\in i tmm JUNE 1957—Montana and Departmenl Official Publication H >

5 o

s^ MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT

Official iiM^ Publication

State of Montana

J. Hugo Aronson, Governor

MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

E. J. Skibby, Lewistown, Chairman

H. W. Black, Poison Ralph D. Shipley, Miles City

John T. Hanson, Sr., Malta William T. Sweet, Butte

A. A. O'Claire, Helena, Secretary

DIVISION DIRECTORS

A. A. O'Claire ....Director

Walter J. Everin.... Deputy Director

Walter M. Allen.. Superintendent

Robert F. Cooney Game Manager

Wynn G. Freeman Coordinator, Restoration

Don L. Brown Chief Law Enforcement Officer W. Kenneth Thompson Information and Education

R. H. Turnbull Chief Clerk Vernon Craig, Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Roadside Flora—Guest Editorial 3

1957 Fish and Game Legislation 4

Game Bird Inventory Methods 7

Use oi Aircraft in Fish & Game Management 11

Wild River . . ._ - 15

Shooting Safety 21

DDT and Fish... .-. 23

Montana Blue Grouse 28

Predators Are Like People 32

"Montana ," may be obtained free of charge by writing the Montana Fish and Game Department at Helena. Contents of this

magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part if properly credited. 7

'I

EDITORIAL

Guest Editorial—By John Willard '!

Last year, as I drove through one of Western Montana's nicest mountain valleys, the left front hub cap flipped off the wheel, spun across the road and into the borrow pit.

When 1 climbed out of the car to go after it, the roadside looked as clean as a hound's tooth, grass green and neat along the shoulders, but the bottom of the borrow pit was another story. In the 10 minutes it took to find the lost hub cap, I was treated to one of the sorriest sights in Montana. Every footstep covered a beer can, piece of Kleenex, paper milk bottle, pop bottle, old inner tube, paper sack, paper plate, or what have you. A wheel barrow wouldn't have held all the junk within arm's length anywhere along this highway. It would have taken a dump truck to pick it all up' for a mile.

The amazing thing about it is that someone hauled all this stuff out there, an astound- ing job of trcnsportation matched only by the callous ignorance of the haulers. This is the age of throw-aways. Everything comes wrapped and sealed in a container made to throw away. In my childhood of not too long ago, (?) there was an item of thrift in the container

bottle, whether it contained beer or milk, was a thing of value, some- business. Every (| thing to be hoarded and taken to the store to be traded in for a few dimes. Now this ii is an outmoded way of . Bottles are boldly marked "Not for reuse," as though even ]|

filling one with would constitute a high crime and punishable under the law. i, No wonder people are so anxious to get rid of them. Don't even want them in the car S

for fear it might constitute use and foul them with the law. J

Then, there is the paper industry. Use of paper has mounted astronomically in the J served only a writing surface today last few years, and what in my boyhood days as \ can be anything from a milk bottle to a portable nose-wiper and glasses cleaner, boxed so that a new one flips up everytime one is used. There are paper cups, paper boxes, paper wrappings and other items of daily necessity, all carefully coated with wax to withstand years of buffeting by the elements and thus becoming a permanent part of the roadside scenery. And ah yes, the beer can. This noble triumph of engineering science has laid a firm grip not only upon our civilization but upon the byways of rural America for centuries to come. Securely enameled outside and lacquered inside to protect the sub-

tle flavor of the hops, it is as indestructible an item as Fort Knox. A tiny bastion, em- battled against the best efforts of wind, weather and little boys playing "Kick the Can,"

'i it will be with us forever, a perpetual reminder of the thirst of the traveler. Added to the galaxy of roadside flora must be the paper or pasteboard carton, (I

'i usually filled v«th weather-resistant relics of picnics or car seat lunches such as paper knives and forks, paper cups, paper plates, waxed paper and plastic sandwich bags. I' the flower gardens of our highways, 1 they become 1 Festooned across the tumbleweeds the putrid petunias of the borrow pit. J'

'i off the blacktop or a pop bottle sail whistling into the wind. The arc of a paper plate must match the flight of the wild duck in the fantasy of the motorist whose car must be J'

ii tidy at all costs. Montanans share America's dist.nction in an outdoor sport that costs $50,000,000 a I'

S year to clean up. It should cause a surge of pride that could be mistaken for a twinge of '' conscience. FINAL STATUS OF LEGISLATION CONCERNING FISH AND GAME MATTERS BEFORE THE 35th LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

During the 35th Legislative Assembly a total of 28 bills concerning Fish and Game matters was considered by the Legislative Assembly. Of this number, 18 "were introduced in the House and 10 in the Senate. Five of the 18 House bills were passed by both houses and signed by the Governor. Six of the 10 Senate bills passed both houses and were signed by the Governor.

Following is a brief resume of the legislation which was killed, as well as the bills which were passed and have been enacted into law.

House Bills Killed

H. B. 7—Introduced by Gray (Sweet Grass)—Provides that any costs incurred by a county in game law violations will be paid out of the Fish and Game fund. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE SINCE A SIMILAR IS IN EFFECT.

H. B. 53—Introduced by Gray (Sweet Grass)—Provides amendment to the game farm la-w which would permit private owners of rare and wild species of geese to operate without having pens covered by wire and with birds rendered incapable of flight. KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 58—Introduced by Rieder (by request) (Jefferson)—This bill removes the power of the Fish and Game Commission to limit the number of hours for , or in other words would put fishing on a 24-hour basis. KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 212—Introduced by Barnes (Treasure), Allen (Custer), Gray (Sweet Gross)—Would re- quire payment of crop damage caused by wild deer and antelope. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 238—Introduced by Berg (Park) and Walton (Park) (by request)—Would establish the dates and hours of Park County elk season and take this power from the Fish and Game Commission. PASSED HOUSE—KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE

H. B. 251—Introduced by Gleed (Beaverhead), Goodgame (Lincoln), Strnisha (Ravalli)—Would give Fish and Game Commission authority to regulate importation of fish and fish eggs. PASSED HOUSE—KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 295—Introduced by Holtz (Cascade), Morrison, (Cascade), Meagher (Cascade), Conklin (Cascade), Regan (Cascade), Anderson (Cascade)—This bill would provide for transfer of a State school section of on Smith River to the State Parks Commission. The bill would hove given the public access to Smith River for recreational purposes. PASSED HOUSE. KILLED IN SENATE FINANCE AND CLAIMS COMMITTEE.

H. B. 330—Introduced by Helding (Missoula)—Would increase the payment for selling a license from ten cents to fifteen cents. PASSED HOUSE. KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE. H. B. 359—Introduced by Gerard (Madison)—Would require public hearing prior to purchasing or leasing any for game purposes. PASSED HOUSE. KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 396—Introduced by Goodgame (Lincoln)—Would provide for the election of Fish and Game Commissioners. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 426—Introduced by Gray (Sweet Grass) (by request)—Would provide for payment of in- vestigation and prosecution of game cases by county officials. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE BECAUSE SIMILAR LAW ALREADY ON .

