Pheasants Most Numerous in Western Counties

GO West, young man!

That is the advice the Nebraska Game Commission is giving pheasant hunters this year. From many reports and several statewide surveys recently completed by deputy conservation officers, the western counties along the Platte and Republican Rivers seem to have the greatest population of birds. In fact, some residents of two counties—Scotts Bluff and Morrill—have asked that the season be extended.

With the waterfowl season open at the same time as the pheasant season, it is believed many eastern hunters will combine the two and try for the wary chinks in the western part of the state. If this is done it will aid the Commission greatly in keeping breeding stock in those counties where the birds are not numerous.

Hunters are requested not to go to Pierce, Wayne, Madison, Stanton, Howard, Cuming and Boone counties this year. These counties were hard hit by drought conditions and birds are scarce. Farmers in these counties are being urged to post their farms, and it is likely that these counties, or at least certain parts of them, will be set aside as "Restocking Areas". It is the intention of the Commission to set aside certain areas of the state for restocking. Birds will be placed in them from the State Game Farm, and it is probable such areas will remain closed until the bird population has increased to the point where stocking is no longer necessary. It may take two or three years in some cases to bring the birds back to sufficient number to warrant hunting. Such areas will be stocked annually.

The following counties are believed to have plenty of birds:

The pheasant crop throughout the middle western states is somewhat spotted, according to reports. South Dakota, which for a number of years has been considered the choice pheasant hunting territory, reports that some of their counties are short of birds, while others appear to have the normal crop. Minnesota and North Dakota likewise have certain areas where birds are not as numerous as heretofore.

It is believed after careful investigation that scarcity of birds in counties where they thrived heretofore is due primarily to drought conditions during the past several years. Heavy hunting has no doubt been a factor in some localities, but if normal rainfall had prevailed the birds would have held their own.

It has been the opinion of some hunters and quite a large number of farmers that the spreading of poison bran to eradicate grasshoppers has killed many birds. This is without foundation. Four or five middle western agricultural colleges have carried on investigations to see what effect such poison had on birds and in no case was any appreciable damage reported.

Recently some experiments were carried on at the State Game Farm by the Nebraska Game Commission. Pheasants of different ages were first fed poison bran that had been broadcast as directed by the county agents. The birds showed no signs of eating this, even though they were not fed other food for several days. Then they were fed the bran spread incorrectly, that is, in a lumpy form. This they again refused to eat. For the third experiment, birds were fed poisoned grasshoppers, both alive and dead. In the pen where the hoppers were fed one bird died the day following the beginning of the test, but this appeared due to some other cause as arsenic acts slowly and could not have taken effect so readily. The other birds fed on the hoppers for some time and showed no evidence of the poison.

The Nebraska Commission is hopeful that all hunters will observe "No Hunting" signs and make no attempt to enter upon farms so posted. Many farmers are fearful that the pheasants on their farms will be shot too closely and they are anxious to have the birds next year to help out on the grasshoppers.

SELL MANY PERMITS

Charles E. Jackson, Acting Commissioner of Fisheries of the Department of Commerce, reports that fishermen spent $8,002,887.31 for anglers' licenses in the United States during 1935-36. This is an increase of $993,878.21 over the amount spent in 1934-35, when the total revenue from that source was reported as $7,009,009.10. During this period their number increased from 5,121,320 to 5,832,448, an all-time high.

The average licensed angler spent one cent more for licenses in 1935-36 than in 1934-35, and two cents less than in 1932-33. There were approximately 1,000,000 more licensed anglers on the streams in 1935-36 than in 1932-33.

The sale of non-resident anglers' licenses in the United States increased approximately 35 per cent, tourist licenses, 33% per cent. Residents' licenses increased 14 per cent and women's and children's licenses, 20 per cent.

One state, Kansas, practically doubled its revenue from the sale of fishing licenses during that period, while the sales in Mississippi were up 300 per cent. Decreases in revenue occurred in six states.

OPEN SEASONS FOR HUNTING

Here Are the Hunting Seasons for 1937:

*DUCKS—Oct. 9 to Nov. 7—Daily Bag 10, Possession 10.

GEESE—Oct. 9 to Nov. 7—Daily Bag 5, Possession 5.

DOVES—Sept. 1 to Nov. 15—Daily Bag 10, Possession 10.

^PHEASANTS—Oct. 17 to Oct. 26—Daily Bag 5, Possession 5.

SQUIRRELS—Oct. 1 to Nov. 30—Daily Bag 7, Possession 7.

RACCOON—Nov. 1 to Feb. 1—Daily Bag 2, Possession 2.

RABBITS—Jan. 1 to Dec. 31—Daily Bag 5, Possession 5.

OPOSSUM—Nov. 1 to Feb. 1—Daily Bag 3, Possession 3.

SNIPE—Oct. 9 to Nov. 7—Daily Bag 15, Possession 15.

*Do not take Wood-Ducks, Canvas-Back, Red-Head, Ruddy or Buffle-Head ducks.

^Five male birds or three male and two hens may be taken.

NOTE: See inside of back cover of this magazine for full information on regulations.

Chadron State Park Has Many Attractions

THE people of the State of Nebraska should be eternally grateful to God for placing within the confines of what eventually became the great Commonwealth of Nebraska such beautiful scenery as is contained in the Chadron State Park, and the citizens of Chadron should be everlastingly proud that their city was fortunate enough to be selected to give its name to the park and that its location is near enough to the city for Chadron's people to enjoy outings in the park many times during the summer.

Whether one comes from the north along Highway No. 19, or one comes from the south, the tired traveler will find a welcome and peace and refreshment for mental, spiritual and physicial weariness, if he stops and enjoys the beauties of the Chadron State Park.

Composed of 800 acres, its area stretches over an expanse of territory that offers much in the way of scenic beauty and varied recreation.

On entering the park the visitor passes through a massive and impressive gateway formed by four tall pylons of native stone set in a sweeping halfcircle. The two in the center which form the opening rest on bases 12 feet by 16 feet and are connected by a wall with the two pylons at the ends of the semi-circle which rest on bases 10 feet by 12 feet. The connecting wall has a base of native stone 3 feet high and atop the stone wall large 12-inch pine logs lie, with ends set in small stone piers, in keeping with the pines and bluffs of the state park and significant of the National Park Service.

Passing on to the office the traveler beholds a broad expanse of green sward, fenced off by guard rails of large pine logs, laid end to end. In the center a charming little rustic fountain plays. At night colored lights within the fountain lend a fairy enchantment to the misty spray.

At the left a rustic shrine of pine logs bears the announcement of places of interest throughout the park. Three other shrines in various parts of the park bear information of interest concerning the locality in which each is placed. One is an historic shrine which tells important and interesting facts concerning Indians, whose last stand was made in this section of the country. Another shrine tells of the wild life of the park, of the flowers and the birds. The third shrine is an educational shrine.

Continuing on to the office the visitor meets Mrs. A. E. Speer, superintendent of the park, in whom charm and efficiency have made an excellent blending, and she gives her ready assistance to whatever the traveler desires, whether it be information concerning the park, a cabin for rent, or plans for a gathering.

In selecting a cabin almost any taste can be satisfied. There are thirty cabins in the park, and their varied sizes and locations can fulfill any requirement. All are electric lighted and fully equipped for light housekeeping with the exception of dishes and cooking utensils. Bedding can be secured at the superintendent's office if the traveler is without a bed roll.

If the traveler desires neighbors and company, the cabins down close to headquarters are desirable. If solitude is preferable, individual cabins are scattered around in the hills. Some of these have fireplacss and they bear the alluring names of the "Wren," the "Thrush," the "Meadow Lark," the "Flicker," the "Blue Jay" and of other birds.

