

.^^h 



Brood stocks of Chukar partridge are reared at Montana Game Bird Farms 

 for release in selected areas in an eiiort to establish this species for Montana 

 sportsmen. Although it has successfully adapted itself to many of the areas 

 ■where it has been released, it has not as yet reproduced in sufficient numbers to 

 make hunting feasible. 



Chukar Partridge 



In order to add to hunting possibilities, the chukar partridge, 

 an exotic from Southern Asia, has been recently introduced. Earlier 

 plants in neighboring states have indicated that its most desirable 

 habitat is in the more arid rocky sections. To date 16 major plants 

 have been made. Field observations have been carried out in order 

 to determine the success of these various introductions. Although a 

 fair degree of nesting success has been observed, it is as yet too 

 soon to predict the final outcome of this most recent addition to the 

 upland game birds of Montana. 



Merriam Turkey 



The entire State has been carefully inspected with the objective 

 of determining the feasibility of introducing the Western or Merriam's 

 turkey. Careful observations have been made of the better turkey 

 range in neighboring states. From this work it appears that Montana 

 contains several favorable areas which meet all of the important re- 

 quirements of the wild turkey with the possible exception of a mast 

 bearing species such as scrub oak. Introduction of this species will be 

 made on a trial basis and careful study of each transplant will pro- 

 vide a key as to the practicability of developing wild turkeys in 

 Montana. 



— 29 — 



