WRBUft RESEARCH SECTION RSH AND SAM! BUIIDING, M.S.U. BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715 SI Itit £m WMfi Summer 1964 c: Montana Fish and Game Department Official Publication Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Montana State Library http://www.archive.org/details/montanawildlifesum1964mont STATE OF MONTANA Governor — Tim Babcock Montana Fish and Game Commission CHAIRMAN V. CHAIRMAN MEMBERS DIRECTOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR INFORMATION- EDUCATION FISHERIES MANAGEMENT GAME MANAGEMENT RECREATION & LANDS DEVELOPMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT CHIEF CLERK W. E. Staves, Poison John T. Hanson, Sr., Malta E. G. Leipheimer, Jr., Butte Lyle H. Tauck, Hammond Robert H. Weintz, Great Falls Department Frank H. Dunkle Keith A. Freseman Division Chiefs Lloyd Casagranda Arthur Whitney Wynn Freeman Robert Cooney Orville Lewis Bob Turnbull Cover Picture (Photo by Eldon Smith; Picturesque beargrass of the Rocky Mountains graces high alpine meadows. The nodding fields of fluffy blossoms are to many the most striking flowers of western mountains. Beargrass blossoms out around July in Mon- tana. It does not bloom profusely each year. SUBSCRIBERS— Please inform us when you have a change of address, otherwise your name will be removed from our mailing list. Editor — Vernon Craig REPORT OF BIENNIAL ACTIVITIES— May 1962 -April 1964 CONTENTS Administration 2 Recommended Legislation 3 Information-Education 6 Game Management 8 Recreation and Lands Development 14 Statistical Section 17 Fisheries - 18 Law Enforcement 26 Financial Report 29 Cover Photo by Eldon Smith ADMINISTRATION The Montana Fish and Game Department has realigned its administrative structure for more efficiency. A district supervisory system is now in effect. For convenience, the state has been sub-divided into seven districts with head- quarters in Kalispell (District 1); Missoula (Dis- trict 2); Bozeman (District 3); Great Falls (Dis- trict 4); Billings (District 5); Glasgow (District 6), and Miles City (District 7). Each supervisor has day to day supervision of all persons assigned to his district and is re- sponsible solely to the Department Director or, in his absence, the Deputy Director. Previously, there was no single authority in a district. A staff made joint decisions on the district level as well as joint recommendations to the direc- tor. Division chiefs compose the director's staff. With realignment, there has also been a change in the function of this staff. It will plan, co- ordinate, and budget for various activities of the department under direct supervision of the director. District supervisory personnel will see that programs planned by the staff and approved by the director are carried out. A new Division, Recreation and Lands De- velopment, was necessitated by a growing need for planned access to hunting, fishing and other recreation areas. 55 1 — Commission Chairman W. E. Staves 2 — Vice Chairman John T. Hanson 3 — Commission Member E. G. Leipheimer, Jr. 4 — Commission Member Lyle H. Tauck 5 — Commission Member Robert H. Weintz 6 — Department Director Frank H. Dunkle 7 — Deputy Director Keith A. Freseman ORGANIZATION CHART DATA PROCESSING STATISTICIAN z J -PEClAi J SERVICES I [_ OEPim director CHIEF INFORMATION EDUCATE ASST CHttf | INFORMATION EDUCATION | INFORMATION J L EDUCATION ASSISTANT WAIIS AND HUNTER . Al : 1 ■ photograph t DUFIiCATinC H MAII SERVICES HSPECPA1 SERVICES p MECHANIC* SHOP c tEGAi COUNSEI CHIEF Of IAW ENFORCEMENT iQlOCiST h 3HUTION I ' ■■■ . I PIES J SWEBINTENDtNT in; SEVEN 0IS7PICTS / I I \ \ \ DISTRICT SUPERVISOR DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICER HATCHEHES RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION Stream Conservation Law The Stream Conservation Law passed in 1963 will expire June 30, 1965 unless action is taken to insure its perpetuation. This important legislation provides a measure of legal con- sideration for trout streams and a means of re- solving inter-agency differences that may re- sult from overlapping responsibilities. The Fish and Game Commission is obli- gated to perpetuate a stream fishery. In order to provide sport fish, it follows that the neces- sities for fish growth and reproduction must first be present. High on the list of necessities are certain physical qualities of natural stream channels — such things as bank cover, under- cut banks, proper distribution of pools and rif- fles, and the associated bends or meanders. Conversely, construction and hydraulic proj- ects often change or deteriorate streams so they will no longer support or rear sport fish. This presents a sharp conflict of interests and an ob- vious overlap of responsibilities. The Stream Conservation Law set up to take care of such problems provides first that pre- liminary plans for projects that may affect fish- ing streams must be submitted to the Fish and Game Commission prior to the beginning of construction. The Commission then reviews the plans and advises the applicant as to whether or not the project will adversely affect the fish- eries potential of the stream. Alternatives may also be recommended. In the event there is an impasse between agencies in reaching mutual agreement, the problem may be turned over to a board of ar- bitration. The board, composed of a member from each agency and a third person mutually agreed upon by both agencies, hears testimony and renders a binding decision. Under the regulatory influence of the Stream Conservation Law, inter-agency problems have been resolved without arbitration. From July 1, 1963 through May 31, 1964, the Fish and Game Department has received 34 notices of con- struction projects affecting fishing streams, three from cities or counties and 31 from the Montana Highway Department. Two of the city-county projects were judged non-detrimental. The third was detrimental, but Physical requirements of fish are destroyed in manhandling of streams. fish and game recommendations to alleviate stream damage were followed. One of the 31 notices received from the Highway Department is in the process of evalu- ation at time of this writing, June 5, 1964. Of the other 30, the Department has recommended changes in 