as in the case of domestic livestock, is another ob- 
stacle to good management. Usually this is the 
result of overprotection, which in some localities 
has built up game population far beyond the sus- 
taining capacity of the forests. It engenders dam- 
age to farm crops, increases the competition for 
forage, and impairs watershed and_ recreational 
values. Correction of overstocking is difficult be- 
cause of deeply rooted and often mistaken public 
sentiment for game protection. Public opinion 
with respect to game surpluses should be tem- 
pered by better understanding of wildlife needs 
and the limitations of the forest environment. 
Educational work, particularly among sportsmen, 
seems the most promising approach. 
Insufficient technical knowledge also hampers 
wildlife management. There is not enough re- 
search on food and cover requirements and how 
to supply them. Much research has dealt with 
species injurious to forest or range—too little with 
problems of producing and harvesting wildlife 
crops. Although Federal agencies and the States 
will have to do most of this, the research facilities 
of universities, museums, and private organizations 
should be enlisted more effectively. Cooperative 
Forests and National Prosperity 
now established in 13 
States, need strengthening, and the program should 
be extended to many more States. 
wildlife research units, 
There is also a very important need to get ca- 
pacity crops of game from public forest lands. 
To facilitate this, some public forests should be 
enlarged to include lands essential for wildlife 
management. ‘This would open additional areas 
to the general public for hunting and _ fishing, 
especially east of the Plains where less than 1 acre 
per capita is available for such use. Some western 
national forests should be extended to include 
range badly needed to assure year-long feed for 
deer and elk. 
The chief need, however, is more intensive man- 
agement of public forests—which is the main way to 
get a greater contribution of all their products 
and services. In large part this is a matter of 
additional facilities to do a good wildlife-manage- 
ment job. But beyond that it involves more 
widespread adoption among public land-manag- 
ing agencies of multiple-use management practices 
that seek not only to increase forest wildlife but 
also to utilize it effectively. 
Ligh 
