agement. This program is being worked out on a cooperative basis 

 with the Forest Service and local logging interests. 



Eastern Montana 



Eastern Montana presented outstanding opportunities for the 

 restoration and development of big game. Such species as antelope, 

 mule deer and white-tailed deer have increased during the past several 

 years under careful management. This has allowed a continuously 

 increasing hunter take. 



The re-establishment of the bighorns in the breaks of the Fort 

 Peck Game Range area has been an outstanding attempt to restore 

 this species on range once occupied by the now extinct Audubon's 

 bighorn sheep. 



This desirable increase in big game numbers and distribution 

 has naturally brought about various problems. It is particularly im- 

 portant, therefore, that accurate information be kept current. A 

 department-owned airplane has been of great value in obtaining this 

 necessary information on the widely scattered ranges. 



GAME RANGE INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT 



The dependence of big game upon available winter range has 

 long been known. Little information, however, has yet been obtained 

 regarding accurate information on the amounts of forage necessary 

 for various numbers of big game. Also, a great deal of information 

 is yet needed regarding the actual manipulation or management of 

 the forage resources so vigorous plant growth may be maintained 

 and still support reasonable numbers of game animals. 



In order that the necessary information will be made available, 

 a cooperative project has been set up between the Fish and Game 

 Department and the Forest Service. The most intensive work in re- 

 gard to this problem is now being carried out on the Gallatin elk 

 range. It is expected, however, that the findings will be applied on a 

 state-wide basis. 



Checking Stations 



It is necessary to have a reasonably accurate check on the num- 

 bers of game animals taken by hunters in order that herds may be 

 properly managed. It has been found that carefully located checking 

 stations within and adjacent to hunting areas furnish much of this 

 needed information. In addition to the actual numbers taken, other 

 important information is obtained, such as the age of the various 

 animals taken as well as other information which aids in the de- 

 termination of the thrift and productiveness of the various game 

 herds. 



UPLAND GAME BIRDS 



As with the big game, it has been necessary to conduct investi- 

 gative work each year to obtain current information on numbers and 

 distribution of important species. Considerable emphasis has been 

 placed upon the pheasant, due to its importance as a hunting bird. 



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