8 and no change in 22. Our reasons for not recommending changes in these 22 proj- ects were either: (1) the project caused minor damage to good fishing streams; (2) no reason- able alternative could be suggested; or (3) be- cause the project affected streams of minor im- portance. Seven of the 22 projects fell into the first category. Agreements were reached on five of the eight projects judged "detrimental". On one of these projects two bridges will be installed to save a long meander and boulders will be placed in a length of reworked channel; on three projects loss will be reduced by adding structures and improving access; and on the remaining project the road alignment will be changed to reduce encroachment. The Fish and Game Commission has recom- mended line changes to reduce or eliminate en- croachment for all three of the projects on which no agreement has been reached. No decision can be reached on two of these projects until the route of the railroad relocation, necessitated As use of recreational areas increases, problems of sanitation, safety, and protection of public property become more acute. by highway construction, has been determined. No mutually agreeable solution to the remain- ing project has been reached. The matter can be resolved quickly by arbitration if the con- structing agency notifies the Fish and Game Commission that it refuses to modify its plans as provided for under sections of the Stream Conservation Law. This law has not been a roadblock to stream- side construction — 73 percent of the projects submitted have been approved without change. This law does help us save our dwindling stream habitat — changes or mitigative meas- ures have been negotiated on 18 percent of the projects submitted. This law is workable — only 9 percent of the projects submitted were being held up as of June 1, 1964, and these can be re- solved any time the constructing agency de- sires by using the arbitration which is provided for in the law. The Fish and Game Commission feels that the Stream Conservation Law is a fair and workable instrument and recommends that it be given permanent status. Authority to Regulate Use of Fish and Game Lands With the ever-growing influx of recreation- ists seeking places to camp, hunt, fish, picnic, or otherwise use fish and game lands, there is a problem developing in controlling use of the areas. As it now exists, the Fish and Game De- partment does not have legal authority to set standards for safety or sanitation, or to direct routes of traffic. There is a pressing need for the commission to have regulatory powers that would afford proper control and coordination of various land uses. Such rules would be drafted and enforced in the interest of public health, public safety, and protection of public property. Standardize Fish Nomenclature — Include Paddlefish As Game Fish The latest nomenclature adopted by the American Fisheries Society in 1962 incorpo- rates all species of the family Thymallidae (grayling) and all species of the family Core- gonidae (whitefish) into the family Salmonidae (chars, trout and salmon). In the interest of standardizing the names on a national basis, the commission recommends that this change of nomenclature be adopted. jsjr! *** - -■■'. .: Jr jy f ^:. % M'"™ v ^ftfe ■e8Li5 During the past few years, the popular sport of "paddlefishing" has been rediscovered, espe- cially on the Yellowstone River. The paddlefish does not enjoy any measure of protection under its present status. The Mon- tana Fish and Game Commission recommends that all species of the genus Polyodon (pad- dlefish) be included as game fish so that the commission can legally establish limits com- mensurate to managing this sports fishery. Authority to Issue Special $20.00 Deer and Antelope Licenses Since 1955 the Legislature has granted au- thority to the Fish and Game Commission to issue $20.00 non-resident deer and $20.00 non- resident antelope licenses. The expiration date of present authorization is December 31, 1964. The issuing of twenty-dollar deer and ante- lope licenses has been a necessary means of managing animals in high concentration areas where resident hunting pressure is so light as to not adequately harvest the herds. Without this authority, deer and antelope in some of the eastern Montana areas cannot be properly harvested by residents and the severe use of natural forage would become a serious prob- lem. Excessive use of forage and crops on private lands can become a problem to land- owners. The commission recommends that authority be given for the continued issuance of twenty- dollar deer and antelope licenses. Marten An amendment to Section 26-321, Revised Codes of Montana, is proposed which would give the Fish and Game Commission authority to manage marten as they do other furbearers. The proposed amendment would place mar- ten in the same category as other Montana fur- bearers (exception beaver). It would eliminate all of the special detailed requirements of tag- ging, transporting and reporting which are pres- ently required. The commission feels that pres- ent restrictions have outlived their usefulness, and besides imposing an unnecessary burden upon trappers makes it difficult for the Fish and Game Department to establish a sound long-range management program for this na- tive furbearer. Place Beaver Under Commission Regulations Years ago when beaver were at a premium and there were no synthetic products to take the place of furs, trappers depleted beaver num- bers over much of the northwest. In Montana, certain laws were enacted to aid in a program to bring beaver back to abundance. For many years now, beaver have become reestablished statewide and have actually be- come a nuisance in many instances. Beaver no longer need the additional protection af- forded under some of the earlier laws. In fact, administration of the required complex permit system and payment of tagging fees by trap- pers imposes unnecessary work and expense for both the Fish and Game Department and trappers. Permits and the payment of tagging fees by trappers makes proper beaver manage- ment difficult in most areas of the state and im- possible in eastern Montana. Repeal of Section 26-401, Revised Codes of Montana, would place the authority to manage beaver with the Montana Fish and Game Com- mission in the same status as other furbearers. It would eliminate complex administrative pro- cedures and allow for more practical manage- ment. Residency More Clearly Defined One of the most frequent violations of fish and game laws is that of nonresidents purchas- ing resident hunting and fishing licenses. An amendment is proposed to Section 26-217, Re- vised Codes of Montana, so that there will be more clear definition of who may purchase resi- dent hunting and fishing licenses. This would be a big aid in promoting uniform enforcement throughout the state. Penalty for False Statement to Procure Licenses The commission recommends that the pen- alty for illegal purchase of resident licenses by aliens and non-residents be set at not less than $ 1C0. 