VOL. IV MONTANA NO. IX WILD LIFE FEBRUARY 1932. 0u,W, est By Helen Hardy J/t/HERE there's no chance for womj and ^^ small chance for grief; And for every heartache, there is found some relief In the depths of the valley and free mountain air. That wrap one in kindness and shelter with care, There is freedom of action and cleanness of mind; With inspiring ambitions of ever)/ known kind. There's peace and there's comfort, nnthout city's unrest, Just in living and loving the wonderful West! There's the wide tumbling ocean and tall mountain peaks. No matter whatever the traveler seeks, There is always the newness that never grows old, With queer ancient stories that beg to be told. There's virtue and goodness that crushes all sin; Giving those who have fallen a neiv chance to begin. There's everything waiting for those wanting the best. In the world's fairest garden — our beautiful West. t-^^^^^ Page Two MONTANA WILD LIFE The Official Publication of The State Fish and Game Commission VOL. IV. HELENA, MONTANA, FEBRUARY, 1932 No. 9 Fisheries Offiees Move to Ae^eoed^ J^ ^.,. "=^ fi .- -^3. Jfi J, yr '^STx \l^J. L%^ /^- OCATION of headquar- ters of the fisheries division of the State Fish and Game Depart- ment has been changed from Helena to Ana- conda by order of the commission at the meeting recently held at Butte. Fol- lowing presentation of Superintendent Kenneth F. MacDonald of the request for the removal, an order was made permitting the change with the provi- sion that copies of records and re- ports be retained at Helena headquar- ters and that duplicates of future re- ports be filed in Helena so that a com- plete record may be at all times avail- able. Superintendent MacDonald in- formed the commission that his work can be more efficiently handled from Anaconda because of being located closer to the center of fish activities, near the great spawn-taking station at Georgetown lake and within short driving distance of the larger hatch- eries. The following motion by Commissioner J. L. Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Moore, prevailed: "I move that Super- intendent MacDonald be authorized to move his headquarters to Anaconda, and that he file duplicate records in the game warden's office at Helena." Commissioner Brown voted "no." The meeting of Montana's State Fish and Game Commission was held at the New Hotel Finlen at Butte, January 19. Those present were: Thomas N. Mar- lowe, chairman; E. A. Wilson, W. A. Brown, J. L. Kelly, and W. K. Moore, commissioners; Robert H. Hill, secre- tary; K. F. MacDonald, state superin- tendent of fisheries; Floyd L. Smith, editor, MONTANA WILD LIFE; and J. F. Hendricks, superintendent of the State Game farm. Chairman Marlowe presented petitions from residents of Flathead county, re- questing that the Flathead river be opened to ice fishing for the remainder of the open season, and also a letter from Deputy O'Claire recommending this action. He advised that he also had a letter from M. L. Matzick, fore- man of the Somers hatchery, suggest- ing that this be allowed. Motion by Mr. Kelly; "I move that the Flathead river in its entirety be open to ice fishing for all species of fish, with hook, line or pole in hand, until March 1.5, 1932, and that the sec- retary publish the proper notices." Sec- onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. The secretary explained that in 1923 an order was made allowing ice fish- ing during the regular open season in Bottle-Fed Babies THIS MONTH'S tOVEK LAD'V LUCK frequently has her arms around some of the best of us. The splendid photograph of "Nip" and "Tuck," thoroughbred English pointers owned by Aubrey M. Holter, Helena sportsman, dis- played on the cover of this edition of MONTANA WILD LIFE, is rich in dog romance. These pups came into possession of Mr. Holter when they were but a week old, through pure good fortune. While on a fish- ing trip on the Lemhi river in Idaho, accompanied by Ben Wahle, Jr., Iver Wamben, and Bert C. Nut- ter, Mr. Holter chanced across a dog fancier who was about to drown the pups. To save them from an untimely end, Mr. Holter claimed them, brought them to Helena, pet- ted and fondled them, and they are now 18 months old. From the time they were saved until maturity they were fed from a bottle through kindly ministrations of Mrs. Holter and the family. Moving pictures have been taken of them since puppy days and are frequently displayed in the Holter home. Flathead lake, but that no time limit was made in this order, and the ques- tion of ice fishing be allowed in Flat- head lake is uncertain. Deputy O'Claire recommends that ice fishing be allowed. By previous order of the commission, the lake is open to fishing during the entire year. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that ice fishing in Flathead lake, for all species of fish, with hook, line or pole in hand, be allowed until further order of the commission." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. The chairman presented petitions from citizens of Flathead county and a letter from Deputy O'Claire, requesting that McGregor and Loon lakes, in Flat- head county, be opened to ice fishing. Inasmuch as the department plans to place fishtraps in Loon lake for the purpose of taking grayling spawn, the following order was made: Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that ice fishing for all species of fish, with hook, line or pole in hand, be allowed in McGregor lake, in Flathead county, until March 15, 1932." Seconded by Mr. Kelly. Carried. A letter was presented from Ed Boyes, president of the Libby Rod and Gun Club, suggesting that LaVone lake, in Lincoln county, be closed to fishing until further order, inasmuch as silver salmon planted therein are now about si.v inches in length, are biting well, and being taken out by the hundreds. Motion by Mr. Mocfi-e: "I move that LaVone lake, in Lincoln county, be closed to all fishing until further order of the commisison." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. The chairman presented a request from the Big Timber Rod and Gun Club for the closing of two small trib- utaries to the Boulder river, in Sweet Grass county, as the club has been rearing fish in these two streams and have dams therein for this purpose. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that this request be granted, and that Spring creek, on the east side of the main Boulder river, traversing parts of Sec- tions 23, 26, 33, and 34, in Twp. 1 N., R. 14 E.,- M.P.M., and the un-named creek, on the west side of the main Boulder river, traversing parts of Sec- tions 26, 27, and 34, Twp. 1 N., R. 14 E., M.P.M., in Sweet Grass county, be closed to fishing until further order of the commission." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. The secretary presented petitions from citizens of Wolf Creek, asking the commission to close to fishing Wolf creek, a tributary to the Prickly Pear, above the town of Wolf Creek. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that Wolf creek, above the town of Wolf Creek, Montana, a tributary to the Prickly Pear, in Lewis and Clark coun- ty, be closed to all fishing until fur- ther order." Seconded by Mr. Kelly. Carried. The secretary presented a petition from residents of Mineral county, re- questing the closing of waters in Min- eral county until the open season in 1934, to protect the fish. Motion by Mr. Kelly; "I move that this petition be granted, and that Pearl lake. Trail lake. Heart lake. Hoodoo lake, and the South Fork of Trout creek, and tributaries of the South Fork, in Mineral county, be closed to all fishing until May 21, 1934." Sec- onded by Mr. Moore. Carried. Petitions were presented from resi- dents of Whitefish and vicinity, ask- ing that Whitefish lake, in Flathead county, be opened to ice fishing during the open season this winter. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that these petitions be granted, and that Whitefish lake, in Flathead county, be opened to ice fishing, with hook, line or pole in hand, for all species of fish, until March 15, 1932." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. The secretary reported that five clubs had submitted scores in the Common Enemy Control contest; and that prizes should be awarded as follows, as shown by a tabulation of their scores: First prize, $150, to the Plentywood Chapter Page Three 'i&i i^@NTAMA "WEIL© MFB of the Izaak Waltou League; second prize, $100, to the Dawson County Rod and Gun Club, Glendive; third prize, $75, to the Northern Lewis and Clarli Sportsman Association, Augusta; fourth prize, $50, to the Big Timber Rod and Gun Club; highest club score on pred- atory animals, $40, to the Plentywood Izaak Walton League Chapter; highest club score on predatory birds, $40, to the Dawson County Rod and Gun Club; highest club score on eggs of preda- tory birds, $20, to the Dawson County Rod and Gun Club; and to the individ- ual making the highest score, $25, to Edwin Cose, Augusta, member of the Northern Lewis and Clark Sportsman Association. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that the secretary be authorized to award the prizes in the Common Enemy Con- trol Contest on behalf of the Commis- sion." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Car- ried. The secretary asked if it was the desire of the commission to hold the contest in 1932. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that the Common Enemy Control Contest be continued in 1932, on the same basis, and that all clubs be notified as soon as possible." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. The chairman reported that he had conferred with Glen A. Smith, assist- ant regional forester, in solving the problem of beaver damaging properties of the forest service. He said that he thought arrangements could be made to remove these beaver and plant them in some other locality when weather conditions permit. A letter was read from B. L. Kratz, of Beehive, wherein he complains that the Billings Polytechnic has set aside its property as a private preserve for employes, and that as state land, such procedure is not fair. Commissioner Moore advised that he had investigated this complaint and had found that the Polytechnic institute ground is not closed to hunting, e.xcept to parties who are not deemed dependable. A letter was read from K. Wolfe, forest supervisor at Kalispell, asking that the commission grant authority to members of the forest service to kill bear which are reported damaging for- est service properties in a game pre- serve. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that hte secretary advise Mr. Wolfe that the commission regrets this condition, but that we have no authority to grant permits for the killing of game animals within any game preserve." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. The secretary presented a bill of $20 for rental from the state land com- missioner for lands around Dailey's lake. Motion by Mr. Wilson: "I move that the claim be allowed." