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FOREWORD 



Montana's wildlife resources have continued to prosper during 

 the biennium even in the face of ever-increasing demands by the 

 hunting and fishing public. Sportsmen, recreationalists and nature 

 students from all over the nation look to Montana for its clear, 

 clean waters, its wilderness areas and its vast acreage of unspoiled 

 out-of-doors. 



The real value of our wildlife heritage lies in its contribution 

 to the relaxation, health and general well-being of our nation's people, 

 but economically, the recreation business can also stand in its proper 

 place with other industries in the state. 



With this ever greater interest in Montana's wildlife and in the 

 face of rapidly changing conditions brought about by demands of 

 civilization, the responsibility of managing the wildlilfe resource has 

 become correspondingly increased. Management, charged by law 

 to the State Fish and Game Commission, must today be based upon 

 scientific facts. Mistakes brought about by popular appeal, uninform- 

 ed demands or selfish interests can be costly in terms of the future 

 of wildlife. 



In approaching this responsibility, the Fish and Game Commis- 

 sion has, wherever possible, predicated its program on long-range 

 policies, based on factual information and research. That all of 

 these policies will not be popular is understandable, but it is believed 

 that thinking and informed citizens will recognize the need for 

 scientific long-range planning on matters pertaining to wildlife 

 management. 



For this reason, a definite effort has been made in this Biennial 

 Report to include not only a detailed fiscal and activity report, but 

 also to include some of the thinking that has governed the decisions 

 made in setting up such a program. 



It is also hoped that this report, because of the detailed and 

 factual material, will serve as a reference on Montana Fish and Game 

 Commission activities for the legislature, sportsmen, citizens and 

 students. 



