Montana Stale Library
3 0864 1006 2651 7
NO U ^
L rr OF
MONTANA
FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION
fib
No..„J/JL„
LIBRARY
GLAGIEO I
APRIL - JUNE - 19U8
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
Montana State Library
http://archive.org/details/quarterlyreport01mont
INDEX
Page
L/XVXSXOn I GrSOnX10_Lo oooo*oeoa«o««e«o«O0Ooo»o# -L
J.. n"GlTO O.UC L> lOri oooooo66«oeo«9*oeooooooo0O«** J)
1-R Surveys and Investigations - Western Montana
Kootenai Unit;
Lincoln County Game Survey, 19U7-19U3. . U
Swan-Blackfoot Units
Big Blackfoot-Clearwater Winter Survey, 19U7-19U8 56
Garnet Range-Rock Creek Big Game Survey, 19U7-19U8 89
Absaroka Unit;
Northern Yellowstone Elk Herd Cooperative Count. • • 117
Big Belt-Boulder Unit;
Jim Ball Basin Elk Range Investigations. • 121
Clark Fork Units
Inspection of the Cherry Creek Game Preserve . 125
Deerlodge Units
. Special Elk Season Investigation. ...... ........ 127
Wise River- Big Hole Moose Report 133
Flathe ad-Sun River Units
Early Spring Inspection of South Fork of Flathead . ll±0
Aerial Reconnaissance of Mountain Goats and Elk 160
Sun River Guides and Packers Association Meeting 165
Gallatin Units
Land Lease Investigation (B. A. Black Property) 169
Madison-Ruby Unit:
Willow Creek Antelope Investigation. ...... 173
Antelope Census in Beaverhead and Madison Counties 176
Ruby River Deer Investigations 185
Blackball Creek Elk Investigation . 193
Big Game Winter Survey, 19kl-19hQ 203
1-R Surveys and Investigations - Eastern Montana
Beartooth Units
Aerial Inspection of Beartooth Mountains ... 250
(Continued)
INDEX (Continued)
Page
Blaine Units
Antelope Damage Inspection. • . 253
Carter Unit;
Carter County Antelope Study, Summer 19U7 . . . . • 2^6
Antelope Trapping Operations Inspection . . . . 308
Choteau Units
Highwood Mountains Inspection. ... 310
Missouri Breaks Units
Aerial Inspection of Fort Peck Game Range „ 3lU
Garfield County Rancher-Sportsmen Meeting ...... 321
Notes on Bighorn Sheep Pasture Inspection 32U
Yellowstone Units
Rancher Interviews on Sweetgrass County Antelope Season • . . . 326
1-R Surveys and Investigations - Game Birds
State-wide %
Survival Studies on Game Farm Raised Pheasants,' 329
Experimental Plantings of Saf flower and Multiflora Rose ... . 3UU
1-R Surveys and Investigations - Statistics
State-wides
Cumulative Record of Big Game Data 3U.6
6-D Posting Game Preserves - Final Report 369
17-D-3 Game Range Development Through Salt Distribution 379
21-R-2 Magpie Control Investigation 339
Magpie Trapping in the Twin Bridges and Sheridan Areas 393
22-D Mountain Sheep Pasture (Missouri 3reaks Unit)-Final Report. . . • 396
2l;-M Water Facilities
Wildlife Habitat Development Aerial Inspection. hP$
26-M Aerial Salt Distribution - Bitterroot Unit U09
Letter of transmittal and signatures •• Ul3
ii
bJ'WMAL PARK
B6H°n, Montana K
WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION PERSONNEL
rCO DGi'l/ J? o wOOllGjr o oooooooooooooooo ooooooo oJJllcCvOr
Wo Ken Thompson. <» . . . . . . . <> . . . . . . . . . a Assistant Director
Faye Mo Couey0 .......<,. ........... Big Game Biologist
Wnio Ro Bergeson0 ........ ........ .o oGarae Bird Biologist
Hector Jo LaCasse. ......... ....... Draftsman -Photographer
Dorothy Nopper. . . , . . . . . . . . . <» . . . . . .Secretary-Bookkeeper
Midge Mongrain0 ...................co. o Claims Clerk
Margaret Dixon. ...........os....... Junior Bookkeeper
Ann Johnson o ......................do Stenographer
Don Browio . . . . . ■ . . . . . . . . ■ . o Assistant Big Game Biologist
Merle Jo Rognrudo . ■ . . . . . . . o . . . oAssistant Big Game Biologist
Robert Jo Greene« » . • . . . . . . . . . » Assistant Game Bird Biologist
Edward Blaskovich. D . . . o . . = a . » Assistant Draftsman-Photographer
Stewart Brandborg. ........o...... (Summer Season) Fieldman
Lawrence Brown. a....................... oFieldman
Robert Casebeer» o...o...oo.o.o......o Range Fieldman
Kenneth DavisB ....... ............. . .Field Assistant
Wynn Freemano ...... . . . . . ........ . Waterfowl Biologist
V © H>o LjcL3.De oooooooooooooooooeoooooo O U HI Tt McLncLgSr
George Goers. ............ .o (Summer Season) Field Assistant
L»o Ho HarKnesso .o...o...o..o.....ooo o junior Foreman
Fred L. Hartkorn. ....... ........ ........ oFieldman
Richard Lo Hodder. ................... o Range Fieldman
wirio r o ftocno .o.ooo.o..oaa....o.o..o Junior roreman
Frank Lancaster. 00.000. ...... ........ Senior Foreman
Dave Lane. •••.. .••....».. .(Summer Season) Field Assistant
Franklin D. Lawrence o o o o o . » . . . . » . o . .Assistant Shop Foreman
Edward E. Ludtke. . . . ........ .... o . . o . oField Assistant
William Maloit. ............. (Summer Season) Field Assistant
James McLucas. ......... ....... .Field Assistant
S. A. Mongrain. .................... Warehouse Foreman
Dl U.C G .'JG 3JL oooooooooooooooooooooooeooo* Dd 3.11 3-^ G A
Robert Neal. ..................... Assistant Fieldman
J3.CK UTflfBoSo •« o o o o o • o 00000000 000000 owGriXOl* r O reman
Kenneth Riersgard. ooooooooooooo.oooooo.e© Fieldman
ue J/0J.CL oaxmas © « o o o ■ o -■ o o o o ■■ -, o o -> © « o • « riGiQ as sx Sv3xiT'
Jack Eo SchmautZo oooooooooooooooooooo ©Unit Biologist
rtex o« oinarX' 0 ••«»«o««fl 0*00^0.00 ••o«*«« «on.op ro reman
George Sturtz. ..... » ........... . Junior Field Assistant
K. V. Watt. .............. (Summer Season) Student Assistant
Donald Williams. ......... . ......... . Field Assistant
Wesley Woodgerd. ............. Student Assistant
Ade Zajanc. ...........„... = .. .Assistant Unit Biologist
Howard Campbell. ........... o o ..... o . . .State Trapper
INTRODUCTION
This quarterly report covers the period from April 1st to June
30th, 19U3o It is composed primarily of completed reports on the winter
big game investigations which have extended through the fall, winter and
early spring periods0
Also included are final reports on Aerial Salting, 17-D-3; Posting
6-Dj and the Mountain Sheep Pasture, 22-D; for the fiscal year 19U8.
Miscellaneous partially completed projects, and minor investiga-
tions are inserted to make complete the activity records received to date
in the office.
This quarterly is not intended to be composed of polished
scientific treatises, but rather working records of projects conducted
by this division* In some cases where material is of sufficient value,
data will be edited and submitted for technical publication..
July 15, 19UB
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$5 1?U8
KOOTENAI UNIT
LINCOLN COUNTY GAME STUDY
19U7-19U8
June 1, 19U8
Submitted by;
Ade Zajanc, Fieldman
Wildlife Restoration Division
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
o*
De scrip tpion of County© ©ooooooooooooooooooooo 7
aIXjCjDO S© OX O XcLlClj' O O O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO© (
OO V6ro^6 OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO J
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1/6 SCrXpX»10n o o o o o o oooooooooooooooooooo /
OO V CI cLR*© OOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO -Lv_>
Tabulation of strip count ss
U Dp ©A J* ISJlGr ooeoooooooooooooooooooooo ^-^
XiOWG]/ jT XSilGi o o o © ooooooooooooooooooooo -J-i-4-
Jj i/OW S© SP© C X6 S 111 \i SS OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO © O x.p
Tobacco Valley-Fortine Area, . <> . • . » . . . . . o . . . • . . o 20
USSCFip LlOllc ooooooooo ooooooooooooooooo £\J
UOVcraKO o o oooooooooooooooooooooooooo — X
Tabulation of strip counts?
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UU VcrdtG oo 0000-000000*000000000000000 ^- y
Tabulation of strip count ss
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\jOV6lClg6fl OOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO «20
Tabulation of strip counts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . „ . . . a UO
ijrO W S© 5p6CX 6S in IIS© ooeooooooooeoooooooooo U-X
llinitG^uSll QS©r S6X 1*3, "OXO Soooooooooooo©ooooooo U-U-
MUX© Q©©X 3©X 1*0.1/10 5© oo oooooooooooooooooooo i\Z>
Trends as shown by past game studies o...... ......<><, U6
li UXl U6j7 n.3.j7V © ST/ oooooooooooo oooooooooooooo LJ.O
IN d U iXT CX.L IUj S6 Sooooooooooooooooo ooooooooo t-l /
Recommendations for managements
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Management of habitats
JaXwln^ pXaJlSo ooooooooooooooooooooooooo ,^U
iX" OC "LLXil^ o ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo V X
Cooperation with private land-owners ....... ......o 51
Tabulations?
VteaXiner XniOrmaXiXOn eo«oooooso.o...aoo..oas ,?<-
ikounoance ox gameo ooooooo.o.oooooooooo.oo jj
"White-tail deer seen on strip. .... . . . ... . . .... « . 5U
Mule deer seen on strip. ....<»......... ...... 55
(Continued)
TABLE OF CONTENTS - (Continued)
Page
Maps?
Wolf Creek-Fisher winter range. . . . <> » <> . o <» ■ o » « . „ <> • 16
bl>rip "OT'XpS 3X1 G. S3J_b pXcUlS© ooooooooooooeoooooo Xj
Tobacco Valley-Fortine winter range ..«»•. <>.,>oo..«« 2£
Strip trips and salt plans,, „ „ « <> ■> « <> <> . <> o <> o <> . . 0 » 8 26
Gateway-Jennings winter range . o . . <> . . » » <,».<, . . . . • 35
OX*jrXp X TXp S 3X1 Q S 3— LT.- p X3H S ooooooo • o e a ooooo«ooo j>Q
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LINCOLN COUNTY BIG GAME STUDY
19U7-19U3
The study unit comprises the -whole area of Lincoln County in the
northwest corner of the state of Montana,, The County is primarily drained
by the Kootenai River and its tributaries^ the Fisher,, Yaak and Tobacco
Riverso Elevations vary from an average of 25500 feet along the Kootenai
to around 8S000 feet in the Cabinet Range ■> The dominant feature of the
unit is the forest which consists of 2a30U5000 acres or 96% of the area0
Eleven thousand acres or e6% are barren and brushQ and ?6S000 acres or
3«U5 are cultivated,, pasture^ grass and townsite0 Lumbering contributes
70% of the annual income and the railroad and mines contribute the balance.
The vegetative cover and other environmental factors of almost the entire
area are suited for the production of deer and the principal industry
which is lumbering should have no detrimental influence e
PURPOSE
The purpose of the survey was to assemble information on the follow-
ing subjects?
1» Present condition of the various ranges*
2. Extent of the winter range 0
3» Distribution of game animalso
U. Present population of game animal s0
5© Sex ratio So
6. Percent of young or probable annual increase,,
COVERAGE
The survey was conducted by Ade Zajanc and John Hennessy begin-
ning October S$ 19h7 with headquarters in Libby« Field headquarters were
the various Ranger Stations throughout the Kootenai National Foresto
Methods of travel were by automobile and on footo During the period
from October $s 19hl to March 1$9 19U8<, !^2U7 miles were traveled by auto
and 728 miles were covered on footo Snow depth this winter did not
necessitate the use of skis or snow shoe s„
Tentative plans were to spend a week in each unit of the County
during the fall and early winter to become familiar with the range s3 then
re-cover the areas during the heaviest concentration periods and return
for a spring check on game conditions,. The fall reconnaissance was com-
pleted and a thorough winter coverage of the Wolf Creek-Fisher Drainage,
Tobacco Valley-Fortine Area, Gateway -Jennings and Libby areas was made,,
leaving the Troy and Yaak areas uncovered,, The findings for the units
surveyed are found in the following separate reports.
8
SUB-UNIT NQo 1
WOLF CREEK-FISHER RIVER DRAINAGE
This unit is composed of the areas drained by Wolf Creek and the
Fisher River,, The elevation runs from 2?£00 feet in the valleys to 6S000
feet5 with the exception of the portion included in the Cabinet Range,
which is slightly over 75000 feeto Nearly the entire area is considered
Forest land,, with the exception of a few widely scattered farms,, and is
used as summer range by deer«
Thirty-four thousand acres can be classified as winter range and
are composed of four different typess
1« Open yellow pine on the south and west exposureso
2o Stream bottom type«
3» Open grassy hillside s„
ko Douglas fir $ lodgepole,, larch jungles on the north and east
slopes which are not used very extensively e
This winter range is in a depleted condition at the present time
due to over-utilization in prior years «, The winters of 19Ul~U2 and
19U6-> I4.7 were very severe and caused unusual concentrations,, Also*
during the war years populations were probably higher than at present due
to lighter hunting pressures,, It has been established that the existence
of the Wolf Creek Game Preserve had an adverse effect on this winter
range0 In many cases5 not only the key species such as serviceberry5
chokecherry5 mountain maple and Ceanothuss but emergency species such as
buffalo berry have been browsed to the point of killing „
The foregoing seems to apply especially to the slopes, while the
browse found in the stream bottom land is in good condition and it is
believed that this -winter the deer are deriving most of their subsistence
from these areas, due to the fact that the light snowfall allows them free
access to the stream bottoms*
It should be emphasized that the damage has been done in previous
years and that the present mild winter with its accompanying lack of
heavy concentrations should tend to alleviate the present condition,.
Another pertinent fact is that logging operations are being carried on in
parts of this range and are scheduled to continue for a number of years0
This should have a beneficial effect on the range by stimulating the
growth of browse species through soil disturbance and other factors in
conjunction with removal of timber. These logging operations should pro-
vide a rich field for the investigation and observation of the effects of
logging on a deer range <>
COVERAGE
Because of the mild winter and lack of concentrations a slight
deviation was made in the regular strip counting procedure* The first
step was to determine the uppermost limits of the winter range. Then
strips were made usually contouring the hillside through the center of the
winter range established,, Instead of using a pre-determined width, the
strip width was determined by the visibility^ that is_« by the average
distance at which deer could be seen,, These distances were established
by estimation and occasionally checked by actual measurement . Thus, by
calculating the number of acres under observation and tabulating the number
of deer seen the deer per acre figure was derived.
In computing the winter range it was decided to divide the area
into two parts. One portion includes that part of the Fisher Drainage
10
east of Highway #2 and the Wolf Creek Drainage o The other part consists
of the winter range adjacent to Highwaj #2 extending to the Flathead
County line. This was done because it was apparent that concentrations
were heavier in the lower Fisher than in the other parts of the range 0
The Wapiti Mountain area consisting of approximately ls280 acres
was also computed separately because recent logging operations there had
attracted an unusual number of deer5 forming a more or less isolated con~
centration area»
In the lower Fisher-Wolf Creek section^ 2^020 acres were covered
by strips and U82 deer were seen* which amounts to 82lj. deer per acre»
The winter range is estimated to be roughly 16S000 acres© This figure
was obtained by marking the known winter range boundaries on a map and
calculating the acreage within these boundariese This gives a total
population of 3<>840 white-tail deter for the lower Fisher area©
Using the same method for the other portion of the Fisher Range,,
we find 16c, 800 acres of winter range© Coverages here show 78 deer on
5kh acres or „lU deer per acres giving a population of 25352 white-tail
deer©
The Wapiti Mountain area of 1^280 acres shows 72 deer for 109
acres or 066 deer per acre,, a total of 818 white-tail deer for the area©
Adding these figures up we find a total of 75010 white-tail deer
for the entire area©
Since only a negligible number of mule deer were seen5 no computa-
tions were made regarding them» However s there seem to be a few places
where mule deer are found in appreciable numbers © principally the East
Fisher Drainage,, Kenelty Mountain area, and the higher elevations of the
11
lower Fisher-Wolf Creek arean It is felt that there are approximately
200 mule deer in the East Fisher Drainage and an additional U00 in the
rest of the area. There is a possibility that many of the mule deer
migrate into the Dunn and Canyon Creek Drainages and on down toward the
Kootenai River to winter,.
During the survey only one band of 29 elk was seen* although in-
formation gathered from reliable sources and signs seen indicate the
existence of several other bands in the locality,, There are probably not
more than l£0 in the area,
Moose in this district are rare enough to be considered somewhat
of a curiosity,. Only one moose and two tracks were seen during the
survey • Consequently all other information was gathered from farmers and
local residents. From these contacts it is estimated that there are about
25 moose in the unit. Moose range is not shown on the accompanying map^,
but would include any of the stream bottom type found in the Fisher area.
12
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS FOR
THE UPPER FISHER AREA
Trip gStrip Widths Miles 2 Acres gVfhite-tailsMulegElkgCoyO"
s In Yards t Covered? Coveredg Deer sDeers g tes
Raven R. S. Area g 200 g $ t 36k § k6 g h
o 900 o
a Sao o
Elk Hill g 100 g 1.5 g 514 § 5 §
o a tt » o
o a « a ©
Slimmer Creek g 100 g 3.5 g 126 g 27 s
Total
0
s 10
•
0 0
3 O
s 5UU g
0 0
O 6
78
0> a
0 0
S U g
9
a
0 JL
0
0
Wapiti Mountain g l£o g 2 g 109 § 72 g
o • • ■ O 9
a • o o o
Copper Creek g s s § gi£
o 000 a
O O ft o o
Brulee Creek g g § g g36
13
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS FOR
THE LOWER FISHER AREA
o
a
a
i
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Trap
g Strip Widths
Miles
■
a
Acres
s White-tails Mules Elkg Coyo-
5
■
•
In Yards
sCoverec
i? Covered?
a o
o a
Deer
:Dee
a
a
rs
a
a
g tes
a
a
Alder to Cody Creek
■
D
o
o
200
a
a
a
o
3
a
a
B
218
o
a
a
a
■
78
■
a
o
a
o
1
a
a
o
o
o
a
3
a
a
a
Cody Cr. to chute
•
a
a
o
200
B
o
8
o
2
a
§
Ui5
a
a
a
a
H*
a
a
a
3
a
a
o
a
a>
Chute to Ariana Cr«
•
a
o
200
o
o
B
3*6
0
O
a
261
B
•
a
1*7
a
a
a
9
a a
s29 g 2
Ariana to 6 Mio Post
o
o
B
200
a
o
B
l*.l*
a
D
o
319
a
o
a
1*6
a
o
S
o
a
0
a
o
g 3
River Bottom
o
a
a
100
a
a
B
3
a
O
a
161*
a
a
a
39
a
a
o
a
a
o
•
a
a
Guard Sta, to River
•
o
o
100
a
a
B
1-5
a
o
a
55
a
o
o
21*
o
o
a
a
a
a
a
1*8
Guard Sta„to Snell C
o
og
200
a
a
a
5o8
•
1*21
a
o
a
61*
s
a
a
a
g
a
g 1
Smoke Creek
o
a
•
150
a
O
o
5
o
a
a
273
a
a
a
21*
a
a
a
a
8
a
g
:
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
g
Squaw Creek
D
a
i3o
a
a
3
o
a
161*
0
o
36
a
a
3 8
g
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
g
a
a
a
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Total
g
o
a
31o3
a
a
2020
a
a
1*82
gl3
a
a
g 6
a
s
a
a
B
a
a
•
a
a
a
a
a
a
♦Moose
°Tracks
H*
PRINCIPAL BROWSE SPECIES IN USE
lo Amelanchier alnifolia0 „ » <. . » . <, e o Serviceberry
2* Prunus demissa0 „ . » <> » . « o „ « e . Chokecherry
3o Acer glabrum0 „ o » » » „ 0 « « » o o « Mountain maple
Uo Ceanothus velutinusB » » „ „ <> . » . « „ Snow bush
5>e Arctostaphylos uva-ursio » „ 0 o <> <> „ o Kinnikinnick
60 Odostemon acquifolium0 » » <> o o o « » « Oregon grape
7« Cornus stolonifera0 » o . <> ° <> » o „ o Dog wood
80 Philadelphus lewisii „ « <> » » , ° <> o „ Mock orange
9« Alnus tenuifolia, » » o » <> » „ » <> „ » Alder
10 o Betula fontinaliso 0 <> » » » ■> o <><,<, „ Birch
akJL O DoXH Sp O OOOOO OOOOO OOO O o tfVXX-LQW
12 o Symphoricarpos albus » 0 « = . . » s <> o Snowberry
13o Lepargyrea canadensis, » » » <, . . <, <. o Buffaloberry
llu Ribes spooooooo „ <> ° <> » „ » o e Gooseberry
-L.^ © XtO Sd. bp 00000000 000 000000 xtO 06
15
FISHER^TOLF CKEEK AREA
WINTER RANGE
Elk Herds — — ■
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
16
FISHER-WOLF GREEK AREA
Strip Trips
• Salt Plants
17
Buffalo Berry on Snell Creek showing
over-browsing in previous years.
Old "deer line" on Douglas Fir reproduction on
Snell Creek in Wolf Creek-Fisher Area*
18
fcfc
"^
Typioal open grassy hillside type of winter
range on Cody Creek in Wolf Creek-Fisher
Area. Deer are White-tail.
Old oropping of Ceanothua on Snell Creek
in Wolf Creek-Fisher Area.
19
SUB-UNIT NOo 2
TOBACCO VALLEY-FORTINE AREA
This area is composed of the Tobacco River Drainage,, the Pinkham
Creek Drainage and a small area drained by Sunday Creeke It differs
somewhat from other parts of Lincoln County in that the topography con-
sists of lows rolling hills in the valley are as 9 bordered by rugged
mountains on the northeast and high timbered mountains in the Pinkham
country. The Tobacco Valley is quite extensively farmed and the parts
not under cultivation are mostly logged-off and covered with coniferous
reproduction,. The whole district can be classed as summer deer range 0
Thirty-five thousand, two hundred acres are estimated to be
white-tail winter range and 32^614.0 acres for mule deer„ Elevations run
from three to five thousand feeto The ranges overlap to the extent that
205l|.80 acres are common to both species0 For all practical purposes there
are lii.c,720 acres exclusively white-tail range and 12sl60 acres exclusively
mule deer. Types of range found areg
1. Stream bottom typeQ
2» Open grassy knolls e
3» Conifer reproduction (larch9 fire, lodgepole)0
The winter range shows much evidence of over-utilization in past
years5 the key specie s$ such ass chokecherry<, serviceberry^ mountain maple
and Ceanothus being badly over-browsed0 Buffaloberry is very plentiful
and is not being utilized to any great extent this year,*, but has been in
the pasto Very little conifer damage has been noted this year<> Haystack
damage has been minimized by proper fencing^, but primary farm damage is to
the first crop of alfalfa and can be attributed mainly to mule deers
20
according to report s0
f
COVERAGE
Census methods used were the same as for the Wolf Creek-Fisher
area0 Two thousand., six hundred and thirty acres were covered and I63
or 0O62 white-tail deer per acre were found. Mule deer numbered 207 or
„079 deer per acre.. Using 35?200 acres of white-tail range, we find a
population of 2,182 white-tail deer„ Thirty-two thousand, six hundred
and forty acres gives a population of 2,578 mule deer. In the exclusive
white-tail range there are 16„12 acres per deer, and in the exclusive
mule deer range there are 12 » 6 acres per deer. In the over-lapping range
there are 7<>09 acres per deer0 This amounts to approximately 90 deer per
square mile in the over-lapping area, which includes most of the places
where farm damage occurs. From this standpoint, this is perhaps the most
critical section in Lincoln County and should be watched with a great
deal of interest.
Hunters have reported seeing elk during hunting season on Edna
and Sutton Creeks, but the only evidence of them on this survey was found
on DeRozier Creek, where a band of about a dozen is believed to range.
It is possible that these animals migrated down from Canada. Elk are
relatively insignificant in this unit which is perhaps a good thing, con-
sidering the number of farms in the Tobacco Valley.
The Pinkham, Sutton, Edna and Sunday Creek Drainages are considered
to be the primary moose range in the unit. On the trips throughout the
moose range, 2^213 acres were covered and one moose was seen. It was
estimated that there are 160,000 acres of moose range; therefore, using
these figures, we get an estimated population of 72 moose in this area.
21
Due to the mild winter s the moose were found to range over the
ridges as well as the bottom-land and apparently travel extensively,, Very
few deer were found throughout the moose range 0 Browse being utilized
by moose consisted mainly of dog wood,, willow,, maple and cottonwood. There
was no evidence of over-use,, It is believed that moose are frequently
seen during the summertime 5 due to the accessibility of their habitat
through Forest Service and logging roads and also their tendency to
travel,, thus creating the impression that there are more moose than actual-
ly exist.
It is the opinion among interested observers of the Pinkham moose
herd that it is gradually spreading out. This is substantiated by the
fact that moose have been seen throughout the County with increasing
frequency in the past few years* It may be that the Pinkham herd is a
nucleus which produces moose for surrounding areas. If this be the case5
the herd should probably be left undisturbed for the pre sent o
22
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS IN THE
TOBACCO-FORTINE AREA
Trip s Strip Widths Miles s Acres gWhite-tailg Mule
s In Yards gCoveredgCoveredg Deer g Deer
Grave Cr.(Pres. Border)? 150 g lc25 g 68 g 17 § 3
o o • a O
o » » • 9
Grave Cr„(3 Mi„ Post) g 200 g 3.5 g 25U g g 37
o o o o o>
» o o> o a
Grave Cr» (3 Mi. Post) g l£0 g U. g 218 s 10 g 2
O O O 9 O
O O « O O
Grave Cr„(SecolO & 11) g 300 g Uo * U36 g 33 s 66
O O • O O
a • 9 m •
Grave Cr»(Seco 3 & U) s 200 g 3. g 218 g 12 g 3
a » o o o
o m • o e
Baldy Mountain s 150 g 3. : I6I4. g 5 s 13
8000 o
o t> © o
Weydemeyer's s 300 g 2. g 218 g 9 s 70
SO • o o
O ■ CI o
Glen Lake Road g l£0 g 2. g 109 g 3 s
s g g g g
DeRozier Creek g l£0 g 3„ g 16U g « 7
Meadow Creek
g
200
g ho
2 290
g
33
g
s
g
g
I
g
Trego-Martin Lake
g
150
S 60
g 327
0
0
32
t
6
Trego-Dudley Slough
0
0
0
0
0
150
0
g 3o
g
b 16U
&
A
0
0
0
0
9
s
g
p
Total
g
g
0
I 38.75
o>
g2630
A
I
A-
163
0
207
•
0
■
g
A
a
0
5
23
TABULATION OF COVERAGES IN MOOSE RANGE
Trip
: Strip Widths Miles
: In Yards s Covered
Acres s Moose Seen
Covered s
Meadow Creek
Trego-Dudley Slough
Pinkham Creek
Lower Pinkham
Sutton Divide Road
Edna Creek
200
o
o
u
290
o
a
150
©■
«
3
•
a
o
16U
s
o
e
200
O
a
a
8
s
o
o
580
o
o
o
Tracks
200
o
a
o
6
a
o
a
k&
o
o
©
Track s
200
a
©
8
a
o
o
580
o
o
B
1
150
o
o
3
a
o
16k
Tracks
Total
32
2213
2U
&PUHCELL
R.29W
TOBACCO VALLEI-FORTTNE AREA
&COLTOM
R.25W.
R.24W.
//
TOBACCO VALIEY-FORTINE AREA
asw.
K.24W.
\8ARO . n
jv Strip Trips
<; Salt Plants
■■
*
Ji
4
&*>U*CELL
R-29W
TOBACCO VALIEY-FORTINE AREA
R.26W.
p.asw.
R.24W.
Strip Trips
<; Salt Plants
26
PRINCIPAL BROWSE SPECIES IN USE
1» Amelanchier alnifolia<> 0 „ «, . „ 0 . » <> . « Serviceberry
2e Prunus demissa0 „ 0 » o « « a o 0 e <> <= <> » Chokecherry
3« Acer glabrum<> oooooo <> « «. 0 <> o o © <> Mountain maple
Ho Ceanothus velutinus » e • e <> <> o <> o <> <> «, Snowbush
5o Arctostaphylos uva~ursi« <, . o <> o <. o <, . • Kinnikinnick
6» Odostemon acquifolium, e <, o « = <> 6 o <, o o Oregon grape
7o Lepargyrea canadensis0 <, « «. <> «. o « » « <. o Nannyberry
80 Philadelphus lewisii Oeoo00o0oo0o Mock orange
9« Cornus stolonifera8 „ « <> <> » » o „ <> <> <> « Dog wood
10 o Alnus tenuifolia, „ <> 6 <> «, <> <> <> » „ o <> « Alder
llo Betula fontinaliso oooo.oooooooo Red birch
x,c o iD,£L-LXJC Sp oooooo 000000000000 ViX-LJ»OW
13o SymphoricarpoSo „ <, „ <> 0 „ o „ ° <> » „ 0 o Common snowberry
-L..t-4-o xvXD6 S Sp 00000000 eooooooooo wi*j!*r 3uw
-LJ? a ItO So Sp 0000000 00000000 oeoo iXO SG
27
SUB-UNIT NO,
GATEWAY-JENNINGS AREA
This area consists of the territory immediately adjacent to the
Kootenai River from the Big Bend at Jennings to the Canadian Border.
Elevations run from 2^,000 to 65000 feet. There are scattered farms along
the Kootenai -with the larger parb of the area being forest lando Some
parts of the unit,, particularly the country between Tenmile Creek and
Stonehill*, are quite rugged and consist mostly of benches intersperced
with rock cliffs. It is here that the Ural=Tweed Bighorn Sheep herd is
found in this type of terrain©
Within this sub=»unit there are approximately 3U5000 acres of mule
deer winter range and an equal amount of white=tail winter range o The
two ranges coincide for the most parte Elevation of the winter range runs
from 25f>00 feet to about Us000 feeto The principal range types are thes
lo Open yellow pine of the southwest exposures,,
2. The growths along the stream bottoms »
3. The open grassy hillsides.
ko The Douglas fir5 lodgepole5 larch5 association of the northeast
slopes.
Range conditions in this area are somewhat better than in most
parts of Lincoln County. There is some over-browsing in the Zeigler
Mountain area0 Ceanothus seems to be the primary food of the mule deer
and is quite abundant throughout the range o In addition to the principal
browse species some bitterbrush is found0 This is most abundant on the
Young Creek range.
Logging is being carried on at present around Warland section and
28
will eventually extend into the Rexford di strict „
COVERAGE
The same census methods were used in this sub-unit as in the other
areas covered,. One thousand and ninety acres were covered in the Wiite-
tail range9 and Ul or O037 white-tail deer per acre were observed,. Thirty*
four thousand acres were estimated to be winter range,, From these figures
1^258 white-tail deer were estimated to be in this sub-unit „
In the mule deer range5 3*796 acres were covered and 225 animals
were seen0 Based on the over-use of o0?9 deer per acre5 the population
was estimated at 2S006 animals „ The total population of both species
for the district is 3$26k deer or 61 deer per square mile of winter
rangen This amounts to 10o5 acres per deer„
The predominance of mule deer is probably attributable to the type
of terrain which is typical of this sub-unito Such high and rugged
habitat usually supports more mule deer than white-tailo It is also
possible that mule deer migrate from their summer range in the Wolf
Creek 3 Fairview and Twin Meadows di strict „
No elk were observed during the survey 9 although a few tracks were
seen last fall on Alexander and Jackson Creek sQ A few elk are scattered
throughout the Purcell Range,, and also on the Dunn? Canyon and Cripple
Horse Drainages, The latter may possibly be migrants from the Fairview
di strict „
No moose or moose tracks were seen during the survey,, Contacts
with local residents indicate that moose occasionally travel through the
area. There are probably a few residing in the Five and Tenmile sections
which are adjacent to the Pinkham district,, The Pinkham district is known
29
to support a number of moose0
URAL-TWEED BIGHORN SHEEP HERD
The range of this sheep herd^ according to a study made in 19kl
by Bo W0 Brink extends from Fivemile Creek to Be art rap Mountain on the
eastside of the Kootenai Riverc Their winter range consists of approximate-
ly 23s 680 acresD The major part of this range is within the mule deer
winter range „ The topography is characterized by benches, rocky cliff s?
and steep slopes that are sparsely covered with yellow pine and Douglas
fir0 Mr0 Brink's report contains a comprehensive description of this
sheep range o
Three thousand and sixty-nine acres were covered by strips through
the sheep range and 22 sheep were observed,, This averages o0071 sheep
per acre0 From this per acre factor^, it was estimated that a total pop-
ulation of 168 bighorns occupied this range o An additional 23 sheep were
observed with binoculars from Highway #37 by looking across the Kootenai
River onto the sheep range*. Eighteen sheep., nine rarns^, six ewes and three
lambs* of the kh observed were classifiedo Fifteen others were identified
as mixed ewes and lambs, and 11 were unclassified,,
The large number of predators in the area may have adverse effects
on the sheep population Coyotes are particularly abundant along the
railroadj where they are apparently attracted by the deer that are killed
by trainso Several instances of coyotes killing lambs have been reported
by local residentsQ A comparatively large number of bobcat tracks were
seen on the sheep range o One mountain lion track was also seen in the
region „ The large number of golden and bald eagles that are seen along
the Kootenai River may also be preying on the sheep herds o
30
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS FOR MULE DEER COVERAGE
IN THE GATEWAY-JENNINGS AREA
a
a
a
a
o
a
o
a
a
a
Trip
g Strip Widths
Miles
9
a
Acres
a
o
Mule
a
a
Coyotes
g In
*
•
Yards
s Coveredg Covered?
m • as
a a a
Deer
a
•
a
a
Ellsworth Mountain
a
•
a
i
a
•
200
g
a
a
o
3
7
a
9
a
a
a
a
508
a
a
a
a
o
o
5
•
a
a
«
a
a
1*
Ellsworth Mountain
S
■
i
300
a
5
6
s
o
a
65U
■
a
a
8
a
o
o
Allen Gulch
a
g
300
5
o
o
7
a
a
9
763
s
a
a
85
a
a
a
u
Tenraile Creek
o
s
300
•
a
a
6„5
a>
a
o
708
a
o
a
67
a
g
1
McGuire Creek
a
300
a
a
5
b
8
a
a
U36
a
a
a
15
a
D
0
Zeigler Mountain
a
■
■
8
300
a
o
a
o
a
6
a
9
O
g
65U
•
a
t
o
•
3U
a
a
a
g
West Kootenai
m
•
g
s
100
o
0
8
:
2
a
a
o
©
a
•
73
a
o
8
a
a
11
a
a
g
g
Total
g
o
I
38o5
o
a
3796
a
a
225
a-
5
a
A
o
a
o
a
a
a
♦Lion Track
31
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS FOR WHITE-TAIL DEER
COVERAGE IN GATEWAY-JENNINGS AREA
Trip s Strip Widths Miles s Acres gWhite^tail; Coyotes
s In Yards s Covered! Covered? Deer §.
Blue sky Creek % 200 g 2 %
So o
a o
Warland Creek % 150 g k g
8o a a
o • a
Zeigler Mountain g 300 g 6 g 65U g 19
o » o o
e • o a
West Kootenai Road g 100 g 2 g 73 s U
§ooo
O O ft
o o o o
a © a a
Total g ' g 1U g 1090 g 1*1
11+5 §
13
218 g
5
32
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS FOR COVERAGE OF THE
URAL-TWEED BIGHORN SHEEP HERD
Trip
: Strip Widths Miles s Acres s Bighorn : Coyotes
; In Yards s Covered s Covered? Sheep s
Ellsworth Mountain
Ellsworth Mountain
Allen Gulch
Tenmile Creek
McGuire Creek
Totals
a
o
200
a
a
7
o
o
508
o
o
10
a
a
H
?
300
s
o
a
6
a
o
o
65U
•
a
a
1
a
o
a
a
a
a
300
E
o
a
7
a
a
a
763
a
o
a
•
h
Eft
•
o
o
o
•
s
8
S
300
a
a
6.5
a
a
708
a
o
*
1
s
%
o
a
a
a
a.
a>
•
•
300
%
li
a
a
U36
a
a
11
s
o
•
a
a
a
a
a
a
1
s
:
•
a
a
a
s
s
8
a
a
a
•
30o5'
o
a
O
a
3069
a
a
a
a
22
o
o
a
a
5
♦Lion Track,
33
PRINCIPAL BROWSE SPECIES IN USE
lo Amelanchier alnifolia 0 0 o » » » <. o 0 o <> 0 Serviceberry
2o Primus demissa0 0 « = 0 o » » » » » » <, o « 0 Chokecherry
3o Acer glabrum0 0 o » « o » o » o <» o o <. » o e Mountain maple
he Ceanothus velutinus ooooooooooooo Snow bush
5>« Arctostaphylos uva-ursi o » » » « » » o . 0 0 Kinnikinnick
6« Berber is acquifoliunio oooeo80ooooo Oregon grape
7o Cornus stolonifera0 ooooooooooooo Dog wood
8» Philadelphus lewisiio « « « <■ = a » « » B „ o Mock orange
9« Alnus t>enuifolia0 oooooooooeoooo Alder
10 o Purshia tridentata, 0 . » • » « e 0 . » o » o Bitterbrush
llo Betula fontinalis oooooocooooooo Red birch
Xt, o Dai.XX Sp ooooooooooooooooooo « 11 -juOW
13 o Symphoricarpos albus0 oooeoooooooo Common Snowberry
lUo Lepargyrea canadensis „ 0 » 0 « o » » » « » 0 Buffaloberry
15 « Ribes spooooooooooooooooeoo Gooseberry
xo e xio sd sp ooo«o 00000000000000 rto s©
3U
R.29W
f 'Y"f**\^TL^T
URAL-TWEED SHEEP RANGE
I R.26W. /
R.24W.
(After B.Wo Brink, 19UD
J Summer Range HD
Winter Range
GATEWAY-JENNINGS AREA
RMW.
\ba*6 ,
GATEWAY-JENNINGS AREA.
R.26W.
: y^M* i
s?3
ledMt-fi
Til
rr
Thirsty Mtrv
^JSPT
"*.
i.ffi
rasa
It - vT ^'""P
_jrtrep'V-r I', ,
™ ' <\ ~HelmerI
.4 +i
:Ck~5f f
Inch
I vv. !>L8wrence M+;n
^?m
:- \<
n
R.2 6W. / R.25W.
>•'
R.24W.
w
-/I
TSSL Li- Q JC
_QV.l
V.rdir>iO Hiir- !
:k,
6kTG
•+oB-Mtn£R-
=^K
'■nkna
\
St-einerso'n '\71vitn
J •T""N.'l',«J"i
tea;
a
*£¥\1
->< i/
4
Mount#_
_^
'
(V
hli
%n
;\^'
H*
■^*n*r
nd Ph
as
^-
*1§£ES
y?
/
Stryter
■h i J« A
TV 5 Fox Mfry ,rV/^J "
^
Strip Trips
V/^ Salt Plants
Ulll '
37
SUB-UNIT NOo k
LIBBY AREA
Sub-unit No„ k includes the Kootenai Drainage from Jennings to
Kootenai Falls* With the exception of the town site of Libby and the
scattered farms,, most of this area consists of cut~over forest lands0
Elevations range from about 2^000 to 6c,000 feet except in the Cabinet
Mountains southwest of Libby which runs up to 8?700 feete
White=tail winter range consists of about 2U5320 acres and mule
deer range about 19<,8UO acres,. These ranges over-lap in many place s„
Elevations range from 2^000 to U5500 feeto Cover types found ares
lo Open yellow pine*
2o Stream bottoms,,
3. Open grassy hillsides0
U. Douglas fir a larch, lodgepole type of the north slope s9
5>« Conifer reproduction 0
Range conditions in this area are better than in any of the other
sections covered,. This might be attributed to the relatively small herd
of deer which occupy the range,, Accessibility and proximity to Libby
probably account for the smaller population,,
In addition to the regular key species^, bitterbrush is found on
the northside of the Kootenai from Rainy Creek to the Big Bend on the hills
known locally as the Horse Range,, This section provides winter sustenance
for the majority of the deer in the Libby Unit0
COVERAGE
The same method was used for this census of l585l acres of range
38
in this unit as was used in other units,, Fifty white-tail (.027 per
acre) and 63 mule deer ( o03U per acre) were counted within the area
cove redo By applying these values to 2Uc,320 acres of white-tail range,,
it is estimated that there are approximately 656 white-tail deer in
the sub— unito On 19j81|0 acres of mule deer range; there is an
estimated population of 67U animals., with a total population of 1,330
deer of both species within the unito The area encompassed by both
ranges includes about 68 square miles which amounts to 19 0$ deer per
square mile or 1 deer per 32 08 acres of winter range c
The only evidence of elk found during the survey in the Libby
section was on Coyote Creek and Elliot Draw where tracks were seen» These
may be the same animals that range in the Tepee, Squaw and Harris Creek
sections of the Fisher Drainage,, Reports indicate that a few elk are
scattered throughout the unito South of the Kootenai the principal elk
range is in the Horse Mountain area and parts of the McMillan Range,,
North of the Kootenai they are dispersed throughout the entire area0
During the survey no moose were seen0 It is known* however,
that moose inhabit the area around Loon Lake in the Pipe Creek section,
and the area south of the Kootenai that lies between Flower Point and
Little Hoodoo Mountamo There are also some moose around Howard Lake in
the Libby Creek area0
39
TABULATION OF STRIP COUNTS IN
THE LIBBY AREA
Trip s Strip Widths Miles 2 Acres s White =tail s Mule
s In Yards s Covered? Covered? Deer s Deer
Coyote Creek g 150 g 8 g U36 g 1 g U
o 00a o
o 000 o
Swede Mountain g 200 g 6 3 U35 § U g lU
a 000 o
o 000 o
Canoe Gulch g 200 g 5 s 363 § 11 1 29
o o o a o
© OOO o
Kennedy Gulch g U00 g 2 g 290 g 22 g 7
o © a o o
O OOO o
Sheldon Mountain g 200 2 3 8 218 g 7 § 9
o o o o o
O OOO 0
Schrieber Lake g 150 g 2 g 109 1 5 %
O O^O o
O OOO o
O OOO* o
Total g g 26 g 1851 g £0 g 63
Uo
PRINCIPAL BROWSE SPECIES IN USE
lo Amelanchier alnifolia „ o <, <. . » ° <> » Serviceberry
2«, Prunus demissa, „ <, <, <» . „ « » o o „ « Chokecherry
3# Acer glabrum, „ » 0 . » <, ° 0 „ « » <> 0 Mountain maple
Uo Ceanothus velutinus <,„,<> <.«<,<, <> • Snow bush
£0 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 0 « c <, » o <. 0 Kinnikinnick
60 Purshia tridentata. » « 0 o o . » <> „ ■ Bitterbrush
7« Odostemon acquifolium 0 0 » <> •» 0 „ , » Oregon grape
80 Cornus stolonifera. «, . 0 0 « » . o » o Dog -wood
9» Philadelphus lewisiio „ « 6 o » . <> . . Mock orange
10 o Alnus tenuifolia, „ <» «, o <» <> „ . 0 0 « Alder
11 o Betula fontinalis . , . , „ . * „ . „ . Red birch
1l o D cL-LlX Sp 0000000000000 o o o W 1 -L_LOW
13. Symphoricarpos albus0 . 0 . . « . o «, <, Snowberry
1U. Lepargyrea canadensis . „ . <> » . . „ „ Nannyberry
1^ « Ribes sp„o0ooOB800.<,.c0o Gooseberry
■LOf 1X0 Sa Sp ft « o«»oooooooo««A XXO SG
Ul
LIBBY AREA WINTER RANGE
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
U2
LIBBY AEEA
Strip Trips — ^
Salt Plants ~
U3
SUMMARY OF LINCOLN COUNTY MANAGEMENT UNIT
I9k7-I9k$
A\s previously explained, this unit has been divided into management
sub-units,, These sub-units have been selected from topographical and
biological criteria,,
In each case certain divisions make the big game herds a unit and
each has slightly different management problems o For this reason and for
convenience in study s each sub-unit is reported separately,,
The following is a summary of data for all units with recommendations
for game management,,
WHITE-TAIL SEX RATIOS
TABULATION OF WHITE-TAIL DEER SEEN DURING SURVEY ON AND OFF STRIP
Unit g Buck g Doe g Fawn s Unclassified ; Total
0 a- a £) o
q a a a a
0 a ft* a o
» o 0 o a
Wolf Creek-Fisher g 23 § 118 § 10 6 g 736 g 983
a o » a a
o o a o o
Tobacco-Fortine g 7 g 10 g 13 § 128 g 158
a a a a o
o o o a o
Gateway-Jennings g 9 8 16 g 15 g 27 g 67
a a a c> a
Libby g 5 g lU g 16 g U2 77
a a o a o
a o o o o
a a a a o
Totals g UU g 158 g 150 • 933 % 1285
a a a a a
o a • a »
A digest of the above table shows a ratio of one white-tail buck
to 3«6 doeso Although this is a good buck-doe ratios it doesn't show
a true picture of the buck population,, Because of mild winter conditions,
uu
the bucks had shed their antlers before any appreciable concentrations
were found. Thus the only positive means of identifying bucks was by
observing their antler scars which resulted in the placing of a lot of
bucks in the unclassified group „ Under these circumstances,, it is felt
that the true buck ratio would be even higher o From the limited number
of deer seen up to the period when antler~shedding began5 a ratio of
one buck to 2»3 does was foundo This is probably closer to the true
ratio , but the number of deer seen during that period was too small to
base any statistics on»
It will be noted that the above table shows a ratio of ,9k fauns
per doe0
It might be noted that a comparison to the l°Ul-^2 study shows an
increase of .75 does per buck,, and a .Ul decrease of fawns per doe.
MUTE DEER SEI RATIOS
TABULATION OF MULE DEER SEEN DURING SURVEY
o
B
O
o
Unit
■
2
Buck
o
B
g
Doe
Of
-»
o
o
Fawn
sUnclassified;
o o
Total
Wolf Creek-Fisher
->
O
ft
3
o
o
B
■
10
o
ft
a
o
k
O
ft
66
ft
1
83
Tobacco-Fortine
o
s
8
6
I
8
8
11
i
•
1$
o
o
ft
•
•
198
g
8
8
230
Gat eway- Je nnin g s
36
O
I
73
o
o
67
8
166
S
3U2
Libby
3
1
8
1
8
•
■
1
s
•
1
1U
I
A
0
o
a
o
a
13
•
8
ft
ft
1
25
P
8
1
8
60
Totals
•
53
1
ft
•
108
■
•
ft
99
1
•
•
U55
1
ft
ft
715
The above table shows a ratio of one buck to two doesB This
probably shows a better picture of the buck -doe ratio than in the case
U5
of the white-tails^, since the mule deer retain their antlers longer than
the white-tails do0
The table also shows «,°1 fawns per doeQ
Reference to the 19Ul~l+2 study shows a ratio increase of „71 does
per buck,, while the doe-fawn ratio remains practically the same0
TRENDS AS SHOW BY PAST GAME STUDIES
The only comparison showing trends in deer population can be made
in the Wolf Creek-Fisher Area8 Information dating back to the study by
West and Bealey in 193h-—19"3.(i> showed a population of Is.^919 white-tail
deer for this areaQ In a study made by Bergeson in 19h2.$ & population
of £5£00 white-tail deer was shown0 The 19U7-19U8 study indicates a
population of 7 5 010 deer8 These figures show an increase of 11$ from
1935 to 191+2 and a 27$ increase from 19U2 to 19U80 The overall increase
from 1935 to 19U8 is 79$ o In the report by Bealey and West5 the range
was considered properly stocked for a normal winter 5 and it was believed
that a large loss would have occurred under unfavorable winter conditions*
In Bergeson' s 19l|2 report the range is considered badly over-utilizedo
The same condition was found to exist in the 19U7-19U8 study,, Thus an
apparent population increase of 27$ from 19 k2 to 19U8 on a range which was
considered badly over-utilized in 19U2 indicates a definite need for
intensive work on the whole subject of deer food habits, ranges<, and range
utilization.
HUNTER HARVEST
Data obtained through hunter contacts during the 19U7 hunting season
indicate that 32$ of the hunters in Lincoln County were residents of said
U6
County » It is known that 2j>062 hunting licenses were sold in Lincoln
County, and from this it is ascertained that the total number of hunters
in the county was 6<,mi0<, Data also indicated a hunter success of ]$%«
disclosing a kill of 966 bucks<> These same data (see ,8Lincoln County
Deer Kill for 19U7 Hunting Season**) showed 70$ of the bucks or 676 to
be white-tail and 2>0% or 289 were mule deer. It is suggested that a
further check can be made when the license stub data is compiled. It
should be remembered that these figures refer to the legal kill only*
While there is no way to make an estimate of the illegal kill,, it is felt
that it is considerably higher than the legal kill«
A coverage of approximately two thirds of the county indicated a
population of about 17^000 deer of both species for the area covered.
This shows a legal hunter utilization of $01% of the herd. If the rest
of the county were taken into consideration^, the percentage would be
even lower,. This again indicates the need for an intensive investigation
of the deer situation,
NATURAL LOSSES
Natural losses appeared to be negligible this winter 0 During the
entire survey the carcasses of nine deer were found, three of which were
probable coyote kills,, Conditions of the snow were favorable to the
deer and the predator kill is thought to be slight,, There seems to be a
considerable number of coyotes throughout the areaB During the survey
a total of thirty-three were seen.
Disease appears to be an unimportant factor in natural losses,, In
the few post-mortems made, the only parasites noted were footwormso These
appeared to be more prevalent in the mule deer„
hi
No information is available on highway and railroad losses at
this time,, but will be included later
f s
o
PROBLEMS AND PROBLEM AREAS
Refer to reports on individual units of the survey,
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT
UTILIZATION
It is felt that no recommendation can be made regarding the
number to be removede It is known that there are two problem areasj,
but as previously pointed out5 the census shows an increase in popula-
tion although observations have shown and still indicate over=browsingo
Furthermore^ the carrying capacity of the range is not known at this
time and only by a thorough range study can the capacity and consequent
proper harvest be determined*
There are three methods which might be considered in dealing with
the over-populated areas*. One of these is the trapping and transplanting
of deer from concentration areas to areas which are under-utilized.
