The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-02-11
Tell Plans For
FiShAndGame
Developments
State Commission Outlines
Needs of Montana In This
Important Matter.
MUST SOLVE
MANY PROBLEMS

The Montana state fish and game
commission has issued a circular which
explains the program of development
the commission has in mind. The cir
cular is signed by Kenneth f. Mac
donald, state fish and game warden
and by Elmer G. Phillips, superin-
tendent of state fisheries Excerpts
from the circular follow.
Fish and Game Development Program
With the heavy increased demands
upon our fish, birds and big game, il
is becoming necessary that the Com
mission expand its program material
ly Montana with 100000 acres, the
third largest state in the Union pre-
sents far more difficult problem than
is the case in states smaller in size and
with larger populations.
Fisheries Division
In 1921 there were but three fish
hatcheries. Ten additional hatcheries
have since been constructed along with
development of spawning stations. The
major part of the expansion program
was undertaken in 1928 with only
skeleton construction and with the in
tention to complete each station as
funds would permit This work has
been going on steadily since.
Various development projects are
planned for all the hatcheries, spawn
taking stations and game farms. For
The Libby hatchery the program in
cludes IL circular wood ponds feet in
diameter, semi natural ponds 50x150
feet, dwelling for assistant, and a four
car garage and feed room.
Enforcement
Almost daily the Fish and Game
commission is requested by sportsmen
to employ an additional deputy game
warden In one section of the state OF
another There Is no question but
what the present force of rs men is
inadequate to properly patrol the state
Deputy game wardens are underpaid
salaries ranging from $l25.0O to S150.0(
per month with it being required thai
these men furnish their own car. TIC
reimburse them in part, the Commits
sion allows $500 per month deprecia-
ton for the first Is months on new
car and furnishes gas, oil and repairs
Cars or light trucks designed for such
use should be furnished by the Com
mission as is the case with the highway
patrol.
AT least five more deputies should BIT
employed with salary for deputies
ranging from sl25.O0 to $l750O pei
month.
Big Game
About 500 of the big game is fount
on our national forests and in man,
cases there is not sufficient winte
range for the animals on the forest
resulting in their coming on to priyat
i property during the critical winte
period.
The commission is at present leasln
lands for winter range in Sanders an
Powell counties and there is mos
urgent need for acquiring private land
in Judith Basin and Fergus countie
as well as leasing or acquiring othe
lands in Gallatin and Musselshell coun
ties. The sportsmen can no longer ex
pect private individuals or corpora
tions to continue to provide feed fc
the game animals. 1t is a responsible
ity which should be met by the sports
men.
Predatory Animals
The need for control of predator
animals is becoming more urgent eac
year. There is evidence at every har
that coyotes are destroying large nun
, bers of our game birds and game an
mails Under the plan now propose
! the sportsInen would contribute S12
10000 30 the Bounty Hunter fund. II
stock interests are also contributing
this fund through the mill and one hi
levy on livestock. Bounties on coyot
) would be paid only during April, MI
and June (pupping SEASON. with t
t balance to be used for employment
G hunters in game and stock areas whe
s there is need for such work. The Fl
and Game commission would designs
>, the men to work in game areas.
= Game Birds
b For further development of the gan
bird propagation and distribution os
r, the entire state, the Commission
r, constructing a game farm at Billin
l. The operations of this plant will c
h between 5000 and $4,000 annually.
r, Each year there is q demand for gr'
" for bird feed during the winter mont
n, At least 5000 should be set aside
lie this purpose.
r; To further develop feed and cover
the birds, program is being und
l. taken to plant caragana and other ST
ne able shrubs on public lands and VI
,e private lands with the permission
l. the owner.
70: The proposed license increase J
permit the Commission to make d.
zts mite progress toward completing
he above program to the benefit of
~ srovtc,,,en and paneral cjtizenry