staff, a number of undergraduates have also received specialized field 

 training outside of classroom work. Some of the more promising 

 graduates have been hired by the Department and now hold responsible 

 positions with the Fish and Game Department. 



The third major objective has been to promote wildlife education. 

 In this regard the Unit Leader has cooperated and participated in the 

 Montana Wildlife Forum, a series of conservation lectures delivered 

 throughout the State. He frequently speaks before sportsmen's organi- 

 zations and civic groups on wildlife and conservation topics. Other 

 staff members participate in the Unit's educational program. 



Kodachrome motion picture films have been developed by the 

 Unit Leader. These illustrate many aspects of present day wildlife 

 research and management. It is expected also tliat these films will 

 be developed for television showing, for sportsmen and adult education 

 groups throughout the State. 



I'ilnis produced to date are: 



1. Canada Geese in the Flathead Valley (1600 ft.) 



2. Big Game in Winter (2000 ft.) 



3. Eagles and Owls in Jackson's Mole, Wyoming (400 ft.) 



4. Trout Fishing in the Tetons (400 ft.) 



5. Rafting Hell's Canyon (400 ft.) 



It has been the policy of the Unit to work closely with the Pittman- 

 Robertson Division of the State Fish and Game Department. This 

 arrangement has enabled the Unit to direct additional funds and man- 

 power on wildlife problems, with the objective of carrying out long- 

 term research on big game nutrition, and waterfowl and upland game 

 bird populations. It is felt that such studies will offer a maximum 

 return to all contributing agencies and be particularly valuable to the 

 State I'ish and (iame Department in the future management of the 

 State's wildlife resources. 



E.xaniples of several of the more important projects included in 

 the Unit program during the past biennial period are as follows: 



Feed Requirements of Elk: The purpose of the study is to obtain 

 information on the nutritional value of important selected forage 

 species of Montana. 



Reproduction in Elk: To study the physiology of reproduction 

 in elk. 



Reproduction in Mule Deer: To determine factors of reproduction 

 for application to the management of the species. 



Magpie Populations and Their Productivity: To determine the 

 importance of this species as a predatory bird and to learn life history 

 factors that might aid in control efforts if proven desirable. 



Biology of Canada Geese in the Flathead Valley: To make a long 

 term study of the population levels and productivity of Canada Geese 

 with the objective of improving management practices. 



-46 — 



