44 



MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



found that this territory had a great abundance of this valuable fur-bearing 

 animal. 



Montana still has a large number of beaver. This has been made possible 

 by the foresight of men who were interested in the future of the state — the 

 first conservationists. The Montana Fish and Game Department for several 

 years past has issued permits to land owners to trap beaver only where it 

 has been shown that property damage is being done. 



These permittees are allowed to take only a specified number which is 

 determined after an inspection is made of the property upon which the beaver 

 are located. These inspections are made by an employee of the Department, 

 ii.«5nallv a deputy game warden. 



In 1935 there were 6,156 beaver skins shipped out of the state. In 1936 

 the total was 5,724. These skins returned to the shippers $97,000. 



J^ From figures compiled at the Fish and Game Department's 



offices in Helena, it was conservatively estimated that raw 

 furs returned to Montana trappers in 1935, based upon pre- 

 vailing minimum prices 

 a total of $129,875, 

 while in 1936, $119,250. 

 These totals repre- 

 sent the returns made 

 on fur-bearing animals 

 almost exclusively. 

 There are no accurate 

 figures available for 

 the amounts received 

 for the skins of preda- 

 tory animals. 



The Fish and Game 

 Commission is conduct- 

 ing a study of game 

 and fur-bearing ani- 

 mals over the state 

 with the assistance of 

 deputy game wardens 

 and others who are 

 familiar with game 

 conditions. When this 

 information is compiled 

 it will enable the Com- 

 mission to set proper 

 dates and make suit- 

 able regulations cover- 

 ing the taking of game 

 and fur -bearing ani- 

 mals. 

 The Commission, in shortening the trapping season 30 days this year, took 

 the position that it would do much to take care of the increases of fur-bearing 

 animals which, for the most part, have their young in the spring of the year. 



if^ 



