46 



MONTANA STATE FISH AND (JAME COMMISSION 



fignre was 10,086. The next year, 1935, the yield amounted to 9,275 birds. 

 This latter decrease was natural in bird propagaation on such a large scale. 

 As stated before, the 1936 liberation was 10,572 birds. 



Because it was operating at more than its capacity, the State Fish and 

 Game Commission has authorized the construction of a second farm, four 

 miles north of Billings. This farm, which will enhance Montana game bird 

 life and raise it to new levels, will be completed in 1937. 



It is expected that the first birds to be liberated from the new game farm 

 will be ready in the summer of 1937. The new farm is being constructed 

 along the same lines as the Warm Springs plant, containing all modern equip- 

 ment for the propagating and raising of Chinese pheasants and other game 

 birds. 



The new farm, however, will commence on a small scale similar to that 

 employed at the first farm near Warm Springs. One of the principal objects 

 of the new farm will be the raising of Chukar partridges, a new bird in the 

 Northwest and one that promises keen sport for hunters in the years to come. 



This bird was brought to Montana from California three years ago. The 

 Chukars will be raised on a larger scale than what has been attempted at the 

 Warm Springs unit because of the more favorable conditions prevailing in the 

 Billings area. The Valley quail, also from California, will be raised at the 

 new farm at Billings for the same reason. 



There is little reason not to believe that Chukars and quail will, in the 

 years to come, become "natives" of Montana and provide as much sport as do 

 now the brilliantly plumed Chinese pheasant and the "brown bombers," those 

 darting Hungarian partridges. 



INTRODUCING A NEW MONTANA FAMILY. 



Tills fluffy brood of young- Chukar partridg-es. now at the State Qaiue Farm at 

 Warm Spring's, will be transferred to the new g-ame farm at Billing's for raising' and 

 liberation in the siunmer months, and subsequently will provide new hunting' thrills 



for Montana sportsmen. 