There are various sections which are potentially winter range but do
not suffer the heavy pressure that the problem areas do„ One of these
areas is the south end of the McMillan Range » Just why more deer do not
winter in this area is not known, but it is thought that the migratory
trend for the Fisher Drainage is down the main valley,, thus by-passing
the west slopes of the McMillan Range© Another winter range which shows
less utilization is the Quartz Creek-Sheldon Mountain Area0 This work
U8
would necessarily be done while the concentration period existed and the
snow tended to discourage the deer from wandering off their newly acquired
rangeB It seems reasonable to assume that if starving deer are transplant-
ed in a section which provides adequate forage their tendency would be to
remain in that vicinity o Whether or not this would lead to the development
of an ancestral wintering ground is a matter of conjecture^, but the
suggestion is offered primarily as a means of alleviating the conditions
which would accompany a particularly severe winter, and if practical would
serve its purpose as sucho
Another method which hasn't been given much consideration in the
past is the reseeding or replanting of the primary browse species or the
introduction of new species such as bitterbrush for instance*, which grows
profusely in sections along the Kootenai River* but is not found at all in
the Wolf Creek or Grave Creek Areas0 The development of techniques
relative to this work would probably require considerable research and
experimentation,, and might be included in a range study,,
The last and simplest method would be the removal of a pre-
determined number of antlerless deer from the concentration areasG This
would probably be more effective if accomplished after the regular
hunting season „ From the general reaction of the sportsmen in the Eureka
district who experienced a short doe season in 19U6, it is felt that the
issuance of a pre -determined number of special antlerless licenses either
by drawing or on a first-come -first-served basis would meet with far
greater approval than a wide-open antlerless season.
Considering the fact that there is potential winter range not being
fully utilized, if a re-distribution of deer were possible* it would seem
h9
to be more satisfactory than a reduction of the herd0
The continuance of the buck law appears to be favored by the
majority of sportsmen in Lincoln County 0 Among the dissenters^, the chief
argument seems to be that there are too many dry does due to the lack of
bucks5 but sex ratio findings do not support that theorye
On the basis of this survey and contacts,, it seems desirable to
continue the complete protection of elk and moose since there is no
appreciable competition for range between them and the deer herd0
It is considered beneficial to make an administrative closure of
the area bounded on the south and east by Libby Creek? on the north by the
Kootenai River and on the west by the crest of the Cabinet Range & This
area has a rather sparse deer population^, part of which winters on the
McMillan Range which is capable of wintering more deer than at pre sent 0
Due to the proximity of this area to Libby and the number of accessible
roadsj, a strict law enforcement campaign would probably be necessary to
prevent excessive law violation,, This closure should be set up not with
the idea of permanence^ but as the inauguration of a program of rotating
closures,. The maximum time of its existence would probably not exceed three
years<>
MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT
SALTING PLANS
Salting plan maps accompany the reports on the various units „ At
the present time salt is transported and planted by Forest Service pack-
trains in the fall when the lookouts are being packed downe Thuss the
$0
distribution of salt is limited to the areas along the trails to lookouts
being usedo Lack of facilities prevents the making of special trips for
the sole purpose of planting salt in many of the spots designated in the
salt planc Correction of this would probably have to be worked out by
the State o Salt utilization would have to be checked at each plant and
the replenishment correlated with the amount consumed,. On the basis of
an average of 75 pounds per plant <, approximately 8 c, 500 pounds of salt
would be needed for the present plan8
RESEEDING
As previously pointed out5 some worthwhile work might be done in
regard to the replanting of browse species and the introduction of new
species such as bitterbrush on the over-browsed areas. An interesting
study could be made in conjunction with the logging operations being
carried on throughout the Kootenai Forest at the present time0
COOPERATION WITH PRIVATE LAND-OWNERS
The greatest percentage of the land in Lincoln County is owned by
the Forest Service and the J0 Neils Lumber Company,, with the exception of
the Grave Creek Area* where some of the winter deer range is found on
land owned by ranchers. No cooperative agreements exist with any private
land— owner So
51
TABULATIONS
YfEATHER INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM LIBBY RANGER STATION
Month gAverage Snow Depth ^Minimum Temperature sTotal Precipitation
s In Inches § For Month s In Inches
October
November
December
January-
February
March
None
10
2„5
7.2
8a
2.8
30
degrees
12
It
12
H
10
H
15
H
I*
It
Ue89
1.18
1.71
2.UU
2.86
1.&
52
ABUNDANCE OF BIG GAME9 FUR BEARERS,
PREDATORS, AND GAME BIRDS
Species
A*
P#
C*
s*
R*
o
o
a
m
•
•
a
■
a
o
BIG GALEs
a
•
a
•
a>
•
8
8
white-tail deer
8
8 x
• a
a
a
a
a
mule deer
o
•
a
5
a
•
X
a
a
o>
a
elk
a
•
a
o
a
a
a
a
X
a
•
moose
a
o
a
•
a
a
a
a
X
a
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
8
a
a
FUR BEARERSs
a
8
a
a
O
o
a
a
beaver
s
a
m
a
a
X
a
•
a
a
muskrat
•
a
a
a
i
a
o
X
a
a
weasel
a
o
8
a
9
o
5
X
o
a
marten
s
:
a
a
a
o
X
a
a
mink
a
•
o
5
8
a
a
X
a
•
fisher
a
i
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
a
X
otter
8
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
a
X
a
a
8
8
8
a
a
PREDATORS?
a
•
a
a
a
a
8
a
coyote
8
8 X
» a
a
a
8
mountain lion
e
•
8
8
8
X
8
bobcat
O
S
8
a
a
X
a
a
8
lynx
a
•
:
a
a
a
a
X
a
a
s
a
a
3
8
8
GAME BIRDS s
s
8
a
•
8
a
a
blue grouse
8
8
8
a
■
X
s
ruffed grouse
o
m
8
8
X
a
I
8
Franklins grouse
a
•
8
8
3
8
X
•
m
B
a
B
a
o
8
#A -Abundant
P-Plentiful
C-Common
S-Scarce
R-Rare
S3
WHITE-TAIL DEER SEEN ON STRIP
0
o
0
0
0
Range Unit
sApproXe Acreag
eg-
Noo
s Additional?
Total
a
o
•
Winter Range
o
o
o
ft
Counted
0
0
ft
ft
Estimate
a
0
0
0
Wolf Creek-Fisher
a
a
•
■
©
o
3US080
a
0
a
e
a
a
632
ft
0
0
0
0
0
6,378
a
&
0
0
0
0
7,010
Tobacco-Fort ine
o
o
a
35,200
a
a
o
163
0
0
2,019
0
0
0
2,182
Gateway- Jenn ing s
0
o
o
3^,000
■
o
o
111
0
0
0
1,217
»
0
o
1,258
Libby
a
a
o
3
2^,320
8
a
5
o>
a
£o
0
t
ft
0
606
0
0
0
656
Totals
O
o
a
o
o
B
127,600
a
o
a
ft
o
o
a
886
a
ft
0
0
0
ft
»
a
10,220
0
a
0
0
ft
0
a
0
11,106
su
MULE DEER SEEN ON STRIP
Range Unit
o o
o o
sApproXo Acreages
? Winter Range :
a a
• o
Noo
Counted
a o
o a
g Additional!
s Estimate %
o a
• o
Total
Wolf Creek-Fisher
a
o
•
•
a
a
Unknown
a
a
a
O
a
o
98
a
a
a
a
a
a
502
a
a
•
a
a
a
600
Tobacco-Fortine
•
a
D
32,61*0
o
a
5
207
a
a
a
2,371
a
a
I
2,578
Gateway- Jenning s
«
o
o
3U,000
a
a
a
225
a
a
o
1,781
a
a
a
2 c 006
Libby
o
8
§
19,81*0
o
a
a
a
*
63
a
8
611
a
a
a
1
67U
Totals
S
a
•
s
•
•
86,1*30
a
1
a
•
a
a
:
593
a
a
?
a
a
•
a
5,265
a
a
a
a
S
a
a
5,858
June 1, 191*8
Submitted bys
Ade Zajanc, Fieldman
Wildlife Restoration Division
55
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (V/e stern Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
SWAN-BIACKFOOT UNIT
BIG BIACKFOOT-CIEARWATER BIG GAME WINTER SURVEY
19U7-19U8
May 6, 19U8
Submitted by?
Frank Gummer, Fieldman
R, H. Everss Fieldman
Wildlife Restoration Division
56
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
X LI I/lJU UU LlOn o ooo0o*«oo 000000000000000000 Qw
ACKT10WXGQjr,GTn.Gn*U S o •••••••««ooee 000000000000 OU
I SrSOliriS-j-. o ooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooO OU
a I iy S ~L C 3. J- rG3.UU.rGS» 0000000000000000000000000 0,^.
licinCLMU S6 HjCOriOTIQ^ o • o • • e e e o o o o o 00000000*0000 OX
liiS uOI*lCcLL L/gIX'GL o e e o o e ©c«ooooo*ooec«oooooo O^
Use By Domestic Livestock o*«4oo»o««oe««e 6I|
iiU.riO lu^ 116 5 SU. i © #000000000000000 oooooooooo -^i-'
Weather Conditions • • •••••••••• 00000000 6>
oensus j.ecnmc^\ies •coo 00*000000000000000000 00
Tables
Sex Ratio and Percent of Young o ..... o o • 67
White-tail Deer Census, 19U7-19h8 .........o...... 68
Mule Deer Census, 19U7-19U8 • ••..... ......o.... 69
iL-Lh. UenSUS, i.7 U ■ — -LyU1-' • » • » o.ooo.oooo.oooe.o. ' U
Sub-Unit No. 1
Gold Creeks Sheep Flats to Prairie Creek ...oo. ...... 72
Sub-Unit No. 2
Hj-Lk oreeK — Lear ureeK. ..«...o.«.eo..o«oo««o ( j
Sub-Unit No. 3
Clearwater-Sperry Grade ............... ...... 75
Sub-Unit No. U
Salmon Lake Hills, Owl Creek, Fish Lake and Drew Creek. ..... 76
Sub-Unit No. $
Cottonwood Creek-Boyd Ranch. ............. ..... 77
Sub-Unit No, 6
Monture-KcCabe Creek. 79
Sub-Unit No. 7
Dick Creek -Warren Creek -Ovando Mountain 80
(Continued)
Table of Contents (Continued)
£*££
Sub-Unit No. 8
Coopers Lake -Mar kham Mountain. . . . » ■ 81
Sub-Unit No. 9
Lincoln Canyon. ..... 82
Sub-Unit No. 10
Monture Hill-Blackfoot River Breaks 8U
Sub-Unit No. 11
Pearson Creek-Chamberlain Creek 8£
Sub-Unit No. 12
Sheep Mount ain-McNamara Landing-Greenough Divide ......... 86
Conclusions • 87
Recommendations. • 88
Map
Game Range and Units • •••>••••••••••••••••••• 59
5
9
2,150
2S29U
■
2,11*0
Actual count increases 22U white-tail.
Mule Deer
Year
I
o
■
Actual Count
■
o
I
»
6
Estimate
a
6
•
■
ft
Total
0
sC
2
arrying Capaci'
19U2-19U3
19U7-19U8
o
•
1
I
9
•
I
298
1,161
1
■
•
t
U60
670
■
1
1
SC
1
758
1,831
I
i
»
•
■
I
:
700
2,132
63
Actual count increase? 863 mule deer<
Elk
Year g Actual Count s Estimate 1 Total ; Carrying Capacity
o a © a
o o • o
19U2-19U3 a 21U s Ul5 i 629 I 800
» OP OP o
19U7-19U8 s 356 s kl9 s 835 s ls065
Actual count increases II4.2 elk8
These figures indicate an increase of all species,, however,, the
great difference in the number of mule deer during the two studies is not
indicative of a phenomenal increase,, since good mule deer habitat was
covered in 19H7~U8 that was missed during the earlier study,,
USE BY DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK
In 1930 the Forest Service permitted 18 bands of sheep to graze in
this area during the summer periodo During recent years no sheep have been
allowed on the Forest. This was done to protect watershed drainage from
over~grazingo
At one ranch where game had caused complaints of haystack damage ,
hay has been baled and stored in a large shed„ This resulted in the game
moving to adjacent range as no haystacks were available 0
Another example of changing elk range from private land was found
on Elk Creeko Considerable use of haystacks by elk had occurred and elk-
proof haystack fences were constructed three years ago» Now, although
elk are found on the adjacent browse winter range, £or& are found on the
meadow So
6U
HUNTING PRESSURE
Because of its nearness to Missoula, a large population center,,
this region has been subjected to a constantly increasing hunting pressure,,
Local interest and demand make this unit one of vital importance 0 Normally
the hunter take is largest following heavy snows and often more game is
killed the last week than during the previous three weeks»
Management practices in the Blackfoot district have since 1933
restricted deer harvesting to antlered bucks and permitted hunting of
either sex of elk from October l£th to November l£th„ However*, it has
been necessary on two occasions to conduct special hunts on the Boyd ranch
to alleviate complaint of elk dam age 0
The first such season was in 1933 when the area was opened to the
hunting of either sex0 It is estimated that over 100 elk were killed*,
In 19U8 a special hunt was conducted by use of special permits,.
Thirty permits were issued for hunting from December 22nd to January 31st<>
This hunt was not popular with local sportsmen, many receiving permits
refused to use them and less than 19 elk were taken,. It is doubtful if
any good was accomplished by this hunto
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The winter of 19U7-19U3 was not a period of deep snow, however, it
was a winter that made foraging difficult for game,, Snow fell early,
crusted in December and remained in this condition during most of the winter.
Elk were found in areas of almost four feet of snow,, however, the normal
winter range was characterized by a much lower snow depth „ In the game
wintering area, the average snow depth was 10s 2$ inches on the south slopes,
17s 5 inches on the level and 30s 1$ inches on the north slopes. Shown
65
below is the average monthly snow depths and the winter average0
1 1 1 III
8
a
o
o
o
a
o
1 "
o
ai
Area
sDecembers
o o
January
0
o
o
February
a
a
o
a
March
g Average
o
a
South Slopes
o
a
s 13
o-
o>
13
a
9
o--
6
o
o
i; 10s 25 inches
North Slopes
s 25
5
30
32
a
o
36
a
§ 30s 75 inches
Level
s 18
a>
20
o
o
0
15
o
s
17
s
§ l?s5 inches
8
o
a
o
o
CENSUS TECHNIQUES
Census methods used in the survey depended upon extensive coverage
of all wintering areas» Travel was designed to cut through the representa=*
tive range and to count as much game as possible o Fresh tracks were used
in addition to the actual count to determine estimate s0 Each crew member
estimated the carrying capacity of the area covered that day with relation
to the existing population and potential,.
During the first part of the winter some time was spent in each unit
getting sex ratio data* After shedding of antlers started*, the main emphasis
was placed on getting total population estimates,.
The Swan-Blackfoot Unit has been divided into 12 units for con-
venience in study and reporting. These units are outlined on the map at
the beginning of this reporto
Following is a tabular summary of the Swan-Blackfoot Unit.
66
Sex Ratio and Percent of Young
Species
Male s Females Young
Total s Sex Ratio s Percent of
t s Young
White-tail
: 35 8
151 2
150 s
336
Mule deer
o »
s 78 s
29U s
355 s
727
Elk
O O
z 18 i
: i
o •
o •
5U «
s
o
o>
U6 8
s
s
118
lsli.3
Is3c7
Is 3
hh.S
U8.
38.
67
WHITE-TAIL DEER CENSUS 19U7-19U8
SWAN-BLACKFOOT UNIT
Area
Actual s
Count %
Estimate g Total
Carrying
Capacity
No. 1 Sheep Flats to Prairie
Creek 5 Sunflower Mtn«,
Noo 2 Elk Creek-Bear Creek
Noo 3
575
22U
599
Clearwater.
Grade
Sperry
No. h Salmon Lake Hills, Owl
Creek, Fish Lake & Brew
Creek
No 0 5 Cottonwood Creek s Boyd-
2U2
376
58
20U
300
580
Bandy Ranch
No. 6
No. 7
No. 8
No. 9
No. 10
No .11
No. 12
Uoo
300
Uoo
Monture=McCabe Creek
0
0
31
0
0
Qh
0
0
115
0
200
Dick & Warren Creek s5
Qvando Mountain
a
0
0*
18
125
*
0
o»
0
1U3
0
0
0
n,
200
Coopers Lake, Markham
Mountain
0
0
0
©■
117
s
0
0
>>
0
33
0
(ft
0
150
»
O
a
0
150
Lincoln Canyon
CP
0
92
8
100
»
0
192
0
0
200
Monture Hill, Blackfoot
River Breaks
0
17
0
m
s
8
s
0
0
0
25
0
W
Pearson Creek-Chamber-
lain Creek
8
S
a
26
8
8
60
s
0
0
0
0
86
8
O
O
0
100
Sheep Mountain, McNamarag
Landing 9 Greenough g
5U
S
>
50
8
0
0
101*
0
8
B
150
R
3
8
8
Totals
O
l,3U8
s
0
9U6
8
<>
9
2,29U
8
O
O
2,1U0
68
MULE DEER CENSUS 19U7-19U8
SWAN-ELACKFOOT UNIT
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
a
Area
a
a
Actual
a
o
Estimate
a
a
Total
a
a
Carrying
o
o
a
a
Count
o
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Capacity
No.
1 Sheep Flats to Prairie
B
i
a
0
a
o
a
a
a-
a
a
a
%
Creek , Sunflower Mtn.
o
I
198
a
235
o
0
U33
o
a
500
No.
2 Elk Creek -Bear Creek
o
a
o
8
U7
a
o
o»
a-
23
o
a
o
70
a
8
200
No.
3 Clearwater* Sperry
s
8
a
a
Grade
o
9
1U7
a
0
53
a
o
200
a
a
200
No.
k Salmon Lake Hills, Owl
i
o
a
a
8
8
S
o
a
a
Creek, Fish Lake & Drew
a
a
a
O
S
8
Creek
a
o
o
285
o
©
65
a
a
8
350
a
0
s
300
No.
5 Cottonwood Creek, Boyd-
0
o
a
a
8
8
Bandy Ranch
a
a
—
a
a
—
2
.«..._>
8
—
No.
6 Monture-McCabe Creek
a
o>
■
8
__
a
a
a
s
...
a
a
a
a
a
__>
S
8
—
No.
7 Dick & Warren Creeks,
O
o
a
a
■
o
8
Ovando Mountain
1
36
a
a
LU
|
a
50
8
125
No.
8 Coopers Lake, Markham
a
o
a
8
8
a
8
8
8
Mountain
s
73
O
o
39
1
112
8
112
No.
9 Lincoln Canyon
s
i
1
a
a
a
2
—
8
8
S
1
8
m
m
—
No.
10 Monture Hill.* Blackfoot
a
o
S
S
8.
River Breaks
BE
■
a>
228
2
8
72
8
S
300
t
8
300
No.
11 Pearson Creek,, Chamber-
a
a
8
o»
a
8
lain Creek
r
l
96
a
a
s
kh
a
a
mo
2
8
1U5
No.
12 Sheep Mountain, McNamara
a
8.
1
8
Landing. Greenough
8
t
1
50
8
a
1
125
a
I
8
8
175
8
8
8
250
Totals
1
■
a
1,161
a
•
a
670
8
S
1,831
I
|
2,132
69
ELK CENSUS 19U7-19U3
SWAN-BLACKFOOT UNIT
Area
s Actual s
Estimate
0
0
Total
•
•
Carrying
s Count 2
« ft
a «
»
0
0
0
0
a
Capacity
S 8
§
0
0
ft- ft
0
0
S 63 8
U8
0
0
111
0
0
175
ft O
s 36 g
6U
0
0
0
100
0
0
0
125
No* 1 Sheep Flats to Prairie
Creek 9 Sunflower Mtn0
No, 2 Elk Creek5 Bear Creek
No. 3 Clearwater^ Sperry
Grade
No. k Salmon Lake Hills,, Owl
Creek,, Fish Lake & Drew
Creek
No. 5 Cottonwood Creek , Boyd-
Bandy Ranch
No. 6 Monture-McCabe Creek
No. 7 Dick & Warren Creek ss
Ovando Mountain
No. 8 Coopers Lakes Markham
Mountain
Noo 9 Lincoln Canyon
No. 10 Monture Hill, Blackfoot
River Breaks
No .11 Pearson Creek s Chamber-
lain Creek
No. 12 Sheep Mountain5 McNamara
Totals
2
g
73
.8
12
65
15'
138
25
165
76
0
0
21*
0
0
100
0
0
0
0
100
^
0
0
g
m
ft
120
ft
g
ft
0-
175
0
li-
ft
»
0
200
1U
ft
ft
%
i
83
0
o
0
0
ft
ft
97
<>
(>
0
ft
100
9
0
ft
21*
ft
0
33
ft
0
5o
8
t
0
0
s
ft
ft-
—
a
a
—
0
—
s
—
<>
ft
g
0
?
ft
0
ft
27
ft
7
0
0
3U
<>
»
g
75
s
8
,=_.
s
<>
<>
25
<»
0
o
ft
25
o
g
50
s
O
»>
g
g
■1
ft
0
0
•
g
356
h79
835
1,06$
70
y*w
White-tail Deer on Salmon Lake hills.
Note heavily Browsed Service berry.
Typical Winter Range in Blackfoot-
Clearwater Unit. Salmon Lake Area
71
SUB-UNIT NO. 1
GOLD CREEK g SHEEP FLATS TO PRAIRIE CREEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This area all lies north of the Big Blackfoot River and east of
Gold Creek including Belmont, Blanchards, Lost Horse and Prairie Creeks0
Sub-unit No. 1 is primarily -white-tail range, but has a few mule deer and
elk. A heavy concentration of deer was found on the lower south slopes of
Sunflower Mountain and in the flats along the Blackfoot River known as
Sheep FlatSo Some deer were found all along, but the next local concentra-
tion was found at Blanchard and another at the mouth of Prairie Creek.
Predators were numerous in this sub-unit. It is known that one
cougar and five coyotes were killed there this winter. The chief forage
for this unit consists of the following? grass, willow, ceanothus,
mountain maple, alder, juniper, serviceberry, dog wood, and chokecherry.
Deer migration started on November 5th following a heavy snow and
one week later most of them had moved to their winter range. The elk
started to migrate at the same time, but by a lesser degree. Hunting
pressure no doubt had its effect on migration too. Within the area there
are ten ranches and sheep come in from out of state for summer grazing on
this winter game range.
About one/ sixth of this unit has been logged. No logging is being
carried on at present, but logging roads have been built into some of the
un-cut portions. It is believed operations will start again soon.
Access into this sub-unit is difficult, but in spite of the fact
about 300 men, mostly local sportsmen take 25 elk, 75 white-tail and 25
mule deer annually. Predator kill of deer this winter was estimated at
72
1|0. The browse shows very heavy use in past years. It is believed that
in more severe winters most of the deer will be found in the three areas
of concentration.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that deer season be restricted to bucks only as a
satisfactory sex ratio exists, and that elk of either sex be taken during
the regular season » Removal of domestic stock in the Sheep Flats area is
recommended as present indications show it not capable of this dual use.
BIG GAME POPULATION TABULATION
a
i
o
o
o
»
i
Species
o
■
Actual
o
o
Estimate
•
■
Total
Q
■
Carrying
9
t
O
a
Count
o
o
•
•
•
•
»
a
©
I
»
o
Capacity
White-tail Deer
o
c
375
■
o
a
o
22U
o
»
D
■
599
■
i
■
o
Uoo
Mule Deer
•
•
198
•
o
I
235
•
•
U33
I
o
1
5oo
Elk
s
§
g
63
I
■
•
•
U8
1
o
I
o
•
111
V
o
m
175
SUB-UNIT NO. 2
ELK CREEK - BEAR CREEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Elk Creek, Ashby, Arkansas and Bear Creek make up this unit. Elk
Creek enters the Blackfoot Valley floor one mile east of the Greenough
Post Office. No heavy concentrations of game were found in this sub-unit
and dominant species were elk and mule deer. On the southwest slopes,
primary game food species are grass and ceanothus.
7j
A major portion of this winter range was logged in the 1920" s and
forest fire went over most of it in 1929 o The browse in the bottoms con-
sist of the following? dog wood5 willowc, mountain maple^ alder^, serviceberry
and chokecherry0
On November 5th and 6th mule deer were seen migrating to Little Fish
Creek and lower Elk Creek «, On November lUth and 15th elk were killed on
Little Fish Creek and none were seen down that low before that date<> On
Ashby and Arkansas Creek about 1$ elk and 30 deer were taken by legal
hunting o
There are two large ranches adjacent to this area. In the winter of
I9I4.2-U3 this was a problem area as ranchers complained of elk trespass* Elk
proof hay corrals have been in place at the outlying stacks for three
years and apparently have been effective «, Elk were found near by,, but
none came on the meadows this winter,. Access into the more primitive portions
of this area is most difficult and the hunter-take during the first part
of the season was negligible and light during the latter parto
No change in hunting season is recommended,, Winter range in this
area will handle twice or three times the game we found there „
Big Game Population Tabulation
o 00 ft
o So a
Total s Carrying
g C apacity
Species
Or
•
Actual
ft
O
Estimate 1
0
0
i
Count
O
ft
ft
ft
ft
•
0
a
White-tail Deer
ODOD
0
CKKX> a
0
0
0
O
ft
Mule Deer
z
kl
0
0
23 8
s
0
ft
0
ft
Elk
0
36
0
0
6k z
70 g 200
100 g 125
7U
SUB-UNIT NOo 3
CLEARWATER-SPERRY GRADE
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This area starts at the junction of the Big Blackfoot and Clearwater
Rivers,, It takes in the River bottom from here to the mouth of Cottonwood
Creek, the southwest slopes of Speny Grade and the low rolling hills
north of the Cahoon Ranch. White-tail deer were found over the entire
wintering area, but not so many were found on the higher southwest slopes
of Sperry Grade,, Mule deer and elk were only found on the southwest
slope of Sperry Grade •
The chief forage in this unit is ceanothus? grass* serviceberry,
chokecherry, juniper and fir needles,, The Douglas fir and juniper show a
distinct deer line in certain districts,. The deer started concentrating in
this area about November 7th„
This sub-unit is very accessible and quite heavily hunted. About
l£0 hunters took UO deer here, the heaviest take was in the latter part of
the season,. This is a small area and will not support more game especially
in the more severe winters,,
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species 2 Actual £ Estimate s Total s Carrying
: Count s s s Capacity
09a o
• n • •
S9 9> 9
■ 9> 9
White-tail Deer z 2kZ g 58 s 300 t 300
i I t 1
Mule Deer i Ihl 8 $3 s 200 1 200
9> > 9 9
Elk r 3 t 32 t 2$ 25
7*
SUB-UNIT NOo h
SALMON LAKE HILLS 3 OWL CREEK s FISH LAKE AND DREW CREEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This is the most critical wintering area in the Swan-Blackfoot Unit,
Along Salmon Lake to the north and to the east in the lower slopes are
found white-tail deer while in the higher elevations mule deer and elk are
common,, In Drew Creek elk occur while in the Fish Lake area mule deer and
elk wintered in near proximity,, Along Owl Creek only white-tail deer
were found at lower levels^ but a few elk wintered near the top of the
drainage,, No deer were found from the headwaters of the Clearwater to a
point one mile north of Salmon Lake after the first of December,,
By the first week in April5 as higher country opens up,, the deer
leave the critical winter range0 All indicators on this range point to
extreme over=*itilization. Grass is practically absents mullein stalk
have been stripped and the dominant vegetation consists of low palata-
bility foodsj such as0 Oregon grape s and kinnikinnick.
Soil erosion has been noted and the grass is almost gone^ in places
only the roots remain.
LIVESTOCK USAGE
This very critical white-tail wintering grounds is grazed all
summer by sheep s from a ranch near Deer Lodge „ Some locally owned cattle
and horses also summer on the unit and 12 head of horses wintered with the
deer„
About 2/3 of this area has been logged in recent years,, Because the
soil is so porous and the cover thins this area tends to dry-out early and
76
annual growth is not great.
Access into the area is easy,, about UOO hunters take 90 deer and
10 elk annually. It is estimated that 70 deer are killed each -winter in
this area by predators,, cars and poachers,, Very few were taken by poachers
this winter*
No change in hunting season is re commended „
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species
Actual
•
Estimate
?
Total
a
a
Carrying
o
a
Count
*
a
■
D
O
•
o
a
9
a
•
Capacity
o
a
s
376
»
■
20U
a
■
a
•
580
a
o
a
a
Uoo
t
B
o
a
•
a
a
285
65
o
o
350
9
*
300
s
73
■
a
a
■
65
a
■
a
i
138
2
O
■
165
8
a
o
a
o
B
I
White -tail Deer
Mule deer
Elk
SUB-UNIT NO. 5
COTTONWOOD CREEK-BOYD RANCH
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Cottonwood Creek and its tributaries on the east and the east slope
of Boyds Hill make up this sub-unity which is perhaps the key to elk manage-
ment in the entire Swan-Blackfoot district,
Boyds Hill forms a peninsula upon which elk from the Cottonwood
winter » As the country surrounding the hill is hayland a problem is created
by elk use of haystacks.
About three-fifths of the unit is cut-over lando Fir thickets and
brushy swamps untouched by loggers still remain, affording excellent cover.
77
Willow^ dog wood,, chokecherry5 quaking aspen, alder., hawthorn and grasses
form the primary vegetative cover,.
Nine ranches are located in this sub-unit and two of these are
large o The Boyd Ranch had over 70 large haystacks last year and these
stacks have attracted elkj, causing rancher complaint and a special season,.
Browse in the area is good and could support the elk wintering there if
it were usedo
An attempt to control elk on the Boyd Ranch was made in December,,
Thirty permits were issued., with the hope that additional hunting would
chase the elk out of the areae Only 19 permits were filled and the
objectives were not realized*.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is believed that a cooperative project could be established
which would aid in maintaining elk in the area with a •minimum of disturbance0
This recommendation^, which is discussed in more detail at the end of this
report^, consists of land acquisition,, fencing of certain haystacks and
managed hunting „
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species
i Actual
s Count
Estimate s Total
Carrying
Capacity
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
76
2U
100
100
78
SUB-UNIT NOo 6
MONTUIgLMcCABE CHEEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This area includes Monture Creek north of the Ranger Station,, and
the area south and west of the Ranger Station to the headwaters of the
tributaries of Cottonwood Creek and includes area on the north side of
McCabe Creeko Monture s Dunham and LicCabe Creeks have very dense cover in
the flats below the Ranger Station,, Douglas fir covers a major part of
this wintering area0 White-tail deer were found throughout the brushy
bottomse Some elk were found here too5 others wintered up McCabe Creek
in 20 inches of snow and 8 elk wintered up Monture Creek on a west slope in
four feet of snow0 These elk have spent the winter in a very small area^,
cleaning up one patch of browse before breaking a trail to the next,,
Plenty of good forage can be found at lower levels0 The chief
browse species for this unit ares serviceberryQ willow^ chokecherryr dog
wood5 ceanothus and grass*
A small portion of this unit has been logged and more will be
logged soon„
A migration of deer into the lower country was noted starting
November 5th 0 Elk came down about the same time* but hunting pressure
forced them backo A large number of mule deer summer in the higher country
in this area* but winter in sub-unit No. 10 on Monture Hillo It is during
the migration through sub-unit No« 6 that the most deer are taken,,
About 300 hunters take UO elk and $0 deer annually during the
regular hunting season.
No change of season is recommendedc
79
Big Game Population Tabulation
o
0
o
o
a
a
o
Species
Actual
s Estimate
o
o
Total
9
9
Carrying
o
0
o
m
Count
8
o
o
o
O
Capacity
White-tail Deer
o
on
o
31
a
g 8U
o
o
115
o
200
Mule Deer
o
D
-*
g ->«=■
o
o
«=
o
_i_ii i
Elk
o
o
55
g 120
o
o
175
0
o
1
200
o
a,
a
SUB-UNIT N0„ 7
DICK CREEK-WARREN CREEK-QVANDO MOUNTAIN
GENERAL DESCHIFTION
This area includes the lower edge of Ovando Mountain from the south
side of McCabe Creek to the north fork of the Blackfoot River taking in
Upper Dick Creek*, Warren Creek and Spring Creeko Most of the Ovando
Mountain wintering area is an old burn0 The remainder of the area is flat
country with low5 rolling hills having a cover of Douglas fir and pine0
Many brushy swamps are also foundo
Nine ranches are within the area0 Most of them have fenced the elk
out of their hay corrals« Two of them still complain of slight damage*, but
have some of their stacks elk proof0
The forage in this sub-unit consists of the followingg mountain
maple^ chokecherrys serviceberrya hawthorn,, willow,, dog wood and grass0
The white~tail winter throughout the brushy bottoms 0 the mule deer
winter in the rolling sagebrush hills next to the Dry Gulch road0 Elk
usually range along Ovando Mountain^, but a few stay down adjacent to the
rancheSo
80
JLccess into the unit is easy0 One hundred and fifty hunters take
15 elk and 30 deer annually,, The bucks stay in dense thickets^, otherwise,,
the kill would be much greater 0 No change of season is recommended,,
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species s Actual % Estimate g Total g Carrying
I Count s s s Capacity
White-tail Deer g 18 s 125 s U*3 § 200
2 g % s
Mule Deer % 36 g Ik % $0 g 125
© o> © o
Elk s Ik 9 83 § 97 8 100
> (* o t>
o m o o
This unit as a whole could support lobs more game* but along the
edge of Ovando Mountain where the elk winter, a heavy browse use was noted,
SUB-UNIT NOc 8
COOPERS IAKE-MARKKAM MOUNTAIN
General Description
This country takes a Mineral Hill, Markham Mountain and a narrow
strip on the ridge to the north and the Coopers Lake area0 The south
slopes of Mineral and Markharn have sparsely scattered timber and browse^
the ground cover being mostly cheatgrass0 The remainder of the area is
of the Douglas fir type with a few patches of yellow pine„ A concentration
of deer was found on the south slopes of Markham Mountain and Mineral
Hillo This area is grazed by domestic stock in summer „ A few deer were
found on the west slope of the ridge north of the Markham area0 None
were found near Coopers Lake except the remains of five killed by Cougars.
81
Three cougars were taken in the Coopers Lake vicinity the day-
following field investigations o
Elk were found north and east of Coopers Lake and a few well back
on Markhanu The chief winter forage consists of the followingg green
cheatgrasss small patches of bunchgrass^ ceanothus^ mountain maples
serviceberrys chokecherry and juniper0 The juniper shows a very distinct
deer line. The north portion of this unit has a far better browse • It
is suitable for elk5 but has too much snow for winter deer rangeo
Hunter kill is light 0
There are six ranches adjacent to the area5 one of these ranchers
has complained of elk damageo He had only two stacks<>
No change in hunting season is recommendedo It is recommended that
the Fish and Game acquire the Markham Mountain area and restrict livestock
grazing,
Big Game Population Tabulation
a
9
a
8
a
a
Species
a
a
Actual
a
a
Estimate
a
Total
o
■
Carrying
0
a
a
a
a
Count
o
a
a
o
o
o
o
o
■
a
a
Capacity
White-tail Deer
a
a
o
a
a
117
o
a
a-
o.
o
o
33
a
o
8
a-
a
150
a
o
a
o
or
150
Mule Deer
a
o
73
o
39
g
112
a
a
112
Elk
a
a
o
9
a
2k
e
a
o
33
a
a
50
a
S
?
a
5
a
o
SUB-UNIT NOo 9
LINCOLN CANYON
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
82
This area covers a narrow strip along the River from Markham
Mountain to Lincoln „ Deers although not yarded, were found limited to
this narrow area which is about 12 miles long and will average one-quarter
of a mile in width „ About one third of the deer were found between the
road and the river in the dog wood and willow patches,. The rest were above
the road where juniper is the key browse,. Other forage is as follows?
chokecherry, serviceberry, nannyberry5 mountain maple ^ honeysuckle and
grass<> Juniper and fir show a decided deer line«
Three ranches are within the area,, Domestic stock graze here in
summer and 20 horses grazed on this range all winter 0 The deer in this
area summer in Upper Arrastra Creek, Lincoln Gulch and Beaver Creek »
About l£0 hunters take U0 deer annually in this area0 Access into
the area after the snow comes is very difficult „ No plows are used and
some of the hills are very steep 0 It is believed that by acquiring land
around the Markham Hill area, it would relieve the wintering pressure here
as the areas are closely associated,.
Big Game Population Tabulation
o-
o
o
m
Species
I
Actual
«
Estimate
Total
■
Carrying
o
Count
1
•
«
•
•
•
■
>
•
Capacity
s
t
?
8
White-tail Deer
t
I
92
1
100
192
8
B
•
200
Mule Deer
■
1
8
—
1
1
1
8
I
—
Elk
8
—
%
7
1
7
8
—
r
:
1
8
83
SUB-UNIT NOo 10
MONTURE HILL-BLA-CKFOOT RIVER BREAKS
This takes in the country along the River from the mouth of Monture
Creek to the mouth of Frazier Creek*, and all of the Monture Hillo The area
is primarily mule deer winter range and is entirely on private property..
The main forage is hunchgrass^ with small amounts of juniper s willow^, dog
wood,, quaking aspen5 serviceberry and chokecherry0 These deer are com=
peting with about 200 head of horses on this ranges but have done so for
years* The range does not appear to be over<=grazed0 No domestic stock
summer here* These deer summer in the high hills north of Monture Ranger
Station and are usually off winter range by Aprilo Some go into Chamberlain
Creek o
Very few deer are harvested on this unit because they are found on
the unit only during the winter*, but a number of them are taken when
passing through sub-unit Noc 6*
No change in hunting season is recommended.
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species t Actual g Estimate s Total g Carrying
g Count s s s Capacity
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
17
o
a
o
0
8
a
•
a
a
Z$ 8
hP
228
©
o
9
72
g
o
9
©
300 s
300
8U
SUB-UNIT NO. 11
PEABSON CREEK-CHAMBERLAIN CREEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Included in this area are the Pearson* Chamberlain and Bear Creek
drainages and Blacktail Mountain, also the adjacent area south of the
Blackfoot River0 Mule deer were found on the southwest slopes of Granite
Mountain which was being logged^ on the south slope of Blacktail Mountain
and a few which the lumberjacks fed all winter at Camp Number Eight0 The
elk in the area were found at the head of the West Fork of Chamberlain
Creeko The white-tail were found along the Big Blackfoot on the south
side0 Of the band of deer being fed hay all winter,, the fawns looked poor,,
their coats were patchy and as a whole didn't look as good as those not
fedo
The forage in the area consists of the following? dog wood,, willow,,
serviceberry,, chokecherry5 alder^ ceanothus, mountain maple^ bunchgrass
and the moss on the trees felledo This game herd nearly all migrates from
the high country on the north side of the Garnet Range<, About 175 hunters
took 10 elk and 20 deer here last fall0 Access into the unit is much
easier at present than it has been as trucks are hauling the logs0 3ecause
of the snow depth and due to the fact that there is very little south
slope5 it is felt that the area in more severe winters couldn't support many
more deer9 but could handle twice or three times the amount of elk that are
now there as they could cope with the snow better 0
No changes in season is recommended.
85
Big Game Population Tabulation
1
o
a
D
o
o
Species
o
a
Actual
o
Estimate
a
»
Total
a
a
Carrying
•
«
Count
a
a
a
a
o
0
a
o
a
a
a
a
Capacity
White-tail Deer
a
a
8
26
o
o
O
a
60
o
a
o
3
86
Q
O
a
100
Mule Deer
o
o
o
o
a-
96
o
0
0
o
o
kk
o
o
o
a
lUo
o
0
0
»
iii5
Elk
27
0
o
7
o
3U
o
o
75
o
o
,
o
a
a
o
SUB-UNIT NOo 12
SHEEP MOUNTAIN-McNAMARA IANDING-GREBNOUGH DIVIDE
This area runs from Sheep Mountain to the Highway and from Bonner
to McNamara Landing and the hills north of the Highway from the Greenough
Divide to McNamara Landingo White-tail were found along the River from
Johnson Gulch to Gold Creek with mule deer and elk higher up« Only mule
deer were found from McNamara Landing to the Greenough Divide north of
Potomac The forage for the unit consists of the following? bunchgrass5
ceanothuSj, willow^ alder 5 quaking aspen5 hawthorn,, mountain maples choke-
cherry s serviceberry and dog wood0
There are a number of ranches adjacent to this area0 Most of this
sub-unit is grazed in summer by domestic livestock and horses were on it
until the last of March when it became necessary to get them in and feed
them. Deer were doing nicelyo One hundred hunters take 25 deer and 5 elk
annually 8
No change in hunting season is recommended,,
86
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
Actual
Count
Estimate
Total
Carrying
Capacity
5u
5o
5o
D
10U 8
150
125
O
o
175 i
250
25
3
o
25 g
50
CONCLUSIONS
The Swan-Blackfoot Big Game Unit is an important area to western
Montarja hunters0 Although big game populations, particularly elk are not
large, a substantial amount of hunting is provided the sportsmen of Missoula
County and adjacent areas.
Estimates of hunter demand have been prepared by contacting local
residents in each area and while these are not accurate trends are
indicated,. It is estimated that about 1800 hunter days are spent in this
Unito The hunter-harvest of white-tail amounts to about 15% of the total
population^ 10% of the mule deer are taken annually and 1756 of the elk.
This would indicate that hunters are actually taking the annual increase of
white-tail deer and elk and that these two species are remaining about
static. Mule deer should show an increase with only 10$ of the herd
harvested. Population estimates substantiate these figures,,
An examination of land ownership in the area indicates clearly the
key problem relative to the maintenance of big game in the Swan -Blackf oot
Unit. While over 2,000 square miles of this unit are available as summer
87
range only 10$ can be used by game during the critical winter period« Of
the 10$ winter range about 8% is on private landa Much of this land is
over-grazed by domestic stock prior to the winter use by gamee
Sex ratios of all species have been found satisfactory and the
percent of young animals also indicate a satisfactory herd balance0
RgCOlflfflMDATIQNS
It is apparent that the key to maintaining an optimum of big game
in the Swan-Blackfoot Unit depends upon managing these animals in such
a way that good winter range is provided and encroachment on livestock
interests is reduced,,
This can be done by working with all interested groups and individuals
in this area and the following suggested management plans
lo Urge formation of a Swan-Blackfoot Conservation Committee „
2« Through the committee acquire certain marginal landa and develop
these to the maximum for big game winteringo
3o In cooperation with certain key ranches and with direct contribu-
tions from these ranches and local sportsmen*, construct elk proof fences on
outlying haystacks<, work out an agreement with the rancher to feed from
certain stacks first<, combine stack-yards and do everything possible to
reduce the availability of hay to game0
lu Encourage use of winter game range by closure to hunting for a
few years and by extended season on adjacent ranch land.
Submitted bys
Frank Gummej
R« Ho Eversc
May 6S 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
Frank Gummer<, Fieldman
R0 H. Evers<> Fieldman
88
STATE Montana
FROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
SWAN-BIACKFOOT UNIT
GARNET RANGE-ROCK CREEK BIG GAME WINTER SURVEY
19U7 - 19U8
Montana Fish and Game Department
Wildlife Restoration Division
Submitted by:
Frank Gummer, Fieldman
R. H. Evers, Fieldman
May £, 19 U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
89
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction 93
Personnel. • 93
Physical Features • • 9h
Census Technique and Observational Methods. ■••*••••••«•• 96
Unit Summary of Big Game in Rock Creek and Garnet Range ....... 96
Big Game Population Tabulation
White-tail Deer 97
Mule Deer 97
Elk 98
Moose 98
Mountain Sheep. . 98
Sub-Unit No. 1 (Lower Rock Creek -Harvey-Tyler and Schwartz)
General Description . • 100
Land-Use Economy. 100
Cattle Owned and Grazed on Forest Land 102
Outside Cattle Grazed on Forest Land. • 103
Wildlife Observations 103
Hunting Pressure • • 10k
Deer Sex Ratio. 105
Big Game Population Tabulation. • . 106
Recommendations ....... 106
Summary for Lower Rock Creek 106
Sub-Unit No. 2 (Upper Rock Creek)
General Description 107
Historical Data. •• 108
Game Movements 109
Economy of Unit • 110
Big Game Population Tabulation. • • 110
Recommendations Ill
Sub-Unit No. 3 (Garnet Range)
General Description 1U
Land-Use Economy. 112
Historical Data 112
Wildlife Observations 113
Big Game Population Tabulation. 113
Summary of Sex Ratio and Percent of Young ............. llU
Recommendation • 115
Conclusions. . 115
(continued)
90
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
AtSCornrriGncis.bion. s © ooooo«0oo*oeo«o»oooo«eooo jljj^
Map
Showing Units and Game Range • • • a • '• • • « •••••••• ■ 92
Picture
MU-L6 1/66 3/ JjU.CK o o o o o o o e • ©«ooo»«©o»o©ooo© //
91
Garnet Range-Rock Creek Winter Game Survey
£2 White-tail Deer
am Moose
« Elk
C3» Mule Deer
92
GARNET RANGE-ROCK CREEK BIG GAME WINTER SURVEY
19U7 - 19U8
INTRODUCTION
As part of the overall big game management program prepared by the
Montana Fish and Game Department, management units have been designated
throughout the big game ranges of the State* As time and personnel have
permitted, these units have been studied in detail and management plans
prepared to assure optimum conditions for wildlife0
The Garnet Range-Rock Creek units have not been covered in their
entirety prior to 19U7-U8 for various reasons,, Deer range on the south
slopes of the Garnet Range is almost entirely on private land and game in
Rock Creek, although varied, has never been found in sufficient number to
constitute a wildlife problem,, U» So Forest Service game studies have been
made on Forest lands within the units and reference is made to these in
this report*
Because of changing conditions within this area, terrific increase
in hunting pressure, damage complaints by ranchers in some sections and
the general program of completing surveys in all units, it was found
desirable to study big game in this district during 19U7-19U8o Accordingly,
a two-man crew was assigned to the area*
FERSONNEL
Frank Gummer and R, H, Evers started work in the unit on November
2\\s 19U7 and returned from the last field trip April 6, 19U8„ During this
period, 78 man-days were spent in the field covering the major part of the
•
93
winter range0 The use of a jeep greatly helped in covering country -where
roads are generally not open to motor travel in winter and saved many
time-consuming miles of snow shoe travelo
O O O ft Q ft ft
o a o * o • a
Means of Travel s Nov„ s Dec s Jan„ s Feb„ s MarQ : April g Total
o o • » a a a
at o m » • o o
ft o ft o» o t> a
Car a 7k 8 578 g 562 s 300 • U37 s 87 s 2,038
ft ft ft ft ft » ft
o o « a a ft a
Snowshoe-Foot s 23 J U9 s- 118 ? 22 s 7U s 26 j 312
ft- O » ft ft> ft ft
ft- a ft ft ft ft o ,
PHYSICAL FEATURES
This unit comprises approximately 566 square miles0 However, only
about 96 square miles are usable by game during the critical winter period.
This is approximately six percent.
The topography of the Rock Creek section ranges from rolling foot-
hills, sagebrush and grasslands, large willow bottoms in the Upper Rock
Creek country to a narrow, rocky canyon at the mouth where Rock Creek
empties into the Clark Fork of the Columbia,,
Rock Creek heads on the Continental Divide and runs in a northerly
direction to its junction with Clark Fork near Clinton,, Montana, a distance
of approximately 70 miles. Its principal tributaries are the four big
forks at its headj which are, East Fork, Middle Fork, Ross Fork and West
Forko The larger creeks flowing in from the west aret Stony, Wyman,
Welcome and Gilbert Creeks, From the east ares Willow, Hogback, Butte
Cabin, Ranch, Brewster and Spring Creeks,
The major timber type on the south slope is yellow pine and the majo
browse on these open slopes are mountain maple, serviceberry, mountain
balm, juniper and chokecherry. On the north slope fir-larch type
predominates and the browse is alder., dog wood? tall huckleberry and
willoWo
The economy of the area is centered around cattle raising and is
limited by the amount of summer range available and the hay that can be
put up for winter use0 Probably recreation is one of the most important
values to be considered in this drainage .
Elk and moose have damaged some hay in the past winter in Rock
Creeko There is an abundance of winter range and good browse in this
area suitable for this game5 but they have become accustomed to foraging
in hay corrals at night during the severe part of the winter o These
ranches where the damage has occurred are in the desirable locations
where game would normally congregate at this time of year.
There are no white-tail deer in the Upper Rock Creek drainage 0
The grassy «, south slopes cut with timbered draws and timbered browse
covered north slopes are ideal mule deer range 0 Mule deer are no pro-
blem in this area and except for limited areas <, no sign of over <= grazing
is evidento There is very little indication of browsing in fir and
juniper and these species show no "deer-line" „
The winter of 19U7-U8 may be considered an average winter on game.
Snow depths averaged 3.2 inches on south slopes, six inches on level, and
13o6 on north facing slopes. Crusted and icy conditions^ which started
about November 5 th., made foraging difficult during most of the winter .
Snow had disappeared over most of the winter range in April. Temperatures
during the first week in March dropped to 22° below zero at Schmidt's
Ranch on Rock Creek5 this was the coldest period of this season.
Garnet Range division of this unit starts at Bonner., Montana,, and
95
runs in an easterly direction to DrummoncL, Montana,, a distance of about
UO mileso The altitude varies from approximately 3^100 feet at Bonner*
Montana,, to 6„930 on Mount Baldy in the Bearmouth arsac
This area parallels Highway #10 and the Clark Fork of the Columbia
River, the entire length 0 There are fair roads leading into the mountains
on the main creeks and most of the area is easily accessible to hunters,,
The terrain ranges from steep rocky slopes near Bonner to rolling sagebrush
hills in the Drummond areae
The main drainages running into the Clark Fork River from Bonner
to Drummond areg Turah Creek, Kendall Creek, Donovan Creeks Wallace
Creek,, Cramer Creek,, Little Bear Creek, Bear Creek, Murkey Gulch and
Rattler Gulch „
CENSUS TECHNIQUE AND OBSERVATIONAL METHODS
Census methods used in this survey depends upon extensive coverage
of all -wintering areas0 Travel was designed to cut through the representa-
tive range and to count as much game as possible „ Fresh tracks were
used as indication of additional game and estimates were determined from
this information0 During the early part of the year? efforts were con-
centrated on getting data on sex ratics0 After shedding of antlers by
white-tail deer was started on the 17th of December emphasis was placed on
getting total population data,
UNIT SUMMARY OF BIG GAME IN ROCK CREEK AND GARNET RANGE
Rock Creek -Garnet Range unit has been divided into three sub-units
for convenience in study and reporting „ These are shown on the map at the
beginning of this report. The tabulation on the fcllowinc page shows a
summary of the three sub-units,,
96
The estimates here are very conservative and were made each day
for the area covered that dayB The carrying capacity of range was
arrived at by observation each day and the condition of available range
near-by that was not put to use»
BIG GALE POPULATION TABULATION
White-tail Deers
Area
Lower Rock Creek
Upper Rock Creek
Garnet Range
Totals
Actual t
Count g
Estimate
33
228
261
161
Total
19k
Carrying
Capacity
300
183
8
Uii
a
5
500
S
s
o
a
fi
3kk
o
o
605
o
0
800
Mule Deer°
Area
o-
1
•
a
a
a
c*
a
Actual
Count
a
a
a
a
8
a
a
Estimate
o
0
o
o
m
a
o
Total
a
o
a
o
o
o
Carrying
Capacity
Lower Rock Creek
g
2U*
S
o
a-
U30
a
a
o
a*
6UU
o
o
a
a
800
Upper Rock Creek
5
a
•
331
o
S
lk9
a
a
6
U80
0
a
1,200
Garnet Range
Totals
s
Or
&
t
*
a
o>
a
697
1,2U2
a
a
i
s
a
O
S
i
k30
1,009
a
m
m
t>
a-
a
a
0
o
s
1,127
2,251
o
8
S
8
8
i55oo
3,5oo
97
Elk?