00 An increase in the penalty would help to minimize false statements of residency in order to buy resident hunting and fishing li- censes. Information and education personnel assist in a number of fi=ld activities. This is part of a field trip group inspecting deer winter range. INFORMATION - EDUCATION Disseminating information pertinent to the proper management of fish and game is the principal task of the Information & Education Division. Whether the problem is the mainte- nance of a deer herd or the perpetuation of the state's nationally-known stream fishing, one item is continually stressed — the importance of preserving the habitat which satisfies the liv- ing requirements of wild animals. This recur- rent theme — the dependence of animals upon their environment — is becoming a familiar one to Montanans. It is basic to understanding the need for a variety of management programs varying from liberalized deer regulations to specific pieces of legislation such as the Stream Preservation Act. Many avenues of communication are em- ployed to satisfy the division's responsibilities. News Services News media, including newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, are the most important outlets for wide dissemination of fish and game information, especially when the in- formation is of immediate interest. As special news items arise, such as opening or closing of seasons, they are immediatley given to the wire services and to newspapers in the areas affected. Additional news bulletins are pre- pared as the need arises to keep license agents up to date on regulations. Newspaper features and magazines are further outlets for fish and game information. Mail Inquiries A lot of fish and game communications will always depend upon direct mail in answer to inquiries and requests. Because of the many thousand pieces of such mail each year, spe- cial bulletins and re-print materials have been prepared which satisfy most inquiries. Special requests and inquiries that require unusual in- formation must be given individual attention. District Representatives Information officers are presently assigned to five of the seven fish and game administra- tive districts. These are Great Falls, Billings, Kalispell, Bozeman and Missoula. These men are able to give more time to and become bet- ter acquainted with local situations than they would were they located in Helena. The de- partment is thus able to better serve sportsmen on the local level while still doing so in a co- ordinated manner. Assistance is given to other divisions in many ways. Talks illustrated with 35 mm slide series are presented to sportsmen, civic, and other organized groups. Slide series with scripts are made available to other personnel. Assistance is given also in various phases of field activities, such as aid in organizing and conducting field trips for the benefit of sports- men. All District Information Officers have firm biological backgrounds. Their work has prov- en an invaluable part of the overall I & E Pro- gram. Movies and Photography Next to actually being on the scene, no other media is as appealing or as effective as a good sound-movie. In fact, movies often have ad- vantage over actual experience since the ob- server can sit in comfort and safety while he looks at what may otherwise be a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. The film laboratory, besides doing a con- siderable amount of actual photography, is charged with putting together sound-tracking and duplicating film footage taken by other I. & E. personnel. These films are made available to schools, TV stations, sportsmen, and other interested groups through the fish and game film library. Hunter and Water Safety The administration of this program is the responsibility of the Information & Education Division. Though central administration is done by the I. & E. Division, the Enforcement Division has shouldered most of the field administration. Actual instruction of youngsters is given by non-department instructors. This dedicated group cf volunteer instructors serve without pay and have done an excellent job of giving re- qiured instruction to young hunters. On May 1, 1964 there were over 800 active hunter safety instructors. During the biennium covered by this report, 12,969 students have received certificates of competency. The Montana Board of Equalization is now responsible for licensing boats in Montana; however, the Fish and Game Department is still charged with maintaining equipment standards and publicizing water safety and regulations. Youth Education As America becomes more cognizant of the value in outdoor recreation, there is a corre- sponding demand by schools and youth or- ganizations for instruction in fish and game management. An Education Representative de- votes most of his time toward working with these groups, with youth camps and in teacher training. Wildlife Exhibit The Division is also in charge of a wildlife exhibit which attends as many of the county fairs each summer as is practicable. This live- animal exhibits has always been one of the most popular features of the fairs. It gives both the youngsters and adults a chance to see first-hand many of the game and non-game ani- mals that go to make up the natural fauna of Montana. ADULT EDUCATION The Fish and Game Department annually finances a program of adult education in co- operation with the Montana