our native birds. Big game research, of course, in- 

 cludes all of our large four-footed game animals. 



Small Game Research. At this time, we are con- 

 ducting research on two species of grouse — the blue 

 grouse in the mountainous country and the sharp- 

 tailed grouse on the prairie. This research is aimed 

 primarily at establishing what constitutes good 

 grouse range in the various vegetative complexes 

 throughout the state. In addition, information is being 

 obtained on vitally needed life histories and methods 

 of census and harvest potential. To date, all of these 

 studies have shown the way to more liberalized 

 seasons without adversely affecting the total grouse 

 population. More information will certainly show the 

 way toward refinement in the management of these 

 species. 



Big Game Research. Currently we are engaged 

 in working with elk, moose, bear and forage re- 

 lationships between deer, elk and livestock. The end 

 result of all of these studies will be refined manage- 

 ment for the species involved. To date, we hove 

 utilized our research findings in management of bear 

 and moose. The refinement of our harvest procedures 

 on these species can be directly attributed to the 

 research that has gone into this program. As one 

 study is completed, another is undertaken on a basis 

 of priority established by the needs of the Depart- 

 ment. 



Research often moves slowly. However, in game 

 management it pays off in maximum wildlife to 

 satisfy current, as well as future needs of our ever 

 growing population. 



GAME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BIENNIUM 



ana's take of big g< 



Is hit a high in 1961. 



BIG GAME 

 Record Big Game Harvest 



The remarkable all-time record big game harvest 

 of 166,700 animals in 1961 was the outstanding 

 occurrence of the biennium. Five months of hunting 

 opportunity on nine species of big game combined 

 with good hunting weather and enthusiastic hunters 

 produced these agreeable results. The potential exists 

 for even greater harvest without harm to breeding 

 stocks. In fact, in many big game areas greater har- 

 vests are an absolute must if we ore to protect and 

 preserve critical winter forage supplies threatened 

 by current and past overuse. 



Quantity and Quality 



Record harvests were set for four species: elk, 

 moose, sheep and black bear. Increases in quantity 

 have not been at the cost of quality. Montana's 

 superb back-country continues to furnish some of the 

 finest recreational hunting in the nation. Montana 

 big game trophies again took top spots in the Na- 

 tional Boone and Crockett Club competition. For 

 example, Montana trophies took first place in elk, 

 mule deer (non-typical) and white-tailed deer (non- 

 typical) in the 1961 competition. 



Look Back Ten Years 



A look at the records shows that the big gome 



14 



