Elk (Total population — 45,900) 



A careful coverage of each of the major elk herds within the state 

 has brought out the need for various types of management in order 

 that this important game animal might be maintained and developed. 

 One of the most obvious needs was found to consist of more adequate 

 winter range. Approximately twenty thousand acres of foothill-type 

 range was obtained under the restoration program in the Sun River 

 area. The acquisition of this tract has solved one of the most difficult 

 big game problems in the state. Up to three thousand elk are now 

 maintained in this herd with no serious conflicts with other land use. 



Work on the Gallatin Canyon range indicated that a lack of winter 

 forage during the more severe winters was seriously handicapping 

 the development of this herd. Six thousand six hundred twenty-eight 

 acres of winter range were purchased. Its development to a maximum 

 of forage will go far toward stabilizing the elk herd in that area. 



The coverage of the Blackfoot-Clearwater region during the early 

 years of the program indicated the need for range, particularly during 

 the more severe winters. Fifty-five thousand acres of game range have 

 been obtained. The carefui management of this area during the past 

 several years has resmXe<^]itiJa much i'mi^oved condition. This area 

 is of distinct benefit-^ elj^and also whtit^-tailed and mule deer. 



Coverage of tliffi#^dith River .^r^af^alsp Indicated the need for 

 winter game ran^3K»^orde^^ Hflt'triee^ thl^yHfe^di 2,523' a^res have been 

 purchased adjaqg^^^^^aj£j9^68fit,^B6undary'?,Mi ^ crititdl winter range 

 area several miles ^afflj|e,ytica. Elk move c^"tq tHi^'range f rom a wide 

 area during the late^|K^This range now availab'Je for big game is 

 materially aiding in woming out the (.(CjOjHSkj^ex J_iV«sto^[irbig game 

 problem formerly existing in that arjea.X''s^^j|^^ '^''■^^.,..> 



Note: By legislative actioa two yea'rs'^go,'at is now possible for 

 the Fish and Game Commission to p^y fi^ c^ts^i^mntteH^r per acre 

 in lieu of taxes for all gam:e rangejands acquired. 



A detailed forage inventory has been completed for the Gallatin 

 winter range. Similar work is being conducted on the Sun River game 

 range. This information will be valuable in determining the proper 

 number of elk to be carried throughout the winter months on these 

 vital areas insuring an adequate and stable forage supply. It is planned 

 that similar basic information be obtained for all major winter game 

 range areas. 



A carefully planned game salting program has been carried out 

 during the past several years. Aerial distribution, particularly in the 

 more remote regions, has become an increasingly important method 

 of distribution. Early spring placement was formerly impossible due 

 to snowed-in trails, particularly at higher elevations. An intensive study 

 of natural licks is also being carried out in conjunction with the over- 

 all salting program. 



A cooperative study between the University and the Fish and 

 Game Department regarding the nutritional requirements of elk will 

 aid materially in a better understanding of this important game 

 animal's forage requirements. 



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