Access To Fishing Waters 



As has been pointed out in other sections of this report, many of 

 the factors whicli affect the fisheries resource most are not under the 

 control of the Fish and Game Commission. One of these was the 

 aquatic habitat itself in which the fish reside. 



A large quantity of Montana's most productive waters lie wholly 

 or in part within private lands, and sportsmen depend upon the good 

 will of the landowner to fish these waters. It matters not at all the 

 quality of fishing the Commission is able to provide if the public is 

 denied access to these waters. 



Every year sees an increasing amount of water denied to the 

 public for fishing. While the lack of fishing is related to fishing 

 pressure, nevertheless, it has not developed from the direct pressure 

 upon the fisheries resource itself, but rather, from pressure of 

 thoughtless and inconsiderate individuals upon the landowners. 



A great deal of the land posted in the state has been posted for 

 just cause; however, it is only fair to note also that the public is 

 denied access to much water for no reason other than that the land- 

 owner desired to exercise his constitutional right as a landowner in 

 denying anyone the right to enter. 



Even though the Commission is expected to do so, it cannot 

 begin to approach the problem of public access alone. It will 



continue to work on the problems of public 

 access, and it will continue educational programs. 

 The one great, potential source of energy which 

 has directed little effort toward solution of the 

 problem is the sportsmen themselves, both 

 through organized sportsmen's clubs and through 

 other civic groups and service clubs. The Commission plans to expand 

 its encouragement of these. 



Commission Can't 

 Solve Access 

 Problem Without 

 Cooperation 



One solution to access problems is construction of stiles to avoid trampled 

 fences and unclosed gates. Such construction is a worthwhile activity ior any 

 sportsmen's club. 



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