MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 23 



Areas should be acquired for the protection and development of the ante- 

 lope which are rapidly becoming one of Montana's favorite big game species. 



To enable the Commission to have accurate and complete information on 

 the amount of fish, birds and big game taken each year, it is recommended 

 that a questionnaire be provided with each license with the applicant being 

 required to list total fish, birds or animals taken under previous license. 



Such information would be of great value in regulating seasons, formulat- 

 ing restocking programs or adopting necessary measures to develop and main- 

 tain the wildlife supply at the highest possible point. 



A financial statement has been prepared for this report which contains 

 all the information likely to be required in regards to the financial condition 

 of the Department. A more detailed report in the Fish and Game offices will 

 enable furnishing further information on any of the activities. During the 

 year ending June 30, 1936, more hunting and fishing licenses were issued 

 than in any other year in the life of the Department, but the total receipts 

 were below 1931 for reason of decline in revenue received from trappers. A 

 greater number of non-resident fishing licenses were purchased with the in- 

 come below that of former years and previous to the reduction in price of this 

 license. 



When it is considered that approximately $2,000,000 and this a most con- 

 servative figure, is spent each year by sportsmen in Montana, when consider- 

 ation is given to the possibilities for further developing this important econo- 

 mic and recreational resource and that less than ten per cent of the amount 

 spent by sportsmen is put "back into the business" (maintaining the Fish and 

 Game Department), it is immediately apparent that the business is not re- 

 ceiving the proper support by its owners, the general public. Wildlife may eas- 

 ily be developed to its full extent without disrupting or interfering in any way 

 with any existing industry. It behooves all interested in Montana to support 

 any measure for the betterment of this progress to the end that the potential 

 possibilities may be developed and permitted to yield the rich returns so easily 

 within reach. 



Acknowledgements. 



The Fish and Game Commission is not at all unmindful of its obligations 

 to Montana sportsmen and the general citizenry. The cooperation received 

 from the people is deeply appreciated as is the assistance and cooperation ex- 

 tended by the Federal Agencies such as the Forest Service, Park Service, Bu- 

 reau of Biological Survey, Bureau of Fisheries, Soil Conservation, C. W. A., 

 F. E. R. A. and W. P. A., State University, State College, State Planning Board, 

 State Park Board, Northern Pacific and Great Northern Railways, Montana 

 Power Company, Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Butte Anglers Club, 

 Montana Wildlife Federation; Cascade County Commissioners; Great Falls Park 

 Board, the newspapers and the many individuals who have given so generously 

 of their time and money to advance the wildlife program in Montana. 



MONTANA ARTIST 



The cover and pen sketches in this report are the work of Irvin Shope, 

 "Montana's own" artist. They are not only outstanding for the artistry, but 

 bear every evidence of a keen interest and thorough understanding of our wild- 

 life and its habitats. 



