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An intensive goose population study in the Flathead Valley begun in 1952 is 
being continued by State personnel and the.Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research 
Unit at Montana State University. The first two years of this work has been com- 
pleted and the results are reported in an M. S, thesis by Mary Baraclough. 
The objects of this study are to determine the population status of the geese 
and to develop an accurate census technique. 
Table I. - Montana Waterfowl Breeding Ground Aerial Census Data, 1953-1954, 
- Square Miles Ducks per Approx. Size Population Percent 
Area Sampled Square Mile Sample Area Estimate Change 
Eastern Highline 

1953 173.0 4.47 7,920 35,402 
+53, 02 
1954 173.0 6.84 7,920 54,173 
Central Highline 
1953 109.2 9.68 9,468 91,650 ; 
+59. 30 
1954 109.2 15,42 9,468 145,997 
Western Highline 
1953 161.0 6.67 | 7,020 46, 823 
+19.79 
1954 161.0 7.99 7,020 56,090 
Sheridan Moraine 
1953 25.5 59.09 1,440 50,818 
; +82.00 
1954 25.5 64,23 1,440 92,491 
Total 
1953 468.7 14, 03* 25, 848 224, 693 
455,21 
1954 468.7 23.62% 25, 848 348, 751 
* Average of four areas. 