H. B. 440—Introduced by Rieder (Jefferson) and Nichols (Ravalli)—Would place 25% of money r~'-^!"e~', from huntim rrni f'shing license, permiis, etc., in State Park Fund. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

H. B. 443—Introduced by Goodgame (Lincoln' —Would elect the Director of the Fish and Game Department. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

Senate Bills KUled

S. B. 61 —Introduced by Sagunsky (Madison)—Would add Chukar partridge to game bird list,

remove fox from fur-bearer list and add to predator list. Would remove Canadian Lynx

and black-footed ferret from predator list. PASSED BY SENATE. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

S. B. 63—Introduced by Hagenston (Dawson)—Would enable the Fish and Game Director to appoint as ex-officio game wardens certain Fish and Game Department personnel not work- ing as game wardens but in the field where they might occasionally assist in law en- forcement. PASSED SENATE. KILLED IN HOUSE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

S. B. 103—Introduced by Grant (Custer)—Would make the use of water and obtaining of water rights for fish and wildlife a beneficial and legal use of water. KILLED IN SENATE AND COMMITTEE.

S. B. 160—Introduced by Reardon (Silver Bow)—This legislation would repeal the assent act to the Pittman Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, thus depriving the State of Federal Aid funds used for land acquisition, game development projects, investigative projects and management. KILLED IN SENATE FISH AND GAME COMMITTEE.

House Bills Passed and Signed by the Governor

H. B. 42—Introduced by Rieder (Jefferson)—Provides that persons under 18 purchasing their first big game license, must have a certificate of competence. The Fish and Game De- partment would be responsible for training and issuing such a certificate. Becomes effec-

tive January 1, 1958. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR H. B. 45^Introduced by Juedeman (Toole)—Provides that state fish and game wardens are au- thorized to enforce the provisions of Chapter 139, Laws of 1955, which required that suit-

able life preserving equipment be carried in boats. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

H. B. 203—Introduced by Fish and Game Committee—Reduces beaver permit fee and extends date for trapping. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

H. B. 246—Introduced by Mysse (Rosebud), Helding (Missoula), Nelson (Golden Valley), Strnisha (Ravalli)—Would provide for removal of certain rough fish, when desired by commercial fisheries. Limited to Ft. Peck Reservoir. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

H. B. 371—Introduced by Glancy (Musselshell), Devier (Dawson), Meagher (Cascade)—Provides that the Commission shall issue a free game bird and fishing license to resident citizens of

the State who are 70 years of age or over. This law becomes effective July 1, 1957. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

Senate Bills Passed and Signed by Governor

S. B. 17—Introduced by Grant (Custer), Keller (Stillwater), Brownfield (Carter), Minnette (), Brenner (Beaverhead), Valiton (Powell)—Would extend for two years, the Commission's powers to issue $20. permits for deer and antelope. Limits one license per non-resident for deer and one for antelope. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

S. B. 18—Introduced by Sagunsky (Madison) and Goodwin (Broadwater)—Would permit the Department to open regular and special seasons to control game animals doing damage. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

S. B. 82—Introduced by Brenner (Beaverhead), Robinson (Phillips), Valiton (Powell)—Would empower the Fish and Game Commission to construct or purchase a building suitable for

its needs. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

S. B. 104—Introduced by Mackay (Carbon)—Would repeal several game preserves established by the legislature and not now needed. Included would be Gallatin, Snowy Mountains, Powder River, Twin Buttes, South Moccasin and Blackleaf. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

S. B. 114—Introduced by Valiton (Powell) and Grant (Custei)—Would change requirements for deputy director to include any qualified person with at least one year's experience with the Department. As written at present time, only men who had served as game wardens could qualify. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

S. B. 135—Introduced by Grant (Custer)—Provides for an increase in the amount of per diem allowed each year by the members of the Fish and Game Commission—increase from

$600.00 to $800.00 for members of the commission and from $600.00 to $1000.00 for the Chairman. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

6 A sage grouse defiantly rattles his stiff tail feathers.

—Photo by Reuel Janson

GAME BIRD INVENTORY METHODS

By Reuel Janson, Biologist

In the spring a bird's fancy turns "dancing grounds" are visited early to the subject which (according to each mild morning during the spring Kinsey) a young man has been think- by the male birds. During this daily ing about all year, namely, court- exercise period, they cackle, hoot, ship. of Each species upland game fight, chase each other and perform bird has its own peculiar method of their characteristic dance. With head attracting the opposite sex. Male lowered, wings out-stretched and tail sharp-tailed grouse (often erroneous- held vertically, the grouse dance by ly called prairie chicken) when stim- stamping their feet up and down with ulated by the lengthening daylight the rapidity of a jackhammer. Simul- hours of spring, congregate in small vibrate their tails groups on preferred locations, usually taneously, they grassy knolls, to perform their annual from side to side so that the stiff courtship ritual. The same locations feathers produce a loud, rattling are often used year after year. These sound. At first, these performances are harem of from one to ten hens and mere dress rehearsals, but by late emits a loud, two-note crowing call April, females are attracted to the at intervals. grounds and promiscuous matings The courtship habits of upland occur. birds are not only interesting to The performance of the sage watch, but they also provide a basis grouse on their "strutting grounds" is for spring census work by game de- similar, but instead of dancing, they partment personnel. Accurate game strut about like turkey gobblers, and censuses are desirable partly for set- alternately inflate and deflate the ting hunting regulations consistent olive-drab air sacks on their breasts with game populations, and partly with peculiar plopping sounds. for measuring the effect of various Sharp-tail dancing grounds are management measures. For in- found in extensive grassland areas stance, if it were desired to find where grazing has been light enough out whether or not intensive preda- to allow a cover of rather tall grass tor control affects bird populations, to remain. Sharp-tails have been a census would be necessary both forced out of many areas by intensive before and after the control meas- wheat farming and over-grazing. ures were carried out. When habi- Sage grouse strutting grounds are tat development work is done, game found usually on grassy flats sur- census before and after would be rounded by extensive areas of sage- necessary to demonstrate the effect brush. The strutting grounds may be of the work on the game population. several acres in size and may accom- A spring census of a sharp-tailed modate up to 100 or more male birds. grouse breeding population is based The ruffed grouse, a species, on the fact that most of the male birds are present on the dancing or is more solitary in its courtship hab- strutting grounds early in the morn- its. The male selects an old rotting ing in the spring. Accordingly, a log, and standing on it, he thumps his wings against the air so vigor- department observer travels a pre- ously that he makes a sound like a selected route by automobile from small gasoline motor just starting up. one-half hour before sunrise to ap- proximately one hour after sunrise This performance is called "drum- on ming." April mornings. If there is little or locates the Pheasants are unlike grouse in not no wind, he dancing having any certain location in which grounds by stopping to listen at in- to perform. However, each cock has tervals of from one-half to one mile. a territory in which other cocks are The sounds made by the dancing not allowed to trespass. Each morn- grouse guide him to the dancing

