The shelters have been carefully located in order that the birds 

 may find food available even during the more severe winter periods. 

 It is expected that this program will very materially lessen the winter 

 loss of game birds. 



Big Game Investigations 



In order that necessary information would be available as an aid in 

 working out a wide variety of problems, wildlife investigative work has 

 been an important part of the Restoration Program. The percentage 

 of this type of work has lessened since the first two years, at which 

 time surveys were necessary to lay a factual foundation for the de- 

 velopment projects which are being carried on. 



It has been found necessary, however, to continue a curtailed 

 amount of this type of work in order that information be kept up to date 

 regarding numbers of big game, range conditions, annual increase, 

 hunter take, relationships with other land uses, as well as game bird 

 numbers and distribution, plus many other vital problems dealing di- 

 rectly with the complex management of the wildlife resources of the 

 State. 



During the two years covered in this report additional information 

 has been gained regarding the potential game ranges in the eastern 

 half of the state. This is a decided aid in working out deer planting 

 programs in such areas as the Bull Mountains, the Sarpy Creek Area, 

 Glendive Badlands and the Missouri Breaks. 



Detailed information has also been gained regarding antelope. This 

 has been decidedly important in setting up the various hunting areas, 

 seasons and numbers to be taken. One man has been stationed in the 

 area and has been responsible for gaining this information. 



An additional man has been assigned to the western end of the 

 state and has been given the responsibility of obtaining all possible in- 

 formation on big game in that section. He was aided during the past 

 summer and fall by two additional men in carrying on a detailed in- 

 vestigation in connection with mountain goats in the Sun River-Flathead 

 Area. The findings of this work will be of particular importance in de- 

 ciding whether a hunting season should be opened on this species of big 

 game in this important unit. 



Annual winter counts have been conducted in the Sun River, Gal- 

 latin, Northern Yellowstone and Little Belt elk ranges. Other important 

 game ranges have been covered during the period. 



A mein has been assigned to checking game bird numbers and 

 habitat conditions on a state-wide basis. This information has been 

 vital to the various game bird development projects undertaken. Neces- 

 sary editorial work has been completed in the Ring-necked Pheasant 

 Food Habits Report. This has been published and distributed under the 

 title, "The Relation of Pheasants to Agriculture in Montana." 



—16— 



