prepared, administered and carried out by state personnel. The 

 Fish and Wildlife Service, acting for the federal government, de- 

 termines only that projects are sound and of value to wildlife. All 

 property and equipment acquired under this program belongs to the 

 state. 



The various projects undertaken during the biennium are briefly 

 described under the following headings: 



WILDLIFE DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION 

 Big Game Trapping and Transplanting 



Within the past ten years large numbers of various species of big 

 game have been trapped and transplanted. The objective of this 

 work has been to obtain seed stock from areas where game was 

 abundant and move them into desirable new ranges either to stimu- 

 late small existing herds or to establish new ones. Most of the work 

 during this period was limited to the moving of antelope, mule deer, 

 white-tailed deer, mountain goat and mountain sheep. 



In a continuation of this program the past two years, 1,420 ante- 

 lope were moved onto new ranges. There were also 208 mule deer, 

 115 white-tailed deer, and 41 mountain goats transplanted. Excellent 

 results have been obtained in the establishment of these animals 

 in desirable areas. 



Sun River Game Range Development 



The Sun River winter elk range (approximately 18,000 acres) 

 which was acquired three years ago, has been fenced during the past 

 biennium. This fence is of the stock type which allows free access 

 to elk but prevents use by livestock. Interior fences have been re- 

 moved. The area thus developed has solved an extremely difficult 

 big game problem which previously existed in the Sun River area. 

 It is now possible for approximately 3,000 elk to winter there without 

 conflict with other land uses. 



Blackfoot-Clearwater Acquisition and Development 



Game range amounting to approximately 11,000 acres has been 

 purchased by the state within the past two years. In addition, slightly 

 over 40,000 acres of adjoining range has been leased for wildlife pur- 

 poses. This unit strategically located at the junction of the Clear- 

 water and Blackfoot Rivers, is being developed for the restoration 

 and maintenance of big game. 



Some portions of this range have become seriously depleted by 

 heavy use in the past. Forest development by protection, reseeding 

 and plantings is an important part of the restoration program on 

 these lands. 



Judith River Big Game Range Acquisition and Development 



The state acquired 760 acres of land last year, which, added to 

 the previous purchase in this area, brings this winter game range 

 to 2,290 acres. The area is of extreme importance to both the elk 

 and the deer. 



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