ing the cock wanders over his terri- grounds. He then tallies the number

tory, usually accompanied by a of male birds present. When this is

8 done along a route about 15 miles Pheasants, also, can be censused long, the total number of males count- by listening counts. It has been es- ed provides an index to the popula- tablished that early in the morning tion. If these counts are obtained during the breeding season, a cock each year on the same routes, popu- pheasant crows at an average rate lation trends can be accurately fol- of about one call per two-minute lowed. period. Consequently, we have es- Since sage hens are relatively tablished a number of listening routes quiet on their strutting grounds, the distributed in the main pheasant observer locates these either by scan- areas in the state. These are traveled ning the country with field glasses or by automobile early in the morning flying back and forth at a low alti- by department observers. Each ob- tude to spot them. As with sharp- server stops at mile intervals on his tails, the total count of male birds on route and listens for a two-minute several grounds in a certain area or period at each stop. He counts and along a certain route, provides an records all the pheasant crowing index to the population density and calls he hears during this period. The trend. average number of calls per two- Ruffed grouse can ba censused by minute stop is then used as the index to the cock population. If this is to traveling roads in forested areas and be used as an index to the total listening at intervals of about one-half population, the sex ratio must also be mile for the drumming males. The number heard drumming along a known. For instance, a heavily hunt- ed area such as the Fairfield Bench route of a definite length would then sex ratio of only 15 cocks be the population index. may have a per 100 hens while a lightly hunted area may have 50 cocks per 100 hens. A crowing count of 15 calls per two minutes on the Fairfield Bench would thus indicate a total popula- tion almost as high as that indicated by a crowing count of 50 calls per two minutes in the lightly hunted area. The sex ratio counts used to correct the crowing counts are best obtained in the late winter when the birds are concentrated in certain areas and are easy to count. Spring counts sample small game populations at their lowest numbers Early morning light makes the dancing sharp- tails difficult to photograph. of the year. Further work in late sum- —Photn by Reuel Janson mer or early fall is necessary to de- termine the number of young pro- The reproductive success of the duced. These young birds are usual- various upland game species is ly more important to the hunter than measured by means of brood counts are the adult birds since they make made early in the morning along es- up a greater part of the total fall tablished routes in late summer. The population. This is especially true of number of young birds observed in pheasants in a heavily hunted area. comparison to the number of hens or In the fall of 1956, 94 percent of the adults indicates the success of the cocks taken by hunters on the Fair- hatch. Thus by using a census of the field Bench were birds of the year, spring breeding population as a and the average hunter was able to base, and combining this figure with bag a pheasant in three hours of the results of brood counts made in hunting. Without these young birds, late summer, department biologists 48 man-hours of hunting would have are able to estimate the supply of been required to bag each bird. game birds available to the hunter.

10 Gene Sherman, District 3 Warden Supervisor, steps from a Super Cub equipped for both snow and dry landings.

THE USE OF AIRCRAFT IN FISH AND GAME MANAGEMENT Ey Gene H. Sherman—Warden Supervisor

In Montana, the airplane plays an The question has arisen from time important role in fish and game ma i- to time as to the justification of the agement which, of course, includes state owning airplanes instead of law enforcement. Enforcement of the renting them from commercial opera- rules is considered just one of the tors, which is often done. There are tools in Fish and Game management. three essential reasons for state own- ership: The Department employs one full- time pilot who, in addition to flying, 1. IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY is in charge of the general and main- 2. SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT NEC- tenance operations for state-owned ESSARY FOR PARTICULAR aircraft. Other department personnel JOBS (UTIUTY) who hold commercial pilots' licenses 3. ECONOMY do part-time flying incidental to regu- lar duties. Fish and Game pilots have IMMEDIATE AVAILIBILITY . . . been granted a waiver by the CAA Most privately owned small planes for- minimum safe altitudes over other available during the winter are con- than congested areas for the pur- verted for crop spraying the remain- poses of aerial search and rescue, der of the year and are unavailable game surveys, forest patrol, law en- to the Department. Some of the forcement, fish stocking and poison- larger planes available during winter ing, and game trapping and herding. are rented during other seasons by

11 the Forest Service, and other agen- owned Piper Super Cub 135 revealed cies for fire patrol, spraying, dusting, an operational cost of $4.42 per hour. and chartered trips. This included gas, oil, maintenance,

and rent for a heated hangar. It did UTILITY .. . The type of airplane which best suits most of our needs is not include insurance or depreciation one that operates economically, has —these two items may be variable. ample reserve power for mountain Based on an average cruising speed fig- flying and yet is light enough for of 90 mph, the operational cost short field landings and take-offs. ured approximately 5c per mile. The helicopter would meet part of I believe it has been demonstrated these requirements, but because of that department ownership of aircraft high rental cost, the additional serv- is both advantageous and economi- rendered would be unjustified in cal. So much for that. The task ac- most instances. complished with airplanes is the true In addition to the aforementioned yardstick for measuring their value. requirements, our planes are TRANSPORTATION . . . Since Fish equipped with 2-way police radios, and Game personnel are required to some are equpped with hydraulically attend many meetings throughout the operated ski-wheel combinations and state and executive personnel from two contain built-on tanks for fish the state office spend considerable planting. This equipment is unavail- time traveling to and from these meet- able on rented aircraft, and installa- ings, transportation by aircraft is an tion of fish tanks on such planes economical timesaver. A trip to Miles would make rental considerably City from Helena, which requires 6 higher. to 7 hours one way by automobile,

ECONOMY . . . Operators who own can be made by airplane in about

and rent aircraft or automobiles must 1 V2 hours. Instead of officials spend- charge a fee above operational costs ing the better part of two days driv-

if they are to stay in business. It is ing to and from a meeting, they can conceded that a certain amount of leave Helena late one afternoon, at-

flying is necessary if a profit is to be tend evening meetings, and be in made, thus justifying ownership of Helena early the following morning aircraft. The amount of flying done ready for a day's work. Thus, air- by the Department gives this profit plane transportation is not only more margin notwithstanding the avail- economical but enables officials to ability of aircraft equipped for our do a better job of public service. In particular jobs. addition, ski equipped planes more For example, we are able to rent, quickly and economically transport when available, Piper Super Cubs personnel into back country where for $9.00 per hour without a pilot. A road travel is impossible in the win- 31 months record of a department- ter.

12 These are but two of the many ex- . . . amples of the advantages of aircraft During the recent rehabilitation of the transportation. Marias River where about 1,000 miles GAME SURVEYS ... The depart- of stream were poisoned, the airplane ment has been making trend counts proved its worth in Fisheries Man- on elk, moose, bighorn sheep, rocky agement. Though there was a lot of mountain goats and antelope for the ground work and many hours of past eleven years. While the counts pumping and slugging rotenone into aren't deemed altogether accurate, small back and streams, the when coordinated with hunter kill bulk of toxicant was aerially sprayed. questionnaires, they provide our best The job of restocking the poisoned

index for arriving at harvest recom- areas was also a tremendous one. It

Ralph Cooper, department pilot, displays one type oi tank used for aerial fish planting.

mendations. For the past four years, goes without saying that planting we have been making state-wide 6,000,000 rainbow trout with the near- beaver cache count surveys. are We est hatchery 1 00 miles away is a big to able closely estimate the beaver distribution order. Also, it must be population on a stream-mile basis. realized that stocked fish could not This information is used for setting all be liberated in one spot at the end up trapping quotas in our beaver of the road. Access roads to many management program. miles of stream and shoreline were The airplane is also widely used not present, so again the airplane in waterfowl management. A census was called to the rescue and the area is taken of wintering birds which are rapidly efficiently planted located from the air. Many miles of was and goose nesting areas are flown in or- by air. der to census nesting geese and their The planting of Golden Trout in broods. some of our high, virgin mountain

13 lakes was very impractical if not im- easily be spotted in the brush and possible before tanks were installed radio-directed wardens can await on department planes. Incidentally, their men at a convenient spot. After in a few years from now some of a few arrests were made in such a those goldens should be whoppers. fashion, the word seemed to get around among early fishermen. LAW ENFORCEMENT ... The use Tracks along stream banks before of the airplane in certain types of law fishing season became far less nu- enforcement has proven very valu- merous. able. Perhaps number one in impor-

tance is the preventive power it The same story applies to pre-sea- seems to possess. Prevention of vio- son hunters. Some poachers have lations is more pleasant than appre- been apprehended when an unex- hension and an enforcement program pected plane landed in the middle of based on that principle will gain far their happy hunting ground. The air- more support in the long run. plane has also been used on several

This power of prevention did not night patrols. The word apparently come about by accident but took con- got around and jack-lighting became siderable effort. The results have far less frequent. helped build the airplane's reputa- Montana is a big state and the tion. In order to evaluate the results, wardens have a lot of area to cover. it is necessary to compare present The program of prevention is really pre-season foot patrols to those be- emphasized when a few airplanes air support existed. fore are used.

