MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



GREAT STRIDES TAKEN IN GAME MANAGE- 

 MENT IN MONTANA 



By KENNETH F. MacDONALD 



State Fish and Game Warden and Secretary of Commission 



HE administration of the fish and game program the past two 

 years in Montana may well be compared with the administra- 

 tion of any active business or industry of the same period in 

 that, prevailing conditions necessitated in some cases, permitted 

 in other cases, a radical departure from the more or less con- 

 ventional manner in which such activities had been administered 

 for many years previous. Studying these changes and comparing conditions 

 existing previously lead us almost to believe that the economic depression 

 which wrought such hardships and distress may have been a blessing in dis- 

 guise. 



Prior to this period it was almost impossible to interest any large group 

 or legislative body in the wildlife program — it being quite generally accepted 

 that "there was water in the well, so why worry." Life went on with man's 

 greed and indifference to the future needs, each day seeing the valuation of 

 this important resource dropping at an alarming rate. This period, however, 

 caused the public to pause and reflect upon the deplorable condition of the 

 natural resources. Inventories were taken individually and by organized groups 

 and not until then did it come into full realization that a most drastic change 

 in the nation's program was necessary if it was hoped to protect the very re- 

 sources upon which the nation depends for its existence — basic assets such as 

 soil, water, timber, grasses and other products of the soil. 



It appeared as though nature took advantage of the opportunity and 

 crystallized attention on this need through the drought and dust storms. 

 Agencies have been since set up to safeguard these important assets from fur- 

 ther damage. These agencies, in addition to setting in motion the machinery 

 for recovery of losses did another service in moulding public opinion to over- 

 come prejudices, misunderstandings, thoughtlessness, and ignorance which had 

 been seriously hampering the constructive programs for years proposed by 

 individuals and agencies whose work and interests enabled seeing the picture 

 as it really was and permitted visualizing the only possible outcome if rem- 

 edial measures were not inaugurated. It looks as if nature herself set the 

 stage through the havoc wrought and when the show was over an enlightened 

 public demanded that something be done. 



Wildlife is essentially a product of the soil and water. While any plan 

 designed to protect or rebuild these assets, to some extent improve conditions 

 for wildlife, it is necessary that the plans be properly correlated if the full 

 benefits are to be derived. This necessitates broadening the scope of the ac- 

 tivities of the Fish and Game Commission which is charged with the responsi- 

 bility of administering the wildlife program in this state. Readjustments are 

 being made in rapid-fire order and the need for keeping before the public the 

 value of the wildlife resources was never greater. 



Public domain lands, lands reverting back to the state and counties for 

 taxes, reservoirs, and sloughs are sought for various and sundry purposes 



