2 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

More Trees and Shrubs For Nebraska

A MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF NEBRASKA By EARL G. MAXWELL, State Extension Forester

WOULDN'T you like to be able to hear, as you go about your work on the farm all through the summer, that clear call of the quail or "Bob White," to occasionally see the Irairie Chicken scoot for cover or to raise and whiz to a safer spot? Wouldn't you like to be able to go out into the canyons and along the streams and gather Choke Cherries, Buffalo Berries and June Berries and in the sandier portions of the state, Sand Cherries to make into jams, jellies and pies? Would you not get a real thrill to come across great masses of those red and orange berries of Bittersweet which make such wonderful winter bouquets and which supply winter food for the birds?

These and many other things which were plentiful years ago are rapidly disappearing and are doomed to extinction unless we help to make conditions more favorable for their increase and protection.

The "Bob White" has always been recognized as a friend of the farmer because he lives on insects that prey on the farmer's crops and on weed seeds. He is also one of the most prized of all game birds and even though closed seasons have given him some protection his number has diminished to an alarming degree. So highly valued is the "Bob White" that in many states preserves are established where the birds may multiply. The increased planting of trees and shrubs as a protective cover is essential if we are to make conditions suitable for the increase of the quail and other forms of wild life. "Bob White is often called insists on the name he has given himself.

James Whitcomb Riley says:

"OLD BOB WHITE" Old Bob White's a funny bird!— Funniest you ever heard!— Hear him whistle—"Old-Bob-WHITE!" You can hear him clean from where He's 'way 'cross the wheat-field there, Whistlin' like he didn't care— "Old-Bob-WHITE!" Whistles alluz ist the same— So's we won't forgit his name!— Hear him say it?—"Old-Bob-WHITE!" There! he's whizzed off down the lane— Gone back where his folks is stayin'— Hear him?—There he goes again,— "Old-Bob-WHITE!"

Nebraska was well blessed with edible fruit in the early days and the early settlers were able to go into the canyons, along the road sides and by the streams and gather great quantities of wild fruits which helped materially to supply food for the family. These fruits supplied food for the birds which helped control insect pests. As a result of burning fence rows, putting more land under cultivation and the increased grazing of livestock the amount of wild fruits has been reduced to a marked degree. Some have, however, survived the competition of extensive cultivation and they should be increased. Such shrubs as Buffalo Berry, June Berry, Choke Cherry, Wild Plum, Elderberry and Hazel Nut as well as the Black Walnut tree, in their proper locations, should be increased and may be made to serve a three-fold purpose, that of furnishing a protective cover and food for wild life, supplying food for the family and helping to control soil erosion. Black Locust, Catalpa, Cottonwood, Ash, Willows and other forms are also good for erosion control plantings. They will in a very short time furnish a protection to wild life and later on supply posts, fuel and lumber.

All of these are easily propagated from seed. Why not get some seed of the wild fruits and grow some in the garden and later plant them in waste places along streams, in a windbreak or where there are gullies forming.

The best way to handle seed of this kind is to stratify them over winter. To do this moist sand and seed are placed in boxes in alternate layers from one-half to one inch deep depending on the size of the seed. The boxes containing the seed and sand are then buried in the ground in a welldrained location about eight inches deep. The seed should be sown in the garden as soon as the ground can be worked. The trees may be t r a nsplanted in most cases when they are one year old.

Seeds of black walnut or hickory may be handled in the same manner or may be planted in the fall in permanent locations. Those in eastern

(cont. on p. 10)

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 3

New Lakes and Parks Soon Open

NEBRASKA FISHING LAKES

FISHING in Nebraska promises to be good in Nebraska during the coming season in spite of the fact that great losses have occurred and the Game Commission has been handicapped by a prolonged drought.

Work is now under way to plant a million bullheads this spring. The greatest planting heretofore in any one season was 600,000. These fish are taken from propagation lakes in western Nebraska, and planted in lakes, ponds and streams in the eastern and southern part of the State. State owned lakes will be stocked regularly throughout the season.

Among the new lakes opened this year will be an eighty acre body of water on Rock Creek in Dundy County. This is the deepest lake in the State. It is stocked with bass, trout, crappies and bullheads. It will open in July. A lake at Guide Rock will also be opened during the summer. This lake is stocked with crappies, sunfish and bullheads.

Among the older lakes where fishing should be good are Wellfleet lake in Lincoln County, Memphis in Saunders, Arnold lake in Custer, Pibal and Ericson in Wheeler, Loup City lake in Sherman, Cot tonmill in Buffalo, Verdon in Richardson, Cottonwood, Dewey, Pelican and Dad's in Cherry, Long and Clear in Brown, and Walgren in Sheridan. All these lakes are well stocked and if good weather prevails, good catches should be made.

The Sand Pits at Fremont and Louisville are being heavily stocked, as well as the Blue River dams, the upper Elkhorn River, and other streams. A large planting of catfish is being made in the rivers throughout the state.

Among the new parks to be opened this year is that at Niobrara. The park at Ponca is still under construction. Chadron Park, now containing over eight hundred acres is open, as well as Arbor Lodge, Stolley and Victoria Springs.

There are several groups of lakes in Nebraska where excellent fishing is to be found. Chief among these is the Wood Lake group of lakes in Cherry County, comprised of such lakes as Dewey, Pelican, Dads, Beaver, etc.

Another important group of Nebraska lakes is found in southern Brown County, chief among these being Long, Willow, Clear and Moon Lakes. Here bass, crappie and sunfish are found.

Many good fishing lakes are to be found in southern Sheridan County, Garden County and McPherson County. All of these are known as the "Sand Hill Lakes".

Considerable trout fishing is now found in Nebraska. Among the chief streams where trout fishing is to be had is in Long Pine Creek at Long Pine, Plum Creek at Johnstown, the Snake River in Cherry County and numerous streams in northern Sheridan, Dawes and Sioux Counties. The drainage ditches in Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties also offer considerable trout fishing and are well stocked. Lodge Pole Creek in Cheyenne County, Rock Creek in Dundy County are among other trout streams where trout are taken each year.

Lake Ericson, Pibel Lake, Swan Lake in Holt County, Crystal Lake in Dakota County, Carter Lake in Douglas County, Arterburn Lake in Chase County, Maywood Lake in Frontier County and the Sand Pit Lakes along the Platte river provide bass, catfish and crappie fishing. Numerous small ponds and lakes of southern Nebraska furnish bullhead fishing while the Elkhorn, Republican and lower Platte Rivers are noted for catfishing. Many catfish are taken from the Missouri River each year. Excellent pike fishing is to be found in the upper Platte River, more particularly in Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties. Many pike are taken from the streams in these counties each year.

In addition to these lakes, the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission has established other state-owned lakes such as the Memphis Lake in Saunders County, Wellfleet Lake in Lincoln County, in Buffalo County, Loup City Lake in Sherman C o u nty, Verdon Lake in Richardson County. Sand Pits at Louisville and Fremont where public fishing may be had. Other lakes are Minatare Lake in Scotts Bluff County which is stocked with bass, perch, crappie, sunfish and bullheads.

Beaver Lake Recreation Grounds

Located in southeastern Cherry County in the lake group. This lake is partly state-owned, and the public may fish on the same free. Splendid bass and perch lake. Several resorts on the lake furnish boats, camping sites, and meals. Free camping sites on the state holdings.

Champion Lake Recreation Grounds

A small acreage fronting on Champion Lake, where good fishing is to be found. Champion Lake is located on the Frenchman River, near Champion, in Chase County. Now open to the public.

Walgren Lake Recreation Grounds

Located four miles southwest of Hay Springs, in Sheridan County, not far from State Highway No. 20. This lake is partly owned by the State and the public can fish free. Splendid camping sites are available. Bass, sunfish and bullheads are found here.

4 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Report on Bird Feeding

THE 1934-35 Nebraska Bird Feeding Campaign was a great success. Thousands of birds were carried safely through the winter and will insure a good crop for the hunting season of 1935.

Nearly $4,000 was collected for this purpose. Of this amount several thousand dollars' were handled in the counties. The balance was handled through the Game Commission's Office at Lincoln.

