell would
combine benefits to white-tailed deer as well
as waterfowl.

Looking Ahead

Montana's wildlife resources stand at a
crossroad. Hunting pressure has reached an
all-time high. Agriculture is becoming in-
creasingly intensive. Industrial expansion is
moving in. Whether wildlife can retain its
present important place in the State's future
complex economy depends upon continued
effort. A well balanced restoration program
has become one of the important tools by
which this work is being accomplished.

15

J^ OJUi SJUr^MJ^X^

When I wuz helpin' out down at
one of the parks a couple of sum-
mers ago, I thought I'd bust my sus-
penders chuckHn' and laughin' at
the antics of some of those big bears.

They are pretty amusin' entertain-
ers, but anybody with a hck of sense
will give 'em a pretty wide berth.

Well, I don't care how big the
signs are made, or how many you
stick up along the highway warning
people not to feed the bears, there's
always some dang-fool tourist that
can't resist such "cute" little critters.

I was headed down the road one
day in the old pickup when I saw a
car square-dab in the middle of the
road facing me. Soon's I got a little
closer I could see a man in his shirt-
sleeves runnin' back and forth.

(Bears, I sez to myself.)

And sure 'nuff, when he saw me,
yelled and waved his arms like a
nest of hornets jest set on his ear.

"Get that bear away from here
so we con get our stuff!" he bellered.

"That" bear was a female but not
much of a lady cuz she had both

front feet and her head stuck into the
trunk of the car eatin' groceries.

I got a big screw jack from my
truck and slammed it into the bear's
ribs but she didn't even grunt.

So I told the man's wife to drive
up the road a piece, hoping the bear
v/ould be left in the dust. She was
left all right, but she had her mitts
on just the right things and as the
car pulled out, everything in the
trunk came right out in the middle of
a real bear hug.

At that point, the man's wife was
all for having me straddle the bear
and ride her off like a pet pinto.
Ha! I told them in no uncertain
terms that I wasn't no "bearback"
rider and there wasn't nothing else
to do except wait for that old bruin
to finish up.

After a good hour of watchin' the
bear munch on fruit and cookies and
what-not, she finally got her belly
full and rumbled off.

The tourists salvaged what was
left and from what I heard, they saw
the rest of the scenery in the park
from behind closed windows.

16

The Passing of a Buck

One of the chapters of wildlife his-
tory rarely seen by man — the battle
for survival — was recorded late last
fall by the camera of two Billings
railroad men.

Gordon Foote and A. C. Jacobson
were making a line inspection trip
about 15 miles west of Billings when
they spotted two large buck deer,
(right) horns locked in the death strug-
gle. Closer inspection showed a

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large eight-pointer hopelessly en-
tangled in fence wire and the seven-
point antlers of his dead adversary.

Approximately 150 feet of fence
had been ripped out in the struggle
and although near exhaustion, the
victorious buck still showed spirit
and fight. Neither deer showed any
wounds but a large patch of hair
was stripped from a front shoulder
and flank of the dead deer whose
death was attributed to a broken
neck.

Mr. Jacobson, armed with a tree
limb to ward off any attack from the
sharp hoofs, freed the animal with
wire cutters while Mr. Foote filmed
with his 35 mm camera one of the
best deer stories of the year, portions
of which are shown on this page.

Liberated from the tangled wire
and meshed horns, the victor sank
to the ground exhausted. After rest-
ing for some time, he wobbled to his
feet and struck a zig-zag course for
the nearby creek. There he col-
lapsed again as he bent his head to
the water, but drank thirstily as he
lay in the shallow stream, (left)

He remained in the water for some
time, alarming the rescuers who
feared he might founder. They threw
sticks at the animal to force him out
of the creek and up its bank. His
first attempt sent him tumbling back
into the water, but on his second
try he mastered the incline and
headed for the brush - g short dis-
tance away, (below)

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17

PREDATORS - Cnemif 0^ ^nde^?

By Walter

Animals and birds which man
classifies as predators because they
prey upon some other form of animal
life, have certain characteristics
which can be readily perceived by
the most casual observer.

One of the main characteristics
which both animal and bird pred-
ators have in common is the manner
in which the eyes are located — well
forward in the head so that both eyes
can concentrate on the prey.