About 15 years ago 1 started tramp- Among some of the other depart- ing the stream banks looking for ment plane uses are prevention of people who seemed to think fishing game damage, predator control and was best when the streams were le- search and rescue. gally closed. It was not uncommon to find freshly used and discarded As you know, there are tricks to worm cans and salmon eggs jars all trades. This applies to the use of along stream banks while fresh fish airplanes in fish and game work entrails floated at the water's edge which in itself is a do and learn

in many secluded spots. Poachers' trade. It pleases me to say that we boot tracks were a common sight— have satisfactorily worked out some some practically smoking—some a of the preliminary problems which few days old. Once in a while a go with the use of airplanes. We find culprit was apprehended but the new approaches to different phases miles of stream one warden could from time to time, but taking all things cover on foot was very limited. into consideration, the airplane is a Now a large area con be readily great and valuable instrument in our observed from the air. Poachers may game management program. 14

The Spruce Park Dam has been of cf the most scenic "wild" rivers in special interest as this area is close the Northwest; one which conserva- to home and the proposed dam will tionists should strive hard to save. have widespread effect on the area The country is ideal for pack trips between Glacier Park and the Bob and the river offers a "white water" Marshall Area. float trip of unsurpassed beauty. The

The Spruce Park Dam is just an- scenery is superb, fish and wildlife other case where the Corps of Arm.y are abundant and in every direction Engineers has made long range the outdoorsman meets the challenge plans and the conservationists are in of primeval country. the unenviable position of having to Although it would be highly desir- hastily accumulate biological data at able to have detailed biological and the last minute. In the past, conserva- ecological information on the Middle tionists have been continually on the Fork River and surrounding country, defensive with regard to impound- and eventually this must be obtained, ments. This is unfortunate since it I do not believe a lack of this should places us in the light of obstruction- now prevent us from stating our case ists rather than defenders of the pub- strongly. In fact, 1 think we may be lic interest whenever a new dam is imposing severe handicaps on our proposed. We are in this regrettable efforts by allowing ourselves to be position with regard to Spruce Park. pressured into attempting to obtain Until conservationists and the rec- hasty quantitative biological data, reational industry propose clear cut and assigning to this an inadequate objectives for the disposition of local dollar value in order to justify preser- and regional water , it ap- vation of wild areas. It is essential to pears that about all we can do when preserve intact a few of the "wild" a dam is proposed is to hastily gather rivers of this region for recreation and data to evaluate any given situation. education of future generations. Any This may suffice for the present but outdoor pursuit which brings a man it will hardly carry us through to vic- into intimate contact with natural tory in the future. scenery, natural forces and the un-

Last summer I took a five-day raft altered web of life is highly educa- trip down the Middle Fork with Clif- tional. The right to experience this ton Merritt, some interested sports- should be as inalienable as freedom men from Kalispell, and members of of worship. To preserve it is a trust the Montana Fish and Game Depart- falling to each succeeding genera- ment. I have rafted most of the large tion. The aesthetic and recreational fast-water rivers of the mountain west. values of a river are so very easily My interest in the Middle Fork trip destroyed—far more easily destroyed was to make a personal evaluation of than similar values of hill and moun- its recreational potential. There is tain country. There are numerous no doubt in my mind that this is one examples and no specific data is nec-

16 essary to prove this point. One dam thetic values, and, of course, the with the accompanying roads would value of the water for irrigation, largely destroy the natural beauty of power, and control when im- the Middle Fork and would have a pounded. Perhaps even more impor- tremendous effect on the fish and tant is the need to evaluate these wildlife and future recreational pos- areas not solely in terms of the pres- sibilities. The sport fishing would ent, but in terms of 50 to 60 years suffer severely, but the fundamental from now. In other words, values de- lossi will not be in animal species or termined from comprehensive land populations but in natural beauty use surveys made at the present time and wilderness. There appears to be should be projected 50 years ahead no way to compromise exploitation and these values then used to formu- of an area with preservation of the late and determine our present action. values of a virgin country. This task will require the cooperative efforts of all conservation organiza- tions. Recreational values of areas such as the Middle Fork are not readily recognized or evaluated at the pres-

ent time, but there is little doubt that they will be proclaimed and placed at a premium in the future. There is ample evidence of this all through the eastern and central states and on

the west coast. The question is whether increased power, more in- dustry, more material things will be A big bull trout comes from the clear water of of greater needs to a population con- a wild river. tinually increasing, than recreational

It is my belief that we should areas that relieve the tension and strive to keep intact some wild rivers stress created by population density. on the basis that they are essential Most certainly we will need both. to our way of life; that they have far- Recreational areas such as State reaching educational and recreation- and National Parks, National al potential and that, therefore, no and Wildlife Refuges furnish mass single group or interest should im- recreation and the value and need of pend a "wild" river or open it up these is generally recognized. The with roads until a thorough necessity of wilderness areas for high survey has been made which would quality recreation is not so generally take into account forest and water- endorsed and yet these areas are shed values, the wildlife and recrea- vital to a well-rounded outdoor recre- tional potential, educational and aes- ation program.

17 We have reason, to be concsrned The fact that the Middle Fork drain- about our wilderness rivers. When age ties in with Glacier National Park one attempts to enumerate the num- and with the Bob Marshall Wilder- ber of "wild" rivers still left in Mon- ness area is also a strong argument

tana, one arrives at the startling for preserving it. A dam on the Mid-

fact that already they are a rarity. o die Fork and the inevitable roads

I can think of only one Mon- would be a threat to the Grizzly bear

tana river I would place in this cate- in Montana and a dam would ad- gory and that is the Middle Fork cf versely affect elk v/inter range and the Flathead. The South Fork of the the spoAivning runs of Cutthroat and Flathead has been dammed by Dolly Varden. A high dam, such as Hungry Horse and although ths up- proposed, would virtually eliminate per portion lies within the Bob Mar- the spawning runs of Dolly Varden

shall Wilderness area, it is neverth;- and prevent seasonal migration of less not a completely wild straam. Cutthrcats. Efforts to artificially prop- The same is true of the Sun River agate Dolly Varden have been unsuc-

that flows out of the Bob Marshall cessful and the Cutthroat is not read-

Wilderness area on the east. It has ily reestablished. The impoundment a large impoundment and others are v/ould favor the increase of rough fish planned. Roads parallel both sides with eventual deleterious effect on of the North Fork of the Flathead. The the game species.

lower reaches of the Middle Fork are Because it probably will be physi- in contact with roads but the upper cally impossible to gather adequate

portion is still wild. biological data before some action is

Perhaps a reasonable approach is taken, I think we are justified in to sharpen our wilderness objectives. drawing heavily from studies made We must not only continue to protect in neighboring areas which are in existing wilderness areas as such, many cases almost identical to the but focus attention to wilderness riv- Middle Fork country. For example, ers—the most fragile portion of wil- information obtained from tagging derness country. In the case of the studies of Bull trout on the North Fork Middle Fork, we should emphasize of the Flathead could well be used the wilderness character of the river in defense of the Middle Fork. The itself, making it clear that we are basic biological situation is the same; dealing with one of the few ram.ain- likew^ise, data gathered on the mar- ing wild rivers—a species now close ten in Glacier Park and the beaver to extinction. Our objective would be throughout the Flathead River drain- to hold this small area intact for high age could well be used specifically quality recreation. A place where our in defense of the Middle Fork wild- children and their children can seek life since there appears to be very adventure, testing themselves against little difference in basic marten or the wilderness. beaver habitat throughout the area.

