26 MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



creased to some extent but not in the same proportion, which would seem to indi- 

 cate that the area is best adapted to elk. 



Cooperatinj>: with the fish and game commission several experiments have 

 been conducted in salting game ranges, and while it is too early to state definitely, 

 the results to date seem to indicate success. 



The salting experiments indicate: 



1. Better health and physical conditions. 



2 Better distribution of game on their ranges and the elimination of conges- 

 tion on certain areas resulting in over-use of their food supply. 



3. There seems a real possibility of controlling to considerable extent the 

 movements of game, elk especially. 



Based upon the information accumulated over several years of careful study 

 a simple plan of game management adapted to local conditions is worked out for 

 each national forest. Briefly the plan consists of: 



1. Area of forest adapted to game production, graphically shown on maps 

 through appropriate symbols. 



2. Best estimate by species of game now on forest. Also information show- 

 ing whether increasing or decreasing. 



3. Possibilities of increasing game. Measures that may be employed to 

 increase game, such as the establishment of game preserves, regulation of annual 

 kill, the buck law, etc. 



4. Definite objectives. General aims of management and the extent to which 

 the forest can be used for game production. 



5. Possible methods to obtain objectives. Here a program of action is 

 outlined. 



6. Regulating the kill. Records of annual kill and studies to determine the 

 proper kill to meet the objects of the plan. 



7. Control of vermin. Best method of control or complete extermination. 



8. Results accomplished. Here is recorded annually any definite results 

 accomplished. 



The following indicates briefly the kind of information being gathered as 

 a basis for a balanced management plan for fish production: 



"1. Waters on Forest Suitable for Fish Life. Describe in natural units giving 

 •'s; pi'esent conditions in affecting fish life. Give the kind and abundance 



jT- of fish formerly in existence and the pi'esent supply. 



"2. Possibilities of Fish Production. Discuss possibilities of this 

 when action is taken to improve conditions and maintain stocking. State 

 definite policy and the objectives which we should attempt to obtain. 

 "3. Development of Objectives. Study the points to be con- 

 sidered in fish management, outline and describe the measures 

 to be undertaken in oi'der to obtain the objectives. 



"4. Program for Definite Period. For a five-year period 

 give the measures to be undertaken and the means available for 

 their accomplishment". 



A detailed outline on fish management has been worked out 

 and furnished each forest officer. 



These forestry officers are working hand-in-hand 



^»- with the state fish and game commission, as well as 



~ ^. .^ the sportsmen, to preserve the wild life as a heritage 



' " to future generations. One of the splendid results 



achieved is the kindly spirit of cooperation prevailing. 