The following report shows all donations, expenditures and balance in the Commission's office at Lincoln:

Donor Amount Mrs. Albert Johnson, Lincoln ......$ 1.00 Nebr. Sportsmen's Org............... 25.00 Major Smith, Lincoln...................50 M. C. Pedersen, Lincoln .............10 Otto DeVilbiss, Lincoln ...............10 Irving Perimeter, Lincoln............ .10 I. H. Kulp, Colorado Fuel & Iron Co., Lincoln.............................. 1.00 A. H. Brehm, Colorado Fuel & Iron Co., Lincoln .................... 1.00 E. E. Hartwell, Colorado Fuel & Iron Co., Lincoln .................... 1.00 J. M. Baldrige, Omaha ................ 5.00 Jack & O. J. Hitchcock, Lincoln.. .50 D. B. Marshall, Omaha ................ 2.00 W. D. Harrison, Omaha .............. 2.00 Col. Arthur F. Foran, Pres. "More Game Birds In America, Inc., N. Y.............-. 10.00 C. S. Kittinger, Lincoln .............. 1.00 A. L. Faunce, Franklin ................ 1.00 John W. Lindsay, Grand Island.... 5.00 Miss Marian Chapman, Lincoln.....10 P. W. Burk, Bridgeport ...............10 Rising City Parent-Teach. Ass'n. 3.40 Joyce DeVilbiss, Lincoln .............10 Coll. contributions State House Cafe.............................. 1.16 John R. Martin, Blue Hill ______ 1.00 Wm. R. Brewster, Blue Hill ...... 1.00 Fremont Chapter I. W. L........... 50.00 Phil Runion, Lincoln .................. 2.00 Lincoln Chapter I. W. L............. 4.30 Fred Gretenburg, Lincoln Tel Co., Lincoln...................... 1.00 Collected from contribution boxes, Lincoln.......................... 1.70 Collected from Lions Club, Lincoln...................................... 4.33 Lincoln Chapter I. W. L............. 1.65 J. D. Taylor, Lincoln .................. 3.00 Mr. & Mrs. T. L. Phelps, Omaha.. 2.00 M. B. Hardin, Pender .................. 1.00 Mrs. F. J. Burnett, Omaha .......... 1.00 P. W. Batchelder, Grand Island.. 2.00 Turned in by Comm. Douglas Tecumseh ..................$31.52 Pawnee City .............. 23.39 Falls City .................. 28.13 Lee Burns, State Sheriff's Office.. Mr. DeVriendt, Lincoln .............. P. H. Mathews, Lincoln.............. Francis W. Purdy, P. M. Hildreth H. E. Burkett, Hartington .......... (40 names inc. on list) George Brandeis, Omaha ............ J. N. Darling, Biological Survey, Wash., D. C................................ Dr. W. H. Walker, Omaha .......... Al Swanson, Omaha.................... Nels Updike, Omaha.................... Ike Mahoney, Omaha................... Concord Club, Omaha ___............. Art Storz, Omaha........................ Young Men's Business Club, Omaha...................................... E. F. Howe, c-o Fairmont Cry. Co., Omaha .............................. L. H. Ruf (Coll. taken in So. Omaha).............................. Kuhl-Reece Grain Co., Ashland... Ward Betzer, Lincoln.................. Knight Produce Co., Lincoln ...... State Employees, Valentine Hatchery .................................. G. A. C, Omaha .......................... I. J. Dunn, Omaha ...................... Otto J. Bowman, Co. Treas. Douglas Co. & Mark Shaw, Omaha, Nebr............................. Wm. Putney, Lincoln.................. J. A. Swanson, Omaha, coll......... Lincoln Chapter I. W. L., by Dr. Emerson coll. in Sharp Bldg... G. P. Herman, Omaha .................. Arthur S. Raymond, Lincoln ...... Mrs. Daisy B. Seybolt, Lincoln.... Frank E. Card, Lincoln .............. Red Deer Hunting Club, Lincoln Alice H. Mocroft, Waverly ........ Omaha Chapter I. W. League ...... M. L. Lohse, Omaha.................... Geo. L. Carter, Lincoln .............. Lincoln Chapter I. W. L. (by Betzer).............................. J. C. Van Avery, Omaha (coll.).. Lincoln Chapter I. W. L.............. J. B. Douglas, contrib. from Tecumseh Sidles Duda Myers Co. (coll.).... Omaha Police Dept..................... Cecil Richards, Lincoln ...........___ Contrib. from boxes in State Hse. Dr. Z. A. Norton, Milford .......... Coll. by Ike Mahoney, Omaha .... John Howe, c-o Geo. Burt & Co. Turned over to G. M. Gaskill, Albion, by Nichols Howe 83.04 1.00 .20 .50 .40 40.00 25.00 1.00 2.00 10.00 10.00 5.00 9.00 5.00 6.00 10.00 51.00 .20 .50 1.00 4.00 1.00 2.50 1.00 1.00 27.00 40.00 2.00 5.00 .20 5.00 25.00 1.00 25.00 2.00 1.00 10.65 8.00 1.19 3.35 3.06 15.70 .50 4.20 2.00 28.00 4.50 Campaign of Albion.................................. 3.80 A. L. Johnson, Pres. Crete Mills.. 15.00 City of Ashland ............................ 22.25 Coll. box at Castle Hotel, Omaha .55 Henry Timme, Papillion .............. 1.45 Lincoln Chapter I. W. L........... 33.35 Coll. from boxes in St. House .... 2.78 Contrib. from salesmen Peters & Remington Ammunition Co— 17.47 E. E. Clark, Chairman, Inman, (collected) .............................. 5.00 Lester Childers, Sec. Local Sportsmen Group, Fairbury.... 3.75 American Legion of Cody ___..... 15.50 J. A. Swanson, Omaha (coll.).... 22.00 Coll. Court House, Lincoln, by Farley Young.................... 3.10 Junior Div. Lincoln Chamber Commerce, Lincoln .................. 148.45 Lincoln Chapter I. W. L............. 27.88 Employees H. P. Lau Co. ............ 2.85 J. B. VerMehren, Omaha (coll.).. 9.50 H. B. Ruffner (collected) .......... 11.00 Ideal Groc, Lincoln .................... 2.65 Firth Gun Club, Firth.................. 5.00 Otto F. Semke, Superior ............ 1.00 Guy R. Spencer, Omaha (coll.).. 55.85 Omaha Sportsmen by F. S. Palecek, Omaha.............. 25.00 Coll. boxes State House .............. 1.01 Lee Burns, State Sheriff's Office, Lincoln .......................... 1.00 Lester Childers, Fairbury .......... 10.00 Coll. at City Oil Sta., Lincoln .... 1.42 Ck. by Geo. Howard, Albion ...... 3.50 Dr. E. B. Finney, Lincoln ........... 5.00 Guy R. Spencer, (collected) ...... 15.00 Coll. by C. C. Courtright, Fremont................................... 40.00 Sioux City Chapter (I. W. League, by Geo. Carter) ........ 7.06 Pro-Tem Club, Omaha .................. 50.00 Lincoln Te. & Tel. Co., by Mr. Cleveland .................... 1.04 Dr. L. C. Knight, coll. Stuart Bldg............................... 14.72 So. Side Police, Omaha .............. 11.90 I. W. L. Skeet Club, Omaha ...... 7.50 City Lock & Gun (Rieffner) Omaha ...................................... 3.00 Van Avery (collected in Omaha) 1.90 Geo. A. Dolan, Louisville, Nebr. 1.00 Sidles Duda-Myers Co. (coll.).... 3.45 Central High School, Omaha ...... 6.21 From coll. box in State House.....60 Dr. Shaw Little, Clarks, Nebr..... 1.00 First Nat. Bk., Springview, Nebr. 3.30 Al Swanson, Omaha (collection) 10.40 Guy R. Spencer (collection)...... 5.35 Dr. Prime, Omaha .................. 9.50 (Continued on page 12)

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 5

Hunting With a Camera

By WALTER E. HASTINGS, Star Photographer, Michigan Department of Conservation.

IT gives me a great deal of pleasure to tell you just a little about hunting with a camera. It was as a scoutmaster of a troop of Boy Scouts eighteen years ago that I began this interesting and fascinating sport. My troop that year gave me a cheap little camera for a Christmas gift. This gift changed the whole trend of my life.

