Status op the pronghobned antelope, 1922-1924 38 



breaks. In 1918 he saw seven, which wintered within a mile of the town of 

 Cimarron. In 1921 a band of 16 spent the summer and winter about 15 miles 

 south and west of Garden City. He has not seen them since that time, but is 

 of the opinion that they may still be ranging in the sandhills of that vicinity. 



* MONTANA 



In the early days the great plains of Montana contained countless thousands 

 of antelope. The present census records surviving herds in 44 districts, 

 mainly in the eastern and central parts of the State, with a total of approxi- 

 mately 3,000 animals. As in many other States, the antelope situation here 

 is precarious and needs prompt attention if the herds are to be perpetuated. 



The information given below is mainly the result of inquiries made by 

 Thomas N. Marlowe, chairman of the State fish and game commission ; C. A. 

 Jakways, State game warden; by employees of the Forest Service; and 

 especially by O. E. Stephl, E. E. Bateman, and other employees of the 

 Biological Survey. It should be noted that several antelope herds drift 

 back and forth between northern Montana and Canada, particularly from 

 northern Valley and Hill Counties. ^In severe winters, antelope frequently 

 drift down the Yellowstone Valley into the State from the Yellowstone 

 National Park, Wyo. 



Some ranchmen complain of injury to crops by antelope, one complaint 

 relating to damage to alfalfa in Powder River County. Abandonment of 

 ranches by a large number of dry-land farmers has restored more favorable 

 conditions for antelope over considerable areas. Many new settlers are inter- 

 ested in protecting the antelope, but from curiosity frequently kill a single 

 animal to get an opportunity to taste its flesh. A considerable number of the 

 older ranch owners who were in the State during, the days when the antelope 

 was one of the common game animals, are now taking an active interest trying 

 to prevent the extermination of the species. In some cases they afford ante- 

 lope the same protection against hunting on their ranges that they give their 

 cattle. The antelope have learned these sanctuaries, and when shot at else- 

 where immediately run to them for safety. Local sportsmen's associations are 

 in position to be very helpful in developing antelope conservation in the State. 



Thomas N. Marlowe, chairman of the State Fish and Game Commission, 

 wrote as follows : 



" The matter of further protection and propagation of the antelope is, to 

 my mind, a very difficult one. In spite of what we have tried to do in this 

 State, they seem to be, as stated in your letter, on the decrease and practically 

 threatened with extinction. The only possible solution of the matter appears 

 to be the creation of an antelope preserve somewhere in eastern Montana. 

 This should be as thoroughly fenced as the buffalo range near here and the 

 predatory animals destroyed. 



" I believe also that a new herd should be started on the buffalo range. 

 [It will be noted below that in September, 1924, a small herd was reestablished 

 on the buffalo range by the Biological Survey.] I believe something can be 

 accomplished along these lines, and if a reserve is created in eastern Montana 

 possibly our department might be able to do something toward financing it, if 

 not too expensive. I am with you in the hope that some solution can be 

 found at the antelope conference to help remedy the situation. 



" i am satisfied after having been a member of the State fish and game com- 

 mission for more than five year;; thai the greatest problem confronting us in 

 Stale in iho protection of game is the control of predatory animals. If 

 ue could exterminate them there would be plenty of game in the State for all 