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. A letter from J. H. Chartrand, for- mer deputy game warden, was read, expressing appreciation to the depart- ment for the favors extended him when deputy game warden. The secretary explained that about two years ago, the Cascade Chapter of Montana's Beaver Worth Millions IF BEAVER hides had maintained an average valuation of $20 each during the last 11 years. the 67,161 skins legally taken under state permits and tagged by the State Fish and Game Department would have had a valuation of $1,343,220. During the year Just closed a total of 7,003 skins was tagged at a fee of 50 cents each, as provided by law. The statutes provide that all beaver taken on trapping permits where the little animals are causing damage to agricultural land, shall be shipped to the department, tagged and recorded. The record of skins tagged since 1921 follows: 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 479 2,430 2,339 3,184 6,190 9,714 9,227 5,749 8,154 8,692 7,003 Total 67,161 the Izaak Walton League asked the de- partment to assist in securing elk from Yellowstone park, to be transferred to the range adjacent to Cascade. At that time, conditions in the park were not favorable to the capture of the elk. This year the Park Service advises that shipments could probably be made, and the Cascade league is asking the commission for financial aid in trans- ferring two carloads of elk. The ques- tion of financial aid was considered, as was the probability that farmers would complain of elk damage in the future, if range conditions were not good in that vicinity. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that this matter be referred to Commissioner Brown for investigation." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. J. H. Melvin, of Opheim, offered to sell to the commission his property at Fox lake. Mr. Moore advised that this property is in the hands of receivers. The chairman reported that since the last meeting of the commission, he has had correspondence with Henry O'Mal- ley, superintendent of the Bureau of Fisheries, relative to the state depart- ment and federal bureau working out an agreement regarding activities of the two departments in the state. He said Mr. O'Malley has assured him that an authorized representative of the bu- reau will meet with the Montana com- mission in March, with full power to enter into a written agreement. Mr. O'Malley also assiy;ed Mr. Marlowe that the work on the new federal hatchery in the Madison will be started as soon as weather conditions permit. The secretary read a letter from Waldo F. Smith, superintendent of the Washington State Custodial School, at Medical Lake, asking if the commission could send him a pair or two of Cali- fornia quail to be used at the school for experimental purposes. Mr. Hen- dricks advised that he has 16 pair of California quail at the State Game farm. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "In view of the fact that Mr. Hendricks has more quail at the farm than he can take care of efficiently, I move that he send to the Washington State Custodial School, free of charge, two pair of California quail, as an act of cooperation with the State of Washington." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. A letter was read from Horace G. Orr, of Pleasant Valley, reporting that the elk which have been planted on the Wolf Creek Game Preserve, in Lin- coln county, have been damaging his crops. He asked the commission to furnish him with material so that he may build a fence. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that this matter be referred to the Libby Rod and Gun Club and to Deputy O'Claire." Seconded by Mr. Kelly. Car- ried. J. L. Waylett of Camas reported that so many permits have been issued by the forest service to stockmen to graze their sheep and other stock in the na- tional forests that there is insufficient range for wild game. The chairman read a letter from W. E. Kier, presi- dent of the Lewistown Rod and Gun Club, giving the same report, and sug- gested that this department follow the example of the Utah Fish and Game Department — organize a round-table meeting between the forest service, the stockmen, the sportsmen and this de- partment. The chairman advised that he would confer with Glen A. Smith at once in this matter, and if such a round-table is organized. Game Warden Hill should act as representative of the commission in attempting to allevi- ate serious range conditions in differ- ent localities in the state, such as re- ported by Mr. Kier relative to the Ju- dith river area. Winton Weydemeyer of F'ortine ad- dressed a letter relative to the protec- tion of blacktail deer in Lincoln county. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that this question be referred to Mr. Mar- lowe, and that he consult with sports- men's clubs in Kalispell, Whitefish. Pol- son, and vicinity." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. The secretary again presented a let- ter from the director of the Izaak Wal- ton League, at Chicago, asking the Com- mission to have a wild life display at the World's fair in 1933. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that this matter be laid on the table." Sec- onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Mr. Hill reported that he had in- sured the eight positive motion picture films of fish and game of Montana for $150 each, through the Board of Ex- aminers. He presented a letter from William A. Rowe, Kitsap County Sports- men's Association, Bremerton, Wash., relative to their renting the films for showing in their county. Mr. Hill was authorized to send these films to them for showing at a time when there is no call for them in Montana. It was de- cided to make no rental charge for them. Commissioner Moore reported that the large well at Porcupine Dome has Page Four become clogged but that there are two smaller wells which are open and flow- ing. Permission has been received from the federal government to leave these wells open, and it it is decided to use this water for any constructive purpose, the large well can be opened with little trouble and expense to create a lake as a waterfowl refuge. Forsyth sportsmen are working on securing easements for land in this district ; and there is a possibility that the water will also be used for agricultural purposes. A letter from the Fish Pond commit- tee of the Custer Rod and Gun Club was read, outlining the work tor build- ing the proposed rearing pond at Miles City. Plats and maps were also pre- sented. The club agreed to do work not to exceed the value of $2,000 upon a $2,000 contribution from the Fish and Game fund, which would be a suf- ficient amount to complete the pond. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that the secretary acknowledge receipt of the letter from the Custer Rod and Gun Club, and the blue-prints presented, thanking them for their spirit of co- operation, stating that the commission has not at this time funds available for this work, and asking them to re- new their request at a later date." Sec- onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. M. M. Atwater of the Black Beaver Fur Farms, Basin, presented a report requested by the commission at their last meeting, suggesting changes in the rules and regulations relative to fur farming. In view of the length of the report the following motion was made by Mr. Kelly: "I move that the secre- tary furnish a copy of the report made by Mr. Atwater to each member of the commission, the matter to be given consideration at the next meeting." Sec- onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Kenneth F. MacDonald, superintendent of state tisheries, reported that although the request of Thomas Edwards & Son, of Marion, that the commission take 400,000 brook trout eggs and hatch them at the Somers hatchery, he to pay the commission $1..50 per thousand for hatching them, had not been ac- cepted at the last meeting; in the meantime the Libby Rod and Gun Club had requested brook trout eggs for streams in that locality in which wa- ters no other fish will live. Mr. Mac- Donald agreed to take and hatch 400,000 brook trout eggs for Mr. Edwards, 200,- 000 of them to be returned to Mr. Ed- wards when hatched, the other 200. Ooo to be retained by the commission as payment for keeping the eggs and hatching tliem at the Somers station. One hundred thousand hatched eggs will be delivered to the Libby club for planting, and the other 100,000 will be sent to the Big Timber station for dis- tribution in that locality. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that Mr. MacDonald's action in this matter be ratified." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Superintendent MacUonald reported that J. H. Wetzel of Eureka had asked permission to take native trout eggs for the commission on a percentage basis in waters near the Canadian bor- Sportsmen Join Predator War MONTANA'S State Fish and Game Commission has decided to con- tiniie the Common Enemy Con- trol Contest during 1932. Prizes of $500 will be distributed among clubs of sportsmen throughout the state winning high marks in the destruc- tion of predatory birds and animals and the eggs of predatory birds. Re- sults of the 1931 contest will be found announced in the minutes of the last commission meeting in this edition. Clubs should prepare now for the 1932 war against enemies of fish and game, communicate with State Game Warden Robert H. Hill and secure details regarding the con- test. der, but that he had not seen fit to grant this request. He presented a letter from Fred E. Kipley, private pond owner at St. Ig- natius, stating that he has 400,000 rain- bow eggs for which he has not found a market. Rather than destroy them, Mr. Ripley asked that the commission take the eggs, at no cost, at this time, and then, if he finds a market later, he would accept similar eggs at that time from the department. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that Mr. MacDonald act in this matter as he sees fit." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Superintendent MacDonald reported that he had had requests from sports- men that the Tongue river be stocked with loch leven trout as no other fish seem to flourish in these waters, and trout have never been planted there. The river heads in Wyoming, running through that state for about 40 miles, and through Montana for about SO miles. The Wyoming department has agreed to stock this river in their state with loch leven trout, and Mr. MacDonald reported that a dam in the river would preclude any possibility of the loch leven getting into the Yellowstone. Motion by Mr. Kelly: "I move that Mr. MacDonald be authorized to stock the Tongue river in Montana with loch leven trout." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. Mr. MacDonald reported that J. H. Chartrand, who was laid off as a dep- uty game warden, has been employed by the fisheries department to look after the Miles City Pond Cultural Sta- tion, as foreman. Commissioner Wilson presented peti- tions from residents of Park and Sweet Grass counties for permission to take whitefish from the Yellowstone river in these two counties, for the purpose of selling them. The Big Timber club recommended this action, in view of conditions in these two counties. Mr. Kelly went on record as being opposed to the commercialization of any wild life in the state. