10 



MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



ELK 



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Montana's elk each year attract more attention. Not only is this applicable 

 to the non-resident, but to the increasing number of residents who are becom- 

 ing interested in this form of big game hunting. It stands to be one of the 

 major recreational attractions, next to the fishing, that we have to develop 

 and offer the sportsman. 



Bull Elk 



Were it not for the fact that this wonderful game animal has the ability 

 to adjust itself to almost any condition, its present status would not present 

 a very attractive picture. Primarily a range animal, it has been forced into the 

 timbered mountain areas by civilization and through several generations has 

 been able to survive and build up resistance against the new factors presented 

 in this totally different environment. 



Due to the lack of control over the many factors so closely linked with 

 the elk management, this stands out as one of the major problems for the 

 Commission. When Montana was admitted to the Union there was a land 

 grant to the state for the express purpose of securing revenue for the main- 

 tenance of schools and colleges. Such a step indicated plainly enough the far- 

 sightedness of those I'esponsible. How regrettable some one could not have 

 visualized the need of land for wildlife, especially the big game animals. It 

 is true that a large percentage of Montana is within national forests and 

 every credit is due those responsible for such action, but the fact remains that 

 prior to the time of the creation of the national forests by far the majority 

 of the worth-while lands had passed into private ownership, leaving the less 

 desirable lands for the national forest. It is thus apparent that we cannot 

 rightfully expect maximum efficient use of public lands for game animals 

 when they are only partially adapted to provide for these animals. 



It is generally agreed even by stockmen that the timbered areas should 

 be reserved for the purpose they can best serve -that in the primitive, native 

 state where the true and first values lie in the protection of water sheds, 

 habitat for game and for recreation. While timber is yet a most important 



