MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



13 



? THE SPORTSMAN and THE DEPARTMENT 



l!y William K. Moore, Billings 



Minihif MtniliiiKi State Fisli n)iiJ Game Coniinissinii 



W. K. Moore 



COOPERATION is the secret of success in any business. 

 The old saying: that no organization can be successful, 

 regardless of its size, without cooperation between all 

 concerned, has proven true with wild life in Montana, the 

 sportsmen of the state and the fish and game depart- 

 ment. Several years ago a few Montana sportsmen realized 

 that something must be done. They gathered their foi'ces 

 and made herculean efforts to lay the foundation for an or- 

 ganization. They realized the necessity for educating the 

 people. It was necessary to interest them enough to secure 

 actual cooperation in game protection and the saving of 

 what wild game we had left. We did not relish the thought 

 of seeing it, in a few years, disappear like the wild pigeon 

 and buffalo. 



In 1915 a letter was sent from the state game wax'den's 

 office calling a meeting at Lewistown for the purpose of try- 

 ing to organize a state association. 



Leaders were successful in getting a large attendance. A lot of interest was 

 created in fish and game. After two days' discussion the sportsmen framed by- 

 laws, elected officers, and started what was believed would be a great organiza- 

 tion. 



The sportsmen returned to their localities full of enthusiasm. As the time 

 drifted by they were unable to get cooperation. It was like the old phrase, "Let 

 George do it." Consequently the organization, with all kinds of work ahead, 

 fell by the wayside. 



In 1920 another meeting was called in Helena. As before, leaders .^v 



Avere able to get a large attendance. At this meeting they organized 

 The Montana State Sportsmen's Association, electing a president, secre- 

 tary, and five men as a governing board. ' . 



They sent notice to clubs in the state asking them to join. By charg- .,,/ , 

 ing a small fee for membership, they were at this time success- 

 ful in getting the cooperation of sportsmen all over the state. 

 With this support the leaders wei-e successful in 1921 in getting 

 a bill through the legislature creating a Montana Fish and Game 

 Commission, consisting of five members. 



As soon as the commission was organized they were glad to 

 cooperate with the state association and with their help the asso- 

 ciation was able to go out in every part of the state and help 

 organize clubs. In this way a spirit of cooperation 

 was created that has meant much in protection of 

 wild life. 



I have traveled over Montana for a number 

 of years. It is a sincere pleasure to see the interest 



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