The field of vision is not too great
but evidently every movement with-
in that field can be easily detected.
This is in contrast to the location of
the eyes of almost all other birds or
animals that are predators' victims.

For example, the eyes of an ante-
lope are set on each side of the

A. Everin

head. This gives the antelope a
wide field of vision on either side
enabling the animal to detect an
enemy within almost a complete
field of vision.

This same arrangement of eyes is
found in upland game birds, migra-
tory waterfowl and most all rodents.

Predatory animals, classified as
such by law, which are found in
Montana are: coyote, mountain
lion, lynx cat, Canadian lynx, wol-
verine, badger, skunk and weasel.

Efforts to control predators in Mon-
tana have mostly concentrated on
wolves and coyotes. The large cash
bounties placed on wolves thirty or
forty years ago by cattlemen's as-
sociations has almost eliminated the
wolf as a predator in this state.

Successful hunters, Roy Guffey (left) and Jim McLucas (right), of the Fish and Game
Department are shown above with their specially trained hounds which trailed these
mountain lions in the vicinity of Lincoln, Montana. Hides are usually sold for trophies.

18

All in a day's work oi the Predator Control Division. Jim McLucas (above) collects pelts
of coyotes which got a dose of cyanide in snatching bait camouflaging a deadly capsule.

The coyote, once found in relative-
ly large numbers throughout Mon-
tana, is considered the most serious
predator on domestic sheep and
many thousands of dollars are spent
annually to control this killer.

Currently, funds being used in
coyote control work are furnished
by the State Livestock Commission,
the Fish and Wildlife Service, the
Fish and Game Commission and
counties which place an assessment
on sheep for control funds.

Mountain lions are found in the
mountainous timbered terrain of
Montana especially where deer are
abundant. Mountain lions are the
largest member of the cat family in
North America, sometimes having a
body length of six feet plus a tail up
to three feet long and attaining a

weight up to 220 pounds.

Cats do not track their prey; they
hunt by sight rather than by smell
and lie in wait to pounce upon their
quarry. Mountain lions can be very
destructive to deer herds especially
during the winter when deep snows
concentrate deer in certain areas.

The Fish and Game Department
pays a $25.00 bounty to anyone who
kills a mountain lion, except to em-
ployees of the Department or the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The lynx cat or bobcat is very
numerous and seems to be increas-
ing its range in Montana. A $2.00
bounty is paid on this animal.

Badgers, skunks, weasles and wol-
verines are all members of the
weasel family. Skunks and weasels
often raid domestic chicken houses
(Continued on page 22)

19

FISHERIES FACT FINDERS

By Frank A. Stefanich

District Fisheries Biologist

Financially aided by federal funds
as provided by the Dingell-Johnson
Act passed last year, Montana has
enlarged its fisheries
restoration pro gram
by the addition of
three biologists in the
field.

The question now
arises: Where is the
fisheries biologist
needed? How does
he fit into the picture?

The primary job of
these biologists is the
study and manage-
ment of various fish in
their native habitat.
As a starting place,
Montana's immense
land area was divided
into six districts, each of which is as
large or larger than some states.

From these districts each biologist
selects critical lakes and streams
for thorough study and initiates
management procedures to event-
ually insure a sustained yield of fish
to the angler.

Many are acquainted with the
fate of some favorite fishing waters
and question what can be done to
get more fish (or even some fish!)
into them.

One measure that has been tried
is the introduction of new species of

20

Another sucker gets clipped!
Biologist Clint Bishop tags a
sucker above to determine
migration pattern and this
species' effect on other fish.

fish. This has been successful in
some cases but in others only adds
to already existing difficulties.

For example, exotic
fish were introduced
into a number of lakes
without knowledge of
what the consequen-
ces might be and in
many cases develop-
ed into a nuisance. In
cases like this, the
only course at present
is to attempt the de-
struction of the unde-
sirable fish population.
This may be done
rather effectively by
fish poison but this can
be used only in small
lakes and ponds due
to the high cost of operation.

Admittedly, there is a drawback to
this method as it often fails to make
one hundred per cent kill of the un-
desired fish and the process must
be repeated periodically.