State University at Missoula and State College at Bozeman. The program calls for a series of educational lec- tures on wildlife and resource management to be presented in a number of Montana towns each year. As stated in the original agree- ment, the purpose of this program is to "develop a better understanding of advanced manage- ment cf the natural resource base to the end that a more favorable environment for wildlife species may be attained and maintained." Besides conducting regular forums, the Wild- life Extensionists work with sportsmens groups, civic groups, schools, youth groups, and co- operate with the department in other education programs as time permits. Game managers attempt to provide the maximum opportunity to hunt game birds and animals consistent with the welfare of the resource. (Photo by Eldon Smith) GAME MANAGEMENT Wild game on all lands and waters of Mon- tana is the property of the State and as such, belongs to all of the people of the State. The State Fish and Game Commission is charged with the responsibility of perpetuating the game resource for the people of Montana through sound game management practices. The major objectives of the game manage- ment program in the State of Montana do not change from year to year. During the bien- nium, we have continued to operate under the principle that we should provide the maximum opportunity to hunt game birds and animals consistent with the welfare of the resource. The program of providing this maximum hunting opportunity is based on the information ob- tained from forage surveys, population surveys, harvest surveys and research. Montana's progressive management pro- gram, which is based on factual information concerning the animals and their habitat, is providing sportsmen a maximum of recreational opportunity. Many sportsmen have partici- pated in the recreation of hunting nine big game species. A Montana big game harvest of 162,710 animals in 1962 decreased somewhat in 1963 to 154,890 animals. The greatest con- tribution to the statewide harvest was deer. The harvest of this species averaged 122,514 during the past biennium compared to 126,303 deer taken during the 19*?0-61 biennium. A high take of more than 120,000 deer, however, is being maintained in the State. Fluctuations in harvest can be expected due to variable hunting season weather, season regulations and other factors. A five-year record of big game harvest is given for the State. Hunting success has rated generally high for each of the species involved. The harvest of upland game birds increased during the biennium and a record high harvest of 727,749 birds of nine species was achieved in 1963. The waterfowl harvest of both ducks and geese also increased during the biennium. A five-year summary of the estimated game bird and waterfowl harvests is given to indi- cate trends of small game take by hunters. The game harvest in Montana has continued at a reasonably high level. Montana still con- tinues at an increasing rate to produce trophy heads of big game in the Boone and Crockett Club records of North America. During the biennium (1963) a typical white-tailed deer was taken in Flathead County which should rank third in the records of all North American heads of this class. A non-typical white-tailed deer was also taken in Flathead County in 1961 which should rank seventh. 8 MONTANA BIG GAME HARVEST— STATEWIDE' 1959 - 1963 YEAR Elk Deer Moose Sheep Limited Unlimited Goat Limited Unlimited Antelope Bear 1963 No. Hunters 66,622 124,831 No. Killed 11,050 119,300 Percent Success ... . 17 96 Permits Issued 1962 No. Hunters 69,714 126,740 No. Killed 12,231 125,729 Percent Success .... 18 99 Permits Issued 1961 No. Hunters 61,470 125,011 No. Killed 15,471 129,107 Percent Success .... 25 103 Permits Issued 1960 No. Hunters 56,320 122,486 No. Killed 10,140 123,500 Percent Success .... 18 101 Permits Issued 1959 No. Hunters 69,055 119,874 No. Killed 15,271 120,295 Percent Success .. 22 100 Permits Issued 783 72 400 420 878 27,907 28,010 587 46 36 217 296 22,238 1,121 75 64 9 52 34 80 4 821 80 518 493 1,098 31,346 .... 811 93 271 394 712 29,026 29,815 612 57 23 245 236 22,937 1,407 76 62 9 62 33 79 5 836 95 361 470 876 32,164 .... 610 71 187 359 494 24,337 27,723 527 49 23 137 191 19,278 1,872 86 69 12 53 28 79 7 630 81 302 452 654 27,103 .... 535 69 243 330 662 18,853 25,402 441 42 13 198 209 14,981 1,494 82 61 5 60 32 79 6 553 74 339 410 791 20,820 .... 479 57 212 274 694 19,402 406 41 23 137 74 15,658 .... 85 72 11 50 11 81 .... 505 60 267 345 858 21,148 .... Determined by mail survey. Prior records indicate a typical mule deer taken from Treasure County ranks about for- tieth in a list of more than 200 records. A non- typical mule deer came from Madison County in 1961 which should rank twelfth in the records book. Montana has three high ranking elk or wapiti heads. The Madison County bull taken in 1958 is in third place. The biennium pro- duced two heads, ranking fifth from Mineral County and a sixth place tie taken from Car- bon County. A moose killed in Ravalli County prior to 1957 should rank sixth in the North American records. Two bighorn sheep from the Sun River herd in Lewis and Clark and Teton Counties produced heads which should be a ninth place tie and a thirty-first place tie from more than 100 entries in the sheep records of North America. More hunters go out after deer than any other of our species of big game. Deer produc- tion, and in turn the annual surplus crop avail- able for hunting, depends on forage conditions on critical seasonal ranges. Many winter ranges of deer in Montana have poor forage conditions. These areas will require reduction of deer or maintenance of low deer populations over a period of years to allow forage regenera- tion and recovery. The Montana deer management program objective is to adjust deer numbers to available forage supplies on critical seasonal range. Al- though reduction of deer numbers has been ac- complished in some areas, the recovery of HtmV Checking stations provide harvest information as well as important biological inlormation. MONTANA UPLAND GAME BIRD AND WATERFOWL HARVEST— STATEWIDE1 1959 - 1963 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 Number Class-A Licenses (Bird and Fish) Sold 184,773 Number Upland Game Bird Hunters 70,472 Native Game Birds Sharp-tailed grouse 35,664 Sage hens 23,150 Ruffed grouse 32,941 Blue grouse 28,928 Spruce grouse 12,642 Exotic Game Birds Pheasants 174,882 Hungarian partridge 41,941 Turkeys 375 Chukar partridge 192 Unknown species 959 Total Game Birds 351,299 Game Birds per hunter 5 Number Waterfowl Hunters 21,082 Ducks 120,167 Geese 5,908 186,969 185,714 188,900 195,847 71,860 59,213 74,798 86,262 37,918 36,270 31,826 85,363 33,876 27,364 32,572 72,362 44,403 72,772 85,642 60,731 51,646 50,616 58,996 53,229 26,070 27,364 37,832 31,807 157,192 169,351 190,331 309,807 49,435 37,469 45,290 111,486 193 409 370 993 644 838 1,975 2,964 990 696 3,063 402,164 432,394 487,527 727,749 6 7 7 8 21,182 20,493 17,002 23,451 97,225 147,165 100,147 190,429 4,276 10,433 14,675 19,613 1 Determined by mail survey. 