18 From our knowledge of elk winter cities will never be large industrial ranges in the South Fork and in the areas and that a major Montana in- Sun River area, we would state al- dustry is and will continue to be out- most without qualification that the door recreation. I use this in its winter elk range on the Middle Fork broadest sense. Moreover, there is is vital, that any reduction in this strong indication that the recreational range would have an effect on the industry, now ranking third in Mon- elk population. Although no inten- tana, will continue to grow. The de- sive long term studies have been mand for wild areas will increase made of the Grizzly, we know from and these areas must serve not just studies of Robert Cooney and others a state or local area, but the nation. that the fundamental requirement is As I see it, the job of the conserva- a wild area, and certainly the open- tionist is to assure that these areas ing up of the Middle Fork would are held intact until public thinking greatly decrease the Grizzly range. matures and crystallizes, then our

In a similar way it would adversely generation or following ones can affect the mountain goats of the area. make wise decisions based on ade- quate information. At the present time it is impossible to tell whether Kalispell, Poison, and Possibly the first task of conserva- Missoula will, in the future, become tionists today is to develop a system industrial centers. If this should oc- for evaluating upstream drainages cur, then there is little likelihood and to classify these according to that we could hold all of our wild their potential as recreational areas regions inviolate and we probably of the future. We might tentatively should not seek to do so. There is, place Montana's upstream drainages however, good indication that these into four categories:

The lack of man's interference is reflected in the primitive nature of the . m 1. Wild river, ple whose task it is to make recom- mendations through democratic pro- 2. Semi-wilderness rivers, cedure cannot sort out the facts or

3. Semi-exploited rivers, issues involved. Our approach should be positive and clear to all 4. Exploited rivers. interested users of land and water.

We might go further and define If Montana's rivers should be sur- Wild rivers, as those that are inac- veyed and classified according to cessible except by trail and that are their recreational values, then we fiee of impoundments. These streams would have stated objectives and and their watersheds are essentially standards to maintain. These objec- virgin. Semi-wilderness rivers would tives could eventually be integrated constitute those accessible by road into the development plans of the en- but where the watersheds were still tire river system. Competing inter- largely in virgin condition. The semi- ests would know where conserva- exploited river would be easily ac- tionists stand and the people could cessible by road and close to urban decide with a minimum of confusion areas. It would be characterized by where their interests lay. Such infor- heavy land use on its watersheds, mation is essential if the State and but the upper reaches still unim- Federal agencies responsible for the pounded. management of our land and water The exploited river would fall into are to administer them in the best in- a group characterized by impound- terests of all the people. If it is found ments, artificial channeling and dyk- to be in the public interest to harness ing, and exhibiting varying degrees these wild rivers, then I do not think of pollution. The lower reaches of conservationists will stand in the way most Montana rivers would fall into of economic progress. If, however, this category. exploitation is found not to be in the From the conservationist's view- best public interest, then we have point it would be desirable to en- preserved a fragile thing of beauty, courage increased use of down- giving other generations an opportu- stream areas for impoundments and nity to know the wilderness, and to continue to harness those rivers make possible an educational and already exploited, striving to keep spiritual experience for future Ameri- intact the few remaining wild and cans that no man-made institution semi-wilderness rivers. can synthesize.

I do not believe that we should make a stand by trading one river or Sincerely, dam site against another. This be- JOHN J. CRAIGHEAD, comes a political football in which Leader, Montana Co- fundamental issues are readily con- operative Research Unit. fused and when this is done the peo-

20 I

These are the men who helped make a shooting safety pro-jram in Helena Junior High School.

Ficturcd left to rirht: Dcve Lane, Bernard McGinle', G. V. Erickson (Princii^a!), Bob Johnson, Spencer Russell. Vally Swan not pictured.

SHOOTING SAFETY

Bv Frank Dunkle, I. & E. Assistant

Montana's 1957 legislature enacted struction embraces the many phases into law House Bill 42. This law calls of safe gun handling at home, in the car in field. for all young Montanans between the and the Other topics such as hunter courtesy and sportsman- ages of 12 and 18 to present a certifi- farmer-rancher relations are dis- cate of competence in order to secure cussed. Instruction continually re- a 1958 big game . All minds the students at marksmanship youngsters between 12 and 15 years is not the basis of the course safe of age must take a course in hunting — gun handling is! A safe gunner can safety, but those 15 to 18 years would develop his marksmanship—the un- not be required to take the course if safe or careless gunner live ihey hunted during the 1957 season. may not to do so. In a nutshell, it will be necessary for Montana youth to study proper gun Of course many problems concern- handling before they go into the ing the development of a system of field. instruction for the young people were discussed. Early in the planning After this shooting safety law was stage it became obvious that all in- passed, Montana legislature desig- struction could not be handled by De- nated the Montana Fish and Game partment people alone. A great deal Commission as the responsible agen- of help is going to be needed from cy for this program. The Department sporting groups, civic groups and has decided to use the basic National schools. Most of the instructors will Rifle Association Hunter Safety be people like you—people interest- Course. This five hour course of in- ed in young people and in hunting.

21 The Montana Fish and Game De- young people were presented the partment and the National Rifle As- Safe Shooting Certificates. Such a sociation have entered into an agree- program could not have been pos- sible without cooperation of the ment whereby all Hunter Safety in- the Helena Wildlife Association, Mr. G. structors will be certified through the V. Erickson, principal of the Jr. High, Fish and Game Department. In the and the enthusiastic instructors. near future, there will be Instructor courses available to interested per- Hunting safety courses for our sons. young hunters will go far toward re- ducing the tragic accidents that take Here is how the shooting safety in- place each year. Had past hunters struction program is working in Hel- followed a few basic rules, no hunt- ena. It is operated through joint ing trip would have been marred by agreement between the Helena fr. death or pain. Instructors will be

High School, the Helena Wildlife needed through the State if the young Association and the Montana Fish people are to be trained by the fall and Game Department. of 1958. If you are interested in such a program, write to the Information

Within the Jr. High program there and Education Division, Montana Fish is an activity period each Tuesday and Game Department, Helena. and Thursday afternoon, which was Remember-—Help train a girl or boy in safe hunting and gun handling utilized for shooting safety instruc- and you may save a life! tion. During each semester a group of young people were instructed in safe gun handling. The Helena Wild- life Association furnished all supplies necessary for the course, including student handbooks, cards, patches, 20 rounds of ammunition per student and rifles for instruction purposes. Five teachers from the school took the instructor course presented by the Fish and Game Department. These young men then conducted the shoot- ing safety course during the activity periods. Also six Saturdays were utilized to allow all of the young Award Day at the Helena Junior High School people to fire on the range. During where 132 students received shooting safety certificates. the last week of school, the Jr. High here all had an Awards Day— the —Photo by Hector LaCasse

2d -Photo by U. S. Forest Service DDT AND FISH

By Geogre D. Holton, Chief Fisheries Management Biologist

Nearly 750,000 pounds of DDT will fifteen minutes. Fortunately, exposure be sprayed from airplanes onto Mon- time is usually short when streams tana forests this summer. The pur- are sprayed. pose—to control spruce budworm. Last year a study was undertaken Such famous fishing areas as the by the Montana Fish and Game De- Beaverhead, Big Hole and Madison partment, U. S. Forest Service and River drainages will be included. the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the effects of spraying Will DDT spraying wipe out trout? and how to adjust the spray program

It is certainly poisonous to fish but to minimize damage to fish and other

serious kills have not often occurred aquatic life.' during forest spraying. Whether or Several streams were studied in not there is a serious kill depends watersheds sprayed with DDT. There upon a number of factors. Amount of was no kill of trout held in cages DDT drift into the streams from sur- during the spraying and for three rounding areas, water temperatures, days following. Stream census with volume and swiftness of the stream electric shockers did not show any and numerous other variables are im- immediate losses of wild fish in the portant in determining danger to fish spray areas, however, insects that

life. For example, it has been found live on the stream bottom, such as that only 0.16 parts per million of immature forms of may flies, stone DDT will kill rainbow trout when they flies, caddis flies and midges, were ore confined in this amount for fifty- drastically affected. Reductions of four hours. Yet the rainbow can sur- over ninety percent of the volume of vive a dose 200 times as strong for these insects were common in areas

' The Fish and Game Department's studies of DDT's effects on fish and other aquatic life are supported by Federal Aid in Fisheries Restoration funds under Project No. F-21-R.