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I believe this would establish a difficult precedent, and I move that the petition be denied." Seconded by Mr. Kelly. Carried. Petitions were presented from resi- dents of Butte, Wise River and vicin- ity, and letters from Alva A. Simpson, forest supervisor at Dillon, and Larry Hamilton of Butte, requesting the com- mission to close to fishing the Wise river and tributaries for two years, at the expiration of which time the river should be opened to fishing only dur- ing June and July. The reason stated for this request was that the river has been badly depleted of fish this season, in view of a flood several years ago which destroyed most of the fish food in the river. John L. Boardman, sec- letary of the Butte Anglers' Club, and William Carpenter, president, appeared on behalf of the Butte Anglers' Club, asking that the commission take no ac- tion on this request until the club had had a meeting and formulated an opin- ion in the matter. Mr. Boardman ex- plained that food conditions in the Wise river are being built up, that the Butte Anglers' Club is planting fish there, and this is one of the few streams close enough to Butte for Butte sportsmen to enjoy. Earlier in the meeting, an order had been made by the commission, closing the Wise river, and in view of protests, the following motion was made by Commissioner Kelly: "I move that the action of the commission, closing Wise river and its tributaries to fishing, be rescinded, upon protest of Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Boardman of the Butte Anglers' Club, and that action in the matter be post- poned until the next meeting of the commission." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried. The chairman presented a letter from Robert S. Norton, U. S. Reservation Protector, at Moiese, reporting that there are about 10,000 ducks on the reservation and outside of it, which will have to be fed. He asked the co- operation of the commission in feeding some of the ducks outside the reserva- tion. Deputy O'Claire reported that some of the pheasants will have to be fed in his district, as the snow is too deep for them to find food. Mr. Hen- dricks asked Mr. Marlowe to furnish the pheasants some grit with this food, so that their feeding conditions will be proper. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that Mr. Marlowe be instructed to look after emergencies in feeding birds, as we have done in the past." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Superintendent Hendricks advised that (Hie of the first pens built at the State Game farm, which was built as an emer- gency pen to hold brood stock, is use- less. He asked permisison to employ a helper about two weeks earlier this spring, so that this old pen could be torn down, and the material used in building a pen in which to raise Hun- garian partridges. He said no new ma- terial would be required, and that this new arrangement will make it possible to raise about one thousand more par- tridges. Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that Mr. Hendrick be authorized to have this pen made, no new material being necessary." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. Commissioner Brown presented rec- (Please turn to Page 15) Page Five mi^^ i^ONTANA "WEJLD MF] MnlMoe§ of Fnsh Liber^ed m 1931 M K. F. MacDonald 0 N T ANA'S . „ , _ _ State Fish and ^j^fflSsi;, ■*-'-■■ Game Depart- ffflfSKm^ meut has made pos- W ^^^™*iii sible the hatching, T .ig rearing and lihera- tion of 2S,222,SS6 game fisli in waters of tlie state during the year just closed and, according to statistics just com- pleted, there were 5,677,352 eggs on hand in the hatch- eries on January 1, 1932. This total has been increased to 7,500,000 eggs by ad- ditions during Jan- uary. Analysis of the year's work in the battery of 14 hatcheries operated by the state department, shows that the greatest liberation was made pos- sible at the Big Timber hatchery, where a toatl of 4,416,650 game fish were hatched and then liberated by speedy oxygen-equipped automobile t r u c k c. The Anaconda hatchery was second with 4,142,766 liberated. Fish liberated in Montana waters by cooperating hatcheries during 1931 to- tal as follows: Butte Anglers' club. 732,900, of which 672,000 were native black spotted and 600,000 rainbow; Federal Bureau of Fisheries, 732,900 black spotted trout and the Yaak pond, operated by S. S. Drew, 20,000 rainbow. During the year just closed, accord- ing to Kenneth F. MacDonald, super- intendent of state fisheries, a total of 224,482 large mouth bass were liberated, 61 small mouth bass, 402.475 suntish. 27,825 crappies, 7,325 cattish, 50,155 perch, 17,183,344 native black spotted trout, 4,498,209 rainbow trout, 1,115,290 grayling, 870,222 Eastern Brook trout, 676,583 Chinook and Sockeye salmon, 1,680,215 loch leven, 875,000 whitefish and 25,700 California golden trout. Future By Edgar A. Guest I CAN tell you what the future has in store for you, but I Can't tell you what you're going to be, however, I may try. The future has a job for you, just what I cannot say; But there's something more important to be thinking of today. The thing to be concerned with now is not what you will do; A more important matter is the man that's known as "you." Will you be ready for the task, and fit for any test? Will you go at it with the will and wish to do your best? Will you be cheerful when you work, courageous when you tail? Will you stand fast at duty's post what- ever foes assail? Will you think less of pleasure's lure and more of serving well, And measure time by tasks complete and not the quitting bell? The sort of man you're going to be is up to you to say. Some make the most of every chance; some toss the chance away. But let the job be what it may, if well with it you do, Don't fret about the future — it will have a place for you. The summary of eggs on hand at the start of 1932 shows 738,062 native black spotted, 558,492 rainbow, 35,478 Eastern brook trout, 3,845,320 loch leven, and 500,000 Lake Superior white- fish. The whitefish eggs, which were secured from Michigan through an ex- change of eggs, are at the Poison hatchery. These fish will be liberated in Flathead lake. The annual liberation report shows that the Miles City pond cultural sta- tion, located at old Fort Keogh, and operated in cooperation with the fed- eral bureau of fisheries, has made pos- sible the liberation of the following number of warm water fish during the year: Large mouth bass, 30,450; sun- fish, 402,475; crappies, 27,825; catfish, 7,325; perch, 41,755; unsorted sunfish and crappies, 15,000. In addition to the Fort Keogh pond harvest, 8,400 perch taken from Jones lake, 2,032 large mouth bass were seined from the Nine Pipe reservoir and distributed, and 192,000 large mouth bass with 61 adult small mouth bass were taken at Somers and placed in desired streams and res- ervoirs in the state. The total distribu- tion of warm water fish for the year then reaches the total figures: Large mouth bass, 224,482; small mouth bass, 61; sunfish, 402,475; crap- pies, 27,825; catfish, 7,325; perch, 50,155; imsorted sunfish and crappies, 15,000. Figures showing the total number of eggs on hand at the start of the new year, reaching 5,677,352, are as follows: Anaconda — Native black spotted trout, 274,000; Eastern Brook, 35,478; Loch Leven, 1,853,280. Total— 2,163,758. Big Timber — Native black spotted, 200,600; rainbow trout, 459,640; Loch Leven, 1,508,375. Total— 2,168,615. Great Falls— Loch Leven, 483,665. Libby— Native black spotted, 263,462; rainbow trout, 98,852. Total— 362,314. Poison — Lake Superior whitefish, 500,- 000. Grand totals of game fish eggs on hand at the hatchfjies show: Native black spotted, 738,062; rainbow, 558,- 492; Eastern Brook, 35,478; Loch Leven, 3,845,320; Lake Superior whitefish, 500,000. WILD IIFE VALUABLE The Bureau of Biological Survey at Washington, D. C, has credited the country's wild life with supplying meat and fur each year to the value of $150,000,000. DISTRIBUTION OF GAME FISH IN MONTANA WATERS IN 1931 Black Spotted Rainbow Grayling Loch Brook Salmon Leven 190,022 186,474(1) 398,800 98,735(1) 1.410.945 'isi'.'ioo 46,374(1) "'"269V276 50,000(1) "''"'"'"''. 1 145V000 I (1)"""""!""" I 150,000 i (2) 870,222 676,583 1,680,215 ,S-0.222 670.5S,1 1,680.21,') White- Golden fish Trout TOTALS 3.600 4.142.766 4,446.650 1,634.306 2,269.654 2,456,000 22,100 1,072,200 524,830 875,000 2,750,000 983,036 974,917 790.644 343 , 430 2,057,000 875,000 25,700 25,995.493 1,272.000 732.900 20.000 875.000 25.700 2S,222.SS6 Anaconda 2,616,560 Big Timber 1,718,170 Emigrant 1.634,306 Great Falls 812,500 Hamilton 2,156,000 Lewi.>itown 920,955 Libby 695,600 Miles City - Missoula 1,609,000 Ovando 983,036 Philipsburg 974,917 Poison 490,970 Red Lodge 543,430 Somers 1,294,000 Cooperative Hatcheries: Butte Anglers Bureau of Fisheries ... Drew (Yaali Pond) 16,349,444 672,000 732,900 130,820 1,115,290 820,000 860 250 429 354 110 000 105 500 266 000 299 674 468 000 3,878 600 209 000 20 000 (1) Chinook Salimin 17,183,344 4,498,209 (2) Sockeye Salmon 1,115,290 1.113.290 Page Six Moetonna Aetomobile Assodatioe i§ Active \i\ 1). ('. Saljerds. Seeretary. 0 NT ANA'S Automobile Association has com- menced auotlier year of constructive activ- ity. At the sixth annual meeting held at Hel- ena, every highway dis- trict in the state was represented. Attendance alone indi- cates a keen interest in achievements and the 1932 program o£ the organiza- tion that presages its continued activ- ity and service to Montana motorists and the highway program of the state. The following resolution, introduced by George W. Lanstrum of Kalispell, director of the association, was unani- mously adopted: ••BE IT RESOLVED, that Montana is justified in anticipating from her ex- penditures for highway development and construction an adequate return. That this remuneration in great part must come from business to be de- rived from the use of these highways by citizens of other states. That Mon- tana's climate, scenery, accommodations, and improved highways should attract thousands of visitors yearly; that Mon- tana's returns from the expenditures for her highways should be for the benefit of all citizens and that every honorable effort should be made to se- cure this business. "Be it further resolved, that the Mon- tana Automobile Association by educa- tion, by legislation, or through the as- sistance of any and all county, state, and government agencies, labor to ad- vance the interests and welfare of Mon- tana by inducing and welcoming tour- ist travel. That the Executive commit- tee of the association be instructed to consider and formulate means of ob- taining necessary funds therefore; that the active assistance of various cham- bers of commerce and civic organiza- tions be interested and that the State Publicity Department, the State Fores- try Department, the State Fish and Game Commission, the State Depart- ment of Health, the State Historian, and the State Highway Commission be requested to so coordinate their func- tions as to cooperate intelligently to develop for Montana a reputation for scenic beauty, historical interest, fish- ing and hunting opportunities, safety of travel, and hospitality, that will rec- ommend this as the outstanding recrea- tional region of the nation." Work outlined for the association for the coming year includes