field information obtained through the program, is also geared to 

 avoid serious conflicts with agricultural interests. 



Winter Game Ranges 



The past two years have emphasized the importance of previously 

 acquired big game winter ranges, both in maintaining adequate game 

 numbers and in avoiding conflict with adjacent private lands. The 

 management of the important Sun River elk herd is now based upon 

 the carrying capacity of the winter range area. From one of the most 

 difficult big game problems this Sun River herd has become a 

 model of present day management, chiefly due to the presence of 

 an acquired winter range in the foothills. 



The Judith River Game Range, acquisition of which was started 

 fifteen years ago, has been rounded out and now is carrying out 

 many of the important functions ascribed to the Sun River Range. 

 Although considerably smaller in size, its importance is proportion- 

 ately high. 



The Blackfoot-Clearwater Big Game Range has been of particular 

 importance in overcoming a number of difficult problems pertaining 

 to the wintering of both elk and deer in that area. Elk tagged on 

 the game range, when killed by hunters have indicated the wide 

 area influenced by this winter range. 



The Gallatin Game Range is adding a material source of forage 

 for elk in that area where deep snows seriously handicap the winter 

 foraging activities of elk. 



An additional small game range tract has been purchased during 

 the biennium. It is located in the Whitetail area adjacent to the 



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Liv«-trapp«d elk await ear-tagging beiore release on Judith Game Range. 



— 26 — 