At the right of the fountain enclosure spreads the nursery pond, and on beyond the swimming pool. In the nursery pond the ducks and geese disport themselves, and feeding them is one of the pleasures the visitors enjoy. Big bullfrogs sing their nightly chorus and blue gills, black bass and crappies, with a stray gold fish or two, flirt their finny tails and enjoy life.

Boating is another pleasurable pastime and some one is nearly always out on. the pond rowing.

The bathing pool, with grassy bank shaded with trees on one side and with stone wall and sandy walk on the other, is a blessed refuge and comfort during the hot days and evenings of summer.

Barriers of large pine logs mark out the driveways and fence off the picnic grounds, thus preserving the grass, trees and planting, and making it much safer for children and adults at play as well as eliminating the dangers of traffic. Numerous parking areas have reduced the hazards of having a passing motorist sprinkle a dinner table with unwelcome dust.

Scattered through the park are outdoor Dutch ovens of native stone, rustic picnic tables and rustic directional signs of pine logs, simple in design but ever so attractive and very indicative of this locality.

The drinking water comes from a spring. The water is pumped by electricity from a walled spring up into a large reservoir on top of a hill, then is piped down for use all over the park. This spring water is the coldest, the purest and the most delicious beverage in the State of Nebraska. Many people

Federal Aid Soon Available for Game Restoration

UNCLE SAM has decided to aid the states in wildlife-restoration projects. The new act is to take effect July 1, 1938. The new law, sponsored by the General Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups, authorizes appropriations equal to revenue derived from federal taxes on firearms, shells and cartridges for a federal-state wildlife program. Tax receipts in previous years indicate that the funds may total about $3,000,000 annually.

Wildlife-restoration projects to be financed by the new funds will include the selection, acquisition and development of areas for wildlife and also research on wildlife-management problems.

Describing the act as "epoch making in the history of wildlife conservation," officials of the U. S. Biological Survey pointed out the following outstanding features of the new set-up:

Funds from federal taxes on firearms and ammunition will, for the first time, be available for improving wildlife conditions.

Hunting-license fees of participating states will be used solely for wildlife purposes.

Money for the improvement of wildlife conditions will be spent in accordance with a carefully planned program.

Federal participation in wildlife conservation measures is extended to those involving resident and upland species, as well as migrants.

Cooperation between federal and state wildlife officials will be furthered. The new program also follows a recent movement advanced by Ira N. Gabrielson, Chief of the Biological Survey, and approved by Secretary Wallace, for increased cooperation between federal and state officials in matters affecting migratory bird conservation.

Outstanding and ultimate benefit of the new program will be the restoration of land and water areas to the uses of wildlife. Land, "the basis of all things", is essential to any program for the improvement of wildlife conditions.

The amount of the appropriations provided for in the new act that will be available for each state will depend on the size of the state and the number of hunting licenses sold there. After the deduction of not more than 8 per cent of the total appropriation, for the administration of the act and for the acquisition development, and maintenance of federal refuges, the remaining funds will be divided in half. One half will be apportioned according to state areas, the other half according to hunting licenses sold.

On the basis of a $3,000,000 total, it is estimated that each state would have available nearly 46 cents for each square mile within its boundaries and, according to the 1935 hunting license reports, more than 23 cents for each license sold.

Not more than $150,000, however, is to be made available to any one state in a year, and the act also provides for a minimum allotment of $15,000.

States, according to the act, will cooperate by providing funds equal to one-third of their federal allotment, and by carrying on the projects in accordance with federal standards. A state's participation will follow its assent to the provisions of the act and also will depend on its enactment of wildlife conservation laws, "which shall include a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters" for any other purpose than the administration of the state fish and game department.

Funds allotted to any state that does not desire to avail itself of the benefits of the act and funds that are not spent or obligated during the period in which they are available may, according to authorization of the act, be made available for carrying out the provisions of the Federal Migratory Bird Conservation Act. This act provides for the establishment and maintenance of federal bird refuges.

The enlarged federal wildlife program has been laid out in a manner similar to that provided by the Federal Highway Act, and the process of administering the new act is similar to that proved effective in carrying out the federal-state road program.

The new measure is considered to a great extent an outcome of the North American Wildlife Conference which was called in Washington in February, 1936, by President Roosevelt and which resulted in the organization of the General Wildlife Federation.

In his invitation to the conference, the President expressed the hope "that from it will come constructive proposals for concrete action; that through these proposals existing state and federal governmental agencies and conservation groups can work cooperatively for the common good."

Outstanding among the resulting "proposals for concrete action" has been that advocating a federal grant-in-aid to the states. A major objective of the General Wildlife Federation, it has also been sponsored by many other conservation organizations. In reporting the bill, the Senate Special Committee on Conservation of Wildlife Resources said:

"The provisions of this bill have been endorsed in principle by: The General Wildlife Federation, the Izaak Walton League of America, the International Association of Fish and Game Commissioners, the Western Association of Fish and Game Commissioners, the American Wildlife Institute, More Game Birds in America, New England Fish and Game Conference, the administrators of the conservation departments of 39 states, the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the Garden Clubs of America, and other conservation groups, agencies, and individuals throughout the country."

Nebraska will rank high among the states for a share of this federal aid. Since the cornhusker state has 77,000 square miles of territory, and is one of the leading states in the sale of hunting and fishing permits, something like $75,000 a year should become available to further the work of the Commission.

"Our Commissioners have not as yet considered the details of this matter," Dr. M. M. Sullivan announced recently. "But we will do so shortly. We are anxious to use this money to the best advantage of the state, but we will not enter into any sort of agreement wherein the rights of the state are not fully protected."

Work is progressing nicely on the new Hastings State Recreation Grounds, located in the southern part of Adams County. A WPA project, with thirty men working, is now under way and it is hoped to make these grounds one of the most attractive in the state. Here are some of the improvements to be made: Repair of the dam in the Blue River; construction of an outlet from the lake; grade and gravel one mile of road; landscape the grounds; construct toilets, fireplaces, bridges, seats and tables; fence the grounds and build an entrance; sink wells and install pumps; wire the grounds for light.

The City of Hastings and the supervisors of Adams County are joining the state in the work. Lights are to be furnished by the City of Hastings.

Game Commission Carries on Despite Bad Conditions

IN spite of several adverse years that dried up many fishing lakes and in some sections of the state reduced the normal hatch of game birds, the Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission has gone forward, adding new recreational units to its state-wide system, planting more game birds and fish and beautifying and enlarging its parks.

During the past year a new park has been opened to the public, while two new recreation grounds have been developed. A new game farm has also been established.

The newest park—making the seventh state park in Nebraska—is located near Ponca in Dixon County. Here the visitor finds over 200 acres of finely wooded bluffs in the heart of the Indian country and overlooking the Missouri River for many miles. This park was developed through the aid of the National Park Service, and many excellent roads, trails, shelters and other accommodations for picnickers and campers are now found here. This park is typical of the Missouri River country and is a fine addition to the older state parks which are more or less representative of the western and prairie sections of the state.

One of the finest game sanctuaries and recreational areas of the middle west was recently completed in Scotts Bluff County. This is known as the Wild Cat Hills Refuge and Recreation grounds. Nearly a thousand acres of the more scenic and timbered section of the Wild Cat Range has been set aside as a home for the larger animals that once were found in Nebraska. Buffalo, elk, deer and antelope can be seen by the visitor. Many fine trails leading to lookouts and shelters have been constructed, as well as other features necessary for camping and picnicking. Pine and oak trees are numerous and offer study for the tree lover.

Another recreational area, smaller than that in the Wild Cat Range, but in a part of the state where badly needed, is that near Guide Rock, which was opened recently. Here a bluff overlooking the Republican Valley and a small lake offer a change from the flat, prairie country which surrounds it. Fishing, picnicking and camping is available here and already hundreds of Nebraskans have gone here for recreation.