the promo- tion of tourist travel and advocacy of the scenic and recreational advantages of the northern transcontinental routes. The tourist travel to the coast during 1932 promises to be the heaviest ever experienced. There are more national events, organization meetings and con- ventions to be held in coast cities this summer than ever before. The Olympic games at Los Angeles -n-ill last a month. Auto Association Elects Officers for 1932 THE following officers were elected to serve the Montana Automo- bile Association at the annual meeting held January 21 at Helena: President, Sid J. Coffee of Missoula; first vice-president, J. W. Speer of Great Falls; second vice-president, Fred E. Kessler of Helena; secre- tary-treasurer, David C. Salyerds of Helena. The board of managers is made up of Harry O. Bell of Mis- soula. Arthur Perham of Butte, C. B. Power of Helena. W. H. George of Great Falls, George Y. Patten of Bozenian. and A. J. Breitenstein of Havre. The direc- tors include Sid J. Coffee, president of the Missoula Drug Co. of Mis- soula; Andrew J. Davis, president of the First National Bank of Butte; E. O. Haglund, secretary-treasurer of the Fergus Motor Co. of Lewis- town; Attorney J. W. Speer of Great Falls; Charles Vandenhook, president of the Commercial National bank of Bozeman; E. J. Bowman, president of the Daly Bank & Trust Co. of Anaconda; George Shea, manager of the Northern hotel at Billings George W. Lanstrum of the Kalispell hotel at Kalispell; W. L. Young, merchant of Wolf Point; Joseph D. Scanlan, editor of the Miles City Star of. Miles City; R. S. Nutt of Sidney, and James G. Holland, Jr., of Havre. tanan's view the accomplishments of the association. The election of directors by the as- sociation membership of the 12 high- way districts of the state, was re- viewed in a report by Fred E. Kessler of Helena, chairman of the election committee. The only change in the personnel of the directorate was -the selection of R. S. Nutt of Sidney in place of Frank L. Patterson of Terry from District No. 4. Mr. Nutt has al- ways been active in highway develop- ment in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. He will be a valuable addition to this representative group of men, all of whom have been selected by their communities for outstanding efforts for road development. At the election, all officers were reelected with the exception of Norman B. Hol- ler of Helena, second vice-president. At the request of Mr. Holter, Fred E. Kessler was elected to that position. David C. Salyerds of Lewistown, for- mer director, was again made secretary- treasurer. From average attendance, over a pe- riod of years, it is estimated that some three million people will participate in these west coast gatherings in 1932. The association, as a central agency for Montana, will cooperate with or- ganizations of neighboring northwest- ern states in an attempt to draw much of this travel via the northern routes. Resolutions were introduced and adopted covering phases of association work within the state and recommend- ing needed action by congress in fur- thering the protection of funds for federal aid and forest highways. Plans were outlined for furthering publicity and for more advantageous cooperation between the northwestern states in tour- ist travel development. Appreciation was expressed for the assistance rendered the association by newspapers, radio stations, civic clubs, chambers of commerce and interested citizens during the year. The board reaffirmed its belief in coming prosper- ity for Montana and requested of auto owners and business men of Montana such support for the future as past ac- complishments would indicate are de- served. The report of the secretary-treasurer, though indicating a falling off in mem- berships and operating funds due to conditions, recounted generous support from various sources and an indication of the appreciation with which Mon- Speed of Ducks Brings Debate THE alibi of the hunter who said that the ducks he missed went by him at ISO miles an hour has been •'shot to pieces" with statistics on speed of birds compiled by a worker in the U. S. Biological Survey. Earlier esti- mates on the speed of ducks credited these birds with phenomenal speeds, but automobiles and airplanes have made more accurate timing of their flying speed. The most accurate checks thus far made show that ducks and geese do not ordinarily go more than 40 miles an hour, although they are capable of increasing their speed if frightened. They cannot, however, maintain the higher speed for a long time. The fastest bird timed was a duck hawk in California, which flew at a speed of 165 to ISO miles an hour while chasing its prey. Mallards timed in France and England flew 50 to 58 miles an hour, and a flock at top speed in California when timed with an air- plane went only 55 miles an hour. Pintails chased by an airplane in Cali- fornia flew 55 to 65 miles an hour, ^and a canvas-back made 72 miles an hour. Canada geese timed in Massa- chusetts flew 44 miles an hour and a brant in Scotland flew 45 miles an hour. QUAIL IS STATE BIRD A law effected June 12, 1931, desig- nated the California Valley quail as the state bird. Page Seven Moetae^ Fish aed ik W. A. Brown, Great FalIs..Commtssioner Jos. L. Kelly, Anaconda.. ..Commissioner Gsioie Coeimksioe W. K. Moore, Billings.. ..Commisszower E.A.Wilson, Livingston.. Commissioner T. N. Marlowe, Missoula, Chairman R. H. Hill, Helena, State Fish and Game Warden, Secretary Official Publication of the State Pish 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 Commis- sion and must be in the hands of the editor at the State Capitol building, Helena, on the 15th day of the month preceding pub- lication date. VOL. IV HELENA, MONTANA No. 9 MONTANA'S BIG GAME KILL IN 1931. WHEN Montana sportsmen carefully study the com- pilation of figures denoting the kill of deer and elk within the state during the season just closed, they will find statistical evidence that is startling. For the first time in the history of the State Fish and Game De- partment, this tabulation has been made possible through act of the last legislature. The law requires that tags be affixed to deer and elk and that the report card attached to each big game license be returned to the department by January 1, 1932, whether any big game has been killed or not. More than 10,000 sportsmen are dilatory. In failing to mail the cards they have made themselves liable to prosecution. Thus far the tabulation has passed 17,000 cards and they are still rolling in, hence the figures pre- sented in this edition are incomplete for the season. Lincoln county, in the extreme northwestern part of the state, leads the deer kill with 1,294 bucks and 652 fe- males. This totals 1,946 deer taken from this one county in a single season, and the reports are still coming. Lin- coln is one of six Montana counties where deer of either sex may be taken. In Flathead county the kill of does exceeds that of bucks, according to incomplete figures. Thus far there have been 617 bucks and 684 does reported killed there. In Lewis and Clark county, where the buck law prevails, 4SS antlered monarchs have already been re- ported bagged. At the close of the season veteran sports- men would have wagered that the total count of deer in the state would not reach the total number already re- ported killed. Report cards already tabulated show 6,438 bucks and 2,211 does taken or a total of 8,649. The elk kill is likewise amazing with a total of 905 bulls and 757 cows or 1,662 for the season with more to come. Study of the table pub- lished in this edition of MONTANA WILD LIFE reveals ever-increasing interest. The statistics will prove of valued guidance for the department as well as other agencies in- terested in the preservation and conservation of game resources. Don't forget to put the mothballs you remove from your hunting clothes in your tackle box with your flies. THERE'S MORE IN HUNTING THAN HUNTING HUNTING is more than merely bringing down the game. A good sportsman is concerned about the preservation of game. Over-shooting has laid so heavy a tax on game that their numbers no longer suffice to replace the drain on their species. The hunter of today must take the point of view of the field naturalist and manage his shoot with the attention and fo'resight of a good naturalist. Like the former he learns about the habitat and habits of wild life and like the latter he plans and works for future crops. Merely shooting is not hunting, but killing. DUCK HUNTERS TO HAVE YOKE IN FIXING SEASON SIGNS pointing to a difficult situation later on this year when the time comes for the Department of Agricul- ture to lay down regulations for the 1932 waterfowl shooting season are said to be the inspiration for Secretary Hyde's recent announcement that an advisory board, operat- ing under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act between the United States and Canada, will be reorganized. This advisory group has in the past consisted of na- tionally known sportsmen, naturalists, conservationists and state game officials, appointed irrespective of the territory in which they lived. The secretary plans to reorganize the board to represent ten sections of the country, these sec- tions to be defined according to similarity of conditions affecting migratory birds, and their representatives on the board to be selected on recommendation of state conserva- tion officials in the areas. Secretary Hyde will name a number of "members at large." According to officials of the American Game Associa- tion, the move to give the states a closer representation in the forming of the 1932 regulations is desirable, as each area will be better satisfied with the rulings than many of them were after the 1931 emergency short season. Some northern states resented the federal 30-day sea- son allotted them on the basis that it came too early for any shooting of migratory birds. Illinois and Missouri have led the field in claiming that no waterfowl shortage existed. Officials of the Biological Survey, basing their views on extensive observation made in Canada and this country both before and since the short season, maintain that a seri- ous shortage of many of the most popular species of wild ducks is a fact. Large numbers of ducks reported in states bordering main watercourses have been forced to concen- trate there by lack of water elsewhere, officials hold. Conservationists are pointing out that such concentra- tions werely prove that sportsmen must work promptly toward restoration of waterfowl nesting, resting and feed- ing areas. It might help in l\eeping the young fellows on tire farm if each tractor had a rumble seat. QUEER AGES IN WILD LIFE IN NATURE'S school of wisdom, according to accum- ulated facts in the Library of Congress: The parrot may talk too much, the goose may be a high-flyer, the laven a pessimist and the eider duck a lover of downy comfort, but their normal life is equally as long as that of the poised, slow-moving, silent and hardy giant tortoise — and all live three times as long as a man. Their life span is between 200 and 300 years. The falcon is a pirate of the air but lives to an old age of 162, while the orthodox dromedary struggles to his limit of years at 50. The swan