Area
8 8 ?
Actual s Estimate s Total s Carrying
Count i s g Capacity
Lower Rock Creek
Upper Rock Creek
Garnet Range
2
a
5
13
0>
15
a
o
25
k
8
a
o
10
8
8
8U
%
a
B
150
o
0
a
E
36
9
36
o
o
o
i5o
Totals
76
59
135
325
Mooses
Area
a
a
a
•
•
Actual
Count
a
a
o
0
Ok
Estimate
e
a
a
■
a
Total
aj
p
a
o
■
a
Carrying
Capacity
Lower Rock Creek
a
a>
9
a
r
13
a
o
o
22
■
a
»
a-
25
Upper Rock Creek
a
a>
22
a-
a>
32
a
5U
s
1
100
Garnet Range
S
s
a>
a»
—
B
a
0
a»
a
—
s
a>
o
o>
—
g
C9ua>
Totals
31
U5
76
125
Sheep;
Area
Actual 2 Estimate
Count s
Total
Carrying
Capacity
Lower Rock Creek
Upper Rock Creek
Garnet Range
Totals
s
8
8
15
15
s —
s
8
1
—
8
8
8
I
17
8
g
8
B
—
$
8
8
ft
8
8
1
1
s
8
150
150
Only one mountain goat was actually counted and it was seen in the
Upper Rock Creek area.
e
05 •
•H U
CD
U 0)
CD P
CD
T> H
•H
e w
CD »H
°> cd
-p ,c
•H -P
a)
■p
-p
c
-a
■p
«H
o
•s
CD
o
E
CO
e
•H CO
U CD
cd a
CX-rj
CO -P
+3 o
«H
CD
X -P
-p 3
o
«H A
o ««
• c
O CD
m
u c
CD O
a
CD O
99
SUB-UNIT NO. 1
LOWER ROCK CREEK-HARVEY-TYLER AND SCHWARTZ
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Included in this area is Tyler Creek,, Harvey Creek and Schwartz
Creek and from the mouth of Rock Creek south to the Forest boundary,, All
of this area lies south of the Clark Fork River and drains into this
River o
The area is primarily mule deer range with a small number of
white-tail deer5 elks moose and mountain sheep „ The elk are natives of
the adjoining Bitterroot Valley and range along the Divide between Rock
Creek and the Bitterroot* Most of these elk return to the Bitterroot
in the late fall when the snow gets deep in the high country,.
The deer winter range is on the south slopes along Rock Creek
and in small areas on the tributaries that have a south expo sure 0 Chief
wintering forage consist of native grasses and small browse,. Service-
berry5 ceanothus, mountain maple, fir and juniper are dominant low cover
species. Mule deer in this area spent a great deal of time in open
grassy slopes where there was very little browse and were eating grass
and grass-like plants.
White-tail deer were often found in the creek bottoms and hay-
fields during the night and on timbered slopes during the day0
LAND USE ECONOMY
Within this area 1$ ranches are found. There is one mining company
operating at this time employing about six men and one logging outfit
working in Schwartz Creek employing about six men„
100
*$$■'**
&u^l!tf*. •*'
vsa.
There are approximately 1,600 acres of hay land in this sub-unit
and 15300 head of cattle range here during the summer months,, Approximate-
ly one-half of these cattle are brought in from adjoining valleys. A
small part of this summer range is the same range that the deer use
during the winter.
Prior to 1919 this sub-unit had been heavily over- grazed by cattle
and sheep and parts of the range were very much damaged. Since that time,
cattle have been reduced from approximately l45000 head to the present
1,3^0 head and sheep reduced from 6,000 head to no sheep at the present
time. The range has made a good showing and is gradually coming back.
There is very little conflict between cattle and game on this range as
there is unlimited summer range for game and cattle are unable during
the summer to use much of the game winter range on account of steepness
and lack of water.
Game use only a small percent of cattle summer range during the
winter as at this time snow is much too deep in the higher range.
101
CATTLE OWNED AND GRAZED IN LOWER ROCK CREEK ON FOREST LAND
IN 19U7
» a O
Oft O
Name s Horses g Cattle s Acreage
■ a o
• « »
• O ft-
Louis Corra g — g £0 g 90
• o o
Carl Welsh g __ s 10 g 60
g s g
Ray Handley g 5 i 20 g 120
t s t
C. Hamm g 2 g hi s 370
a o o
ft 6 0
Mrs. Andrews g — • g 10 g k0
s s g
Wm» Byrnes g — ■ s 10 g Ui
g ? g
James Finlen : 12 g h$ % 320
l S 8
Swartz Brothers s — g 36 g 160
a* • o
ft ft O
Chris Hannen g — g 50 g 17£
o a* o-
Fred Spannuth c — . s 20 § U60
g ? g
J, M. Gurnnane s 10 g U5 % hPO
z g g
Palmer Romness g — - g l£ g 60
ft o 6
Mo S« Dexter g — g 6 g U0
o o» »
ft. o o>
Harold Wyman g — . g 2f>0 g 360
o» » o
ftv o 5
Albert Schmidt g 3 1 15 g 90
o 0 o
Totals s 32 g 629 s 2,789
102
OUTSIDE CATTLE GRAZED ON FOREST LANDS IN LOWER ROCK CREEK
IN 19U7
Name
Cattle
Do o ley Brothers
Jo A. Conn
Mrso Walter Hogan
Hans Kofed
200
UO
100
280
Totals
620
There is one guest camp operated by Lloyd Luke at the mouth of
Ranch Creek who has six cabins for rent and H. Norton, a rancher, has two
cabins in this vicinity. These places are used mostly by fishermen.
There are two summer homes one mile up Brewster Creek and several
more in this vicinity are being built at present. These places are on
private ground.
There is one ranch on Gilbert Creek owned by James Finlen of
Butte, Montana,, This ranch is a combination cattle ranch and summer home.
They run about 33> head of cattle on the Forest during the summer and
during the hunting season a good number of hunters make this place their
headquarters, At the present time it is believed that this place is not
a commercial outfit, but may develop into a combination dude and cattle
ranch in the near future.
WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS
There is some migration of white-tail deer near the mouth of Rock
Creek to the Garnet Range during the early winter and fall. The deer
103
that slimmer in the high country along Sandstone Ridge and Bitterroot
Divide migrate to the lower level along Hock Creek and winter on the
grassy south slopes.
During the winter 13 predator kills were found along the road and
in the adjacent creek bottoms,, As the breaks of Rock Creek are very
steep, 70 to 1% slope, deer being run by coyotes lose footing in this
steep ice-covered ground and roll into the roado Coyotes apparently
make use of the topography in killing deer0 Coyote tracks were numerous
in all the winter range and cougar sign was seen in Upper Rock Creek ,
One old lion was killed in Tyler Creek during the last part of April by
a hunter from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
HUNTING FRESSURE
Access to this sub-unit is easy. Rock Creek road leaving Highway
#10, 5 miles east of Clinton, Montana, leads into this unito
The Forest Service has nine improved camp grounds in the Rock
Creek drainage where hunters may camp and the area is served by a
graded road its entire lengtho Numerous side roads and trails make the
hunting area accessible by car, horses and foot travel during the open
season »
During the hunting season of 1938 the Forest Service kept records
at two checking stations on Rock Creek, one at the mouth of the Creek
and one at Stony Creek near the upper end of this unit.
This record shows 35>3 hunters taking out 61 mule deer and 7 white-
tail bucks. Approximately one hunter out of five was successful.
It is believed that this is about an average year' s take in the
Lower Rock Creek sub-unit. It is likely there is a slightly larger kill
10U
here as local residents were not included in this record,,
A big kill is usual in this area during the latter part of the
season „ In 19U6 and in 19U8 heavy snow came in the first week of
November, forcing the deer down into lower levels. Many deer were
killed in the road and on the lower slopes adjacent,,
In the early part of the season many hunters are very disappointed
because game is so scarce, and complaints of too many does are common0
However, most of these hunters do not get back far enough in a day's
foot travel to get into the game country. The past early fall bucks
were found to be rummaging in the high ridges at about 6^000 and 6„500
feet altitude and. these ridges are from five to seven miles back from
the roadso
DEER SEX RATIO
This study shows that there is one buck for each 3«3 does in this
area among the mule deer and one buck to one doe* in white-tail deer.
The following table gives the actual count and estimate of game
in Lower Rock Creek,
# It is felt that this ratio on white-tail deer is not a true
picture as an actual count of only £9 head was made in the sub-unit
and of these only 10 head were identified. It is suggested that sex
ratio data for Garnet Range be used as white-tail deer migrate back and
forth between these two areas.
105
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species
Actual
Q
i
E£
stimate
a
o
Total
Count
a
•
e
•
•
K
o
59
a
161
o
220
29h
o
o
U30
o
0
0
72J4
2
•
o
•
13
B
a
a
o
15
9
13
OJ
22
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
Moose
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that deer hunting be restricted to bucks only in
this area as the sex ratio is still well within the bounds of a good
breeding ratio.
It is felt that with an average kill of about 70 deer and an average
percent of young of 39.6 this herd will maintain itself and show an increase
each year under the present hunting conditions.
Summary for Lower Rock Creek
0 © o tt OJ o
1 o i o . a o
Species s Male s Female s Young r Total sSex Ratio s Percent of
s s g s s s Young
Elk
0*
0
2
i
— —
Mule Deer
1
0
0
9
1
30
White -tail Deer
0
5
0
•
0*
A
5
Moose
0
•
*
•
h
■
3
28 ? 67? 1- 3.3 ; Ul.7
6 8 16 s *1 - 1.0 g 37.5
1 s 8 ? 1 - 0.7 s 1.3
*Data insufficient for accurate sex ratio, sex ratio in adjacent
unit Is 3.6 is probably more nearly correct.
106
SUB-UNIT NOo 2
UPPER ROCK CREEK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Starting at the Continental Divide, this sub-unit consists of
drainages forming the headwaters of Rock Creek e The East Fork, Middle
Fork, Ross Fork, West Fork, Willow Creek and Stony Creek are primary
drainages that flow through the unit0
The area is primarily mule deer range with a small number of elk,,
moose and sheep.
The mule deer winter on the south slopes of Stony Creek, Willow
Creek, West Fork and main Rock Creek from Big Horn Creek to Willow Creek 0
Elk range along main Rock Creek on the west side from Stony Creek to the
mouth of West Forko
Chief winter forage consist of native grasses5 mountain maple,
serviceberry, alder, dog wood and willow.
Some damage complaints against elk occur in Upper Rock Creek e
There is a great abundance of mule deer and elk range here with a
normal snowfall of 12 to 30 inches, these species should be able to forage
successful in this area. The south slopes were at least partly bare most
of the past winter. About 12 inches of snow on the level and an average of
30 inches in the heads of the creeks.
The moose winter along the creek bottoms and up the side drainages
almost to the divide. Tracks indicated that they had been working down
the creeks from the high country since the snow first came in November,
There is a great abundance of browse in the bottoms. Willow, dog wood,
quaking aspen and even alder are mo3t used by moose. The largest number
107
of moose seen together were two„ Most animals seen were alone,,
HISTORICAL DATA
There is evidence of a great many sheep in the whole sub-unit in
early days0 There are men still living on the upper Greek who remember as
many as £0 to 75 mountain sheep in the range where 1$ were found at this
time0 As late as 1917 mountain sheep were numerous as far down the
creek as Little Hogback,, Numerous mountain sheep skulls have been found
in this area in the last three years0 Sheep skulls have been nailed up
years ago on old log buildings in Gilbert Creek and Spring Greek near the
mouth of Rock Creek indicating that bighorns once used this area0
Buffalo once ranged in the Upper Rock Creek area and there is
evidence that they had been down the creek as far as Little Hogback where
the canyon starts to narrow downc Many skulls and bones have been picked
up on the flats at the mouth of big and Little Hogback Creeks0 It is
thought that these buffalo were snowed in here and winter killedo
Mountain sheep range on the east side of Rock Creek from Sheep
Gulch to the mouth of Willow Greeko This is primarily southwest slope
and very steep for about loOGO feet and then levels off into gentle
grassy slopes with native grasses and small browse » There is very little
browse available on these slopes except sagebrush, juniper and fir„ It
was determined that grass was the primary food being eaten by this band
of sheep at the time of observation,, Sheep were found to stay in the
steep ground between the creek and the grassy slopes0 They spent a great
deal of time lying down and when grazing were constantly digging at their
heads and front quarters with their hind feet indicating external
parasite So
108
Mountain sheep range from Sheep Gulch to the mouth of Willow
Creek during the winter and information secured from local residents
indicate they range back on Sandstone Ridge to the head of Hogback Creek
during the summer «,
Up to about 30 years ago these sheep ranged down Rock Creek as far
as Little Hogback Creek 9 but there was no sign of sheep the past winter
below Anderson's Ranch near the mouth of Sheep Gulch,
Mule deer were using practically the same range in this area,.
Elk were found wintering on the west side of Rock Creek from Stony
Creek to the Gillis Ranch near the mouth of Willow Creeko An extended
bull elk season was held in this area last year in an effort to reduce
rancher complaint of damage „ This special hunt did not act as effectively
as originally hoped» Some use of haystacks occurred as late as April
5th5 and several bulls shed their horns in the hay corrals during the
last week of March »
Moose gave some trouble in the West Fork of Rock Creek in the area
around Sapphire mines<> Most of the trouble here was caused by about 12
moose0 Fencing with camouflage wire was tried but was unsuccessful,,
This area is an ideal moose winter range with large creek bottoms of
willow^ alder and dog wood browse,, Snow depth in these bottoms averaged
16,8 inches in the last half of February,, With no more snow than this,
moose have no difficulty getting around0
GAME MOVEMENTS I
Deer and elk migrate from the Bitterroot Divide and Sandstone Ridge
summer range during the early part of November and were still on the winter
range on April 6th, As the snow goes off they follow the snow-line back
109
as the new grass and browse comes out0
Mule deer and elk are seldom seen in this wintering area during
the summer months and deer are very scarce during the early part of the
hunting season.
ECONOMY OF UNIT
The industry of the area centers around ranching and cattle raising,,
There are no figures available on the number of cattle grazed or the amount
of hayland cultivated,, As far as is known there are no combination dude
ranches and cattle ranches0
This area is very accessible from Philipsburg^ Montana,, by a good
graded and graveled road as far as Gillis Bridge o From here on the road
is in fair condition during the hunting season. There is a fair road up
Stony Creek about six miles and several trails leading up to the high
country from this road0
It is estimated that 25>0 hunters take out 4O deer and 25 elk in this
area annually.
The following table gives the actual count and estimates for this
sub-unit o
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species
Actual Count
Estimate
Total
White-tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
Moose
Mountain sheep
331
o
11+9
•
U80
7H
8
o
i
10
5
c»
m
8U
22
32
m
o
51
15
S
Of
o
2
c
o
I
17
110
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. It is recommended that hunting season dates be October 15 th to
November l£th and bucks only should be taken.
2. The season should remain closed on moose except by special permit.
3. Elk of either sex should be taken during the regular hunting season.
It is believed that either sex hunting might remove some of the elk
that have been habitual haystack feeders.
U. Ranchers should be encouraged to construct elk proof fences.
Sex ratio data for mountain sheep are not available for this unit as
unsatisfactory counts were made prior to shedding of antlers.
The goat seen was alone. He had drifted into the area near the mouth
of Willow Creek about December 2£th and had been seen by a local resident
there almost every day for a period of over three months. He spent most of
the time on a steep cliff facing the valley in plain sight from Oillis Ranch.
Investigation proved that there were no more goats in the vicinity.
GARNET RANGE
SUB-UNIT NO. 3
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Garnet Range runs in an east-^west direction from Drummond to Bonner,
Montana, a distance of about UO miles and parallel to the Clark Fork River.
The survey was made along the south slopes on critical wintering areas.
All of this sub-unit lies north of the Clark Fork River and to the Divide
between the Big Blackfoot and Clark Fork. The major creeks flowing into
111
the Clark Fork from the Garnet Range are; Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek,
Cramer Creek, Wallace Creek, Donovan Creek, Kendall Creek and Turah Creek »
The timber type on south slopes is yellow pine, fir and main browse
is serviceberry, chokecherry, maple, mountain balm and dog wood in creek
bottomso There is a great amount of grassland with sagebrush, juniper
browse and sharp draws with small fir browse o Timber types on north slopes
are fir-larch0 Browse on north slopes is alder, maple and dog wood0
These slopes get very little use during the winter on account of deep
snoWo The south exposed slopes were partly bare during most of the winter
and the valley bottoms averaged six inches of crusted^ icy snow in the
wintering grounds.
LAND-USE ECONOMY
There are small dairy ranches and general farming along the Clark
Fork adjacent to the Garnet Range and a number of ranches run cattle in
the mountains of this area during the summer 0 However, there are no
figures available on cattle for this part of the unit.
There is some conflict here between cattle and game«>
HISTORICAL DATA
It is generally believed that deer have made a gradual increase in
this unit during the last fifty years. Deer problems from over- stocking
have occurred only in the last eight or ten years.
One resident, who has lived in this area for sixty years, claims that
in the early 1900' s game was very scarce and it required very diligent hunting
to bag a deer of either sex. At present deer can be jumped within an hour's
time almost any place in the unit.
112
WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS
In the areas between Clinton and Ravenna, deer are concentrated in
a narrow strip along the Highway and on the lower slopes of the mountains
in bunches of 25 to 50 head or more,, Many of these deer are killed each
year on the Highway and Railroado
It is known that six deer were killed during the past year and it is
supposed that there were a great number more that were not seen.
White-tail deer and mule deer both use this area, but they range
separately ■ The mule deer are usually up higher and are seen along the
Highway less frequently.
As the snow goes off they move back into the higher country where the
summer range is unlimited and give no trouble during this period. One
ranch reports use of haystacks by deer0
Big Game Population Tabulation
Species s Actual s Estimate s Total
s Count : s
Carrying
C ap acity
White -tail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
228
•
133
3 lill
m
5oo
697
l
U30
% 1,127
m
I
i,5oo
—- •
■
o
36
t 36
B
B
150
No elk were seen in this area, but tracks were found in every
drainage where the survey reached the Divide into the Blackfoot valley.
The -white-tail deer range between Clinton and Beavertail Hill is
over-stocked and deer in this area are forced to use the fields and river
bottoms to sustain themselves.
From Beavertail Hill to 3ear Creek mule deer are found exclusively.
113
This is excellent mule deer winter range, but is over-stocked in spots.
Grass and browse occur in abundance » In Little Bear Creek and Bear Creek
there is no sign of a "deer line" on juniper and fir and the range is in
good shape.
During past years this range was used heavily by sheep but no sheep
have been in here for at least three years giving the range a chance to
come back*
Mule deer in this area were in good shape and mature deer looked
strong and smooth,. Fawns were a little rough during the spring,
A white-tail doe was killed on the Highway near Bonita March 16th,
This doe was in very good shape and had two well developed foetuses, A
mule deer doe was killed by the Railroad April 7th, This deer was in good
shape and also had two foetusesi In the latter case spots were apparent.
Summary of Sex Ratio and Percent of Young
I t % t i g.
Species t Male g Female t Young s Total g Sex Ratios Percent of
: s g g g g Young
8 g I 8 8 8
5 5 ©■ & 5 &
Mule Deer %. 1*0 s 7k t 86 s 200 g 1-1,8 g U3
t s e s s ;
White -tail Deer s 17 e 62 s 6k s lii3 g 1-3.6 g kk
i S 8 I 8_ %
It is estimated that 2^0 hunters take about $0 mule deer, 2$ white-
tail deer and l£ elk in this area annually. The game range back near the
Divide usually until late in the season and as the area affords excellent
cover no big kill is made except on the first day. After being shot at
they scatter out in the high country where hunters find it all but
impossible to get to and return the same day. The migration ordinarily
does not start until the heavy snows come late in the hunting season ■ This
Uil
year the white-tail deer were found to have concentrated on the winter
range by December 20th , but at this time and until as late as January 19th
mule deer were found in the back country at about 5*000 feet altitude 0
RECOMMENDATION
No change is recommended in hunting seasons. Buck deer to be
■oaken only.
CONCLUSIONS
As this was the first intensive study made in this unit it is
impossible to make comparative estimates of game numbers to determine the
population trend 0
Mule deer, estimated to number 2^2i?0? are the most common big game
specie So White-tail are next at about 600 and elk are relatively scarce
numbering only 135>o
Moose are becoming quite common in certain portions of the unit.
The occurrence of one mountain goat is considered an odity and mountain
sheep are probably barely remaining static.
The three primary species of big game have a satisfactory sex ratio
and as indicated by the percentage of young animals,, the herds have a good
potential of increase.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are no indications that a change from the "buck law" is
desirable in this unite Easy accessibility and nearness to centers of
heavy population make it necessary to provide extra protection to the
breeding herd of deer.
Salt placement on high ridges may be desirable particularly on the
115
Garnet Range© This region not being on National Forest land has not
been salted previously.
It is doubtful if a large herd of elk could be maintained in the
unit without rancher complaint 5 it is therefore recommended5 that the
hunting season remain as in l°U7o
Moose population is fair and will probably support a limited hunt
on mature bulls. Ten permits should be issued for 1°U8 and a careful
aerial survey made in 19U8-19U9 during the winter to determine the number
of moose in upper Rock Creek*
This area is also suggested as a moose trapping site5 particularly
on the ranches where moose damage has occurred,,
It is doubtful if much can be done to increase the small band of
mountain sheep, but a 10-80 station on the upper grassy portion of the
range might reduce predationc A big game closed area on the sheep range
might serve as additional protection. A yearly re-check of these mountain
sheep should be made.
Submitted by?
Frank Gummer, Fieldman
Ro H. Evers, Fieldman
May 5, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
116
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July l£, 19U8
ABSAROKA UNIT
NORTHERN YELLOWSTONE ELK HERD COOPERATIVE COUNT
DATE?
February 17-20, 19U8
PERSONNEL;
National Park Service, Forest Service, State Fish and Game Department,
Absaroka Conservation Committee and local sportsmen and ranchers*
PURPOSES
It was desired to get as accurate a count on this elk herd as possible
in order to better determine the proper number to be harvested this coming
year0 These dates were chosen by the Park Service men because elk dis-
tribution and weather conditions seemed to indicate this to be the most
opportune time.
PROCEDURE;
A meeting of all participants was held on the evening of February
16th, at Mammoth to determine methods of coverage and responsibility of
counterso It was decided that the Park Service personnel would cover the
area within the Park boundaries and Forest Service men that area outside of
117
the Park* State men and others participated with both Agencies,, One dude
rancher and one wildlife student from the State College at Bozeman helped
on the count.
The areas were divided into small, logical units and one man
assigned to count each unit. Particular care was exercised to avoid
duplication by recording numbers and direction of trend of all groups
counted. Some men used skis, some snowshoes, some horses, but most of the
lower areas could be covered afoot.
It was hoped to spend some flying time and catch some of the outly-
ing areas that may have been missed by the crews, but extremely bad flying
conditions prevented this.
The lower range outside the Park was covered in one day. The
second day was quite stormy, so the men in the upper range in the Park had
poor counting conditions.
FINDINGS s
The following table lists the elk seen by drainages in the area
outside the Park. Only total figures for the Park area are available.
Area
Number
Deckard Flat
: 73
Bear Creek
• i $3
Travertine
z 9U5
Trail Creek
: 279
Bassett Creek
:" kk$
Corwin Sprin •
: 213
(Continued)
118
(Continued)
Area : Number
Cedar Creek s 197
Slip and Slide Creek : 69
Aldridge z 39
v
*-
Cinnabar Mountain : 6$
Mol Heron Creek t 20
Cinnabar Basin ; 28
9
Yankee Jim (West Side) s 0
*
Total for Outside Area s 2,U32
Total Park Area j 5,383
Total r 7,815
9
— — — — ,'-b —— ,'t.ii, -— i. ., , ■■■Li. j^1 ■ j._e-> —:—.- ■■-, ' ir: — M ■■ r.'j" : ■■■■ a — '- — — I — 1 1 ■ I ■ ■- — B— I— r "
Other big game counted outside the Park are UU2 mule deer, 113
antelope and 12 mountain sheep.
It is thought that this represents a reasonably accurate count of
the Northern Yellowstone elk herd. Conditions were excellent for counting
the first day and crews had little difficulty in seeing the elk early in
the morningo
Winter range conditions were rather severe, but just prior to this
census warm winds bared up many slopes and settled the snow. This may have
caused some of the elk to be missed as they were beginning to seek higher
pockets and timber thickets,, This should not be a large factor because very
deep snow conditions prevail a short distance up the mountains from the elk
range.
119
Elk seen were in fine condition and very few dead were seen» They
were probably wintering lower in the canyon than in former years, but the
bulk of those outside the Park were in the Travertine area0
Submitted by?
Faye M» Couey, Big Game leader
May k, 19U3 Wildlife Restoration Division
120
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$5 19U8
BIG BELT - BOULDER UNIT
JIM BALL BASIN ELK SUMMER RANGE INVESTIGATIONS
DATE;
July 29-30, 19U7
PERSONNEL;
Paul Roberts, A. D. Moir, Robert Jansson of the U. S. Forest
Service; Robert Cooney, Faye Couey, of the State Fish and Game
Department; Paul Hart, "Bat" Smith, Mr. Bowers, Mr. Lynn,
ranchers, and Forest permittees in the area,
PURPOSE;
It was desired to check on the degree of use of this range by elk
in summer. Several ranchers have registered some concern over fences
being broken by elk and some have wondered how many elk can range here
without competition with live stock 0
PROCEDURE;
The above personnel met at the head of Trout Creek. Travel was then
via saddle horse through Snedaker Basin, to Paul Hart's camp on Rock
Creek, down Bowman Gulch, under Hogback Mountain to Smith ranch where Mr.
121
Smith was interviewed,. The group then went on to Conway Ranger Station
and stayed there over night,,
The second day Jim Ball Basin was covered where considerable heavily
used cattle range and some fine sheep range were inspected,. Return was
then back to Conway Station and then down White Tail Creek to the starting
point*
FINDINGS:
Numerous groups of cattle were observed in Snedaker Basin where the
range appears to be fully stocked. This is mostly Brown, Iynn and Hart
cattle with a few belonging to Rankin.
These ranchers are not opposed to present numbers of elk here.
Hart would like to see the open area extended to include this Basin which
might discourage some of the elk from concentrating on this range and get
a wider distribution,, Saw two bull elk near his campe
Under Hogback Mountain on Smith's range several quite heavily used
areas were observed, particularly along water,, Mr. Smith was seen and he
was quite incensed about elk here during the summer. He says 1$ to 20
cross his new pasture daily and they usually take the top wire with them
when going over a fence. Although offering no corrective suggestions, he
says that an early season will do no good because with the first snow
which sometimes comes in September, the elk leave and there is no hunting
this higho His attitude indicates he may be looking for some compensation
for elk damage.
The trip through Jim Ball Basin showed varying degrees of stock
use on the range. Most of the privately owned or leased lands here have
been heavily over-used0 The soil is rather loose and will not withstand
122
continued heavy use. The Forest range is in good shape here* An ex-
ceptional range recovery was observed on one piece of Forest land that a
few years ago was in very poor condition^, but which has come back
phenomenally with protection,,
The Elk Ridge sheep range appears in good shape,. Elk are commonly
reported seen in this area although none were seen on this trip8
Best estimates indicate that 100 to 1^0 elk range in the north
end of the Big Belt Mountains and the area herein covered occupies part
of their summer range e Probably the main concentrations are in Upper
Hound Creeks Upper Elkhorna Beaver and Rock Creeks« A rather small
percentage of these elk range in the Jim Ball Basin area0
CONCLUSIONSg
Lo Elk are not numerous in the area investigated. Two bulls and
occasional tracks were seen0 There is little competition with
livestock.
2, Livestock range is stocked to capacity on Forest lands and
some private lands indicate over- stocking,
3o Ranchers Hart and Smith are objecting to elk numbers on this
ranges Hart not very strongly 5 but Smith quite vociferously
particularly because of broken fences caused by the l£ to 20
elk reported to be in Jim Ball Basin proper,
RECOMMENDATIONS;
1<, No action is recommended following this investigation as it is
felt that the numbers of elk present in this summer range is
well below the carrying capacity.
123
No management practice could be suggested that would alleviate the
local complaints which are not serious at presents
May 10, 19U8
Submitted bys
Faye M» Couey5 Big Game Leader
Wildlife Restoration Division
12U
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (We stern Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19hQ
CLARK FORK UNIT
INSPECTION OF THE CHERRY CREEK GAME PRESERVE
DATE?
April 23, 19U8
The inspection trip was planned and arrangements for interested
groups to be present were made by A. Ho Cheney,, Deputy Game Warden of
Thompson Falls, when several sportsmen of the Local Rod and Gun Club
suggested the Preserve be opened for elk hunting,, Apparently the motive
behind this proposal was to have a hunting ground for elk near Thompson
Falls,
Making the inspection trip weres A. H. Cheneyj, Louis Rodenthall,
U. So Forest Service! Jack Doyle , Bob Saint , Neal Eplin, Sport smenj Ade
Zajanc and Merle Rognrud, Wildlife Restoration Division,,
Travel up Cherry and Dry Creeks was made with a four wheel drive
Army surplus Dodge weapons carrier, A two wheel driven vehicle could not
negotiate the mountain roads at this season of the year. In the planning
for more extensive work in Western Montana, transportation should include
at least one Jeep permanently stationed in Missoula, and either a Jeep
125
or power wagon for use by the winter study crews0
Twenty six elk, 30 mule deer and seven white-tail deer were seen on
the Game Preserve. One bull elk winter kill and two deer kills were found
on Dry Creek*
The 19U7-U8 winter with a low snowfall was reflected by light to
moderate use of the range from deer and elk» Apparently game was quite well
distributed during the winter , so over-browsing was not noted and probably
did not occur on any large section of the Preserve0
The group making the inspection was impressed by the amount of
available browse and agreed the Preserve was still serving its purpose
and should remain closed to hunting unless over-utilization by big game
would be found by subsequent yearly inspections* It is believed elk
are increasing and moving to ranges adjacent to the Preserve ■
A severe winter may result in heavy browse utilization by deer,
but the numbers of elk wintering on the Preserve are not well known •
Salting in the Preserve and along the boundaries is planned by
cooperation of the Rod and Gun Club and the U. S, Forest Service vhich
may give a shorter period of game use of the winter range 0 Previously
salt had been placed at winter range elevations, but it is hoped local
aerial distribution will be more effective, Mr, Cheney is carrying out
the salting plan.
Submitted bys
Merle Rognrud, Assistant Big Game Leader
May 10, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
126
STATE Montana
PROJECT L-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$. 19U8
DEERLODGE UNIT
SPECIAL ELK SEASON INVESTIGATION AT
Ce Lo Boyer Ranch 0 Beaverhead County
DATEg
Winter of 19hl~hQ
PERSONNELg
Richard Lo Hodder5 Fieldman*, Wildlife Restoration Division
Eldon Jo Baker5 Field Assistant,, Wildlife Restoration Division
Charles R0 Prices Deputy Game Warden
John Judge^ Local Resident
PURPOSES
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a
special elk season on the C« L Boyer Ranch in Grasshopper Valley,, Beaver-
head County,, This season was initiated as a management practice intended
to alleviate damage to private property by elk wintering in this area»
DESCRIPTION OF TERRAINg
The country in which this special elk season was opened is found
within the Deerlodge Big Game Management Area in Sub-unit No« 7» The
127
area is located on the west side of Grasshopper Creek opposite Polaris0
The size of the area is approximately fifteen square miles, bounded on
the south by the Jackson Road from Tash's corner to the Boyer Lane5 on
the west and north by the Boyer lane and the Forest boundary,, and on the
east by the Elkhorn Road„
The area opened to hunting was wholly on private land5 the majority
of which is used for growing both wild and cultivated hay0 The area from
■which the elk come to feed on this private land is Forest Service land
adjacent and contiguous to the Boyer Ranch* It is composed of timbered
hills with lanes of aspen trees extending down the creek bottoms onto
private land,,
HISTORY OF ELK IN ARFAg
Elk in this area are native elk,, that is. they have not been
planted here or anywhere in the vicinity 0 Their migration into the area
has been a gradual one„ Twenty-five years ago it was a very exceptional
occasion to see an elk in these parts0 Evidently the first elk seen
were merely passing through the country,, for elk have been an oddity in
this area until the last few years« It is thought locally that these elk
may have originated from around Odell Creek and the Clay Banks country of
Wise River o Lately, within the past few years, elk have increased rapidly,,
Mr0 John Judge of Polaris estimates that there is now a total of about 50
head of elk in the vicinity,,
Within the last two years, elk have been seen on the east side of
the Elkhorn Road0 Kr<, Judge reports that two years ago three bulls wintered
on the north side of Billings Creek and White Creek in the school section.
Last year one bull wintered on the point of hills behind Polaris0 Three
123
bull elk were seen by this Big Game crew on Dyce Creek last December 2Uth
further down the valley. On February 20th of this year, elk tracks were
seen again close to this same place, this time on Scudder Creek north of
Mill Point o Calf tracks were also seen suggesting that this estimated
six or seven head were composed of cows and calves and not bulls. On
April l£th, four bulls were seen on Tash"s hayfields0 These four were
last seen entering Harrison Canyon south of the Jackson Road on the
opposite side of the valley from the Scudder Creek area, Mr, Frank Nay
reports that from ten to twelve head of elk have been seen occasionally
in the hills behind his ranch in Buffalo Creek, This area is located
further south toward Bannack*
PROCEDURE g
Mr, Boyer was contacted early in the fall because complaints of elk
damage were evident during the preceding season. At this time,, there had
been no damage, or threat of damage this season because the elk were still
high in the hills,
Mr, John Judge of Polaris, whose home is situated just across the
narrow valley from this troublesome spot, was contacted. He has a keen
interest in these elk, and has made a habit of watching this area, noting
the numbers- of elk that come down into the haystacks in the late evening and
return to the timber in the early morning, Mr, Judge has kept a faithful
record of numbers of elk that he has seen on the Boyer Ranch from December
2Uth to April Uth, the last date that elk came down to the stacks this
spring. This day by day record is included in this report for reference.
Elk began coming into the Boyer fields early in December after a heavy
snowstorm. An insistant complaint from Mr, Boyer was received by the
129
Department of Fish and Game,, and so on Sunday,, January llth^ 19U8* a
drawing was held for special licenses,, The season thus opened was for
the taking of 25 bull elk within the afore mentioned boundary,. This
drawing was held at Polaris and was supervised by Deputy Game Warden Charles
Ro Price,, Coincident-ally^ Mr0 Boyer" s name was the first name drawn from
the candy jar by Mrs*, John Judge 0 This special season was of thirty-five
days duration 5 ending on February l£th»
FINDINGS?
This special season was effective in that practically no elk came
down onto private land from January 11th;, to February l5th„ As far as can
be determined^ only one elk was killed in this area0
Daily Record of Elk Seen at Haystacks
On Co Lo Boyer Ranch
O-
o
o
o •
O 0
•
o
0
• 3
• 3
o
o
a
o
Month
a
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Day
o
o
No. of
8.8
Month
•
o
Day
•
No. of
• •>
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Month
a
©
Day
ft
ft
No. of
0
o
gElk Seems
•
0
% Elk Seens §
©
ft
sElk Seen
t
a
6
o
o
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ft ft
o o
o
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9>
ft.
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o o
o o
B
ft
O ft
ft ft
a
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Deco
2U
o
<
o a
0 •
Jan.
10
S
7
Mar*
10
B
10
©•
26
o
9
7
88
11
9
9
12
88
o>
11
9
o»
11
g
27
O
6
7
8 8
Febo
o>
17
o»
fi
8
£S
o
12
9
o*
10
29
o»
h
9 O
OJ
18
6
28
19
9
9
11
o
o
30
o
o
7
88
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19
©-
9
©• »
©■ -i
21
o
o
11
Jan.
o
o
2
o
o
7
O O
Or
20
9
o-
10
o
Of
25
Or
o>
6
t
3
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5
a ©
t> 0
B
21
or
o*
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9
9
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h
a
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m
9
2U
aj
8
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Op O
9
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S
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9
$
8
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9
9
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•
66
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28
9
■
10
9
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2
12
S8
Marc
9
2
9-
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ft) ©
Apr.
9
1
9
9
5
o
o
7
0>
I
12
S8
9
3
9
9
5
9 0
3
2
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7
c
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ft 0
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n v>
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h
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9-ft>
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2
3
Special Season - January 11th to February 15th.
On the morning of February 17 c, 19U8., one day after the close of the
special season^ eight elk appeared in the fields. Elk continued to enter
130
private land and to damage haystacks until April Uth, 19H8<> At this time,
warmer weather had melted sufficient snow in the hills to the north and west
of the hunting area so that the elk could find feed and so moved elsewhere 0
At no time during the winter were more than twelve elk seen in any
one day„ When elk entered the area, they usually followed down one of the
aspen stringers along a creek and then cut across the fences to the stacks
of hay, Mr» Judge observed that these 'elk never returned to the Forest by
the route that they used to enter the area0 It was also observed that
different routes into the area were used on successive days, the elk never
•choosing to retrace their course of the preceding day* Although some cows
and calves had been observed on this private land, it was only the bulls
that did any damage to haystacks,
RECOMMENDATIONS g
The Beaverhead Sportsmen" s Association of Dillon has made the
recommendation that an extended season following the regular elk season be
held for the taking of 2$ bulls in the same area as was the special season
this year. The Club recommends that this extended season be continued until
April 1st,
Mr0 Boyer's personal recommendation is similar to the suggestion
above except that an extended season for 2$ bull elk ending on March l£th
would be long enough to discourage the troublesome elk0
The recommendation of this Big Game crew is to have an extended
season following the regular season in this area, the boundary of which
will be the same as during this last season0 Instead of a 2$ bull limits
it is proposed that a 1$ bull limit be set during the coming year as
there has, to date, been only twelve offenders seen at the stacks,, Also,
131
this particular country is so difficult to hunt that it is very improbable
that this number will be taken,, It is also recommended that the length
of the season be extended to March 15>th0 This extension of the season
should so discourage the elk from coming down that they probably will not
do so after this date0
May 85 19U8
Submitted byg
Richard Le Hodder^ Fieldman
Wildlife Restoration Division
132
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western i„> ntana)
DATE July 15, 191+3
DEERLODGE UNIT
WISE RIVER-BIG HOLE MOOSE REPORT
DATE:
July 31st to August 29th, ±9kl
PERSONNEL;
Bob Heal, Field Assistant, Wildlife Restoration Division
J. 3. Gaab, Ficldman, Wildlilfe Restoration Division
Stanley Mongrain, Wildlife Restoration Division, spent a week with
Bob Meal from August iUth to August 20th, substituting for J. E.
G i b -' d left the Beaverhead Forest to attend the Upper Gallatin
Conservation meeting and ride.
PURPOSE:
This survey was made to determine the number of moose (Aloes
americana Shirasi) in the Big Hole-Wise River unit in relation to
carrying capacity of the moose habitai". a thin the unit.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
The participants of this survey party greatly appreciate the
cooperation given them by officials of the Beaverhead National Forest*
133
The observers were grateful for the use of Forest Service facilities and
for cooperation in planning methods of travel and routes to be taken,
LOCATION OF THE AREA (Beaverhead County); ■
The area surveyed included the drainage of the Big Hole River from
its headwaters as far down and including the Wise River drainage on the
south side and to the Deep Creek road on the north side, also the drainage
of Grasshopper Creek as far down as Buffalo Creek drainage on the west
side and the Dyce Creek drainage on the east side.
PROCEDURE;
The area surveyed was traversed by pack and saddle horses, A
three-quarter ton truck pulling a two horse trailer was used to move
the horses and camp equipment from one major drainage to another. The
*
routes of travel are shown on a map on page 1380
FINDINGS;
1. Sixty-five moose were accounted for during this survey. Thirty-
five moose were reported by Walter Melchure, the Grasshopper Cattle
Association rider. Mr. llelchure observed these moose in the spring when
packing salt on the Association range. The same area was covered during
this survey and little moose sign was observed.
2. The willow browse in the Wise River area shows considerable
use.
3. The area covered during this survey has considerable typical
moose habitat, that is, wide swampy willow creek bottoms that are
bordered by lodgepole and spruce timber. Uuch of this habitat in the
3ig Hole area shows very little use, either past or present.
13U
h» The distribution of moose at this time of year is very
detrimental when trying to make a census, or to estimate the moose pop-
ulation.
5. Mountain goat sign was observed at the head of Elkhorn Creek and
in the vicinity of Alder Peak both on the Wise River drainage. Two
mountain goats were observed at the head of Little Lake Creek, however,
numerous sign observed along the Divide between Little Lake Creek and
Big Swamp Creek led the observers to believe that there are possibly about
ten mountain goats at least in that area. One goat was observed at the
head of Berry Creek.
One mountain goat was seen near Pintlar Pass and one possibly
winter killed goat carcass was observed near Pintlar Pass. Visibility
was poor due to snow and rain when in this area©
6, The following drainages are where elk sign was observed?
Rabbia Creek - (Mr. Lyon, cattle-herder, counted forty-four
elk on this creek in the spring0 He
believes that these elk winter in Warm
Springs Creek.)
Upper Lacy Greek - Little sign.
Sheep Creek - Little sign.
Beaver Meadows on Shoestring Creek - Little sign0
Selway Creek - Little sign.
Berry Creek - Little sign.
Big Swamp Creek - Sign of about five head.
Pintlar Creek - Abundant sign.
Fool Hen Ridge - Little sign.
135
Fish Trap Creek - Sign of several.
Trail Creek - A pilot reported ninety elk wintering on
this drainage last year.
It was reported by William Schultz, Deputy Game Warden, that elk that
summer along the Continental Divide from the Pintlar Peaks to the head of
Trail Creek drift into the East Fork of the Bitterroot River to winter o
7. The mule deer sign observed was mostly on the northeast end of
the area surveyed. That is, along the lower portions of the Big Hole and
Wise Rivers, The area on both sides of the Big Hole River as far up as the
towns of Jackson and Wisdom has a lesser population of deer due probably
to extreme snow depths during the winter month s„
8. The amount of black bear sign observed throughout the area
leads the observers to believe that their population is low in comparison
with other big game hunting areas.
CONCLUSIONS;
lo The observers feel that the number of moose seen and the amount
of moose sign observed during this survey is not a very representative
amount from which to draw any very logical conclusion s0
2© It is only probable that the Wise River- Big Hole Unit has a
population of 300 moose0
3« The Wise River area shows a greater amount of past use by moose
than do any of the Big Hole River drainages above Wise River, with a
possible exception of Warm Springs Creek.
Uo The amount of moose habitat in the Big Hole River drainages
above Wise River that shows only a minimum amount of forage use leads the
136
observers to believe that the moose population is below carrying capacitye
5>o The forage use in the Wise River area is an indicator that the
carrying capacity has been reached in past years 0 From an interview with
Al Muchmore, Wise River Forest Ranger, it was concluded that some moose
from the Wise River drainage have migrated out of the area into adjacent
areas which contain typical moose habitatj such as5 Jerry Creek and
Quartz Hillo The increasing number of moose in the Grasshopper Creek
area in more recent years may be explained by a drift from the Wise
River area8
60 The Grasshopper Creek area contains considerable moose habitat 5
but because of private land ownership, the increasing moose population
must be controlled to avoid extensive haystack damage*
RECOMMENDATIONS;
To acquire an accurate moose census in the Big Hole-Wise River
unit, a survey conducted during the months of June or from September
15 th to October l£th would probably be more successful than any other
time during the year.
NOTE;
If and when we can contact the last year's license holders as to
their success, a supplement should be made0 We have seventeen out of 30
to date»
Submitted byg
J, Eo Gaab, Fieldman
April 26, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
137
Beaverhead County Open Season on Moose
Routes of Travel by Survey Party
Units No. 1 and No. 2
133
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U3
DEERLODGE UNIT
SUPPLEMENT TO WISE RIVER-BIG HOLE 19U7 MOOSE REPORT
BLOODY DICK CREEK AREA
On August 11th, 19k79 Bob Neal, Field Assistant and J. E. Gaab,
Fieldman, Wildlife Restoration Division, visited the Jack Brenner ranch
on Trail Creek, a Horse Prairie Creek tributary in the Bloody Dick
Creek area, Sub-Unit No0 20
Previous damage reports from this ranch have led to an open
season on ten mature bull moose . In discussing the moose problems with
Mr. Brenner, he reports that the moose haven't done as much damage as
in past years. He states that perhaps his livestock have become
accustomed to them and that the moose have learned to respect fences,,
He also believes that within that area, the moose have trebled in popula-
tion in recent years. Discovering many pairs of twin calves in that area,
the local people believe that a cow moose has a single calf the first
year she conceives and twins each successive year.
Submitted by:
J. E. Gaab, Fieldman
April 26, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
139
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
FLATHEAD-SUN RIVER UNIT
EARLY SPRING INSPECTION
SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD RIVER
DATE:
March 5-13, 19U8
PERSONNEL;
Russell Cloninger, U. So Forest Service
Merle Rognrud, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSES
The annual early spring inspection of big game winter range along
the South Fork of the Flathead River is made for recording trends in
numbers of elk, sex ratio and composition of the elk herd. General
observations are made on utilization of forage and the range condition,
game movement and concentration areas, physical condition of the elk,
predator numbers and activity,, Snow measurements are made at regular
stations, winter killed elk are noted and other miscellaneous informa-
tion collected.
PROCEDURE:
1U0
Inspection of the wintering South Fork elk herd was made in coopera-
tion with the U. S. Forest Service a
A preliminary aerial reconnaissance, was made March $th over the
South Fork and Middle Fork Rivers and the Sun River drainage . (See map
for flight route o) Personnel making the four-hour flight were:
Russell Cloninger, U. S. Forest Service; Lowell Adams, Fish and Wildlife
Service; Ken Thompson and Merle Rognrud, Wildlife Restoration Division;
Bob Johnson, pilot, of the Johnson Flying Service.
After landing at Basin Greek with the ski equipped plane, the
ground inspection was made on skis along the East River Trail to Spotted
Bear Ranger Station • (See map for ground route,,) The ground crew
traveled from Spotted Bear Ranger Station to Coram Ranger Station with a
jeep snowmobile,
FINDINGS;
Aerial Reconnaissance - The preliminary flight proved valuable
for locating the elk herd groups and winter range boundaries shown by
tracks and elk seen. Although an accurate record of the sex ana age of
elk could not be made in most instances from the plane, these data were
recorded when identification was positive. A paucity of calves was noted
during the flight »
Following is a summary of game seen on the three major drainages.
A tabulation by locality is given on page llik for the South Fork area.
Ihl
Game Seen By Aerial Reconnaissance
March 5* 19U8
Drainage
Elk
Coyote
Bull % Cow i Calf s Unci, #8 Totals Moose: Deer 2 (Predators)
South Fork
Middle Fork
Sun River
Totals
U3
k
2$ t
m
m
3 r
279
9h
29
hi
28 : 10 5 1+02
35U
10k
29
U87
1
3
0
It
19 8
0 g
a
o
0 s
■
19 8
8
0
0
#The unclassified elk were mostly cows as antlered elk were recorded,,
The elk were not found wintering above the Big Slide on Big Salmon
Creek, above the Forks of White River, above the mouth of Babcock Creek
or on Danaher Creek more than three miles above the mouth of Limestone
Creeko
Elk were found concentrated (up to "]$) on Twin Creeks,, Youngs
Creek, Basin Creek and at Danaher, in the South Fork drainage s„ Middle
Fork elk were found using Winter and Cox Creeks and Lunch Creek areas in
bands of 2£-50 animals «, Most elk were seen wintering in scattered small
groups along the creek and river bottoms,,
Ground Inspection - During the inspection six days were clear and
two days were cloudy with snow flurries. At Big Prairie the lowest winter
temperature was -35°F on March 10th„ Prior to that date the low had been
-30°F0 Notable was the apparent greater frequency of wind in the South
Fork when compared to past winters ■
Snow Conditions - The snow was crusted and drifted in the open
1U2
areas o Bare spots were appearing on the south exposures above Basin
Creek, at Big Prairie, Woodfir Creek and Horse Ridge.. Measurements for the
mentioned localities are given below<>
South Fork of Flathead River
Snow Depth in Inches, March, 19U8
Area
: Snow :
s Depth i
: : Area
o
a
o
1
o
•
©
I
Snow
Depth
Danaher
t 30" i
it "White River Flat
■
■
•
2U»
Rapid
: 38" i
it Salmon Forks
1
1
2U"
Head Ayres Creek
• Uo» i
: j Black Bear
S
i
36"
Basin Creek
t
s 28" i
tr Meadow Creek
p
■
•
28"
Camp Creek
s 30"
n Spotted Bear R„So
■
•-
28"
Cayuse Creek
s 26" i
: : Trout Lake
•
■
m
60"
Big Prairie R
»D e
s 20"
■
Q
•
Average snow depth was 30" for the South Fork River in March, 19U8,
Elks
Game Seen -
A table showing the elk seen by sex and age classes is given below.
1U3
South Fork of Flathead River
Early Spring Inspection Summary of Elk Seen
March 6-13, 19U8
Locality
Bull : Cow s Calf
Unci,
Total
Danaher
Rapid Creek
Basin Creek
Big Prairie
White River
Salmon Forks
Black Bear
Meadow Creek
Spotted Bear-Dry Parks
Riverside
Totals
1
2
•
0
m
9
0
•
0
0
8
ft*
»
m
0
2
0
I
1
0
a
0
0
ft"
*
•
1
t
ft
•
e
0
•
s
s
1
0
a
27
0
i
5
8
•
0
s
0
•
h
•
0
22
0
0
1
8
0
ft1
ft
ft
7
s
lit
s
u
O
*
•
0
•
O
ft
0
0
11
0
•
1
ft
•
•■
• '
0
ft
m
2
0
0
2
0
•
a
258
35 s 10
ft
0
11
s
0
•
3
ft
0
•
7
0
a*
8
33
ft
•
•
27
8
8
25
%
O
ft
12
8
8
h
»
0
«
258
0
ft
ft
U7
19
122
22
26U
1427
The herd composition computed from the above classified elk is
given by percentage below8
Herd Composition, March,, 19U3
Bull
Cow
Calf
Total
Number Identified
Percent
19
13
122
7U
22
•
163
13
0
0
0
100
The elk herd composition in the South Fork drainage for previous
years is as follows.
