MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



11 



fork of the Flathead are likewise increasing- because of the fact that a very small 

 kill was made during- the last open season. 



Moose, which are protected throughout the state, are thriving and becoming- 

 numerous in the districts suitable to their inci-ease. The same fact holds true 

 with respect to mountain sheep and goats, which were once considered the pride 

 of the skilled hunter. Mountain goats are becoming numerous on the south fork 

 of the Flathead and a short open season may be provided within a short time in 

 that locality. 



The increase in the number of our big game animals is, I believe, directly 

 due to the creation and maintenance of numerous game preserves, the destruc- 

 tion of predatory animals by state and federal hunters and the strict obsei-vance 

 of the law by conscientious Montana sportsmen. 



One of the most important features of the work of the commission has been 

 the educational campaign. Organization of rod and gun clubs throughout Mon- 

 tana has enhanced interest in the protection of our wild life. These organizations 

 serve to bring together men who speak the language of sportsmen and who are 

 drawn together by common likes and dislikes. Their meetings sei've as clearing- 

 houses for constructive ideas and when the ideas that emerge from the majority 

 are put into practice by the commission, results are obtained. 



The fish and game exhibits at fairs and expositions of the state have been of 

 vast importance. By this method we have been enabled to reach many thousands 

 of people and arouse their interest, when they had no other means of knowing 

 and learning of work of this department. Hundreds have gained knowledge of 

 wild life, the systems inaugurated by the department in preservation and facts 

 concerning conservation through these exhibits and lectures delivered by experts 

 in charge. Visitors who have inspected these educational 

 exhibits have learned, too, of the sources from which the 

 revenue is derived by which the department is maintained. 

 Their visits have broken down the old time feeling of antip- 

 athy that once existed toward game guardians. 



Montana has become a magnet that is attracting increas- 

 ing numbers of sportsmen from all parts of the nation. Many 

 of them have spent lavishly in establishing summer homes 

 and hunting lodges on our lakes and streams. With each 

 passing season, it is gratifying to note the esteem in which 

 the state is held by visiting sportsmen. 



Through the activities of this self-sustaining- department 

 the fish and game of the state are being preserved and prop- 

 agated and have become an asset of untold worth. Hence, 

 achievements of the Montana state fish and game commis- 

 sion operating under the commission form of government, 

 have not only attracted the attention of other states of the 

 nation but have resulted in placing the Treasure State in 

 such esteem that it is recognized as a sportsman's paradise. 



Each passing- year marks an increased number of visiting 

 sportsmen coming to share joys offered by Montana's hills 

 and streams. While fish and game in many states have been 

 decreasing, efforts of the Montana commission to conserve 

 these assets are bringing fruit. It has been a strenuous, up- 

 hill fight, yet results are gratifying. 



.1 Glimp.sc up the 



Mddi.-ion helorc 



Eebgen Dam 



