This information indicated that Montana's pheasant population fol- 

 lowed the nation-wide trend of a decided decline following the high 

 numbers of '39 and '40 to a decided low in 1946. A slow upward climb 

 has been observed since that time although a moderate setback in 

 this upward trend was noticed during the spring of 1950 due ap- 

 parently to adverse weather conditions. 



In addition to the information regarding state-wide trends in 

 numbers, definite information is being obtained regarding the adapt- 

 ability of game farm-raised birds to wild conditions and also in 

 obtaining information regarding better ways of acclimating these 

 birds to their new environment. 



Practical methods of improving pheasant habitat are being car- 

 ried out on an experimental basis with the hope of expanding this 

 program if found to be effective and feasible. Work on native species 

 is being carried out principally in the nature of spot checks to gain 

 comparative information from year to year regarding the numbers of 

 the various species of grouse. This information is of particular im- 

 portance as a basis for the setting of the annual hunting regulations. 



(24) 



