MONTANA STATK FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



From these reports coming- from practically every vicinity in the state it will 

 be seen that both varieties of birds are thriving, doing- exceedingly well and 

 justifying the expenditure of the sportsmen's money in purchasing- them for lib- 

 eration. 



In fact, these birds have increased to such an extent that in quite a few locali- 

 ties requests are coming in asking for an open season on one species or the other. 

 A bill has been drawn which will be presented at the present session of the legis- 

 lature giving the commission authority whenever in its opinion the conditions 

 warrant it, to create an open season on these birds and give the commission 

 authority to fix the bag limit. 



In almost every community the Hungarian is the favorite. Complaints have 

 been lodged against the Ringneck, ranging all the way from fighting the farm- 

 ers' roosters to destroying their gardens, destroying the nests and driving out 

 native sharp-tail grouse, commonly called prairie chicken. The proof, however, 

 of specific instances of the latter offense are sadly lacking. No one has seen it. 

 It is generally stated that Tom told Harry and that Bill said he saw an incident 

 of this nature, but the relator of such happenings has never been an eye witness 

 to the event. 



For my part I do not feel disposed to condemn this wonderful game bird 

 upon purely hearsay testimony. 



In a conversation had a few days ago with D. R. Maclay, one of our prominent 

 ranchers residing near Missoula and who owns considerable farm land, he told 

 me that there were hundreds of the sharp-tail grouse on his place at this time, 

 more in fact, than there had been in ten years, and that feeding with them and 

 apparently on perfectly good terms, were several hundred Ringnecks. 



He also told me of seeing a few days ago, 40 or 50 female Ringnecks in one 

 flock. I am inclined to the belief that those who 

 are condemning the Ringneck only see his bad 

 points and entirely overlook the good ones. They 

 forget the thousands of bugs, insects and worms 

 he annually destroys. 



It is pleasing to note, nevertheless, the favor- 

 able impression which the Hungarian has made 

 upon sportsmen and farmers. I am certain that 

 this impression is well warranted. In a recent 

 issue of the American Field, W. L. Langbehn of 

 the state of Washington, where these birds were 

 first liberated a number of years ago and where 

 they have had an open season for several years, 

 states: 



"If you want the conceit taken out of 

 you, try your hand at shooting the Hungar- 

 ians. I have hunted the Hungarian par- 

 tridge ever since we have had an open sea- 

 son on them and am ready to vote them the 

 greatest game bird in this part of the world. 

 This statement takes in a lot of territory 

 but I don't think I will be called upon to 

 change it. The brown and gray marvels 

 can give the sportsman more thrills and 

 more real sport than any bird I know of at 



His Majesty 

 Tlif JJuiifiiirid}! Partridge 



