fyox&w.QSid 



Montana presents a charming variety of topography, climate and 

 wildlife species. Snow-capped mountain ranges give way to rolling, 

 fertile plains and picturesques river breaks as one travels eastward 

 across the state. This natural heritage is enjoyed not only by all Mon- 

 tanans, but is increasingly appreciated by guests from out of the state. 



The Fish and Game Commission is charged with the responsibility 

 of the development and maintenance of the wildlife resources in har- 

 mony with the carrying capacity of the environment, as well as other 

 important land uses. This is no easy task. A great deal of work has 

 been done in the past, but much is yet to do. 



One point is very clear — no matter how curtailed the personnel 

 of the Department or its facilities, there is an obligation that will not 

 be broken. Wildlife must be so managed that when the boys who are 

 fighting for us return, they will be able to again enjoy the pleasures 

 and the solace of the out-of-doors and the wild things that are so much 

 a part of it. We can certainly do no less. 



The report of the Department for the past biennium follows. It at- 

 tempts to summarize the activities of the Department during this period, 

 and at the same time to present some of the problems which arise in 

 managing wildlife under a multiple land use program. It is a picture 

 of the past with hints as to the picture of the future. It is dedicated to 

 a better understanding of fish and game problems by the citizenry 

 of the state. 



k^>* 