23 affected by the spray. These are im- Eighteen days after spraying, DDT portant trout . By fall, insects accumulated in stream bottom had begun to recover from the July killed goldfish when plants and gold- spraying but still represented only a fish were placed in the same bowl. small fraction of their normal volume. This discovery in a Pennsylvania Midges made the most rapid come- study brings up the question: how back. Examinations of trout stomachs long does DDT remain in the water,

later in the summer showed they in bottom sand and silt, and in plants were eating midges and land insects. living in the water; and how long

It is not known if trout had enough does it stay deadly? to eat before facing the rigors of It has been found that DDT be- winter. This year's study should shed comes attached to tiny particles

light on this question and show if in the water. Would it protect fish water insect populations have re- and water insects if finely divided turned to normal a year after spray- clay were added to the water or

ing. There are still many questions re- some other means used to tempo- garding DDT spraying; for example, rarily make the water muddy during are grayling and whitefish more spraying? easily killed with DDT than trout, and The villain in this battle to save are cutthroat more effected than other forests without losing fish is a small kinds of trout? moth with a wing-spread just under one inch. However, the adult is Studies on the Miramichi River in harmless. It is the young or cater- New Brunswick, Canada, showed pillar stage that damages such trees spraying with only one-half the dose as spruce, true fir and Douglas fir. used in Montana caused severe In Montana, Douglas fir forests are losses of young salmon. Fry-of-the mainly affected. Caterpillars feed on year were virtually wiped out. How tender young needles which are just trout? about young They hatch just starting to grow. The spruce bud-

about the time spraying occurs. form is native to Montana. Nor-

It has been found in the labora- mally, their numbers are kept in tory that a diet of DDT-killed insects check by natural controls such as may prove deadly to songbirds when insect enemies, birds and unfavor-

followed by a period of partial starva- able weather. It is believed epi- tion. Does this apply to fish. They demics start when weather is ideal gorge themselves on DDT-killed in- for the development of the cater- sects and the poison has been found pillars but unfavorable for the de-

in their fat. It may be that stream bot- velopment of their enemies. Then tom insects contain harmless amounts havoc results! An individual tree of DDT and only land insects which may be infested with thousands of have been directly sprayed are dan- caterpillars. When new needles have gerous. been destroyed from four to seven

24 Spruce budworm caterpillar. During an epidemic there are thousands on a single tree. Actual size 5/8 to 3/4 inch long. —U. S. Forest Service Photo

successive years, the trees die. Sur- weapon against spruce budworms viving trees are so weakened that than blanket spraying with chemi- they may fall victim to other insects cals. Researchers are working on bio- or diseases. At best their growth rate logical controls, that is, disease and

is slowed. parasites of the bduworm that can Aerial spraying—the only mechan- be introduced. Future programs will ical control known at this time—is rely more heavily on these controls aimed at a nine-five percent kill of as well as on improved methods for caterpillars. To be effective it must detecting new budworm outbreaks so be done after the worms become ac- they may be checked before spread- tive in the spring but before they ing over large areas. Healthy, rapid- form pupal cases which protects them ly growing trees suffer less than slow- from DDT. There is only a two-week growing mature and over-mature period during which budworms are trees. Accordingly, an important ap- vulnerable to spray. This period proach is through improved forest varies with seasons and elevations. management techniques. This will The proper time to spray must be de- be employed as forests are more in- termined by studies for each area by tensively managed and used. biologists. In the immediate future, however,

The Forest Service would very the outlook is for increased use of much like to have a more specific chemicals to control forest insects.

25 Douglas fir trees during an attack of spruce budworm. Tree tops are losing their needles and turning brown. —U. S. Forest Service Photo

DDT spraying will be used in Mon- We, of course, would be concerned tana not only for spruce budworm but about repeated spraying. This would also for other needle-eating insects prevent recovery of fish and aquatic such as the tussock moth and black insects. Poisons may accumulate on headed budworm, a close relative of stream and lake bottoms. the spruce budworm. In fact, 5,000 Our chief concern at present is for acres of Glacier National Pork are to native cutthroat trout and groylmg. be sprayed this summer for control of We feel they may be more suscepti- black headed budworm. ble to DDT poisoning than other game fish. Stream cutthroat are yet

It is our feeling, based on the best to be domesticated so they can be information we have, that forest easily raised in hatcheries. The gray- spraying with DDT at the present rate ling sanctuary in the Red Rocks area

of one pound per acre, will lead to is the last stronghold of stream in- fish kills under some circumstances. habiting grayling in the United

There should be recovery in a few States. If lost neither of these

years. Even if all the young-of-the- con be replaced. The Red Rocks area year fish were killed for one year, it is the site of a heavy infestation of might not be worse than natural spruce budworms. The Forest Serv- disasters which sometimes occur. has postponed spraying there

If necessary, rainbow, brook and while we try to determine the extent brown trout populations can be re- of danger and care to be taken to built with hatchery fish. protect the grayling.

26 —

This is only one of the precautions hazard; across the continent large the Forest Service is taking on behalf areas have burned following insect of fish. Contracts with the spray epidemics. Then there is recreation- plane operators cost $20,000 extra nobody wants to camp in a dead this year because of requirements for forest! In fact, if fires follow the in- slower planes which con more ac- sects, the very watersheds may be curately spray in critical areas, and at stake—this ties directly back to our because of additional observation fish. Without adequate cover to hold planes to insure even coverage and moisture and feed it gradually to the prevent local over-dosage. In addi- streams, flooding would be more se- tion, care will be taken to fly around vere and low water more extreme. rather than over lakes. When pos- Stream beds would become loaded sible, streams will not be used as with silt from eroding watersheds. bundaries for areas assigned to indi- Forest Service personnel feel DDT vidual planes since this might result spraying is the best control method in double spraying. Advantage will they now have. Since occasionally be taken of the weather so wind cur- serious fish kills have been associ- rents will cause as little drift as pos- ated with DDT spraying, the Fish sible into critical areas. and Game Department is cooperating The spruce budworm epidemic is with the Forest Service and other not a simple problem eit^ier from the agencies in studying the effects of viewpoint of the U. S. Forest Service forest spraying in Montana. The in- or the Montana Fish and Gome De- formation gained will be used to portment. adjust the spray program to minimiza More is at stake than just the tim- ber ruined by insects. Spruce bud- the damage to fish and other aquatic worm-killed trees are a serious fire life.

Studies are underway to determine effects oi D D T spraying on fish.