Uncontrolled cutting of some of
our forests changes streams that
were steady and permanent into
ones that are intermittent and silt-
laden from flash floods, thereby un-
suitable for trout.

In order to understand this prob-
lem better, perhaps a few require-
ments of trout should be explained.

The water should have a good
supply of oxygen as fish need this
commodity just as much as do hu-
mans. This is supplied either by
plant life in the water or direct con-
tact of the water with the air or both.

For trout, the temperature should
not climb above 70 °F. for any length
of time. They also need food
whether it be insects, worms, aquatic
vegetation or even other fish.

Suitable spawning areas are im-
portant and for the trout this require-
ment is usually a stream of running
water that has a non-silty gravel
bed. Another necessity is cover or
a place to hide, either from enemies
or as a place to obtain food easily
and unmolested. A fish cannot con-
tinue to exist with the loss of any
one of these requirements as they
are all inter-related.

Many places in Montana have
had stream courses changed or al-
tered by highway and railroad con-
struction. The tendency has been to
straighten the course of the stream
which produces a lot of fast water
and no pools.

The result of the construction is
that it destroys the homes of fish
and leaves only open water. Places
like this can be made suitable for
trout by placing large rocks or logs
in the stream and planting shrubs
along the stream bank.

These are but some examples of
methods used to improve fishing.
More biologists will be added to
study areas which are not now cov-
ered when finances and trained men
become available.

Effects of the work of these "in-
vestigators of problem waters" may

Electric shocking equipment which temporarily stuns fish so they can be easily netted and
transferred to tank trucks is shown below. Chief Fisheries Biologist Charles Phenicie (left)
holds the electrode down into the water as his assistants ply their nets. Left to right they are
(in rear boat) Lawrence Diest and Boyd R. Opheim, (front boat) Ed Furnish, Frank Stefanich

and Roy Wessels.

not be seen or felt for many years,
but if we are going to maintain fish-
ing in Montana along with man's
development of the land, we must
approach the problem on a sound
and scientific basis.

This is the job of the fisheries
biologist.

Above, fish taken by the electric shock
method are measured for length, weighed
and scales taken to determine age.

Final step in shocking fish is cleaning
the nets (above.)

PREDATORS — Enemy or Friend?

(Continued from page 19)
and cause some losses in small
game birds and waterfowl. The pelts
of weasels and skunks are of some
value in the fur trade so trapping for
fur effects some degree of control.

Other predators such as hawks,
eagles and owls are not considered
important in serious depredation on
small game. Perhaps the good that
is done in destroying rodents and
smaller predators more than bal-
ances any losses to small game.

In recent years the merits of pred-
ator control have been a contro-
versial subject among sportsmen
and wildlife workers both. Before
man pushed westward, predators
undoubtedly were one of the im-
portant factors in maintaining a bal-
ance of nature.

Now the question arises, does man
replace the predator by harvesting
surplus game amimals or does the
predator still play an important part
in the scheme of natural adjust-
ments?

Whatever the final answer will be,
it is now apparent that control of
certain predators such as magpies
does not have a significant effect on
small game populations. It is also
recognized that control of coyotes
often results in an increase of big
game animals, which in turn man
must be prepared to harvest.

One thing stands out above all
others in the problem of predators:
Control does not mean elimination.

No one wants any measures that
might remove forever a part of the
native fauna of the state.

22

"Why Do We Need Special Seasons on Big Game?"

By R. H. Lambeth, State Game Warden

and elk permits of any import. Rev-
enue from this source is very small
compared to total department income.
Furthermore, it is the policy of the
Commission to allow hunting of all
surplus game by regular season and
to permit special seasons only when
absolutely necessary.

There are two important factors
which are recognized in setting spe-
cial seasons on these animals. First,
to alleviate excessive damage to
forage, crops or hay. Quite often
this cannot be anticipated until after
the regular season has closed. Sec-
ond, to provide needed harvest on
game which was either not avail-
able or not hunted during open sea-
This maintains game in bal-

This question, often raised at club
meetings and by sportsmen, can best
be answered by considering the com-
plexity of game management in the
diverse terrain of Montana.