Chadron State Park in Dawes County has also been improved during the past year—in fact, is still being worked over. A new entrance, new cabins, new trails, trailer and camping areas and other minor improvements have been made. Chadron Park already compares favorably with the other state parks of the middle west, and when it is finally finished it should be a credit to our state.

One of the difficult problems facing the Commission the past year has been fish propagation. This was brought about by the loss of many fine lakes and ponds where fish were raised and later distributed throughout the .state. But despite these losses, gains have been made in the production of the channel catfish—a very popular specie in eastern Nebraska and in the rearing of trout. Many more and much larger trout are now being stocked than heretofore and it is believed that western Nebraska streams may soon compare favorably with those of other western states.

A new game farm is also in operation and its future looks very promising. It will be used for stocking birds in depleted areas of the state and for experimental work. Pheasants, partridges and quail are now being raised. Experiments are being carried on with several new varieties of partridges and quail.

When it is remembered that the Game Commission has been carrying on all its activities from receipts derived from the sale of hunting and fishing permits, it is really remarkable that growth could be continued throughout the depression and drought years. But a steady growth has taken place and 1937 bids fair to leading us forward much more rapidly and giving us much more in the way of outdoor recreation and sports.

Trumpeter swans, largest North American wild fowl, once considered on the road to extinction, may yet be perpetuated, says the Bureau of Biological Survey, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

This summer's census revealed at least 158 birds in the United States, an increase of 43 from last year, or more than 37 per cent.

Ninety of the birds were counted on or near the Red Rocks Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, administered by the Biological Survey in southwestern Montana. The other 68 were seen by naturalists of the Department of the Interior during a simultaneous census in and about Yellowstone National Park.

Great hope is seen in the fact that the count this year included 77 cygnets, or young swans, as compared with only 41 last year.

Apparently, says the Biological Survey, most of the birds that are not breeding remain on lakes in Yellowstone Park in summer, while the majority of the breeding birds use the Red Rocks Migratory-Waterfowl Refuge. These two nearby areas on which the birds are protected and between which they may migrate give hope that the threatened extermination of the Trumpeter swan may yet be averted. They are found nesting in no other region in this country.

Trumpeter swans are the largest North American wild fowl, tipping the scales at more than 30 pounds. In size and splendor the Whistling swan is so nearly an equal that the two birds can hardly be distinguished at a distance, but the Trumpeter swan has a windpipe which has "just one more convolution, which enables it to produce a louder and more far-reaching note on a lower key, with the musical resonance of a French horn."

In early times the Trumpeter swan probably bred south to Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Montana and Idaho. Even as late as 1871 it raised young in Iowa, and in 1886 in Minnesota. Now it is confined in this country to the region about northwestern Wyoming and southwestern Montana, and in Canada to possibly not more than a single lake area in British Columbia.

John James Audubon, trying to give readers "a perfect conception of the beauty and elegance" of the Trumpeter swan, said in part:

"You must observe them when they are not aware of your proximity, and as they glide over the waters of some secluded inland pool. On such occasions, the neck, which at other times is held stiffly upright, moves in graceful curves, now bent forward, now inclined backward over the body. Now with an extended scooping movement the head becomes immersed for a moment, and with a sudden effort a flood of water is thrown over the back and wings, when it is seen rolling off in sparkling globules, like so many large pearls. The bird then shakes its wings, beats the water, and as if giddy with delight shoots away, gliding over and beneath the liquid element with surprising agility and grace. Imagine . . . that a flock of 50 swans are thus sporting before you, as they have more than once been in my sight, and you will feel, as I have felt, more happy and void of care than I can describe."

Harry Runion, veteran superintendent of the Dundy County State Fish Hatcheries, has been very ill for several weeks. However, he is now recovering and it is hoped he will soon be able to resume his duties.

EDITORIAL

Don't forget to secure a permit before going hunting. It is your dollar which provides all the funds for your recreation in the field with gun and dog.

The Nebraska Game Commission opened the season on doves this fall and since that time there has been some dissatisfaction on the part of bird lovers throughout the state.

Here is why this was done:

First, because the federal regulations classify doves as game birds and permit the shooting of the same where agreeable to the game departments of the several states. Doves do not sing, nor do they feed on insects.

Secondly, because every state south of Nebraska has been shooting Nebraska raised doves each fall for the last eight or ten years.

Thirdly, because the dove is one of the gamiest of small birds and there was an enormous crop of them this year.

Fourthly, because the Commission is protecting over four hundred species of song and insectivorous birds, together with the game birds, and must have funds to do this, all of which now comes only from the sale of hunting and fishing permits.

The Nebraska Game Commission certainly will not open the season on doves in Nebraska if the people of Nebraska do not want any of them hunted. But since our doves are hunted throughout the south, it does not seem quite fair to keep Nebraska sportsmen from hunting them since they are raised in the middle west. And if they are not to be hunted, then bird lovers should be willing to contribute something for the protection of the many song and insectivorous birds. At the present time, unless they buy a hunting or fishing permit they are not furnishing a cent of the $50,000.0 that is being spent each year in Nebraska by the state and federal government in enforcing protective game laws.

There are still some persons who attempt to hunt and fish without a permit. A number of arrests have been made for this reason during the past year.

Every person going to the field to hunt, or the waters of the state to fish, must have a permit. The cost is small and all the revenue goes right back to make better hunting and fishing.

Now is a good time to give attention to trees. The dry autumn has left many of the older trees in bad condition. A good watering now may provide you with shade for many years to come. Nebraska trees have been hard hit and need friends.

MAN VERSUS BIRDS

FROM the beginning of civilization there has been a great battle waged between man and other members of the animal kingdom.

For the most part, this warfare has been necessary. In order for the cave man to survive and conquer the vast, unknown portions of the earth, he had to kill the mammal, the bird and the reptile that stood in his way and preyed upon him. Furthermore, he had to kill certain of the lesser and harmless species of the vertebrates for food. There were no strictly vegetarians in the ranks of the order homo until the invention of the kitchen stove, looking-glass and feather bed.

This warfare continues to this day though now to some extent under control and not altogether a necessity in most parts of the world as it was with primitive man. Yet there never has been a government agency entrusted with the prerogatives of general wildlife conservation. There has never been a federal plan for the maintenance and preservation of the economic and social values inherent in the animal, bird and fish species. That such a national policy and coordination of its plan is badly needed is attested by the fact that forty-eight states and seven or eight federal agencies are all working independently and in many cases in direct opposition to one another. In one week during the past year representatives of five federal bureaus or departments called at my office to work out ways and means to save our wildlife. I think I can say without any danger of misstatement that not one of these representatives knew what the others were doing, or planned to do; in fact, some of them did not even know who the other representatives of the federal government were, or that they were concerned with the maintenance and preservation of wildlife.

The history of our wildlife closely parallels that of our national forest resources. Commercial interests, well entrenched politically, had wrought great havoc before the situation even was brought to the attention of the American people. The bear, the duck and the bass, like the tree, have disappeared in great numbers. The real difference today between the forest resources and the wildlife resources is that wildlife is still waiting for a Theodore Roosevelt and a Gifford Pinchot.

We need today a systematic and well coordinated plan of conservation and restoration of wildlife. It must be based on scientific information, much of which, I am sorry to say, is yet to be brought to light and properly organized. It must be followed not by one federal agency or three or four states, but by each and every federal and state agency. The following of such a policy does not and should not mean the surrender of any state rights or the domination by any one agency. Our states must always retain their control of game.

Conservation does not necessarily mean the complete hoarding of a resource. The boy who hid his cake from his schoolmates until it was unfit to eat gained nothing. Rather it means a sane use of such resource, based upon available supply, and an appreciation of the fact that no one generation is entitled to all of any particular good thing that comes from the earth, much less, as in the case with animal and bird life, to cause its extinction.