27 Sy F:ed L. Hartkorn, Biologist

The blue or Richardson's grouse mountain side. Under the latter con- (Dendrogapus obscurus richardsonii) ditions, they provide very sporty

is found over most mountainous por- wing shooting for those nimrods with tions of Montana. Although during the stamina and enthusiasm to hunt the summer and in remote areas they their high, ridge-top habitat. But the

show little fear of men and will usu- reward is worth the effort, as the ally "tree" when flushed, in areas blue grouse is second to none in where they have been subjected to terms of palatability. considerable hunting they demon- The blue is the largest of the tim- strate a high degree of ability to es- ber grouse. Adult males often weigh cape the hunter by flushing unex- over two and a half pounds and the pectedly and rocketing through the young will usually weigh over two timber or power-diving down the pounds at the time of the hunting

28 —

season in September. Although they In late summer, they gradually mi- are predominantly gray colored, they grate to the high ridges where they derive their name from the blue-gray usually remain during the fall and plumage on the breast. They possess winter. This upward movement is possibly correlated with ripening of a high degree of protective coloration huckleberries at higher elevation as and form and it is nearly impossible the season progresses. Their pre- to see a blue grouse perched high ferred late summer habitat seems to among the fir branches with its rela- be ridges in the south and west ex- tively long neck extended and ap- posures with a semi-open stand of pearing to be just another limb. ponderosa pine or Douglas fir and Blue grouse are present over a an understory of huckleberry. Blues wide altitudinal range in Montana frequently congregate on high moun- ranging from 2,000 feet near Troy to tain parks where they feed on grass- 9,000 feet or more on the higher hoppers in the late sum.mer; however, peaks elsewhere. High blue grouse during dry fall seasons, such as ex- population densities have been ob- perienced in 1952, they are often served in parts of , San- found along creek bottoms and hay ders, Ravalli, Lewis and Clark, and meadows on the forest edge until late Meagher counties. Their range cor- in the season. responds closely to the range of the Their summer and early fall diet fir trees—Douglas, grand and alpine is mostly berries, seeds, and insects, —which are their chief source of whereas, they subsist almost entirely winter . on conifer needles during the winter The female blue grouse usually and early spring. Green vegeta- builds a nest at the base of a tree or tion gradually replaces the conifer clump of brush with a southern ex- needles in the diet as spring ad- posure in the foothill canyons and vances. lays an average of seven eggs which Census work and questionnaire usually hatch in mid-June. Nature returns indicate that blue grouse pop- apparently takes her toll of young ulations have fluctuated considerably grouse very early, as the broods ob- during the past 14 years. Older resi- served in July and August during dents of western Montana and Fores' the past ten years in Montana have Service personnel of various areas averaged only 3.3 young. When one report that, in their opinion, blue approaches a blue grouse with a grouse were more abundant 20 or 25 young brood, the hen will usually years ago than they have been dur- feign injury in a vigorous fashion ing the past fourteen years. These to attract attention from the young. grouse have made up approximately The young mature rapidly and by 45 percent of the mountain grouse late September the males are often harvested by hunters in western Mon- larger than their mother. tana from 1949 to 1956.

29 Since young grouse do not molt known. Possibly more hens parish the outer two primary wing feathers, during the breeding season than but adults do, it is possible, with prac- cocks, a factor suggested in the cas3 tice, to determine their ages by the of other gome birds, which have shape of these feathers. If the two more adult males than famales when outer wing feathers are relatively both sexes are hunted on an equal pointed, the bird is young, or less basis. than a year old. If they are rounded, similar to the other primaries, or if The upward trend in blue grouse they are in a stage of growth, the numbers since 1946 could possibly be bird is an adult, or more than one attributed in part to the reduction in year old. Of the 674 blue grouse coyotes in recent years. However, aged during the past four years at considering the reported increased

3 .. 6/ue Grouse Population Trends -- 1942 Ic l'^56

- 2

^ J-.

4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 7 4 8 4 9 5 5 1 5 2 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 6

hunter checking stations, 459 or 68 numbers of bobcat and other preda- percent were young birds. cious species in the past few years, The sexes of blue grouse can be probably the cumulative predator determined by plumage variations. pressure on grouse has remained Females have brownish mottled cen- about the same in past years. We tral tail feathers while the tail feath- have no positive assurance that pre- ers of males are nearly solid black. dation is adverse to the welfare of Broods of young blue grouse checked the grouse or that their population during past years have been half would be higher over a period of males and half females. However, of years if predators were eliminated. the 153 adults checked, only 40 (26%) Possibly the most practical method were females. Whether adult males of reducing predation is to more com- are more vulnerable to hunting or pletely utilize the prey species—in there are fewer adult females than this case, blue grouse—by hunting males in the fall pepulation, is not them in the fall.

30 Land use trends in recent years consistent with existing populations have, in general, been beneficial to can be made by Montana hunters. blue grouse. The number of sheep These projects include: (1) periodic and cattle grazing on the mountain- censuses of representative grouse ous portions of the national forests areas over the State to gain popula- have been lower and their grazing tion trend information, (2) checking has been strictly regulated to prevent returning hunters at established damage to these watershed areas in points to gain population trend infor- recent years. Consequently adequate mation, on relative hunter success ground forage is usually present for and grouse bagged, and (3) analysis protected nesting sites, as well as the of records of grouse observed in the seasonal food requirements of the field. blue grouse. Timber removal on the national forests has, in recent years, Legal hunting has little effect on been on a basis of selective or small timber grouse populations. This con- block-cutting, which by producing clusion is based on studies in Mon- semi-open areas is favorable for blue tana and other States where it has grouse. This is another example of been observed that grouse numbers where good is have not increased in areas where no good game management. grouse hunting was permitted, and in areas where hunting was p3rmitt9d,

The Forest Service has found it un- relatively good populations of grouse necessary or have been unable to existed. In their timbered mountain- keep many of their trails open in re- ous habitat, probably less than 10 cent years. This restricts blue grouse percent of their range is ever covered hunting in some areas; however, by grouse hunters. Thus, a rela- newly created forest access roads tively long mountain grouse season have made it possible to get into appears justifiable in western Mon- more areas by car each year and the tana. advent of the "jeep" has made it pos- sible to drive to high open blue Considering the observed ability of grouse habitat areas formerly the blue grouse to become wild after reached only on foot or horseback. being hunted, the inaccessibility of

much of its habitat, and the trend The management of blue grouse is toward management of the moun- closely coupled with the manage- tainous forest lands in a manner fa- ment of all the mountain grouse spe- vorable to grouse, it seems probable cies. The fundamental objective of that blue grouse are in no danger of grouse survey projects is to provide extermination and there should be information that will form a basis for "blue bombshells" on the ridges to and improve the management of test the shooting skill of many future grouse so that maximum harvests generations of Montana sportsmen.

31 —

By Werner Nagel

^exT^ei Nagel is a staff member of the Missouri Conssrvaiion Commission and is nationally- recognized fcr his writings on natural philosophy. At the same time he is a -well qualified wildlife biologist. This article is a condensation of a Missouri Conservation Commis- sion bulletin "Predator Control: How and Why." It is reprinted here by permission.

A PREDATOR is any creature that this way. If they did not, they could has beaten you to another creature not live. Thus predation is a natural you wanted for yourself. and necessary way of life. The personal view is more com- This is a pretty accurate description mon. It covers animals that cost you of the way many p9ople think about money by eating a creature that be- predators. It's a psrsonal view, how- longed to you, or animals that take ever, and though it is true it isn't game, fish or songbirds in which the whole truth. From a broader view, you're specially interested. It doesn't is of getting predation a way food include animals that eat creatures that is, by kilhng and eating hving you don't care about. In short, your creatures. Many animals, including views on predators depend mostly on people, get all or part of their food your personal experiences with them.

