GAME FARMS 



It has been shown that planting ring-necked pheasants raised 

 under artificial conditions can be advisable only when the release 

 areas do not have good existing stocks of the species. Where a good 

 breeding stock of birds is in existence, the natural production is 

 adequate to supply the area with all of the birds the area will support. 

 Therefore birds raised at an average cost of $1.50 to $2.00 each must 

 be wisely released. With this in mind the Fish and Game Depart- 

 ment has directed its efforts toward stocking birds in areas where 

 (1) no natural stock is present but conditions seem suitable for sur- 

 vival; and (2) weather conditions or natural disaster has reduced the 

 resident population of birds. 



The department is also directing more intensive efforts toward 

 developing chukar partridge hunting in the state. However, the pro- 

 gram is proceeding cautiously with field biologists studing the results 

 of each attempted transplant. Basic stock for introduction has been 

 raised at Billings and Warm Springs. 



Montana game farms are under the direct supervision of the 

 Superintendent of Game Farms, who is also foreman at the Billings 

 Game Farm. Only the most modern and efficient methods of propaga- 

 tion are used. Eggs are obtained from a select breeding stock of 

 pheasants held over each year for this purpose. These are then hatched 

 in thermostatically controlled incubators. Young birds are fed until 

 nine to twelve weeks of age, at which time they are released in the 

 wild. 



Game Farm Production 



Game Farm 



CHINESE PHEASANTS 

 RELEASED 



Game Farm 1950-51 1951-52 



Billings 12,328 11,768 



Warm Springs 8,073 10,150 



Fort Peck 12,393 11,805 



Totals 33,462 33,723 668 673 



21) 



