Although the study resolution assigned a detailed list 

 of questions to be explored concerning alleviation of 

 wildlife damage, it did not specifically request an 

 investigation of the aforementioned policy assumptions 

 or of additional public policy questions that should be 

 addressed at the outset of the study. The following 

 issues were set forth to help the study committee 

 formulate public policy recommendations that could lead 

 to appropriate solutions to the problem of wildlife 

 damage in Montana. Some of the issues meshed with 

 concerns expressed in the study of general agricultural 

 problems in HJR 57, the other study conducted by the 

 Subcommittee . 



A. Does clear public policy exist regarding ownership 

 and responsibility for the wildlife resources of 

 the state and for any damage by such wildlife? 



1. What legal protections are afforded the 

 wildlife resources of the state? 



2. What legal protections are afforded land- 

 owners regarding trespass or damage by 

 wildlife? 



B. What types of wildlife damage occur to agricul- 

 tural crops, land, and fixtures, and what is the 

 extent of such damage? 



C, How have landowners and agricultural interest 

 groups responded to wildlife damage? 



D, Do state (Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks 

 and Fish and Game Commission) wildlife management 

 policies and techniques adequately protect 