In March of that year, in company with some of the troop we visited a large hardwood forest near my home and up in the top of a large beech tree we found a great horned owl's nest. The tree being not difficult to climb, we went up and found in the nest two baby owlets, little downy fellows about ten inches in height and who looked much like little old men. With the little camera I took several pictures of the baby birds, and a couple of nights later, upon seeing the pictures that we had made, I became an addict to wild life photography.

Our equipment began to grow almost over night and after ten years of following the camera as a hobby I realized that I would either have to give up this hobby or give up the business in which we were engaged. You probably have all heard the expression that if business interferes with pleasure, give it up, which we did.

For the past eight years I have been making pictures for the Michigan Department of Conservation. These pictures have been used by the Educational Division in a program to familiarize people with wild life, both birds and animals, to show all phases of conservation activities and to bring about a proper and intelligent use of the out of doors.

There is a thrill in the shot the camera makes that can never be equalled by the bullet—at least in the opinion of we who have learned that we can eat our cake and have it too. We camera hunters can sit around and swap yarns about our big adventures with just as much satisfaction and gusto as can the big game hunters over their camp fires.

It was in the making of a picture called "Michigan Moose" that I experienced my biggest thrill in camera hunting. We were photographing among the great herd of moose on Isle Royale, Michigan's farthest north. The better part of ten days had been spent in a little blind built on the end of a point of land running out into Lake Ritchie. Many of the days were long and tiring with scarcely a foot of movies to reward us.

This particular day we had concealed ourselves in the blind about seven in the morning and waited until four in the afternoon for something to happen. It occurred with a vengeance. A large cow moose came out of the woods about half a mile down the shore. She waded leisurely out in the lake to the edge of the channel bank and began feeding. She was standing about half submerged in the water. She would stick her head beneath the surface with only her shoulder and back exposed. Then she would gather a big mouthful of water vegetation and bring her head up to eat.

We conceived the idea of trying to stalk this big fellow. Believing we could wade out along side of her while her head was under the water we drew near and after considerable effort were successful.

As long as I live I shall never forget the surprise on that Moose's face as she brought her head from below the water. She heard the grinding of the camera and turned to see me standing not more than ten feet away. Her ears became erect, her eyes literally bulged from their sockets, the ruff of her neck stood erect like that of a mad wolf and the most queer expression imaginable crossed her face. She realized what was taking place apparently and turned to escape. All of a sudden I felt the tension on my camera crank release to realize I was out of film and had lost a part of one of the finest shots I ever had the opportunity to make. What passed through my mind would not bear repeating.

True enough, that thrill is a memory, but like every camera hunter, is a memory I can live over again and again. Not by looking at a mounted head on the wall of my den, but by the actual incident as I sit and watch a machine grind off again on a screen the expression on that animal's face.

We wanted a picture of the life history of our Michigan beaver. Although it is but one reel long it required a two-year interval to make. It was necessary for us to build two blinds a year before we wanted to use them, one on each side of a beaver dam, and placing the blinds so that the beaver would become accustomed to them. It took months of patience but the results rewarded our efforts.

Many people believe that hunting with a camera would be a more or less dangerous avocation. I have never found it so. In fact, in all of our experience in the wilderness and coming in intimate contact with all kinds of wild creatures, never once have we had to protect ourselves in any way. We have had to play games of watchful waiting. We have had a big rattle snake in our photographic blind with us and haven't dared to move for more than an hour. But that is the nearest we ever came to actual danger.

Camera hunting is largely a matter of patience but a patience that is usually well rewarded. My wife, the other member of the photographic team, says it required the patience of Job except when she is concerned and she is usually right.

But camera hunting affords all of the thrills of the rifle, the arrow, the trap and the rod. It knows no closed season, and what is more it leaves the victim of its shots to be enjoyed by other lovers of nature who are growing in number every year. Camera hunting is real conservation. I thank you.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP IN THE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Learn to know the trees and; shrubs of Nebraska and protect them. Plant trees, vines and shrubs— windbreaks to beautify and protect the farmstead. In shelter belts for crop and soil protection. To aid erosion control. In waste places for protection of wild life. Propagate and help to increase the wild fruits such as Choke Cherry, Buffalo Berry and Sand Cherries. (Editor's Note: This paper was prepared by Earl G. Maxwell, State Extension Forester)

Buy a fishing permit now! Have you planted a tree this spring? Suppose the pioneers of yesteryear had failed to plant trees!

NEW LEGISLATION

It looks like the Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission has finally been freed from partisan political interference, and can now do some real, constructive work.

Five years ago, under the leadership of Gov. A. J. Weaver, the Nebraska Izaak Walton League and allied organizations were able to secure a bi-partisan game and parks commission.

This year, under the leadership of Gov. Roy L. Oochran, the law has been amended to give the Commission greater freedom from partisan politics and to smooth out a number of difficulties encountered in the past five years.

The Game Commission must necessarily employ men who have devoted years of study to their work. The care and building up of our outdoor resources require trained and experienced men. There is no more reason for changing the personnel of a game department every year or so than there is for frequently changing the personnel of our State Agricultural College, Board of Control institutions or federal bureaus. It is believed that under the new legislation which now provides for civil service, that much better work can be done and that Nebraska sportsmen can be given more value for their hunting, fishing and trapping investments.

The new law relieves the Governor of having to act as chairman of the Commission, and permits the five members to select a chairman from their number. Governor Cochran, who has had many years experience in administering state affairs, readily recognized that the Governor cannot be expected to keep in touch with the multitudinous details of a dozen departments and gave his support to the change in the law.

Under the new act the secretary is taken off the board and made the director of the Commission's activities. In other states this arrangement has been found much more satisfactory and makes for greater efficiency and freedom from partisan politics.

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 7

Why Buy A Hunting and Fishing Permit

A Plain Talk With the Public-Spirited Citizens of Nebraska

IN Nebraska today there are thousands of publicspirited citizens who do not contribute a cent in the preservation and building up of our outdoor resources.

Many of these citizens are not even aware of this. They believe that because they are heavy property taxpayers that they are doing their bit for the maintenance of our parks, fish hatcheries, recreational centers, public lakes, game reserves, etc.

Now here are the facts in the case. Please study them carefully:—

All of the state parks in Nebraska, all the recreational centers, game sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, the distribution and salvage equipment, wardens, game birds, fish, fur-bearing animals—in fact the public lakes and land has been provided and developed from the dollar fee paid by hunters, fishermen and trappers.

Perhaps some of you have believed that when you paid the taxes on your home or farm, or when you raid your personal taxes, that some part of it went to build up and preserve your outdoors. If you believed that you were mistaken. Not a single cent of such taxes is used by the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission. All of the funds used by the Commission are secured through the sale of the hunting, fishing and trapping permits sold each year throughout the state. If you have not been buying one of these permits, you are not giving financial aid to this work.

"Yes", perhaps you say, "but why should I buy a hunting or fishing permit, I do not hunt or fish."

Well, that may be true, but we know you are interested in your outdoor resources more or less and we know that you desire to do your part as a citizen interested in the conservation of our natural resources and the upbuilding of our citizenship. When you buy a hunting or fishing permit, though you may not be helping yourselves to indulge in these sports, you are helping others to enjoy the outdoors. After all, the actual hunting and fishing is only a part of the great work the Nebraska Commission is doing. It is your dollar that provides, improves, and maintains our seven state parks—institutions, by the way, which the hunter or fisherman uses very little because the parks are all bird sanctuaries where hunting is not permitted and only one of the parks contains water where fishing may be had. Our parks in themselves should be worth a dollar a year to every conservation-minded citizen, but only one-tenth of your dollar is used for that purpose. Let us tell you how the other ninety cents is spent.

The next ten cents goes for the purchase, improvement and maintenance of the twenty-six recreational areas.

"What are recreational areas?" "How do they differ from the parks?", you ask.

These are places throughout Nebraska where you can spend a day or two, camping out if you wish, Avhere there are pleasant summer surroundings and some fishing is available. For example, the Commission took over old abandoned sand pits in Dodge and Cass Counties—sandy areas that were eye-sores to the communities, and developed them into attractive recreational grounds where the public can go and enjoy itself without hearing the old familiar warning—"Hi there, get out of here—that's private!" For another example, the Commission took over an old lake in Saunders County—a lake formerly used by an ice company— and made it into one of the most attractive fishing resorts in eastern Nebraska—a little oasis in a sea of corn and wheat fields that some day not far distant will become one of the beauty spots in our state. And for a third example, the Commission has gone into Richardson, Sherman, Thayer, Lincoln, Greeley, Dundy and other counties and created lakes—built attractive recreational areas where none were before. This is done because it is the policy of the Commission to bring these things to the people in the several sections of the state rather than requiring the people to go to the lakes. Twenty-six of these are already open to the public with more to follow. That accounts for the second dime of your dollar and don't you think it is a worthy cause and entitled to your support?