1W*
Herd Composition
m
0
ft
•
9
m
•
•
Bulls
•
•
Cow
0
a
•
•
Calf
Total
19U1-U2 Winter Study
ft-
ft*
•
*
•
•
ft
*
ft
■
*
•
0
ft
Number Identified
:
325
a
0
711
O
336
0
0
1,372
Percent
2k
•
ft
52
2U
0
0
100
19 U6 Spring Inspection
•
ft*
m
s
•
•
0
0
Number Identified
87
p
■
233
0
0
1U2
ft
U62
Percent
20
0
50
ft
ft
30
•
•
100
19U7 Mid-Winter Inspection
t
•
i
•
I
s
0
ft
•
Number Identified
0
•
137
0
•
617
ft
0
135
0
0
889
Percent
*
15
ft-
0
0
70
0
•
m
»■
15
0
0
•
100
Graphic representation of the trend in herd composition is given
on page l5H° Data for the years 19U3 to 19U5 are not available, but the
decrease in calves since 19U6 is apparent,. The reduction recorded in
19U7 is partially explained by the record 19U6 hunter kill which was
10$ calves. Although the cows and bulls were harvested in approximately
equal numbers during 19U6, it is suggested that the kill of cows may
have been heavier on the older, breeding animals „ This could account for
a continued lesser 19U7 calf crop surviving in 19U3. Furthermore,
although the 19U6-U7 winter losses were not severe, cows and calves were
most frequently found dead.
Hunter take of calves in 19U7 was approximately five percent, as
compared to 10% in 19U60 Calves were probably not as numerous during the
19U7 hunting season as in 19U6. When the herd is represented on a
percentage basis and the calves and bulls are lessened the cows then are
more numerous.
Sex ratio for 19U8 was 1 bull t 5d cows. Comparative ratios for
years 19U2 to 19U8 are listed below. (In all computations bulls include
11*5
spikes and cows include females more than one year old»)
19U2 19U3 19M 19U£ 19U6 19U7 19U8
1:2 — — — 1:2,6 lsii.5 1:5.1
Data are not available to determine whether the change in sex
ratio is due to hunting. Prior to iQU7 the area has had an either sex
season o Information is needed on kill by age classes.
The trend in elk numbers has been downward in the South Fork
drainage. This has been reported by all observers and is borne out in
the recorded data. Notable was the lesser number of tracks seen for March 9
19 U8 in the usual locations when compared to 19U6, Presented below is a
table indicating numbers of elk seen in March, 19U8 by plane and by
ground counts^ by a weighted combination of the two and estimated
numbers for each locality.
1U6
South Fork of The Flathead
Elk Count March, 19U8
Locality
r Plane s Ground t Combined g Estimated
Danaher
Basin Creek (Camp, Ayres,
Rapid, Foolhen)
Youngs Creek
Big Prairie (Cayase,
Gordon Creek)
White River (Holbrooke Big
Salmon, Woodfir, Phil
Creek)
Salmon Forks (Little Salmon,
Damnation, Helen Creek)
Black Bear (Hodag, Black
Bear, Hid Creek)
Meadow Creek (Harrison,
Bunker Creek)
Spotted Bear (Twin Creek,
Spotted Bear River)
Riverside
130
28
11
r
33
130
61
175
81 ;
10 s
85
0
125
39 s
0-
0 s
39
0
75
125
5
0
*
5U
0
•
59
■
»
150
0
m
ft-
ft*
m
m
5
0
0
a
•
5
•>
0
a*
0
»
0.
75
0
i
0
•
e
13
0
■
*•
•
13
ft>
»
0
0
0
100
10
•
0
2
•
0
*
12
B
*>
1
0
75
•
0
E
1
1
r
60
0
a
t
258
m
0*
•>
•
253
0
e
0*
ft
350
0
O
ft
U7
»
U7
2
75
Totals
353
U33
709
1,325
A comparison of elk counts on the winter range for years since 19U6
is given below.
1U7
South Fork of the Flathead
Elk Counts 19U6-19U8
Locality
a
s 19U6
s Spring
»
m
o
5
a
a
■
ft
19U7
B
i
o
•
19U8
Mid-winter s
o
6
Sp
ring
•
ft
ft
Spring
Ab
Be
ove Spotted Bear
low Spotted Bear
S
o
o
■
o
6U0
1U2
o
0
o
a
■
a
5oU 5
ftj
2#j. 1
U66
32U
ft
o
■
o
B
a
UoU
305
Totals a 782 s 758 s 790 g 709
o > » o
ft ft- B> fl
A trend of decreasing numbers is to be noted from the counts
above Spotted Bear0 Below Spotted Bear the counts are believed to
indicate the effect of the Hungry Horse Closure,, Elk increasing on the
Closure are wintering in the Dry Parks - Twin Creek area below Spotted
Bear, The latter elk winter concentration is over-=utilizing the range
and should be investigated to determine whether opening the closure to
hunting would give a satisfactory reduction in this elk use0
Winter game studies in 19U1— U2 estimated the winter range carrying
capacity for the South Fork area at 15808 animals e Although the 19U8
estimate for the wintering South Fork herd is possibly conservative at
1,325 elkj it is quite probable the herd has been reduced to near the
range carrying capacity* It is believed more elk use the South Fork in
the summer and fall^ but winter in adjacent drainage s0
Peers
Six mule deer and four white-tail deer were seen near Spotted Bear
Ranger Station0 Two white-tail deer and ten mule deer were seen by plane
near Spotted Bear Ranger Station and seven mule deer seen on Gorge Creek0
1U8
Moose?
One moose was seen by plane on lower Youngs Creek cliffs0
Prgdatorsg
10 coyotes - Danaher
h coyotes - Big Prairie
. coyotes - Spotted Bear
Total 16 coyotes seen
1 lion track - Danaher
1 lion track - Flat-iron Mountain
1 lion track - Pine Creek
Total 3 lion tracks seen
Coyote tracks were common along the travel route,, Danaher,, Big
Prairie,, Salmon Forks., Spotted Bear are areas where coyotes are most
numerous,,
Weasel tracks were occasionally seen,,
Fur Bearers?
Beaver were noted working from Big Prairie to the headwaters of the
South Fork Riverc
One marten track seen at Rapid Creek „
Game Birds;
Four ruffed grouse were seen above Big Prairie,
Miscellaneous^
Several golden eagles were seen along the river and one bald eagle
at Dry Parks,, Raven? magpies were occasional!;- seen,, Stellar a jay* Canada
jay and the mountain chickadee also seenB
Game Movement and Concentration Areas:
The band of 75 elk found on Danaher Flats moved to the west
foothills after a one-day storme At Basin Creek the elk concentration
had been moving between Ayres Creek and the river bottom^, also up Foolhen
Creek and Camp Creek to a lesser degree 0 Elk on Youngs Creek were moving
along the bottom as far up as Babcock Creek 0 Big Prairie Flats had few
tracks and scattered elk were found along the lower eastern hills and on
Cayuse Creek ■ Elk were scattered along White River Butte and Limestone
Creeko Two small bands of elk were seen moving across White River
Flats and elk were more numerous about the mouth of Woodfir Creeko Phil
Creek Hill showed few elk trailso Elk were scattered the remaining
distance down river to Spotted Bear0 Approximately 70 unduplicated elk
tracks were counted between Meadow Creek and Spotted Bear for a checko
Elk were heavily concentrated in the Twin Creeks area below Spotted
Bear and a band of It 7 was seen at Riverside o
Range Condition and Forage Utilizations
At Danaher the slopes of Ursus hill had been used lightly by elk
as were Big Prairie Flats and White River 0
Heavy utilization of browse was noted at Basin Creek and Twin
Creeks by elk concentration s„ Phil Creek hill and Hodag Creek did not
have the utilization by elk bands as in former winters0
The range should generally improve excepting Danaher,, Basin Creek
and Twin Creeks if the present numbers of elk are approximately maintained
or further reduced in the mentioned areas0
Game Condition and Winter Kills %
Elk observed at close range appeared to have a smooth coat of hair.
150
thrift ys active s and not noticeably thin„ This condition indirectly
reflects a more ample winter food supply,, One calf appeared to be poor
and not thrifty at Rapid Creek 0
One female elk calf was found dead at the mouth of Camp Creek
apparently caused by malnutrition e When autopsied the following con-
ditions were founds
10 Externally the calf appeared thin with a smooth coats but
prominent mane0
2© Marrow of the bones a bright pinko
3» Paunch full of browse,, the small intestine empty and one tape-
worm, one bot larvae found in the section next to the stomach
v
o
Uo Liver appeared normal and free of fluke s0
5o Lungs were inflamed with bright red color (lower lung of
position the calf was found) was deeper color and tissues were filled
with bioodo
6, Heart appeared normal ,, was filled with bioodo
7« Kidneys appeared normal, but without a fat covering and
bladder almost empty „
8,, Bot larvae found in the phyarnx,,
9« No appreciable amount of fat was found by the internal examina-
tion on any of the mesentaries or other usual placese
Discussion and Summary;
Several trends are notable when results of the annual spring
inspections are comparedo Smaller numbers of elk are wintering above
Spotted Bear, The surviving calf in March, 19U3, crop was lesser than
19U6 and 19U7. The bull-cow sex ratio has changed from Is 2 in 19U2 to
151
Is $„1 in 19U8o
Apparently the South Fork elk population is approaching the carry-
ing capacity of the winter range. The only severe over-utilization of
forage now occurs in the area between Spotted Bear and Dry Parks., Danahers
Basin Greek and Youngs Creek are still receiving heavy utilization by
smaller elk concentrations,, Elsewhere along the drainage the scattered
pattern of elk probably results in more nearly a proper utilization of
the available forage if actual measurements were made* Because elk are
naturally gregarious it is probable local heavy utilization of forage
during some winters cannot be prevented by continued reduction in numbers*
Since a further reduction of elk is desirable in some localities^,
the present hunting season will probably accomplish that much* Hunting
success will be less in areas where elk are scarce, so to some extent,,
the desired adjustment may be made0 An early bull season will tend to
keep the later kill on cows and calves down unless an early fall storm
would concentrate and cause the elk to move lower in elevation within easy
reach of the hunters0 In the latter case the hunting season should be
closed when the kill approximates that of 19U7<>
Because the surviving calf crop recorded in March of 19U7 and
19U8 is probably not large enough to maintain the herd5 particular
attention should be paid to the elk kill in 19U8 and the herd composition
of March 19 h9 in order that the changes taking place be understood and any
desirable management adjustments can be made0
RECOMMENDATIONS;
1. A May or early June recheck of the South Fork would be desirable
to determine final winter losses, a supplementary green grass count and
152
possibly obtain information on calving e
20 The Hungry Horse checking station be operated during the entire
open elk season ■ Also a more adequate check be made on the elk kill in
the upper South Fork drainage by a roving crew or/ and periodical checking
points of entryc Here a breakdown by age (mature bull,, spike, old or
young cow and calf) would be desirable o
3o Preliminary fall measurements of forage growth be made in
strategic areas to determine utilization by elk during the winter of
19U8-U9o I
lu A mid-winter aerial reconnaissance be made of the South Fork
for locating any herd concentrations and obtain a count8
5o The annual aerial-ground inspection be made in March 19h9 along
the same routes^ but with a more thorough aerial coverage of Spotted
Bear River and the Twin Creek-Dry Parks area,
60 Investigation be made to determine the desirability of
maintaining or removing the Hungry Horse Closure because the Twin Creeks
are reportedly in the closure during the summer and falle
Submitted bys
Merle Rognrud, Assistant Big Game Leader
May 10, I9I48 Wildlife Restoration Division
153
Composition of the South Fork elk herd computed from classified elk seen
on winter game surveys during the period 19U2-19U8.
100
9$
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
5o
U5
Uo
35
30
25
20
15
10
■
_L
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
•
. —
— ~ -
-___
^^\\
0$
19U1-U2
19U3
19UU
19U5 19U6
LEGEND
Bull
Cow
Calf
19U7
19U8
15U
FLIGHT ROUTE OF AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE
March $t 191*8
Flight Route
Landing Field
r
I
GROUND ROUTE OF SOUTH FORK INSPECTION
March 5-13, 19U8
MiMMT^l
U. S. Forest Service
Stations used by
ground crew
■■■■■■^^■^■■■■i^^Hi
Skis were used for travel on the South Fork Inspection Trip.
Basin Creek Cabin
This station located along the travel route was used two nighte
by the ground crew.
157
Aerial View of Big Salmon Lake in the South Fork Country
Swan Range is in the background.
' -
£^4c& i 1 ih-<<
< £
This group of 104 elk seen from the plane In 1347 at Danaher
illustrates the value of a preliminary aerial reconnaissance
for locating elk. In 1348 a smaller group of 75 animals
were seen in this locality.
158
At Big Prairie this Douglas fir reproduction had been heavily
utilized by elk during former winters.
imii
This willow browse, available to elk at Basin Creek, had not
been used during the winter of 1348.
i59
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
FLATHEAD-SUN RIVER UNIT
MOUNTAIN GOATS AND ELK MIGRATION
AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
DATE:
May 17, 19U3
PERSONNEL;
Stewart Brandborg, Fieldman, Wildlife Restoration Division
Merle Rognrud, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
Paul Choquette, Pilot
PURPOSE;
The flight was planned to locate mountain goats on Red Buttess to
determine whether goats were using adjacent areas and to determine the
stage to which the spring season had advanced as indicated by snow factors
which in turn would determine the necessary equipment and direct the
approach to this area for the mountain goat study to be made during the
next weeks,,
Mountain passes which have been used by elk in migration were to
be checked for possible traffic to datec
160
PROCEDURE:
A twin engine Cessna airplane piloted by Paul Choquette was used
from the Helena airport to make this reconnaissance • The approximately
200-mile round trip required 2 hours and fifteen minutes of flying
timeo The route of flight is indicated on the map included with this
report,,
FINDINGS:
The crew left the Helena airport at 6:15 AoMo flying to Ford
Creek where the following observations were begun,,
Elk were found to be scattered along the open slopes of the South
Fork and West Fork of Sun River,, At Pretty Prairie 16 elk were counted
on the low hills northwest of the landing strip o Snow was melted to 6,£00
feet in elevation at Pretty Prairie B
Twenty-two bighorn sheep were counted on the southwest slope at
the West Fork licks» The sheep appeared white and were easily counted
from the plane.
Twelve elk were also seen at the West Fork licks0 Eight elk were
seen on the open slopes of Reef Creek » No snow remained along the West
Fork Creek bottom several miles above Indian Pointo
Red Buttes were reached at 7s OU A„Mo The east facing cliffs and
south slopes of Red Buttes were bare,, although snow remained below the
cliffs and along Indian Creek below the south slopes,, The west and northern
slopes of Red Buttes were completely covered with snow excepting a strip
of bare ground along the crest of the west facing ridges which apparently
had been cleared by wind during the winter. Hermit Lake was still frozen
and snow covered,,
161
One clockwise circle was made past the cliffs and bare south slopes
of Red Buttes starting at 7sOU AoMo Approximately two and a half minutes
were used for the swing at 85 miles per hour and 7S300 feet in elevation0
Three mountain goats were seen on the south slopes and two on the cliffs8
Tracks in the snow a short distance north of Molly Creek Pass
indicated a small band of elk had crossed the Continental Divide at this
point. Apparently the snow was drifted and packed enough to support
the elk with little breaking through the under crust.
The west facing slopes of White River were trackless and snow
coveredo The Chinese Wall cliffs were bare but the crest had a 10 foot
to 15 foot snowdrift and the ledges which are used by goats in the
summer were all filled with drifted snow0
Larch Hill Pass and the headwaters of Rock Creek were snow covered
without bare spots<> Elk had not crossed Larch Hill Pass0
Hart Basin and Lick Creek Pass were snow covered and without
tracks to indicate elk migration 0
The cliffs of Three Sisters Peaks were bare of snow and one goat
was seen in two circles past the cliffs at approximately 7s 30 AoMo
Goat Ridge, at its juncture with Three Sisters Peaks had bare
places along the bench top up to several acres in size,. Tracks of goat
were seen in this locality,,
Two circles were again made around Red Buttes at 7s 39 AoMe
Twelve goats were counted on the cliffs and south slopes of Red Buttes.
The last circle was made high over the top of the Buttes where it was
found the ridge tops had been windswept and were bare of snowc
In the flight south past the cliffs of Ahorn Creek and Junction
162
Mountain a set of probable goat tracks were seens but the ledges were all
snowed in and no use by goats were foundo
SUMMARY?
The inspected section of the Continental Divide was heavily
blanketed with snow* The cliffs of Red Buttes and Three Sisters with the
adjoining windswept ridges were bare of snow and used by goatso
Twelve goats were counted on Red Buttes0
Elk migration has not occurred across the Continental Divide to
this date<> The several tracks seen at Molly Creek Pass were not sufficient
to indicate any appreciable elk migration between the Flathead and Sun
River drainage s„
Submitted bys
Merle Rognrud
Assistant Big Game Leader
May 20, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
163
AERIAL ROUTE MOUNTAIN GOAT AND ELK
MIGRATION - May 17, 19U8
Route Aerial
Reconnaissance
May 17, 19U8
16U
\ i
STATE Montana
PRO JECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July l$s 19U8
FIATHEAD-SUN EIVER UNIT
SUN RIVER GUIDES AND PACKERS ASSOCIATION MEETING
DATE;
April 17, 19U8
The spring meeting of the Sun River Guides and Packers Association
was held Saturday afternoon , April 17, 19U8, at the Forest Service
Ranger Station in Choteau.
• The meeting was attended by approximately I4O members and visitors.
The U. S. Forest Service was represented by Mr„ Leftwich, Mr, Fallman,
Jack Hinman and Doug Morrison9 The Fish and Game Department by Merle
Rognrud.
Following is a summary of the meeting discussions and recommenda-
tions •
Mrs, Gleason, Secretary , reported on minutes of the last meeting,
Mrs, Allan, President, reported on Montana Wildlife Federation meeting
and the March meeting of the Fish and Game Commission,,
Emphasized throughout the meeting was the need for organization
and expression of problems, recommendations, etc. by the group. Re-
cognition and consideration by the Fish and Game Commission and the Forest
Service would be in proportion to the size and strength of the organization.
That it is easier for State and Federal Agencies to work with a group
165
organization. Individual problems should be worked out and evaluated
within the organization before recommendations representing the sentiment
of the organization are made for presentation to a Government Agency o
The recreational use of the Lewis and Clark National Forest by
121j000 people in 19U7 was reported*, Approximately 29^,065 were hunters
and 19.? 000 fishermen 5 the balance miscellaneous activities,,
Concern was expressed over the possible closing of the early
South Fork of the Flathead elk season by the Commission 0 The South Fork
area is usually not accessible to Sun River guides after October lst0
The organization recommended the hunting season be open as during 19U7o
The group wanted to emphasize the small numbers of elk killed
during the early 19U7 elk season as followss Allan 8, Wilkerson 3S
Hatcher 0o Burdareau 1? Gale 10, Gleason 7, Baker 8S Klicks 3j totaling
UO bullSo The real significance was to the guides in being able to
take hunting parties into the Wilderness Area during a slack month
(September) between summer and fall business peaksn
The $100,00 non-resident hunting license was discussed. The
group attributed loss of business to the law when all species of big
game cannot be offered and hunters are frequently not successful,. The
license also does not permit a hunting party to fish while in the back
country,,
A committee is to work on drafting an alternative gun license
and extra cumulative big game fee for each species to replace the $100o
non-resident license next legislature The organization felt some non-
resident license patterned after the gun license and separate species
fee would be more satisfactory,, The details of amount of fee to be
166
charged for each species could be worked out„
Discussion of the proposed new guides license law followed with a
committee to work on the law for presentation to the next legislature,.
The law would require a better standard of guide service to guests and
eliminate some " fly«by-nightw guide s„ All guides would be designated
Deputy Game Wardens,, The changed law is also being supported by the Dude
Ranchers Association.,
A motion passed for inquiry to the State Attorney General for
clarification of who must have guides license in a hunting party,, The
section appeared controversial as the law at present reads©
Checking station legislation was discus sedo Stations would not
only record game kill but also serve to check guides for license and
prevent re-use of game tags,, Not aH 19ii7 tags clipped and hence were
not entirely satisfactory,, The problem exists at Glacier Park as reported
by Mr„ Lucky and Mr„ Mendenhallo
Recognized in discussion was the growing need for checking stations^,
especially in heavily hunted areas where a limited kill will be necessary,,
A change in the U„ So Forest Service policy regarding Wilderness
Areas heavily used for recreation was stated by Mr„ Leftwicho
A Wilderness Area can have campsite improvement with simple
fireplace^ latrines and garbage pits,, Also screened corrals and fences
can be constructed to control local use of pasture by livestock in a
Wilderness AreaB
Control of campsites along the North Fork of the Sun River with
responsibility of the guides for cleanup and sanitation of their base
camps is planned by the U„ So Forest Service,, This will be accomplished
by designating campsites to be used by guides with a deposit for guarantee
167
of cleanup under a modified special use system,. Guides would be pro-
tected from trespass on their allotted campsite areaD Improved camp
grounds will also be designated for use by the general publico
The guides and packers also expressed desire for opening the area
from the Bars to Grouse Creek to use by campers and livestock o Argument
in favor of this move was that the elk "firing line" would be eliminated*
The Uo So Forest Service plans to investigate this possibility,,
Mention was made for legislation to outlaw use of Garand rifle
and 30-06 Army jacketed bullets which usually only wound game0 This
indicates sentiment is growing for legislation to regulate caliber of
firearms used on big game as some other states have at presento
There has been expression of opposition to mountain goat trapping
on Deep Creek by the Choteau Rod and Gun ClubB Probably a factual
discussion by parties concerned would be desirable as the opposition
appears to be from mis-information0
A mention of elk calf tagging was made that there appeared to be
some question of the desirability of continuing the program,. Results of
the program have not been publicized and the organization would be
receptive to a report of work done and results obtained thus far with an
explanation of how calf tagging information can and is being used»
Submitted byg
Merle Rognrud
Assistant Big Game Leader
May 18, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
168
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
GALLATIN UNIT
LAND LEASE INVESTIGATION FOR WINTER ELK RANGE ON
Bo Ae BUCK PROPERTY
DATE;
May 9th and 20ths 19U8
PERSONNELS
Bo A- Blacky Rancher ^ Gallatin Gateway
Jo Co Urquhart,, Forest Supervisor,, Gallatin National Forest
Lo Co Clark 5 Deputy Game Warden^ Bozeman
Robert Fo Cooney,, Director,, Wildlife Restoration Division
Faye Mo Couey,, Big Game Leader 0 Wildlife Restoration Division
Fred Bo Williams,, Chairman,, Upper Gallatin Conservation
Committee
PURPOSES
It has been proposed,, following the severe winter this year on
the Gallatin elk range and the accompanying damage by elk to private
property in the vicinity of Gallatin Gateway,, that the State Fish and
Game Department acquire or lease lands in the vicinity of this damage
to supply forage for these elk and possibly eliminate the conflict »
169
This investigation -was to determine the possibilities and practicability
of such a venture o
PROCEDURE;
The above personnel were contacted and the area on the ground
inspected on the above datese
FINDINGS:
It was learned that Mr„ Black owns, controls, or has special
grazing rights on 12,870 acres in the area occupied by this elk herd
during the past winter « This constitutes most of the area used by the
elko This sum includes,, 2,U30 acres of deeded land, 36O acres of
Bureau of Land Management holdings, U,960 acres of Northern Pacific
leased lands, and 5*120 acres of National Forest lands upon which Mre
Black holds a grazing preference 0
This land lies on the north-draining slope southeast of Gallatin
Gateway and extends from Bear Creek westward to Sheep Rock in the lower
canyonB It lies above the canal and includes around U00 acres of
cultivated land. Some of this is now planted to winter wheato
There used to be sheep here, but for the past several years,
use has been by cattle « Sheep used a portion of this range last
year,.
During the past winter from 75 to 200 elk have used this area
and inflicted considerable damage to haystacks and fences lying below
the canalo Rain in November caused severe crusts on snow and forced
elk down much earlier than usual,, A special elk season using permits
was declared late in the winter, but was not very effective y largely
170
because it was opened after the elk had been forced down by these
exceptional conditions and established themselvesc Attempts to herd
them at that late date proved futile <> Similar conditions only to a
lesser degree existed on lower Spanish Creek3 which is just west of the
area in question*. On May 20 9 72 elk were seen grazing in thi3 areae
Some of the local sportsmen in Bozeman have suggested leasing
this land by the State and Mre Black is agreeable as he is not
participating actively in ranching at this time<> He is willing to give
the State Fish and Game Department first chance as there are numerous
stockmen clamoring for a chance to lease ito
CONCLUSIONS:
It was decided that the State should not lease these lands this
year for the following reasons?
lo The area is not suitable winter range for elk because it lies
in a snow belt and the forage is not available to elk when they need itc
2<> Encouragement of elk to winter in this lower country is a
mistake because there is no chance to control them and keep them away
from the intensively farmed haylandso The size of the herd that could
be maintained here would be so small that the expense of building elk
proof fences could not be justified,,
3o It is felt that the only way to control the drift of these
elk is by hunting pressure which will either force them back up
country or so reduce their numbers that damage will be minimized0
RECOMMENDATIONS;
lo The lands in question should not be leased by the State Fish and
Game Department o
171
2o Hunting should be regulated such that there is an extended
season following the regular season that Trill keep the elk back in the
Squaw Creek drainage and also that will reduce the number that winter in
Spanish Creek,
A tentative suggestion is following the regular season on either
sex in the Gallatin., an extended season on bulls be continued until
February 23s19U9o This area should include the Spanish Creek drainage
and should be described in the eastside of the Gallatin as that area
draining to the northward and located between Little Bear Creek and Sheep
Rock on the Gallatin River, and bounded on the south by the divide
between Squaw Creek and the Bear,, Wilson, Yankee and Jack Creek
drainages.
Submitted byg
Faye Mo Couey5 Big Game Leader
June 5s 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
172
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-E (Western Montana)
DATE July l$s 19U8
MADISON-.RU BY UNIT
WILLOW CHEEK ANTELOPE INVESTIGATION
DATE?
May 20 s 19kQ
PERSONNELS
Ranchers living in the area
Lynch Flying Service
Faye M, Couey? Big Game Leader., Wildlife Restoration Division
PURPOSE;
This investigation was made to determine approximate antelope
numbers and to obtain sentiment of land-owners toward an antelope season<
PROCEDURE;
A flight of one hour and 1$ minutes was made over this antelope
range in a Cessna-lUO plane »
Several ranchers in the area were interviewed regarding antelope
numbers and their reaction toward a season there 0
FINDINGS;
This investigation was prompted by the request of local sportsmen
for a season on antelope o A tentative season was set based on this
173
request^ of reports of 200 to 2^0 antelope in the area and because there
was one complaint of damage by antelope in this area last winter (Omer
Sailer) «
Since that time there have been several objections from ranchers
in the area who don't want to have a season there,, Their objections
are not that their stock will be interfered with by hunters, but that
there are insufficient numbers to justify a hunt and they don't want
them molestedo
The bulk of the area set up for hunting which is that part west
of the Madison River , north of the Jefferson, east of U» So Highway #1
and north of the Norris-Bozeman road, belongs to about four large
rancher So They have said they will post their lands if the season is
opened and that will leave practically no open area in which to hunto
In flying over this area0 only 1? antelope were seen and these
mostly in the vicinity of Willow Creek reservoir0 They were scattered
as the does are just in the process of having young. This doesn't
represent a complete count of this small area,, but all the antelope
must be within these boundaries and if there were 200 or more it is
felt more would have been seen0
Last winter a herd of 8U was seen near the town of Willow
Creek on a rancher's hay fielde Reports by others during the winter
may have been duplications of this group and thus the exaggerated pop-
ulation numbers.
Ranchers contacted were Jess Francis, foreman of the Climbing
Arrow south of Three Forks, Mr, Buttleman of Willow Creek, Earl
Davis of Willow Creek and W„ A. Denecke of Bozeman , and Mr„ Kilgore
17U
of Harrison0 These ranchers do not believe there are over 100 antelope
in this area at any time and they would like to see them increase „
Such sentiment from people who own the land in which the antelope range
should be considered,,
CONCLUSIONS;
It is felt that the antelope population numbers are lower than
have been previously estimated for this area»
The antelope damage that occurred last winter did not recur and
cannot be used as an excuse for a reduction in antelope numbers,,
The attitude of the rancher-land-owners of this antelope range
indicates that they do not favor a hunting season there and several
have voiced serious objection to a season,,
RECOMMENDATIONS!
It is recommended that the proposed season on antelope in the
Madison-Gallatin County area be reconsidered and not put into effect
this year.
A careful count of the antelope in this and adjoining areas should
be made this fall when the optimum census conditions occur «,
Submitted bys
Faye Mo Couey3 Big Game Leader
June 16, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
175
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July l£9 19kQ
MADISON-RUBY UNIT
ANTELOPE INVESTIGATIONS
CENSUS IN BEAVERHEAD AND MADISON COUNTIES
DATE?
Winter of 19U7-U8
PERSONNELS
Richard L„ Hodder? Fieldman3 Wildlife Restoration Division
Eldon J« Baker,, Field Assistant,, Wildlife Restoration Division
John Fox,,. Pilot
PURPOSE;
The purpose of this investigation was to make a count of the
antelope in the area open to antelope hunting in the southwestern part
of Montana^, and to make a check on those antelope recently planted in
the vicinity of this area by the Wildlife Restoration Division of the
Department of Fish and Game0 This information may lead to more
effective management plans and means of protection for newly planted
herds in this area^ and to a change of the hunting regulations in the
area open to hunting,, as far as sex and numbers to be taken is con-
cernedo
176
DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF TERRAIN;
The description of the area open to antelope hunting in Beaverhead
and Madison Counties is as follows; Beginning at Twin Bridges following
the road to Dillon^ thence following Highway No0 91 to Monida0 thence
following the Red Rock Lakes Road to the road which runs northward
between the Snow-Crest and Gravelly Mountains,, thence following this
road down the Ruby River to Twin Bridges,, the point of beginningo This
area is open for the taking of one hundred buck antelope „
The areas included in these investigations were Sweetwater Basin,
Rochester Basin ,, Frying Pan Basin, Grasshopper Creek,, Blacktail Creek5
Sage Creek? and Horse Prairie
All of these areas are typical antelope ranges in that they
are composed of low rolling hills covered with a mixture of sagebrush
and grass types,. The sage types are usually found at the lower elevations
and the grass types on the higher hills and knobs0 There is considerable
variance in elevation in all of these areas providing range suitable for
both winter and summer feeding •
PROCEDURE;
Each of the areas mentioned were investigated first from the
ground by truck or horseback and on foot, and later from the air
excepting the Horse Prairie section which was not observed from the airc
Local residents and sheepmen in the field were contacted in each area
in order to help locate probable areas and the usual haunts where
antelope might be foundo These contacts were well worthwhile, for each
of these areas contains considerable country in which the antelope may
■> the chances of finding many of them from the ground are
177
somewhat remote „ For the same reason^, the probability of counting all
of them from the air is also unlikely 0 At most5 the figures included
here are indications of the antelope populations and are not intended
to be conclusive o
FINDINGS;
Rochester Basin?
Many trips were made into this Basing but it was not until
February lltth that any antelope were seen* On this date one lone doe
was seen in the Nez Perce side of Rochester Basin close to the Melrose-
Twin Bridges Roado
On March kth9 a plane was hired at Twin Bridges by this big game
crew for the purpose of counting elk in the Highland Mountains and for
counting antelope in the adjacent Rochester Basin o Although 5 the Basin
was well covered during this flight s no antelope were seem
On April "}rds eleven head of antelope were seen in the Nez
Perce Hills in approximately the same place as the lone doe was seen
previously,,
while riding with Jack Siedensticker^ a local rancher <, he pointed
out where antelope are frequently seen in the hills above his ranch in
the fallo Last year he counted some 35 head in the breaks of these hills
toward the Beaverhead River0 He had no idea as to where they were at this
time0
Lester Schultz5 a rancher and pilot of Sheridan, reports that he
saw 90 head of antelope on McCartney Mountain in the extreme southern
end of Rochester Basin on February 1st; also 15-20 more on Stone Creek
178
•were seen the same day0 These were seen from the air while he was flying
over the arean
Nick DeLeon of Melrose reports having seen 100 head of antelope
between U, So Highway §9± and the Nez Perce Hills of Rochester Basin,,
These antelope were seen on April 22ndc
Sweetwater Basing
On April 1st,, 19U8* a plane was hired from Butte^, and was piloted
by John Fox0 It was intended to cover all of the antelope country
around Dillon to get an over-all picture of antelope numbers in this
section,,
Sweetwater Basin was the first area flown,. For a time no antelope
could be seen anywhere,, but after several passes over the area where
antelope were seen on the preceding days they came out of the sagebrush in
the creek bottoms into viewe Five hundred and ten antelope were seen
from the air in this Basin 0
On the previous day more than three hundred antelope were seen
here from the ground,, Usually the groups of antelope found were composed
of around sixty head making an accurate count difficult as they ran in
a bunch past the pickup,.
Sheepmen contacted in this area say that the antelope in the
Basin often times range as far over to the east as the bare hills between
the Ruby River and Cream, Ledford, and Robb Creekso However, on
investigation ^ no antelope were seen in this area,,
Across the Sweetwater Hills west of the Basin on Carter Creek^
a herd of antelope was reported by student flyers from the Dillon
Airport „ Upon investigation in this area, it was found that eighty-seven
179
head had wintered close to a spring on the Dodd Ranch0 Mr<> Dodd says
that the antelope are at his spring most every morningo He has
counted eighty-seven in the bunchy but he estimates that there are about
105> in the group 0
Blacktail Creeks
Flights over this area were made on February 6th and on April
lst0 No antelope were seen on either flight 0
Mre Herbert Uaces rancher and pilot on Blacktail Creeks has
flown over the area often and he reports seeing antelope in this area
frequently throughout the winter 0 He has counted at least kh in his
wire pasture - an enclosure containing an area of twenty-two square
miles,, This enclosure is evidently a favorite haunt of this herd during
the winter,, Mr» Mace estimates that a good fifty head winters in the
Blacktail drainage,,
Frying Pan Basing
Antelope were planted in this area in 19U7 and again in l°l|8o
A total of 127 antelope have been planted here to datee
Considerable time was spent in attempting to get a satisfactory
aerial check in this area because it is known locally that some
antelope poaching has been going on this past winter in the vicinity
of Argenta,, However^, no antelope were seen from the airQ
Immediately after the flighty a ground check was made and forty-
seven antelope were found between Long John Gulch and the Railroad
track south of Birch Creek0 The railroad engineer reports seeing these
antelope often when making his run between Dillon and Butteo He reports
180
U8 in this group and that they are very tamee
Subsequent investigations in this area show that there are at least
72 antelope in the Frying Pan Basin herdo
Grasshopper Creeks
Seventy-five antelope were planted in this area in 19U7« Fifty-
six additional antelope were planted in 19U8«
No results were obtained from the flight in this section „ No
antelope have been seen by this crew either from the ground or from the
air during any trips into the area0 This country is extremely rough and
inaccessible in many places, and it is difficult to get information on
the antelope in the area because of its inaccessibility,,
However, Mr„ Shaffner, a rancher on the lower Grasshopper reports
having seen about 10-12 antelope close to his ranch throughout the winter,.
This is the only report received of antelope seen in the Grasshopper,,
Sage Creek;
This area was well populated with antelope some thirty-five years
agOe It was a favorite hunting spot for the old-timers because so many
antelope wintered in this area, many of them migrating to Centennial Valley
to summer,. These herds have now been decimated to but a very small part
of their original numbers,, Mr„ Ernest Orr of the old P„ and 0„ Ranch
relates that most of these antelope were starved out of winter feed by
the excessive use of the winter range by domestic sheep,,
During the aerial survey on April 1st, 131 antelope were counted
in the area between Little Sage Creek and the North Fork of Big Sage
Creek„ This is perhaps the most heavily populated section in this extensive
antelope range,,
181
Several ground checks were made in this areae The largest number
of antelope seen in any one day was 106o These antelope were in small
bunches of from 10-20 and were well scattered,,
Antelope have been reported seen this winter from U0 S° Highway
91 on the slopes of hills behind Armstead all the way to Dell and beyondo
These antelope are usually in small bunches and well scattered just as
those seen in Sage Creek0
Mr., Co Ro Price , Deputy Game Warden , estimates that there are
probably 250 antelope in the Sage Creek herd5 about twice as many as were
counted from the air„
Horse Prairies
The Horse Prairie antelope herd migrated into the country ? pre-
sumably from IdahOo about four or five years agoe This is a small herd,,
but it is reported by Mr„ Charles Brenner that they are increasing rapidly.
Ground checks in this area have been frequent,, but no antelope have been
seen in this area by the Big Game crewD Mr0 Brenner says that 31? can
be seen on the west side of the Horse Prairie Road usually opposite Red
Point* Wintering conditions are severe in this area for antelope 6 Last
spring several carcasses of winter killed antelope were found by Gus
Mulky5 the association rider in that area0
Water loos
This small herd was planted in 19U6 near the town of Waterloo in
sub-unit No0 1 of the Madison-Ruby Unito Two truckloads of antelope
trapped in the locality of Toston were unloaded in this area0 In all,
a total of 22 antelope were planted in the vicinity of Waterloo 0
182
This area was flown by this field crew on March iith in a plane
from Twin Bridges,, No antelope were located from the air0
The largest group of antelope reported seen in this planted area
was 13 observed from the air during a flight by Deputy Game Warden Carl
Daniel on May 21st„ Heretofore he had reported seeing a group of five
or six several times close to the sawmill near the road at Twin Bridges,
By combining the numbers of antelope seen by this Big Game crew
within the area open to hunting - 3>10 in Sweetwater Basin and 131 in
Sage Creek - a total of 6Ul were seen in the area this winter,, By
adding the most reliable reports of antelope seen in this open area
this winters the total is increased to 770o The estimated total in
the open area is about 1^000 head maximum,,
RECOMMENDATIONS;
It was the opinion of this crew that until some census figure
was accepted, the buck law was most applicable to these herds in the
open area, for protection of the does is necessary to build up a large
herdo This view has now changed because of the number of antelope
found in the area, and because of the percentage of accidentally killed
does during a buck season was not previously realized,, Having estimated
the antelope in the open area to be as many as 1^000 head, it is
recommended that instead of continuing the buck law in this area, a
season on both sex be initiated for the taking of 100 antelope.
It is further recommended that a more complete investigation be
made of the newly planted antelope herds as to both natural survival and
183
adaptation to the new habitats and to poaching by individuals^ especially
in the Grasshopper Creek area and in Frying Pan Basin around ArgentaQ
Submitted byg
Richard Lo Hodder^ Fieldman
May 9 9 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
18U
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Western Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
MADISON-RUBY UNIT
RUBY RIVER DEER CENSUS AND INVESTIGATION
DATEs
February 9-12, 19U8
PERSONNELS
Richard L. Hodder, Fieldman, Wildlife Restoration Division
Eldon Jo Baker, Field Assistant, Wildlife Restoration Division
William Schowey, Forest Ranger
Ronald Schultz^ Assistant Forest Ranger
PURPOSES
The purpose of this project was to gather information and data on
the numbers and trends of the deer population in the upper Ruby River
concentration area0 This information when applied to the problems
created by this deer herd should help forecast the rate of development
of this herd, and should show the effects and results of past management
practices o In the same manner, it should indicate and suggest measures
necessary for more feasible management in the future, for the problems
of holding this deer herd in proper sexual balance, of reducing the herd
to the optimum number for which there is adequate winter range o thereby
eliminating much of the destruction of private property, are major
185
problems indeedo
DESCRIPTION OF TERRAIN AND CONDITIONS 3
The country referred to in this report is locat-ed in the Madison-
Ruby Big Game Management Area in Sub-unit 3o It borders on both sides
of the Ruby River from the Cottonwood Camp on the south to the Greenhorn
Creek drainage on the north and a distance varying between one and three
miles in an easterly and westerly direction,, depending on the topography
of the hills bordering the river0 The country within these boundaries
is composed of rough broken hills extending back into the Gravelly
Mountains to the east and into the north end of the Snowcrest Mountains
on the westo The hills are steep^, usually timbered on the northern
exposures and covered generally with a mountain mahogany vegetative
type on western exposed sidese Considerable open grass areas,, many of
which extend up over the tops of these hillss are found on the southern
exposed faces o
At the time of this census, there was anow in the area, but
because of typically high winds and relatively fair weather, most of the
open areas were comparatively bare,* even on higher slopes* This snow
condition caused the deer to be fairly well distributed, more so than
would be expected at this time of year« Large concentrations of deer
which were in the area both before and after the census were not apparent
at this tiraee However v by persistent searching, considerable numbers
were found in several drainage s„
Until recently, this herd has not created any pressing problem,.
Deer numbers have increased steadily m this area for a number of years
under the protection of both ranchers and sport smem but now damage is
186
being done to both private property of local ranchers and to the vegetation
on the winter range 0
It is thought by many people s including Deputy Game Warden Kohls
of Ennis and Ranger Schowey of Sheridan,, that many of these deer are
driven into this area to -winter by the hunting of does on the Madison
side of the Gravelly Mountains,, This extended season following the
regular season drives the deer high into the mountains where feed is
usually well covered by snow at this time of year» In just a short
distance out of this hunting area over these low mountains^ deer can
find a haven in the upper Ruby Valley* This influx might explain the
sudden increase of deer in the last few years in this area which was
already reaching its optimum population,,
PROCEDURES
Ranger William Schowey of Sheridan was contacted early in the
season o He explained the method and technique used by the Forest
Service in this area last year^ the date of last year's county and the
area covered during last year's censuso It was decided that it would
be feasible to use the same method and the same area as was used before
so that a true comparison could be made between the data obtained last
year and that obtained this seasonQ The census was conducted on
approximately the 3ame dates as during the previous yearo
The area to be studied was divided into five units, each of
which could be methodically covered by a team of two men during the
course of one day? yet be naturally bounded so that deer overflow
from one unit to the adjacent one would be as small as possible,,
These units are delimited on the accompanying map and are numbered
1 through 5 for ease in identification,, Unit #1 is located on the east
187
side of the Ruby River on the extreme sonthern end of the area surveyed,,
This unit starts at the Cottonwood Camp and extends down the r±ver„ It
is bounded on the north by Warm Springs Greek and the South Fork of
Warm Springs Creeko Unit #2 is bounded by Warm Springs Creek and the
South Fork of Warm Springs Creek on the south and it extends down the
river to the Canyon Camp0 Unit #3 is bounded on the south by Canyon Camp
ground and terminates on the northern side of Greenhorn Creek drainage o
Unit #U is located on the west side of the Ruby River opposite Unit #10
It also is bounded on the south by the Cottonwood Camp and it extends
in a narrow strip down the river to the Canyon Gamp0 Unit #5 begins
at the Canyon Camp ground and ends on the ridge between Cream Creek and
Ledford Creek, This unit is composed largely of the Cream Creek
drainage 0 In aggregate, these units outline an area of approximately
sixty square mileso
Each of these units was covered on foot by two men working to-
gether,. Non-adjacent units were worked simultaneously so that any over-
flow from one drainage would not be recounted in another by the other
crewo In most cases, one member of a crew covered the country in the
creek bottoms while his crew partner worked the higher country „ The
crewman at the higher level would then be in a better position to see
deer on both sides and the bottom of the open drainage s„ The number of the
unit, the name of the drainage, the time0 and the number of deer in each
group seen were recorded so that a check could be made for those deer
that might have been counted twice , once by each crewman, and so be
considered when totaling the figures,, Classification of the deer seen
was not attenpted as it was during the preceding census, because at
108
this time of year distinguishing does from bucks is questionable except
at close range o
FINDINGS g
A total of 2<,10U deer were counted in the area designated*, The
total of the census conducted one year previously was l572Uo This total
was composed of the following sub-totals 0
oi or a
o- o o
Area g 19U8 Count g 19h7 Count s Difference
& « or
o 5 »
Or O Or
Unit #1 g 100 g 61 § f 39
2 2 °
Unit #2 g 38U § ii.67 s - 83
o O* 0*
Unit #3 1 15206 s 788 g fl|l8
Of O 0>
Unit #U I 118 » U3 * f 75
Unit #$ I 296 - 365 s 69
O- Or 0>'
• •••*•• ..e.oooooo cO /
I HUmBi OJL UD-LIjO o oaeooooo.o.eoo.oo.oo.oooooo CXJy
HjJLxy ooo.oooooooooo.oo.o... o.ooooooo CAJj
Blacktail Creek Game Studies, ••«••••••■••••.«« 209
Tobacco Root Elk Herd. ••••...*•••• .......o 222
Ruby River Elk Herd • ••••••••• 22lj.
Ufci 6Po « o • • « •««•*«« ooooooooooooooooeo <-tO
Ruby River Deer Herd. «••• • *••»«*•« 226
iknX^eXOpe o«o«o0*«o«»O0O«eoo«oo«oooeooo w^ (
Sweetwater Basin Antelope ••••••••••••••••••• 239
Blacktail Creek Antelope. .«••*••• 2I4O
sage ureeK Anx>eJLope. ... ....••••e.e.e.eeee <^ix<~.
ii?ax>er-Loo Anuexope. •.......•••......a.... c,l\.c
MO O Se 000.00.00. .•• 00000. ooo.oo.oooe C.LX.IX
OUnLfiuAltXo 0OO00.0OOO..OO ....ooooo.oo.oo £,l\1\
DjLaCK tiflll Xj-LK n€rU. ..«*.... ooooooeeoeooooe £.^4-U-
Tobacco Root Elk Herd . . . o 00. 2h$
Ruby River Elk Herd ....... „ 2ia6
Ruby River Deer Herd .•«.••••••«. 2I46
ATlbGXOpe e ooo«oooo*oe*oooooeo*oooooooo fe*4- I
Sweetwater Basin Antelope, ...... .....»••....• 2I4.8
Blacktail Creek Antelope. ••••••••••••••••••«• 2l±8
Sage Creek Antelope ...» 2l;8
Waterloo Antelope. 2ix8
Moose. 0.0.. 2U9
(Continued)
20U
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Picture - U. S. Forest Service Sno-cat used during moose studies
in Ruby River Country.
a e o o
oooooooo O O O O O »
Pictures - Aerial view of elk in Blacktail drainage during census
flight of February 6° and Aerial view of Blacktail Creek elk
taken on April 1, 19U8, .....
6 e o o c »OCCOOOOOOO
Map - Elk Winter Range, Proposed boundary of hunting area
Map - Ruby River Deer Units.
0*000 0000
o o o • o o
Pictures - One of the many coyotes killed by 1080 poison in this
Ruby River Area; and This old deer carcass is typical of the
fatalities in this area in that it has not been touched through-
out the winter except by magpies and an occasional eagle.
e o o o
Pictures - Antelope as seen from pickup in Sweetwater Basin; and
Antelope viewed from air during aerial census. . . .
Page
210
217
218
233
o o o o • • o
236
21*1
205
MADISON-RUBY MANAGEMENT UNIT
BIG GAME WINTER SURVEY
19U7-19U8
INTRODUCTION
Explanation of A Management Unit
In order to facilitate the study and practice of effective
game management, the State has been divided into logical Big Game
Management Units,, These management units were designed to encompass
whole herds,, if possible s of the various big game specie s« The natural
boundaries of these management areas5 then, are primarily limited to
mountain ranges and major river s0
These large management units are again divided into minor
sub-"units5 each of which is identified by a number within the major unite
These sub-units facilitate the locating of projects, game damage to
private property,, etc*,
Description of Madison-Ruby Management Unit
Location - The Madison-Ruby Game Management Unit is located in
southwestern Montana and is delimited by the Continental Divide on the
south, by the Beaverhead and Red Rock Rivers on the west, the Jefferson
River on the north, and the Madison River on the easto The area included
within these boundaries is approximately U5200 square mileso The most
important game areas in this extensive territory are found in the drainages
of Blacktail Creek, the Ruby River, and Sweetwater Creek*
206
Topography - The topography of this area is largely mountainous
with the Red Conglomerate Mountains,, part of the Continental Divide,
forming the southern boundary of the area» The unit also includes the
Blacktail Range, the Snowcrest Mountains, the Gravelly Range, the Tobacco
Root Mountains and the Sweetwater Hills* Valleys between these mountains
are composed principally of dry, rolling bottomlands, much of which is
excellent antelope range 8
Vegetation - Vegetation in the area is variable,, The timber
types in the mountainous areas are primarily Douglas fir, with con-
siderable lodgepole pine at the lower elevation s„ Principal browse
species are sagebrush, rabbit brush, mountain mahogany, willow and some
juniper,, Needlegrassj, bluebunch wheatgrass and fescue make up the
dominant grass cover,, The grass types naturally include a wide variety
of both palatable and unpalatable forbs„
Climate - Climatic conditions in the various sub-units of the
management area are variable, even at comparable elevation s„ For
instance, the Blacktail drainage during a typical winter is relatively
free of heavy snows to considerable elevations whereas the Ruby River
drainage on the opposite side of the Snowcrest Mountains receives con-
siderable snowfall during the usual winter to relatively low elevations,
Climatological data pertaining to this unit and its sub-units are
obtainable from the U. So Forest Service records and from the Weather
Bureau of the U. S. Department of Commerce «
PROCEDURE
This Madison-Ruby Big Game Management Unit was one of three
207
similar units to be investigated during the winter months of 19U7-19U8
by this creWo Up to this time,, these three units in southwestern
Montana have received little attention as management units in their
entirety 5 and so it was left largely to the discretion of the crew as
to what game problems demanded intensive study and concentration o It
was projected that these studies include a comprehensive check or
inventory of the various big game species and the relative abundance of
each so that more intensive studies may be planned where needed and so
that more effective management practices could be instigated,.
