on research findings, permitted a greater harvest of beaver. Largely 

 as a result of the increased beaver catch, the average income to 

 the individual trapper rose from $214 in the 1952-53 season to $244 

 in the 1953-54 season. 



Beaver 



The history of Montana's beaver population is that of extirpation 

 through intensive, uncontrolled trapping in the 1800's followed by 

 protection during the first half of the twentieth century. Beaver 

 management during the latter period was confined to restoration and 

 limited trapping on private lands for beaver damage alleviation. 

 Areas of overpopulation, manifested by "die-offs" and increasing 

 economic conflict, began showing up during the 1930's. By the late 

 '40's a high beaver population existed throughout the state. 



In July 1952, the Fish and Game Department, concerned with 

 the situation, initiated through the Fur Resources Section a study 

 of beaver populations in the Jefferson Basin. This study was designed 

 to evaluate the true situation and to provide a sound management 

 plan. Preliminary results indicated: (1) a high beaver population 

 existed, (2) the landowner permit system was inadequate for ob- 

 taining a sustained yield harvest, (3) a change in beaver laws was 

 apparently needed. 



Cognizant of the problem, the 1953 Montana Legislature amended 

 the beaver law, authorizing the Fish and Game Commission to declare 

 open seasons. With the advent of this legislation, the immediate need 

 for a basic beaver management program became apparent. 



Utilizing pertinent research results of the Jefferson Basin beaver 

 study in addition to the beaver research reports of other workers, 

 Fur Resources Section personnel formulated such a program. This 

 management plan is based on beaver trapping areas which coincide 

 with local deputy game warden districts. 



The management of each area is administered by the resident 

 deputy game warden. Annually, a trapping quota 

 Warden Manages is set for each area and trappers register for 

 Each Area; Quotas trapping in the area of their choice. The indiv- 

 Set Up — Trappers idual trapper's limit in an area is determined 

 Limit Determined by dividing the area quota by the number of 



trappers registered. Deputy game wardens have 

 the authority to designate specific trapping locations for each trapper 

 within their beaver trapping area. 



This basic plan resolved the problem of administration and 

 provided means of adjusting the distribution of harvest. Maximum 

 harvest limits could be controlled and regulations to control illegal 

 beaver pelt traffic could easily be formulated and administered. 

 Certain pi'oblems were, however, not solved. 



A maximum, sustained, annual or periodic harvest from a basic 

 population compatible with all values involved is in most cases the 

 objective of beaver management. To attain this objective it is 



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