PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION 



Since Fish and Game programs must vary with conditions which 

 are continually changing, it is absolutely essential that the inter- 

 ested public be kept fully informed of the changes occurring in nature 

 and the need for subsequent changes in the department's program. A 

 lack of this information is perhaps the greatest handicap to modern 

 game management. This bottleneck prevents putting into practice facts 

 long known to be essential in maintaining satisfactory hunting and 

 fishing. 



A constant demand for information on Montana's wildlife has been 

 exerted upon the department. Sportsmen's groups, civic organizations, 

 schools, 4-H groups, and others have requested speakers, literature, 

 movies, radio programs, and other outlets. Newspapers and news- 

 gathering agencies have also desired information. 



During the 1946-47 period every effort has been made to supply 

 speakers for any group upon request. Personnel of the office and field 

 alike are being called on to meet the numerous requests. The depart- 

 ment has purchased a number of films which are distributed for public 

 use by the State Visual Education Department. Plans are in progress 

 to offer films of department origin which will depict various activities. 

 Since the fall of 1947, radio stations and news-gathering agencies have 

 been supplied with the type of information they often request. The 

 department is contributing to the annual state 4-H conservation camp. 

 In spite of the limited facilities available to meet the above mentioned 

 demands, progress is being made. The department is gaining experience 

 in supplying information and education, which will be relied upon when 

 an expanded program seems advisable. 



LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS 



During the past two years, it has become apparent that changes in 

 existing statutes through legislative action are necessary. Increasing 

 demands on our wildlife resources necessitate additional safeguards in 

 order that the citizens of the state can equally share in the enjoyment 

 that wildlife affords. 



A revision of the statutes regarding guides and packers is necessary 

 in order to give more supervision and provide a high standard of guide 

 service to the public. Increased license sales and fees require that the 

 State of Montana be more fully protected by a higher bond requirement 

 from license agents. 



Clarification of the statutes providing for the purchase of licenses 

 is necessary, particularly defining the requirements to purchase resident 

 hunting and fishing licenses and limiting the exceptions to members of 

 the Armed Forces for the purpose of obtaining resident hunting and 

 fishing licenses. A revision of the statutes defining game fish should 

 be made. The special permit system for taking big game animals should 

 be altered and revised to take care of certain discrepancies and present 

 unsatisfactory provisions. 



New legislation should be enacted to prohibit the artificial introduc- 

 tion of any fish and wildlife into Montana from sources outside or inside 

 the state without knowledge oi- consent by the Fish and Game Com- 

 mission. A statute should be included in the law which will allow Fed- 

 eral Aid Funds to pay a nominal fee per acre to regular tax receiving 



22 



