The space age has its merits and its excitement, with ever greater 

 probes into new horizons and travel to distant planets just out of 

 grasp. But while we dream of alien galaxies, we are still earth bound, 

 and so it is our own planet and our own state that requires immedi- 

 ate attention and energies. 



As the population of the United States continues to pile up, fea- 

 tures of the landscape are moulded into cities, roads, airstrips, and 

 the myriads of other artificialities civilization requires. Simultane- 

 ously, there is a growing thirst to visit for awhile more natural and 

 primitive settings, to catch a fish, and breathe fresh pine-scented 

 air, free from the smell of industry and the by-products of crowded 

 living. 



It is our good fortune that the Northwest, and more specifically 

 Montana, remains the natural storehouse of elbow room, scenic beauty, 

 end wildlife. It may soon, in fact, become the playground of this busy 

 nation if only the things that people are looking for can be main- 

 tained. 



The Montana Fish and Game Department's management pro- 

 grams are designed to provide as much hunting and fishing as is com- 

 patible with land and water uses. They are geared to offer recreation 

 to today's hunter and to insure sustained crops of fish and wildlife 

 for generations to come. This is often an uphill course, and not with- 

 out adversity. With the continued support of Montana sportsmen, co- 

 operation of other agencies, and enlightened legislation as has been 

 enacted in the past, our goals will be realized. 

 Frank H. Dunkle, Director 

 Montana Fish and Game Department 



C O N T E N T^fi.4^-ld&^ 



Administration . . -i -. ri nV 2 



Recommended Legislation iiii i ri'iT|' |fl{ f/^V^^^^^^"* 3 



Information-Education ;..... 1 6 



Game Management 8 



Recreation and Lands Development 14 



Statistical Section 17 



Fisheries 18 



Law Enforcement 27 



Financial Report 31 



Cover Photo by Eldon Smith 



