fees. It is anticipated that out-of-state hunters will become more 

 numerous when the cost of hunting in comparable western states is 

 found to be similar to the cost in Montana. 



Indications at present are that about 35 per cent of the state hunters 

 are successful in getting one or more big game animals. From checking 

 stations which are maintained in the more important areas plus field 

 contacts and questionnaires, the following totals of legal hunter take 

 have been obtained: \ 



LEGAL KILL 



Montana Big Game 1946 1947 



Whitetail Deer 2,200 2,209 



Mule Deer 10,500 10,484 



Elk 6,700 6,682 



Moose .. , - 100 99 



Antelope 2,800 2,819 



Mountain Goats 100 128 



Black Bear . 900 811 



Grizzly Bear 70 67 



Management of big game may be divided into two general phases: 

 The obtaining of accurate, detailed data concerning each species, and 

 the actual development or doing of the things indicated as necessary 

 by the research work. 



For convenience in study and management the state has been 

 divided into big game management units. These divisions have been 

 determined by topographical and biological factors, and each has distinct 

 problems. Only recently have sufficient well-trained personnel been 

 available to obtain by field investigations the necessary data essential 

 to big-game management. 



Detailed, winter coverage was made of the important Blackfoot- 

 Clearwater, Beaverhead-Big Hole, and Ruby-Madison game ranges. 

 Similar intensive work was carried out in the Gallatin-Absaroka unit 

 over a two-year period. On this unit so many problems have developed 

 with reference to the northern Yellowstone and Gallatin elk herds that 

 a man has been permanently assigned to this area. A study of the 

 factors involved on the winter elk range, with the objective of im- 

 proving these ranges, is being conducted with the co-operation of the 

 U. S. Forest Service. This information is expected to have a vital bear- 

 ing on the management of the Gallatin elk herd. 



Two men have been assigned to a study of the relationship of sus- 

 tained yield timber management and game production. Objectives are 

 to maintain a maximum deer herd on the forest lands of Lincoln County 

 and to increase the yearly yield of deer in this unit. The vital import- 

 ance of both timber and game production on this area makes a complete 

 understanding of the inter-relationships essential. This project is con- 

 ducted in co-operation with the U. S. Forest Service. 



On the rolling plains and eroded badlands of eastern Montana, dif- 

 ferent game management problems occur. A major portion of the 

 management program in the eastern area has consisted of re-stocking 

 depleted areas. One man with two assistants has been permanently 

 assigned to this large area. An airplane has been purchased for use 

 on the vast territories of eastern Montana. Definite management plans, 

 based upon field observations, have been prepared for this area. The 

 desirable hunter harvest of both antelope and deer has been determined, 



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