MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



21 



Predatory Animal Control. 



During the biennium the Fish and Game Commission has been actively en- 

 gaged in the control of predatory birds and animals. During this period 

 $17,370.70 has been spent in such work which includes $15,000.00 transferred 

 to the Bounty Fund. 



Man has seriously upset na- 

 ture's balance through seeking 

 and taking only preferred species 

 of wildlife. It is obvious, then, 

 that control must be exercised over 

 the less desirable or predatory 

 species of bird and animal life. 



In addition to the coyote 

 bounties paid by the bounty fund, 

 the Commission has cooperated 

 with 4-H clubs, sportsmen's or- 

 ganizations and individuals in the 

 crow and magpie control; has 

 paid $25.00 bounties on wolves 

 and mountain lions and $2.00 

 bounties on bobcats. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



Administrative Division. 



To permit efficient handling 

 of the large volume of business 

 transacted by the Commission, 



more office space is needed. Limited now to two rooms, the work is handled 

 under serious handicaps. Some idea of the volume of correspondence handled 

 may be had from the fact that an average of 115 letters are received daily. 



It is hoped that some day in the not too distant future a Fish and Game 

 building will be erected, providing suitable quarters for the administration 

 activities. Commission meetings, display of wildlife specimens native to Mon- 

 tana with an aquarium and rooms for proper scientific study and research. 



Fisheries Division. 



Recommendations for improvements to existing hatcheries to increase ef- 

 ficiency and production are as follows: 



Anaconda: Dwelling for assistant and erection of building equipped with 

 refrigeration plant to take care of Georgetown sucker collection. 



Big Timber: Dwelling for assistant and combined garage and food room; 

 concrete floor in hatchery. 



Daly: Dwelling for assistant and additional rearing ponds of semi-natural 

 type. 



Emigrant: Additional circular ponds and at least four additional semi- 

 natural rearing ponds and landscaping. 



Great Falls: Dwelling for assistant; new supply tank. 



Lewistown: Dwelling for assistant; rearing ponds. 



Libby: Dwelling for assistant; combined garage and food room; 12 circu- 

 lar ponds; six semi-natural ponds. 