10 f The objective oi deer management is to adiust deer num- bers to available forage on critical seasonal range. deer forage has not been generally satisfactory to date. The largest, healthiest and most pro- ductive deer are found where food supplies are adequate and hunter harvest keeps deer in balance with available forage. The elk is probably the most popular big game animal in Montana. Hunters will expend considerable effort and time and expense in hunting this large deer. It is now well distrib- uted throughout the mountainous portions of the State and even in certain parts of the Mis- souri River Breaks. The elk has expanded its range during the past 20 years through growth of native herds and reproduction of transplanted elk. The spe- cies is highly adaptable in food habits and dominates deer when competition for range exists. The animal now occurs on all suitable range of the State. Future elk seasons may have to be more restrictive in the accessible ranges where hunt- ers tend to concentrate. Proper management of this big game animal will require herd reduc- tions in some locations to perpetuate its forage supply. The properly managed elk herd will thrive on good range and provide continued high quality recreation. The elk management program is designed to produce maximum numbers for hunting, that are compatible to forage supplies and other land uses. During the biennium, weather and habitat conditions have proved ideal for the produc- tion of the various species of bird life that are hunted throughout the State of Montana. Cer- tain of the grouse species have returned to Montana in numbers that were thought at one time to be impossible to achieve. This was done in the face of providing reasonable hunt- ing opportunity on these birds during the en- tire period that they were recovering from a low in their population cycle. Bird hunting is becoming an ever increasingly popular sport. The Montana Fish and Game Commission will continue to provide the maximum recreational opportunity in this field. It is felt that game bird hunting is one sport where the entire family can go into the fields as a unit. Research is the key to future game manage- ment programs and progress toward better un- derstanding of wildlife problems. Research re- sults cannot be adequately summarized but reports are published and available to indicate the scope and findings of the work accom- plished during the biennium. Small game research included studies of the Merriam's turkey in Montana, sharp-tailed grouse and blue grouse ecology, and the effects of spraying on this species in the forests of western Montana. Blue grouse life history stud- ies indicated surprising production of this spe- cies and resulted in more liberal seasons to more fully utilize the annual production of this bird, as well as other mountain grouse species. Radiotelemetry was used to increase the effectiveness of sharp-tailed grouse population and ecologic studies in north central Montana. Land use practices, such as grazing and agri- culture, have been found to greatly affect pro- duction and survival of sharptcril populations. Big game research continued on the Sun River elk herd, Gallatin elk herd, moose in southwestern Montana, deer in the Missouri Breaks and black bear in northwestern Mon- tana. Studies revealed the disproportionate har- vest of segments of the Sun River elk herd which may contribute to the lower production found in that herd. The Gallatin elk range con- ditions continued to deteriorate and the need to maintain a lower elk population was con- firmed. Deer populations in the Missouri Breaks were found to fluctuate in response to critical forage conditions. 11 The black bear study revealed a surpris- ingly large bear population and low bear har- vests which need to be increased in western Montana. Increased black bear harvests can be achieved by revision of present laws re- stricting the hunting of black bear. The big game transplanting program has been largely restricted to the effort made by the Commission in transplanting elk from the Yellowstone National Park to the State of Mon- tana, in cooperation with the Park elk control program. A total of 293 elk were transplanted into Montana during the winter of 1963 and 518 elk were released in 1964. Nearly all suitable elk habitat in Montana has established elk herds at the present time. The transplanted elk have generally been used to supplement native herds or formerly trans- planted elk. During the past biennium a plant of sheep was made in the Sheep Creek area of Meagher County. A sheep plant of stock from the Na- tional Bison Range was also made near Lake Blaine in the Flathead Range of Flathead County. Supplemental plants of sheep were also made near Rexford, Lincoln County and in the West Gallatin area. The Montana Department has continued the program of introducing Merriam's wild tur- keys into all suitable habitat of the State. A total of 138 turkeys were transplanted during the past biennium in Chouteau, Fergus, Judith Basin, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Min- eral and Stillwater Counties. These plants have nearly completed the distribution of turkeys throughout Montana's suitable habitat area. The game farm at Warm Springs was op- erated during the past biennium and produced pheasants at maximum capacity for introduc- tion into the various areas of the State. The primary basis for which this game farm is op- erated is to supply birds for areas meeting with natural disasters that severely reduced the native populations. In years without natural disaster the birds are released in heavily hunted areas prior to season openings to make maximum utilization of the annual farm pro- duction. i * *» . . a ~ ■-- 12 A radio transmitter collar is being placed on this elk for research purposes. The device with an antenna is for tuning and a final check on the transmitter. Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit The Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit was established at Montana State Univer- sity on February 8, 1950. It is operated through a coordinating committee with representatives from the State Fish and Game Department, State University and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Two new investigations were initiated by Unit personnel during this period. One study delves into the ecology of the Golden Eagle while the other is concerned with movements of the Northern Yellowstone Elk Herd. Research Projects* Several research projects have been completed, and the following are in progress: Aging of Fishers and Analysis of Reproductive Systems Continuing An Ecological Study of the Grizzly Bear Continuing A Physiological and Anatomical study of Bighorn Sheep Continuing Big Game Harvest Analysis Continuing Bighorn Sheep Population Study Continuing Ecology of the Golden Eagle New Economics of Wildlife Production on Private Lands Continuing Elk Migration Study, Yellowstone National Park New Factors Influencing Horn Growth in Pronghorn Antelope Continuing Motion Pictures of Unit Activities Continuing PoDulation Study of Canada Geese in the Flathead Valley Continuing Quantitative Aspects of Raptor Predation Continuing River Classification and Evaluation Continuing Seasonal Condition of Mule Deer Continuing Study of Alpine Ecology in the Northern Rocky Mountains Continuing Systematics of Blue Grouse in Northwestern Montana Continuing 'Completed projects have been reported on in journals or theses, and in addition, segments of some continuing projects have been published. 13 RECREATION AND LANDS DEVELOPMENT The Montana Fish and Game Commission established a new division in the Department's organizational structure during the fall of 1963. A Division of Recreation and Lands Develop- ment was set up to carry out the various func- tions of this expanded program. One of the most important immediate ob- jectives was determined to be the preparation of a state-wide recreation plan. Such a plan will act as a guide to the complete and orderly- development of Montana's outdoor recreation potential. This plan will include a complete inventory of the state's recreation facilities. It will further determine the present and pro- jected needs for recreation, both for Montana residents and out-of-state visitors. Finally, it will list an action program by which present and future needs will be met. All state agen- cies with recreational responsibilities will be involved in the preparation of this coordinated plan. The Department's new division is directly responsible for the development and mainte- nance of recreational facilities at fishing access sites on lakes, streams, and rivers. It is further responsible for the construction of such facili- ties, where appropriate, on state owned and controlled game ranges and waterfowl man- agement areas. These developments consist of the estab- lishment of necessary sanitary facilities and also cattle guards, boundary fences, picnic ta- bles and fireplaces. In this way, public access to key fishing and hunting areas will be as- sured and participation in these especially im- portant forms of outdoor recreation will be greatly enhanced. By proclamation of the Governor on April 1, 1964, the Montana Fish and Game Commis- sion was designated as the primary recreation agency for the State of Montana. This appoint- ment represented a clarification of responsibility in this rapidly expanding natural resources field. It also emphasized coordination among state agencies in planning and carrying out recreation developments. The assignment in addition created a focal point of coordination between state and federal, and state and pri- vate recreational planning and programs. At the submission of this report, the Montana Fish and Game Commission has acquired 73 fishing access sites. These have been care- fully selected on and adjacent to important fish- ing waters. In addition, 25 excellent recreation areas have been determined to be available for development on presently existing game ranges and wildlife management areas. De- tailed development plans are being prepared for all of these areas. This program includes the installation of necessary sanitary facilities, as well as basic recreational developments. The following list of fishing access sites and game ranges and wildlife management areas is included in the Department's recreational de- velopment plan: (These are listed by name, county, and administrative district) 14 MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION SITES PRESENTING IMPORTANT OUTDOOR RECREATION POTENTIAL DISTRICT 1 Headquarters — Kalispell Lake Access — 19 NAME COUNTY 1. Blanchard Lake Flathead 2. Boot Jack Lake Flathead 3. Carpenter Lake Lincoln 4. Crystal Lake Lincoln 5. Ducharme (Flathead Lake) Lake 6. Hey Greig Purchase at Big Fork (Flathead Lake) Flathead 7. Grinde Purchase (Flathead Lake) Lake 8. Kila or Smith Lake Flathead 9. Lake Mary Ronan Lake 10. Loon Lake — Flathead 11. Loon & Horseshoe Lake Lincoln 12. Marl Lake Lincoln 13. Noxon Rapids Sanders 14. Savage Lake Lincoln 15. Skyles Lake Flathead 16. Sophie Lake Lincoln 17. Tetrault Lake Lincoln 18. Woods Bay (Flathead Lake) Lake 19. Ashley Lake Flathead Stream Access — 3 1 . Flathead River (Holt Bridge) Flathead 2. Whitefish River Flathead 3. Flathead River (Old Steel Bridge) Flathead Other — 5 1. Bowser Lake Game Range Flathead 2. Flathead Goose Islands Lake 3. Mary Ronan (Spawn Site) Lake 4. Pablo Management Area Lake 5. Ninepipe Management Area Lake DISTRICT 2 Headquarters — Missoula Lake Access — 1 1. Upsata Lake Powell Stream Access — 