100 special hunts have been authorized. One 

 result is that deer populations in eastern Montana 

 are on a definite downward trend. 



-- As a last resort to preventing continued damage by 

 specific animals, kill permits may be issued to 

 landowners. In FY 1984 and 1985, 198 deer kill 

 permits were issued, authorizing the taking of 

 2,394 deer. The Department also authorized 112 

 elk kill permits and 184 antelope kill permits. 



The Department's itemized expenditures for damage 

 prevention in the last two fiscal years are listed 

 below: 



FY 84 FY 85 



Herding & Other Contracted Services 



Bloodmeal & Other Repellents 



Ammunition 



Fencing Materials; Elk Panels 



Employee Expenses 



Aircraft & Other Equipment Rental 



Equipment 



Other 



TOTAL 



The amount spent on game damage activities in FY 82 was 

 $65,374, and in FY 83, $59,045. 



In the 1985 session, the Department was given an 

 additional $75,000 and an FTE for game damage 

 activities in the next biennium. The 1985 Legislature 

 also authorized $200,000 to monitor the state's game 

 populations by aircraft. 



The Department's stated goals for the game damage 

 program include: 



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