The Montana Fish and Game Commission in session. Members and department seated (around 

 table clockwise): William T. Sweet — Butte; John T. Hanson Sr., Malta; Commission chair- 

 man Ralph D. Shipley, Miles City; Vice-chairman H. W. Black, Poison; Deputy Director W. 

 J. Everin; Director A. A. O'Claire; recording secretary Mrs. Etfie Cutler; E. S. Skibby, Lewis- 

 town. 



ADMINISTRATION 



Managing the Fish and Game Department operations is a l^ig husi- 

 ness, and one that is continually growing with the increased demands 

 of a growing population in the state. The number of people who buy 

 hunting and fishing licenses has conformed to a ratio of one person 

 out of every 3% to 3y2 of the total estimated population for the past 

 several years. This indicates the vast number of people wlio are 

 directly interested in wildlife resource management. 



The Fish and Game Commission is the agency responsil;Ie for a 

 management program. Such programs adopted by the Commission are 

 flexible and are ever adjusting to changing needs and conditions. 



Big game animals such as deer, antelope and elk have responded 

 to management measures and have increased in numbers even though 

 there has been an increase in sale of hunting licenses. Seasons on these 

 big game animals have been liberal with the intent to control i)oi)ula- 

 tions in many areas. 



In comparison with big game, the fisheries resources of the state 

 have not fared so well. Increased fisliing pressure has not been countered 

 with an increase in fisliing water habitat. Increasing demands on 

 water for irrigation, hydro-electric and other uses have actually reduced 

 the amount of water suitable for fisli propagation. 



As more and more knowledge is gained from wildlife research and 

 actual experience, the application of tliis know-how results in sounder 

 wildlife management programs. 



The State h'"ish and Game Director is in charge of the day-to-day 

 operation of the Game Department. He maintains a staff of perscin- 

 nel who assist with management and administrative functions in all 

 fields of operation in tlie department. Man\- of the administrative 

 details are accomplished at the district level by the seven district 

 organizations whicli are geographically established to cover the entire 

 state. 



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