Next comes fishing. At the present time the Commission is spending about forty cents of your dollar in ra;sing fish, salvaging them from drying-up or freezing-out lakes, distributing them, transplanting them, etc. "Why is so much spent for this purpose?" you ask. Perhaps we can answer that best in the

(continued on page 12)

For the NAME ........ APPLICATION purpose of obtaining: FOR HUNTING AND FISHING PERMIT a hunting and fishing permit I make the following- statement: AGE ............ OCCUPATIO HEIGHT I am a P. o............ ..............—.COLOR OF N ................................. EYES..... COLOB OF HAIR .................................. WEIGHT ♦resident COUNTY of the OF State of Nebraska, residing at citizen of the United States, and a DATE ......... (Signature of Applicant. State continuously for a period intention to permanently reside *NOTE: of sixty days in the State. A resident of Nebraska is one before making: this application, who and has lived in the it is a bona fide If you have not purchased a hunting ana fishing permit send ill this application and a dollar to the Game Commission.

8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Game Commission Activities

Each year a new member is appointed to the Nebraska Game Commission, while an old member retires.

The new member appointed January 15, 1935 by Governor Cochran is Frank Haskin, Benkelman. Mr. Haskin has been interested in game and fish for many years, and is a well-known sportsman. His services to the state will be very valuable.

The retiring member is George Hastings, of Grant. Mr. Hastings served well and faithfully, giving much of his time to the work.

A New Fish Truck

A new fish truck, with a capacity for hauling fish greater than the railroad fish car, has just been placed in service in Nebraska.

This truck is similar to one of the gas transports now seen on the highways. It carries four large tanks each connected to a pump. All the water in each tank can be run thru a pump and aerated every six minutes.

This truck will be used in hauling bullheads from propagation lakes in the Sand-Hills to southern and eastern streams, lakes and ponds. Approximately 25,000 adult bullheads can be hauled to a load, and the truck will make a trip every other day.

New Sanctuary Under Way

Excellent progress is being made in acquiring land for the new federal waterfowl sanctuary in Cherry County. The federal authorities have options covering approximately 63,000 acres, and with 7,000 acres being placed in the reserve by the state, the total will be around 70,000 acres.

The tract being developed will include Hackberry, Dewey, Pelican, Dad's, Willow and several other lakes. While these lakes will be closed to hunting, the more important ones will have areas set aside for fishing.

Inquiries regarding land for this project, as well as positions as caretakers, game managers, e|tc, should he addressed to Chief, Bureau Biological Survey, Washington, D. C, rather than to the Nebraska Game Commission.

Civil Service

Under new legislation which will become effective in about ninety days, the Nebraska Game Commission will operate under civil service rules and regulations.

In the future all employees will be required to take an examination, both written and oral, and will be placed on an eligible list. All appointments will be made from this list. The requirements will not be as strict as that of the federal government, but it is likely there will be age limits for some of the appointments. Hereafter there will no longer be a chief game warden and deputies. Instead there will be a Chief Conservation Officer and deputy conservation officers. The Secretary of the commission will be the chief conservation officer, but will not be a member of the board or have a vote.

Parks Open Soon

Nebraska parks have been put in readiness for the 1935 season.

The mansion at Arbor Lodge, as well as the grounds, have been repaired and beautified.

Chadron will have its first full year since it was enlarged. Many fine cabins are now available, as well as swimming, riding, hiking etc.

Victoria Springs has swimming, fishing and picnicking available, as well as several cabins.

Stolley has beautiful flowers and trees to see, picnicking and play grounds.

Plan to visit one or more of Nebraska's parks this summer.

STUDY EELGRASS SHORTAGE

Calling the disappearance of eelgrass one of the outstanding biological phenomena of recent times, Clarence Cottam, of the Bureau of Biological Survey, recently told the Biological Society of Washington that conditions by observed on the coast of - United States as a whole are beginning to show signs of improvement.

Eelgrass, the staple winter food of sea brant, began to die out rapidly on the Atlantic coast in 1931 and by 1932 the disappearance was so widespread that a closed season was provided for the protection of the brant. The plant, a submerged salt-water or brakisbwater perennial of the pondweed family, Mr. Cottam explained, is also an important food for Canada geese and black ducks, and to a lesser extent for other waterfowl. It provides a shelter and habitat for shellfishes, fishes, and many interdependent forms of minute life, some of which have almost disappeared with the eelgrass.

Though emphasizing these indirect uses of the plant, Mr. Cottam also pointed out its many direct commercial uses. Eelgrass is used as an insulator, in upholstering, in packing, in the manufacture of mattresses and other articles as a compost for fertilizer, for bedding domestic animals, and as a soil binder and erosion preventive on farms and in coastal areas.

HILLS OF NEBRASKA Alice G. Harvey The hills of Nebraska are friendly hills That wander and roll away, They shelter perhaps some fertile fields, An orchard, a town, or meadow gay. They are boisterous hills when high winds sweep With yellow dust or driving snow, And the howls and shrieks of a thousand blasts, Re-echo down their sides so low. They are hills of hope with the early spring Proclaiming the joy of growth; New grass, new grain, new leaves burst forth To lay beauty upon the earth. The hills of autumn are rapturous, gay With banners of far-flung ecstacy; They burst with a flame of earth's delight To proclaim their joy and brilliancy. But the hills of Nebraska are hills of home Whether steep or rolling, be that as it may, Those hills are a part of my every day No matter what season they may display.

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 9 DARLING MADE ARBITER

"Ding" Darling, Chief of the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey, today has become virtually the first Will Hays of field sports. State game officials, representatives of national and state sportsmen's organizations, scientists and others attending the 21st annual American Game Conference here agreed through a resolution to support future waterfowl hunting regulations proposed by him and opposed a proposed federal ban on all waterfowl hunting, according to the More Game Birds Foundation.

Adoption of the resolution climaxed a hectic three-day session of the Conference attended by over 500 from every section of the United States and provinces of Canada. Observers from both countries reported a marked depletion of certain species of North American waterfowl—particularly the so-called "diving ducks". Others contended that the supply of some "marsh duck" species was such as to make unwarranted a complete cessation of duck shooting.

The resolution which makes Chief Darling titular czar of duck hunting stated: "Resolved—That the American Game Conference hereby records this unqualified approval of the efforts of the present Chief of the United States Biological survey, and pledges its utmost confidence and support of such regulations as may be recommended by him or the shooting of wild waterfowl durng the 1935 season."

Other resolutions adopted, which summarize action of the annual open forum of the country's sportsmen's organizations and fish and game officials, were in brief as follows:

That the Conference petition Congress to provide sufficient funds to adequately enforce migratory bird laws. That the Conference opposes indiscriminate drainage without consideration for wildlife.

That the U. S. Department of Agriculture undertake a study of insects found to be carriers of diseases destructive to wildlife. That the Secretary of the Interior set aside wildlife refuges on the public domain where certain species such as mountain sheep, sage grouse and antelope are facing extinction.

That President Roosevelt be petitioned to bring all renewable resources under control of a single governmental agency. That the Conference endorse the recommendations made by the Dern-Lonergan federal anti-water pollution plan.

Chief Darling, in summing up the situation of the country's wild waterfowl, said, in part:

"No administration in the history of this government has considered the conservation of wildlife resources from a national viewpoint. Such refuges as have been provided have been the result of spasmodic hysteria. Game has remained the orphan child.

"In all the millions of government expenditures during these last three years not one thin dime was appropriated specifically for wildlife restoration. The only money actually available now has to be sucked through a straw from someone else's barrel.

"The amazing thing to me is that with a $500,000,000 industry to maintain, no one should have started long ago to put the duck business on a factual basis. No one knows whether we kill 12,000,000 and hatch 10,000,000. This year the Biological Survey has set its hand to that job as intensively as our constricted budget would allow. * * * There are many things to consider beside the thought of a peremptory closing of the season.