In my opinion there are two fundamental causes for the dearth of wildlife today. Gun powder has undoubtedly played some part in the decrease of bird and animal life, but it is one of the minor reasons. The far greater causes are, first, lack of cover and, secondly, lack of scientific knowledge. These terms are used here in a very general sense. Let us discuss the first.

When I say "cover" of course I mean environment. I mean inviolate areas where birds and animals can find food and water, where they can breed unmolested, where they are free of disease carried to them by domesticated fowl and animals. I am thinking now of the millions of acres of public domain where overgrazing of cattle and sheep has driven out the antelope, elk, mountain sheep, deer, beaver and smaller fur-bearers. I am thinking of the vast marshes and swamps of the north-central states and Canada which the cattlemen and the wheat grower have drained in order to raise more stock and plant more wheat for the governments to destroy in order to have less and not create a surplus. I am thinking of our forest vastness of plain and mountains where untold numbers of birds and animals thrived, where nature stored her water resources and conserved our soil—forests that fell before the axe of the exploiter. I am thinking of our small watercourses and gulleys where we have cut the trees, burned out the shrubs and vines in order to reduce the weeds that in many cases furnished food for birds that ate the insects that did far more harm to agriculture than the weeds.

While some may disagree with me as to the cause, and may feel that the hunter is primarily responsible for the dearth of wildlife, I believe I can present evidence that he is not the real cause. I must admit and also deplore the fact that many species have been greatly reduced and in some cases completely wiped out by uncontrolled hunting. The market hunter and the game hog were wildlife enemies and in some places still are. But generally speaking, I am convinced that lack of suitable cover is far more important and much more difficult to control. Take the prairie chicken and the quail for example. These birds have not increased greatly by closed hunting seasons. Neither have the larger mammals of the west. I feel very strongly that lack of cover, brought about through misuse of the public domain, indiscriminate and foolish drainage, lack of soil conservation, inadequate rainfall, cutting of forests, and quick run-off of water is much more vital.

The second cause of the shortage and decrease of our wildlife resources is the lack of scientific knowledge. For some reason investigation and study of wildlife has not kept pace with that of other fields. This is probably due to economic reasons, since taxpayers and stockholders are inclined to want to see direct results within a short time, as well as to have assurance that such investigation and study will be of direct benefit to them in a financial way. But let us not underestimate the importance of wildlife resources both economically and socially. It has a very direct and important bearing on the welfare of our people.

Today we find only a handful of scientists working on the many problems affecting wildlife. Many of our leading colleges have no departments engaged in this work. Only a few of our state administrative departments have undertaken this work and only one or two federal agencies have made contributions of any particular note. For that reason, we are proceeding very much after the manner of having the cart before the horse. We are being pushed along without any idea of direction or realizing just where we are going. If one-tenth the scientific study and investigation of wildlife resources had been made that has been given to steel or electricity or motion pictures, we would not be faced with extinction of many species as we are today.

Let me be specific in this matter. Just now, after the prairie hen is almost gone, we are only getting around to making a

COMMISSION FIELD ACTIVITIES

On September 15th the fall fish stocking program of the Commission got under way. All hatcheries report good production from ponds.

One of the major problems this year is the lack of suitable water in which to place fish. This is particularly true with the larger bodies of water, many of which are now completely dry.

The Commission hopes to be able to stock all suitable waters now available. Bass, crappies, sunfish, perch and rock bass will be placed in the waters this fall. Plans are now under way to hold over 50,000 trout and stock them just before the opening of the trout season next spring. These fish will then be legal size and it will be one of the greatest plantings of large trout ever done in Nebraska.

The bullhead situation is still very acute, with very few of these popular fish available. Many ponds and lakes have been restocked with them, but since they grow slowly, it takes considerable time to recover from a loss.

The Game Commission is closing Memphis lake to fishing, effective at once. It will probably be opened about the first of April.

This is being done because it is necessary to hold fish there this winter and also to get it ready for fishing again next year. This lake is very heavily fished and requires a great deal of stock to meet the demands of the anglers.

Fish were exhibited this year at the state fair, and also at a large number of county fairs throughout the state.

The state exhibit was up to its usual standard of excellence, even though most of the stock held for exhibition was lost the preceding winter. Most of the fish to be seen were taken from Nebraska waters during the past summer.

The exhibition at the county fairs was a new feature. A portable exhibit was placed on a truck and taken from one fair to another. While this exhibit was much smaller than that shown at the state fair, several hundred thousand Nebraskans viewed it and expressed great interest in the same.

Following the hunting season this fall, five or six counties where pheasants are scarce will be declared "restocking areas" and birds from the new game farm placed therein.

Several thousand pheasants are ready to be liberated, and it is possible the Commission may purchase some birds from private game farms in other states if the hunting season is successful and funds are available.

No Chukar partridges will be released this fall, as all these birds are being held for breeding stock. It is hoped that a large number can be placed in favorable sections of the state during the coming year.

A feature at the game farm this year was the rearing of nearly a thousand bobwhites. This is purely an experiment, but from the experience of the first year it appears that some of these fine birds can be raised on the farm and liberated on areas where there is suitable cover.

The Commission's annual gun sale was held September 18th, and was highly successful.

A total of seventy-five shotguns and rifles were sold at an average of approximately $10 each. This was the largest offering of guns ever made.

The guns are those confiscated by conservation officers and they are all sold to the highest bidder at public auction. The bidding was brisk and few mail bids were high enough to get much consideration.

Frank B. O'Connell, Secretary of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, was unamiously elected president of the International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commissioners at Mexico City during the last week of August.

Other officers elected were:

Arthur L. Clark, Hartford, Conn., vice-president.

J. D. Chalk, Raleigh, N. C, vice-president.

R. P. Holland, New York, N. Y., secretary-treasurer.

Talbott Denmead, Baltimore, Md., general counsel.

Executive Committee:

Seth Gordon, Harrisburg, Pa.

Herbert C. Davis, San Francisco, Cal.

P. J. Hoffmaster, Lansing, Mich.

H. W. Shawhan, Charleston, W. Va..

Juan Zinser, Mexico City, Mex.

Hoyes Lloyd, Ottawa, Canada.

Sam F. Brewster, Nashville, Tenn.

Don't Do This!

Every year throughout the United States there are hundreds of people killed or injured by the careless handling of firearms. Nebraska has its share of such accidents.

Every hunter who goes to the field to hunt should make sure that he knows how to handle a gun and then lives up to such requirements. He should always keep in mind that not only his own life is placed in jeopardy by carelessness, but the life of his companions as well.

The automobile contributes to hunting accidents as well as to accidents on the highway. Guns should be carried most carefully in cars for several reasons. Here are several ways that people are killed by guns carried in cars:

1. By the gun slipping out when the door is opened, striking on the running board or the ground.

2. By the gun being placed so that the muzzle is pointed in the direction of someone.

3. By throwing guns in the rear of the car when sudden bumps may discharge them.

Under no circumstances should a gun be placed in a car with a shell in the chamber. Shells should be locked in the magazine, or, still better, removed from the gun entirely. If a hunting companion refuses to place his gun in the car so it will be safe, it is best to refuse to ride with him. It will do little good to argue with him after the accident.

Under new state laws, cars cannot be used in hunting. Heretofore the practice of riding on fenders and shooting therefrom has been carried on. This was exceedingly dangerous as well as questionable sportsmanship. Heavy violations will now be assessed where this is done.

Here are some other "don'ts" to observe when you go hunting. These helpful hints, if observed, may save a number of lives. It is your duty to follow them:

REMEMBER the gun is ALWAYS loaded—even when you are positive that it is not.

1. NEVER point a gun at anyone or anything, unless you intend to kill.

2. NEVER swing a gun in the general direction of your companions.

3. NEVER carry a loaded gun in your car; unload it BEFORE you get in, load it AFTER you get out.

4. NEVER drag a gun behind you when climbing a fence; always push it through first.

5. NEVER have a gun cocked as you go through the thick underbrush.

6. NEVER shoot on suspicion! Only a "cracker" shoots at anything unless he is sure of what it is and sees clearly the whole of it or the course of the bullet.

