MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 17 



In July, 1935, a resolution was passed by the Fish and Game Commission 

 requiring that deputies wear uniforms. The Commission feels that inasmuch 

 as the greater majority of sportsmen are sportsmen in every sense of the 

 word, the policies should be built to best serve this group. It has been said 

 that 85 per cent of the sportsmen abide by the fish and game laws and the 

 unwritten "Sportsmen's Code," 10 per cent comply with the 'Code' if they feel 

 there is any probability of their being checked, with the remaining 5 per cent 

 having no respect for the laws or the Code. 



The deputies are anxious that the sportsmen derive all possible benefits 

 from the out-of-doors and stand ready and willing to render every reasonable 

 service. This best may be done through uniformed agents who may readily 

 be identified and who the sportsmen feel free to call upon for information. 

 Some sportsmen were of the opinion such a regulation would seriously handi- 

 cap a deputy in the performance of his duties but records show plainly that 

 the reverse is true. 



Through the contacts with sportsmen and through observations made 

 while in the field, the deputies are in excellent position to render valuable 

 service to the Commission. The Fisheries Division is unable financially to em- 

 ploy men to check results of fish plantings or general conditions concerning 

 streams and lakes. 



Information now is furnished by the deputies in weekly reports showing 

 number, size and species of fish in possession of the angler when checked, 

 name of the stream and location on the stream where the angler was checked 

 and a general report of conditions related to this phase of the fish and game 

 program. Such reports are checked against the fisheries distribution records 

 and from the interpretation of facts a general idea is gained as to the success 

 of the plantings from which the future programs are formulated. If it is 

 showm that certain waters are not producing the expected returns, one of the 

 fisheries men is detailed to make a thorough scientific investigation, and if 

 within the power to remedy, improvements are made. 



A somewhat similar plan is used in furnishing information relative to the 

 game birds distributed from the State Game Farm through the deputy reports 

 showing the areas well or sparsely populated by these birds with comments 

 as to probable cause of failure or success in developing such areas. 



Being in the field and primarily interested in the wildlife program and 

 through training and experience, the deputies are qualified to make recom- 

 mendations to the Fish and Game Commission which are given careful con- 

 sideration when fishing or hunting regulations are made. Such recommenda- 

 tions must embody consideration for the future supply of all wildlife species 

 and the season or bag limit, the control to safeguard this supply. 



To develop and maintain the proper respect for the fish and game laws, 

 requires that a deputy treat every one alike. It is true that game laws are 

 violated unintentionally and at times intentionally. It cannot be expected that 

 a deputy should determine which. If intentional, it is just a gamble with the 

 individual losing the bet, and no resentment should follow the deputy fulfilling 

 his duties; if unintentional, it should be charged to experience with a resolve 

 to prevent a recurrence. 