is the epitome of speed but outlives the slow and thorough yet old-at-40 hippo by more than 60 years. The worker bee is a marvel of constant application but reaches the end of his career in six weeks while the lazy salamander is only starting on his dozen years of sleep- iness. And the fox with all his wily cunning can escape death no longer than the earthworm. The ant reaches within five years of the tiger's 20. The stern old owl lies down at 70 with the sentimental dove, and the lion, "king of beasts," abdicates his throne at 20 — twice as soon as the toad hops from his humble nook. The carp, that fish scorned for its abundance and bad habits, lives as long as the mighty elephant, more than 150 years, and the vulture outstrips the golden eagle's cen- tury-mark by a decade or two. And the canary lives more than twice as long as the cat, reaching 24 — unless the cat takes unfair advantage in the race. Page Eight i^ONTANA •wiiiL© iLirr: WHAT CATSKS MOST HlXTIiW AK II)K>TS.' HAS the type of gun used anything to do with the num- ber of hunting accidents, or is carelessness the chiet factor in all cases? In reports issued almost simul- taneously, game officials of Pennsylvania and New Jersey have disagreed on the question of whether high-powered rifles are more dangerous than shotguns in hunting deer. New Jersey, the only state which has outlawed the rifle in deer shooting, gave tiais law most of the credit for keep- ing its accident toll during the recent deer season down to one death and four casualties. Pennsylvania, where the rifle is the legal weapon for taking big game, blamed its 3S fatal and G9 non-fatal acci- dents during the deer season on carelessness. Officials de- fended the rifle as being not only the best big game weapon from the animals' viewpoint, since fewer wounded deer escape to die slowly, but equally as safe. Officials pointed out that New Jersey's season lasted only four days, and its lotal legal kil lof 1,702 deer was 5G times smaller than the legal kill in Pennsylvania. The number of hunters was said to be proportionately smaller. After a survey of this season's accident toll and that of other years, Charles G. Stone, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, announced his conclusion that it is not the type of firearm so much as careless handling which caused accidents. He said that according to figures the longer shooting range of rifles has not been reseponsible for any casualty. The majority of injuries have been self-inflicted or inflicted upon companions, as a result of carelessness. While the complete record of all hunting accidents in Pennsylvania has not been tabulated, Mr. Stone said that usually small game hunting, with shotguns, accounts for six times as many accidents as big game hunting in that state. Shooting a person in mistake for game is punishable there by fine and suspension of license. Judge Leon McCord ot Montgomery, Alabama: "I have sen- tenced one thousand men, women and boys to prison, and I have yet to find one real criminal who was taught in his youth to love the outdoors and to protect and defend wild Ufe. "Teach the boy to love the outdoors, to row a boat, to swim, to fish and hunt, and when he comes to manhood, he will be found on the jury and not before it." BIRDS 3IE>'T10NED IN SCRIPTURE THERE are at least 290 references to birds in the Bible, say ornithologists. Of the birds mentioned, 113 are general in the sense that they refer simply to birds and not directly to any certain species. However, 31 species are mentioned by name. The dove holds first place, being alluded to 35 times. The eagle is mentioned 32 times, the raven, cock and hen 12 times each. Reference is made 11 times to the owl, 10 to the pigeon, 7 to the sparrow, 6 to the stork, and 5 to the pelican. Four passages refer to the quail, swallow and vulture, 3 to the ostrich, bittern, pea- cock and cormorant. The crane, partridge, osprey, kite, cuckoo, hawk, heron, uighthawk, and lapwing are men- tioned twice each and the swan and gier eagle once each. — American Field. Sport.snu-n's dubs desiring to enter the common enemy con- trol contest conducted by the department should comniunicate with the state game warden for regulations and information re- garding the $500 cash prizes in 11*32. FISHES NEED PASSPORTS IT IS dangerous for fishes to travel without an official escort, and all fishes should be armed with passports before entering a different state or even a different lake, according to John L. Farley, executive officer of the division of fish and game of California. The rule likewise applies to Montana. "Havoc has been played with many waters in Califor- nia by fishermen who take it upon themselves to import their favorite species of fishes, from outside the state or from other lakes, into their favorite fishing grounds," warns Mr. Farley. "Often species have been introduced which are harmful to other fish life already established. Cali- fornia regulations require that any importation or trans- planting of fish or fish eggs must be done through the bureau of fish culture." HUNTING AND FISHING MOST POPULAR HI'NTING and fishing remain the favorite outdoor sports of America, in spite of the apparent popularity ot golf, tennis, baseball and football. In fact, according to statistics presented to the United States senate, the num- ber of hunters and fishers alone equal the combined strength of the adherents of the other four above-mentioned sports. Senator Hawes of Missour,i in discussing his bill tor correlating the fish and game conservation activities of the federal government and the states, said: "I do not believe the importance of this subject and the interest which people have in it, are sufficiently realized. Some time ago the Southern Newspaper Publishers associa- tion conducted an investigation solely for the purpose of ascertaining the relative advertising advantages of different sports. They caused an estimate to be made in 14 of the southern states, in the radius of their publications. "Taking the total of these 14 states, we find that there are 4,420,876 men and women who hunt and fish; 2,426,000 who may be termed baseball tans; 1,218,000 football fans; 900,000 golf players, and 363,000 tennis players. So taking the total of all the sports put together, the hunters and fishers in those 14 states numbered 4,420,876, and the total ot those who are interested in the other four forms of outdoor recreation amounts to 4,916,652." An opportunist is the man who passes tip turkey for the holidays, kills the wolf camping on his doorstep and turns his liide into fur coats for the family. SEND IN YOUR REPORT CARD MORE than 10,000 Montana big game hunters who pur- chased licenses during the 1931 season, have failed to return the report card attached to the license, as provided by law. The statutes require that the postcard be returned to the State Fish and Game Department prior to January 1, 1932, whether any big game has been killed or not. Failure to comply with the law makes the act a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment. In order that an accurate check of the deer and elk killed in the state last season may be obtained, it is manda- tory that all cards be returned. The new law makes fail- ure to return the card punishable, yet every effort will be made by the department to secure these reports before ultimate steps are taken. If licenses have been lost or misplaced, the purchaser is required to make a report by letter. The postcards re- turned are being checked against the license stubs returned by the dealer and the names and addresses of every negli- gent sportsman listed. Ample notice has been given through departmental publications, letters and newspaper publicity. "Interest in outdoor sport wuth the recreation to be had in its pursuit has become a necessity for the man who desires to preserve his health and vigor." — Bobby Jones, internationally famous golfer. STUDY STOMACHS OF COYOTES BILL RUSH, who is in charge of the elk study in Yellowstone National Park, asserts that a project has been initiated to determine the seasonal food habits of the coyote. It is planned to make stomach content analyses of three or four coyotes each month of this year. Data on three analyses made in October showed a variation in contents from 4 to 13 1^ ounces, average approximately 8 ounces. The stomachs varied from 3 to 6 ounces, average about 4 ounces. The stomach contents consisted,, in various combinations, of mice, squirrel and bird meat, grass and other vegetation, hair of brown bear, fish, chicken and pork bones, pine needles, feathers, rubber from a hot water bottle, and miscellaneous bits of garbage. STATE IS BLAMELESS FOR DAMAGE ALL wild animals belong to the state, but a Kansas land owner recently discovered that this did not do him any good when he tried to collect from the state for 120 trees on his property which beavers had gnawed down. The attorney general informed him not only that the state could not be sued for the acts of wild animals, but that if the owner should trap the beavers the pelts still would belong to the state. Page Nine Ne^w G^mme Birds for Moetaea Sportseiiee By Floyd L. Smith ONTANA sportsmen who have watched the per- forming of modern mir- acles at the State Game farm at Warm Springs, where the liberation of 6,146 Chinese pheas- ants was made possible by the State Pish and Game Depart- ment in 1930, less than a year after the farm was established, with 8,720 liberated in 1931, are keenly interested in experiments being conducted by Su- perintendent J. F. Hendricks which in- dicate that within a short time the Chukar partridge and the Melanistic Mutant will be made available for fields of the Treasure State. California Valley quail have already demonstrated their ability to become ac- climated and these prolific producers promise results in 1932. Thirty Golden pheasants were reared in captivity dur- ing 1931 as foundation stock, as were 10 Melantistic Mutants, 15 Lady Am- herst pheasants, four Silvers and six Reeves pheasants. Thirty Hungarian partridges are being retained for the 1932 breeding season, in addition to 260 Mongolian hens and 50 cocks, 120 Chinese hens, and 22 cocks. One of the most interesting ' game birds with which Superintendent Hen- dricks is experimenting is the hardy Melanistic Mutant. Foresighted sports- men predict that within a few years the Mutant will displace the wary old Ring- neck in the hearts and bags of lovers of the blooded dog and the scattergun. Professor H. M. Lackie, expert on game birds, recently prepared an in- formative article regarding the Melan- istic Mutant, which was published in Modern Game Breeding and Hunting Club News. He says of the Mutant: Our friend, the Ringneck, must look CALIFORNIA QUAIL The photograph of this pen of California Valley puall, which are thriving in Mon- tana, was taken at the State Game Farm by Dr. J. A. Donovan of Butte. It is expected that many of them will be lib- erated in 1932. to his laurels. Since his introduction here in 1S80 he has held undisputed sway of the fields and coverts. Whether his true nationality is Chinese, Mon- golian, or English most sportsmen know not, nor care a lot. They call him "Old Ringneck" and have him mounted for their dens, proud that so beautiful a bird has fallen to