7. ALWAYS know where your companions are BEFORE you shoot. Don't shoot in their general direction, and be careful of other parties who may be near.

8. ALWAYS wear a bright red hat or coat, and shoes that won't slip or trip you. Attention to minor details will prevent accidents.

9. ALWAYS get permission of the owner to hunt on his property. Making your presence known to him will be an added safety factor, as hunting licenses do not give hunters the right to trespass.

10. ALWAYS remember that each year many are killed while hunting and even larger numbers are injured. BE CAREFUL!

State Game Commission regulations very definitely provide for restrictions to be meted out to hunters who are found guilty of misuse of firearms in hunting game. Permanent deprivation of hunting and fishing license may result after a hearing before the Commission.

WILDLIFE EXPEDITION TO MEXICO

In charge of a scientific expedition for the U. S. Biological Survey in which the Chicago Academy of Science, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Zoological Park are cooperating, Stanley P. Young, Chief of the Survey's Division of Game Management, left Washington early in September for the Carmen Mountain section of northeastern Coahuila, Mexico.

The main objective of the expedition will be wildlife photography similar to that conducted in northeastern Louisiana three years ago, when for the first time, so far as known, Mr. Young lured wolves into taking their own pictures at night. Other objectives will be the collection of mammal specimens for the Survey and the other scientific agencies concerned, and the live capture of mammals for the National Zoological Park in Washington, D. C. The expedition will return to the United States about October 10th.

The Carmen Mountains form a sort of biological island south of the Rio Grande. They are near the middle of the largest area that the late Dr. E. W. Nelson, former Chief of the Biological Survey, and Major E. A. Goldman, also of the Bureau, left unworked during their extensive field operations in the southern republic.

While in Mexico, Mr. Young will also confer with government officials there on various wildlife problems, including matters regarding the enforcement of laws and regulations under the recent treaty between Mexico and this country for the protection of migratory birds and game mammals.

Accompanying Mr. Young will be Tappan Gregory, honorary curator of mammals for the Chicago Academy of Science, and a collaborator of the Bureau; Dr. William H. Hazlett, Chicago surgeon who is also an outdoor enthusiast well known as a wildlife photographer; Robert S. Sturgis of Chicago, expert in the mechanics of wildlife photography; C. R. Landon, district agent for the Biological Survey in Texas; Ira Wood, one of the Bureau's predator hunters, and Antonio Gonzales, Biological Survey field aide in the Texas district.

THE NIOBRARA GAME PRESERVE

The Niobrara Game Preserve, near Valentine in north central Cherry County, Nebraska, is located on what was formerly the Fort Niobrara Military Reservation. The Fort was established in 1879 to keep the Sioux Indians on their respective reservations in nearby South Dakota, and to control the operations of cattle rustlers and horse thieves. The Fort was abandoned as a military post in 1906 and established as a Remount Station. In 1907 the National Association of Audubon Societies, through its president, Mr. William Dutcher, became interested in the protection of birds and other wildlife on this area, and as a result of a letter to President Theodore Roosevelt under date of January 17, 1908, the President directed the issuance of an order prohibiting all shooting and trapping on the Fort Niobrara Military Reservation. The area continued in this status until its designation as a federal refuge in 1912.

The original order designating this area for refuge purposes was signed on January 11, 1912, and embraced approximately 13,000 acres. It was enlarged to about 15,500 acres by a second order, November 14, 1912. A third order, on March 31, 1920, added to the refuge a strip of land totaling about 640 acres lying along the Niobrara River to the west of the refuge. Some 500 acres of privately owned lands within the exterior boundaries of the refuge were purchased and added to the project under specific appropriation from congress, and during the past two years approximately 3,265 acres, purchased through the Resettlement Administration, were added to the refuge by executive order of February 21, 1936, giving the project a total area of 20,000 acres.

This sand hills area is a favorable range for buffalo, elk, deer, prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse and other species of upland game birds. The Niobrara River traverses the entire width of the refuge and about one-third of the area lies north of the river.

The original herd of big-game animals with which this area was stocked in 1913 was donated to the government by Mr. J. W. Gilbert of Friend, Nebraska, and consisted of six buffalo, seventeen elk and two white-tailed deer. Two additional buffalo bulls were transferred to the herd in 1913 from the Yellowstone Park herd. The original pasture for these animals was fenced with funds generously donated by the citizens of Valentine who were highly desirous of having the game preserve established in that locality.

The buffalo and elk herds have increased rapidly, and as on similarly enclosed big-game refuges, it has been necessary to exercise rather strict control of numbers to prevent overstocking of the range. Numerous buffalo and elk have been disposed of from this refuge to private individuals for breeding purposes, to municipal parks and zoos for exhibition, to the State Game Department for stocking state refuges, and to the Indian Service as nucleus for herds on Indian reservations. Further surplus animals not required for these laudable purposes have been sold for butchering or have been donated to the Indian Service for use as food by needy Indians on nearby reservations. The present herds on the refuge (January, 1937) include 116 buffalo, 27 elk, 16 antelope, 6 white-tailed deer and 5 mule deer. Six Texas long-horn cattle were also recently transferred from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma as an interesting exhibit in this section of the country and a nucleus for a small herd.

A small band of antelope has been maintained on this refuge for a number of years, but owing to pasture restrictions they have not increased to a satisfactory extent. The southern portion of the refuge, comprising some 8,000 acres, has long been regarded as offering one of the most suitable areas under the jurisdiction of the Biological Survey for experiments in rearing and maintaining antelope under restricted range conditions. This area includes a varied topography of plains and rolling sand hills that are extinct blowouts revegetated with wild prairie grasses, weeds, plum thickets, hackberries, and various shrubs. This pasture has been fenced under an allotment of NIRA funds and stocked with a number of young antelope captured on their fawning grounds and transported to the area-some by airplane from distant points in Wyoming. They have been reared on the new area by artificial feeding. Antelope are most delicate animals and transplants of this nature are usually accompanied by discouraging and disheartening losses. The Survey's efforts at the Niobrara Refuge have not been free from these experiences, but there is hope of being able within a few years to establish a satisfactory nucleus herd with which to conduct some rather extensive experiments.

The big-game animals soon taxed the capacity of the original 250-acre pasture and made it necessary to provide additional range. Under funds appropriated by congress, a 4,500-acre pasture was fenced on the north side of the Niobrara River. Fencing was completed in 1922, and this pasture, which is cut up with canyons, ravines and creeks, has accommodated the animals for a number of years. In 1931 funds were allotted from the appropriation for the relief of unemployment for the improvement of the refuge, and after the purchase of some 500 acres of privately owned lands within the boundaries of the refuge, a 2,500-acre big-game pasture was fenced between the highway, which crosses the refuge, and the south side of the river. This pasture made it possible to construct corrals for use in handling the animals and supplying live animals for breeding and exhibition purposes. Formerly it was necessary to butcher all animals removed from the herds. The new south pasture also renders the animals more accessible to the highway from which they can be observed at practically all times. Emergency funds also made possible a modern headquarters building and other improvements that greatly facilitate administration of the area. Unsuitable barracks and buildings of the old military post were wrecked and materials salvaged for use in the new buildings and improvements.

U. S. OFFICIALS PLAN MEETINGS WITH STATE GAME COMMISSIONERS

A plan to obtain greater participation of state game officials in matters affecting migratory bird protection has been approved by Secretary Wallace.

According to the plan, advanced by Ira N. Gabrielson, Chief of the U. S. Biological Survey, and already endorsed by a majority of the state commissioners, representatives of the states will hereafter meet annually with federal wildlife officials to discuss conditions affecting migratory game birds and open seasons on the same. The state leaders probably will meet with members of the Biological Survey early in 1938, following a similar conference with the Bureau of Fisheries.