Two mens Richard L<> Hodder and Eldon Baker ? were assigned to
the areas mentioned above as the Beaverhead Big Game Crew„ Field work
began on November 125 19U75 and continued through the winter until
May 1$9 19U8o The early part of the winter was spent largely in familiar -
izing the crew with the country and with the game problems most evident©
The local Game Warden ^ the U. So Forest Service and the Beaverhead
Sportsmen's Association all were contacted frequently,. Their ideas and
opinions were found extremely valuable in setting up a plan for the
winter program,. In following through with this plan5 this game crew
traveled approximately 9S$00 miles by car and considerable distance by
snowshoes5 walking and by snowsled and snowcato
During these travels^, all factual data pertaining to game
animals and to the condition of the game ranges were recorded in an
effort to obtain sufficient first-hand information on which to build a
management plan©
208
GAME STUDIES
ELK
BLACKTAIL CREEK GAME STUDIES
Sub-Unit #3
Description of Area
The Blacktail Creek drainage is located entirely within the
Madison-Ruby Big Game Management Unit in Sub-unit #3o This drainage
is bounded by the Blacktail Mountain Range on the southwest, and by the
southern end of the Sweetwater Hills on the northeasts The source of
Blacktail Creek is located high in the Snowcrest Mountains to the
southeast with the Creek flowing in a northwesterly direction emptying
into the Beaverhead River at Dillon 0
The valley bottom is used largely for growing both wild and
cultivated hay for feeding cattle and sheep on the large, but relatively
few, ranches in the valley 0 The Sweetwater Hills forming the northeast
side of the valley are rough broken hills on the lower end with mountain
mahogany, sage and grass growing up to the lower timber-line « The
higher end of the Sweetwater Hills is a sloping plateau, broken by
occasional washes and deep gullies. The vegetative type here is sage,
usually with considerable expanses of open grass at the higher elevations«
The Blacktail Mountains on the opposite side of the valley are
covered on the top and on the sloping sides with grass and sage<> In
the steep, rocky central sections of the range; the sides of the
mountains are timbered down to the alluvial fans formed on the valley
floor,, Steep canyons and gorges characterize this section, but on both
209
c
C0 "H
43 ID
10 ©
4> *H
t, T)
O 3
fr. -P
CO
la
ZIO
ends of this range there are several roads leading to the grassy,,
rolling tops of these mountains to join the maze of sheep roads that
come into the area from the Sage Creek side0
Blacktail Creek heads in the rugged Snowcrest Mountains which
separate the Blacktail and the Ruby River drainages*, These mountains
are high and do not have any roads passing through them0 There are,,
however^ several roads that run considerable distances up the East
Fork of Blacktail Creek§ up the Middle Fork of Blacktail^ and up the
West Fork to the Antoine Ranger Station and over the Clover Divide into
Centennial Valley o A road also runs over the Sweetwater Divide into
Sweetwater Basin „
History of Game in Area
The Poindexter and Orr Livestock Company was perhaps the first
outfit to run cattle in southwestern Montana,, These operations began
sometime before 1870 and centered in the Blacktail drainage near Dillon0
In 18?6S this outfit pushed cattle over the Clover Divide from the
Blacktail into the valley of Red Rock River „ Because this movement was
in the centennial years 100 years after the Declaration of Independence 9
the valley was named Centennial Valley o
Mr0 Ernest Orr of the old P„ & 0o Ranch was contacted for his
views and recollections of game and game conditions in the area in early
timeso Mr» Sam Freeman^ a rancher in the Sheep Canyon area of the
Blacktail since 18805 was also contacted,. These impressions were com-
bined to paint a vivid picture of an area abundant with game,,
Buffalo were not uncommon in the area before settlement of the
white man5 as is evidenced by the many old buffalo skulls that have been
211
found in the area* Mr0 Orr related that the buffalo were herded out of
the area or killed by the Plains Indians who tried to starve the Indians
of this region during their many wars*, Elk also were common in the Black-
tail Range in very early days0 Mr» Freeman tells of piles of bleached
elkhorns up Sheep Canyon0 These elkhorns were collected and piled by
the Indians near their campso These elkhorns are still in this area and
remains of the Indian Camps are evident nearby,,
During the Lewis and Clark Expedition^ in the early 1800' as the
explorers found little game in this locality according to their journal,,
Two deer were killed in the vicinity,, but no mention of other game was
made0 Sacajaweas the Indian Guide, told of the hardships of her people
in this area in obtaining sufficient food to sustain themselves and how
her people were forced to go out on the Plains far to the east in search
of buffalo where they were continually subject to attack by Plains
Indians©
As late as 1883 mountain sheep were by far the most abundant of
game animals in this arean These huge herds evidently developed after
the Indians were forced to leave this territory either in search of
better hunting grounds or because they were driven elsewhere by their
enemieso Mr. Freeman says that in 1880 when he first came to this
vicinity there were "loads" of mountain sheep in around Small Horn and
Sheep Canyons o They used to range in large concentrations on the flats
which are now above the P„ & 0o sheds0
Mountain sheep remained the staple diet of the Freeman family
until around I88I4. when the sheep were infested with scabbiese This
disease introduced by domestic herds caused them to die off within a
212
relatively short time0 There were very few hunters in the area at
that time and so the disappearance of the sheep is not blamed on hunters^,
but on disease o It is interesting to note? however 9 that while the
railroad was being builtj, carloads of sheep were brought down to feed the
railroad crews as the meat was considered most palatable of big game0
With the scabbies infection of the mountain sheep., Mr0 Freeman
says that his family then turned to deer hunting*, There were many deer
in the area3 but sheep were more abundante0 Antelope^, although numerous^
were seldom taken for food because they did not come over this side of
the hills from Sage Creek very often0
During the intervening years after the sheep disappeared,, antelope
in the area followed suit© Antelope were said to have been winter-killed
due to a shortage of feed caused by the excessive use of the antelope
winter range by domestic sheep herds0 Antelope disappeared from the
drainage entirely s but lately those few antelope that survived in the
Sweetwater country to the north have reseeded the Blacktail and Sage
Creek drainages again 0
Deer in the area were reduced to a very low population^ but because
of the buck law numbers have increased throughout the drainage so that fair
hunting is now possible0
In 1937^ the Beaverhead Sportsmen's Association planted elk in
the Blacktail drainage „ According to information received from Pete
Westergard of Dillon^ about the planting of elk by the Association^ there
was a total of 113 elk shipped by truck from Yellowstone Parko Eighty-
seven arrived at the mouth of Sheep Canyon^ the point of release! one
truck was "lost" and was unloaded near Limac Of the 8? elk arriving on
213
the Blacktail, there were 5 fatalities in transit leaving 82 o Among the
82 there were 13 bulls in the shipment which left a breeding stock of
69 providing they were all capable of reproducing 0 This is extremely
unlikely j, however, for the 69 probably contained some old unproductive
cows and cows not yet of breeding age« By using this figure of 69
head, compounding it over a period of ten years at a yearly rate of
increase, the normal being close to twenty per cent,, indicates that the
progeny of this planting plus the elk planted might now total about U30
elk.
It was agreed upon at the time of planting that no elk season
would be opened in this area until ten years had elapsed from the time
of planting. Now that this time limit has passed, there is a general
movement by many people in this community to have some kind of an elk
season in the Blacktail0 This movement began last year* at which time,
it was agreed upon by the Beaverhead Sportsmen's Association to request
a season for the taking of 3>0 branch-antlered bulls0 This request was
received by the Game Department, but too late for action to be taken «
It was thought that since this elk herd had attracted the
interest of so many people in the vicinity 0 and since it was apparent
that a season would again be requested by the Beaverhead Sportsmen's
Association, that an intensive study of the situation here was feasible
so that the Game Department would have reliable information on which to
base intelligent decisions and management practices for a series of
successful hunting seasons.,
Considerable time was spent throughout the winter observing the
location of the larger groups of elk in the lower Blacktailo These numbers
21U
and locations were recorded along with information collected from local
ranchers about the larger groups of elk located further up the valley
in the more inaccessible areas*, This gave the crewmen a definite idea
as to where to look for elk during the proposed census flight,, A
successful attempt was made to engage a pilot familiar with the valley
and with the elk wintering areas in this drainage,, for considerable time
could be saved and at the same time many more elk could be found with a
pilot who knew the country,,
On February 6S 19U8S Mr„ Herbert Mace^ a rancher on the Blacktail^,
and a competent pilot and owner of a Stinson Station Wagon airplane,,
agreed to fly the big game crew over the entire drainage to count elk
in that area0 Mr„ Mace is very familiar with this country for he flies
over it considerably. He has also made several personal counts of these
elk5 once with Deputy Game Warden Priceo
The flight began from the Mace home rancho The first area flown
was the lower end of the Blacktail Range with the upper Blacktail
following,, Then the areas between the forks of Blacktail Creek were
flown,, and finally the area along the Sweetwater Divide including that
high country at the head of Rock Creek s Robb Creeks and Ledford Creek*
Small groups of elk which were easily distinguished were tallied directly
from the air„ Those larger groups on which a fast accurate count was
impossible were photographed from the plane 0 Later these pictures were
projected and enlarged^ and the elk carefully counted,, By the com-
bination of these two methods^ the census figure was reachedo
Findings
A total of 993 elk were counted in the area delimited on the
215
accompanying map0 One crew member counted l?00l|. elk -while the other saw
a total of 993, Because of this difference., the more conservative
number of 993 is usedo
Distribution of elk ranged through the entire Blacktail Range to
Prices Canyon,, Large groups were seen in the hills between the Middle
Fork and the West Fork of Blacktail Creek, and more between the Middle
and the East Fork, Elk were also counted in the hills at the head of
Rock Creek and Ledford Creek 0
Many more elk were seen wintering above the Blacktail Range than
in the range proper,. Since the elk planted in this area are considered
resident elk and are there all year, it is indicated by large herds
outside that the progeny of the Beaverhead plant is a minor part of the
elk wintering in the Blacktail drainage* These other groups of elk
evidently summer in the mountainous country at the head of Blacktail
Creek around the Notch and Antoine Peake They may migrate through the
Snowcrest Mountains, cross the Ruby River into the Gravellies0 Some
of them summer over near the Clover Divide by Centennial Valley,, There
is a suspected migration across the highway below Lima where forty head
were seen crossing the road near the beacon light from the Red Con-
glomerate Mountains,,
It was attempted to count all elk in the Blacktail drainage
during this flight, however, it is known that there are substantial
numbers of elk wintering in areas adjacent to the Blacktail which were
not included in this count« For instance, there is a group of elk that
have been close to the two dark buttes northeast of Lima throughout the
winter. These elk have been seen regularly by the Government trapper
in that area. Bill Schmuck0 There are approximately 90 elk in this group,
216
Aerial view of elk in Blaoktail drainage
during oensus flight of February 6, *48.
Aerial view of Blackball Creek Elk
taken on April 1, 1948
217
Madison-Ruby Big Game Winter Survey
Proposed Boundary of Hunting Area
;ik Winter Range
218
Recommendations
It is recommended that studies on this herd be continued through-
out the coming spring and summer,, A careful reconnaissance and range
inspection should be made of the areas where the major parts of this elk
herd have concentrated through the winter* These areas are indicated
on the accompanying map. The analysis of range condition in these
generally selected sites should indicate whether this herd has already
reached its optimum number for the feed available in these selected
feeding areas,, It is recommended that numbers be limited largely to
the carrying capacity of the winter areas chosen by the elk themselveso
It is the opinion of this game crew that regulating numbers of elk by
the carrying capacity of the winter range that could be used by elk in an
area is an error which will surely lead to difficulties,. If this herd
is allowed to increase to the capacity of the winter range available s
those few selected spots will be so abused that damage will be evident,,
A careful study of the range conditions by representatives of
the U<> So Forest Service,, of the Beaverhead Sportsmen9 s Association^
Fish and Game Department s and other interested agencies^ as well as
those ranchers upon whose land this herd winters, will formulate a
workable management plan0 The proposed limitation of elk numbers
determined by all groups concerned may be brought about which will
produce a game crop to be harvested annually, and at the same time
provide adequate feed and ground cover to protect other interests,,
Because there have been reports of damage to private property by
elk this year for the first time, it is indicated that this herd might
already have reached beyond its optimum development unless artificial
means of management are brought into use0 It is felt that these meansj
219
such asj, herding and feeding,, are undesirable,, If an over-abundance
of elk is allowed to develop in this area, sooner or later it will be
necessary to reduce the number to what the range which the elk care to
use will support? or the elk will migrate to new feeding areas to suit
their choosingo The problem is already familiar to most all agencies
managing big game,,
It is recommended that a limited license season be opened for
the taking of l£0 branch-antlered bulls during a special season follow-
ing the coming regular elk season this fallo This late season will
allow most livestock to be removed from the range before the season
beginSo A kill of 1^0 bull elk is suggested because the annual increase
of the elk counted during this census should be approximately 200 head0
Because there has been no hunting season initiated in this area to
date ? there is a large percentage of bulls in the herd5 some of which
could be removed without materially affecting the annual estimated
increase* If it is found by future range studies that this herd has
developed an optimum population, the take during the next few years
should be so regulated as to provide the desired number0
It is suggested that an aerial census be conducted each year for
several years, at least, as a part of the studies of this herd so that
a more substantial and reliable picture of this group of elk can be
developed.
The boundary of the hunting area for the proposed season is
recommended as follows? Starting from Dillon, follow the Sweetwater
Road to the Ruby River, thence up the Ruby River to Long Creek, thence
down Long Creek to the Red Rock River Road, thence down the Red Rock
220
River Road to Lima, thence down TJo So Highway #91 to Dillon o This
suggested boundary necessarily includes much territory in which there
are no elk? but it is a permanent tangible line around the areae
For the most part5 this country in question is extremely accessible
as there are roads from all sides leading into ito It is almost entirely
open country,, There is little of it that cannot be covered by Jeep» A
general open season might make it possible for elk in the lower Black tail
to be cut off from their natural escape route and be slaughteredo If
this were to happen, it would naturally defeat the purpose of the season
entirely,,
With unlimited hunters in- the area,, and if the escape route of the
elk were not blocked, the harassed elk would have little choice but to
head for the upper Ruby country where they would be outside of the
hunting area0
Practically all of the hunting area in question is owned or leased
by a small number of ranchers* Unlimited sportsmen in the area would most
likely create hunter damage in excess of elk damage , for to date., elk
damage has been lighto As these ranchers are businessmen, it is only
logical to assume that if damage to their property will be less by not
having hunters in the area, they will post their holdings to NO HUNTING,,
If this were to be the case, the purpose of the hunting season would be
lost completely*
It is also recommended that a tagging program be initiated so
that definite information can be obtained about the migration routes of
these elk to their respective summer ranges<> It is suspected that this
migration pattern will be somewhat complicated,, Ear tagging would
221
definitely help in acquiring this essential information..
Other groups of elk in the Madison-Ruby Management Unit are of a
minor nature compared to the Blacktail herd,, still they are not so
insignificant as to be overlooked©
TOBACCO ROOT EDC HERD
Sub-Unit No0 3
According to information received from Bill Schowey^, Forest Service
Ranger of Sheridan^ this elk herd was planted and supplemented by the
Rocky Mountain Sportsmen's Association, All elk were released in the
vicinity of the A» J« Davis Ranch0 The original plant consisted of 33
head from Yellowstone in February of 1939o This plant was supplemented
in 19U2 with the shipment of two more loads of elk of 18 each0 one arriv-
ing on February 2nd and the other a week later on February 9thc
An attempt was made to obtain the ages and sex of the elk planted
in the areas but this data was not available0
In 19U6 a five-day open season was declared for the taking of elk
of either sex in this area» The local sportsmen's club9 the Madison
County Wildlife Association^ wrote to the Fish and Game Department and
expressed their opinion stressing the danger that a five-day season
might exterminate such a small group of elk„ Because of the views
expressed by this Association, the elk season was reduced to a one-day
season on both sex0
According to Ranger Schowey? most of the elk had drifted south
toward Sheridan from where they were planted. Approximately 125 elk were
found in the area of Nugget Gulch when the season opened,, This number
222
was considered the best part of the herd which had developed from the 69
plantedo During the one-day of hunting c, about 65 head of elk were killed
in the Nugget Gulch area0 Most of the remaining elk were driven out of
the country back toward Twin Bridges to the locality of the Davis Ranch
where they were originally planted. Twelve head were known to have been
pushed up Mill Creek to Quartz and Legget Creek s„
Ranger Schowey estimates that there are at present possibly 10
head of elk left in the area northwest of Sheridan on his district,,
During the winter s no elk were seen on the Beaverhead Forest in this
area by this game crew„ A report was received of elk being seen on the
Dry Georgia Creek areas but upon investigation^ no elk or elk sign was
found,, in the country from Dry Georgia south to Mill Creek o Miners in
the area were contacted^, but none had seen any elk this winter where
they had seen them during previous seasons „
Mr0 Clark Hall., a pilot at Sheridan Airport,, reported seven head
of elk on Sand Coulee southwest of Sheridan on March Uth as the only
elk seen during his frequent flights over the Twin Bridges-Sheridan area
this winter,
Recommendationsg
Ranger Schowey suggests that a season be held on elk in this area
every three or four years in order to hold down the elk numbers to what can
safely sustain themselves on the small amount of forage allowed and
still provide good hunting,. He estimates feed for about 100 head on his
district in this area0
It is the general concensus of opinion in the area to have an
open season on both sex occasionally to provide fair hunting and good
223
meat rather than an annual season for bulls only8
It is recommended by this crew that there be no regular elk season
in this area for several years o Special seasons might be found necessary
if probable damage to private property cannot be alleviated by fencing
and if manipulation of the herds and their movements can be effectively
handled by this methodo
RUBY RIVER HERD
Sub=Unit No, 3
Mr0 Lawrence Schultzs Government Trapper of Sheridan* was contacted
for any information and personal observations of game in his territory,.
He reported the absence of a group of some 75 elk that usually winter at
the head of Robb and Ledford Creeks on the west' side of the Ruby River
area and the presence of a group of some 200 elk in a new location on
the east side of the Ruby River in the Timber Creek -Powder Gulch area
in the vicinity of the Canyon Camp groundo This group he thought was
part of the Blacktail elko
During the Blacktail aerial census*, it was found that a group of
55 elk was wintering at the head of Rocky Robbo and Ledford Creeks0 A
group of approximately 75 has wintered in this area for the past several
years according to Nick Birre? a Sheridan sportsman,.
Several investigations were made on the east side of the Ruby
River in an attempt to find the 200 head of elk of which Mr. Schultz spoke 0
On Thursday. December 18th, while studying this area, one bull elk was
seen in Powder Gulch„ Three cows, three calves and one spike were seen
in Ice Creeko On Willow Creek 12 cows and 6 calves were seen — - one elk
carried a cow-bell on its neck. On Friday, December 19thy 5 elk, 1 calfr
22U
3 cows and 1 spike bull were seen on South Fork of Greenhorn Creeko
Later in the season on February ^th^ two bulls were seen in Martin Gulch
south of the Vigilante Range Experimental Station » On February 11th ^
U6 elk were seen in the area between Powder Gulch,, Ice Creek*, and Bone
Hollow,, An intensive re-check was made for elk in this area with
Alternate Ranger Ronnald Schultz of Sheridan in early Marcho On this
trip a group of k7 cows and calves were counted bedded on an open hill-
side in the Ice Creek-Bone Hollow area0 Some elk located in the timber
next to this herd could not be counted,. Several bull elk were seen during
this investigation and considerable sign<, indicating that there might be
a possible 75 elk in the entire area0
Unlike Mr„ Schultz^ it is the opinion of this crew that these elk
are not part of the Blacktail herd5 but rather part of the rapidly
increasing group of elk that has been wintering on the east side of the
Gravelly Range in the vicinity of the Wall Creek Ranger Station,, These
elk might have been forced into this area by the hunting pressure created
late last fall on the Madison side of the range during the extended deer
seasono
Recommendations;
It is recommended that the group of elk wintering at the head of
Rocks Robb and Ledford Creeks be included in the Blacktail hunting area0
This small group of elk has caused some damage to late harvested grain
crops on the Upper Gilbert place last fallo Including it might alleviate
the recurrence of this damage and the necessity of a special season, and
at the same time it would cause the boundary of the Blacktail hunting
area to extend to the Ruby River on the eastP thereby including a large
225
percentage of elk in the Snowcrest Mountains 9 which would not be included
otherwise if the line were to be the road along the West Fork of the
Blacktail0 The limited kilX proposed for' the Blacktail elk herd was
based on the inclusion of the Snowcrest Mountain elk wintering in the
Blacktail drainage,,
The elk appearing this year in fair numbers on the east side of
the Ruby River should be included in the investigations following the
either sex deer season scheduled for next fallo Their movements diould
be watched carefully when the hunting pressures on both sides of the
Gravelly Range are equalized by simultaneous late deer hunting seasons»
At present, these elk are in an area where they can do practically no
damage to private property and where their presence are desiredo
DEER
RUBY RIVER AREA
Sex Ratio and Fawn Crop Studies;
Deer problems in sub-unit 3 of the Madison-Ruby Management Unit are
limited almost wholly to the Ruby Hiver drainage0 Here a serious trouble
spot was recognized,. Both the U„ So Forest Service and the Game Department
have been keeping an eye on this area because of the large concentration
of deer wintering in the drainage during the last few yearSc and because
of the resulting damage to the natural winter range o
Studies were carried on in this area throughout the winter months
for the purpose of gathering information and data on the numbers and
trends of the deer population including the sex ratio and the doe -fawn
ratio o
226
This information when applied to the problems created by thi3
deer herd should help forecast the rate of development of this herd? and
should show the effects and results of past management practices,. In
the same manner, it should indicate and suggest measures necessary for
more feasible management in the future^, for the problems of holding this
deer herd in proper sexual balance^, of reducing the herd to the optimum
number for which there is adequate winter range thereby eliminating
much of the destruction of private property <, are major problems indeedo
The country referred to in this report is located in the Madison-
Ruby Big Game Management Area in sub=unit No0 3„ It borders on both
sides of the Ruby River from the Cottonwood Camp on the south to the
Greenhorn Creek drainage on the north and a distance varying between
one and three miles in an easterly and westerly direction s depending on
the topography of the hills bordering the Rivere The country within
these boundaries is composed of rough broken hills extending back into
the Gravelly Mountains to the east and into the north end of the
Snowcrest Mountains on the westo The hills are steep ^ usually timbered
on the northern exposures and covered generally with a mountain mahogany
vegetative type on western exposed sides0 Considerable open grass areas,,
many of which extend up over the tops of these hills,, are found on the
southern exposed faces „
At the time of this survey s there was snow in the area? but since
this is extremely windy country ,, most of the open areas were relatively
bare ? even on the higher slope se
Until recently s this herd has not created any pressing problem,,
Deer numbers have increased steadily in this area for a number of years
227
under the protection of both ranchers and sportsmen, but now damage is
being done to both private property of local ranchers and to the vegeta<=
tion on the winter range o
It is thought by many people s including Deputy Game Warden Kohls
of Ennis and Ranger Schowey of Sheridan,, that many of these deer are
driven into this area to winter by the hunting of does on the Madison
side of the Gravelly Mountain sc This extended season following the
regular season drives the deer high into the mountains where feed is
usually well covered by snow at this time of yearQ In just a
short distance out of this hunting area over these low mountains^ deer
can find a haven in the upper Ruby Valley,, This probable influx might
explain the sudden increase of deer in the last few years in this area
which was already reaching its optimum population0
Ranger William Schowey of the Sheridan Ranger Station was
contacted in order to help locate the area to be studied,. Since it
was known at the time of this survey that a deer census was to be made
later in the season, it was thought advisable to limit the sex ratio
and fawn crop study to an area which would be within the boundaries of
the deer count areac
The section chosen as representative of the concentration area
was located on the east side of the Ruby River,, from the Vigilante Range
Experiment Station as the south boundary, to Jasmine Creek on the northo
This section was thought to give a truly representative sample of the
deer population in the area because it includes the most important
concentration area, and the terrain is most conducive to a successful
deer sex ratio study „
228
This representative section of the concentration area was divided
into units each of which could be methodically covered during the course
of one day5 yet be naturally bounded so that deer overflow from one unit
to the next would be negligible 0 These units were decided upon as
follows I
First days
Davis Creek
Timber Creek
Schoolmam Gulch
Second days
Powder Gulch
Bone Hollow
Ice Creek
Willow Creek
Third days
North and South Forks of Greenhorft Creek
Jasmine Creek
Each of these units was covered on footc All groups of deer that
were identified as to the number of bucks5 doess and fawns contained
therein were tallied,, If a group of deer was not completely identified
as to seXj then that group was disregarded entirely and was not included
in the study because of the following reason,. The very nature of a
differential count such as this makes it imperative that all deer in a
group be counted and classified if the data are to be representative of
the deer population,. It is but natural for nearly everyone,, when
classifying deer,, to count the bucks in a group first 8 then perhaps the
fawns^ and lastly the does0 If one had recorded the bucks in the group
and was busy counting fawns when the deer in question ran out of sight „
the numbers tallied would not be representative of the original group a
nor of the deer population as a whole „ Certainly a true sex ratio could
229
not be obtained if such figures were usedo However Q single deer3 such
as bucks found alone were included in this study since they materially
effect the sex ratio during the periodo
At this point,, it might be well to say that the sex ratio of a
population is that relation between the number of females and the number
of males. This ratio is obtained by dividing the number of does by the
number of bucks0 The doe-fawn ratio is the relation between the total
number of does to the total of faimsc This ratio is obtained by dividing
the number of fawns seen by the number of does in the same area0 The
herd increase percentage is obtained by dividing the total adult deer
into that number of fawns0 The percentage of fawns is obtained by
dividing the total population into the number of fawns,,
A total of 657 deer were classified in groups in the above
designated area0 This total was composed of deer in the several units
as follows;
DaviSj, Timber o and Schoolmam Gulch Unit
Does Bucks Spikes Fawns Sex Ratio Fawn Crop Doe—Fawn Ratio
138 32 5 89 l§3o7 6Uo5% 1$&
Powder j Bone Hollow, Ice and Willow Creeks Unit
Does Bucks Spikes Fawns Sex Ratio Fawn Crop Doe-Fawn Ratio
80 10 6 72 1*5.0 90 o(# 1*£0
North and South Forks of Greenhorn and Jasmine Creeks Unit
Does Bucks Spikes Fawns Sex Ratio Fawn Crop Doe-Fawn Ratio
121 13 6 85 Is 6. 3 10.2% la.70
Totals for Entire Area
Does Bucks Spikes Fawns Sex Ratio Fawn Crop Doe Fawn Ratio
339 55 17 2U6 I4I4.7 72. 6g lj.73
230
Herd Increase 69o6%a
Percent of Fawns 31oh%°
Conclusions reached from this study indicate that this deer herd
is sexually well balanced,, and that the fawn crop is satisfactory^ at
least it compares favorably with many range lambing operations „
Census Studiesg
Ranger William Schowey of Sheridan was contacted early in the
seasono He explained the method and technique used by the Forest Service
in this area last year5 the date of last year's county and the area
covered during last year's census0 It was decided that it would be
feasible to use the same method and the same area as was used before so
that a true comparison could be made between the data ou Gained last
year and that obtained this season,. The census was conducted on
approximately the same dates as during the previous year0
The area to be studied was divided into five units,, each of
which could be methodically covered by a team of two men during the
course of one day,, yet be naturally bounded so that deer overflow from
one unit to the adjacent one would be as small as possible,, These
units are delimited on the accompanying map and are numbered 1 through
£ for ease in identification o Unit #1 is located on the east side of
the Ruby River on the extreme southern end of the area survey ed0 This
unit starts at the Cottonwood Camp and extends down the Rivero It is
bcrunded on the north by Warm Springs Creek and the South Fork of Warm
Springs Creek <, Unit #2 is bounded by Warm Springs Creek and the South
Fork of Warm Springs Creek on the south and it extends down the River
231
to the Canyon Camp,, Unit #3 is bounded on the south by th Canyon
ground and terminates on the northern side of Greenhorn Crek drainage.
Unit #k is located on the west side of the Ruby River oppoite Unit #10
It also is bounded on the south by the Cottonwood Camp anc It extends
in a narrow strip down the River to the Canyon Camp0 Unit '1$ begins
at the Canyon Camp-ground and ends on the ridge between Cram Creek
and Ledford Creeko This unit is composed largely of the Cram Creek
drainage o In aggregate s these units outline an area of approximately
sixty square mileso
Each of these units was covered on foot by two men vjrking to-
gether,, Non-adjacent units were worked simultaneously so tat any
overflow from one drainage would not be recounted in anothe by the
other crew© In most cases5 one member of a crew covered th country
in the creek bottoms while his crew partner worked the highr country0
The crewman at the higher level would then be in a better p:- it ion to
see deer on both sides and the bottom of the open drainages The
number of the unite, the name of the drainage,, the time5 and he number
of deer in each group seen were recorded so that a check coud be made
for those deer that might have been counted twice s once by ech
crewman^ and so be considered when totaling the figures,, Clssification
of deer seen was not attempted as it was during the precedin census
because at this time of year distinguishing does from bucks
questionable except at close range o
A, total of 2S10U deer were counted in the area designaedo The
total of the census conducted one year previously was \s12kt> This
total was composed of the following sub-totals of the several mitSo
232
233
Area
Unit #1
Unit #2
Unit #3
Unit #k
Unit #5
a o o
O a a
o a o
a • o
Totals s 2510U s 1*721* g # 380
19^8 Count
a "
•
1947 Count
a
A
•
•
Difference
100
o
a
a
a
61
o>
a
o
a
4 39
38U
o
o
o
U67
5
o
o
- 83
ls206
o
o
o
788
a
o
»
* U18
118
a
o
o
U3
o
a
•
f 7$
296
0
o
o
365
o
o
a
- 69
Recommendationsg
Conclusions reached from this study and from observations of
the vegetation on the winter range indicate that this deer herd has
increased beyond the optimum number for the area usable as winter range
and the herd is still increasing 0 The 19 14.8 census shows an increase
of 38O head of deer seen over that of the previous yearn
Since coyote populations have been materially reduced throughout
both the winter and summer range of this deer herd within the last few
months^, it is reasonable to assume that the fawn crop will be higher in
the future than in the past and the death loss due to predators will also
be reduced,,
These facts lead one to anticipate a more rapid rate of increase
of deer in this concentration area than heretofore unless the present
number of breeding stock is reducedo Therefore^, it is recommended here
that a season on both sex be set for the coming hunting season for the
taking of three hundred doesG A kill of three hundred does5 plus the
23U
expected number of bucks will lessen the number of deer in this herd
and reduce the increasing tendency of the herd to further out=grow its
available winter range,, This season should be set simultaneously with
and in a similar manner as the season on the Madison side of the
Gravelly Mountains so that hunting pressure will be equalized on both
sides of the range throughout the season0
AREA TO BE HUNTEDg Beginning at the mouth of Greenhorn Creek,,
thence up Greenhorn and the North Fork of Greenhorn to Baldy Mountain,,
thence along the divide in a southerly direction to Crockett Lake Hanger
Station^ thence along the Divide Boad to the West Fork Ranger Station*
thence down the road to the Ruby River? thence down the Ruby River to
Greenhorn Creeks the point of beginning,.
It is recommended that a checking station be operated by a
competent and reliable man throughout the entire hunting season in
order to obtain accurate information on the number, ageP and sex of deer
removed which will be essential data for the proper management of this
herd in the future » It is further recommended that information on the
weight,, antler measurement,) and other data be obtained at this station
for research use by the Wildlife Restoration Division of the Montana
Fish and Game Department,, This information is obtainable only from
checking stations during the hunting season,, This work should be
instigated in order to promote progressive studies in various phases of
deer management „
The Upper Ruby Valley deer concentration area is unique in that its
topographic features,, vegetation typical weather conditions* and deer
population, make it as conducive to intensive continuous deer studies as
235
One of the many coyotes killed by 1080 poison in
the Ruby River area. Only eagles and magpies
remain to clean up caroasses as they are doing
with this coyote.
This old deer caroass is typical of the fatalities in this
area in that it has not been touched throughout the winter
except by magpies and an occasional eagle. Heretofore,
ooyotes removed these carcasses almost overnight.
^36
jny area encountered in this part of the state,, It is suggested that
this area be investigated in the near future for the purpose of setting
up long-time experiments and investigations in deer management upon
■which decisions^ regulations^, and management practices of more elusive
herds may be basedo
ANTELOPE
In sub-unit No0 3 of the Madison-Ruby Management Units there are
three recognized herds of antelope -with possibly a fourth developing,.
None of these herds were planted,, but instead they have spread into the
various areas from the Sweetwater Basin source,, the only herd in the
region that was not completely decimated in past years0
Thirty years ago5 antelope were common in most of the sagebrush^,
grass types of vegetation around Dillon., Hunting was considered ex»
cellento Mr0 Ernest Orr an old timer intimately familiar with the
Blacktail and Sage Creek areas recalls that in his younger daysc, antelope
hunting was a popular sporto Because of the terrain and the seasonal
migrating habits of antelope in the Sage Creek area*, this country was
the most popular antelope hunting spot in southwestern Montana,, Huge
herds that summered in the Centennial Valley migrated in the fall to
the Sage Creek area to winter,, These herds were intercepted in their
movements by hunters^, and considerable numbers were taken0 It is
Mr» Orr" s opinion that although many antelope were killed by hunters^
they could hardly be considered the major decimating factor in the
elimination of the antelope from this range „ Instead he seemed very
definitely convinced that excessive over=grazing of the winter range
by domestic sheep during the summer months left so little antelope
237
■winter feed that what remained was not sufficient to sustain large numbers
of antelope throughout the hard winters, and in a few seasons they were
gone entirely,, According to C, R, Price3 Deputy Game Warden,, Sweetwater
Basin is the only area in which antelope were not eliminated in this
section of the State. Here £«=6 antelope were all that he had seen for
year s„
Later, from these few antelope left in Sweetwater Basin^ numbers
increased under protection and antelope eventually migrated over the
Sweetwater divide into the Blacktail drainage, then around the foothills
of the Snowcrest Mountains and over into the Sage Creek country „ Now?
each of these sections is once again populated with permanent small herdse
Sweetwater Basin still contains most of the antelope in this sub-unit -
close to twice as many as the others combined,, Sage Creek is next
largest, for this country is very extensive and the limitations of
feed and range are not so confining as in the smaller Blacktail area
where but relatively few antelope winter,.
Purpose;
The purpose of these antelope investigations was to make a count
of the antelope in the units which generally comprise the antelope
hunting area in southwestern Montana,, This information may lead to
more effective management plans and means of protection for newly
planted herds in the area, and to a change of the hunting regulations
in the area open to hunting as far as sex and numbers to be taken are
concerned.
The description of the area open to antelope hunting in Beaverhead
and Madison Counties is as follows* Beginning at Twin Bridges following
238
the road to Dillon^ thence following Highway #91 to Monida^ thence
following the Red Rock Lakes Road to the road which runs northward
between the Snowcrest and Gravelly Mountains^ thence following this
road down the Ruby River to Twin Bridge ss the point of beginning 0 This
area is open for the taking of one hundred buck antelope<>
Herds included in the Madison=Ruby Management Unit are Sweetwater
Basing Blacktail Creek and the SagB Creek herds5 all in sub-unit No0 3S
and the Waterloo planted herd in sub=*unit No0 lo All of these areas
are typical antelope ranges in that they are composed of low5 rolling
hills covered with a mixture of sagebrush and grass types© The sage
types are usually found at the lower elevations and the grass types on
the higher hills and knobs<> There is considerable variance in elevation
in all of these areas providing range suitable for both winter and
summer feeding o
Each of the areas mentioned were investigated first from the
ground by truck or horseback and on foot,, and later from the aire Local
residents and sheepmen in the field were contacted in each area in order
to help locate probable areas and the usual haunts where antelope might
be foundo These contacts were well worthwhile^ for each of these areas
contains considerable country in which the antelope may roam^, and so
the chances of finding many of them from the ground are somewhat remote 0
For the same reason,, the probability of counting all of them from the
air is also unlikely,, At most,, the figures included here are indications
of the antelope populations and are not intended to be conclusive o
Sweetwater Basing
On April lst5 19U8, a plane was hired from Butte, and was piloted
239
by John Fox0 It was intended to cover all of the antelope country around
Dillon to get an overfall picture of antelope numbers in this section
during this flight 0
Sweetwater Basin was the first area flown*. For a time, no
antelope could be seen anywhere, but after several passes over the area
where antelope were seen on the preceding day0 they came out of the
sagebrush in the creek bottoms into viewc Five hundred and ten antelope
were seen from the air in this Basin o
On the previous day0 more than three hundred antelope were seen
here from the grounde Usually the groups of antelope found were composed
of around sixty head making an accurate count difficult as they ran in a
bunch past the pickup 0
Sheepmen contacted in this area say that the antelope in the
Basin oftentimes range as far over to the east as the bare hills between
the Ruby River and Cream, Ledford and Robb CreeksD Howevers on in-
vestigations no antelope were seen in this area*,
Across the Sweetwater Hills west of the Basin on Carter Creeko
a herd of antelope was reported by student flyers from the Dillon
Airport,, Upon investigation in this areaD it was found that eighty-
seven head had wintered close to a spring on the Dodd Ranch „ Mre Dodd
says that the antelope are at his spring most every morning «, He has
counted eighty-seven in the bunch, but he estimates that there are
about 10£ in the group „
Further investigational work is necessary to determine the status
of this Carter Creek herd as to its permanency,,
Blacktail Creek - Sub-unit No0 3»
2U0
Antelope as seen from piokup in
Sweetwater Basin
Antelope viewed from air during
aerial census
241
Flights over this area were made on February 6th and on April lstn
No antelope were seen on either flight 0
Mr0 Herbert Mace5 a rancher and pilot on Blacktail Greeks has
flown over the area often and he reports seeing antelope in this area
frequently throughout the winter0 He has counted at least kh in his
wire pasture - an enclosure containing an area of twenty-two square
mile So This enclosure is evidently a favorite haunt of this herd during
the winter a Mr0 Mace estimates that a good fifty head winters in the
Blacktail drainage,,
Sage Creek - Sub-unit No0 3
During the aerial survey on April lsts 131 antelope were counted
in the area between Little Sage Creek and the North Fork of Big Sage
Creek <, This is perhaps the most heavily populated section in this
extensive antelope range 0
Several ground checks were made in this areac The largest number
of antelope seen in any one day was 106o These antelope were in small
bunches of from 10 to 20 and were well scattered,,
Antelope have been reported seen this winter from Uo So Highway
#91 on the slopes of hills behind Armstead all the way to Dell and beyond.
These antelope are usually in small bunches and well scattered just as
those seen in Sage Creek „
Mr0 Co Ro Price 9 Deputy Game Warden^ estimates that there are
probably 2J?0 antelope in the Sage Creek herd§ about twice as many as were
counted from the airQ
Waterloo Antelope - Sub-unit No0 1
2H2
This small herd was planted in 19U6 near the town of Waterloo
in sub-unit Mo0 1 of the Madison-Ruby Unito Two truck loads of antelope
trapped near Toston were unloaded in this'area0 One load consisted of
18 and the other 135 totaling 31o Because of gas fumes from one of the
trucks, seven antelope were asphixiated in transit,, leaving a total of 22
planted antelope o The six surviving antelope in the truck load that was
gassed were quite feeble when released and so could have been easy prey
for coyotes in the region,, This area was flown by this field crew on
March Uth in a plane from Twin Bridges,, No antelope were located from
the air0
The largest group of antelope reported seen in this planted area
was 13 observed from the air during a flight by Deputy Game Warden Carl
Daniel on May 21sto Heretofore he had reported seeing a group of $ or
6 several times close to the sawmill near the road at Twin Bridges0
Recommendations;
It was the opinion of this crew that until some census figure was
acceptedc, the buck law was most applicable to these herds in the open
area, for protection of the does is necessary to build up a large herd0
Because of the number of antelope found in the hunting area9 6^1 actually
seen^, 897 reported,, lo000 estimated,, and because the percentage of
accidentally killed does during a buck season was not previously
realized^ it is recommended that instead of continuing the buck law in
this area* a season on both sex be initiated for the taking of a total of
100 antelope*
It is further recommended that a more complete investigation be
made of the newly planted antelope herds as to both natural survival and
2U3
adaptation to the new habitats and to poaching by individuals 0
MOOSE
Moose in the Madison-Ruby Management Unit are relatively scarce o
Perhaps they are as plentiful in the Upper Ruby country as anywhere in
the unito During a trip in a sno-cat up the Ruby River to the Black
Butte country s 9 moose were counted. Moose also have been reported
in the willows of Blacktail Greek^ but they have not been seen by
this crew while in the area or flying over it0
SUMMARY
A Big Game Crew composed of two men was stationed in Dillon
throughout the winter of 19U7™19U80 The purpose of this work was to
study the problems concerning big game in the three Big Game Management
Units in southwestern Montana,, This report is concerned with but one
of these units — the Madison-Ruby Game Management Unit0
During the winter^ it was attempted to gather as much informa-
tion and pertinent data applicable to big game management as possibleo
Such substantial data are needed to help remedy existing problems and
to suggest management practices to prevent future problems from
materializing o Studies to gain such information are briefed belowG
Blacktail Elk Herd?
The Blacktail Greek drainage was recognized as one of the more
important areas requiring concentrated efforts during the winter seasono
The winter-long study of elk in this area was climaxed with an aerial
2kk
census on February 6th „ Nine hundred and ninety-three elk were counted
within this drainage »
Recommendations are suggested as follows;
lo That summer studies be made in this area to check on migrations,
summer range s, and range condition of winter range s0
20 That elk numbers be limited to the carrying capacity of the
winter grazing areas chosen by the elk themselves - not by winter range
available o
3<> That the proposed optimum elk population be set this summer
by all interested parties such as the Beaverhead Sportsmen's Association,
Fish and Game Department, Uo So Forest Service, and ranchers on whose
property the elk winter,,
Uo That an aerial census be conducted each year so that a more
reliable and substantial picutre of this group of elk can be developed,,
5o That an elk tagging program be initiated so that definite
information can be obtained about the migration routes of these elk to
their respective summer range s„
68 That a limited license elk season be opened for the taking of
1^0 bulls after the cattle are removed from the range „
7o That the hunting area be delimited as followss Starting at
Dillon, follow the Sweetwater Road to the Ruby River, thence up the Ruby
River to Long Creek, thence down Long Creek to the Red Rock River Road,
thence down the Red Rock River Road to Lima, thence down U» S. Highway
#91 to Dillon o
Tobacco Root Elk Herdt
This elk herd was planted by the Rocky Mountain Sportsmen's
2U5
Association near the Davis Ranch0 A total of 6° elk were planted up to
19k2» Last year a one -day season on either sex was openedo Sixty -five
head of elk were killed in Nugget Gulch,, approximately half of the total
estimated herdo The remainder returned to the vicinity of the original
plant near the Davis Ranch o No elk were seen in this area by this crew
throughout the winter 0
It is recommended that there be no regular elk season in this area
for several years<> Special seasons might be found necessary if probable
damage to private property cannot be alleviated by fencingo
Ruby River Herds (elk)
A large group of elk were reported wintering on the east side of
the Ruby River in the Gravelly Mountains in the vicinity of the Canyon
Camp-ground0 After several investigations it was found that the largest
number of elk seen in the area were hi cows and calves*, plus several
bull elk and considerable sign^ indicating that there might be 75 elk
in the areaB
Investigations in this area following the either sex deer season
next fall should be instigated so that their numbers and origin may be
determined,,
Ruby River Deer Herds
A sex ratio study of deer in the Ruby River area last December was
followed by a deer census in cooperation with the Uo So Forest Service in
February,, These investigations indicate that the deer in this area have
reached a population of over 2510U and are increasing rapi.dly0 The doe-
fawn ratio was found to be 1 doe to 073 fawn<, fawn crop 72o6$<, percentage
2U6
of fawn in the herd ¥(%$ and the sex ratio was found to be one buck for
every Iu7 does,.
It is recommended thats
le That a reduction of deer numbers in this area be brought about
to what the winter range will sustain in an unovergrazed condition » It
is recommended that a season on either sex be initiated for the taking
of 300 does and fawns» This season should be set simultaneously with
the similar season on the Madison side of the Gravellies so that
hunting pressure will be equalized,,
2o That the area opened to both sex be delimited as follows?
Beginning at the mouth of Greenhorn Creek, thence up Greenhorn and
the North Fork of Greenhorn to Baldy Mountain, thence along the divide
in a southerly direction to Crocket Lake Ranger Station,, thence along
the Divide Road to the West Fork Ranger Station, thence down the road to
The Ruby River,, thence down the Ruby River to Greenhorn Creek,, the
point of beginning e
3« That checking stations be operated in this area by a competent
man throughout the hunting season in order to obtain vital information
on numbers, age, sex, weight and measurements of deer removed from the area,
he That this area be considered for the purpose of setting up
long-time experiments and investigations on deer management problems,
Antelope.-
Investigations and studies concerning antelope were conducted
throughout the winter to determine the survival rate of the various
plants in the vicinity and to obtain substantial information on the
numbers of antelope included in the antelope hunting area,
2U7
Ground checks were made in the various ranges throughout the
winter o Aerial census methods provided the most accurate information,,
Sweetwater Basin Antelopes
Sweetwater Basin contains the largest herd of antelope in this
section of the country0 It has been the source from which the Blacktail
Creek and Sage Creek antelope originated,. The largest number seen here
was £10 e
Blacktail Creek Antelope g
No antelope were seen wintering in the Blacktail drainage „ Some
sign was seen during one flight over the area0 It is probable that at
least 50 head have wintered in this area0
Sage Creek Antelopeg
One hundred and thirty-one antelope is the greatest total seen
during a single day in this area,, It is estimated that this number is
about half of the antelope population in this extensive area0
Waterloo Antelopeg
This is the only planted herd in this Management Unit and was
started in 19U6 consisting of 22 heado None of these antelope were seen
personally during the winter* Deputy Game Warden Carl Daniel has seen
as many as 13 at one time during an aerial flight*,
Recommendations?
lo That since 6Ul antelope were actually seen within the hunting
area^ 897 reported^ with an estimated 1^000 totals that a season on both
sex of antelope for the taking of one hundred antelope be initiated,, so
2U8
that the high percentage of does accidentally killed will not be left on
the ground^ but will be taken as legal meato
2« That more complete investigations be made of the newly planted
antelope herds as to both natural survival and adaptation to the new
habitats and to poachingo
Moose:
Moose in this Management Unit are relatively scarce. During the
winter season only 9 moose were seen©
Submitted bys
Richard Lo Hodders Fieldman
June 85 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
2U9
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 1$9 I9U8
BEARTOOTH UNIT
AERIAL INSPECTION OF BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS
DATE?
March 12, 19U8
PERSONNELS
Gene Tierney, Deputy Game Warden,, Fish and Game Department
Don Lo Brown, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSES
The elk herd in the Beartooth Mountains south of Red Lodge had been
inspected on February 3§ 19hQ$ by a ground crew, and it was the purpose
of this inspection to determine what had happened to the elk since that
date©
Deep snow in late January of this year, forced the elk down on an
over-grazed range and into some haystackso With the removal of this
tempting hay, it was hoped the elk would move west to an. area considered
good wintering groundo
This survey was to determine the success of the plan»
PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS;
The crew took off from the Billings airport at 0a 00 A0Mo„ and
250
flew to the Grove Creek area lying east of the eastern tip of the Bear-
tooth Range o A few tracks were seen here that appeared to be elk tracks,,
but no elk were seen0
After Grove Creek5 the Rock Creek drainage was inspectedo
Approximately 5>0 head of elk were seen on the western slope 5 because
some elk were in the timber an exact count was not possible o
The area, lying between Rock Creek and the West Fork,, where the
elk were seen on February 3rdj, was looked ato but neither elk nor elk
tracks were seen0 This was the range it was hoped the elk would leave
as it was already over=grazed by summer livestock,,
The eastern slopes of the West Fork revealed a few elk tracks
and on the western slope of the West Fork the major portion of the herd
was foundo Deputy Game Warden Tierney stated this was the 106 head
seen between Rock Creek and the West Fork on February 3rd„
Unfortunately it was impossible to get an accurate count because
of high winds and difficult down-draftSo
Deputy Tierney reports the Red Lodge Rod and Gun Club insisted
on feeding the elk hay through the winter despite the protests from the
Fish and Game Department „
This may present a difficult problem for the Department next winter
if not stopped,,
After a short look at the northern slopes of the Beartooth range y
which revealed no evidence of elkr the crew returned to BillingSo
CONCLUSION*
It is concluded the removal of the haystacks on the Wapole Ranch,
as recommended from the inspection of February 3rd0 served its purpose
251
in causing a migration of elk to the west*
Although the snow was very deep* it was not crusted,, and it is
believed the elk would have wintered satisfactorily without the handout
of hay,,
Deputy Game Warden Tierney reported no browse line was evident
in any part of the range a
RECOMMENDATIONS?
It is recommended this elk herd be reduced to 1^0 animals and
held to that number0 This will probably not meet with the approval of
the local sportsmen*, but the Forest Service has recommended a reduction
to fit the available winter foodc It is estimated there are 1?5» elk now
using the range 0
If the feeding of hay in this area is not discouraged,, it will
probably lead to the same problems en a small scale 5 as those encountered
in the Jackson Hole feeding program0
Submitted byg
Don Lo Brown,, Assistant Big Game
May 6S 19hQ Leader,, Wildlife Restoration Division
252
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1~R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 1$9 1%8
BLAINE UNIT
ANTELOPE DAMAGE INSPECTION
Loraa=Hopp Area
DATEs
June 5S 6« and 7S 19 U8
PERSONNELS
Ed Giebelc, Chouteau County Sportsmen0 s Club
Don Lo Brown,, Assistant Big Game Leader,, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSES
Reports of damage to winter wheat fields by antelope have been
received from several farmers in the Loma^Hopp Communitieso This inspec=
tion was made for the purpose of determining the extent of such damage
and to recommend the necessary steps to prevent further damage,,
PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS g
The area between Loma and Big Sandy was inspected from the air on
June 6S 19U8o At that time no antelope were seen on the wheat fields
although eight were sighted in the vicinity,, No evidence of damage was
253
noted in the fields and the few antelope present would not seem to
present a threat of potential damage in this areae
The farmers of the area reported that antelope were frequently-
seen in the fields during March and AprLlc, but had not been seen
lately o
This entire area lying north and east of the Missouri River <,
has extensive winter wheat acreage and as a result the natural antelope
range has been reduced to the sharp coulees? and rough breaks <> Even
though the antelope population is small this natural range may not
furnish sufficient forage , and they may travel into the cultivated areas
for foodo
CONCLUSIONS;
Several assumptions can be made concerning the antelope in
this section of nothern Chouteau County* but the most logical conclu-
sion would seem to be that because of the small amount of available
natural antelope food in the early spring, these animals are forced to
forage on the cultivated lando
For several years it has been assumed by some that the antelope
were found in wheat fields only because the weeds there were readily
available* This year many of the farmers have sprayed their wheat fields
with weed killer with remarkable successj thus the absence of weeds may
account for the antelope leaving these fieldse
Another assumption is that the antelope were in the wheat fields
during March and April because these fields offered the earliest green
vegetation, but since the grazing lands have become green the antelope
have migrated back to their natural forage «
25U
It is believed many of these complaints were not made for the
purpose of requesting relief from antelope^ but they were voiced merely
as a topic of conversation!.
Finally,, it is concluded there are so few antelope in this entire
area the damage they could inflict on any field would not be worthy of
mention o
Submitted byg
Don Lo Browne, Ass "to Big Game Leader
July 8S 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
255
STATE
Montana
PROJECT 1°R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July l5,19U8__
CARTER UNIT
CARTER COUNTY ANTELOPE STUDY
SUMMER ±9hl
Montana Fish and Game Department
Wildlife Restoration Division
July 1, 19U8
Submitted byg
Gerald Salinas, Field Assistant
Wildlife Restoration Division
256
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PERSONNEL AND DURATION OF STUDY, „ . „ . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . o 2^9
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The Usual Winter Migration ooo00ooooooooo0 267
Migration of the Abnormally Severe Winter,, „ 0 « „ 0 e 0 269
Migration in the Three Local Wintering Areas „ o 0 « » o 271
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257
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
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SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 298
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and Carhart (19U2).