their trusty "twelve." But a newcomer has entered the field. Visitors to England saw on some of the large estates there beau- tiful dark greenish purple cocks and de- mure brown mottled hens, resembling somewhat the English grouse. Inquiry revealed that they were known as "Dark Pheasants" and were such exceptionally good game birds that some estates were raising and stocking them exclusively. It seems that they had appeared first on Lord Rothchild's estate in 18SS and were thought to have originated from cross breeding and perhaps were a cross. Their actual origin, however, is not known and the preponderance of evidence seems to indicate that they are not hybrids but are true mutations or sports. They may be sports from a cross of several ^varieties as mutations are apt to occur when such crosses are made. In fact it is a common practice in plant and animal breeding to make many crosses of unrelated varieties or breeds in the hope that mutations may occur, and they often do. For example: All the different varieties of domestic turkeys are probably mutations from crosses of the several varieties of wild stock native to the North Americas. It is certain that both the black and white are, and there is no authentic record of the origin of the other varieties by selective breeding. That they are muta- tions or sports from crosses is the most logical conclusion. The turkey has been bred in domestication not over three hundred years and in that time at least eight different varieties have been segre- gated which breed true to type and color. In the long period in which pheasants have been semi-domesticated in England during which cross breeding and blood blending has been practiced, it would not be unusual if new varieties did appear. In fact it would be un- usual if such a program failed to pro- duce mutations, as change is the order of the universe and evolution is a con- stant factor. A statement often met with is that the Dark Pheasant is a cross of Versi- color and Blackneck stock. It is true that such a cross will give a dark bird which to the casual observer resembles somewhat the Melanistic Mutant. In fact many breeders call it by that name and sell it as such. A careful exam- ination of these crosses will reveal dif- ferences in plumage which distinguish them from the true Mutant. The olive gray or slate color on the wing which is a characteristic mark of the Versi- color usually shows up in the cross- bred cocks. Reddish brown also may show on the shoulders and a break of color occurs along the edges of the tail feathers. Any bird showing such char- acteristics should not be used in the breeding pen of Dark Pheasants. The hens also are different. The crossed birds are usually lighter and lack the uniform coloring of the pure Mutants. There is more of the reddish brown in the body color and less of the soft dark seal brown which makes the dark hen so attractive. When these Black- neck Versicolor crosses are bred in suc- ceeding generations a wide variety of types are produced ranging from one parent to the other. In other words, the type is not fixed. The crosses be- have as mongrels. It may be possible by selective breeding eventually to fix the type of these crosses but the birds produced from them up to the present would indicate that it has been poorly done and mostly not at all. In some strains of birds sold as Dark Pheasants there evidently is a cross of ringneck blood. Many crossed cocks show a few white tipped feathers around the neck and strangely enough some hens show this also. In the true Mu- tant cock there is no break of color on the neck, no suggestion of ring. The neck color blends perfectly with the breast and back and the greenish pur- ple sheen of Iridescene is continuous. These mixtures may also show brown- ish red feathers in the breast and a reddish purple or magenta sheen back and there is a noticeable number of feathers with marginal markings of lighter brown color similar to ringnecks. The fluff of the crosses is a brownish red and the wing bows and shoulders may show many laced and shafted feathers. These are all serious defects and evidence of poor quality and mixed blood. Breeders of Melanistic Mutants should eliminate all such birds from their breeding pens. What then is the proper color for a true Melanistic Mutant? The bird is easier to look at than to describe. First MELANISTIC MUTANTS This picture was taken at the State Game farm by Dr. J. A. Donovan of Butte while the birds were moulting. The male was a little shy on tail feathers and was there- fore somewhat ashamed of himself. Page Ten i¥S.ONTANA "WSILB OFB of all the cock is mostly shades of green and blue. The head, neck, back and breast are rich dark bottle green with a bluish purple luster which shines and shimmers in the sunlight. The feathers are even in color and show no distinct pattern in these sections. The shoulders- and wing bows are a lighter shade of green matching the rump. The feathers in these sections are lightly laced or pencilled, but should not contain any red or brown. The body and fluff is greenish black. Indi- cation of brown in these parts is a defect. The tail is grayish green barred with blackish bars. The legs and toes are black and the feet are white underneath. The face is brilliant red and the eyes are dark brown. Light eyes are an almost certain mark of impure blood. The hen is a uniform dark brown over the entire body, the feathers ir- regularly pencilled or barred with ma- hogany. The feathers should show a greenish luster especially on the back and breast. The face and head are a two-tone effect of dark seal brown and a lighter shade. The dark should ex- tend well down the neck. The whole combination should give a dusky brown effect with perfect blending of the various colors and a minimum of con- trasting shades. Together the cock and heu present a beautiful and harmoni- ous picture, each a fitting complement to the beauty of the other. A study of these birds will convince anyone that this Melanistic Mutant is not a cross variety nor a variety of any existing species. To some he ap- pears to be a dark type of Versi-color but the color, size and characteristics of the hen should set anyone's mind at rest on this score. A prominent Japanese scientist who is familiar with all Green or Japanese pheasants, after a careful study of the Mutant pro- nounced it to be a new species and gave it the specific name of Phasianus Tene- brosus. By this name it is now known in England. Among the hundreds of visitors who viewed our birds last year not one failed to admire this newcomer and sportsmen were loud in their praise of him. Many of them went home and wrote their state conservation depart- ment asking that stocking the new- bird be attempted. This suggestion is being followed in some states this year. This is a wise and popular move. What a thrill the hunter will experience if instead of "Old Ringneck" a beautiful blue green cock bird hurls himself from the thicket. And with what pride he will exhibit his prize to admiring friends if he is fortunate enough to bring it down. And how he will hasten to have it mounted and preserved as a fitting companion to his other trophies of the field. With both ringnecks and dark pheasants in the same cover, pheasant hunting will take on a new zest and enjoyment. If two cocks per day were the limit more hunters will try for one of each and perhaps the second ringneck may be allowed to fly away without a shot on the chance of a dark pheasant being put up later. Buck Law Brings Increase in Deer HUNDREDS of letters have reached the State Pish and Game De- partment during the last montli, accompanying the return of report cards attached to big game licenses, and outstanding among these communica- tions is the following significant state- ment from G. Fred Roper, of Anaconda: "Here endeth the hunting season, as far as I am concerned. In turning in my report attached to my license, AAA 7441, you will note that there were no deer or elk killed. That is my fault. They were there in plenty, especially the deer, thanks to the buck law. "This is my 36th year of deer hunt- ing and I saw more deer than I did during the season within that time. I remember when deer were hunted for the market. Ten years ago it was not unusual to hunt during the entire sea- son over the same country that was hunted this season and see only four or five deer. This season I made a mem- orandum of deer seen. By actual count they numbered 96 does and 22 bucks. The preponderance of does can be accounted for by the fact that I hunted early in the season wlien the does were banded in the lowlands. The bucks were not running and were up higher. Hunters who do Hot under- stand this situation will report to the department they "saw nothing but does." "I have heard the remark made by liunters all season and have argued and, I hope, convinced them of the whyfore. I was prevented from killing my one allotted buck because does in- terfered with getting a shot and by not being able to recognize or distinguish the horns until too late to get a shot. "If a man is a real sportsman he will agree that it makes a more sporting proposition. I enjoyed my days in the hills this season — enjoyed them im- mensely, although I did not bag a deer or elk. I believe there is not a man in Montana who hunted harder or covered more ground and killed less game. It was my first year to be skunked, yet I had more fun than in the last 20 years. "More power to Montana's State Fish and Game Commission. Give us a con- servative administration. Use what knowledge you have gained through the big game license reports and dole out to hunters of the state a continued fair and square deal." Vandals Loot Montana Streams of Game Fish MONTANA'S State Fish and Game Department has taken a deter- mined stand against commercial- izing of its game and fish, yet the con- demned practice of market fishing con- tinues. Market shooting of ducks for dollars and cents once threatened to ruin the sport. The sale of wild meat of any sort is now forbidden, yet fish are being bootlegged in several commu- nities. Poachers are robbing Montana sportsmen of their rightful heritage. The picture shown above was taken by Kenneth F. Roahen, U. S. Game Pro- tector, stationed at Billings, after he had arrested C. A. Larabee and John Branstetter of Billings. The 119 Rocky Mountain whitefish shown above were found in their possession. They were caught in the vicinity of Livingston in the Yellowstone river, then packed to Billings and placed on the market at 20 cents a pound. Larabee was fined $50 and sentenced to serve 30 days in jail. Branstetter was dismissed. Page Eleven \SJ^ i^ONTANA "WEiLP mf: OXTAXA saw a falling off in violations of state fish and game laws in 1931, accord- ing to the annual tab- ulation completed in State Fish and Game headquarters for the year just closed. During 1930 the num- ber of violations reached the peak with a total of 514 while in 1931 the num- ber fell away to 461. Compilation of statistics shows that during 1930 the total fines assessed reached $16,293.15 while in 1931 that amount reached only $9,097.25. In 1930 there were 404 fines levied, 45 jail sentences, 37 cases were dismissed and 39 fines suspended. The total for the past year shows that 461 arrests were made. 9S cases were dis- missed or suspended and 61 jail sen- tences were imposed. Thirteen cases are pending. In many instances where fines were assessed, the violators elected to serve out their fine in jail. Fishing without proper license proved the favored law violation during 1931. there being SO arrests or this charge. Killing deer out of season caused trouble for 44 violators. Under the laws passed by the last legislature making tagging of deer and elk manda- tory and forbidding shooting from a public highway at game birds or game animals, several violators were brought into court. Twelve = were arrested for possession of un- tagged deer meat while six were charged with shooting from a highway. Beaverhead county leads the list of violations in the 1931 tabulation with a total of 34, with Sanders second with 32, and Yellowstone third with 30. Education has played a prominent part in reducing law violations. Efforts are being put forth by the department to educate anglers and hunters along lines of better sportsmanship. Included in the list of violations for 1931 are two unusual cases, the charges being fishing with pitchforks and kill- ing blue birds and destroying their nests. VIOLATIONS BY COUNTIES 1929 10 1930 2S 15 5 5 S 4 13 13 4 2 6 47 S 32 23 2 6 2 11 5 4 3 15 16 1 26 23 "s 4 1 i:i 2 10 1 5 1 4 3 16 S 7 9 !) 