Throughout the year and preceding the conference, the Biological Survey plans to forward to the state officials data collected by bureau naturalists and information on problems as they arise. Regional meetings at various times will also permit further consultations between the state and federal wildlife workers.

"With the advice of state officials responsible for wildlife administration, we hope," says Dr. Gabrielson, "to advance the migratory bird program through closer contact with local conditions and also to more accurately equalize the distribution of such hunting privileges as may be allowed. It is our hope that this type of conference will result in even closer cooperation than now exists between federal and state officials responsible for wildlife administration."

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes the secretary of agriculture responsible for regulations governing the hunting of migratory game birds. Regulations adopted by the secretary are subject to approval by the President.

BIRD BANDING WORK GROWING

In "A Decade of Bird Banding in America," a book by Frederick C. Lincoln, biologist with the United States Biological Survey, Mr. Lincoln makes the following statement: "From its beginning in 1885 the study of North American birds by the Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture has continued a major activity of this bureau. The distribution, immigration and economic status of birds have claimed the attention of its specialist for nearly fifty years and the leadership of the bureau in the field of research continues to be demanded. Since practically every method advocated for the development of new information has been thoroughly tested by the bureau it is not surprising to find that with the active cooperation of Canadian officials it is directing one of the greatest studies of avian life ever attempted, namely, that conducted through a continental system of cooperating volunteer bird banding stations. In the report of the Smithsonian Institute for 1927 under the title 'Bird Banding in America,' the author presented an historical sketch and account of the development of the work during the preceding five years. Another five years has now elapsed and in concluding this full decade of intensive efforts in retrospect to review the accomplishments.

"Any new field of research is usually divided into three periods: First, experimental, when methods are developed; second, data accumulation; third, interpretation and reports. The banding work as applied to North American birds has only within the last few years entered the third period. During the ten years many reports of more or less fundamental importance have been issued, but the data applicable to the larger ornithological species have only recently accumulated in adequate quantity, even for those species which from the beginning have received most attention."

It is interesting to examine table No. 1, "Progress of Bird Banding in America." In 1921, the number of cooperators was 135, and the total number of birds banded was 2,835. Ten years later we find the number of cooperators had grown to 1,976, and the grand total of birds banded had mounted to 212,146 in one year, which is a remarkable increase when you stop to consider that the work is all voluntary and no salaries are allowed for the cooperators.

The grand total of birds banded during the ten years is 1,123,528, and the number of birds returned and recorded is 63,564 for the period.

When figures run into the millions it is difficult to appreciate just how many units such figures represent. Some idea can be gained by the fact that if all the banded birds were placed in line, the line would reach from Minden to Omaha, which would be quite a string of birds, to use a slang phrase.

By this method of placing an aluminum band on a bird, which is serially numbered and making a record and report of the banding to the Biological Survey, and of reporting the capture or death of every banded bird to the same office, bird students are gaining much information about the migratory habits of birds. As an example, a mallard duck banded at Browning, Illinois, on November 30, 1922, was killed near Sacramento, California, December 24, 1923; a blue-winged teal, banded at Lake Scugog, in Southern Ontario, September 24, 1925, was recovered in San Francisco bay on December 12, 1926. A pintail duck banded at Ellinwood, Kansas, March 4, 1925, was retaken in Butte County, California, December 19, 1925. A Greater Scaup, banded at Union Springs, on Cayuga Lake, New York, on February 27, 1923, was killed in Lake Washington, December 7, 1937.

Thousands of records similar to this, covering a great many kinds of birds, have helped much in the study of our feathered friends. You can cooperate in this work by sending any band you may find on a bird at any time to the Biological Survey at Washington, D. C, and writing to the Survey a brief story of the facts in connection with the band as you know them.

DOG GETS PERMIT

When a dog bites a man it is not news. But when a dog takes out a hunting permit it is!

The records in the Commission's office show that on September 19, 1937, a permit was issued to "Jean's Silken Gunner", age 3; occupation, hunter; color of eyes, brown; hair, white and tan; height 24 inches; address, 1102 South 62nd street, Omaha, Neb.

The dog belongs to Lloyd Beal of Omaha. Mr. Beal says that every good hunting dog is a game conservator and that it would be a good plan to furnish a hunting permit for all dogs.

DOVES HUNTED IN 28 STATES

Many Nebraskans believe that doves are hunted only in Nebraska this year. As a matter of fact they are hunted in twenty-eight states—in practically the entire dove range.

Here are the states that permit the shooting of doves, either entirely throughout the state or in parts of them:

Chadron State Park Has Many Attractions

drive out from the City of Chadron to the park daily to fill jars, jugs, thermos bottles and other containers with this wonderful water. Along Chadron Creek are many springs and two of them will be developed. Chadron Creek supplies the water for the pool and the pond and flows through 10 acres of the picnic grounds, thus accounting for the coolness and humidity of the atmosphere.

Attractive places on the creek are overflow bridges, constructed of moss-covered, dark gray stone, some weighing two tons, which have been trucked from the quarries north of Crawford. Two of the bridges are for vehicles and there are stepping-stone bridges for pedestrians.

A well stocked store just down the hill from the superintendent's cottage offers almost anything the person trying the simple life can want.

An inn, which serves bountiful and delicious meals, is one of the attractions and conveniences of the park. Across from it a roofed but open-sided auditorium affords a splendid opportunity for large gatherings, for public speakers, and for concerts.

The steps leading from one elevation to another are of stone brought from the quarries north of Chadron and the stones used in the bridges and for the stepping stones were brought from the quarries north of Crawford.

Leading into the hills and canyons are trails. Two foot trails, both named "Nature Trail," one leading north and the other leading south, take the pedestrian up and down across the terrain, and afford eye-delighting vistas of places miles away. Gorgeous coloring and farflung beauties relax the weary mind and delight the soul.

Horseback riding is one of the chief attractions, and four trails, the "Sunset Trail," the "Sky Line Trail," the "Red Cloud Trail," and the "Clayton Trail," lead far back into the canyons and up to the summits of the hills over which the tall whispering pines march in serried ranks, making the skyline against the setting sun or the rising moon an inspiration.

Rustic pine markers point out the places of interest all along the way. Small signs tell the stories of the wild flowers and the wildlife and are excellent short lessons for the amateur botanist and bird lover and camera enthusiast. These educational signs were compiled by Miss Ruth Moon, teacher of biology in the high school at North Platte. She was in the employ of the State Game, Forestation and Parks Commission.

Clayton Trail leads to the splendid outdoor amphitheatre now in process of construction and which will be finished by the 1st of October. A natural bowl forms the base on which great pine logs, flattened on one side, are set on cement supports and fastened with iron pegs, and placed in a big semi-circle, facing to the west onto a stage of generous proportions. The seating capacity will accommodate 450 people.

The bird life in the park is a source of great interest and study. During the summers of 1936 and 1937 over 80 kinds were noted. They were the Brewer Blackbird, the Red-winged Blackbird, the Yellowheaded Blackbird, Mountain Bluebird, Indigo Bunting, Lark Bunting, Bobolink, Catbird, Long-tail Chat, Towhee, Chickadee, Whip-poor-will, Cowbird, Crossbill, Crow, Black-billed Cuckoo, Dickcissel Red-shafted Flicker, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Goldfinch, Bronzed Grackle, Black-headed Grosbeak, Ruby - throated Hummingbird, Blue Jay, Pinion Jay, Slate-colored Junco, Kingbird, Arkansas Kingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Goldencrowned Kinglet, Horned Lark, Magpie, Western Meadowlark, Mockingbird, Nighthawk, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Whitebreasted Nuthatch, Oriole (Baltimore), Orchard Oriole, Redstart, Robin, Yellowbellied Sapsucker, Shrike, Pine Siskin, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Western Tanager, Brown Thrasher, Olivebacked Thrush, Wood Thrush, Water Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Bell's Vireo, Myrtle Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, House Wren, Rock Wren, Western Yellow-throat, Red-tailed Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Marsh Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Night Hawk, Lesser Yellow-legs, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl and Eagle Owl.

