Big 



Game 



It has been interesting to observe the steady upward trend indicated 

 by several of tlie important big game species in the State. The follow- 

 ing tabulation gives the estimated statewide population for 1945 and 

 10 years later in 1955: 



Ten Year Comparison in Numbers of Montana's More 

 Abundant Big Game Species 



Big Game Estimated Population Statewide* 



Species 1945 1955 



Elk 29,100 51,700 



White-Tailed Deer 34,200 69,200 



Mule Deer 88,000 197,900 



Antelope 25,200 59,300 



*Figures have been rounded off to nearest hundred. 



Other species includmg moose, mountain goat, mountain sheep 

 and grizzly bear have indicated a more stabilized population during 

 this period. The rapid increase, particularly among deer and antelope, 

 has necessitated several important changes in big game regulations 

 throughout this period. Those that have been of particular interest 

 during the biennium have consisted of an almost statewide application 

 of either-sex deer hunting. More than one deer to the hunter has been 

 authorized hi areas indicating the most serious winter range depletion. 

 An Act passed by the last Legislature has made it possible to issue $20 

 licenses to out-of-state hunters in areas where the increase of deer was 

 not being harvested by local residents. This legislation has also made 

 it possible to more adequately harvest the more-rapidly increasing 

 antelope herds, particularly in the southeastern section of the State. 

 These regulations have increased the take by hunters and have thus 

 aided in balancing deer and antelope numbers with available forage. 



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