It is recommended that the provisions of this law 

 requiring hunter safety training be extended to re- 

 quire firearm safety training for small game hunting 

 in addition to big game hunting. 



It will be necessary to separate the bird and 

 fishing license into a fishing license and a separate 

 small game license. Included in such legislation 

 must be an amendment to Section 26-215 to remove 

 authorization for persons under 15 years of age to 

 hunt game birds without a license. 



License Fees 



If the bird and fishing license is separated, the 

 fishing license fee should remain at $3.00 The bird 

 and bear license fee should be $2.00 and should 

 include a black or brown bear tag. The small game 

 license would become a prerequisite license for the 

 following licenses and tags: 



Elk $1.00 



Deer $1.00 



Additional Deer $1.00 



Antelope $1.00 



Grizzly Bear $1.00 



Liberalize Beaver Protection Laws 



Many years ago laws were designed to restore 

 Montana's badly depleted beaver. The protection 

 and management provided under Section 26-401 has 

 accomplished this objective. Beaver have become 

 overpopulated in many areas and no longer need 

 the protection. It is recommended that Sections 26-401 

 and 26-402 be repealed and management of beaver 

 can thereafter be accomplished under the provisions 

 of Section 26-321. The Commission would continue to 

 manage beaver by regulations which could either 

 liberalize or restrict the taking of beaver as required. 



Molorboat and Vessel Regulation 



During the 1961 Legislative Session an amend- 

 ment to Section 69-3505 modified fire extinguisher 

 equipment requirements for boats under 26 feet long. 

 Through an oversight, sub-paragraphs 5, 6, and 7 

 of this section were left out. These sub-paragraphs 

 provide for: (5) flame arresters on all gas engines 

 (except outboard); (6) gives regulation authority to 

 administrating board to keep equipment require- 

 ments in conformity with federal laws and regula- 

 tions promulgated by the U. S. Coast Guard, and 

 (7) prohibition against operation of vessels not 

 equipped as required by Section 69-3505 or modifi- 

 cation thereof. 



It is recommended that Section 69-3505 be 

 amended to include the original sub-paragraphs 5, 

 6, and 7. 



It is also recommended that Section 69-3502 of 

 the motorboat and vessel regulation be amended in 

 sub-paragraphs 7 to read as follows: "(7) The word 

 'Board' shall mean the State Board of Equalization." 



This would transfer administration of the certifi- 

 cate of number system from the Fish and Game 

 Department to the State Board of Equalization, and 

 provide that county treasurers issue certificate of 

 numbers. This would simplify the procedure of 

 making application because of the requirement for 

 a tax receipt showing that taxes have been paid on 

 the boat before a certificate of number is issued. 



Night Hunting 



The Fish and Game Commission recommends 

 that the Legislature consider favorably legislation 

 designed to give better control over night hunting of 

 non-game animals. 



Repeal Shipping Permit Regulations 



Restrictive laws regulating shipment of game, fish 

 or fur have been in effect since 1917. These laws 

 were enacted to curtail market hunting of fish and 

 wildlife. They have served their purpose, and it is 

 no longer necessary to inconvenience those who 

 wish to ship or transport legally taken fish or game 

 to destinations outside of Montana. Labeling of 

 packages containing fish, game or furs will be re- 

 quired as provided in Section 26-704. 



It is therefore recommended that Sections 26-701, 

 26-702, 26-703, 26-705 and 26-707 be repealed. 



Firearms — Use of During Hunter Safety Training 



Section 94-3579 provides that any minor child 

 under the age of 14 shall not be permitted to carry 

 or use any firearm of any description, loaded with 

 powder and lead, unless such child is in the com- 

 pany of his parent or guardian. 



It is recommended that this section be amended 

 to provide that any minor child who is enrolled in a 

 certified hunter safety training course shall be al- 

 lowed, while in presence of the training instructor, 

 to handle and discharge firearms as may be required 

 without having his parent or guardian present. 