3 1. Tamarack Gulch (Rock Creek) Granite 2. Welcome Creek (Rock Creek) Granite 3. Marlowe Springs Lake Other — 5 NAME COUNTY 1. Anaconda Hatchery Deer Lodge 2. Arlee Hatchery Lake 3. Blackfoot-Clearwater Game Range..... Powell & Missoula 4. Bitterroot Game Range Ravalli 5. Warm Springs Game Farm Deer Lodge DISTRICT 3 Headquarters — Bozeman Lake Access — 8 Brown's Lake Beaverhead Dailey Lake Park Harrison Lake (Willow Creek Res.) Madison Meadow Lake (Ennis Lake) Madison Park Lake Jefferson Red Rock Lake Beaverhead Tizer Lake Jefferson Bozeman Headquarters Gallatin Stream Access — 14 Burnt Tree Hole Madison Cardwell Madison Eight Mile Ford Madison Ennis Madison Emigrant Park Grey Cliff Gallatin Jefferson River Gallatin Mallards Rest Park Paradise Park Parrot Castle Jefferson Sheep Mountain Park Valley Garden Madison Varney Bridge Madison Big Hole River Beaverhead Other — 5 1. Fleecer Mountain Game Range Silver Bow 2. Gallatin Game Range Gallatin 3. _ Madison-Bear Creek Game Range Madison 4. Madison-Wall Creek Game Range Madison 5. Canyon Ferry Reservoir Broadwater 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15 DISTRICT 4 Headquarters — Great Falls Lake Access — 5 NAME COUNTY 1. Arod (Brady Lake) Pondera 2. Ackley Lake Judith Basin 3. Carter Pond (Upper) Fergus 4. Carter Pond (Lower) Fergus 5. Bean's Lake Lewis & Clark Stream Access — 1 1. Smith River Meagher Other — 6 1. Freezout Lake Teton 2. Great Falls Hatchery Cascade 3. Judith River Game Range Judith Basin 4. Lewistown Hatchery Fergus 5. Sun River Game Range Lewis & Clark 6. Tiber Reservoir ....Toole & Liberty DISTRICT 5 Headquarters — Billings Lake Access — 1 1. Broadview Pond Yellowstone Stream Access — 11 1 . Absorka Stillwater 2. Aspen Park Carbon 3. Beaver Lodge Carbon 4. Buffalo Jump Stillwater 5. Bull Springs Carbon 6. Columbus Stillwater 7. Horse Chief Station Carbon 8. Rosebud Isle Stillwater 9. Sweetgrass Canyon Sweetgrass 10. Swinging Bridge Stillwater 11. Water Birch Carbon COUNTY ....Carbon Other NAME 1. Bluewater Hatchery DISTRICT 6 Headquarters — Glasgow Lake Access — 4 1. Bear Paw Lake Hill 2. Cole Ponds Phillips 3. Fort Peck Dredge Cuts Valley 4. Whitetail Reservoir Daniels Stream Access — None Other — 2 1. Fox Lake Waterfowl Area Richland 2. Sleeping Buffalo Phillips DISTRICT 7 Headquarters — Miles City Lake Access 3 1. Johnson Reservoir Dawson 2. Miles City Fish Pond (Branum Pond) Custer 3. Rush Hall Pond Fallon Stream Access — None Other — 1 1. Miles City Headquarters Custer Development work is currently being car- ried out at the following areas, which are in- cluded in the complete list of sites. It is planned that, as funds become avail- able, the remainder of the areas will be de- veloped to their potential in regard to recrea- tion. This should represent an important con- tribution to the state's over-all Outdoor Recrea- tion program. PRESENT DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING ACCESS SITES Bean's Lake (Augusta Area) Brown's Lake (Glen Area) 4 latrines 1 well and pump cleanup 6 tables 10 garbage containers 1 mile fence 2 latrines 6 fireplaces 10 tables 1 boat launching ramp 10 fireplaces 6 garba9e containers 1 sign 1 sign 4 cattle guards Vi mile road work 16 Sheep Mountain (Yellowstone River — near Livingston) 2 latrines V* mile road 4 garbage containers 1 acre cleared 4 tables 1 sign 4 fireplaces V2 mile of fence 1 bridge Ennis (Madison River) 2 latrines 6 garbage containers 6 tables 6 fireplaces Drinking Water (Provisions For) Riprapping — river's edge Castle Rock (Stillwater River) 2 latrines 1 bridge 4 garbage containers road grading 4 tables 1 cattle guard 4 fireplaces Blanchard Lake (Whitefish Area) 2 latrines 2 garbage containers 3,200 linear feet of road 1 boat launching ramp 3 tables 3 fireplaces Harper Lake (Blackfoot-Clearwater) 2 latrines 2 fireplaces 1 garbage container 1 sign 1 table Bear Paw Lake (Havre Area) 1 latrine 1 well 20 garbage containers 4 interior signs 15 tables 1 incinerator 28 fireplaces 1 bonfire circle 2V2 miles fencing 2 boat docks 2 cattle guards 3 shelters 1 entrance sign 15 parking barriers Necessary maintenance is an especially im- portant part of the Department's outdoor rec- reation development program. It is expected that arrangements will be made, following the completion of each area's development, for a system of continuous maintenance. STATISTICAL SECTION The operations of the Montana Fish and Game Department are based on the best infor- mation available. During the past two years over one million dollars was spent for fact finding. The purpose of these expenditures was to maintain or increase the recreational potential of Montana by knowing what is hap- pening to fish and wildlife. The statistical section works with all di- visions to increase efficiency in fact gathering. Annual surveys are conducted by mail questionnaires which give the Department an estimate of harvest of upland game birds, wa- terfowl, big game, furbearers and fish. A great deal of information is obtained that aids in management. The production of this informa- tion is being implemented by having data analyzed on high speed electronic computers. In this way, the data is available to the De- partment and the public as soon after a hunt- ing season as possible. To further reduce the costs of collecting in- formation and to implement its becoming a part of fish and game management, the Sta- tistical Section was instrumental in the design of the new license system. This system, the first major license change in several decades, saved the Department several thousands of dollars in forms costs the first year. It will pro- vide a licensing system that will insure quicker, cheaper information to the game, fish and en- forcement divisions. Montana's wildlife and fish habitat is under- going increased evaluation. The economic evaluation of stream destruction, the use of range by game animals and domestic livestock, the effects of overpopulation of big game have all been large research problems which have occupied the services of the Statistical Section. Fisheries studies on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Flathead Lake, and Rock Creek near Missoula represent large full scale studies that can only be covered economically by sampling and sta- tistical analysis. These projects have meant a maximum amount of data at the earliest possible time at the cheapest cost. The goals provide new in- sights into the management of resources and more information that will help maintain a rec- reational resource. 