The flowers found in the park cover a wide range also. Some 75 varieties have been found and classified. The first flower which blooms in the spring is the Pasque flower, the "Pulsatilla Patens," locally called the crocus. Swiftly followed by the wild plum blossoms, the wild cherry blossoms, the mariposa lilies, the harebells, the blue-bells, the goat's beard, the false dandelion, the sand lily, the prickly pear cactus, the yellow primrose, the pincushion cactus, the wild pea, the comb flower, the prairie primrose, the prickly poppy which is the most lasting of all, the spider-wort, the wild rose, the soap weed or yucca, the ground cherry, the golden-rod, the sunflower and many others.

The temperature, also, is ideal. Though the days may be hot, the nights are never too warm for a comfortable and refreshing sleep. For two weeks during the month of August in 1936, the hottest year this part of Nebraska has ever known, Mrs. Speer took the temperature at the office every night at 10 o'clock and wired the result in to Lincoln, Nebraska. The average temperature for those two weeks was 60 degrees and 65 degrees respectively. Cars coming over the high table and from Alliance notice the change in temperature when the road drops into the Chadron Valley.

One of the new interests in the park which may have great future possibilities is the discovery of fossils.

A beautiful scenic drive of some six miles winds back through the hills, down into deep canyons and up to the tops of the ridges, affording a wonderful view of the bluffs, and the land sweeping off in all directions to meet the far horizon, with the various colors enough to delight the soul of a master artist. This is called the "Circle Drive." It starts at Chadron Creek and swings around back to the creek.

Even in the little vales back in the hills on this road, rustic tables and Dutch ovens, of which there are some 35 scattered throughout the park, are placed for the convenience of picnic parties which desire a very wild and secluded setting.

On the southern part of the drive is a large shelter house of the prevailing rustic design and of commodious size. Many of the large dinner and supper parties for clubs and other organizations are given here.

Pumps are located at convenient places along the road also.

The northwest quarter section of the park contains the roughest and wildest land in the whole area. Almost nothing has been changed from its natural state.

High on a hilltop back of the main lodge are two buildings left by the Civilian Conservation Camp. These are used for large assemblies. What was formerly the CCC hospital and recreation halls are now used as a dormitory and auditorium.

For the past two years the United States Department of the Interior, cooperating with the State of Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission and with Mrs. Speer, superintendent of the park, has given intensive study to plans which are now being carried out in the reconstruction of the park. The blueprint of the master plan with explanations will be on exhibition at some store in Chadron in the near future.

This plan is called the five-year plan as it is expected that it will take that long a time to complete the projected changes and improvements.

The plan calls for a beautiful new administration and concession building which will occupy the site of the present office building.

The swimming pool will be moved up to where the baseball diamond is now and the present nursery pond will be enlarged to include the old swimming pool.

On September 1st work on remodeling the cottages began, and by January 1, 1938, five of the cabins will be completed. The new plans are as follows: All roofs are to be covered with cedar shingles, all exterior boards are to be rough, windows will be both double and single sash, all eaves are to have smaller projections, new flooring is to be laid over the old floors, the interior wall insulation is to be of vertical boards, ceilings are to be covered with celotex, all cabins are to have ventilators at both ends, each cabin is to have a shower, a flush toilet, a sink, a two-burner wickless oil stove, a screened-in porch, beds, tables and chairs. The garbage will be deposited in underground containers.

Already during the past year 1,000 new trees have been brought in and planted in the park. Trees, shrubs and flowers indigenous to this part of the country are being planted throughout the park to add to its attractiveness and beauty.

The road which circles the park will bs a two-way road, 22 feet wide, allowing traffic in both directions, and will afford beautiful vistas and views of the bluffs, the pine woods, deep canyons and, from the highest crest, a wonderful view of the Chadron Creek Valley, rimmed by the bluffs and pine-clad hills.

On the table land just above the entrance level a large group camp is planned. This will take care of 100 persons and be so arranged that it can be used as a whole or can be separated into smaller units to accommodate small groups.

A trailer camp is one of the projected improvements and across from it will be a space where campers with their own tents can park free of charge. The stables and corrals will be located at the northern end of the reserve and will be enlarged.

During the past year cars bearing license of many, many states in the union have been noted in the park. States from Maine to California, and from Minnesota to Texas have been represented. By actual count in alternate weeks from the first of June to the first of September the first week brought 485 cars with 1,604 people into the park; the second count was 606 cars with 1,923 people; the third count was 453 cars with 3,724 people; the fourth was 751 cars with 2,913 people; the fifth was 2,109 cars with 7,994 people; the sixth was 1,020 cars with 5,110 people; the seventh was 1,307 cars with 4,773 people; and the eighth was 854 cars with 4,282 people.

The automobile count of cars from states outside Nebraska for this period was: Kansas, 65 cars; Wyoming, 95 cars; South Dakota, 187 cars; Iowa, 8 cars; and other states, 397 cars.

The National Park Service is in charge of the work of improving the park and it is using the men from the WPA camps which have now become the National Park Service Work Camps. The work is under the supervision of Warren U. Olson as superintendent.

As knowledge of this lovely playground spreads, its popularity grows. People come for a day, a night, a week, and many remain longer. They return again and again to enjoy the wonderful beauties offered by nature and the attractions added by man in this beautiful reserve set aside by the State of Nebraska.

ARSENIC AND OUR BIRDS

The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Oklahoma has a very interesting bulletin on the effect of arsenic, as used in poisoning grasshoppers, upon birds.

This bulleting has the following to say in its summary and conclusions:

"A review of the literature shows that ever since poison bran mash has been used for the control of grasshoppers it has been thought by some that its use endangered domestic fowls and wild birds. It also shows that, although the question has been argued for years, an extremely small amount of experimental work has been carried on to determine the facts of the case.

"This paper is the report of experiments carried on in an attempt to answer the following questions:

"Will birds be injured from picking up the poisoned bran?

"Will they be injured from eating the poisoned grasshoppers?

"Is there any danger to humans or other animals from eating chickens that have fed on poisoned grasshoppers?

"Domestic fowls and quail were confined in pens and left without food for 24 hours. Poisoned bran was then scattered in the pens at the rate of 100 pounds per acre and the fowls were left another 24 hours without other food. No indications of poisoning appeared. From this it was concluded that birds will not be injured through picking up well scattered poisoned bran.

"Feeding experiments in which poisoned bran was force fed to chickens indicated that 74 mgs. of white arsenic (As203) constituted a slightly toxic dose for a 22-ounce chicken. From this it was assumed that 3.363 mgs. per ounce of bird weight constituted a slightly toxic dose.

"Other experiments and chemical analyses were conducted to determine the amount of arsenic contained in poisoned grasshoppers.

"A series of experiments was then conducted in which 144 birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, and the nestlings of various species of song birds, were fed 17,377 poisoned and unpoisoned grasshoppers. These experiments were continued from 10 to 66 days.

"From the experiments, the following conclusions were drawn concerning domestic fowls:

"1. They readily recognize the fact that poisoned grasshoppers are not as desirable a food as unpoisoned grasshoppers.

"2. They will eat less than half the number of poisoned grasshoppers that they will of unpoisoned grasshoppers.

"3. The amount of arsenic consumed through feeding on poisoned grasshoppers averages much less than one-half of a toxic dose.

"4. Even though no other food is available for a period of 10 days, the fowls will not eat a sufficient number of grasshoppers to obtain a toxic dose.

