GAME BIRD FARMS 



RING-NECKED PHEASANTS 



During the past two-year period, the Department operated pheas- 

 ant farms at Billings, Fort Peck, and Warm Springs. Continued em- 

 phasis was placed on the quality of the birds released and on improved 

 distribution methods. All birds were retained as long as possible at 

 the farms before being released in order to provide a more mature bird 

 with a better chance for survival in the wild. A large portion of the 

 roosters were held for release just prior to the opening of the hunting 

 season in order to insure the greatest possible return to the hunter's 

 bag. These birds were released to provide hunting in areas with heavy 

 hunting pressure and low pheasant populations. 



The Department continued its program of providing pheasant eggs 

 for 4-H Club programs and other individuals interested in raising 

 pheasants for release in the wild. Approximately 6,000 eggs were dis- 

 tributed for this program. 



At the end of the 1954 season, the total production of pheasants 

 by the Fish and Game Department passed the one-half million mark. 

 Over 500,000 birds have been produced and released in the various 

 counties in Montana during the past 24 years of game farm operation. 



CHUKAR PARTRIDGE 



The State Game Farm at iMoiese was operated during the past 

 biennium solely for the production of chukar partridge. Initial plants 

 were made in 20 areas in the State in an effort to establish a huntable 

 population of this new game bird. 



GAME FARM PRODUCTION 



Ring-necked Pheasant Chukar Partridge 



1954-1955 36,533 942 



1955-1956 37,014 1,274 



73,547 2,216 



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