17 p* . FISHERIES Montana is truly a great fishing state. Her trout streams are unexcelled. A few years ago 450 top American sport fishing experts completed a 4-year survey and selected the 100 best trout streams in the country. Twelve of the 100 were in Montana, and the Madison River was named as the nation's number one trout stream. Each year trout from Montana waters receive honors in a fishing contest conducted by a national sports magazine. Although best known for trout, Montana has good bass, walleye, sauger, kokanee, northern pike, paddle fish and whitefish fishing as well. Grayling are more numerous here than in any other state except Alaska. Fish Habitat Preservation In working to perpetuate this valuable re- source, Montana fisheries biologists are among leaders in the nation on studies and action programs to protect trout habitat in streams. Habitat is the natural abode or home of an ani- mal. An animal, species or community of ani- mals can be destroyed as surely by subtle changes in habitat as by annihilation with poi- son. Habitat is the key to wildlife abundance. During the biennium a study on the effect of silt on trout streams was completed. It showed that large sediment concentrations in a stream are disasterous to trout production. In Bluewater Creek, Carbon County, large sedi- ment concentrations practically eliminated in- sects important as trout food, eliminated trout reproduction, and in turn the trout population. Grayling eggs and kokanee eggs fared no bet- ter than rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout eggs; however, sucker eggs were able to with- stand sediment with little loss. Since 1957 the Department has assigned a fisheries biologist to the position of Pollution Control Biologist. During the biennium he has investigated water quality and pollution prob- lems on various streams of the State. This in- cluded a study of the effects of aerial applica- tion of DDT near Boulder, Montana by the U. S. Forest Service. Dead fish, mostly trout, were recovered from waters in this area and dead frogs were reported in a pond. Large numbers of aquatic insects (fish food) were killed in the streams and complete insects kills occurred in some stream sections. Sampling one year af- ter the spraying indicated that the aquatic in- sect population has substantially recovered with the exception of caddis flies at some sta- tions. A department-supported doctoral thesis, THE EFFECT OF DDT ON COLD WATER FISH AND FISH FOOD ORGANISMS, was completed during the biennium. Among other findings, delayed mortality occurred during a six-month observation period in all species of fish treated with DDT. Aquatic insects in a test stream were reduced 99 percent following application of DDT at one pound per acre (the rate then 18 Fort Peck Dam Dredge cut. (Photo by U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) used in Montana forest spraying against spruce budworm) and required 18 months to regain pre-treatment numbers. During 1962, thirteen Montana trout streams were surveyed to measure the amount of stream channel alterations and to determine the parties responsible for the alterations. The streams were chosen so as to cover all areas of the state. It was found: 1. One-third of the total length of the streams surveyed (250 of 768 miles) had been altered from their natural condi- tion. 2. There were nearly three alterations per stream mile and the average length of a stream alteration was 664 feet. 3. The most serious loss to fish production was nearly a 10 percent decrease in the natural length of stream channel. 4. There were over bVz times as many catchable-sized trout and nearly 10 times as many whitefish censused in natural channels as in the altered channels. A booklet describing the survey and its re- sults was published by the department. It was acclaimed by Oscar Godbout in THE NEW YORK TIMES (April 21, 1964) "one of the most impressive pieces of documentation of damage this writer has ever seen". The 1963 legislature passed the Stream Conservation Law whereby protection and preservation of fish and game resources, par- ticularly fishing waters, was declared to be a policy of the state. The law provides that agen- cies or subdivisions of the state government shall give the Fish and Game Commission ad- vance notice of projects affecting stream chan- nels. The Fish and Game Department reviews plans for such projects and, if damage will oc- cur to fish or game habitat, the commission makes recommendations to evade or minimize the damage. The law also provides for arbitra- tion if agreement cannot be reached between the Fish and Game Commission and the con- structing agency. Construction of Fishing Lakes During the biennium the department built a dike across the dredge cut which was dug when Fort Peck Dam was built. The dike iso- lates a 65-acre lake which has been chemically treated to eliminate non-game fish and re- planted with trout. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers cooperated in this project. The department gave financial assistance to other organizations and agencies in the fol- lowing projects involving public fishing lakes: Increasing depth of 12-acre combination stockwater pond on Rush Hall ranch near Baker, Montana to make it suitable for fish- life. 19 Construction of 10-acre pond in Hollecker Recreation Park at Glendive, Montana. Construction of 92-acre reservoir on Box Elder Creek watershed at Plentywood, Mon- tana. Enlarging Gartside Lake at Sidney, Mon- tana to 40 acres and improving spillway. Enlarging Snowbank Lake at Lincoln, Montana to 6V2 acres. PUBLIC FISHING ACCESS SITES Public fishing access sites were obtained on the following waters: Water County No. of sites Marl Lake .Lincoln 1 Loon Lake Lincoln 1 Whitetail Res Daniels 2.. Carters Ponds -Fergus 1 Browns Lake Beaverhead 1 Rock Creek Granite 1 Flathead Lake .Flathead 2 Jefferson River Jefferson & Madison 2 Smith Lake .Flathead 1 Beans Lake Lewis