Moose (Present population — 4,060) 



Early work with the moose indicated the possibility of a careful 

 hunter harvest. This was first indicated in the Slough Creek-Hell- 

 roaring area north of Yellowstone Park where the population con- 

 sists of approximately sixty percent bulls. During the first several 

 years mature bulls only were taker). However, adequate numbers in 

 the Big Hole and Rock Creek regibns fifermitted a harvest of a limited 

 number of either sex during the past f^^l^/- '^C^/'/Ji! ■^'V'' "^ *'' 



A careful follow up coverage' bf moose ranges hjp^dicated that 

 hunting has tended to widen the distribution of this' Species and has 

 apparently in no way been detrimentaJj Ip the overjali^opulation. 



t for tfie trapping and trai 



Plans have been worked out for the trapping and transplanting 

 of a small number of moose during the coming winter. 



Mountain Sheep (Present population — 1,600) 



The mountain sheep or bighorn has long been recognized as the 

 number one big game problem animal, not only in Montana but 

 throughout the western states. From an abundance during pioneer 

 times, the numbers have decreased to a remnant of the early popula- 

 tion. These numbers have remained almost static for many years. 



In recognition of this problem intensive work with mountain sheep 

 has been conducted since the beginning of the program. Trapping 

 and transplanting has been attempted. The 16 bighorns moved to the 

 south edge of the\ Fort Peck Game Range in eastern Montana five 

 years ago have shown a very desirable rate of increase. These animals 

 were confined in a large pasture until the current year. This was 

 found necessary in order that they might become well established in 

 the area. They have increased to approximately 75 animals and have 

 now bein. liberated into the surrounding badland area. This was the 

 former range of the Audubon variety of bighorns which became en- 

 tirely extinct by 1916. The lack of severe winter conditions in this 

 area rnay well represent a very favorable situation for the rapid in- 

 creasi: 4nd expansion of bighorns. 



Mh4 acquisition of the Sun River Game Range has now allowed 

 the eik to drift freely out into the foothills during the winter months. 

 This has relieved the Sun River mountain sheep from serious competi- 

 tion with elk which was felt to be detrimental to the sheep in the past. 



Plans are being made for additional transplanting work. In gen- 

 eral, conditions appear increasingly favorable for this important big 

 game species. 



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