3 19 IS 4 1 6 ' i 4 21 1931 34 1 2 1 4 0 Carbon 11 16 Tarter 9 1 - 11 [\ 9 1 1 9 1 Deer Lodge Fallon .. 31 25 Ferg^us 7 . .. 17 10 26 16 Garfield 4 5 1 3 13 Hill 5 S Jefferson Judith Basin Lake .. 21 17 10 20 Lewis and Clark 17 Liberty 1 33 2 26 14 15 1 Meagher Mineral ...._ .S G 2 11 Missoula Musselshell Park S ;z-!~" ''"'"'''" IS 11 i) 8 Petroleum 1 I*hillips 11 S . . 11 4 Powder River Powell Ravalli 0 1 Richland I a Roosevelt Rosebud . Sanders 1 10 26 17 1 3 2 32 9 17 26 Toole — , Treasure , 5 Valley Wheatland 10 2 .- 21 " Yellowstone ... 30 FISH AM) GAME LAW VIOLATIONS 1929 of firear.iis with" ut Alien in possession license - 13 Catching over the limit of game fish 2 Catching more than 5 fish under 7 inches 10 Dumping refu.se in streams 3 Fishing witliout a licen.se 67 Fishing through the ice illegally 2 Fishing in closed waters 19 Fishing during closed season 5 Fishing with more than one pole, or using set line 4 Hunting without a license 9 Hunting on game preserve 4 Illegal possession of beaver hides 13 Hunting deer with dogs - Killing moose - 2 Killing elk out of season 4 Killing deer out of season 30 Killing game birds out of season 11 Killing doe deer .-- - S Killing deer with horns less than 4 inches... 2 Killing more than one deer 2 Killing- elk in closed area Killing antelope Killing wild geese out of season 2 Killing swan Killing Chinese pheasants out of .season ..-- 15 Killing elk before legal hour in Park county 4 Killing grebe and golden plover 1 Making false statement in application for license 25 Opening muskrat houses 3 Possession of a seme without license 4 Seining fish without a license 5 Using .salmon eggs for Ijait 7 Possession of salmon eggs Snagging fish — 4 Selling game fish 1 Shipping furs from the state without permit S6 Shooting ducks after sunset 5 Shooting ducks out of season 6 Selling elk meat Selling bear hides 1 Trapping fur-bearing animals out of sea- son 11 Trapping fur-bearing animals without li- cense 19 Trapping beaver without permit 0 Trapping bear 1 Selling furs without a license Shooting from a public highway Shooting from an automobile t'sing explosives to kill fish Killing blue birds and destroying nests Using artificial light for hunting Killing more than one elk or deer .! 4 Possession of untagged deer meat -Shooting ducks from a n"iOtor boat 2 Buying furs without a license - 3 Selling deer meat 1 Fishing in Georgetown lake after 9:30 p. m Fishing with pitchforks Unlawful ijossession of deer hides Waterfowl in possession after close season Possession o^ game animals without fur farm license Buying elk meat of 1930 54 3 47 15 11 IS 2 13 42 14 6 1 5 "6 1 3 10 .S6 10 3 1 11 23 21 4 2 12 2 27 80 8 25 8 10 23 12 4 2 3 6 45 23 5 1 4 7 5 32 1 1 1 11 4 28 14 "i 6 2 3 1 1 12 Totals 461 Page Twelve iW.©MTAMA "WIIIL© OF© PORTSMEX throughout the state aucl nation have become interested in the spectacular bat- tle staged on the Butte- Helena highway and the thrilling antics of a • crazed yearling bull moose. Columns of newspaper and magazine articles have been written and the lucky snapshots secured by eastern visitors are in demand. The balance of nature was again upset by man, and after vainly fighting cars, ramming them with his head and jab- bing at them with his front feet, the moose moved into the king row and succumbed in a farmer's corral amid domestic surroundings which were strange to him. Investigation by the State Fish and Game Department dis- closed that the animal had been shot in the abdomen. While suffering from internal hemorrhages, he drifted onto the main highway, resented the intru- sion of automobiles, held up traffic for several hours and finally lost his battle. The young monarch of the woods was monarch of the highways for a fleeting moment. The Dan Parani ranch near Trask was the scene of his demise. The moose wandered on the highway Sunday afternoon, Jan. 24, and became infuriated at strange vehicles speeding along the road. One car came too close for comfort and the bull charged. He first broke the windshield, backed off and charged a second time to break the windows on the side of the ma- chine. In its effort to get away from the enemy which did not tight back, the moose cut its fore legs in several long deep gashes. In the meantime several other cars gathered at the scene but remained at a safe distance. The moose took up a station in the center of the road and dared any motorist to drive past that particular point. Branson Stevenson, salesman for the Eagle Gas company, and Richard Rice, a New York attorney who happened on the scene, "took a chance" and drove their car within shooting range. They used a camera, however, for their shots and succeeded in getting two good pic- tures before accepting the animal's challenge to drive by the stronghold. For more than an hour the animal, infuriated at the strange new enemy which stood by and refused battle, de- layed traffic. It was not until it had become weakened from loss of blood through its wounds that it gave up the point of vantage on the roadway. Fred Pilling, game warden, and Sheriff Larry Weir herded it to the nearby corral. Traffic proceeded. Moose are protected in Montana and despite its wounded condition the officers could not put it to death. They managed to herd it into the corrai, where it could be nursed back to strength before being turned into the hills again. More than 100 Butte mo- torists drove to the ranch to see the moose, the first seen in that region in many years. TEJf BIRD REFUGES The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, recently authorized acquisi- tion of lands by the biological survey for 10 migratory game-bird refuges in New York. Maryland. North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida. Nebraska. North Dakota, Wyoming, and Nevada. The area amounts to 43.227 acres. The cost to the government will average $5.74 an acre. Yearling Moose Resents Automobile Intrusion In Montana Domain — IMinto liy courte.sy of The Hontan.i Stanilard. Butte. A yearling moose quit his domain as monarch of the hills to establish himself as ruler, for a time at least, of Montana's foads. Tak- '"9 "P.^'S P0?'*'°" °" t'ls Butte-Helena highway, less than 10 miles from Butte, the yearling animal, still without horns, blocked traffic for a time. He snorted and flung his head belligerently, even attacking one of the cars and breaking the side door glass. Branson Stevenson, who with Richard Rice, New York attorney, happened to be in the first auto, got a picture of the animal as he stood guard. Page Thirteen iVl@NTAMA ^jjWHIUP MF! HE duck supply was short during the 30- day open season pro- vided for Montana in the revision announced by the federal depart- ment of biological sur- vey, yet thousands of ducks are congregating in the area sur- rounding the bison range near Moiese, according to reports made to the com- mission at the last regular meeting. Gallant Gunners Protect Hens MONTANA'S law forbids the shoot- ing of female Chinese pheasants and permits the taking of ori- ental roosters. Many other states, however, have au open season on both sexes of the imported game birds. Iowa is one of these states. Gallantry among sportsmen was one of the disclosures brought to light by a hunting survey conducted by Aldo Leopold, game investigator, as part of Iowa's preparation for a statewide ex- periment in restoring the out-of-doors. After weighing detailed reports of the pheasant hunting season obtained from 645 hunters, Mr. Leopold announced that many sportsmen refused to shoot hen birds. For this reason, he said, there were 10 cocks taken for every seven hens. Mr. Leopold found that for every three birds placed in a hunting bag, at least one bird was wounded but lost in the field. Although one-third of the hunters had dogs to find the birds, their percentage of unrecovered cripples re- mained about the same. The survey indicated that approxi- mately 5 per cent of Iowa hunters pay farmers for the privilege of hunting on their land, while another 3 per cent compensate the farmers for board and in other ways. The hunting privilege rates from 50 cents to $1 a day for each man, or 50 cents for each bird taken. "While the percentage of hunters compensating farmers for hunting priv- ileges is still low, it is evidently in- creasing as compared with former years," Mr. Leopold stated. "The farm- ers' reports, which have not yet been analyzed, indicate that many farmers who did not charge this year intend to do so next year." A complete investigation of the game situation in Iowa is being made by the investigator. On his findings and those of other experts in every branch of conservation and outdoor recreation, Iowa plans to base a comprehensive program to restore the state's natural resources. After extended discussion regarding the necessity for saving these birds and inducing them to remain for the nest- ing season in the spring. Chairman Marlowe was instructed to proceed with negotiations looking toward feed- ing them. The bureau of biological survey will be expected to feed the ducks on the federal reserve. The state department will scatter food in sheltered places and distribute grit and charcoal. Former years have made feeding necessary in these areas. Falling snow put more men to work, but throws wild birds out of "jobs." Winter feeding activities in practically every northern state were prepared to get under way with the approach of the snowy season, when the birds' work of foraging for food may be brought to a standstill in heavily blanketed countrysides. State game officials have organized bird feeding programs, which they say is necessary under modern conditions to keep many species of birds, and especially quail and other ground-feed- ing varieties, from being depleted be- cause of insufficient nourishment dur- ing periods of snow and ice. The practice of cutting away brush and weed patches, grazing woodlots and replacing hedgerows with modern fenc- ing has reduced the natural winter