NEBRASKA FISHING SCENES

Fishing Season of 1939 Gets Under Way

THE 1939 fishing season in Nebraska got under way a month earlier than heretofore. This was made possible by more liberal regulations put into effect by the State Game Commission.

While the weather has not generally been favorable for fishing, some nice bags of catfish and crappies have been reported. Most of those taken were from sand pits along the Platte River and from the Blue River. From tests made in the lower Platte and Missouri last week, catfishing should be good the coming summer. Over 4,000 catfish were netted within one mile on the lower Platte, showing a good run was in progress. The crappies taken have been extra large.

One of the heaviest stockings of largesized trout ever made was accomplished this spring. These fish were raised at the Nebraska hatcheries and practically all of them were six inches or more in length. While a good stocking was made prior to the opening of the season April 1st, enough are still held in the state propagation ponds to make several stockings later. It is believed that this spread over the season will improve the fishing and make it possible to catch trout for a longer period.

The stocking of catfish will get under way early in April. Large-sized fish will be stocked during the early spring, and small fish reared in the Gretna Station will be stocked in mid-summer. Catfish are being placed above and below every dam in the state where these fish thrive.

Some time within the next few years the Nebraska fisherman may be trying for trout with fly or spinner in one of Nebraska's streams and bring to creel, not a trout, but a beautiful, graceful and highly colored fish with long, flowing dorsal fin.

This will be the Montana grayling which the Game and Parks Commission hopes to successfully introduce and establish in our state, and which is being stocked in several places this spring. The grayling belongs to that aristocratic family of fishes, the salmons, whose relatives, either as natives or as a result of transplanting, is found in all the countries of the world.

Three species of grayling are generally recognized, the Arctic grayling, the Michigan grayling and the Montana grayling, although basic differences between the species, particularly the Montana and Michigan grayling, is still a subject of debate among fish culturists.

In any event, they are among the most symmetrical and handsome of game fishes. Ihey take the lure readily, much in the manner of trout, are excellent table fish, and can be artificially propagated under the same general methods as are trout.

Artificial propagation of grayling by the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries and by some state departments indicate they may thrive in somewhat higher water temperatures than are considered suitable for trout and in water with less aeration.

Nebraska has many miles of streams that come within the classification of "borderline trout water" or water in which Fahrenheit temperatures rise into the seventies during July and August.

If the experiment proves successful and the grayling takes kindly to Nebraska water, our fishermen will have a real treat in store for them in the opportunity to take T. MONTANIS, which has been referred to as "the flower of fishes."

Nebraska is still very short of bullheads, although the Commission is making every effort to recoup from the losses caused by the extended drought. Bullheads are slow growers and it takes three or four years to develop the large Sand-Hill or Minnesota species. It is likely, if funds are available, that more Minnesota fish will be brought to Nebraska this spring. Just as fast as sand-hill lakes fill with sufficient water to make them safe, the Commission is restocking them in the hopes to rebuild the fine supply available when the drought came in 1935.

Among the places stocked with trout this spring are the following:

Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties: Winter Creek, Nine Mile, Tub Springs, Sheep Creek, East Spotted Tail, West Spotted Tail, Red Willow Creek, Cedar Creek.

Keith County: Otter Creek, White Tail Creek.

Kimball County: Lodgepole at Potter, Lodgepole at Kimball.

Lincoln County: Regulating Reservoir, North Hershey Drain, South Hershey Drain.

Dawes County: Chadron Creek.

Hooker County: Dismal River.

Sheridan County: West Pine Creek.

Cherry County: Snake River, Schlegel Creek, Fairfield Creek, North Loup River.

Brown County: Pine Creek, Plum Creek.

Holt County: Eagle Creek.

Loup County: Calamus River.

Wheeler County: Cedar River.

Adams County: Elm Creek.

Antelope and Knox Counties: Verdigre, Steele and Middlebranch Creeks.

Dodge County: State Lake, Fremont (Pit No. 4).

Cass County: State Lake, Louisville (Largest Pit).

Two new fishing lakes will be open to Nebraska anglers this year. The large reservoir of the Loup Valley Power District, known as Lake Babcock, will be opened to fishing on June 15th. This is a very large body of water, and it has been well stocked during the past two years with catfish, pike, crappies and bullheads. Lake Babcock is located in Platte County, several miles north of Columbus. The second lake to be opened is in Adams County in the new Hastings Recreation Grounds. These grounds are located ten miles south of Hastings, near the village of Ayr. A lake has been stocked with bullheads and bluegills and a dam in the Little Blue River should provide good catfishing.

The Missouri River, out of its banks early in April, will provide better fishing in the cutoff lakes nearby. Crystal Lake in Dakota County has a higher water level than for several years. Some good bags of pike and bass are taken here. Lake Quinnebaugh in Burt County should provide some good crappie fishing. It is overflowing again this spring. It filled last season, after having been dry for several years.

Crappie fishing has been fair this spring, with a number of good bags reported. The Missouri River floods, while damaging to farm lands, is a great aid to the Commission in rebuilding our stock of crappies. A pair or so of these fish find their way into overflows of the Missouri and remain in cut-offs, pockets, etc., where they spawn. As high as one hundred thousand fine crappie fry have been removed in the fall by salvage crews in small lakes left by the Big Muddy.