"5. The arsenic obtained through eating the poisoned grasshoppers does not have a cumulative effect even though the fowls were fed for a period of 66 days.

"6. Feeding on poisoned hoppers does not materially affect the weight or growth of the fowls.

"Concerning quail, the following conclusions were drawn:

"1. Even if quail were to eat the maximum number of grasshoppers they have ever been recorded as having eaten, they will not be noticeably injured though each of the grasshoppers was killed by feeding on poisoned bran.

"2. Quail eating the number of grasshoppers normally eaten probably receive only from 1 to 7 per cent of toxic dose.

"Concerning wild birds, it was concluded:

"1. Nestling robins, and presumably other species of a similar size, can consume as many as 134 poisoned grasshoppers containing 39.986 mgs. of (As203) and still mature normally.

"2. Poisoned grasshoppers may be somewhat injurious to nestling birds, although the evidence is incomplete.

"3. There is very little danger, if any, to adult wild birds.

"4. It must be shown that the parent birds pick up dead grasshoppers and feed them to nestlings before any danger to nestling birds can be claimed. The few observations made do not indicate that such is the case.

"Figures taken from the above work showed that chickens never consumed

Man Versus Birds

study of the peculiar and quite fixed cycle that seems to govern the increase and decrease of these birds. That they increase generally over the entire range throughout the several states one year and decrease another, regardless of hunting, food or cover, is quite generally known. Yet only last summer I listened to two scientific papers on the subject-one believing the cause to be parasites, the other sunspots. Neither had enough data back of his investigations to do more than surmise.

Several years ago we found a certain boys' swimming pool in Nebraska of less than half an acre that produced annually the astonishing number of forty to fifty thousand nice young bass—about ten times as good as our best hatchery ponds. When the same thing occurred the second year, we decided there must be some reason for such a crop. At first we thought it must have been the result of sulphate of copper in the water, a considerable amount of blue vitriol having been placed in the pool each year. But now we are working on the theory that the phenomenal crop is the result of hormones, produced in the pool by the introduction of urine.

These are only two of many problems confronting the administration of wildlife resources today. Naturally, without knowing the why and the wherefore of the matter, many mistakes will be made, much money will be wasted, and, more important than all, many species may be lost. Once a bird, animal or fish disappears from the earth, there is no power of man that can bring it back.

While the battle between man and the birds, as well as other animal life will go on, and must necessarily do so, let us not kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Let us approach the problem of how to use this valuable resource in a sane and practical way and be guided by a general national policy. Let us not try to move off by ourselves, but cooperate with other agencies engaged in soil conservation, forest restoration, drought and flood control and kindred problems, for all of these are closely related, and what is good for one will be beneficial to the other.

DON'TS FOR HUNTERS

When you go to the field to hunt this fall—

Don't forget your permit;

Don't forget the duck stamp if you hunt ducks or geese;

Don't shoot from a vehicle;

Don't hunt game birds or game animals with artificial light;

Don't use a rifle to shoot game birds;

Don't attempt to take game birds by baiting, netting, clubbing at night;

Don't handle your gun in a careless manner.

PUBLISH GAME INFORMATION

This publication is one of the most attractive published in the Cornhusker state and deserves the support of all hardware dealers. It is edited by Ed. Hermanson, and his enterprising associate editor, Jo Andrews.

Arsenic and Our Birds

a sufficient amount of arsenic at any one time to constitute a dangerous dose for humans, and therefore the only possibility of humans receiving such an amount from eating chickens was for the arsenic to be stored in the edible portions of the body.

"Chemical analyses were made of the bodies of a number of chickens that had eaten large numbers of poisoned grasshoppers. These analyses showed definitely that there is no danger of humans being poisoned from eating chickens that have eaten poisoned grasshoppers."

Where to Go in Nebraska

Camp in cabins in the woods in Nebraska's Biggest Park. Swimming, horseback riding, skyline hiking, playgrounds.

A restaurant, store and saddle horses for your use. Prices and rentals reasonable. Write for rates and reservations. Address: Mrs. A. E. Speer, Supt., Chadron, Neb.

Located just off State Highway No. 2, near Anselmo, in Custer County. Camping, fishing, picnicking free.

Address: C. O. Williams, Supt., Anselmo, Neb.

Visit Nebraska's new state park for northeastern Nebraska. Fishing, camping, picnicking. Splendid shade. A good place to enjoy the Indian and Missouri River country. Located near Niobrara, Neb.

Visit America's agricultural shrine. See the old home of the founder of Arbor Day.

Mansion open daily. Picnicking facilities free. No camping permitted at this park.

Booklets describing trees, well illustrated, excellent souvenir, price 25 cents.

Park located adjacent to Nebraska City.

Address: Frank Williams, Supt., Nebraska City, Neb.

Fish in Pibel Lake for bass, sunfish and bullheads. This resort is owned and operated by the State of Nebraska. Hotel with first class accommodations. Camping sites free. Boats for rental. Fishing free.

Address: A. E. McVeigh, Supt., Spalding, Neb.

Get acquainted with western Nebraska. See the famous North Platte Valley and the scenic Wild Cat Hills. Buffalo, elk, deer, etc., on exhibition.

Located on State Highway No. 29, between Gering and Harrisburg.

NOTICE! Game and Fish Regulations, State of Nebraska

THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS are prescribed by the GAME, FORESTATION and PARKS COMMISSION, State of Nebraska, in accordance with Section 37-301, Compiled Statutes 1929, as amended by Session Laws 1937, L. B. No. 312, Serial No. 170, after due investigation and having due regard to the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, migratory habits and causes of depletion or extermination of the same in such designated waters or areas and having due regard to the volume of hunting, trapping, and fishing practiced therein and climatic, seasonal and other conditions affecting the protection, preservation and propagation of the same in such waters or areas, and are EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 1937.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that these regulations have been fixed, prescribed and published according to law and that same have been placed on file in the office of the Commission and a certified copy thereof sent by registered mail to the clerk and sheriff of each county, the whole or part of which is affected thereby, not less than fifteen days before the taking effect of same.

Dated at Lincoln, Nebraska, this 17th day of August, 1937.

Note: Where entire state open it does not include game reserves, sanctuaries or areas closed by any state laws or city ordinances.

(*) Platte River and North Platte River beginning at east line of Morrill County, hunting permissible only from 7 A.M. to noon each day of open season. Garden County Game Refuge not included.

(*) No more than two hen pheasants may be taken in any day or be possessed at any time.

Note: Any fur-bearing animals not classified under state laws as "game animals", and not listed above, can be trapped any time of year.

The following fishing, hunting ana trapping areas, open seasons, bag and possession limits are fixed, prescribed and published, effective September 1, 1937:

It shall be unlawful, except in the Missouri River under commercial permit, to take a daily bag or have more than twenty-five (25) fish of all species combined in possession at any one time.

All fish caught that are under the size limits enumerated above must be returned to the water at once with as little injury as possible.

"Daily bag" means fish taken in any period from 12 A.M. to 12 P.M.

"Possession any time" means fish in possession of person taking same at any and all times.

Carp, buffalo, suckers and other non-game fish may be taken with hook and line at any time without limits on size, bag or possession.

ATTENTION HUNTERS!

The pheasant crop this year is good in some parts of Nebraska, and poor in other parts.

It will be to your advantage and that of the general welfare of the state if you will go only to those areas recommended in this issue of Outdoor Nebraska.

It will also be to your advantage if you respect the rights of property owners and do not hunt on those lands posted against hunting. To do this is not only unlawful but unsportsmanlike and unfair.

Heretofore only certain counties have been opened to hunting pheasants. This year the entire state is open. This was not done because birds are numerous in all parts of the state; it was done because of the difficulty and dissatisfaction arising from opening one section and allowing another to remain closed.

Do your part! Go to areas where birds are numerous, and do not hunt on restricted areas.