"The Spring flight will be closely watched and the 1935 nesting conditions again observed. On the tabulated results of these observations the Biological Survey will make its recommendations to the Secretary of Agricuture and the President for next year's migratory waterfowl regulations."

Because of complications in the present "Duck Stamp" law which, Chief Darling estimated had caused a loss in sales amounting to approximately $200,000, amendments are to be introduced in the present session of Congress. Sales had amounted to $504,000, according to a recent tabulation.

WARNS SPORTSMEN TO ASSIST FARMER

Farmers are not going to assist in game development, propagation or even protection if, after all this is done at their expense and on their property, someone else gets the profit or pleasure out of it. That is a warning to the country's sportsmen sounded by Chester H. Gray, Washington representative of the American Farm Bureau Federation, at the recent New England Game Conference.

Pointing to an annual income of approximately $60,000,000 from furs trapped by farmers, Mr. Gray stated: "It is painful to enumerate the years in which the entire cotton crop of the nation, although in gross amount totaling many millions of dollars greater than the agricultural fur crop, frequently nets to the southland farmers less than the furs. It is not cheerful to think of some years in which dairy products have gone to market literally in billions of dollars of gross value, but have netted dairy farmers perhaps less than the furs.

"It would be a happy development if other game products could have their net income developed so that the farmer, as from furs, could get a sizeable income," Gray declared in referring to plans now being advanced to encourage farmers to treat game birds as a side line crop. But, he warned:

"In the ardor which some associations have to protect, propagate and develop game, state laws are passed which, instead of making it possible for farmers to reap some reward, small as it may be, from game, impose penalties in one way or another on such farmers. . . .The result of this sort of legislation and regulation inevitably is that the farmer, in despoiled crops, ruined fields, in injured orchards, in animal destruction, or in other ways, is the sufferer.

"It is hardly fair that a sportsman may have the privilege of hunting on an abundantly populated game area if the farmers in that area by ravages of one or another nature, pay for his privilege. Neither is it hardly fair for a humane society to become so sentimental in regard to predators and rodents, or to any game birds or animals which can develop into an agricultural nuisance, that such society forgets absolutely the nuisance possibilities of such animals or birds."

Offering the co-operation of farmers in wildlife conservation plans which take the farmer's side into consideration, Mr. Gray concluded: "Farmers of our nation may be expected to co-operate enthusiastically ... if in such protection and propagation his capital investments, and his rights to protect his own property are integral parts of the plan." But, he warned "farmers, either singly or in their associations, may not be expected to co-operate with sportsmen ... if the agricultural economics of the game problem are not kept prominently in mind."

10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

MORE TREES AND SHRUBS FOR NEBRASKA

(continued from page 2)

Nebraska might well consider planting some walnuts wheie moisture conditions are favorable for their nut crops.

Some years ago great quantities of bittersweet vines could be found growing in woodland and along streams and, in the fall when touched by Jack Frost, their great masses of orange and red berries added color and beauty to the landscape. The popularity of bittersweet as winter bouquets and the utter disregard for its protection and the ruthless manner in which the vines have been torn to pieces has all but eliminated it in many parts of the country. Bittersweet is easily propagated by seed or may be transplanted readily. The seed should be sown in the fall or stratified over winter and sown in the early spring. We beautify our farmsteads and homes. Why not have pome bittersweet growing about the farm where it can be protected to furnish sprays of beautiful berries for winter bouquets?

We might consider the grapes also moist places, cording to Dr well wild for Ac- G. E. Condra of the University of Nebraska, the early wild grapes occur with the timber in practically every county of the atate and are especially plentiful along the Missouri and in the Frenchman and Niobrara valleys. There are two or three other kinds of wild grapes that occur only in southeastern Nebraska.

These are easily propagated by layering. Very often one can find canes near the base of the old vines which may be layed down on the ground and a portion covered over with moist dirt and mulch of some kind such as leaves or dead grass. At the joint where it is covered it will take root. Early the following spring this may be detached from the parent plant, dug up1 and set where desired. In doing so cut the top back to just above the last bud. Not all vines produce fruit, however, and one should be sure the vine fruits before any attempt is made to reproduce it.

Try propagating some of the wild grapes and starting a few along the streams where there are trees to support them. The fruit is not only good for birds but for human beings as well.

Elderberry bushes are not so plentiful in Nebraska but may be grown in moist locations. This shrub sends up root sprouts and makes dense clumps similar to wild plum. It is not a pest in the sense that some plants are which send up shoots from underground stems. It does furnish splendid protection for wild life and supplies a lot of food for birds. Some folks are very fond of pies made from the berries.

While Nebraska is officially known as the "Cornhusker" State, the extensive tree planting activities of the earlier settlers resulted in it being given the name "The Tree Planters' State." These early settlers established many windbreak, shelter belt and woodlot plantings for their protection and for the benefit of future generations. Many of these older plantings have either died off or have been cut for fuel and those who have enjoyed the benefits resulting from these older plantings have a duty to perform if future generations are to enjoy similar benefits.

You should know the common trees and shrubs of your community and should act the part of a good citizen by planting many of them and by giving all of them the protection they deserve.

Nebraska has had for several years a tree planting program and not a small part of this is the planting of windbreaks, shelter belts and woodlots by farmers in cooperation with the Agricultural Extension Service. In the past eight years some six and one-half million forest tree seedlings and transplants have been distributed for this purpose through provision of the Clarke-McNary Act.

While trees sent out by the Extension Service are being planted mainly for wind protection around farm buildings, shelter belt plantings consisting of one or more rows of trees on the boundary or across the farm to reduce the wind velocity and thus conserve moisture and prevent soil blowing and also to act as a barrier against destructive hot winds of summer are being advocated by many farmers who have had an opportunity to observe the benefits of such plantings.

The surface of the soil is dried out quickly by evaporation. Farmers usually plow and cultivate with the object of conserving as much of the moisture which falls during th^ year as possible. Anything which helps to conserve the moisture is of direct benefit to the farmer. The windbreak or shelter belt has this effect in a marked degree. The drying power of the wind is reduced by the windbreak very nearly in the same proportion as its velocity is checked. Cut down wind velocity and you reduce evaporation. Tests carried on by the U. S. Forest Service show that evaporation is reduced as much as 65 per cent in the immediate lee of the most effective windbreak. Further from the trees the reduction is less.

Farmers often question the benefits of trees planted next to cultivated fields and argue that they result in lower yields. This might be true in the case of a single row of big cottonwoods running north and south and through which the wind can pass freely. However, a planting made of one row of low growing trees like Russian Olive or Russian Mulberry and one or more rows of some taller growing species of broadleaf trees   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 11 or even a single row of Austrian or Western Yellow Pine, if planted east and west, will prove very beneficial.

A long time resident of Nebraska has the following to say relative to the benefits derived from shelter belt plantings:

"Our old farm that was homesteaded seventy-five years ago had a windbreak of trees planted clear around 160 acres of it and an Osage hedge, untrimmed, across it north and south and east and west cutting it up into forty-acre tracts. The first real outstanding service this windbreak did in crop protection, was on July 25, 1894, when we had a hot wind which swept all over this country and which almost ruined the corn crop. Our corn in these protected fields, yielded us an average of 28 bushels per acre. The south half of each field furnished a better yield than the north half. Outside of this windbreak the corn yielded all the way from five to fifteen bushels. This windbreak caused an increase in yield a good many times later on."

"There is a farm near Plainview, Nebraska, which has a tree claim strip of timber along the south side of 160 acres which in 1918 yielded 35 to 40 bushels per acre of corn, north of this windbreak on about sixty acres, while the rest of the corn which was altogether unprotected by any windbreak only yielded 15 bushels per acre and in the year 1927 similar results were gotten on the same pieces of land. These are concrete cases."

"I have noticed this benefit practically every year that there has been any injury to a corn crop for all of the fifty-four years that I have lived in Nebraska."

Another Nebraskan relates the following incident. "One time my brother and I were hired to husk corn for a tenant farmer in Fillmore county. A honey locust hedge bounded the south side of the 60-acre field and, probably, because the first few rows next to the hedge showed a very poor stand of corn, the farmer told us to start at the other end of the field to husk his share of 40 acres. We also scooped the corn into the sheller and were paid for a little over 900 bushels.