32 —

This personal definition allows an fish, cats, dogs or hunters, according animal to be considered a predator to whether or not they beat us in at one time and not at another, to taking something we want ourselves. some people and not to others. Take Mostly, though, we used "predator" a red fox for example: a farmer see- to mean wild birds or mammals; on ing a fox kill one of his chickens those, views differ according to our knows very well this fox is a preda- interests. All views are "right" but tor. A rabbit hunter who sees a fox none are the complete animal, the catch a rabbit knows this fox is a broad view that gives the whole predator, too. In both cases, the fox story. beat the man to a creature he wanted Taking the broad view has its pit- for himself. falls, too. It might seem we could set But other people's experiences give down in one column all the good them entirely different views. To the things about a species, in another fox hunter, Reynard is a wonderful column all the destructive things, sporting animal that offers thrilling then treat the species accordingly. chase. To the nature lover, the red But this measurement doesn't work. fox is one of earth's most beautiful, It could work only if every individual intelligent creatures. The trapper re- of the species were exactly like every members that red fox pelts were once other individual in its eating habits valuable, and may be again. The and values. They aren't: individuals eating habits of the foxes don't inter- in a species differ in what they eat fere with the main interests of these and in how they eat, much as hu- men, so to them foxes aren't preda- mans do. Some are mighty fine to tors. have around; a lot you hardly notice There's another angle: a man see- one way or another, and some are ing a fox digging out field mice may downright bothersome. You can't think of this as predation, but he's manage all individual animals of a bound to realize that this fox is doing species the same way, any more some farmer a lot of good. than you can treat all people the Poultry-thief, rabbit-eater, sporting same way. In taking the broad view animal, beautiful creature, fur-bear- we have to consider differences be- er, destroyer of destructive rodents tween individuals as well as between the fox is all of these and more. What species. he is to you depends on your experi- We must not carry the comparison ence with him. What he really is, of animals with humans too far—we though, equals the sum of all of those tend to do just that in taking preda- different aspects. tors and their acts personally. There

We used foxes as an example be- are reasons for this. One is that pred- cause there are so many strong views ators are most like us in their eating about them. The same things can be and actions—and dispositions. An- said of any creature that kills to eat: other reason is that from childhood

33 on we're soaked in fairy tales and other literature in which animals act, talk and think like humans.

Great-great-grandpa probably had personal tussles with predators. Panthers were once common, with a nasty habit of swiping the family calf, and of joining hobgoblins to follow late travellers home from the tavern. So early settlers took big predators

personally—and, if old stories are true, big predators sometimes took an early settler personally.

Now that most people never see bear, timber wolf or panther, you'd think old horror stories would die out. But they haven't died even in the Midwest, where conflicts with great beasts have given way to pale tri- umphs over smaller hawks, brought down with guns more powerful than those gran'pop used to slay a grizzly. Today's predators are small and shy, they'd be most happy if we'd just go away and leave them alone.

But we aren't going to leave them alone, as long as some of them beat us to another creature we want for ourselves. In fact, we're going to try to kill the predators that bother us, and if they're really bothering us, that's natural. We can be right, though, without kidding ourselves.

After all, automobiles probably kill more chickens than foxes do; worms kill more lambs than coyotes take; more calves die of "scours" than pre- dation. Also, if we didn't make chick- ens easier for predators to catch than their wild food, they wouldn't catch so many. (It's often easier to do

34 something about predators than Predation is also nature's way of about our own carelessness.) It is getting rid usefully of weak, stupid, true that when a predator makes a stunted and diseased individuals. habit of killing our poultry the most Through predation, the unfit are practical thing is to get rid of him killed before they can breed or as effectively as possible. But when spread disease, and their death is a predator is not bothering us, the not a waste because it provides food best thing is to let him alone — so he for those that are strong. Culling by can give us those other interests and predation maintains the sporting values he has. That's justice, and qualities that make hunting and fish- that's sense. ing worthwhile.

Killing predators to control damage This is the real meaning of preda- is a necessary but very small part of tion: the normal and necessary work- good management. Much more im- ing of a law that benefits all life. portant is the fact that most predators Men are not harmed by this law ore of value to us most of the time. when it is working in a natural bal- Of the many creatures— fish, mam- ance. When we upset this balance mal, bird—that make all cr part of by destroying natural cover and food their living by killing and eating in converting land and water to our other creatures, only a few individ- own use, predation can turn on us as uals of a few species ever become a destructive force. The important bothersome to us. Yet every v/ild thing to remember is that only by creature hunts, or is hunted—kills or understanding the principal of nor- is killed. Man does that when he mal predation can we control the raises livestock, or hunts and fishes, damage when predation is not nor- or kills to protect his flocks. From mal. When we know why something the one-celled bits of life sought by happens, it's easier to keep it frcm minnows to the creatures hunted happening again. chiefly by man, no living thing es- capes the shadow of this struggle.

Predation is a universal law of life. We couldn't live without this nat- ural counterbalance to the great re- productive power of most creatures.

It is nature's insurance that no one species will crowd out all others and over-run the earth. We need this in- surance; the reproductive power of most wild species is too great for us to control; the destructive power of any species out of control is too great for us to stand.

35 There are two ways of handling Trappers do not explain how to damaging predation: we can avoid control all predation; there are too damage by providing protection for many kinds. The hawks, owls, foxes, animals in which we're interested; coyotes and weasels are by no means the only animals that can when this isn't enough, we can re- cause us damage: the very creatures duce damage by killing the predatcrs these "predators" feed on may cause that are doing it. us the most trouble. These include Avoiding predator damage is the rabbits, deer, crows, sparrows, mice, best control, when we can do it. insects—all of which may damage us Using land so that plenty of good by feeding on something we want for natural food and cover is left keeps ourselves. Whether or not we call more predators busy in their own them so, they are predators as aie back yards—and out of ours. Good coyotes and hawks. The mice alone poultry fences and tight barns are cause us far greater loss than do direct protection that few farmers fail the meat-eaters; the insects far out- to provide. Taking the annual pro- class mice as destroyers of property duction by hunting and fishing for and profit. predators that are game, food, or fur- The point is this: though we em- bearing species keeps them from be- phasize a few animals as "preda- coming too numerous for their normal tors," that's just a personal viewpoint. food supply. Controlling tame preda- Actually any kind of bird or mammal tors cats —dogs and —keeps them may be destructive when it becomes from needless killing of creatures we over-abundant or out of place, and want for ourselves. All these things the vegetation-eaters are m.ost de- are helpful in avoiding predator structive of all. The very creatures damage. maligned as "predators" are actually Sometimes these methods aren't our lowest-cost insurance against enough—or we don't carry them far this kind of destruction. Only when enough. Then we reduce predator they turn to destroying property damage we can't avoid by killing the themselves is it good business to cmimals that are actually causing it. "cancel" this insurance—and then The farmer has every right to destroy only the destructive individual itself. any predator that is molesting his Anything else will not profit us and, flocks and herds. most often, can do us only harm.

36 Bighorn lambs are born from mid-May through June. Ewes and their lambs generally cluster together away from the other sheep. The lambs become agile at an early age and when but a couple oi weeks old can race top-speed over rough terrain. Ewes generally mature at 2^2 years, while rams require 3V2 years or more.

•—Photo by W. K. Thompson Helena, Montana Sec. 34.66, P. L. & R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 50