ADMINISTRATION 



stewardship of Montana's wildlife resources is vested by law 

 with the five-man Fish and Game Commission which authorizes all 

 operations of the Department through its executive officer, the State 

 Game Warden. 



This body is responsible not only for the careful administration 

 of its funds in operational expense, but also for the proper manage- 

 ment of the fish and game resources from which the bulk of funds 

 are derived. 



The Commission meets for two days each month to consider 

 current problems, form policies and adopt necessary regulations to 

 meet changing conditions. 



Authority of the Commission to set seasons, bag limits and 

 other regulatory measures within the provisions set forth by legis- 

 lative assent, is of necessity flexible. Decisions are based on the most 

 comprehensive information available from field personnel, sound 

 recommendations from sportsmen and landowners. 



However, some of the Fish and Game Codes have become ob- 

 solete over the years, others need amendment and even more import- 

 ant are several entirely new concepts for Fish and Game Laws to 

 keep pace with the changing wildlife picture. 



Several recommendations for needed legislation are given at the 

 end of this section. These were drawn up after careful study by a 

 committee, appointed by the Governor, which made the proposed 

 revisions after consultation with the Fish and Game Commission, 

 sportsmen, landowners and other interested individuals. 



Electrical business machines were rented during the biennium to facilitate special 

 permit drawings. On antelope permits alone, the process which formerly required 

 six or more weeks was completed by machine in ten hours. Plans call for installa- 

 tion of these machines lor use in future drawings, fisheries creel census worlc, beaver 

 control and other fur research, detailed distribution of accounts, preparation of pay- 

 rolls, property control, questionnaires, cataloging of license sales and other work. 



