1939 Commission reduces the limit for trout to 15 fish, not to exceed 15 pounds and one fish. First comprehensive legislation establishes a State Park System and a separate State Park Commission. 1940 First acquisition of the Judith River Game Range for elk winter range, Judith Basin County. First state big game manager position created. First wildlife biologist hired.
Commission establishes a program to obtain scientific data as a basis for wildlife management.
1947 First fish biologist hired. State Parks receive their first legislative appropriation. 1955 Montana Water Pollution Control Law is passed. 1958 Biologists from FWP, MSU and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develop the nation's first stream rating map. The Commission reduces the daily limit to 10 trout or 10 pounds and one fish.