"The next thing we knew, the tenant had skipped the country, having sold his corn and leaving the landlord's share of 20 acres still in the field. Of course, the owner was wild, but he engaged us to husk the remainder of the corn. We also scooped his corn into the sheller and were paid for nearly 950 bushels—more than the tenant took off the other two-thirds of the field.

"Undoubtedly, the tenant thought he was cheating- the landlord when he chose the north end of the field for his share because the rows next to the hedge were almost no good; but he failed to look at the rows a little farther out in the field where the corn received the benefit of the hedge shelter. Incidentally, this windbreak is still standing."

We hear it said that trees will not grow in many parts of Nebraska. This is not based on fact. Successful plantings can be found in every county in the state. Many of these plantings have withstood the drouth of the last few years and have produced seed which will be used to grow planting stock that will be equally hardy. Some of the failures of the past have been due to a lack of knowledge of proper species, or the use of seed from a source which did not provide hardy stock or from failure to conserve soil moisture by proper cultivation.

The source of seed from which trees are grown has much to do with their ability to withstand our Nebraska conditions. Trees grown from seed produced in Georgia will not give the same results as those from seed grown here or under more adverse conditions.

Then, too, the conservation of moisture for the benefit of the trees is of the utmost importance. Whenever possible the ground should be prepared in the fall unless in sandy locations or when it is apt to blow badly and left in a roughened condition to catch the snow and absorb moisture which might otherwise be lost from run off. Clean cultivation should be done for the first few years or as long as it is possible. Trees cannot compete with grass and weeds and live, or if they do live, make a satisfactory growth.

Both evergreen and broadleaf species are used successfully in farm windbreak and shelterbelt plantings.

The evergreens, while being slower growing, are longer lived, afford more protection from winter winds and add beauty to the landscape. They may need some special care for the first two or three years and are slow to start but when once established they will withstand adverse conditions exceptionally well. One valuable feature of the evergreen tree is its ability to withstand hail storms without serious injury. They are often planted with broadleaf species but even a single row of evergreens in time will afford a splendid wind protection.

The following evergreens are recommended for Nebraska: Western Yellow, Austrian, Scotch and Jack Pine and native Red Cedar. Jack Pine is recommended especially for sandy locations. Red Cedar is not recommended for certain locations, however, on account of its connection with the rust fungus which is injurious to apple orchards.

Broadleaf species which have proven generally successful for our conditions are: Honey Locust, Hackberry, Chinese Elm, Caragana, Russian Mulberry, Russian Olive, American Elm, Green Ash, and Cottonwood.

Planting a tree is considered a very simple operation and there is nothing very complicated about it, but to plant trees and make them grow in an area of variable climatic conditions requires some assistance for them to become established. Moisture is the limiting factor in Nebraska in growing trees as well as other crops and every effort should be made to conserve as much of it as possible.

In handling and planting young trees a little extra care will mean a lot toward success. The following suggestions in planting have been followed by many farmers in Nebraska with splendid results :

Make a bucket of thin mud and place the roots in it as soon as they are dug or if nursery stock as soon as they arrive and leave them there for a few hours or until the following day.

Carry the bucket of mud and trees to the place of planting and take out one tree at a time and plant immediately, giving the roots their natural position in the ground and about one inch deeper than they grew in their former location.

Pack the earth around the roots as you fill the hole (DO NOT FILL THE HOLPJ WITH EARTH BEFORE PACKING IT SOLID). Water each tree thoroughly before the last shovel of dirt is put around it. Leave a slight depression around the tree to catch rainfall. A little mulch of straw or leaves around each tree will help to keep the ground moist. However, mulching after the first year is not advisable as this will induce root development too close to the surface.

Cultivate the tree as you would any crop and keep out all weeds and grass. Continue cultivation until trees completely shade the ground. It is a good idea to place a shingle or piece of board in the ground on the south side of small evergreens the first year to protect them from the sun and wind.

Do not allow livestock to run where trees are planted.

LOUP CITY RECREATION GROUNDS

A fifty-acre tract, consisting of a twenty-acre lake, frontage on the Middle Loup River and a good picnic and camping ground.

12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

WHY BUY A HUNTING AND FISHING PERMIT?

(continued from page 7)

words of James Oliver Curwood, famous author and great lover of the outdoors. Says Mr. Curwood:

"The world loves the man who loves to fish. You don't find him in jail. You don't find him in the hospital. You don't find him dying young. He is the man who without flaunting his religion from the housetops sees God forever in the blue skies, in the forests, in the glimmer of the stars, and the rising of the moon—in everything that is a part of his beloved streams and lakes. Fishing is not only a pastime which man has created for himself. It is the greatest character-building activity under the sun for human hearts and souls. It is the man who loves to fish who helps to keep the world at its best, who is the greatest fighter for its beauties, and its ideals, and all because he has come to realize and understand the glorious thrill of that intimate contact with nature which one finds when he has a rod in his hand."

Millions of fish are now being placed in Nebraska waters for boys and girls, both young and old. Take the lowly bullhead catfish for example. Do you know in the last four years your Commission has brought one thousand tons of these fish—every one big enough to catch—from certain sandhill lakes and placed them in public fishing waters in other parts of the state. Stop and think of the pleasure this feature of our fish work brings to the thousands of Nebraska boys and girls and we are sure you'll agree that this activity is well worth while and merits your support.

Now that leaves us with forty cents of your dollar yet to account for. About twenty cents or half of the remainder is used for law enforcement and educational work—teaching boys and men the need and value of conservation and preservation—punishing those who will not listen to reason. Perhaps you think the game protector or conservation officer is not necessary. Let us make only this one statement and then we feel sure you'll be glad to support this work. If Nebraska had not provided game laws and men to enforce them, we would today have little if any wild life in our woods and fields. Many valuable species would have become wiped out—totally extinct, and once a specie of bird or animal becomes extinct there is no power on earth that can bring it back.

Another ten cents of your dollar goes for the purchase of game birds and eggs, for the trapping and transplanting of the same. Here is where Mr. Pheasant comes into the picture. Thirty years ago this beautiful bird was unknown in Nebraska. Today he is seen in all parts of the state—strutting and displaying his gorgeous colors. Over 50,000 of these adult birds were trapped and transplanted throughout the state in a single year.

The remainder of the dollar is used for administration, printing of permits, publications, laws, postage, telegraph and telephones, salaries of office, et cetera.

There you have an accounting of what your dollar will do if you buy a hunting and fishing permit. Owing to economic conditions and the drouth, many persons who formerly bought one of these permits cannot do so today. If you can afford to spend a dollar, we urge you to contribute to this cause which we feel is so worthy. Recreation, especially wholesome outdoor recreation, is a most important part in the building of citizenship and important to the future welfare of our state. Do your part today—buy a hunting and fishing permit and help conserve and build up your great outdoors.

REPORT ON BIRD FEEDING CAMPAIGN

(continued from page 4) State of Nebraska ........................336.94 Grand Total ....................$1,608.61 Expenditures Feed—New Deal Feed & Grain Co., Kearney, Nebr.................$12.60 Feed—Farmers Grain Co., Pierce, Nebr............................. 5.00 Feed—The Neligh Mills............... 5.00 Feed—August Petersen Grain Co., Ord, Nebr......................... 4.40 Feed—Gooch Milling & Elev. Co., Lincoln, Nebr................... 27.75 Feed—Midwest Supply Co., Lincoln, Nebr........................... 42.38 Feed—Gooch Milling & Elev. Co., Lincoln, Nebr...................157.25 Sacks—Ideal Grocery .................. 5.62 Feed—B. H. Lashmett, Ord, Nebr. (Feed purchased and paid for by him)...................... 6.65 Feed—Golden West Grain Co..... 12.80 Feed—Roosa Elevator Co., Valentine, Nebr....................... 14.91 Feed—Reinking Grain & Supply Co,. Grand Island .................... 4.20 Feed—Gus Heidemann, Niobrara, Nebr......................... 12.00 Feed—Reinking Grain & Supply Co., Grand Island, Nebr......... 2.00 Feed—R. R. Clark Grain Co., Sargent, Nebr........................... 4.90 Feed—I. S. Boulier, Spalding, Nebr......................... 6.15 Carrying Charge—First National Bank, Lincoln, Nebr. .............. .75 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln.................................... 3.38 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln.................................... 3.60 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln .................................... 2.20 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln.................................... 7.20 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln .................................... 3.20 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln.................................... 4.03 Freight—C. & N. W. Ry. Co., Lincoln .................................... 3.16 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln .................................... 3.45 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln.................................... 3.11 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln.................................... 3.67 Freight—U. P. R. R. Co., Lincoln 3.69 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln.................................... 6.07 Freight—C. B. & Q. R. R. Co., Lincoln................................... 3.36 Sacks—Bemis Bag Company ......336.94 Total Expenditures ..............711.41 Balance on Hand In Bank ..................................$572.20 In Feeders Hands .................. 325.00 $1,608.61

Note: Nearly ten tons of grain were donated as well as the above funds.

