GAME BIRD FARMS 





Ring^-Npcked Pheasants 



The game farm program in 

 the State has undergone sev- 

 eral changes in the last two 

 years in an effort to derive the 

 greatest possible benefit from 

 the biids released. With less 

 emphasis on attempting to re- 

 lease maximum numbers of 

 birds, it has been possible to 

 concentrate more on the quality 

 of the birds released and on im- 

 proved distribution methods. 



Birds are now being retained 

 as long as possible at the farms 

 before being released. This pro- 

 vides a more mature bird with a better chance for survival after release. Also, 

 as many roosters as possible are held for release just prior to the opening of 

 the hunting season. Studies have shown that in this way, the greatest return 

 to the hunter is realized. Birds are also held over the winter for release in the 

 spring in areas where adequate breeding populations are lacking. 



Pheasant distribution throughout the State is now determined according 

 to the recommendations of field personnel based on the results of surveys made 

 in the various areas, rather than an a county quota system. It is therefore pos- 

 sible for the Fish and Game Department to direct its efforts toward stocking 

 areas where (1) no natural stock is present but where conditions appear to be 

 suitable (2) resident populations have been depleted or (3) heavy hunting 

 pressure in areas with low pheasant populations makes it advisable to release 

 roosters just prior to the hunting season. 



During the last two-year period, the Department operated pheasant farms 

 at Billings, Fort Peck, and Warm Springs. 



Chukar Partridge 



The Department has continued to inciease its efforts toward establishing 

 chukar pai-tridge hunting in the State. The Moiese Game Farm was reopened 

 duiing the Spring of 1952 to raise chukars and has been operated as a chukar 

 faiiii since that time. 



1952-195;{ 

 1953-1954 



<;.\.MK I .Aim PKODl ( TION 



Uiiig-n<-(-k('(l I'lieasaiifs 



33,723 

 25.675 



('hiikar Partridge 



673 

 1258 



Totals 



59,398 



1931 



46- 