The winter migrations are mainly of two types; those that occur
during normal winters, and the larger winter movements that take place
during winters having severe storms and excessively deep snows8
Carhart (19U2) also points out this two phased migration,, These two
migrational patterns will be treated separately,. Some incidental
information concerning the unusually mild winter conditions is also
included,,
The following data are shown on Map No„ 2<>
(1) Migration routes which are used during mild winters and
during winters of usual severity,,
(2) Some of the migration routes known to have been used
by antelope during the long migration of November 19hho
(3) Winter range concentrations during usual winters,,
(U) The concentration areas of very severe winters,.
The relative sizes of both types of wintering areas are no indication
26$
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of actual numbers which occupy them0 During very mild winters animals
are found on the usual winter ranges and in suitable parts of the summer
range o Under severest conditions a large portion of the antelope move
to shelter in the Powder River drainage,
A general treatment of the two phased migration in the entire
Carter area will be presented first and this will be followed by a more
detailed discussion of the migration to the four local wintering areas<>
These together should provide an overall picture of migration during
both "open18 and unusually "hard" winters©
The Usual Winter Migration
Need for food is the chief cause of the annual winter migration..
In the winter there is a definite "heavy snow18 belt which covers most
of the summer range in the Carter Unit8 The snow belt extends east
into South Dakota,, Snow covers most of the low forage of the open
divide areasj but leaves considerable browse and shelter available in
the partially wind-swept breaks of the four main creeks« This snow-free
condition is especially noticeable in the Powder River Breaks at the
western end of the antelope range » Here5 as in the other winter range s$
antelope are seen feeding in areas of the larger sage type that are not
covered by snow„ Two sage species of major importance in this range are
Big Sage (Artemisia tridentata) and White Sage (Artemisia cana)0
The western edge of the deep snowbelt is limited by the Powder
River-Boxelder divide and it extends to the headwaters of those creeks
that drain into the Powder River from the easto The divide runs northward
from the vicinity of Hammond which is located on Highway 212 « This
climatic condition is apparently caused by prevailing winds and storms that
267
approach the area from the Dakotas to the east. The main effect in
the Carter Unit is felt in the territory lying east of the Powder River-
Bo xelder divide o
The above described snow pattern explains in part the local
migrations to shelter in wintering areas of the three main drainages of
Carter Unite It may also explain the migrations which result in large
concentrations of antelope in the Powder River Breaks during the
exceptionally hard winters.
From the information that was gained in "Rancher Interviews1* ? it
is apparent that the movement of antelope., during usual winters,, is for
the most part local ■
The following paragraphs pertain to these local winter migra-
tions;
A glance at the map shows that the east side of the Powder River
Drainage is a much larger area than the Boxelder drainage and includes
a large area of good antelope summer range o Thus the concentration in
the Powder River Breaks during the less severe winters may well be a
local shift o
During an open winter the Boxelder drainage contains as many or
more antelope than during the summer,. This indicates little movement
of antelope from the Boxelder during open winters, although many of
these animals move to Powder River during severe winters and the antelope
which summer on the east side of Boxelder are conspicuously absent.
The extent of migrations during normal winters will be further elaborated
upon in the discussions of migration in the three local wintering
areaso
268
Migration of the Abnormally Severe Winters
The snow belt is well marked during the more severe winterso
Nearly all of the higher range is blanketed with snow after the first
heavy storms0 The low growing forage of the open country is thus
inaccessible to antelope from the beginning of winterc
The main summer ranges in Carter Unit are a bleak and open type5
the terrain of which makes it difficult for antelope to obtain food and
survive during hard winters o With the onset of winter storms they are
forced to move into the breaks where there is browse and protection*.
The following paragraphs describe the long winter migrations
With the increase of antelope numbers in the Carter Area during
the last decade the winter migration has become more noticeable* The
increased numbers may be a factor which contributes to a greater need
and tendency for long migrationss especially during severe winter
weathere This agrees with Carhart (1°U2) and incidental information
obtained from the Highline in northern Montana*
The occurrence of long migrations during the severe winter of
1936 and again in the fall of 19 kh is substantiated by a number of
statements from ranchers,,
During the winters of 1936 and 19UU-U5 many of the ranchers,,
particularly those in the upper ends of Crow Creek and Pilgrim Creek.,
observed tired antelope which were thought to have drifted in from a
long distance to the easto
Large numbers of antelope were also observed passing through
different sections of the main drainages during the winters of 1936 and
19UU-U5© These were apparently long migrations*
269
During the winter of 19hh-°h^» the usual heavy concentration of
antelope did not remain in the Little Missouri area0 Large numbers of
antelope were observed traveling westward a short distance north of
Alzada and in various areas along the north side of Highway 212«
In addition very large numbers of antelope passed through the
usual migration routes of the Little Missouri drainage » A large number
of migrating animals passed through Nine Mile Creek9 Large numbers of
antelope came in from South Dakota— passed through the Albion region and
Blacktail Creek in the Little Missouri drainage and continued westward
through the Finger Buttes region,. The "Finger Buttes" are a distinctive
land mark that jut out from the Boxelder-Little Missouri divide at the
head of Blacktail Creek, These can be seen on the maps and in figure
3.
Permanent Population Influxes
The winter migration pattern during severe years may be responsible
for some re-distribution of antelope 0
Antelope normally return to their summer ranges at the end of
winter and does attempt to return to their home range before dropping
their fawns each spring 0
Many of the antelope never returned to their original summer
ranges after the large migration of I9IU1© A few new herds remained on
the east side of the Little Missouri,, Some of the antelope may have
been stopped during their eastward spring movement to summer range by
flooding creeks which are ice covered during the fall migration, although
instances of antelope swimming rivers during their spring migration
are known. Movements of animals in the Little Missouri area was also
270
inhibited by fences.
With the dropping of fawns new resident populations are establish-
ed in an area0 This occurs commonly after an unusually long winter
migration o
Where the new range is favorable a large increase of antelope is
often seen0 The resulting increase has not been great in the Little
Missouri area2 but it does represent a larger year around population of
antelope than was present prior to 19UU-U50
Migration in the Three Local Wintering Areas
The best method of obtaining a true picture of migration as it
occurs in the Carter Unit is to describe migrations as they are seen
in each of the four main local areas0 These parts placed together
comprise the total migration in the unito This is the logical way
to use the information gained from rancher interviews^ since each rancher
sees local conditions rather clearly ^ whereas his concept of the over-all
problem is less reliable and may be incomplete 0
An analysis of the population figures., given by the ranchers
in interviews^ indicates that there is a shift of antelope between the
summer and winter ranges0 The number of antelope in any area is apt to
fluctuate widely during different seasons of the year0 This further
substantiates the ranchers5 description of seasonal migration,, The
population figures represent an estimate of local ranchers and although
they may not be completely accurate, they do yield relative values which
can be used to some extent for management purpose s0
It was also found that the summer distribution and population of
antelope as indicated by ranchers was comparable to the summer aerial
271
count made during July 30, 31? and August 1st in this area.
Rancher estimates of the population for each of the main drainages
during summer,, winter., and extremely severe winters were secured,. Data
on the ratio of summer to winter numbers in each drainage area and the
relative abundance of animals in the various areas during both seasons
were thus obtained,,
The antelope population density figures for each drainage area
were derived by dividing the number of sections of land in that area
into the number of antelope reported in the area during the three
previously mentioned periods,. The resulting population densities for
various parts of the range have been transferred to Map No» 3 which
shows summer distribution and Map No0 2 which shows winter concentration
areas o A total estimated summer population for the three drainage
areas has been compiled and is shown in Table No„ 1„
A description of the migration as it is seen locally is also
included in this section of the report,. The following is a description
of the migration in each of the four local wintering areas0
Migration in the Powder River Area
The heart of the antelope's summer range is in the relatively
high country of the Powder River drainage which lies east of the Powder
River county line and extends into the region of the Boxelder divide,,
The estimated summer population is about 10 antelope per square mile,. The
winter density of this area varies from 10 to V? antelope per square mile
during open winters,, Practically no antelope remain there during severe
winters.
The usual winter range for antelope in the Powder River area
272
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forms a belt which lies parallel to and a short distance from the Powder
River» This range extends into the main side drainages including Timber^
Crow5 Pilgrim,;, and Hay Creeks*
During summer^ there is generally a low population of antelope
in this winter range belt and in that entire area extending from Powder
River eastward to the vicinity of the Powder River county line* The
summer population density is estimated by ranchers to be 2 to h antelope
per square mile0 There is possibly a greater density in the Hay Creek
region,, but this was not confirmedo That area is indicated on Map No„
3o
This map shows summer distribution of antelope in the Carter
Area, The map is self-esplanatoryo The usual summer distribution of
antelope is shown on the map and while the densities which are indicated
may not be too accurate the picture of relative distribution should be
goodo All the figures of antelope population densities are rough
approximations^ based upon rancher estimate ss and are probably a little
high for the total acreage of each enclosure on the map0
One rancher was of the opinion that there was a large number of
antelope on this winter range during most of the winter,. He described
these concentrations as "A series of bands which are seen for about 30
miles along the Powder River©" This winter range is 8 to 10 miles in
widtho The description is probably representative of an extreme
condition.
Antelope winter heavily on Lower Hay Creek <, On the Pilgrim
Creek drainage the antelope winter mainly in the Powder River Breaks
that lie a few miles east of the river itself « Further down, the Powder
27U
River from Pilgrim Creek, the antelope numbers vary greatly -with the
type of winter 0 This seems natural since no large drainages come into
Powder River for V~> miles between Pilgrim Creek and Crow Creek— hence
only severe weather drives large numbers of antelope into the entire
wintering areaa
Although relatively few antelope summer on that lower part of
Crow Creeks which lies in Powder River County, it is an important winter
concentration area0 The winter population density is usually more than
20 antelope per section,. This figure is based on ranchers' estimates
and is of limited value since they only ride over the lowlands in
winter,.
The antelope are not present on lower Crow Creek in such large
numbers during mild and open winters,. Those., which ordinarily move
closer to Powder River, winter locally in the breaks of upper Timber
Creek, Dry Creek and Crow Creek „ These areas are shown on Map Noc 2„
Thus, antelope tend to winter in the higher country near the headwaters
of these three drainages whenever it is possible and the breaks of
lower Crow Creek provide additional shelter whenever it is needed,,
The ranchers throughout the surrounding Powder River country
consistently report a much larger antelope concentration in Crow
Creek than do the resident ranchers,, Crow Creek which is reputed to be
an extremely heavy winter concentration area — has an estimated
population density only three-fifths as great as that reported for lower
Pilgrim Creek and Hay Creeks* It is estimated that there are 30 animals
per section in the latter wintering areas,, The relative importance of
these two winter range areas should further be determined in the field.
275
The winter migration on lower Timber Creek consists of a movement
of antelope toward the Powder River as the winter becomes more severe «,
Further up Timber Creek5 the antelope cross into Crow Creek and the
Powder River Breaks to the south of it0 The migration routes and winter
distribution are shown on Map No„ 20
The summer range-winter range relationship and the accompanying
migration can be readily seen by referring to Map No0 2 and Map Noc 3»
The seasonal migration is certainly not a clearly defined
activity.. After the antelope have moved into the lower areas and have
apparently come down for the winter they shift back and forth from the
breaks region to the creek bottoms — with local weather changes0 They
come out on the higher flats during days of good weather and retreat to
shelter during storms0 This is especially noticeable in the Crow Creek
area.
This type of behavior parallels the larger population shifts in
which Timber Creek5 Dry Creek and upper Crow Creek are used as local
winter range during open winters <, Lower Crow Creek and the Powder River
Breaks are the winter ranges during more severe winter s„ The head of
Timber Creek is shown in Figure 2„
To attempt a prediction of the extent of a particular winter' s
migration would be no more successful than a long range prediction of
that winter's weather,, Although the "normal" condition cannot be
defined^ those types of winters which can arbitrarily be called the
"usual" and the "unusual" — reveal that there are actually three
degrees of migration and these are directly correlated with the severity
of a particular winter's weather — mild, of usual severity, or ab-
normally severe o
276
During the severest winters when the antelope range in lower
Crow Creek and the Powder River Breaks, migration from the divide
country is nearly complete 0
Very few antelope ever cross to the west side of Powder River or
Little Powder River „ This is true during even the more severe winters »
The local ranchers are in agreement on the location of this winter range
boundaryo Topography probably limits movement beyond this0
After the antelope have moved in from the higher country to the
east5 they find food and shelter on the sage-covered breaks on the east
side of the Powder River „ There is apparently no need for the antelope
to cross the river •
Migration in the Boxelder Area
Fairly large numbers of antelope summer in the Boxelder area<>
The west side of the Boxelder drainage has a summer population of
approximately 12 antelope per square mile0 The summer density to the
east and the extreme northern end of the range is about 8 antelope per
square mile. Relative summer population densities are shown on Map
No8 3» There is a slight unavoidable discrepancy between these detailed
population densities and those shown on the map0
During open winters most of these antelope winter locally. There
appears to be a shift from the east to the west side of the Boxelder
area and there may be a larger number of antelope during an open winter
than in the summer,, The open winter population on the west side increases
to more than 15 antelope per section while the density on the east side
drops to five or less antelope per section.
During severe winters there is some movement of antelope from the
277
Fig. 1 0«rl Creek Breaks Area
(Owl Creek in Background)
Fig. 2 The Head of Timber Creek
27 Q
Fig. 3 "Finger Buttes" (Viewed from the
Boxelder-Little Missouri Divide to the
Southwest)
Fig. 4 Twin Fawns
(In the Head of Dry Creek)
2 73
Boxelder drainage into the Powder Biver area0 Only about 3 to k antelope
per section remain on the west side of Boxelder Creek and about 3 or less
antelope per square mile winter on the east side0
The heaviest snow in years occurred on November 13th and lUth of
19hhe Large groups of antelope moved through the Boxelder drainage in
an abnormally large westward migration „ These appeared to have come a
considerable distance — perhaps from the western edge of South Dakota0
Practically all the antelope moved out of the Boxelder drainage during
that winter,,
Migration in the Little Missouri Area
Antelope^ in large numbers^ normally take three rather distinct
migration routes across the Little Missouri drainage,. These routes are
shown on Map No„ 20 They follow Blacktail Creek s pass through the
region just north of Albion5 and through the North and South Forks of
Cottonwood Creekso
The county road along the Little Missouri follows a fenced lane0
During the fall migration the antelope are usually held for several weeks
while they work their way through these fences and across the Rivern
Some woven wire fences impede the natural migration in this area0
Considerable numbers of antelope winter in the lower parts of
Horse and Elkhorn Creeks during ordinary winterso Antelope also winter
in South Indian Creek and the head of Owl Creeko These two Creeks drain
into South Dakota to the east,, but there is apparently a westward
migration into their headwaters during the winter „ The Owl Creek Breaks
are shown in Figure 1„
The antelope move from most of the area on the east side of the
280
Little Missouri River and the Owl Creek Breaks during very severe
winter So They pass through the Little Missouri in a westward migration,,
During the winter of 19hh$ large numbers of antelope passed just north
of Alzada0 This is an unusual migration route and these antelope were
apparently driven long distances by the deep snow0
During the winter of 19U7 antelope wintered close to the Little
Missouri bottom in the vicinity of the three main crossings,, Since
19hk$ antelope have wintered near the Little Missouri River e A greater
number of antelope now remain on this range during summer and winter,,
A rather large antelope population winters along the west side of
the Little Missouri,, These concentrations are seen in the vicinity of
Cottonwood Creek5 on the flats near Blacktail Creek and on the lower
parts of the North and South Forks of Cottonwood Creek „
The more exposed summer ranges on the Little Missouri area support
no antelope during the usual winter,, In early winter large numbers of
antelope remain in the Little Missouri drainage „ However* if the weather
becomes too severe they drift westward and many of them are gone for
part of the winter,.
An increase over the summer antelope population is observed during
winter,, Ranchers attribute part of this to influxes from South Dakota
which are apparently an annual occurrence •
RANGE
A detailed investigation of range condition was not possible during
this study. The following incidental information was obtained.
Summer Range
281
Large numbers of antelope are now thriving in the summer range
without causing range depletion or appreciable resentment from the ranch=
owners o The ranchers9 comments indicate that the summer use of range
by antelope causes no noticeable damage 0
There have been complaints of summer damage in only a few local
areas and these involve cultivated crops» Owners of alfalfa fields
report most depredations 0
Carter County range is in good condition,, Favorable growing
seasons during the past decade are thought to be responsible for this©
The year 19U7 was thought by most ranchers to be the best grass year
since 192 7 « The range is looking better than it has ever within the
memory of reliable old timers0 The wild hay crop of Bluestem grass
(Agropyron smithii) was excellent in most areas0 Federal range men
agree that the ranges of the Carter area are in excellent condition,)
Although there is an upward trend of the range due to this period
of favorable climate and apparent proper use^, it was not felt that the
condition of all the range was good0 Certain areas have large amounts
of cactuso This may be an indication that these portions of the range
have not completely recovered from the effects of the plow and previous
hard usec Local range condition is certainly not good in the vicinity
of salted reservoirs0
Several ranchers were concerned over the possibility of range com-
petition between antelope and domestic stock in the event of a future
dry weather cycle,.
Under certain conditions during the fall, domestic alfalfa fields,
in some local areas, may be used by the antelope as a part of their range*,
282
Ranchers are able to eliminate this by adequate fencing,. Although
expensive 5 some ranchers consider this to be worthwhile 0 Some of the
ranchers believe alfalfa damage is not too extensive 0 This alfalfa
damage is thought by a number of land-owners to be negligible although
occasional damage may occur when animals run through ripe standso
The problem of antelope damage to cultivated crops in the Powder
River drainage may increase with the future development of Moorhead
dame
Water is probably no limiting factor in the Carter area due to
the presence of numerous stock re servo irsc
Winter Range
Some factors which influence the winter range have already been
presented in this report under "Migration" 0 These include a general
picture of the physiography of the Carter area which describes the open
summer ranges and the sheltering character of the winter ranges; the
effect which the winter9 s severity has upon range availability, and the
hampering effect of sheep fences upon free movement of the antelope <,
The previously mentioned "snow-belt" condition is a part of the
winter range picture „ During mild winters*, there is often much bare
ground to the west of the Powder River divide <, Food is also available
further east in the local wintering areas of Doxelder Creek and the Little
Missouri. During severe winters deep snow makes more of the feed east
of the Powder divide unavailable to antelope «,
Notes on Antelope Food Habits
A rancher who has kept an antelope as a pet said that its diet
283
mainly consisted of weeds in the summer and sage and other browse in the
winter o
It has been noticed in some areas from the antelope shift from
black sage (Artemisia frigida) to white sage (Artemisia cana) when the
former is covered with snow0 These common names are of local usage,.
The antelope8 s diet apparently shifts in fall and winter to
browsec Ranchers believe they feed upon sage and salt sage during this
season o
This introduces several quest ion sc Is there a shift to browse
because it is available while other feed is covered with snow? Would
the antelope take larger percentages of cured grass and dry weeds if
they were available? Is there a seasonal need for woody browse in the
antelope's diet during winter? What do the antelope feed upon when they
leave the breaks area and return to high ground during open weather?
Year around analysis of food habits for Montana antelope is
neededo A seasonal food study would yield valuable information0 The
data could be tied in with information which is already available^,
Buck (l$k% Couey (19U6), and Buechner (19li7)o
Several ranchers reported that antelope do not eat haye In some
instances antelope have been seen in near starving condition and still
they did not feed upon available hay„
It was noted during the summer aerial count — > that no antelope
were found within approximately one~=half mile radius of sheep o However s
it became apparent during the "Rancher Interviews"' that antelope are
present in large numbers on some sheep ranges and totally absent from
otherso The explanation for the presence of antelope and sheep on the
28U
same range may be due to the presence of rough breaks in the area which
provide the antelope with abundant food or in some instances the ranges
may have been used by sheep only recently,.
Range competition between antelope and sheep seems apparent from
the similarity of their general food habitso By a similar token there
is probably little competition between antelope and cattle on the summer
range,, Buechner (19hl)o
MORTALITY
Winter Mortality
Woven wire and sheep proof fences impede the natural migration
pattern ^ which has been to drift ahead of severe storms to protected
areas • These particular fences provide a definite problem -= especially
during the more severe winterso These fences^ which are increasing in
numbers^ often delay the antelope along their route to the winter range 0
By restricting movement^, they cause antelope to be caught in areas which
offer little protection and food during storms0 Some of these antelope
become weakened and eventually winter killo
Large numbers of antelope are often held by fences on their way
to winter rangeo Sometimes antelope pile up against sheep fences for h
to £ days before a storm and they are often released by ranchers who
open gates or sections of fence for them0
It might be possible to aid some antelope which become piled up
against fences during a severe winter by driving them with a plane in
such a manner that they can continue their migration without delays of
several days0
28$
During severe winters there is a large die -off of antelope in
Crow Creek and the Powder River Breaks,, A number of questions and some
of the possible answers arise0
This condition may be the result of a combination of factors©
The antelope population may be reaching the carrying capacity of its
winter range s„ The fences may weaken animals that are forced into long
migrations for food and shelter,, These and other factors may finally
bring about losses from disease 0
Winter losses may be an indication of winter food stresses under
severe weather conditionso Antelope have been seen in the willow bottoms
for the first time during the winter of lQU7o This may be a newly ac-
quired habit or it may be a sign that the winter concentrations are
becoming excessive,, Apparently antelope of various ages die during the
winter o Ranchers believe there are often less antelope returning to
the summer ranges in the spring than the numbers that migrate in fall*
This may be due to differences in observationj, or it may tie in as an
indication that during severe winters «— the winter kill is great
enough to be actually noticeable when the wintering bands retrace their
migration routes to the summer ranges0
Heavy losses that occur in hard winters like that of 19UU-U£ can
be attributed,, in part5 to the fence problem,. Disease may also figure
in as a factor contributing to the deaths of weakened animals0 However^
the possibility of there becoming an over population of antelope in
the Carter Area seems quite real2 even in the face of certain decimating
factors and adverse conditions* There is much need for on-the-spot
investigation of antelope winter condition sQ
286
Disease
It was originally hoped that additional information could be
gained concerning the extent of the antelope disease condition,, which
had become noticeable during the spring of 19h7o This study was to
contain a follow-up of information in the report "Antelope Investigation
in Carter Unit", which was conducted by Faye Couey and Don Brown 5
May 30th and 31st, 19U7o
However5 the summer study was conducted too late in the season
to determine?, at first hando a great deal of additional information con-
cerning the infected area,, None of the ranchers contacted in the area
had seen any currently ailing antelope at the time of this study,
however, one rancher had disposed of a IS stoved-up" buck a week or so
earlier — this was the last one known to him0
The following is an important point supporting the possibility
that the antelope infection extended over a greater area than was
originally supposed,, The rancher on the lower Timber Creek range, which
was thought to be the focal point of the (Actinomyces necrophorus) and
(Corynebacterium ovis) infections^, estimated 0 dead antelope carcasses per
section of the range he observed,, However#n some ranchers in Dry Creek
and Crow Creek estimated nearly as high and even higher losses0 Although
these ranchers were unable to determine the cause of antelope deaths on
their ranges,, the figures alone and the proximity of this range to proven
infected antelope range make it highly probable that disease may also
have been a contributing factor in their winter kills* Areas of heavy
antelope winter loss during 19U7 are indicated on Map No„ 10
It may be well to point out that the ranchers in the region of the
287
large winter losses usually ride only low lands during winter,. Heavy
die-off s which were observed during the late winter in 19U7 (8-10
antelope per square mile) are probably representative of bottom concentra-
tions onlyc
In the Little Missouri drainage^ considerable scouring among
young antelope is some times notedc This diarrheic condition is thought
by some ranchers to be a worm infestation and may be an important factor
which reduces the fawn crop ^onsideraoly in this area0 Locations where
there has been scouring among antelope^, especially young5 sometime
during the last two years are shown on Map No0 lo
Predation
There is definitely some eagle predation upon antelope „ Two
ranchers who fly a plane in the Boxelder area and one rancher who lives
on lower Crow Creek report a total of 16 eagle kills which they have
witnessed in the past few years0 A rancher in the head of South Indian
Creek reported one dead antelope that appeared to be an eagle kill and
an unsuccessful attack by an eagle upon a yearling antelope o It is
believed that golden eagles are quite numerous throughout the plains
region of Montana0 Many were observed in all the antelope ranges visited
during the summer of 19h7o
Ranchers reported some predation upon antelope by coyotes during
past years0 The amount of predation upon fawns was unknown but it was
felt to have been significanto Coyotes made a few kills during the fall
of 19U6o
During the winter of 19U7 the new poison W1080M was used
experimentally in this area and the coyotes were nearly eliminatedo
288
Sheep ranchers reported that coyotes had not bothered them since „ This
may result in a greater increase of antelopec
In the past some undetermined factors have apparently reduced
the fawn crop considerably between the time that they are born and the
following fall,,
Other Losses
Antelope are sometimes killed when they break through fences after
being run deliberately or accidentally ahead of cars on the county
road which follows Little Missouri River<> This condition might be
improved if some well designed signs urging caution in the matter were
placed along this road,
Antelope suffer some losses when they become caught in fences
during the winter migration 0 Crusted snow cripples some antelope during
the winter «
Poaching by out-of=state hunters was reported in the Little
Missouri areaa Dead antelope are found after each hunting season and some
antelope are also crippled during the hunt.
NOTES ON RANCHER ATTITUDES
The importance of understanding the ranchers0 attitude toward
antelope on their ranges made a strong impression upon the fieldman during
this study» Their reactions to the permit hunt is also important informa-
tion,
Antelope Population
As has previously been mentioned^ nearly all the ranchers seem to
feel that antelope do little or no harm (visible competition with domestic
289
stock) to their ranges during summer0 This is probably due to the evenly
scattered condition of the herd during summer month se
The Little Missouri drainage has a sizeable winter concentration 5
but the residents of this drainage are more concerned over their winter
antelope than are the residents of the other two main drainages,. Some
of the reasons for this are apparent » Sheep-tight fences and other
fences^ from Alzada to Capitol^, hold groups of antelope which are trying
to migrate* There is a considerable influx from South Dakota during
certain years0 'in parts of the Little Missouri and of other areas where
a heavy winter concentration is the usual condition and in addition there
is often a rather large summer population — the sentiment very often
expressed by these ranchers is that they feel n there really are too many
antelope1" in their area,,
In certain areas the only damage which is attributed to antelope
is the trampling of fields and portions of pasture ss in a manner similar
to that of sheep o
Ranchers report varying degrees of damage to their alfalfa,. Most
of them are not familiar with the actual extent of damage,, This infor=>
mation is needed and should be determined in future food habit studies.
The results should be made known to the ranchers0
Ranchers who reside in areas of occasional heavy winter die«offs
feel that some official agency should dispose of diseased and dying
antelope o
Hunting Activity
Several hundred antelope are taken by permit in the Carter Area
during the special antelope season » Many of the hunters are unfamiliar
290
■with the area and have a limited amount of time to kill their antelope c
Some careless hunting practices result and there is considerable
resentment by ranchers to these „ Ranchers especially resent excessive
crippling of antelope by hunters who shoot into the herd and the
possibility of livestock losses«
This is difficult to do in many instances,, because of the character
of the hunt g but this action would be beneficial to the hunters and is
greatly desired by the ranchers o The rancher could caution the hunters
not to shoot near livestock or buildings and to close gates,. In some
instances ranchers are able to move their stock into one pasture during
the antelope season,, This contact between rancher and hunter would help
eliminate friction which exists between the two interests in some areas0
Many ranchers with posted lands said that they would be glad to
have hunting on their range if the hunter would stop at their ranch
house — before hunting,. Others expressed the desire to hunt with
permit hunters5 if they have time available — or they would aid them
by directions* Posted land in the Little Missouri area is being in-
creasedo
Some ranchers feel that application period for antelope permits
should be more publicized in the Carter Area or by some other means the
number of permits received locally should be increased0
Fine relations between antelope hunters and ranchers in Boxelder
Creek-upper Crow Creek area and in the vicinity of the Piniele Game
Preserve is in quite striking contrast to the resentment commonly
expressed by ranchers in the Powder River and the Little Missouri
drainage So
291
The desirable attitude toward the hunt in the first mentioned
area can probably be attributed to the activity of the Powder River~
Carter Game Protective Association,, Members of this Association are
largely residents of the central areaG Many of these ranchers look
forward to the hunt because of the fine two~way cooperation that is
common in this area9 Pioneer members of this organization created the
Piniele Game Pre serve o The friendly attitude toward the antelope of these
ranchers and others in the Carter area has made possible the large increase
of antelope in this range in the last two decade s0
The Department is fortunate in having the cooperation of this
group „ If similar hunter~rancher relationships and friendly attitudes
toward antelope could be extended to other antelope ranges^ it would be
valuable to management 0
GENERAL FIELD NOTES
Some interesting sidelights concerning antelope were noted in
"Rancher Interviews'8 6 These may add to the general knowledge of Montana
antelope o
An incident related by several different sheep operators is of
some interesto Whenever lambs are suddenly awakened by anything which
passes them in the night they will instinctively jump up and follow <,
There have been several such happenings in the Carter Area in which
lambs followed an antelope several miles and herders believe that lambs
have possibly been lost in such a manner o
Several ranchers offered the comment that the only effective way
to determine antelope numbers is by the use of a small plane,. These men
have ridden in this country for years and realize the limitations of a
292
ground estimate,. As they see it* the antelope is built for running and
can be in the local drainage today and "over the hill" tomorrow — and
usually iso
There is some evidence that antelope use the winter migration
routes during their return to summer range in springe Many ranchers
believe it is largely the same antelope which return to their range in
summerc Two ranchers in different parts of the Boxelder drainage report
the return to their range in successive years of w freak -horned" bucks<>
Does attempt to return to the exact area where they lived as fawns —
to drop their young according to an observation related to ranchers by-
early day Indian antelope hunters in northern Montana©
There was apparently an exceptionally heavy fawn crop during the
spring of 19^7 o Single fawns are more the exception than the rule^,
according to ranchers0 Antelope normally have twins,. Buck (19U7)„
Antelope rarely jump fences0 They usually jump between the
wires or crawl under the fence. There are accounts of antelope having
jumped fences more often recently -<= than in past years© Rancher
observation and personal observation reveal that the antelope's running
gaits are similar to those of a horsee This and the past history of the
antelope,, on the Plains, may be a partial explanation for their
reluctance to jump fences although they easily make long broad jumps.
During the migration,, antelope are driven ahead of the severe
stormso Sometimes they are driven by the storm front . but often they
are observed moving westward before the storm strikes.. In this way
antelope play the role of a natural weather prophet,, This behavior is
also apparent after the antelope have moved into the winter range* They
move into local shelter preceding stormy weather e
293
The relative times, at which the antelope hunts are held in South
Dakota and Montana^ may possibly determine the direction which antelope
will move across the border0 Some ranchers living on the east side of
the Little Missouri report that during the fall of 19U6 antelope moved
into Montana as a result of the South Dakota hunt which they said^ was
earlier than the Montana hunt that year0 Fall migration in this area is
naturally a westward movement 0
The coordination of hunting season dates between the two states
might well be worked out to affect whatever movement may be mutually
desired — in management of the antelope 0
The 19U7 hunt date for South Dakota was the only one available
at the time of writing 0 The 19U7 antelope permit hunt in the Carter
area was held September 28th to October 12thP while the adjacent South
Dakota hunt was held October 1st to October 7th o
POPULATIONS
Antelope Population of the Carter Unit
Estimates of the number of antelope 9 which summer in the Carter
Area5 were made from data secured in "Rancher Interviews'8 and from data
secured by the summer aerial counto The two population figures were
arrived at independently 0 Figures secured from both sources were used
to determine populations for each of the three drainage areas and these
totals yield two estimates of antelope population for the entire Carter
area* The rrethods used in both counts have been presented under the
heading PROCEDURE .
1. The Little Missouri River q Owl Creek and Indian Creek area
29h
includes 888 square miles of antelope range as seen on Map No0 lo
a0 Total area covered by "Rancher Interviews" was 356
square miles0 The ranchers estimated that 3?U93 antelope are on their
land during summero
To allow for repetition of over-lapping antelope herds in
ranchers' estimate sj because only the areas where antelope were reported
to be plentiful were visited and since main concentrations were dealt
with — the antelope numbers*, estimated by the ranchers interviewed in
each of the three main drainage areas^, was used as the total figure for
each area0 (It was assumed that most of the best antelope range was
covered*)
b« During the aerial survey ? 118 miles were flown in this
area and 232 antelope were counted?
252 g 118 gg x g 888 square miles
ll8x = 223,776
x s 1^895 antelope
Allowing 60% coverage of a flight path one mile in width, the estimate
for this area is 3d 162 antelope 0 The letter "x" represents the unknown
total number of antelope in the area*
2. The Boxelder Drainage Area includes 552 square miles of antelope
range o
a„ Total area covered by "Rancher Interviews" was 211
square miles0 The ranchers estimated that 1^760 antelope are on their
land during summer0
bo During the aerial survey, 106 miles were flown in this
area and 213 antelope were counted?
213 I 106 jg x t 552
106x = 117,576
x - 1,109 antelope
29$
Allowing 60% coverage of a flight path one mile in widths the estimate
for this area is lj>81|8 antelope „
3« The Powder River Drainage (east of Powder River) includes 619
square miles of antelope range 0
a0 Total area covered by "Rancher Interviews'8 was I4I9
square mileso The ranchers estimated that 2<,590 antelope are on their
lands during summer,,
b0 During the aerial survey , 80 miles were flown in this
area and 325 antelope were counted?
32$ s 80 n x s 619 square miles
80x s 200^275
x - 255>06 antelope
Allowing 100$ coverage of a flight path one mile in width,, the estimate
for the area is 25506 antelopeQ Coverage was figured as 100$ because
the flight lines follow major drainages,. This was described in PROCEDURE,,
The population estimated for Powder River may be too large since
the percentage of total area which was covered by rancher interviews
is larger than in the other two drainages0 This may be seen in Table
Noo lo In addition^, the major portion of the flight lines in this
drainage area were made in the better antelope ranges©
The antelope population in the Carter Unit? based on "Rancher
Interviews" s is 758U3<> The antelope population in the Carter Unit5
based on the aerial survey, is 725l60 Both of these estimates are
probably too high3 but they furnish a rough figure which can be checked
by future count se
Sex Ratios
Sex and age classes were determined and recorded for a small
r
296
number of antelope which were observed in the Carter area during the
study*
The sample indicates?
U7 Bucks)
62 Does )
^9 Fawns)
Buck/Doe Ratio 5 l/lo32
Doe/Fawn Ratio = l/o95
TABLE NOo 1
TABLE OF ANTELOPE POPULATION IN THE CARTER AREA
(Based on "Rancher Interviews")
Drainage Area
:Area insArea cove reds Percent of:No0 of antelope
sSq„ Miosby Interviews Total AreasRancher Estimates
0
0
0
0
Little Missouri
River
0
0
888 s
356
0
0
Uo
s
3,U93
Boxelder Creek
0
t
552 :
211
6
38
0
0
1,760
Powder River
t
s
s
619 z
1
U19
0
•
68
•
0
%
2,590
Entire Carter Unit
•
0
m
2,059 s
986
0
t
hi
•
0
m
7,8U3
9
•
o>
0
i
TABLE NOo 2
TABLE OF ANTELOPE POPULATION IN THE CARTER AREA*
(Based on the Aerial Survey)
Drainage Area
sArea imMiles flowru Percent 4Antelope»No0 of
sSq0 Mio* ^coverage g Counted : Antelope
s : son a one 5 : (Aerial
z : smile fl- z s Estimate)
i z gight path; g-
Little Missouri
River*
9
•
I
888
s
1
118
l
1
60
1
252
1
3,162*
Boxelder Creek
1
I
552
it
1
106
l
1
60
1
1
213
Z
z
1,8U8*
Powder River
t
Or
•
2
619
8
1
t
80
z
z
z
100
>
->
1
:
325
z
z
8
2,506*
Entire Carter Unit
Z
r2,059
t
30U
1
z
__
z
2
790
9
Z
7,516
1
:
1
1
'
♦These figures are shown on Map No. 1,
297
It was impossible to distinguish between yearling and adult
females*, Since does are thought not ^o breed during their first years
the actual doe-fawn ratio is made less apparent in the preceding figure So
This small sample is inadequate for the derivation of significant
ratio So Additional sex ratio data is neededo Two reliable observers
estimated a ratio of two bucks to three doeso
The 19hl fawn crop was reportedly very good3 with a large number
of twins being reported* McLear (2$kk) and Carhart (±9k2) found that
the majority of fawns were twins0 A set of twin fawns are seen in
Figure U«
SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
!• It should be emphasized that this report is based almost
entirely upon information gained from "Rancher Interviews'* that were
made in the Carter Area during a short period in the summer of 19U7«
2<> Information concerning antelope migration ? population dis-
tribution and any disease conditions was particularly sought during
this study©
3» A characteristic snow condition in the Carter Area makes most
of the food on the summer range unavailable during winter,, This explains
in part the local migrations to wintering areas of the main drainages,
and the migrations which result in large concentrations of antelope near
the Powder River0
U« The severity of the winter determines whether the winter
migration is merely a partial shift to local winter ranges, a complete
298
movement to local winter range s? or a longer movement from local
ranges to more distant ranges that are used only during severe winter s<>
The movement of antelope during "open1* winters is local — for the most
part and long migrations usually occur during the very severe winterso
£• The winter migration pattern during severe years may be
responsible for some re-distribution of antelope,,
60 The heart of antelope summer range in the Powder River Drainage
lies east of the Powder River County line,,
7o Antelope winter range in the Powder River area forms a belt
which lies parallel to and a short distance from the Powder River and
extends somewhat up its main side drainages — > Timber Creek* Crow Creek,
Pilgrim Creek, and Hay Creek.
80 Large numbers of antelope wintering in Crow Creek and the
Powder River Breaks from the Pilgrim Creek region northward were
indicated,, The winter range concentration in lower Hay Creek should be
re-checked,
9o Antelope summer in the Boxelder country in fairly large numbers.
During open winters most of these antelope probably winter locally t
while during severe winters there is some movement of antelope from the
Boxelder drainage into the Powder River wintering areaQ
10o Antelope are normally in the Little Missouri area during both
summer and winter,, During very severe winters the antelope pass through
this drainage from South Dakota and may leave the area0 The South Dakota.
299
antelope population,, which is adjacent to the Carter herdg has experienced
a large increase in recent years and its westward migration pattern
explains the annual influx which is witnessed in Montana,,
llo There is apparently little visible competition between
antelope and domestic stock on the summer ranges0 In the event of a dry
weather cycle a large antelope population might provide excessive com-
petition to domestic stock 0
12o There are heavy concentrations on some of the winter ranges«
The foods which is available on winter ranges during severe weather s may
be a limiting range factor for the present antelope population,. It
should be determined whether there is an over-population at present or
if the recent winter kills are sporadic outbreaks0
13o The average size of the ranches in the Carter area is about
15 sections6 Cattle ranches comprise nearly all of the area of the
Powder River drainage e In the Boxelder area about two-thirds of the
ranches support sheep and the remainder have cattle « In the Little
Missouri., about three—fifths are cattle ranches and about two-fifths
sheep ranches,. A considerable portion of the range is Federal grazing
lando
■
liu A sample "Rancher Interview'* form is included at the end of
this reporto The I4.6 completed Carter area forms are filed for future
use* The District fieldman can refer directly to these for further detail0
l5o Investigation of the northern edge of the antelope range in
this unit was incomplete o Additional information is needed for the
300
LIBRARY OF
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Belton, Montana
Stump and Cabin Creeks vicinities,, There are probably isolated popula-
tions south of Highway 212 which maya in time, become a part of this
unit herdo
160 Some ranchers are very careful observers of antelope . It might
be practical to ask certain "key" ranchers to make observations and
collect desirable data at their convenience and on a year-around basis.
17o It might be possible to aid some antelope which become
piled up against fences during a severe winter by driving them with a
plane in such a manner that they can continue their migration without
delays of several days*
I80 Aerial censuses of antelope should be made from June 1st to
June 15 th, time of even distribution, if the best results are desiredo
19 o The area of best antelope range in the Carter Unit is
limited to the north,, south, and west by natural and artificial barriers0
With current low decimating factors the present trend indicates a
steady increase in numbers of antelope,, Coyote population will continue
to be low. This may reduce the loss from predation and as a results the
fawn crop may approach two per breeding doe.
20. The friendly attitude of Carter area ranchers toward
antelope in this natural range results in a minimum amount of poaching
and this may account for the greater population increase in this region
than is found in adjoining areas,,
21. Extensive pre— study planning should precede further investiga-
tion. A. good outline of problems and procedures for future study can be
301
drawn up from the suggestions presented in Ken Thompson's 19U2 report ^
suggestions taken from this report^ and from the other antelope litera-
ture which is available „
A systematic approach in future work will aid in evaluating the
19 hi study as to the quality and representative nature of the data
gathered and will increase the value of any future investigations*.
22 « Additional information on the usual winter migration routes
and the movements made during severe winters is neededo
23 o Additional information on the dates and variation in spring
migrations is also needed,,
2Uo Although the local disease problem in lower Timber Creek was
investigated and antelope here were not found to be carrying the disease
(Actinomyces necrophorus) to the cattle,, if a similar situation again
arises another investigation will have to be made since the new conditions
may be quite different „ Heavy winter losses and the prevalence of
disease in the future may be resented by the local ranchers or anyone else
who has an interest in the Carter herdo The heavy winter loss of 19U6-
hi does not seem normal,, Several ranchers indicated that the number of
dead carcasses found following this winter was the greatest they have
ever observed,,
This heavy winter-loss evidence points to the possibility that
there was a disease outbreak in the general area0 This may have
occurred as an aftermath of too great a concentration of antelope during
a winter of adverse conditions,.
302
25 o The spring of 19 hi was unusually weta and such weather may-
have some effect on the prevalence of disease o Many lame antelope were
ob served o Such mechanical injury lends itself to the spread of disease 0
260 Information which will aid in better hunter distribution
should be obtained,. Information which will improve the hunter-rancher
relations should also be made available to interested groups,, Public
relations are an important factor in good management of the Carter
antelope herd0
2?o Additional predator loss data is needed,, The importance of
this factor and its relation to the antelope population trend should be
determined over a period of years0
RECOMMENDATIONS
10 Year-around food habits data is needed,, Any data which will
supplement that already available would be especially valuable,, Infor-
mation pertaining to antelope use of alfalfa is desirable and such
findings should be passed on to the ranchers,,
20 Careful sex ratio and fawn crop data should be secured as
soon as possible „ This will aid in determining the trend of the herd0
A buck/doe ratio of 1/1.32 from a small sample indicates a possibility
for removing extra bucks,,
3o A winter investigation in the Carter Area winter ranges to
gather factual data of concentrations and winter mortality is very
desirable0 The reason for certain antelope dying In winters when there
is apparently available food should be determined,,
303
During a winter investigation the observer should attempt to
determine the proportions of mortality which occur in the old age group s
that are found among young antelope weakened during migration^ and that
which is accompanied by disease,, Any indication of the presence of
disease other than Corynebacterium ovis should be notedo The advisability
of destroying diseased and dying animals by an official agency should be
determinedo It should also be determined if feed on the winter ranges
is inadequate during severe condition s0
ko If future censuses support this summer's findings obtained
through ranchers^ that there are too many antelope in certain areas that
have year-around concentrations^, the permit kill should be increased,,
Live trapping may be necessary to relieve these concentrations in view
of the fact that the number of special hunting permits have often been
under-drawn in past years0
The desirable number of antelope to be maintained in the Garter
herd must be determined at an early date0
5o Extensive trapping operations should be undertaken if a surplus
of antelope in this area becomes more apparent and cannot be easily
removed by hunting,. The transplants should be made in areas entirely
separate from the Carter unito
Trapping and tagging of antelope in the Carter Unit is necessary
if positive information is to be obtained on the migrations© This work
should be done in cooperation with the South Dakota Game Department,,
60 Additional recognition of the overall rancher point of view
should be incorporated into management of the antelope herd0
30U
Any information which the Department can supply the Miles City
rancher group,, which is interested in management ? and the Carter-Powder
River Game Protective Association will be useful in accomplishing this
end0 This may aid the hunter=rancher relations during the permit hunts,
Submitted bys
Gerald Salinas, Field Assistant
July 1, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
305
Figure 5o Samples RANCHER INTERVIEW FORM
No<
Date
Rancher
Area
Specific Location
Summer Numbers
Damage
Winter Numbers
Damage
Disease and infections
When
Degree
General
Where
Sex ratio
Doe -fawn ratio
Twins
Singles
Antelope personally seen
Stock Numbers
Opinions in general
Acres Number
Migration Observation
Range condition
Domestic use
Winter Range Antelope Use
Remarks: —
Submitted by
306
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. BAILEY, VERNON
1936— The Mammals and Life Zones of Oregon p0 70-75«
2o BEER,, JAMES
19HU— Distribution and Status of Pronghom Antelope in Montana
Journal of Mammology 25 (1) % U3-46o
3e BUCK, PAUL Do
I9I4.7-— The Biology of the Antelope (Antilocapra Americana) in
Montana0 Unpublished Master's Thesis for Montana State
College o
ho BUECHNERS HELMUT Ko
19U7— Range Use of the Pronghorned Antelope in Western Texas, Trans,
Twelfth North AmerQ Wildlife Confer, 185-192..
5, CARHART, ARTHUR Ho AND KAUTZ, LORIN Go
19U2— Antelope Survey Colorado Volo 2
60 COUEY, FAYE M.
19U6~~Antelope Foods in Southeastern Montana
Jouro Wildlife Man, Volc 10 (U) p» 367«
7. EINARSEN, ARTHUR So
I938— Life History and Management of Antelope in Oregon,, Trans,
Third North Amer, Wildlife Confer, 381-38 7-
8, Mclean, donald d„
19UU~*-The Prong-Horned Antelope in California
California Fish and Game Vol„ 30 (U) p 221-21*1,
9. SKINNER, Mo Po
192ij.-»The American Antelope in Yellowstone National Park„
Roosevelt Wildlife Forest Experiment Sta» Syracuse,, N,Y,
10 o THOMPSON,, KEN
19U2=~-The Pronghorn Antelope in Montana— Life History Notes5
Restoration Division, Montana State Fish and Game Department
307
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July l$s 19U8
CARTER UNIT
ANTELOPE TRAPPING OPERATIONS INSPECTION
(Carter County)
DATEs
March k and 5, 19hQ
PURPOSES
The antelope trapping crew operating in Carter County reported
trouble finding antelope e It was requested by Director Cooney that
someone fully acquainted with the area go to the site of operations and
assist them0
PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS;
As time was all important it was suggested the trip be made by
airplane „
Leaving Roundup in the early morning on March Us a flight was
accomplished to Albion« From here areas in which antelope were seen in
large numbers^ during the antelope census^ were re-visited and the
findings reported to the trapping foreman,.
The area in which a large number of antelope were seen, was
inspected by the crew on the ground and approved for a trapping site.
308
The trap was moved from its former location to the new site on
March 5th o
Some difficulties in antelope trapping not formerly encountered
were brought out in this operation,, First the sheep fences in this
area made it necessary to drive the antelope through gates and proved to
be impractical o Antelope driven for the long period necessary to
herd them through a gate and then again into the trap very often balked
and refused to move0
Also the great numbers of sage grouse in this area gave the pilot
a few anxious moments when they would flush during his low dives0
Last it was found the antelope would break up from large groups
to small herds of only £ to 10 when driven for long periods0 Several
theories were advanced on the reason for this and all seem to have merito
1* The lateness of the seasonj the does are heavy with fawn and may
make it difficult for them to keep up with the bucks and yearlings0
2o At every fence a few would fail to get through and further
break up the group 0
3o Ranchers report the normal migration is east at this time of
year and it is difficult to drive them any other direction
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS;
It is concluded from the evidence now at hand* the most opportune
time to trap antelope in this area is during late fall or during the winter
migration o At this time the ranchers report antelope move westward in
bands ranging from $0 to several hundred heado
Submitted byu
Don Lo Brown r Ass 'to Big Game Leader
H*y 6, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
309
STATE Montana
PRO JECT i~a (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 15, 19hQ
CHOTEAU UNIT
HIGHWOOD MOUNTAINS INSPECTION
DATEg
May 19, 20, 21, 19i|80
PERSONNELS
Charles Loberg, Deputy Game Warden, Montana Fish and Game Department
Bert Goodman, District Ranger, U0 So Forest Service
Dan Massing, Assistant Ranger, U„ So Forest Service
Interested Ranchers of the area
Interested Sportsmen from Highwood Club
Don L0 Brown, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Divi sion
PURPOSES
The chief purpose of this survey was to gather all interested
parties at the Highwood Ranger Station and inspect Highwoods Mountains'
elk ranges Then work out some form of plan from this inspection for
management of the elko
PROCEDURE?
310
Members of the U„ So Forest Service,, Fish and Game Department and
ranchers gathered at the Ranger Station in the evening of May 19th« and
discussed plans for survey to begin on May 20tho
Ten riders left the Highwood Ranger Station at 9s 30 AoM„, and
rode up the North Fork of Highwood Creek 0 The entire ride lasted 6
hoars and it is estimated a distance of 20 miles was traveled,. Most
of upper Highwood basin was inspected relative to numbers of elkc,
available food and amount of forage use0
FINDINGS?