NOTES ON OWLS

A very interesting study of owls has just been written by Wilson Tout of North Platte. Mr. Tout has been an ardent student of birds for many years.

The booklet, just recently olf the press, is entitled "Notes on the Owls". It is publication No. 1 of the North Platte Bird Club.

While Mr. Tout's study relates primarily to Lincoln County, it is of interest to all parts of Nebraska, as most of the owls observed there can be found in other counties. He lists nine varieties. Those found are American Barn Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Western Burrowing Owl, Northern Barred Owl, Long-Eared Owl, Short-Eared Owl and Saw-Whet Owl.

Mr. Tout has made a valuable contribution to the record of Nebraska Bird lift.

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 13

GAME LAW VIOLATIONS

Both state and federal wardens have been busy in Nebraska this spring looking after the migratory waterfowl on its migration north.

The following arrests have been made since the first of the year:

Name Address Reason Fine Costs Walter E. McKercher ........Johnstown ......................Trapping & having beaver in possession without permit....$75.00 $6.00 John McClellen ....................O'Neill ........___..............Buying fur without permit ................................................ 1.00 4.00 Fred J. Potter ......................Bingham ........................Possession of 3 grouse......................,.................................. 75.00 4.20 Morris A. Smith ..................Clarks............................Killing game birds during closed season .......................... 50.00 6.05 A. W. Glasgrow ..................Lowell ..........................^Hunting without a permit .................................................. 5.00 5.50 Albert Miller ........................Dakota City .................^.Hunting without a permit ........................................(jail 5 days) .55 George Brandell ..................Alliance ..........................Buying fur without permit ................................................ 5.00 2.50 Roy Faler ............................Ogallala........................^Killing game bird during closed season............................. 25.00 4.65 Martin Frahm ......................Ogallala ___..................^Hunting & killing game birds during closed season ........ 50.00 4.65 Glenn Denny ........................Julesburg, Colo............^Trapping without a permit ................................................ 5.00 7.65 Jack Nelson ..........................Kearney ...........................Killing game birds out of season .................................... 25.00 4.75 William Duval ......................Wellfleet ........................Trapping without a permit................................................ 5.00 6.05 Arthur Hanshaw ..................Haigler ..............._...........Killing game birds out of season & trapping rats without a permit ........................................................ 25.00 5.00 William Neitfeld --------Memphis....................._,Fishing without a permit .................................................... 5.00 4.50 H. L. Sprinkell....................Julesburg, Colo...............Trapping without a permit ........'....................................(Case dismissed) Walter Hoppe ......................Wausa..............................Hunting ducks during closed season ................................ 25.00 7.20 Elmer Hoppe ........................Wausa ..............................Hunting & killing game birds during closed season ........ 25.00 7.20 Malvin Jones ....... -Magnet ............................Hunting & killing game birds during closed season ........ 25.00 7.20 Harold Paulson ....................Magnet ..........................^Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 25.00 7.20 Francis Mausbach ------Humphrey ......................Hunting without a permit .................................................. 5.00 5.00 Welton Wyant.....................O'Neill ..........................„,Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 4.00 Ray Gadway.............. ...........Gothenburg ....................Hunting without a permit .................................................. 1.00 4.70 Howard P. Johnson ............Fremont ........................Hunting & killing game birds during closed season and resisting officer.................................................... 25.00 3.70 J. D. Cole ............................-Merriman ........................Tllegal possession of beaver hide ........................................ 25.00 3.25 Ed. Miller ............................Blue Springs....................Fishing without a permit.................................................... 1.00 4.70 Stanley Waskom ..................Hardy ..............................Illegal possession of fur during closed season.................. 10.00 5.80 Edmund Macieyewski .......Loup City.......................Fishing without a permit.................................................... 1.00 5.30 John W. Harris ..................Homer ......................,......Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 4.55 H. K. Harris ....... ................Homer ............................Fishing without a permit ......................................._............ 1.00 4.55 Otto Smith ..........................Dakota City ....................Hunting game birds without a permit .............................. 1.00 4.55 Frank Brown ........................Dakota City ....................Hunting game birds without a permit .............................. 1.00 4.55 Warren Coughtry ................Dakota City....................Hunting game birds without a permit .............................. 1.00 4.55 Harold Seefus ......................Blair ..............................Killing game birds during closed season ............................ 25.00 7.50 Bill Gutschow ................Blair ..............................Killing game birds during closed season ............................ 25.00 7.50 Levon Henke.......................Table Rock ......................Illegal possession fur .......................................................... 1.00 3.70 Boyd Yelkin........................Auburn ............................Tllegal possession fur .......................................................... 5.00 4.70 George Baugous ..................Dakota City ....................Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 1.00 6.50 Jim Crowell..........................Elm Creek........................Hunting and killing game bird without a permit ............ 1.00 4.80 Grant Wood................Ashland ..........................Hunting game birds without a permit .............................. 5.00 4.50 Harry Larson ......................Dakota City ....................Hunting and killing game birds without a permit ............ 25.00 4.55 Ray Beerman ....................—Dakota City ....................Hunting and killing game birds without a permit ............ 25.00 4.55 Roy Robinson ......................Tekamah ........................Taking game birds during closed season .......................... (Paroled) Lloyd Robinson ....................Tekamah ........................Taking game birds during closed season .......................... 10.00 3.55 Kenneth Peterson...............Tekamah ........................Taking game birds during closed season .......................... 10.00 3.55 Ray Coffey ............................Hastings ..........................Fishing without a permit ..._............................................... 1.00 5.00 N. Wiebler ............................Hastings ..........................Fishing without a permit.................................................... 1.00 5.00 Malvin Smith ......................Inman...........................Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 3.00 Beryl Conger ........................Tnman ............................Pishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 3.00 Albert Berg...........................Lyons..............................Hunting and killing game birds without a permit ............ 25.00 5.10 Boyd Palmer ........................Tekamah ........................Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 5.00 3.05 Kenneth Palmer ..................Tekamah ........................Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 5.00 3.05 Melvin Potter ......................Overton..........................Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 2.60 Leonard Potter ....................Overton ...........................Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 2.55 Willard Potter ....................Overton.........................Fishing without a permit.................................................... 1.00 2.55 M. V. Baker........................Grand Island ..................Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 20.00 4.75 Verne O'Brian ......................Grand Island ..................Hunting game birds during closed season ........................ 20.00 4.75 Henry Witzer ......................Scottsbluff ......................Fishing without a permit .................................................... 1.00 3.50

(continued on page 14)

GAME LAW VIOLATIONS

(continued from page 13) Alex Weinbender ................Scottsbluff.....................Fishing without a permit................................................... 1-00 3.50 E. G. Volmer ......................Superior........................Illegal possession beaver pelt,.....................-......... ............. 25.00 4.70 M. L. Haddix ........................Mitchell ..........................Fishing without a permit.................................................... 5.00 4.00 Byron Nave..........................Fairbury ...... ................Killing game bird during closed season............................ 25.00 4.45 Richard Keller ......................Lincoln ..........................Killing game bird out of season ........................................ 25.00 4.80 Alfred Capper ......................Taylor _____.................Illegal possession of fur ...................................................... 5.00 8.20 Pat Sanches ........................Scottsbluff ......................Fishing without a permit .................................................... 10.00 4.00 Charles Valacek ........._____Genoa ..............................Hunting without a permit .................................................. 1-00 4.30