For example, antelope being a
prairie species, are easily accessible.
If a regular open season were held,
the greater part of the harvest would
fall within the radius of population
centers. In a short time, some areas
would become devoid of this animal
and others would be overstocked.
Therefore, it is imperative for the
propagation of this species to desig-
nate areas and quantity to be har-
vested through special seasons.

Moose are limited in number and
area in which they are found. An
open season, even for a day, could
almost destroy this fine animal. A
base stock for future harvests can
only be assured by hunting specified
numbers in given areas.

Special seasons for deer and elk
are held for somewhat different rea-
sons. The Montana Fish & Game
Commission does not consider the
monetary return from special deer

son.

once with forage, thereby preventing

severe winter losses.

It is not always possible to predict
when special seasons may be need-
ed. Unusual game migrations, severe
weather conditions and many other
factors may make a special season
imperative. Each case must be con-
sidered and remedial measures
taken where necessary.

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By FAYE COUEY.

The "Mother Hiibbcrrd" problem confronting Yellowstone Park
elk herds every winter is being partially solved by the Elk Lift. Through
its operations, some of these animals are taken to better stocked "cup-
boards" and at same time provide good hunting in open hunting areas.

For concentrated game manage-
ment headaches, the northern Yel-
lowstone elk herd has a corner on
the market. Thousands of elk that
find such abundant summer forage
in Yellowstone National Park are
confined by winter's deep snow
into a narrow strip of winter range
where for two decades they have
gradually been eating themselves
"out of house and home."

The problem is further complicated
by difficulties in obtaining a harvest
of surplus animals. State and fed-
eral officials together with the top
spokesmen in Montana's sportsmen
groups have wrestled with the prob-
lem for years.

But in almost every case a "firing
line" type of hunt results due to the
restrictive type of terrain and the
corridor through which the elk must
pass to reach hunting country.

A third factor enters in the form of
"old man winter" and unless a deep
snow comes before January 31 each
year, the hunters take but little game.
Elk soon recognize the sanctuary of

24

the Park boundary and prefer to face
slow starvation rather than the large
numbers of eager hunters waiting
in the open territory.

Two years ago a partial remedy
was proposed by Gardiner sports-
men and sponsored by the Absaroka
Conservation Committee. The pro-
posal became the "elk lift."

In its simplest form, the "elk lift" in-
cludes the trapping of surplus ani-
mals in the Park and transplant-
ing them to open hunting coun-
try north of the Yellowstone Park
line. Here they are released after
shooting hours and given all night
to disperse into adjacent territory.
At 3 a. m. the hunters are given a
chance to harvest a few of these
animals in a sportsmanlike hunt.
It is also hoped that surviving ani-
mals, encouraged by adequate for-
age, will remain in the area and
re-establish old migration patterns.

Working together in this project
are local sportsmen, Yellowstone
National Park Service and Montana
Fish and Game Department.

One type of corral used to trap elk in Yellow-
stone Park ior the Elk Lift is shown on the opposite
page. The animals are iirst lured into the larger
enclosure with hay and their escape blocked. Then,
with the aid of a stout rope and common saw,
the bulls are de-horned (left) to prevent injury to
themselves and to save space in transportation.

Ear tags are attached during this operation to
provide accurate information on hunter harvest and
movements of elk from this source.

The elk are next herded into the smaller en-
closure (below) and finally into the chute that leads
to the truck (below right.)

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The Park Service has completed five traps
and in addition to the "elk lifting" operations,
animals captured by this method provide a
source of live-shipped animals to zoos and have
been the origin of new herds both in and out
of Montana.

The actual trapping of elk is not a simple task.
It is impossible to begin trapping until heavy
snow and low temperatures force the animals
out of their habitual feeding grounds. The area
surrounding the trap must be accessible for
trucks to haul the elk away from the trap and
special skills and techniques are required for
tagging, loading, de-horning and segregation.

Operation "elk lift" is obviously only a par-
tial solution for by no stretch of the imagination
can it be visualized as a means of removing
five or six thousand elk from the Northern Yel-
lowstone herd. But it is a start.

Sec. 34.66, P. L. & R.
U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 50
Helena, Montana

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