This area has had almost double the normal amount of rainfall
this year and everything was locking good and very green0 Evidence of
moderate to heavy use of forage in some of the open parks, indicated
numerous elk had been grazing there0 Judging from the amount of elk
droppings present,, the elk must be quite numerous in this area0 It is
doubtful however,, if the use by elk will sloa the annual growth of
vegetation to any great extent „
Although the clouds were hanging down on the higher elevations
limiting the visibility,, u7 elk and lj deer were sighted,,
Several old animals, probably oulls, .vere seen that appeared
to be almost white,, One group of 12 elk were seen at very close range
and they appeared to be in very good condition,. Of these 12 elk. 10
were obviously yearlings and the other two apparently cows,,
One area that had been overgrazed to the point of erosion
several years agOj, then fenced, it was noted to bo making a remarkable
recovery. Ranger Goodman reports the plants that were sown in this
protected area have been killed out by the native grasses,, Goodman could
311
not recall the names of all the plants that had been used, but reports
there was some crested wheatgrass which cannot be found nowc
The snow was about gone except for a very few protected areas
and the creeks were running high,, but clear,,
After the ride a discussion was held, and it was agreed by all
present, that the Highwood Game Preserve shoald be abandoned to pave
the way toward managing the elko
If it is possible to abandon this Preserve,, those present voted
for a 30-day regular season on branch=antlered bulls — also it was
their recommendation the season on buck deer be opened with the elk
season0
CONCLUSIONS i
It is concluded that there is not at present an overgrazed con-
dition in the Highwood Mountains,, but with a normal increase of elk it
may present a dangerous situation under adverse conditions in a very
short time©
It is assumed, because there has been no hunting in the area since
1935$ that the sex-ratio is nearly equalQ Therefore, there should be a
surplus of harve stable bulls which could be removed to reduce the size
of the herdo
RECOMMENDATIONS;
It is recommended a detailed survey of this area be made to
determine the number of elk present and then attempt to held this pop-
ulation slightly below its present size0
It is further recommended the Highwood Game Preserve be abandoned
312
to make it possible to harvest this surplus of bullso
The recommended season is to begin October lj?th3 and extend until
November l^th,, with the restriction of shooting only branch-antlered
bulls. It is hoped this will cause the hunters to look closely before
they shoot and prevent the killing of cows0
During this season it is recommended the area be opened to
hunting of buck deer also0
Estimates of elk populations for this area run from 3^0 to UOO;
actual counts vary between 200 and 275a The counts were made by pilots
of the Highwood areac
Submitted by:
Don Lo Brown, Ass'to Big Game Leader
June hf 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
313
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July \$s 19U8
MISSOURI BREAKS UNIT
AERIAL INSPECTION OF FORT PECK GAME RANGE
(Phillips and Fergus Sub-Units)
DATE;
February 23, 2U, 2$, 19U8
PERSONNEL;
Tom Horn, Manager, Fort Peck Game Range
Cliff Wolf, Patrolman, Fort Peck Game Range
Don Lo Brown, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PUBPOSE;
Previously an aerial inspection of the deer population was made
on the Fort Peck Game Range in September of 19k7o At the time of this
inspection, the foliage was still on the trees, thus obstructing to some
extent a vertical view,, Because of this fact, it was assumed that part
of the deer had not been observed*,
The primary purpose of this inspection was to check the findings
of the September 19U7 census0
PROCEDURE;
Members of the crew from the Game Range set up a camp and a
re-fueling station at the Balke Ranchj the plane, furnished by the
31U
Restoration Division, was flown to that base on February 23rd0
The initial flight was made to census white-tail deer on the
south side of the River during the early morning of February 2l;th, and
a second flight for the Phillips County side of February 25th „
The remaining portion of each day was spent counting antelope
and mule deer in the surrounding breaks or in making ground inspections,,
FINDINGS;
In the count of white-tail deer made last September, the Fergus
County side of the River had a larger deer population than the Phillips
County side, but the reverse was true during the February inspection,,
However, because the River was frozen, it was possible for deer to move
freely from one side to the other e
The fact that there were more deer on the south side of the
River than on the north side could be attributed to the more easily
accessible browse species on the southern exposures during the winter
months o
Ground inspections revealed no evidence of any over-use of
browse plants on either side of the River»
It was noted that most of the bucks had shed their antlers,
making it practically impossible to distinguish between sexes or be-
tween adult deer and fawns0 However, a few white-tail and several mule
deer bucks were seen that had not shed their antlers0
The antelope count in the Chain Buttes area, of northeastern
Petroleum County, revealed there were more antelope than formerly
estimated.
315
FLIGHT I
AREA COVERED;
Missouri River flood plain 5 from headwaters of Fort Peck Lake to
the western end of the Game Ranges on the south side of the River <,
FLYING TIMEs
Forty-five minute So
MILES FLCWNt
Fifty to 60 miles (estimated) 0
FLIGHT OBSERVATIONS;
o o
• o
Species ; Unclassified ; Bucks with antlers
• ©
o ©
ex o
• ©
White-tail deer r 31 * 12
» •
Mule deer g 2 z 0
SUMMARY:
Total square miles of flood plain above headwaters of
the lake- ----------- __-____-- 10 sq0 mi«
Total square miles of flood plain estimated covered
by flight path- . - - 8 sq„ mi<
Total number of deer seen on flood plain- ----- - - [& deer
Estimated population of deer in Fergus County ( kS x
1.25)- • - - 56 deer
Deer per square mile of flood plain --------- £• 6 deer
100$ of deer in flight path considered observed,,
316
FLIGHT II
AREA COVEHEDs
Chain Buttes area in Petroleum County,, Part of which is in the
Game Range and part is note
FLYING TIME;
One hour and U5 minutes.
MILES FLOWN:
135 to 1^0 (estimated).
FLIGHT OBSERVATIONS:
Species
Antelopes
Group 1
2
3
h
5
6
7
Deer
Total
sDoes and Fawns : Bucks
a
0
12
2
59
1
37
•
•
18
2
k
•
17
•
0
I
2
1U7
2
2
0
8
12
6
k
h
3
0
37
0
2Unclassified
0
0
0
0
0
0
53
53
23
ANTELOPE SEX-RATIO:
One buck to 3«97 doe<
SUMMARY:
Total square miles censused in Chain Buttes Area- - 60 sq. mi.
Total number of antelope seen- ------- - 237 antelope
Antelope per square mile in this area- ------- 3„9 antelope
100$ of antelope considered observed in this area0
FLIGHT III
AREA. COVERED;
Missouri River flood plain5 from headwaters of Fort Peck Lake to
the western end of the Game Range^ on the north side of the River0
FLYING TIME?
Thirty minutes*
MILES FLOWN?
Thirty- five to U0 miles (estimated).
FLIGHT OBSERVATIONS;
o ©
o «
Species : Unclassified s Bucks with antlers
© Q>
• O
f i
White-tail deer t 68 t 1
t s
Mule deer s li i
SUMMARY:
Total square miles of flood plain above headwaters of
the lake- _-_ _ _ _ , _ 5 sq„ mi
Total square miles of flood plain estimated covered
by flight path- - ■ --_- U sq. mi
Total number of deer seen on flood plain- - - - 73 deer
Estimated population of deer in Phillips County (73 x
1.25)- ■ - 91 deer
Deer per square mile of flood plain- __-- —18 ©2 deer
o
o
318
100$ of deer in flight path considered observed.
FLIGHTS IV AND V
These flights were made in an attempt to census mule deer in the
breaks area, but they had to be abandoned because of poor visibility.
The mule deer blended so well with the dead grass and bushes that
they were extremely difficult to distinguish*,
CONCLUSIONS?
It is concluded the aerial census method for deer is very
satisfactory in determining sex-ratio,, but it is less reliable when
used for total population counts during this season.
The September aerial count for the flood plain of this area was
111; deer, the estimated population being 171 deer. The February count
for the same area was 118 deer« and the estimated population was ll±7
deer.
Ground counts on deer of the flood plain agreed favorably with
the aerial counts except in one instance; that is 7 deer (white-tail)
were counted from the air, while Ul were counted in the same area from
the ground in the evening o
SUMMARY;
September count February count
11U 118
152*
September estimated Population February Estimated Population
171 1U5
20 2*
(*) Corrected to include known error of 3U deer on Hutton bottom;
319
ill deer were counted from the ground and only 7 were counted from the
air<>
RECOMMENDATIONS;
The work on deer census, that has been completed in this area,
will be very helpful in determining the future use of aerial deer countsj.
therefore., it is recommended that this area be periodically censused to
gain further information and to improve our censusing technique B
Opinions and recommendations relative to the 19U8 big game season,
formed as the result of the September, 19h7 survey,, have not been
altered by this inspection,,
Submitted bys
Don Lc Brown., Assistant Big Game Leader
July 1, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
320
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 15, 19U3
MISSOURI BREAKS UNIT
GARFIELD COUNTY RANCHER-SPORTSMEN MEETING
DATE;
February 21, 19 kS
PERSONNEL;
Faye M» Couey, Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration Division
Don L. Brown, Ass'to Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSE;
For the past several years it has been the desire of the Montana
Fish and Game Department^ the Fish and Wildlife Service and interested
sportsmen's groups, to experiment with re-establishing an elk herd within
the boundaries of the Fort Peck Game Range «,
On the theory the elk may migrate to private lands surrounding
this area5 the Department wanted this project sanctioned by the
ranchers living within the area*
With the purpose in mind of discussing and receiving an opinion
from these ranchers regarding the elk plant^ the above metnioned
personnel attended this meeting*
PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS;
321
The President of the club opened the meeting for discussion and
each rancher was asked to express his views on the subject of elk plant-
ing 0 After a lengthy discussion, in which both the ranchers,, sportsmen,
and Fish and Game personnel expressed their views, the question was
brought to a votee
Only the ranchers living within the area considered to be elk
habitat were allowed to votej the result was an 8 to 8 tie for and
against planting of elko No attempt to break this tie was made as only
an expression of opinion was the object of the meeting «
An additional subject discussed and brought to a vote was whether
or not the Snow Creek Game Preserve should be abandoned) they voted to
start a petition for its abandonment «
CONCLUSIONS;
The discussion indicated that four ranchers were very definitely
opposed to planting elk, four were non-committal, but voting against it
for their own protection later, (as they stated it), and the other 8 men
were very anxious to try the experiment 0
It is concluded that the majority would like to see the elk re-
established in this area if they had assurance the elk would not bother
their crops or haystacks; or if they were certain action would be taken
immediately to relieve any damage they may receive from the elk„
However, as this is to be an experiment it would be better to
try the elk plant on a relatively small area and expand or detract from
that plant,
RECOMMENDATIONS;
The area lying between Hell Creek and Snow Creek is representative
322
of the entire area and all the ranchers living within this area voted
to try the elk planto Therefore., it is recommended approximately 20
elk be planted here to test the feasibility of additional plants*,
This area is bounded on the north by Fort Peck Lake and on the
east by water backing from the lake up Hell Creek, on the south there
is open country back from the breaks which may tend to hold the elk
in the protective cover.
It is further recommended the Snow Creek Game Preserve be
abandoned, its purpose has been a point of conjecture for many yearSc,
and the ranchers are petitioning to have it opened to huntingo
Submitted bys
Don Lo Brown, Ass'to Big Game Leader
May 6, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
323
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
MISSOURI BREAKS UNIT
NOTES ON BIGHORN SHEEP PASTURE INSPECTION AT BILLY CREEK
Due to a very inclimate weather in the form of high winds and rains
a very hurried inspection of the Rocky Mountain bighorn pasture was made
by Cliff Wolf of the Fish and Wildlife Service and Don Brown of the
Wildlife Restoration Division,
The primary purpose of this inspection was to determine if the
ewes had started to drop their lambs and if any repair was needed on the
fence o
Two large rams were seen near the northwest corner of the
pasture s and the remaining 13 sheep were sighted in the rough area near
the southeast corner,, All were lying down in open country when first
seen at 7s 30 AoM»^ and as they jumped and ran they appeared to be in
very good condition.
Two of the three water holes were visited and there was no
indication that they had been used by the bighorn s„
Some of the southern slopes where the grass was getting green
appeared to have been used by the bighorns and the Yucca appeared to have
been browsed rather heavily,,
Mr0 Wolf reports he first saw rutting activity on December 2nd,,
19h79 and it extended into the first part of January, 19U8e According
32U
to Mr0 Faye Couey's study on Rocky Mountain bighorns, the lambing season
should begin after the middle of May„
No repair on the fence was neededo
Submitted bys
Don Le Brown, Ass8t0 Big Game Leader
May 6S 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
325
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Eastern Montana)
DATE July 1$, 1?U8
YELLOWSTONE UNIT
RANCHER INTERVIEV/S ON SWEETGRASS COUNT! ANTELOPE SEASON FOR 19U8
DATE;
May 1, 19U8
PERSONNEL:
G. 0. Johnson, Deputy Game Warden, Montana Fish and Game Department
Don L. Brown, Ass't, Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSE;
With an antelope season in all surrounding counties and only
part of Sweetgrass County open to hunting, several ranchers reported
migration of these animals to the protected area of Sweetgrass County,
Last year at the request of the Big Timber Rod and Gun Club
and several land-owners, part of Sweetgrass County was left closed.
This year due to an apparent increase in antelope, one rancher requested
it open.
It was the purpose of these interviews to determine whether it
should be opened or closed; it was known there were sufficient antelope
to warrant a hunt, so only the consent of the ranchers within the area
was needed to recommend it be opened.
326
PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS;
The first man contacted was Bob Kart, rancher and president of
the Big Timber Rod and Gun Club* His opinion was that the club would
approve the opening of this area if it were approved by the ranchers
within the area.
By talking to Victor Tronrud, owner of a section in the area in
question, we learned that there were only two other land-owners con-
cerned. Mr. Tronrud's opinion was it would be alright with him to
open the area if the other two thought it advisable,
Mr. Brannin, Manager of the Stevens ranch, had already made a
request to the Deputy Game Warden for an open season and that left
only Mr. Glennie to be interviewed.
^r. Glennie was of the opinion the antelope were becoming too
thick and would like to see them thinned out by hunting, but dicta1 t
want an open season if it were not agreeable to the other two ranchers
in the area.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is concluded that this area would warrant an open season on
buck antelope and would prevent an influx of them into this area during
the hunting season.
In all probability there is a definite migration into this
Porcupine Butte region during the hunting season, but it is doubtful
if they stay after the season is past.
There are indications of more antelope here now than in years
before, but this could be due to a natural increase.
It is recommended that this area, known as Porcupine Butte, be
327
included in the Sweetgrass County antelope season.
It is recommended that all of that portion of Sweetgrass County-
lying north and east of Sweetgrass Creek to the Victor Tronrud Bridge
and south and east of the road from this bridge to the Wheatland County
line be opened to antelope hunting from October 17 to October 2k» 19hQs
100 buck antelope to be taken on a permit basis „
Submitted bys
Don L<, Browns Ass'to Big Game Leader
May k, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
328
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Game Birds)
DATE July l$s 191+8
STATE-WIDE
SURVIVAL STUDIES ON GAME FARM RAISED PHEASANTS IN MONTANA
DATE;
July 29th - December 2k? 19U7
PERSONNEL:
Wm<, R0 Bergeson5 Game Bird Leader., Wildlife Restoration Division
Robert J„ Greene ^ Fieldman, Wildlife Restoration Division
Fred Lo Hartkorn, Field Assistant , Wildlife Restoration Division
Lester Barton,, Foreman,, State Game Farm, Warm Springs
J. Re Wells, Foreman, State Game Farm, Billings
Truce Emett, Deputy Game Warden, Montana Fish and Game Department
Ro So Sullivan, Caretaker, State Game Farm, Moiese
Fairfield Bench Study Area
The Fairfield Bench Study Area,, approximately 8 miles wide by
Ik miles long,, is located in southeastern Teton County, Montana, It
is one of the most ideal ring -necked pheasant habitats in the State o
The majority of the land is under irrigation,. Gram crops are raised
on kk% of the land, alfalfa and other hay on 1A0%^ peas and sugar beets
329
on 3<>5%o The remaining 3k% is utilized in lesser crops, pasture land,
roads, ditches, farm yards, etc0 The average farm unit consists of about
90 acreso This creates a rather uniform crop pattern over the entire
irrigated area.
The first ring-necks were introduced to the Fairfield Bench in
1936 when 60 pen-raised birds were liberated there . Small numbers of
game-farm birds have been placed in this area each year since that
time. In 19k3$ 2,83k wild pheasants,, obtained by live trapping principal-
ly in the Milk River Valley., were added to the practically non-existent
pheasant population. In 19U6, 365 live-trapped birds were liberated
on the Bench. 19U7 was the first year that any appreciable number of
pen-raised pheasants were released in this area0 Roughly 1<,500 birds
were liberated in the Fairfield Bench area in mid-summer. The
excellence of the habitat is shown by the fact that well over 2,000
cock pheasants were harvested here during the past hunting season,,
This area was considered ideal for a study of this type because
hunting pressure was expected to be very heavy, making it likely that
a relatively large number of banded birds would be baggedo Also, the
nature of the area made it possible to get almost a 100 percent check
of all hunters in the area by means of a single highway checking station,
thereby aiding in recovery of bands 0
The Fish and Game Commission has created six bird refuges on the
Fairfield Bench Area. These areas^ averaging about 90 acres, are
closed to all game bird hunting and are posted with warning signs.
These closures include some of the best pheasant habitat in the area
and offered an opportunity to gather information as to the value of
330
small refuge areas in increasing survival of game farm pheasantse
lo To determine the hunting returns on 8 and 9 week old pheasants
released in mid-summer,,
20 To determine the value of small refuge areas in increasing
survivalo
3c To gain information as to survival rates of 8 and 9 week old
pheasants o
Uo To study difference in survival following different release
methods o
PROCEDURE:
On August 5th5 19hls> five hundred banded pheasant ss nine weeks of
age, including 239 cocks, were released at 8 different stations,, Five
of these release stations were within administrative closures,. By
this j it was hoped to establish the value of making releases within
closures,, Local sportsmen were allowed to release these 5>00 birds in
any manner they pleased, in order to provide information which might be
of value in improving the release methods,. However, the releases were
made in such a manner that except for the mistake of urging the birds out
of the crates and consequently causing many of the birds to fly and
scatter widely, we were unable to greatly improve their methodo
The entire procedure, including banding } loading,, transporting,
and releasing required a total time of 21 hours U5 minutes,. Of this
time, 9 hours were spent in traveling from Warm Springs game farm to the
Fairfield Bench „ The temperature during the entire process ranged from
62° to ?6o Fo
331
A detailed record of the band numbers, sex„ weather conditions,,
cover types where liberated, and exact liberation sites were recorded on
a special form.
On August 7th, 19U7, 501 banded pheasants including 225 cocks
were liberated on the Fairfield Bench0 Of the 225 cocks, 75 were 8
weeks of age and the remaining 150 were 9 weeks of age<> By releasing
the two age groups under as near identical conditions as possible, it
was hoped information might be gained on the survival of the two age
group So These birds were released at seven different release stations,
none of which were within administrative closures, but all were con-
sidered to be comparable to the eight stations described for August 7th
release.
Nine-week old birds were released at four stations, 8-week old
birds at two stations, and 8 and 5 -week old birds at one station,.
Release methods were identical to the ones used on the previous releases
except more care was exercised to avoid exciting the birds, which had
caused them to fly and scatter as the crates were opened^ The birds were
allowed to leave the crates at will, and in two cases the crates were
left open for about three hourso At the end of this time, several birds
still remained in the crates0 Few of the birds flew upon being released
and widespread scattering was held to a minimum,,
Slightly less time was required for the banding, transporting and
other procedures than was required for the previous release,, The entire
process took 18 hours and 10 minutes from starting of banding until all
the birds were released,, The trip from Warm Sj une Farm to
Fairfield required only l\ hours and was made over a slightly shorter
332
route© Temperature ranged from U6° F to 110° F$ the higher temperature
having been taken in the sun at the finish of the liberating process0
As before^ a complete^ detailed record was kept on a special form
of all band numbers,, release sites,, etc»
FINDINGS;
Since band returns from cocks bagged during the eight-day season
October 26th to November 2nd5 19U7 are the only source of information
on these studies^ it is not intended that these figures be interpreted as
a quantitative measurement of survival,, They serve only as an indicator
of survival in the various classes,, Results are summarized in Table 1$
numbers and percentages cited are for male birds only<>
Table
1
o
B
D
•
Number
a
a
a
■
Number of
a
B
•
•
Percent
sReleased
•
*
•
•
o
»
Bands Returned
a
a
o
o
Return
August 5th Releases?
*-
o
a
o
a
■
5
O
o
o
a
Males,, released in
A
O
s
A
a
o
a
Closures
o
a
1U2
i
22
o
a
15.5
Males released outside?.
o
a
o-
Closures
97
o
6
8
6e2
Total
©
239
5
o
0
28
o
o
11.7
August 7th Releases?
o
•
i
s
8
a
m
9 week old males
B
o
•
150
5
o
a
2k
6
16,
8 week old males
:
75
0
D
10
o
o
13.3
Total
S
•
a
t
225
t
a
•
s
3U
*
B
•
15.1
Total Both Releases
s
o
•
h6k
o
0
o
a
62
a
a
a
o
13.U
Hunting returns from the various classes used in this experiment
ranged from 6.2 to 16 percent, with an average return of 13cU percento
Game farm birds provided only 205 percent of the tctal kill on the study
area0 Based upon results obtained from experiments of this type in ether
parts of the country, band returns were comparatively high for pen-raised
birds released from 2^-3 months prior to the opening of the hunting season,
This relatively high return is undoubtedly due to several factors*,
including heavy hunting pressure, the checking station method of band
recovery, and the ideal habitat for pheasants which this study area pro-
videdo If it is assumed that hunting returns are an indicator of
survival, the most outstanding fact brought out in this e:xperiment is
the great variation shown in the survival of these birds at the different
release stations,, (See Table 2).
Table 2
Release Stations Closure ; Number of
Number ? % Males Released
Number of
Bands Returned
Percent
Return
o*
1
s
o
I
August 5th t
t
s
:
1
■
Yes
•
12
a-
o
2
16.7
2
No
o
•
22
i
h
2
1802
3
»•
*•
Yes
o
•
hh
m
k
1
10.0
k
Yes
■
23
6
o
1
20.7
5
O
9
No
o
1
U6
%
2
•
Uc3
6
•
•
No
1
I
29
t
0
o
■
0.0
7
©
•
Yes
o
a
26
o
•>
5
*
19o2
8
ft
Yes
•
35
5
»
1U.3
August 7th:
m
o
•
:
1
I
1
9
1
No
U5
t
10
«
22.2
10
t
No
%
23
o
6
2
■
•
8.7
11
t
No
?
68
m
13
•
•
19ol
12
No
•
23
t
3
1
13.0
13
»
No
:
2U
z
3
1
12.5
Ik
r
No
m
22
1
1
u»5
15
1
1
No
o
•
•
20
t
2
■
10.0
Total
1
r
t
U(£
:
I
62
r
I
33U
In an area such as the Fairfield Bench where the crop pattern is
highly uniform, and where release sites appeared to be highly similar s
the band returns varied from 0 to 2 2„2 percent,. Some variation may be
caused by differences in hunting effort in the different areasD However,
since hunting pressure was heavy throughout the entire area, it is the
opinion of the observers that it would tend to be uniform and have
little influence upon the variation in the returns,. This is further
brought out by the fact that the band recovery was highest from birds
released in the small refuge areas where no hunting was permitted,,
Therefore, it seems logical to believe that the variation shown in
Table 2 is due more directly to survival in the various groups released,,
and hence basically to environmental factors that are not apparent
when choosing a release site0 More study of this subject is necessary
to determine these factors,, If such variation exists within one
seemingly homogeneous area,, it is to be expected that variation in
survival would be even more pronounced in different areas of the State
which have highly differentiated environmental conditions0
When hunting returns are used as a basis for survival studies,
the question naturally arises as to the number of game farm pheasants
that survived the hunting season,, Information on this subject is given
later in the section on the Moiese study.
The figures in Table 1 indicate that the hunting return and
presumably the survival rate of pen-raised pheasants, is increased by
releasing the birds within small refuge areas,, This fact is even more
significant when one considers that hunting was not permitted on these
refuge areas, therefore, hunting returns would be expected to be relative-
335
ly lowo The higher return, therefore, probably can be attributed to
higher survival brought about by the more suitable habitat found
within the refuge areas.. It is believed that an intensive cover and
food development program within these areas would further increase their
value as sites whereby game farm birds could be released with a higher
expected survival rate*
A slightly higher return was obtained from the birds released
at 9 weeks of age, compared with the 8-week age group « as shown in
Table le However, this difference cannot be considered significant as
it is believed that the numbers used are not sufficiently large, and
when both releases are combined, it is found that the returns from the
two age groups are identic al8
The only differences in the handling and release methods used
between the August 5th and August 7th groups were that the August 7th
release required slightly less time for banding, transporting and
liberating, and more care was taken on August 7th to prevent exciting the
birds to the point of flying and scattering widely. Birds released on
August 5th had the advantage of less temperature variation during the
entire process and also, many of these were released within refuge areas
where it has been shown that returns were greater. In spite of this,
the return figures in Table 1 show a significant difference. Apparently,
since more care was exercised during the liberating process and slightly
shorter time required in transporting, the hunting returns were favorably
increased.
It seems evident from this study that since single factors; such as,
refuge areas, and better release methods can appreciably increase the
336
hunting returns of game farm pheasants,, a combination of such factors
are potentially capable of increasing the value of the game farm pheasant
to the hunter.
Moiese Bird Farm Study Area
The Moiese Bird Farm Study Area is located in the Flathead
Valley in southwestern Lake County, Montana. It consists of 80 acres
of irrigated land fenced with a six foot semi -predator proof fence.
The area includes about 20 acres of alfalfa hay, 10 acres of barley,
and the remaining $0 acres includes mixed native grasses and dense
sweet clover and weeds* Intensive diversified farming is carried on in
the surrounding locality with alfalfa hay, grain, and sugar beets
being the main crops grown. The entire Flathead Valley creates a
relatively ideal pheasant habitat, supporting a fairly heavy pheasant
population,
PURPOSE;
1* To determine the survival rates of game farm raised pheasants,
2. To determine if survival of game farm raised pheasants could
be increased by temporary supplemental feeding and predator control on
the release area,
3o To determine if possible if pheasants raised with domestic
hens were more adapted to the wild conditions encountered following
release and hence have a higher survival rate,
PROCEDURE;
Three separate releases of pen raised birds 8 weeks of age were
made on the study area. All birds were banded and band numbers recorded
337
to provide a means of identifi cation 0 Releases were made under the
following conditions o
On August 12th, 1°U7S 21$ pheasants from the Warm Springs Game
Farm were released on the study area by local sportsmen,, The birds
appeared to be in good condition at the time of releasee
On August 16th, 19U7, 300 pheasants from the Warm Springs Game
Farm were released on the study area,, These birds were liberated at the
same place as on the August 12th release. Handling and release nethods
were identical to the above release except that some supplementary
feed was provided in feed boxes scattered about the release area and
some feed was scattered on the ground. The same feed that the birds
had been fed at the game farm was provided until September lUth. This
consisted of cracked wheat and turkey growing pelletso It was thought
that information might be gained as to the value of supplemental
feeding in this release method.
On August 27th, 19U7, 100 birds from the Billings game farm
were released on the study area. Banding was done at the time of
release. The time in transit for these birds was much longer due to
the increased distance and required 12 hours, in contrast to h hours
travel time on the other releases. Travel was done at night, however,
and the liberating was completed at the same time as on the previous
releases. It was hoped to gain information as to the survival of
birds raised with domestic hens from this study.
Survival data on the three releases were obtained by periodically
searching the area for dead birds prior to the hunting season, from
hunting season band returns, and by live trapping birds in the study
338
area during the winter months,,' It was thought that these procedures
would furnish a more complete picture of survival in conjunction with
the Fairfield Study where hunting season band returns furnished the
only data on survivalo Hunting season band returns on the Moiese study
area would be expected to be relatively low due to the area being
closed to hunting* Howeve the Fairfield study has shown that higher
hunting returns were obtained from birds released on refuge areas where
no hunting was permittedo
A detailed discussion of bird behavior and causes of mortality
has been given in a previous report and will not be included here,
FINDINGS;
Periodic searches for dead birds were made over the study area
up to November 3rd0 Only dead birds bearing bands were recorded,, It
is believed by the observers that many dead birds were not found due
to the dense vegetative growth on the study area0 Results of these
searches are given on Graph 1 as percentages of the total number of
birds in each release by number of days following release0
A total of 119 or 19 o 3% of the 6l5 pheasants released on the
study area are known to have perished prior to the hunting season,, and
were actually found dead within the fenced area« It is believed that
some dead birds were not recovered within the area,, In addition, an
undetermined number of other experimental birds probably left the area
completely and consequently no data were obtained,, The majority of the
deaths were believed to have resulted from the inability of the pen-
raised birds to become accustomed to the wild invironmento
Predators accounted for a number of the deaths in spite of the
339
fact that the area was enclosed by a semi -predator proof fence, and that
the caretaker of the area carried cm an intensive predator trapping and
hunting program throughout the summer,,
Bands from 21 birds or 3ok% of the total birds released on the
Moiese study area were recovered during the hunting season. This return
is considerably lower than on the Fairfield study area and may be partly
due to less hunting pressure in the immediate vicinity of the Moiese
study area and to the fact that bands could not be recovered at a checking
station. Table 3 summarized hunting season returns from the different
releases.
Live trapping of pheasants on the study area was carried on during
February and March t& determine the number of game farm birds present.
A very mild winter with very little snow made trapping difficult since
an abundance of food was available throughout the winter. However,
72 pheasants were trapped on the area, U5 of which were identified by bands
as being pen-raised birds. All the birds had not been trapped on the
area by the time trapping was discontinued. This was determined by
marking each bird as it was trapped by clipping the wings on the
hens, and the tails of the cocks. With weather conditions becoming
less favorable for trapping, as the season advanced, this activity was
discontinued.
Trapping results are also presented in Table 3.
3U0
GRAPH 1
CO
CO
to
CO
rt
rt
TO
a>
CO
CD
H
H
H
CD
CO
CO
#
pi
tf
CJ
vO
r»-
iH
H
CVl
•
e
•
W)
hD
hO
2
0
2
<»!
<
<
1 1
aSeq-uaoaej aATq-^xnumooy
3U1
Table 3
PHEASANTS RECOVERED ON MOIESE STUDY AREA
m
\
•
I
t
Date
:Dead Recovered:
: Numbers Percent!
tHunte
r I
teturnsi
t Live Trapped ;
i Total
iNumbe
i
i
rs Percent!
[Number s
: Percent!
i Number;
t Percent
August 12
•
s :
• 4
-
ft
Release
*
2U :
! 11.2 !
: 12
5.6 i
! 12 J
i 5.6 j
; U8 i
: 22.3
August 16
•
•
!
> 1
ft-
Release
m
m
75 !
25 !
: 5
1.7 s
: 17 s
; 5.6 ,
97 s
! 32.3
August 27
m
m
•-
Release
a*
a-
n
20 s
: 20 s
► 4
4
*
t
U.0 !
! 16 !
: i
• 16.0 s
* <
: U0 !
: j
• Uo.o
Total
•
•
m
m
*
119 I
r i
19.3 s
1
i
I 21
i
m
•
*
m
m
m
3.U I
i
■
! U5 !
• 7.3 :
f «
185 '-.
: 30.0
A\ partial record of the fate of pen-raised pheasants after
liberation is shown here. Although an average recovery of 30 percent
leaves many birds unaccounted for, a fair picture results, and tends to
form a basis for further study on what becomes of the birds and con-
sequently, methods by which survival rates may be increased. As many or
more birds are shown to have perished before the hunting season as were
killed during the season and trapped on the area the following winter.
Results of this study tend to indicate that supplementary feeding
of the birds at the time of release had no beneficial effect in
increasing survival. Here again, more study is necessary,. However,
trapping returns on the area further substantiate the earlier conclusion
that supplementary feeding tends to hold the birds in the immediate area,
and may account for the higher number of dead birds recovered from the
August 16th release, since 5.6 percent of each group were trapped during
the winter.
3^2
The advantage of game farn pheasants raised with domestic hens
compared with those artificially reared in brooders is indicated by the
larger number of birds from the August 27th release that were trapped
during the winter. However, the fact that only kO percent of the birds
were accounted for makes it possible that other factors might enter into
the picture. Again, further study is necessary,
RECOMMENDATIONS;
In order that more information be secured on the subject of
survival and ways in which the survival rate of game farm birds may
be increased, more study is necessary. If these studies could be re-
peated, more definite conclusions could be drawn0
Submitted byj
Robert J. Greene, Fieldman
May 25, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
3U3
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Game Birds)
DATE July 1$, 19U8
STATE-WIDE
EXPERIMENTAL PLANTINGS OF SAFFLOWER AND MULTIFLORA ROSE SEED
FOR GAME BIRD FOOD AND COVER
Saf flower:
In order to determine the value of safflower plantings as a food
and cover crop for upland game birds, 680 pounds of clean safflower seed
was purchased from Mr0 Lester Tague at Intake , Montana, at a cost of 130
per pound. The seed was distributed to farmers in various areas of
the State who agreed to make trial plantings on small areas » In addition,,
two acres were seeded to safflower at the Moiese Bird Farm and about 3
acres at the Fort Peck Bird Farm. Since Mr„ Tague advised us that the
plant would not do well at elevations over 3S000 feet, the areas chosen
for planting were located at different elevations as well as in areas
where pheasants are relatively abundant 0 The experimental areas and
their elevations where plantings were made are as follows;
Operator
: Area
; Elevation
o
t Acres Seeded
m
m
Goffena
s
: Musselshell
t 2,700
9
i Approx. 1 acre
Lewellen
»
t Grass Range
: 35U80
s 3/U acre
Capser
s
s Harlowton
r
$ U5 300
m
s 1/2 acre
t
(Continued)
3UU
(Continued)
Operator
o
»
m
Area
Pi
m
p
Elevation
•
•
m
Acres Seeded
Halberg
Helena
pi
*
• -
U,l57
•
•
o
i
1/2 acre
Bailey
t
Fort Peck
•
•
2,000
p
p
m
3 acres
Ken Homer
5
o
p
Charlo
m
o
m
2,850
p
p
p
1/2 acre
Noel Tougas
•
•
Pablo
9
pj
m
2,850
•
•-
1/2 acre
Sullivan
t
Pj
■J
•>
Moiese
•
m
m
2,800
B
D
■
P
P
2 acres
Plantings will be checked throughout the summer and winter to
determine the crop condition at the various sites and the utilization by
game birds. Remaining seed will be held over for planting next spring.
Multiflora Rose;
Approximately 5# of Multiflora Rose seed was obtained from the
Nebraska State Game, Forestation and Parks Commission for trial plantings
in Montana. Seed was distributed to the State Nursery at Helena and to
the Forestry School Nursery at Missoula. Approximately l/2 pound of
seed was given to each nursery. This would produce about 20,000 seedlings
at each nursery if successful. The remainder of the seed will be held
over for future plantings.
Submitted by:
Robert J. Greene, Fieldman
June 10, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
3U5
STATE Montana
PROJECT 1-R (Statistics)
DATE July 1$, 19 kQ
STATE-WIDE
CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA
Since 19U3 estimates of big game numbers have been compiled on a
unit basis by men in the field who are in the closest contact with the
game and represent our most reliable source of information,. This
system was organized by Forest Service and State Fish and Game personnel
at that time with the view in mind of classifying big game ranges
according to logical drainage units and avoid political boundaries,.
The plan involves an annual get-together of local Deputy Game
Wardens, and Forest Rangers, usually directly following the hunting
season, and through their intimate knowledge of the unit, they arrive at
a mutual agreement regarding the data to be collected,. This necessarily
involves considerable guesswork, but it has been the hope that
following this up year after year, using checking station records, census
methods and collecting all additional information on the subject, that we
may arrive at a reasonable approximation of total numbers o It is felt
that this is being accomplished and that the attached tables indicate
a fair estimate of game populations in the State 0
The accompanying map shows the 39 units with their sub-units,,
Included are Park Service, Indian Service and Fish and Wildlife Service
landso Representatives of these agencies were contacted when these data
3U6
were collected,. Of note is the fact that only that portion of the
Yellowstone Park Northern Elk Herd that winters in Montana* outside
of the Park, is included in the report (Absaroka Unit) o
The accompanying Annual Big Game Report Form shows the method of
recording data for each sub-unite Instructions for completing the form
are on the backo
The column on estimated capacity of the winter range in animal
months on the Cumulative Record Form may be hard to reconcile with the
other columns. This is because the number of months use varies in
different sub-units and when compiled there seems to be little relation
between the estimated capacity of the winter range in animal numbers
and the estimated capacity of the winter range in animal months,, A study
of the sub-unit report form will clarify this and,, the following Table
may help explain,,
Absaroka Unit ;
» i
: Capacity of s
Winter Range :
Length
: of Use
»
a
»
:(
•
•
Animal Months
2 Elk s 1 cow)
Sub-unit #1 j
200 elk s
: 5 mo.
»
o
a
5oo
Sub-unit #2 s
150 elk j
5 moo
375
Sub-unit #3 :
: 1,600 elk j
: 3 mo.
■
p
r
2,U00
Total j
1
1,950 elk :
> f
:
:
i
3,275
3U7
Z48
M-1217-R1 (Revised September 19 U5)
(See instructions on back of forn and
W FSM, HF-D8-1, Supp.)
MANAGEMENT
Reports ANNUAL BIG GAME REPORT, 19_
Annual
1.
2.
3.
k..
5,
6,
7.
8,
9
National Forest
Ranger District
Management Unit
Number of Subunit
10
Species
Elk
WoTc
deer
Mule
deer
Moose
Mt.
sheep
Mt.
goat
Ante-
lope
Bear
Black Grizzly
Esto no, animals
on unit. Winter
range only
Estimated
capacity of
winter range
Difference 4> or -
between (6) and
(7)
Estimated
capacity of
winter range in
A.M.
Dates;
Losses?
Legal kill
Predators
Other
Total
11. Land use conditions;
12. Reporting officer
Signature
Signature
Title
Title
3U9
Instructions for Completing Form
lo Name of the national forest in ivhieh the subunit being reported on is
locatedo State game wardens leave Lank on units not involving national
forests0
2. Name of ranger district,, State leave blank if no ranger district is in-
volvedo
3. Name of management unit as per 19hh photostat map.
lie Number of subunit as per 19hh photostat map.
5. Report on elk, white-tail deer, mule deer, mountain goat, mountain
sheep, moose and antelope.
6. Estimated number of animals that use the winter range only on this sub-
unit. Winter range to be defined locally
7. Estimated capacity of winter range only in numbers of anirnals0
80 Show as minus if capacity is greater than present use, plus if capacity
is less than present use. (Examples actual present number of animals
is 15000. Estimated capacity is 300. Hie difference is 2004°. Indicates
200 too many on the unit,)
9o Report in cow months, use following converting factors:
1 animal month equals 1 cow for 1 month.
1 " » « 2 elk for 1 month.
1 M " ■ k deer for 1 iconth.
1 " " " 1 moose for 1 month.
1 " " " 5 antelope for 1 month.
1 " n "5 mountain sheep or goats for 1 monthu
Show dates, or period, considered on winter range.
10. Self-explanatory.
11. Briefly state condition of range, if overused or under used, conflicts
with domestic stock, or anything else relating to big game management
that is pertinent to this unit.
120 If compiled jointly by a ranker and a State game warden, both sign and
make but one report. Duplicate^ to be sent to State Officials by game
wardens if desired.
Notes Use a separate sheet for each subunit. Originals for each subunit
to go to the regional office whore suomarieB will be prepared.
Forests and State may summarize for their own benefit if desired,
but subunit sheets bus LI go to the regional office. Forms for
summarizing will be supplied on request.
350
CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA
ELK
ESTIMATED POHTLATION AND HANGS CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Est,
Est. Cap.
Dif0 fr
Animal Mo©
Unit
Pod»
Winter Range
Or
"Winter Range
Absaroka
2,625
1,950
£675
3,275
Beartooth
455
700
=245
1,250
Big Belt-Boulder
1,365
3,200
-1835
6,400
Big Hole-Monida
125
300
-185
1,275
Bitterroot
1,535
2,650
-1115
5,375
Blaine
30
100
-70
200
Bridger-Crazy Mts«
62
150
—88
350
Carter
25
100
-75
600
Cascade
Choteau
300
300
0
600
Clarks Fork
2,240
3,325
=1085
6,293
Custer
Deerlodge
1,702
2,450
-658
5,515
Ennis-Hebgen
255
300
-45
525
Fergus
130
600
-470
3,250
F lathe ad-Sun Piver
6,100
0,300
-200
12,600
Gallatin
2,502
1,900
f602
6,250
Glasgow
0
100
-100
600
Gl endive
Kalispell
440
510
=110
1,132
Kootenai
541
790
-249
2,790
Little Belts
1,170
3,585
-2415
7,170
Mad is on«Ru by-
1,415
2,500
=1085
7,000
Missouri Breaks
0
800
-800
4,800
Musselshell
Phillips
0
250
=250
1,500
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res,)
600
1,500
-900
3,000
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackfoot
2,640
3,690
-1050
7,305
Sweetgrass Hills
15
50
-35
300
Teton
Yellow stone
Glacier Nat »L Park
3,293
Blackfeet Ind. Res0
400
100
£300
300
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res0
1,500
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l. Bison Range
78
Totals
31,543
38,210
-11,488
89,655
3*1
£HE£,ii£l LIU ££.££££, 2.L ILL 2. 1L — E RLLL
ELK
LOSSES
1947
Management
Legal
Unit
Kill
Predators
Other
Total
Absaroka
3,017
8
203
3,228
Beartooth
37
3
20
60
Rig Belt»Boulder
190
71-
111
372
Big Hole-Monida
25
16
10
51
Bitterroot
278
45
65
388
Blaine
0
0
10
10
Bridger<*>Crazy Ivlts.
0
0
3
3
Carter
0
0
5
5
Cascade
Choteau
10
0
30
40
CI arks Fork
215
35
125
375
Custer
♦
Deerlodge
397
31
90
518
Ennis=>Hebgen
50
6
7
63
Fergus
29
6
6
41
Flathead-Sun River
1,396
93
138
1,627
Gallatin
224
25
453
702
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
8
0
14
22
Kootenai
0
6
2
8
Little Belts
202
0
25
227
Mad is on -Ruby
0
32
69
101
Missouri Breaks
T'usselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead Ind.
Res.) 100
5
0
105
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-B 1 ackf o ot
404
73
110
587
Sweetgrass Rills
0
4
1
5
Teton
Yellowstone
-
Glacier TIat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
100
4
0
104
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l Bison Range
Totals
6,682
463
1,497
8C642
352
£ £M£ LL1 LIU ££££.*;£ ££ £L£ 2.&.E2. 2LLL
WHITE-TAIL DEER
ESTIMATED POPULATION AND RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Enii
Est. Est* Cap.
Pnp. WiTitflr Kanga
Dif0 f Animal Mo.
Or ■» "Wintej* Range
Absaroka
25
100
Beartooth
120
500
Big Belt-Boulder
170
350
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot
445
1,310
Blaine
100
750
Bridger-Crazy Mts.
8
1,100
Carter
81
600
Cascade
.75
200
Choteau
-
C larks Fork
6
,895 .
7*800
Custer
50
500
Deerlodge
275
780
Ennis-Hegben
•»
Fergus
700
1*000
Flathead-Sun River
1
,705
2,625
Gallatin
0
100
Glasgow
5S0
3,000
Gl endive
400
400
Kalispell
2
,760
4,110
Kootenai
14
„000
10,13Q
Little Belts
420
1,15Q
Madison-Ruby
0
150
Missouri Breaks
350
700
Musselshell
150
500
Phillips
175
1,000
Poison (Flathead
Ind, Res.)
1
,000
3,000
Poplar
1
,200
2,500
Powder River
15
500
Swan-Blackf oot
5
,100
5,900
Sweetgrass Hills
25
100
Teton
50
150
Yellowstone
50
300
Glacier Nat»l Park
1
,268
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
200
240
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
75
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
100
1,000
Nat'l Bison Range
65
-75
125
-380
625
-180
1,000
-865
1,197
-650
2,250
-1092
1,250
-519
1,112
-125
500
-905
7,900
-450
1,500
-505
752
-300
4»
3 5 000
-1020
2,625
-100
400
-2450
9,000
0
1,200
-1350
4,227
f3870
9,755
-730
1,150
=150
525
-350
2,100
=350
1,500
-825
3,000
-2000
3,000
-1300
7,500
-485
1,500
-800
5,625
-75
300
-100
374
-250
900
=40
•900
300
3,000
Totals
38,602
52,545
•15,451
79,192
353
CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA
'.TRITE-TAIL DEER
LOSSES
1947
Liana gement
Legal
Unit
Kill
Predators
Other
Total
Absaroka
0
2
2
4
Beartooth
0
5
3
8
Big Belt-Boulder
5
9
7
21
Big Hole-Konida
Bitterroot
54
42
36
132
Blaine
5
15
15
35
Bridger-Crazy l.Its.
Carter
10
2
7
19
Cascade
1
2
2
5
Choteau
C larks Fork
390
675
425
1,490
Custer
2
4
4
10
Deerlodge
15
155
156
326
Ennis-Hebgen
Fergus
50
28
18
96
Flathead-Sun River
67
125
67
259
Gallatin
Glasgow
0
30
35
65
Glendive
Kalispell
157
90
120
367
Kootenai
605
240
285
1,150
Little Belts
65
15
5
85
Mad is on -Ruby
''issouri Breaks
30
20
30
80
Musselshell
15
8
2
25
Phillips
1
25
25
51
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
200
20
20
240
Poplar
0
50
50
100
Powder River
0
2
2
4
Swan -B 1 a ckf o ot
360
670
405
1,435
Swoet'-rass Hills
0
5
2
7
Teton
0
3
1
4
Yellowstone
2
5
5
12
Glacier Hat*l« Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res
25
3
0
28
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res„
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
150
25
25
200
Nat'l Bison Range
Totals
2,209
2,275
1,754
6,238
35U
CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA
MILE DEER
ESTIMATED POPULATION AMD RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management Este Est„ Cap.
Unit Pop, % inter Range
Dif. ¥
Or -
Animal Mo.
Winter Range
Absaroka
3,450
4,400
Beartooth
7,000
9,000
Big Belt-Boulder
6,795
10,800
Big Hole-Monida
1,100
1,500
Bitterroot
2,725
3,900
Blaine
2,100
5,400
Bridger-Crazy Mtsc
7,200
8,200
Carter
590
1,550
Cascade
800
1,500
Choteau
900
1*500
C larks Fork
12,755
15,050
Custer
1,400
2,000
Deerlodge
5,815
5,700
Ennis-Hebgen
3,150
1,700
Fergus
1,500
2,150
Flathead-Sun River
3,520
4,370
Gallatin
1,600
2,000
Glasgow
450
2,500
Gl endive
200
200
Kalispell
490
750
Kootenai
6,250
7,550
Little. Belts
13,700
19,800
Mad is on- Ruby-
5,600
7,100
Missouri Breaks
1,800
4,000
Musselshell
1,300
1,500
Phillips
1,800
4,000
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res©)
700
1,000
Poplar
100
lfl000
Powder River
1,800
3,600
Swan-Blackf oot
4,800
5,550
Sweetgrass Hills
500
1,000
Teton
625
900
Yellowstone
1,200
2,500
Glacier Nat'l Park
766
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
150
200
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
200
800
Crow Ind. Res.
2,500
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
20
500
Nat'l Bison Range
331
-950
-2000
-4005
-400
-1175
-3300
-1000
-960
-700
-600
-2295
-600
+115
+1450
-650
-850
-400
-2050
0
-525
• -1300
•-6100
-1600
*-2200
-200
-2200
-300
-900
-1800
-550
-500
'-275
-1300
-50
-600
-480
5*325
8,750
11,044
1,825
3*837
16,200
10,250
3,962
3,750
1*500
16,293
6,000
5,500
2,387
6,450
4,370
2,562
7,500
600
1,114
5,175
19,800
8,165
12,000
4,500
12,000
1,000
3*000
10,800
5,300
3,000
2*250
7*500
300
2,400
1,500
Totals
107,682
145,170
-41,250
217,909
355
5L1.L1L.1L1L11L £.£££112. 9.L ]LL2. ®.AHB ££!£
MULE DEER
LOSSES
1947
Management
Unit
Legal
Kill
Predators
Other
Total
Absaroka
420
80
BeartOdth
355
60
Big Belt-Boulder
1,020
850
Big Hole-Monida
95
55
Bitterroot
452
280
Blaine
75
55
Bridger-Crazy Mtse
650
75
Carter
55
15
Cascade
90
20
Choteau
25
90
C larks Fork
877
815
Custer
140
50
Deerlodge
625
348
Ennis-Hebgen
285
90
Fergus
280
50
Flathead-Sun River
819
146
Gallatin
190
80
Glasgow
23
10
Gl endive
Kalispell
38
27
Kootenai
490
220
Little Belts
1,500
855
Mad is on-Ruby
625
295
Missouri Breaks
100
50
Musselshell
200
27
Phillips
125
100
Poison (Flathead
Ind, Res.)
100
5
Poplar
0
10
Powder River
180
155
Swan-Blackfoot
475
455
Sweetgrass Hills
0
15
Teton
0
15
Yellowstone
100
20
Glacier TJat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
15
3
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
50
10
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
10
5
Nat'l. Bison Range
130
630
110
525
460
2,330
50
200
80
812
65
195
106
831
35
105
30
140
50
165
280
1,972
50
240
616
1,589
20
395
32
362
95
1,060
45
315
25
58
30
95
182
892
120
2,475
195
1,115
100
250
33
260
50
275
0
105
10
20
70
405
240
1,170
25
40
45
60
20
140
0
18
10
70
20
Totals
10D484
5,436
3,414
19.334
3S6
£££3LLi.liI— 2.*l£o rd ££. JLiH. ILL— 2.LLL
MOOSE
ESTIMATED POPULATION ASD RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Unit
Est,
POPo
Est. Cap. Dif„
Winter Ifangg 0r
Animal Mo©
g inter Range
Absaroka
475
425
f50
3,825
Beartooth
170
250
-80
1,050
Big Belt-Boulder
60
225
-155
1,455
Big Hole-Monida
180
245
-65
1,225
Bitterroot
285
670
-385
2,810
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts,
11
55
-44
30
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork
90
242
-152
932
Custer
Deerlodge
954
1,160
-206
2,825
Ennis-Hebgen
200
200
0
850
Fergus
Flathe ad-Sun River
130
215
-85
860
Gallatin
310
310
0
1,715
Glasgow
Glendive
Kalispell
89
144
-55
686
Kootenai
190
250
-60
990
Little Belts
16
130
-114
520
Madison-Ruby
170
400
-230
3,350
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
10
10
0
40
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackfoot
14
203
-190
762
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
300
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
10
10
0
60
Cheyenne Ind. Res,
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Efat'l. Bison Range
Totals
3,664
5,144
-1,771
23,985
357
L^Llll.LLLLI.L Hl££2,£ 9.L ILL 2. £i.21!L LLLL
::oose
LOSSES
1947
Management
Unit
Legal
Kill
Other
Predators
Total
Absaroka
23
Beartooth
0
Big Belt-Boulder
0
Big Hole-Monida
10
Bitterroot
4
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts.
Carter
•
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork
0
Custer
Deerlodge
25
Ennis-Hebgen
10
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
0
Gallatin
9
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
9
Kootenai
0
Little Belts
0
Mad is on -Ruby
0
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
5
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
0
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l Park
Blackfeet Ind, Res.
4
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l. Bison Ranr;e
0
14
37
5
3
8
2
4
6
0
0
10
4
17
25
0
32
57
0
15
25
0
8
8
0
17
26
0
11
20
0
18
18
0
2
2
2
9
11
0
4
Totals
99
14
154
2G7
358
££E£ LA 1 1 12. ££££££ ££ ILL 2. 2L£i£ £A2A
MOUNTAIN SHEEP
ESTIMATED POPULATION AND RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Unit
Est.
Pop.