TRUTH AND OTHER THINGS

Dreams do come true. More than a score years ago Louis Phillipps, a Columbus lover of wild life, and an earnest student and advocate of plans for federal wild life sanctuaries in the United States, visited many sections of Nebraska, seeking the best location for such a sanctuary in this state. Finally he decided upon a tract of land and little lakes in Cherry county which he believed admirably suited to the needs of migratory wild ducks, geese, swan, cranes, curlew and other combination land and water fowl. The tract he selected was also ideal as a nesting-place for prairie chickens, grouse and quail. So earnest in advocacy of his pet project was Mr. Phillips that he induced the Columbus chapter of the Izaak Walton league to join him in promoting his plan. Some dozen or more years ago he personally financed a delegation of Waltonians from Columbus to Chicago, when the national convention of the Walton league was in session. His delegation presented the Phillips plan to the national convention successfully. However, like most dreamers, Louis Phillipps did not live to see his pet dream come true. But it has come true. The federal government has now arranged purchase of the very tract of land picked out by Mr. Phillipps, with several thousand acres additional, and that tract will be forever dedicated by the federal government as a wild life sanctuary, where all manner of native feathered game, as well as the migratory fowl, may find safe retreat, forever free from fear of the destructive hand of pot-hunting men. I join today with all Nebraska lovers of wild life in paying tribute at the memory shrine of Louis Phillipps, and it is my suggestion that the true sportsmen in Nebraska shall quickly plan to secure federal permission to erect in that Federal wild life sanctuary in Cherry county a suitable bronze or marble memorial in honor of Louis Phillipps, to whom more than to all others is due the consummation of the dream of all true Nebraska sportsmen. —From Columbus Telegram.

The Harry Kunkle ranch, northwest of Loretto, has been a refuge for wild game this year. Sixty-five sandhill cranes are resting there, and thousands of ducks going north have spent days on the ranch. Two eagles have been seen at the "refuge," and hundreds of pheasants live on the ranch.

Vacation Time Is Here!

In a few weeks it will be time for you to relax—to get out of doors for a few days.

Why not go to Nebraska's Own Great Park — Chadron Park — this year?

Perhaps you do not know that you can enjoy yourself right in your own state park. Beautiful Pine Ridge scenery, excellent water, comfortable cabins, swimming, sky-line hiking or horse-back riding, rustic picnic shelters, play grounds, restaurant, store—everything to please the visitor.

There are 800 acres of pine forests ready for you. Cabins (some with fireplaces) off in the woods away from the crowds. Good roads and trails where you can go by car or afoot.

Keep your vacation money in your own state where it will come right back to you! See the Pine Ridge country this year!

Rates are reasonable. Write for reservations and particulars.

Address Mrs. A. E. SPEER, Superintendent Chadron State Park Chadron, Nebraska

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 15

NOTICE

A great many inquiries are being received regarding changes in the Nebraska Game Laws.

No changes in the game or fishing laws will take place until the middle of the summer, as amendments made by the present legislature do not become effective until ninety days after the bills are signed by the Governor.

Therefore the laws found in the little "Bed Book" will be effective until the middle of the summer when they will be published, as amended, in the little "Blue Book". Colors of the books are changed so that sportsmen will not be misled.

The following limits and bags on fish are now effective and will continue so until the Blue Books are ready for distribution:—

Daily Bag and Possession Limit

BLACK BASS—10 inches or larger, June 10 to April 30 next ensuing .................. 15 WHITE, STEIPED OE E'OCK BASS—6 inches or larger, June 10 to April 30 .......... 25 PICKEEEL AND GEEAT NOETHEEN PIKE—15 inches or larger, May 1 to March 16 . . . 10 WALL-EYED PIKE OE PIKE PEECH—12 inches or larger, May 15th to April 1st..... 10 TEOUT—8 inches or larger, April 1st to October 31st................................. 15 CEAPPIE AND SUNPISH—6 inches or larger, January 1st to December 31st.......... 25 PEECH, YELLOW, WHITE AND STEIPED—6 inches or larger, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31..... 25 BULLHEADS—6 inches or larger, January 1st to December 31st...................... 25 CATFISH—12 inches or larger, January 1st to December 31st......................... 25 SPEAEING—Non-game fish, April 1st to December 1st between sunrise and sunset.

NOTE—It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to have in his or her possession at any one time a total of more than 25 of the major game fish to-wit: Bass, Pike, Pickerel, Trout, and Catfish or to have in his or her possession at any one time in excess of 50 game fish of all kinds. Of such totals there shall be no more of any one kind than the daily creel limit herein specified.

NOTE—On State owned lakes bag limit of fish is fixed each year by the Commission. Look for sign at lake giving bag limit.

Nebraska Sportsmen! HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FOR THE DUCKS National Waterfowl Refuge Contest Open to All Conservationists and Organizations

Section 562 P. L. & R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN, NEBRASKA Permit No. 369

If you can start a migratory bird refuge in 1935 or have initiated one since the first of this year, you are eligible to participate in the nationwide contest for the building of waterfowl refuges being sponsored by the More Game Birds Foundation, New York City. Everyone is not only invited but URGED to sign up now—BUILD A DUCK HOME AND WIN A VALUABLE AWARD.

A total of $500 will be paid in cash prizes. Twenty silver trophies have been provided. In addition every contestant who is responsible for the establishment and development of a complete refuge unit will receive an engraved Certificate of Merit illustrated and signed by J. N. Darling, famous cartoonist and Chief of the U. S. Biological Survey. To win a Certificate of Merit it is not necessary to win one of the first twenty prizes. Here are the awards: FIRST PRIZE_____ $250 and a silver cup SECOND PRIZE 100 and a silver cup THIRD PRIZE_______ 50 and a silver cup FOURTH PRIZE 50 and a silver cup FIFTH PRIZE 50 and a silver cup 6th to 20th PRIZES—SILVER CUPS.

Establishing refuge areas is the objective of your game commission and we look to you to lead off in this national contest. Illustrated folders, entry blanks and all details on how to proceed can be obtained through the game commission office at Lincoln. May 31, 1935 is the closing date for entering the contest. Notify us that you want to participate and we'll send the dope.

Game, Forestation and Parks Commission LINCOLN

The Reason and The Rules

In announcing the contest. Colonel Arthur F. Foran, President of the Foundation, states: "If the restoration of wild waterfowl is worth $8,500,000 of federal emergency relief funds and a half million and more annually from Duck Stamp sales it certainly is worth the cooperation of every gunner who has had the thrill of a morning in a duck blind. But simply purchasing a dollar Duck Stamp is not the only way sportsmen can help out.

"Establishment of a small refuge can be made one of the most productive and most inexpensive projects a group of sportsmen can engage in. And the ducka and geese need them—and need them badly.

"We've tried lots of legislation, scores of new regulations and more restrictions than any other country in the world to maintain our waterfowl resources. But none of these as yet has succeeded in doing the job. Laws never will restore nesting and resting areas—that calls for money and work. Uncle Sam is doing his share, now it's up to sportsmen to help him out."

Rules governing awards, to be made in January 1936, are, in brief ^ follows:

(1) Notice of entry must be given by May 31 next to qualify for one of the first twenty prizes.

(2) Each waterfowl refuge must be a new project, started during 1935.

(3) These requirements and the extent to which they are available are to be considered by the judges: Food, cover, decoys, upkeep, protection and means employed in development of the refuge.

(4) Evidence certified by a public official, covering establishment of a refuge, must be submitted with a photograph not later than December 1 of this year. Special forms are to be supplied.

(5) Any waterfowl refuge project entered will be entitled to one of the ornamental certificates of merit illustrated by "Ding" Darling which is entered in compliance with Rules 2 and 4 and which provides the following:

(a) A permanent water area of not less than three acres, (b) not less than one acre of natural food plants, or, in the absence of natural foods, sufficient artificial foods to maintain the decoys, (c) not less than one acre of cover1 suitable for nesting sites or shelter, (d) three pairs of decoys, (e) protection from shooting and predators, and (f) permanency of at least three years.

The committee of judges consists of: Hon. Jay N. Darling, Chief of the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey, Chairman; S. B. Locke, Conservation Director, Izaak Walton League of America; Mrs. William L. Wilson, Conservation Chairman, General Federation of Women's Clubs; Manly F. Miner, Secretary, Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation; Edward A. Mcllhenny, Avery Island, La., author of "How I made a Bird City"; Nathan Moran, California member of the U. S. Migratory Bird Advisory Board, and A. C. Camerle, Director of Waterfowl Activities, More Game Birds in America.