Our History

Montana Game Warden History

By Tom Bivins, Montana Game Warden, Training Officer Retired

Charlie Russell, the renowned Montana artist, once remarked, "Civilization is nature's worst enemy. All wild things vanish when she comes." In the nineteenth century, an attitude of exploration, utilization, and exploitation of natural resources prevailed in Montana and across the West. Economic development and growth took precedence over any environmental considerations. However, along with the advance of civilization came a social conscience that found root in Montana.

Dedicated individuals realized the necessity for restraint to protect and preserve wildlife populations and to counteract the detrimental effects of excessive hunting, fishing, and unrestrained land use. The introduction of restrictive hunting measures constituted a civilizing element on the frontier and marked the beginning of wildlife conservation in Montana...

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