Est. Cap,
Dif. £ Animal Mo0
Winter Range
Or <=>> Winter Range
250
-160
• 500
-340
250
" -250
50
-50
350
-318
Absaroka
90
Beartooth
160
Big Belt-Boulder
0
Big Hole-Monida
0
Bitterroot
32
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts0
6
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork
. 15
Custer
Deerlodge
90
Ennis-Hebgen
40
Fergus
Flathead»Sun River
280
Gallatin
65
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
KOotenai
157
Little Belts
Madison-Ruby
18
Missouri Breaks
16
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
20
Poplar
Powder River
Swan- Blackfoot
20
Sweet grass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
204
Blackfeet Ind. Res,
10
Cheyenne Ind, Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft0 Peck Ind. Res0
Nat'l. Bison Range
12
Totals
1,235
100
160
400
600
1,500
100
285
40
»94
•155
330
-240
320
-280
830
-550
315
-250
-243
-582
-1484
>80
-265
-30
6,380
-5,371
3S9
£££££^T_il£ ]LZL££]i£ IE. II £ 1L ' £ ILLLL
T-JOTOTTAI]: SIIEEP
LOSSES 1947
I.'anagement
Legal
Unit
Kill
Predators
Other
Total
Absaroka
0
7
12
19
Beartooth
0
2
4
6
Rig Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot
0
5
2
7
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork
0
3
7
10
Custer
Deerlodge
0
4
2
6
Ennis-Hebgen
0
8
0
8
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
0
45
30
75
Gallatin
0
8
8
16
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
Kootenai
0
30
4
34
Little Belts
Madison-Ruby
0
5
0
5
Missouri Breaks
T'usselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
0
3
2
5
Swoetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
5
0
0
5
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Ros.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l Bison Ranro
Total 5 120 71 196
360
CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA
MOUNTAIN G0A..T
ESTIMATED PORTIA TI 01! AND
RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Est.
BS"C© 0
ap.
Dif. fr
Animal Mo0
Unit
Popo
T.'inter
Range
Or. -
Venter Range
Absaroka
Beartooth
6
400
=■394
Big Belt-Boulder
0
50
-50
Big Hole-Monida
30
30
0
Bitterroot
530
1,350
-820
Blaine
•
Bridger-Crazy Mts0
90
500
-410
Carter
Cascade
J
Choteau
10
50
=40
Clarks Fork
285
365
-20
Custer
Deerlodge
720
925
-205
Ennis-Hebgen
0
300
=300
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
1,465
2,065
-600
Gallatin ,
5
265
=.260
Glasgow
Glendive
Kalispell
130
130
0
Kootenai
195
275
=80
Little Belts
Madison Ruby-
0
400
-400
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
100
500
-400
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
350
600
-250
Sweet grass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier lat'le Park
866
Blackfeet Ind, Res.
20
20
0
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l. Bison Range
Totals
4,802
8,225
»4,229
361
£. ll ii il .l £_ l l x £. 2. ill 2. ill 2.l l1l lae!l 1lll
'Ot~:taiii goat
LOSSES 1947
Management ■ Legal
Unit Kill Predators Other Total
Absaroka
Beartooth 0 0 2 2
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot 80 62 29 171
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mfcs.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork 2 10 0 12
Custer
Deerlodge 0 15 13 28
Ennis-Hebgen
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River 34 50 28 112
Gallatin
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
Kootenai
Little Belts
Mad is on -Ruby
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind„ Res0) -10 0 0 10
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackfoot 0 20 16 36
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier JTat'l. Park
Blackfeat Ind. Res. 2 0 0 2
Cheyenne Ind, Res,,
Crow Ind. Bm«
Ft. Peck Ind. Res0
Nat'l. Bison Ranre
Totals 128 157 88 373
362
£E£H.£.£ II I £ £!££.££. 9.L 111 2A1LE ££!£
MTELOPE
ESTIMATED PORTLATIOII AND RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
IMS
Est,
JEqjl
Est, Cap,
Dif0
Or
Animal Mo0
Wintifir Hfmgfi
Absaroka
Beartooth
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mtsa
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
Clarks Fork
Custer
Deerlodge
Ennis-Hebgen
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
Gallatin
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
Kootenai
Little Belts
Mad is on -Ruby-
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Indo ReSo)
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackfoot
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind, Res.
Cheyenne Ind. Res,
Crow Ind. Res,
Ft, Peck Ind, Res,
Kat'l, Bison Range
134
10
510
160
13
450
250
7,550
355
600
700
157
350
950
450
520
1,030
600
3,000
225
0
15
1,310
1,500
530
4,500
60
25
75
360
300
2,690
600
50
3,500
600
7,600
1,500
600
1,000
660
2,500
3,800
450
900
1,100
2,000
3,000
10,000
100
500
2,900
2,000
1,500
5,000
60
300
1,000
=226
168
-.290
60
2180
3,016
-440
600
-37
30
3050
8,400
-350
1,440
-50
7,610
1145
2,500
0
480
-300
2,400
=503
724
»2150
6,000
•2850
9,120
0
1,080
-380
720
~70
2,480
1400
4,800
0
7,200
7775
24,000
=100
80
=485
1,200
1590
6,960
-500
4,800
-970
3,000
-500
12,000
0
72
-275
720
.925
2B400
i'otals
26,029
56,570
■28,541 114,060
363
C lT I' IT L A T I V E RECCED OF BIG CAKE DATA
LOSSES
ANTELOPE
1947
Management
Unit
Legal
M-ll Prefers
Other
Total
Absaroka
Beartooth
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy 1ft s.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork
Custer
Deerlodge
Ermis-Hebgen
Fergus
F lathe ad-Sun River
Gallatin
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
Kootenai
Little Belts
Had is on -Ruby-
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l. P. is on Ran
0
0
0
0
4
250
0
,205
0
150
0
125
35
90
50
300
30
0
115
50
0
300
5
10
100
11
0
44
4
0
50
19
250
9
50
9
30
75
10
1
115
2
0
30
14
,250
25
12
25
55
21
1
159
6
4
330
33
2,705
15
225
21
55
255
12
10
57
46
38
174
25
50
125
50
25
375
25
10
65
5
2
7
40
72
227
20
30
100
20
30
50
50
50
400
4
0
9
5
5
20
25
25
150
Totals
2,819
878
10892
5,589
3&
£11 '! LLil LIE IL-E.££.2.D 9.L LL1 ILIi® E£li
' [1ZZLY BEAR
ESTIMATED POPULATION AND BANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
ITnit
Est,
Z2£f
Absaroka
25
Beartooth
12
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitterroot
6
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
Clarks Fork
23
Custer
Deerlodge
2
Ennis-Hebgen
15
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
205
Gallatin
10
Glasgow
Glendive
Kalispell
60
Kootenai
76
Little Belts
Madison-Ruby
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
30
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
71
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
105
Blackfeet Ind. Res.
40
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
7
Ft„ Peck Ind. Res.
Nat'l. Bison Range
Est. Cap0
"Winter Range
Dif0 f
Or -
Animal Mo0
Winter Raage
Totals
692
365
GRIZZLY BEAR
LOSSES 1947
Management Legal
Unit Kill Other Total
Absaroka 5 2 7
Beartooth
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-llonida
Bitterroot
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
C larks Fork 112
Custer
Deerlodge
Ennis-Hebgen 5 0 5
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River 41 10 51
Gallatin
Glasgow
Glendive
Kalispell 12 3
Kootenai
Little Belts
Mad is on -Ruby
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.) 5 0 5
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackfoot 15 6
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Res. 8 0 8
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
Hat'l. Bison Ranro
Totals 67 20 87
366
cumu lathe !L]!££ILH. 2.L 1 I 1 9lLH'E JLLLL
BLACK BEAR
■»-"" ■ — i»i
ESTIMATED POPULATION AMD RANGE CAPACITIES
1947
Management
Unit
Est.
Pop*
Est. Cap.
Winter Rane-e
Dif . f Animal Mo.
Or - Tf inter Range
Absaroka
175
Beartooth
540
Big Belt-Boulder
192
Big Hole-Monida
110
Bitterroot
482
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy Mts,
100
Carter
Cascade
8
Choteau
20
Clarks Fork
1300
Custer
Deerlodge
381
Ennis-Hebgen
200
Fergus
Flathead-Sun River
775
Gallatin
90
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
365
Kootenai
1310
Little Belts
235
Madison-Ruby
285
Missouri Breaks
Musselshell
5
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
300
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
720
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier Nat'l. Park
385
Blackfeet Indo Res0
100
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Indian Res»
125
Ft* Peck Ind. Res.
Nat*l. Bison Range
Totals
8,003
367
1-]111LA 1LZ1L 2.*L££HL 9.L ILL1 £.AME RL1L
BIACK BEA2
LOSSES
1947
Management
Unit
Legal
Kill
Other
Absaroka
Beartooth
Big Belt-Boulder
Big Hole-Monida
Bitteri-oot
Blaine
Bridger-Crazy 1'Its.
Carter
Cascade
Choteau
CI arks Fork
Custer
Deerlodge
Ennis-Hebgen
Fergus
Flathead-Sun "River
Gallatin
Glasgow
Gl endive
Kalispell
Kootenai
Little Belts
l,"adison-Ruby
' issouri Breaks
Musselshell
Phillips
Poison (Flathead
Ind. Res.)
Poplar
Powder River
Swan-Blackf oot
Sweetgrass Hills
Teton
Yellowstone
Glacier lat'l. Park
Blackfeet Ind. Rese
Cheyenne Ind. Res.
Crow Ind. Res.
Ft. Peck Ind. Res.
llat'l. Rison Range
28
25
14
2
92
155
36
25
70
5
48
95
17
12
125
45
17
Total
25
5
14
5
39
60
39
15
4
0
7
0
12
45
0
55
0
53
30
28
7
131
215
75
40
74
5
55
95
29
57
125
100
17
Totals
811
325
1„136
368
STATE" Montana
PROJECT 6-D
DATE July 15, 19U8
STATE-WIDE
FINAL REPORT
POSTING GAME PRESERVES
The following is a final report covering the period through the
fiscal years 19UU-U5-U6 and U7.
During this time it has become increasingly evident that the
proper posting of closed areas, sanctuaries and game preserves plays
a vital role in the management of Montana's wildlife resources. An
important development has been the steady swing away from the old
type of hard and fast game preserves to the more flexible administra-
tive closures. This has made clear, well defined boundary markings
essential.
A critical analysis of closures of c.11 types has been made
during the period under the regular 1-R survey program* Recommendations
led to the actual abandonment of several game preserves and the
creation of a number of administrative closures. It is felt that the
beneficial results that are becoming evident wo aid have been seriously
nullified had it not been for a system of posting r:;ade possible through
this project.
Metal signs were used during the early part of the program. As
the supply became exhausted, field work on the project was temporarily
369
delayed. Plywood signs were obtained, however, that have been found
very satisfactory,. It has now become possible once more to obtain
metal signs.
The work has been somewhat seasonal. It was found most economical
and practical to fit the posting in during the occasional slack periods
between other major projects, thus aiding materially in holding key
personnel. Travel about the periphery of the various closures has
been accomplished by the use of pick-up, saddle horse and foot travel.
Back-country posting has necessitated the establishment of tent camps
where necessary. It has been found that there are, at present, over
100 closures of various kinds in the state. The following list contains
the more important and more typical of the closures posted under this
project.
Skalkaho Preserve - This preserve, located in Ravalli County a
few miles east of Hamilton, was changed in scope to exclude portions of
winter range and extended to the north in an effort to obtain better
distribution of elk. This change in boundary and the re-distribution of
game that followed has made ;.t possible to utilize winter range not
previously covered by game.
Cherry Creek Preserve - Located in Sanders and Mineral Counties,
this preserve was reduced in size to more closely comply with the needs
of game management and also to render it more conveniently outlined
by posting.
Keystone Administrative Closure - Located in Mineral County, this
closure was established to replace the Little St. Joe Game Preserve.
370
This latter garne preserve was showing marked evidence of over-utilizaticn
by both elk and deer0 The Keystone Preserve was created and the Little
Sto Joe Preserve abandoned in order to obtain a far more desirable dis-
tribution of both species of big game.
Grass Valley Game Preserve - Located in Missoula County, five
miles west of Missoula. Primary use, the protection and development
of upland game birds. It was found to be still serving a useful
purpose and re-posting was necessary to clearly outline the boundaries*
Piniele Game Preserve - Located in Carter County, used primarily
for the protection and development of antelope . This preserve was
originally rather poorly posted. Its boundaries had become almost
impossible to follow. Opening the County to the hunting of antelope
made re-posting essential,,
Cabin Creek Administrative Closure - This closure is located in
Fallon County and was created for the purpose of protecting a plant
of mule deer,
Ballantine Game Preserve - This game preserve was established in
192U in Billings area, Yellowstone County, Its chief value has been
the protection and propagation of game birds, however, a considerable
amount of benefit has accrued to mule deer as well.
Billings Game Preserve - This preserve was established for the
protection and propagation of game animals, antelope, mule deer and
game birds. The approximate size is 16,000 acres.
Arrow Creek Bird Closure - This closure was established in 19U5?
371
for the protection and propagation of game birdSj principally ring-
necked pheasantSo It is located east of Billings in Yellowstone
County. One of the chief purposes for establishing this closure was
to create a sanctuary in which to release live trapped pheasants for
the purpose of building back the depleted game bird population in
that valley, Size, approximately 1,920 acres.
Golden Creek Big Game Closure - This closure was established
in 19 kh for the purpose of protecting and encouraging the development
of a group of deer transplanted into the Bull Mountains from farther
west in the state,, The closure is located in the Bull Mountain Range
south and west of Roundup in Musselshell County. It contains ap-
proximately U0,6UO acres.
Hawk Fish Creek Closure — This closure is located in the Bull
Mountain Range south and east of Roundup in Musselshell County.
It was established in 19hh for the same purpose as that described
under the Golden Creek Closure. The size is approximately 3U>£60
acres.
Laurel Bird Closure - This closure was established in 19U5 for
the protection and propagation of game birds consisting of ring-necked
pheasants, Hungarian partridge, sago grouse and sharp-tail grouse.
One of its chief functions is to serve as a sanctuary in which to
liberate live-trapped pheasants in this portion of the Yellowstone
Valley. Contains appro xi mat ely 7,0Li0 acres.
Pine Ridge Big Game Closure - This closure was established in 19l|2
372
for the protection and propagation of mule deer. It is located east
of Billings in Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties and contains
approximately 126,000 acres0
Polytechnic Bird Closure - This bird closure is located on the
western outskirts of Billings in Yellowstone County. It was established
primarily to protect private property from pheasant hunters. It has,
however, aided materially in the development of substantial game bird
population in this area. Its size is approximately 2,600 acres.
Shephard Bird Closure - This closure was established in 19U5 in
the Shephard Agricultural Development District in Yellowstone
County east of Billings. The primary purpose in establishing this
sanctuary was to develop an area in which to release live -trapped
pheasants in this section of the Valley. It contains approximately
7,720 acres.
Gallatin Game Preserve - This is one of the oldest of the present
game preserves, having been established in 1911 for the purpose of
protecting and developing the Gallatin elk herd. It is located adjacent
to Yellowstone Park on the headwaters of the West Gallatin River in
Gallatin County. It is interesting to note that, following intensive
big game surveys in the area under the 1-R investigative program for
19U1-U2, a change was recommended in the boundary of this preserve.
This change greatly improved the management of the elk in that area.
The size of the preserve is approximately 3^,000 acres.
Helena Lake Game Preserve - This preserve was established in
373
19U5 for the protection and development of waterfowl in the area. It
is located just west of the lake north of the city of Helena in Lewis
and Clark County. Following a careful survey of the area by the game
bird 1-R crew,, this closure was recommended. A clearly marked boundary
was essential as heavy waterfowl hunting takes place in this general
vicinity o
The Judith River Big Game Closure - This big game closure was
established in 19U5 to take the place of an abandoned game preserve
known as the Judith River Game Preserve. Recommendations leading to
this change were an out-growth of intensive big game surveys in the
area (1-R game studies 19U1-U2) 0 The closure has been established for
the purpose of attaining a more desirable distribution of the Judith
River elk and deer herds . Over-used winter range areas were becoming
apparent on the old preserve, particularly on the lower portions.
The new closure to the north is drawing big game away from the old
preserve area,, A clearly marked boundary was very essential about
the edge of the new closure to avoid confusion. This new Judith River
Big Game Closure has been established sufficiently long by this time
to find that it is working very beneficially in regard to better game
management in the general area. It is located in Judith 3asin County
south of Stanford, and contains approximately Ul,000 acres.
The Snowy Mountain Preserve - This game preserve is located on
the crest of the Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown in Fergus County.
It was established a number of years ago for the protection and
development of big game, principally mule and white-tail deer, as well
37U
as game birds,, principally native upland grouse . The original markings
had become almost entirely obliterated,, It contains approximately
255000 acres.
Limestone Hills Big Game Closure - This closure in Broadwater
County south and west of Townsend3 was established recently for the
purpose of developing the mule deer herd in this key winter area. It
had been observed for many years that increasing numbers of hunters
were flooding into the region due to extreme accessibility plus a
relatively high concentration of deer, particularly during the latter
part of the hunting season. It was felt that this heavy pressure
was having a decidedly detrimental effect upon the deer. A temporary
closure to be continued for several years under close supervision
will unquestionably benefit game in the area*
Gates of the Mountains Big Game Closure - This area was closed
to the hunting of big game for the development and protection of
mountain sheep5 mule deer and possibly elk.
Seeley Lake Game Preserve - This game preserve has been in effect
for a number of years and was established primarily for the protection
of white-tail deer. An investigation of this area by the 1-R big game
crew indicated that the game preserve was still beneficial in its
effect on game.
Arrow Creek Big Game Closure - This closure in the northern
portion of Judith Basin County was recently established for the protection
of mule deer in this area. It appears that an increased number of this
375
species would be desirable,, A careful investigation of this area
was carried out by the Eastern Montana 1-R big game crew0
Sarpy Creek Big Game Closure - This closure is located in the
northeastern portion of Big Horn County and was established primarily
for the purpose of protecting a planted herd of mule deer in the Sarpy
Hills.
Grave Creek Big Game Closure - The Grave Creek Big Game Closure
was established to substitute for the original game preserve. The
newly established big game closure takes in only a fraction of the
area originally covered by the game preserve „ Careful observations
following the establishment of this closure indicate that from a game
management standpoint, it is quite satisfactory,. Proper posting has
been an important phase of the work0
Richland County Big Game Closure - This administrative closure
was created primarily to protect mule deer and antelope planted in a
desirable section of this county „ As this particular county is closed
to the hunting of big game during the coming season, this particular
closure will not be necessary,. However, it has apparently benefited
game in the pasto
Glendive Area - This closure in Dawson County was created
primarily for the protection of an important plant of mule deer within the
Glendive badlands area. As it is not expected to open this county
during the coming fall to big game hunting, this closure will have no
value until the county is again open to hunting. However, it lias been
376
very worthwhile during past seasons,. The mule deer in this large
badlands type range appear to be developing well from the plants made.
Fairfield Bench Game Bird Closures -> There were originally ten
small closures scattered strategically over the Fairfield Bench
Restoration Area. One of these closures has since been discontinued,
however , the remaining nine are apparently working out very well in
the development of ring-necked pheasants in this very desirable area.
The closures average 80 acres in size*
Stillwater Closure - This closure located in Stillwater County
on the west side of the Stillwater River just below the canyon, was
established primarily to benefit the group of mountain sheep which
range in that territory,, It was of particular value during the past
years when the chrome development in that area brought a heavy popula-
tion of miners with a resultant decided increase in hunting pressure.
East Rosebud Big Game Closure - This closure was established
primarily to protect an important plant of white-tail deer. It has
apparently worked out very beneficially in regard to this species of
big game,,
Highwoods Game Preserve - The Highwoods Game Preserve in Cascade
County was established a number of years ago for the protection of a
small herd of planted elk. Since that time the herd has increased
considerably, resulting in heavy use of particularly desirable bits
of winter range. It is felt at the present time that steps should be
taken toward the abandonment of this game preserve, substituting in its
377
place, if necessary, one or more flexible game closures.
Powder River Big Game Closure - This large closure is being
questioned rather seriously at the present time in regard to its actual
value to the restoration and development of either deer or antelope.
It is expected that an intensive investigation of this particular
region will be made during the coming summer.
SUMMARY - This project in aiding the proper posting of game
preserves, closed areas, refuges, etc., has not been spectacular,
but has been extremely worthwhile. It is hoped that this project or
one similar to it, perhaps on a smaller scale, may be continued
for several years until all of the closures are properly posted.
Submitted by:
Robert F. Cooney, Director
May 26, 1°U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
378
STATE Montana
PROJECT 17-D-3
DATE July lg, 19U8
STATE-fflDE
FINAL REPORT
GAME RANGE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SALT DISTRIBUTION
PERSONNEL;
A. A. O1 Claire, State Fish and Game Warden
Walter J, Everin, Chief Deputy, Fish and Game Department
Robert Fo Cooney, Director, Wildlife Restoration Division
W. K. Thompson, Assistant Director, Wildlife Restoration Division
Faye M. Couey, Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration Division
Merle J. Rognrud, Assistant Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
M, J. Watt, Deputy Game Warden, Hamilton
George Hollibaugh, Deputy Game Warden, Drummond
Cooperating Sportsmen
COOPERATING AGENCIES;
U. S. Forest Service
Johnson Flying Service
Ravalli County Sportsmen's Club
Park County Rod and Gun Club
379
OBJECTIVES;
The placement of salt on big game ranges has been used as a
management tool to guide movements of members of the deer family o By
a carefully developed salting program it has been found that deer and
elk can be enticed away from critical winter ranges during early spring
and held in higher country during the fall. Vital winter vegetation is
saved by this shift of game populations,, range conditions improved and
a supply of forage is reserved for critical winter periods,
ORGANIZATION OF PROJECT;
During the initial stages of the work game range salting was
conducted for five years as a research project . After the needs were
determined salting was carried as range development and in the future
will be considered a maintenance project.
METHODS;
Maps have been prepared of all winter game ranges and salting
plans devised to meet the specific needs of each area. These plans
have been prepared from management data obtained during big game
investigative studies.
Salt used is in $0 pound white blocks. Two to four of these are
placed on a salt ground. Two methods of salt distribution are used.
One, by the pack strings of the U. S. Forest Service and Deputy Game
Warden personnel, salt blocks are placed on many of the game summer
ranges. Approximately 78,UOO pounds of block salt are put out by
pack.
In remote, almost inaccessible regions it has been found desirable
380
to distribute salt aerially. This has been accornplished each year by
use of a Ford Trimotor0 Chief advantage of this method are speed,
economy, and salt can be dropped during early spring when much of the
area would not be accessible by pack strings due to the snow depth
and trail conditions. Thirty -eight thousand pounds of block salt
are distributed by air.
Salt Distribution by Areast
Beaverhead Area
Wise River. ............ £00 pounds
Dillon Area .... ........ 200 pounds
Bitterroot Area
Aerial Distribution ....... ,12,000 pounds
Cabinet Area
Plains. ......... 1,200 pounds
Thompson Falls. .......... 1,000 pounds
Trout Creek. ............ 1,500 pounds
Noxon. .... .......... 800 pounds
St. Regis ....... 2,000 pounds
Custer
Absarokee. .......... .. 1,000 pounds
Red Lodge ...... ... ... 2,000 pounds
Deer Lodge
Phillip sburg . ......... . • 1,500 pounds
381
I3U. UT/6 oeoooo 0000000000
Boulder,
eoooooooooo o o o o
Whitehall
oooooooooooooo
Deer Lodge
ooooooooo oo« o
>00 pounds
800 pounds
3,U00 pounds
1,000 pounds
Flathead
0OOOOO0 0*o0
o O OOOOO0OOOOO0
Big Prairie « .
Condon o
North Fork o.oooooeoe.o
Coram,,
Spotted Bear .
Swan Lake,
Java.
Tally Lake
Loooooooooooooooo
OOOOOOOOOO©
• OOoooooooooe
0O OOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOO OOOOOOOOO
2,000 pounds
800 pounds
1,000 pounds
2,000 pounds
3,000 pounds
1,000 pounds
600 pounds
1,000 pounds
Aerial Distribution
O O O O O 0
o . • 12,000 pounds
Gallatin
Bozeman.
eooooo oooo*ooo
Shields. • . •
OOOOOOOOOOO
Yellowstone.
000000000*00
U,000 pounds
1,100 pounds
1,000 pounds
Helena
Canyon Ferry ....
Lincoln.
00000000
00000000
oeo*
2,000 pounds
2,000 pounds
Fortine. . . .
Troy. . . „ .
Kootenai
...... 1,500 pounds
...... 2,000 pounds
0000
382
larland
eooooooooeoooeo
Rexford, •
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Yaak
CO OOOOftODOOOooOO
o o © o e oooooooeeo
Libby
Fisher River • •••••.,••••
Lewis and Clark
Aerial Distribution - Teton
e o o o *
Aerial Distribution - Sun River
« o o
uUQ J. . -Ji\ ooooooooooooo 09
Ms..r T>ins&cLLe o ooc«©ooooooo
Lolo
Seeley Lake
Missoula.
Lolo.
O O O fl O OOOOOOOO
o oooooo*ooooe
o o o o ooooooooooo
Ninemile
© a r> o © o o o o o o © oo
Superior o «, «
Bonita
o o o © o oooo«o
ootoeoooo oeoooo
AERIAL DISTRIBUTION
2^000 pounds
2 c, 000 pounds
1520C pounds
600 pounds
l^OO pounds
6S000 pounds
85000 pounds
25000 pounds
l^OO pounds
65000 pounds
55600 pounds
35000 pounds
25000 pounds
85000 pounds
1<,000 pounds
Bitterroot Areag Salt distribution in the Bitterroot Drainage
was accomplished in four hours and 1$ minutes. Of this the Ravalli
County Sportsmen's Club paid for one hour's flight. As in 19U65 it
was arranged to use the tri~motor in conjunction with the U. So
Forest Service and thus save deadhead time from Missoula to Hamilton
and return.
Six tons of salt was flown from Hamilton as indicated in the
383
table below « On each flight 3^000 pounds of salt were carried and four
blocks were distributed on eacn drop,,
0
o
9
Flight
s Area
•
•
D
a
■
o
Pounds of Salt
•
O
0
Flying Time
1
©
o
? West Fork
3,000
&■
o
o
70 min.
2
% East Fork
s
©
3,000
•
o
60 min0
3
s Burnt Fork-Skalkaho
•
3,000
55 min0
k
s
s West Side
Bitterroot
Range
3,000
Ck
S
70 minc
Total
12,000
U» 15"
The attached map indicates the salting plan used»
Continental Units Aerial salting has been conducted in the
Continental Unit since 19U20 In this area a salting program is especially-
desirable because many natural licks are found on winter range,, It is
desirable to discourage use of natural licks by substituting artificial
salt grounds«
The salt drops are located in altitudenal zones0 The lower zone
with an average elevation of 6,000 feet, represents range that is
accessible to elk in the springy but is well above winter range The
second or alpine zone is located at between 7,000 or 7,500 feet along
the Continental Divide or the upper limits of summer range 0
301i
BITTERROOT AERIAL SALTING PLAN
April 28, 19U8
R 20 c
BoiSf Meridian
Salt Drop
Flight Route
385
Flight-Weight-Tirne Tabulation
©
a
e
O
a
Flight
s Area
s Pounds of
•
*
Flight
•
a
•
m
•
a
•
Salt
a
•
o
Time
1
o
m
sUpper South Fork of Flathead -
9
a
m
2,800
•
a
a<
2s0£ hrs0
s Landing at Augusta
o
M
2
•
sUpper North Fork of Sun River -
•
a
2 5 800
•
•
Is 10 hrso
s Landing at Augusta
a
i
a
•
3
8
sSun River-Moose Creek - Bear Creek
s
•
•
2,800
3
a
a
Is 00 hrso
% Area - Landing at Augusta
s
at
B
o
k
•
sNorth Fork Sun River - 6S000 foot
9
a
ft
2,800
ft
a»
Is 05 hrs<,
s Zone - Landing at Augusta
o
•
$
i
sWest Fork Sun River and South along
t
a
2 5 800
a*
1?55 hrso
t Divide - Landing at Missoula
o
1
•
•
6
•
sSouth Fork Flathead-Black Bear to
a
a
a
2,800
a
o
Is 30 hrso
s Spotted Bear - Landing at Mis-
•
9
•
s soula
S
7
sSwan Mission Range - Landing at
•
aj
ai
2,800
a
m
ls25 hrs.
s Missoula
o
a
a
•
8
9*
gSchafer Ranger Station - Middle Forks
2,800
•
o
a)
2s k0 hrs0
s of Flathead - Landing at Missoula
•
a
a
•
CONCLUSIONS :
Observations from elk tagging, checking station, summer examination
of forage and inspection of salt grounds have shown that the salting
program is successful in distributing big game specie s„
Cost analysis of methods of distribution have indicated that in
some areas aerial salting is the most economical as well as the most
efficient ne ans of salt placement 0
Total salt output has increased from 6U,000 pounds in 19U0 to
116, U00 pounds in 19U7»
386
Aerial Distribution of Salt in Mountains
Game Range Unit g Tons of Salt Placed
8l9Ul-U2si9U2-U3a9U3-liIisl9UU-U5sl9U5-U6sl9U6-U7
Sun River t 5 1 5.5 ? 5.5
o o « » o •
6 o • • • •
South Fork of Flathead ? r 3c0 : 3-0 s 2.8 s 2.8 : 2.8
O- o o o © •
©-•••••
Middle Fork of Flathead : % 1.1* s 1.1* s l.lj : l.U : leU
O o © » o ■
o » • ft • ft
Swan-Mission Range g g s j 1,3 : 1.3 : 1.3
e o • • o a
o • Q • a •
Bitterroot Range s s r s 2 U.O ; 6.0
RECOMMENDATIONS;
It is recommended that the present distribution of salt be con-
tinued with the following suggested change s„
1. Include the North Fork of Flathead in the aerial salting program,
One ton of salt to be flown from Kalispello
2. Revise the Bitterroot salting plan and not attempt to
correlate salting with U. S. Forest Service flights,, A revision
providing for 1 1/2 ton from Missoula to be dropped enroute to Hamilton
and three loads out of Hamilton, with the last load being dropped on the
return to Missoula, will enable the Game Department to fly in the early
morning hours when the air is not rough and to select a suitable day for
the job. Little, if any* additional expense will be incurred by this
revision and better results are assured, as well as greater safety.
3. A detailed review is being made of the effect of salt placement
on the Sun River slope of the Continental Unit. It is felt that some
adjustment may be desirable in regard to the altitudinal zone distribu-
te 7
tion pattern more in keeping with vegetative readiness of the
important forage plants. In other words it appears that the alpine
drops should be delayed for perhaps a month after the intermediate
drops (6S000 foot zone) have been made. This should preclude heavy
premature grazing in alpine basins0
It is proposed this year to move the alpine drops down into the
intermediate zonej thus? it is hoped accomplishing the desired
objective and still getting the salt out during the one flight
operation.
Submitted bys
W. K. Thompson,, Assistant Director
June 1$9 19hQ Wildlife Restoration Division
388
STATE Montana
PROJECT 21-R-2
DATE July l£, 19U8
STATE-WIDE
MAGPIE CONTROL INVESTIGATION
PERSONNEL;
Wm0 Ro Bergeson, Game Bird Leader, Wildlife Restoration Division
Robert J„ Greene, Fieldman, Wildlife Restoration Division
Don ViTilliams, Field Assistant, Wildlife Restoration Division
Organized Sportsmen's Groups
County Extension Agents
PURPOSE:
lo To determine the range and comparative abundance of the magpie
in the State 0
2o To establish the degree of depredation by magpies on game
birds, particularly the pheasant*
3<> To secure information on types of magpie control used and the
degree of successo
PROCEDURE;
In order to determine the relative numbers of magpies in the
State, the areas of heavy concentration, and the relationship between
magpies and game birds, particularly pheasants, questionnaires were
mailed to all organized sportsmen's associations and to the County
389
Extension Agent in each County of the State. In addition, a survey
was made over most of the State by Restoration Division personnel in
order to gain first hand information on the problem through
observation and contacts with farmers, game wardens, and sportsmen.
Returns on the questionnaires were poor. Reports were received
from only 38 of the 56 counties. The personal survey covered 39
counties, including the ones not reported on the questionnaire so
information was received from the entire State. Coincidental with
pheasant field work, observations were made to determine the degree
of predation by magpies upon pheasant eggs and young birds.
FINDINGS;
For distribution and relative abundance of magpies in Montana
see Map 1. It will be noted that magpies are found in varying numbers
over the whole State, being common in all major drainages and
tributaries with the exception of drainages in a few counties in
northwestern Montana. It was found that the range where the magpie is
most abundant corresponds almost exactly with the range of the ring-
necked pheasant in Montana.
Of the 38 counties reporting by questionnaire, 23 were carrying
out a magpie control program and six were planning a program. Control
programs were sponsored by sportsmen's organizations, county agencies,
and other organizations. Estimated cost of the programs ranged as high
as $900 a year. Control measures consisted of trapping, poisoning,
contests, bounties, organized hunts, nest destruction, etc. One
county had hired 1 man as a full time trapper with good results. The
approximate cost of this I was 12tf per bird trapped. Bounties
390
ranged from 2$ to 100 per bird for adult birds,, Gallatin County reported
gathering 10,5>00 eggs while Lake County reported the highest number of
adult birds destroyed,, l5,000„ Varying degrees of success were reported
on the control work in various counties,, As high as 80$ eradication of
the birds was reported for one area in Sheridan County where a very
intense program was carried outo
Control measures that had proved successful differed in different
areas in the State 0 Egg collecting and the payment of bounties were
reported as being unsuccessful in a number of counties. Poisoning
was also unsuccessful due to the fact that many land-owners objected
to the use of poison on their property*
Reports from 26 counties indicated that the magpies had increased
in numbers over the past five yearso One report stated that the magpies
had increased 9~10 times over the numbers of a few years ago0
With the range of the magpies and the ring-necked pheasant
corresponding so closely, the question arises as to what damage the
magpie might inflict on the pheasant population,, Twenty- seven of the
38 questionnaires received reported that the magpie is known to be
destructive to game birds, and that there was a correlation between
the decrease in pheasant population and the increase in magpie
population,. The most serious damage to the pheasant population by
magpies is caused by nest destruction,, eating eggs, and killing youngo
Several reports were received where magpies were actually seen eating
pheasant eggs and killing the young birdsB However, most reports of
predation were based on evidence such as egg shells in the brush where
magpies were numerous, rather than actual observations of predation.
Submitted bys
Wm„ Ro Bergeson, Game Bird Leader
July 1, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division 391
c
o
o
o
-p
c
-p
c
(0
|
101
392
-
STATE Montana
PROJECT 21-R-2
DATE July l£, 19U8
STATE-WIDE UNIT
MAGPIE TRAPPING IN THE WIN BRIDGES AND SHERIDAN AREAS
January to March,, 19kQ
The snail 2 x k x U traps were used most extensively and
successfully during this trapping season,, although some k x 6 x 6
traps were used5 but were found to be inferior o The funnel entrance
on this type of trap was found to be much more satisfactory than the
wVtt type trap used by most farmers on their larger traps© However, it
is believed that the larger the trap the better, since more than one
funnel can be used and the trap looks less like a boxc These small
traps must be checked and rebaited every day or two, since the snow
covers the bait and funnelo A special catching net is required, similar
to a fish landing net with a long handle to remove the birds from the
trap.
The bait supply, of course, was limited, and the best supply of
good bait was obtained at the slaughter house at Twin Bridge s0 The
best bait was found to be hog intestines, since magpies like fat and
not especially the lungs as commonly believedo The bait was placed
above the funnel on each side and at the end of the funnel, leaving
just enough room for a bird to get by without squeezing 0
393
These traps were placed in localities where the magpies were
observed to feed and were located a few feet from the edge of brushy
cover in order that magpies could see them easily. Most successful
locations were in grain fields and near sheep pens not too near
buildings or a heavily traveled road. The most magpies caught in a
single trap was 25, while the mos t caught in one day was $0 — all
in the same grain fieldo
Besides trapping, poison stations were established and
experiments were made with several poisons to determine the best
oneD Potassium Cyanide was found to work very well for the first few
days after it was set out, but lost its strength after that time,,
The best formula was found to be l/2 ozc of strychnine alkaloid to
1 pound of suet, mixed with a little red meat and about 1/2 pint of
neatsfoot oilo The neatsfoot oil keeps the suet from becoming brittle
in cold weather and also tends to hide the poison's bitter taste,
besides having a very strong animal odor. Dead birds were usually
found within 10 or 20 feet of the stations where the above formula was
usedo With poison, the best results were again obtained near sheep
pens or in grain fields0
Probably the main reason there are so many magpies in this
area is because of the numerous sheep ranches and attendant sheep
carcasses lying in their vicmity0 Everyone was very glad to see
the magpies destroyed, but not so willing to put out time and effort to
do the destroying or to dispose of the garbage and carcasses in their
barnyards.
A project of this kind in the Sheridan area is not recommended
39U
again for several reasons,, First, the weather is too mild and snow is
essential for good trapping^ second, trapping is far too costly to be
used in such a mild climate o Poison would work better if everyone
agreed to use it, but few were willing to have it on their rancho The
third, and most important reason, is that the people weren't interested
in trapping magpies or protecting pheasants. Almost every farmer
contacted who had any grain at all didn't seem to care if all the
pheasants were killed off, since they believe pheasants damage grain
crop So
Most of the sportsmen want pheasants and want very much to see the
magpies destroyed,, M« Jo Birrer of Sheridan, president of the local
club, was and will be, very glad to help in any program of the Department,
It is suggested that the sportsmen conduct their own project with some
support from the Fish and Game Department »
Submitted by;
Don Co Williams, Field Assistant
May 2I4.5 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
395
STATE Montana
PROJECT 22-D
DATE July 1$, 1?U8
MISSOURI BREAKS UNIT
FINAL REPORT
MOUNTAIN SHEEP HOLDING PASTURE
FORT PECK GAME RANGE AREA
SUPERVISORS?
Ao A. 0'Claire? State Fish and Game Warden
Robert F, Cooneyy Director ,, Wildlife Restoration Division
«
PERSONNEL;
Faye M. Couey? Big Game Leader^ Wildlife Restoration Division
Don Lo Brown 5 Assistant Big Game Leader <> Wildlife Restoration
Division
Charles Harkness^ Field Foreman, Wildlife Restoration Division
COOPERATING AGENCIES:
Fish and Wildlife Service (Tom Horn, Manager Fort Peck Game
Range and his staff)
Bureau of Land Management
Soil Conservation Service
Local ranchers and sportsmen
396
ACCOMPLISHMENTS;
The Missouri Breaks within and adjacent to the Fort Peck Game
Range present apparently ideal mountain sheep range. During historic
times large numbers of the Audubon variety of mountain sheep were
found in the area0 Indiscriminate hunting plus perhaps other factors,
however, caused their total extinction by 1916.
There have been no bighorn sheep in the area since that time.
It is isolated by great distance from the present range of the
remaining herdse It is impractical, therefore, to expect a natural
migration into the area.
The re -introduction of mountain sheep by transplanting presents
a very desirable possibility. Former experience in this type of work
has indicated that a holding pasture sufficiently large to accommodate
the planted sheep for a period of up to two years would be a material
aid in assuring the success of the project. Sheep released directly
tend to scatter widely, away from the point of release . With the
limited numbers available for planting purposes, it is extremely
desirable that a minimum of scattering take place.
It was, therefore, planned that a holding pasture be constructed
which would enclose about a half section of suitable habitat. An eight
foot woven wire fence with set posts was used to encompass an area of
sufficient forage and water to preclude the necessity of artificial
feeding or watering.
An intensive field examination of this area by Fish and Game
Department personnel in company with Howard Osmundson, range technician
for the Soil Conservation Service, Tom Horn, Refuge Manager Fort Peck
397
Game Range., and Frank McKeever, local rancher, was the basis for
computing the size of this pasture, based on the carrying capacity of
this type of forage.
The pasture, as shown by the accompanying nap, lies in Section
five and eight, Township 21 North, Range 3U Easto All of Section five
and that portion of Section eight that is not privately owned is
Government land under the administration of the Bureau of Land Manage-
mento Leases have been obtained for the use of these lands0
Government Land 2$h acres
Private land (Frank McKeever) 7U acres
Total 328 acres
The fenced area drains eastward into Billy Creek, The eastern
boundary encloses roughly 80 acres of extremely rough badlands0 The
balance of the pasture is rolling grassland with scattered patches of
scrubby Ponderosa pine and an occasional Douglas fir„ Principal
grasses are Bouteloua gracilis,, Carex filifolia, Calamouilfa
longifolia, Agropyron smithiig Koeleria cristata, Poa sp0, Stipa spe,
Andropogon sp., and other less palatable species. Browse plants
consist largely of Artemisia (3 species), Gutierrez i a sp., Symphoricarpos
sp_., Prunus, Salix, Amelanchier, Sarcobatus and three species of
Juniperus. Several weed species are found of which Trogopogon is the
most common o
The fence consists of lodgepole posts ten feet long set two feet
in the ground and adequately bracedo Light woven wire seven feet high
was placed on the inside of the posts and two strands of barbed wire
placed six inches apart on top of this. There were about three miles of
this fence.
398
The fence was located that at no point would animals be able to
jump over except up hill or at least from the level ■ Where there might
be a possibility of getting a running start at a low place, an arm
was built projecting inward at a k$ degree angle with two more barbed
wire strands attached,,
Where the fence crossed coulees, and there were two large ones,
special gates were built to swing and let high water and accompanying
trash go through and still prevent the sheep from getting outo
The rough terrain and many problems arising therefrom caused more
time and a corresponding increase in expense to be added to the
original estimated costs of the project,, Below is a list of total
cost of construction,,
Salaries and Wages $ 2,988 . 70
Subsistence 8l3o7H>
Operation and Rental of Equipment £21, 37
Tel. & Tel., Workmen's Comp0, Contingency 9$*9h
Materials 2,775.22
Total $ 7,19U.98
Two springs which constituted about the only source of water in
the enclosure were dynamited and curbed such that an adequate supply
of water was insured,, A reservoir built outside the fence and just
above these springs, but abandoned because of a leaky bottom, was
treated with bentonite so that it would hold run-off water „ This
should help stabilize the spring flow.
As this area adjoins the Fort Peck Game Range we feel fortunate
in having the additional protection this affords. Fish and Wildlife
399
patrolmen are making particular effort to keep an eye on the sheep and
the pasture. Their predator control program has been modified to
give particular emphasis on reduction of both coyotes and bobcats
in this area. We are also indebted to this Service for considerable
time and use of equipment in construction of the fence.
On November 16th, 19k7<, 16 bighorns were released in this en-
closure. This included two large rams5 one young ram5 nine ewes and
four lambs o These animals were supplied by the Colorado Game and
Fish Department and they were trapped from the Tarryall herd. We
feel fortunate to be able to obtain stock from this exceptionally
thrifty herd and hope to keep this group free from any other strains
at least until they become well established here*
During the breeding season the small ram escaped from the pasture.
Evidence indicated that he was forced through the fence by one of the
larger rams0 He stayed in the vicinity a short while then disappeared.
During latter April an inspection revealed the remaining l£ sheep to
be in fine condition and quite at home in the enclosure.
Submitted by:
Faye M. Couey, Big Game Leader
May U5 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
U00
Mountain Sheep Tight Fence Used on Pasture
Typical of the rough terrain through which the fence was constructed.
Uoi
Photo from the air showing fence and north side
of the Mountain Sheep Pasture,
Swinging type trash gate constructed in canyon
bottom across a dry-wash,,
U02
STATE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
BIGHORN SHEEP TRANSPLANTING
AREA
Billy Creek -Missouri Creak?
T.2IN. R.34E.
Sec.&
403
MISSOURI BREAKS MOUNTAIN SHEEP DEVELOPMENT AREA
R.34C
UOL
STATE Montana
PROJECT 2l;-M
DATE July 1$3 1?U8
WATER FACILITIES
WILDLIFE HABITAT DEVELOPMENT AERIAL INSPECTION
MUSSELSHELL AND PETROLEUM COUNTIES
DATE;
April 27, 19U8
PERSONNEL:
Win. R0 Bergeson, Game Bird Leader, Wildlife Restoration Division
Don Lo Brown, Ass't. Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration
Division
PURPOSE;
For several years it has been thought that inspection of the 8-D
Wildlife Habitat Development areas, many of which involve traveling long
distances over rough, unimproved roads, could be more satisfactorily
inspected from an airplane with reference to species and numbers of water-
fowl present, condition of cover, water levels within the reservoir, and
condition of the fences surrounding them.
Accordingly, two and a quarter hours flying time were spent checking
10 reservoirs in Musselshell and Petroleum Counties to determine if this
method was practical.
ko$
PROCEDURE;
Leaving Roundup in the morning the observers inspected each reservoir
from an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, then low enough to distinguish
the various species of waterfowl present, and again lower to check the
condition of the fences »
No attempt was made to make precise observations since the purpose
of the flight was to determine only the feasibility of this type of
inspection.
FINDINGS:
Following is a brief resume of what was seen at each reservoir
area in order of incidence?
Alt; Water very low, wildlife area exposed to cattle trespass
through water side, no waterfowl observed, fence in need of minor repairs.
♦Big Meyers; Reservoir very low, fence falling down in several
places and down over most of west end, about 2£ ducks present most of which
were mallards 0
"Little Meyers; Water very low, fence down on east side and in need
of repairs elsewhere., about 20 ducks present mostly teal - one pair
mallards noted.
Yellow Water; Water level below normal for this season, but
adequate to carry through the year. Approximately 1,500 waterfowl of
different species noted. No attempt was made to distinguish species, but
mallards, teal, shov. Lers, pintails, canvas backs and coots were noted.
Fence repairs are needed along the water line.
♦These reservoirs have not been recommended for future maintenance by W,
K. Thompson in "Water Facilities and Wildlife Habitat Development", Quarterly
ber, \$k
U06
..eg- Horse; Water very low, several thousand ducks and shore birds
noted, but no attempt was made to identify various species present. Fence
in good shape o
Little Bears Dry*
Unnamed Reservoir? (1 mile K.E« of Little Bear) Has excellent
wildlife area, fence in poor shape and down in several places, reservoir
l/2 full, 12 ducks mainly mallards present.
Goodwin; Dry, fence in need of repairs, cover in development area
is very good. This reservoir may fill during June*
Melstone; Water level very low, fence in good shape. Several
pairs of mallards present, also many coots.
Woods; Water level low, fence intact, pot hole wildlife area
below dam filled with water. No waterfowl observed.
Although the observers did not land the plane at any of the
reservoirs, the type of terrain is such that landings could very easily be
made if necessary and a detailed inspection accomplished at each site.
CONCLUSIONS;
The use of an airplane provides a very economical, time saving,
and satisfactory method of inspecting reservoir development areas most of
which are widely scattered and rather difficult to reach by other methods
of travel* Although ducks sometimes flush when approached at very low
altitudes it is possible t.o distinguish species in most cases. Some
difficulty was experienced in identifying aiving ducks which in several
instances went under water on the approach of the plane, but even here
circling a few times would allow satisfactory identification.
U07
udoUMKENDATIOIJS;
It is recommended that each of these areas be inspected by air
during the next 30 days and again during the summer and fall seasons. If
this were done systematically each year, their comparative and overall
values could be easily determined.
Submitted by:
Wm. R. Bergeson, Game Bird Leader
Don L. Brown, Ass't. Big Game Leader
May 8, 19U8 Wildlife Restoration Division
U08
STATE Montana
PROJECT 26-M
DATE July 1$9 1?U8
BITTERROOT UNIT
AERIAL SALT DISTRIBUTION
DATE;
April 28, 19U8
PERSONNEL;
Ken Thompson, Assistant Director, Wildlife Restoration Division
Merle Rognrud, Ass't. Big Game Leader, Wildlife Restoration Division
M. J. Watt, Deputy Game Warden
Jerry Verheltz, Pilot, Johnson Flying Service
PURPOSE;
The third annual aerial salting of game ranges in the Bitterroot
Unit was made to continue the plan for securing a more desirable seasonal
distribution of big game. The salt drops, have attracted elk and deer to
higher elevations earlier in the spring thus minimizing the period of use
for winter ranges. Salt on the west side is available for goats and some
east side drops could be used by moose,
PROCEDURE;
Six tons of salt were dropped from the Johnson Flying Service
U09
on -motored plane in four hours and fifteen minutes of flying time,,* The
drops each were four 5>0-pound blocks of salt located along the flight
route as indicated on the map showing the salt plan for the Bitterroot
Unit.
One flight wa? loaded out of Fissoula and three loads were flown
from Hamiltono M. J. Watt spotted the salt drops except on the east
fork trip which was guided by Earl Malone of the Ravalli County
Sportsmen's Club. Ernest Petersen also assisted in the salting work and
Jerry Verheltz piloted the plane.
FILINGS:
The maximum use of flying tine was made by planning the trips as
followsj flight one routed along the west side Bitterroot Range from
Missoula to Hamilton. Flight two was r.ade over the West Fork, flight
three into the East Fork and flight four along the east side of the
Burnt Fork-Skalkaho country returning to Missoula. Each trip required
approximately one hour of flying time.
Salting in the Bitterroot Unit has developed into a quite
satisfactory plan (See map)0 No changes in the location of drops for
1°U? are contemplated at present. However, investigation of the sites
should be made as opportunity is afforded to determine their use by
game. Most drops were made in open parks on the ridges so the more
accessible sites could be checked,, In some instances it may be desirable
for a change in location of the drop,,
RECOMMENDATIONS;
The Bitterroot Unit be salted during the spring of 19U9 after the
♦One hour of fly: -id for by rvalli County Sportsmen's
Club.)
U10
plan shown on the map«
Salt drops be investigated when opportunity is afforded to find
the extent of use by game,.
Localities of heavy winter use by game and where damage to private
property occurs be periodically inspected to determine whether heavier
salting or a different pattern of drops would improve the condition.
Submitted bys
Merle Rognruds Ass't. Big Game Leader
May 20 s ±9kQ Wildlife Restoration Division
Ull
BITTERROOT AERIAL SALTING PLAN
April 28, 19U8
m ontaoa Mei
T32 N,
Flicrht Route
U12
(
'
Helena,, Montana
July 1$, 19U3
Regional Director
Fish and Wildlife Service
Swan Island
Portland,, 18 Oregon
Dear Sirs
We are herewith submitting a Quarterly Progress Report in
connection with the projects carried out through the use of Federal
Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds.
The coverage is for the period April5 May and Junes 19U8.
Submitted bys
^Tft^^-Pn
Robert F. Cooney, Director
Wildlife Restoration Division
Approved bys
d.ao%dL*^>
A. A. 0» Claire
State Fish and Game Warden
U13
Date Loaned
.
•
Ace .#1186
Wildlife restoratio^ffkv^sil
quarterly repor^^Jifl^jMine, 19I4.8
ame Commission