STATEWIDE INVESTIGATIONS PROJECTS 



W-37-R-10 and 11 — State Range Researeh 

 Project 



The purpose of this project is to develop 

 standardized methods for Department person- 

 nel to gather range information. Determina- 

 tion of big game food habits and range rela- 

 tionships are also a phase of this project. The 

 range program is tied in very closely with the 

 management personnel on the various depart- 

 ment administrative districts throughout the 

 state. It also provides the link between the 

 department range program and the range 

 program of the U. S. Forest Service and the 

 U. S. Bureau of Land Management. 



W-49-R-8 and 9 — Fur Resource Management 

 Predator and Bear Surveys and Investiga- 

 tions 



Through this project, factual information 

 is being obtained regarding production, eco- 

 nomic distribution, population status, and cer- 

 tain other aspects of the ecology of fur-bearing 

 animals in Montana. This information is ex- 

 tremely important in the development of a 

 biologically sound management program for 

 these animals. Recommendations for trapping 

 regulations are submitted to this project by 

 district personnel. A study has been made 

 regarding predatory animals and their rela- 

 tionship to game and livestock. Also, a study 

 is being conducted in regard to black bear in 

 Montana. This work will fill an important 

 need for the development of an adequate man- 

 agement program for this class of big game. 

 Information gathered to date will make an 

 important contribution to the adoption of open 

 seasons, bag limits, as well as policies and 

 recommendations for legislation having to do 

 with black bear management. 



W-91-R-2 — Upland Game Bird Research 



Personnel assigned to this project develop 

 management techniques for use by district 

 personnel. Standardization and testing of 

 methods to be used in gathering facts for 

 management is important to the continued 

 progressive management of game birds. Spe- 

 cial life history studies are being conducted 

 on sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and blue 



Special studies are being conducted on species ai upland 

 game birds. (Photo by B. J. Rose.) 



grouse. The results of these studies will pro- 

 vide better management and provide an im- 

 proved recreation for sportsmen. 



WINTER GAME RANGE DEVELOPMENT 



The primary objectives of winter game 

 range development are to restrict elk to defi- 

 nite wintering areas where they will not com- 

 pete with livestock operations and to provide 

 a stable forage base for elk herds so the 

 maximum number of harvestable elk may be 

 produced year after year. 



During the biennium, operations on these 

 areas were designed to maintain existing fea- 

 tures and to further develop and enhance the 

 areas as winter game ranges. Construction 

 and maintenance of fences and buildings, 

 patrol, and herding of elk were routine ac- 

 tivities. Forage production and utilization 

 plots have been established and measured to 

 determine range condition and the amount of 

 use by game. Several of the game ranges 

 continue to increase in popularity for fishing. 

 picnicing and camping as well as hunting. 



Major construction during the report period 

 consisted of a residence and small patrol cabin 

 on the Sun River Game Range and many sec- 

 tions of boundary fence on several of the other 

 game ranges. 



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