food supply. The Wisconsin conservation depart- ment, in addition to providing SO cen- tral food stations for prairie chickens, grouse, quail, pheasants, partridges and wild turkeys in concentration and ex- perimental areas, has recruited nearly 200 sportsmen's clubs in a feeding pro- gram. The state is contributing $11.50 to each club that furnishes a like amount for establishing and operating feeding stations in its territory. Missouri officials have enlisted the aid of Boy Scouts, rural postmen, rail- roads and organizations in feeding the birds. Other states are prepared to carry on programs through field men. Many clubs have employed jobless men to gather wild seeds during the ab- normally warm weather for distribu- tion later, and many have taken advan- tage of the low price of wheat to ob- tain a supply for the birds. Game experts are suggesting wheat, buckwheat, millet, kaffir corn and cracked corn for game birds. One of the most effective feeding stations for game birds is said to be shocks of un- husked corn left near brush patches. Every feeding shelter should be ar- ranged so that the birds may escape in any direction if attacked by enemies. CHAMPIONSHIP Down in a small southwestern town, where men are men and no foolin' about it, either, a jury had been impaneled to sit on a case in which a man was charged with assault with intent to kill. For a time things were sailing along nicely for the prosecution. The state's lawyers produced the weapons that had been used — a pistol, saw, hatchet and rifle. Then came the turn of the defense and they exhibited the other man's weapons — an ax, pitchfork, scythe, iron bar and bulldog. The twelve good men and true retired to deliberate. On their return the foreman rose and annotmced: "Our verdict is that it was probably a tie, so it don't really matter. Our further verdict is that we would have given a dollar to have seen the fight." Better Taxidermy allows you to be just as proud of your trophy after it is mounted as when you bagged it. Lentfer Bros. Succesors to Jonas Bros. Taxidermists 215 W. Park St. Livingston, Mont. Phone 337-W INTERMOUNTAIN KENNELS 313 Pine Street, Helena, Mont. ENGLISH SETTERS AND LABRADOR RETRIEVERS Registered Stock Only BEST OF BLOOD LINES PUPPIES AND BREEDING STOCK FOR SALE Correspondence Invited DK. B. C. SHEARER Helena GUY F. SAUNDERS Bozeman GEORGE L. GRUNER Helena Page Fourteen iV^ONTANA •wnE:.© uf: Fisheries Offices Move to Anaconda (Continued from Page 5) ommendations as to his ideas in ef- fecting economies in tlie fisli and game game fund. Motion by Mr. Brown: "I move tliat tliese recommendations be entered in the minutes of the meeting, and be adopted by the commission." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. A discussion of his sug- gestions followed. Mr. Wilson offered an amendment to Mr. Brown's motion that a reduction be made in salaries of all employees of the department, in- cluding officials. Motion by Mr. Kelly; "As a substitute motion, I move that the secretary fur- nish each member of the commission with a copy of Mr. Brown's recom- mendations, and that action on these recommendations be taken at a later date." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Mr. Brown and Mr. Wilson voted "no." Mr. Kelly, Mr. Moore and the chairman voted "yes." Motion carried. The secretary presented a tabulation of big game kill report cards com- pleted to January 15. Ernest Miller, dude rancher, reported that he was in attendance at the meet- ing as a representative of the Montana Sportsmen's Association, to work out with the commission a plan to increase the circulation of MONTANA WILD LIFE, but that inasmuch as the other two representatives were not there, he would not care to take action. Warden Hill reported the cash bal- ance in the fish and game fund Dec. 31, 1931, as being over $39,000. Commissioner Moore reported that the stream running through Pioneer park, at Billings, is being polluted by a dairy, and that he has reported the matter to the Billings board of health. He also stated that it the condition was not corrected at once, he would report to the tSate Board of Health. Larry Hamilton presented John Berk- in of Butte as "The Father of Mon- tana's Game Laws." Mr. Berkin, as a legislator, as early as 1905, intro- duced and fostered the first bills with a view to preserving the wild life of the state. Mr. Berkin was applauded. RATTLE SCARES ELK The old Dutch windmill will be put to new use near Seaside, Ore., as the farmers battle to keep invading elk from their ranches. The Seaside Cham- ber of Commerce has authorized the building of an experimental "elk chas- ing" windmill in a pasture frequented by the animals. To the axle of this mill will be attached a kerosene can containing pebbles. When the wind blows the pebbles beat noisily against theh sides of the tin can, and the noise is supposed to drive the elk away. COPS (iOT THE BREAKS "Now, Jimmy, can you give me a sentence using the word 'avail'?" "Sure, the cops pinched the stag party because the dancer was dancing without a veil." Trapper's Licenses Reach 587 Total MONTANA'S State Fish and Game Department has issued trapping licenses to 587 residents during the season thus far. The fee is $10. Despite the fact that fur prices have slumped to new low marks, trappers are following the precedent estab- lished in formative days of the Treas- ure State when pioneers depended on their winter catch of furs to pay expenses during the remainder of the year. In 1930 licenses were issued to 868 trappers. Montana has an area of more than 90.000,000 acres or 140.997 square miles and is the third largest state in the Union. The official population given by the 1930 census was 537,606 or about four people to the square mile. Hence there still remains ample room for successful operations of trappers in mountains and valleys. KEEP TOUR SHELLS DRY That modern ammunition can be kept a long time and still be used with safety, if not subjected to too much moisture or too much heat, was re- cently proved when shells 16 years old were tested by engineers. A shell with 31/4 drams of powder developed a mean velocity of 892 f. s. and a mean pres- sure of 10,000 pounds. These results compare favorably with present day ammunition. However, sportsmen will do well to keep this advice in mind when they store shotgun shells: Pro- tect them from rain, sun, a hot, dry atmosphere, and excessive moisture, or the shells may develop too much power for a gun. EMPTY SHELLS CLEAR PONDS Empty rifle shells placed in a fish pond will clear it of the unlovely coat- ing of algae that forms the scum or slime in the water. The amount of copper in the water due to the slow- corrosion of empty cartridge shells lasts indefinitely and does not harm the fish and larger plants in the pool. — Boston Evening Transcript. SUBSCRIPTION COMBINATION American Game Protective Association, 2273 Woolworth Building. New York City, N. Y. Herewith find remittance of J2.00 tor membership in the Association Including subscription to "AMERI- CAN GAME" and "MONTANA WILD LIFE." Combination Price Membership In American Game Protective Assn. Subscription to "American L $2 00 Game" fv^.uu MONTANA WILD LIFE If you are already a subscriber to "MONTANA WILD LIFE" and wish to renew for one year from the ex- piration of your subscription please mention that fact. Add 50 cents for Canadian postage; $L00 for foreign postage. Name ......_ _. Address _ Date- _ _ Help the Cause! Subscribe Now ! To the Editor. MONTANA WILD LIFE, State Capitol Building, Helena, Montana. Please send MONTANA WILD LIFE to the following addresses for one year, beginning with the next issue after re- ceipt of this order. Check is enclosed to cover these subscriptions at $1 each: NAME Address NAME .: Address _ NAME Address NAME Address NAME Address MONTANA WILDLIFE Official Monthly Publication of the State Fish and Game Department Remarkable "New Artns CatuXozlj Fully Illustrated Largest Stock in V. S. _ American & Imported Arms & Ammunition A. F. STOEGER, Inc. OltUst Exclusive Gun Mouse in America 509 Fifth Ave. (at 42nd St.), New York Page Fifteen Sec. 435%, P. L. & R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Helena, Montana Permit No. 27 TAMA ivi •WHILB MFB Montana s Big Game Kill During 1931 STATISTICS compiled at headquarters of the State Fish and Game Department from report cards returned in compliance with law by big game hunters of Montana, show that 8,649 deer and 1,662 elk were killed in 1931— and there are more than 10,000 delinquent .sportsmen yet to be heard from. The law requires that the report card at- tached to big game licenses be returned to the department by January 1, 1932, whether or not any game has been bagged. Failure to do do makes the license holder guilt/ o£ a misdemeanor and punishable in court. Statistics pub- lished on this page are incomplete for the season because of failure of hunters to return the report cards. They are complete, however, for all cards received by the department up to January 25. The entire headquarters staff has been engaged for a month in sorting, filing and tabulating more than 17,000 cards received. Figures showing the amazing kill thus far in 19,''>1 show that approximately 800 tons of deer and elk meat has been bagged to feed Montana families. Considering that an aver- age deer weighs 12.5 pounds and an average elk 300 pounds, the total means 1.081,125 pounds of venison and 498,600 pounds of elk or a total of 1,579.725 pounds. At an average price of a dime a pound this meat has a value of $157,972. Range conditions shown in the following tabulation were taken only from the cards where a kill was reported. In many cases hunters were doubtful regarding the location of their kill on a forest reserve, while in other cases all the blanks carried on the cards were not properly filled out. This is the first year in the history of the department when an official count has been made possible and in- formation contained in this vast census is highly informa- tive. Thus far, 7,340 hunters have reported no kills as against a total of 10,311 carcasses of deer and elk taken from the woods. Beaverhead Big Horn Broadwater Cascade Deer Lodge Flathead Gallatin Granite Jefferson Judith Ba.sin Lake Lewis and Clark- Lincoln — Madison Meagher Mineral - Missoula Park -- Powell - Ravalli Sanders Silver Bow Stillwater — . Sweet Grass Teton Wheatland Glacier Golden Valley Total No. Killed.... 6,438 2,211 DEER ELK RANGE FOREST Bucks Does Bulls Cows Good Fair Poor Sheeped r\^ Off Ofl 105 60 30 7 5 81 18 8 3 2 3 1 8 154 69 26 21 124 27 168 59 35 38 10 96 52 64 22 17 10 1 47 7 617 684 215 75 1,458 358 154 42 1,137 781 174 125 75 226 52 41 7 297 24 210 31 42 134 71 44 8 208 192 145 55 44 32 5 99 31 237 89 70 48 24 194 22 199 142 220 62 20 5 158 125 488 133 96 242 189 166 60 431 173 1,294 652 1,146 353 137 52 1,134 506 131 9 14 82 33 21 9 113 26 319 3 - 13 140 92 50 35 261 31 426 361 8 10 423 147 45 30 325 132 471 19 19 302 123 45 18 265 160 148 160 124 227 95 43 12 291 74 211 62 50 170 58 50 20 208 76 223 125 66 51 175 127 73 56 354 62 447 .247 36 43 385 166 99 70 515 137 36 22 9 8 29 3 47 35 11 3 5 46 5 71 39 12 11 2 53 11 38 42 15 19 37 9 72 3 29 ..^... 14 8 1 2 27 1 o 4 1 1 3 2 3 3 8 1 905 757 5,819 2,210 1,221 490 6,569 2,690 Page Sixteen