While the 1939 fishing season will depend greatly on the rainfall this spring and summer, it can be said that conditions at present writing are much better than for the past several years.

SHARKS ARE IN DEMAND

Sharks are worth money. In San Francisco Bay a fleet of about 40 fishing boats concentrates on sharks, using long lines baited with salt fish. The state fish and game commission issues special licenses to shark fishermen. Shark livers are rich in vitamin A, much in demand by poultry raisers, according to a bulletin of the National Wildlife Federation.

Fishing Directory for 1939

The following is a complete directory of all lakes, ponds, pits and streams that are beings stocked by the Nebraska Game Commission.

Some of these places are closed at times for restocking: or repair of dams, etc. Some are "where the fish are still too small to catch. Others are where it is necessary to secure permission to enter on private property.

It is suggested that you make inquiry before making; a trip in order that you will not be disappointed.

The following places in Nebraska are where fish are found, as well as the species being stocked. Some places listed are not open except during certain seasons and there are also reduced bags in some state-owned lakes. Consult the regulations before fishing:

Why Plant Trees? (U. S. FORESTRY SERVICE)

DURING recent drought years the Prairie-Plains region has suffered crop failures and much serious wind erosion. Moisture in the form of rain and snow comes in cycles of alternating wet and dry periods. In this region, where moisture is such a limiting factor in agricultural production, tree plantings to protect crops and cropland are urgently needed.

Field shelterbelts furnish protection behind which good soil and cropping practices are most effective. Without such protection, these practices are frequently inadequate to hold the soil and assure a crop in the critical periods when the moisture supply is short. However, it does not follow that such plantings will always insure a crop in the years of most severe drought.

Each prairie farm should also have a windbreak to protect the farm home and, in many cases, the feed lot. Most farms would benefit from a small planted woodIland. Less fuel is required in winter to heat a house that is protected than one that is unprotected. If protected, livestock requires less feed in winter, and less feed blows away.

Properly distributed in shelterbelts and other plantings, eight to ten acres of trees I are adequate for protection on the average ' 160 acres of farm land. The trees will furnish fuel and posts. They may furnish cover for game birds and birds that eat crop-destroying insects. They are valuable for recreation. Trees are among the least expensive of the improvements which a prairie farmer can put upon his land.

The principles which must be observed if tree planting in the Prairie-Plains region is to be successful have been worked out through investigations and analyses of past plantings. They are comparatively simple and may be easily followed by any : farmer. The success that has attended the application of these principles shows that there is nothing mysterious or complex about tree-planting procedure.

Most people prefer one species of trees to another because of some outward characteristic and have little understanding of the tree's intrinsic qualities and adaptaI bility to given soil or climatic conditions.

The purpose of a planting often affects the choice of a species. A species that grows slowly and does not reach large size may prove excellent for shelterbelt planting but ill-adapted for a farmL woodland tree to produce wood products such as fence posts and fuel.

Soil type must also be considered. Some soils are hard; others are light; some are shallow; and some are deep. The moisture, too, may be near the surface or at some depth. Some trees are very sensitive to these factors, but a few species show adaptability to rather a wide range of conditions.

In the Prairie-Plains region it is particularly important that the species selected be hardy, drought-resistant and climatically adapted. Even though a species having the first two characteristics be chosen the trees may not prove satisfactory unless they are produced from seed having the proper source.

In this region it is important that the nursery stock to be used be grown from seed collected locally. Over a period of many generations trees, like other organisms, develop characteristics which fit them for the particular environment in which they grow and may unfit them for another type of environment. The roughleaved hackberry, for example, grows in the region extending from the cold and dry Turtle Mountains of North Dakota to the warm and humid sections of southern Texas. The southern strains will not be hardy in the North, however, nor will the northern strains grow well in the South. In particular, stock from seed produced in the humid East should not be planted in the drier Prairie-Plains region.

Exhaustive trials have demonstrated that it does not pay to plant weak or undersized planting stock in this region. Thrifty seedlings may cost a few dollars more per thousand, but they are a good investment. Poor stock is more likely to fail and result in the expenditures being a total loss.

A plantation of mixed species of trees generally has a better chance for survival and growth than a stand of a single species, and there is less danger that a disease or insect infestation peculiar to a certain species will wipe out the entire plantation. Consideration must be given, however, to the growth characteristics of the various species and to the purpose of the plantation in arranging the composition of the stand. A shelterbelt is more effective if the taller growing trees are planted in the middle of the belt, with trees of the lower growing species and shrubs on the outside, so that the shelterbelt presents a sloping surface to the prevailing wind from which protection is desired.

Before trees are planted the problem of first importance is the selection of the location. Trees once established are a permanent fixture. The decisions made at this time must hold for the life of the trees. Mistakes may prove most unfortunate. A windbreak about the farm home, for example, may be so located as to prevent snow from drifting about the buildings; but, if carelessly located, it may cause worse drifting than if there were no windbreak. Trees planted too close to a road may some day have to be removed if it is decided to widen the thoroughfare. A field shelterbelt has its maximum effectiveness if oriented at right angles to the direction of the most damaging winds; and, unless it is so located, it may fail of its purpose.

Spacing of the trees is important. Since the supply of moisture is the principal limiting factor in tree growth in the Prairie-Plains region the usual conclusion is that with fewer per unit of area a greater amount of moisture will be available to each tree. Actually, however, loss of moisture through transpiration from , the leaves does not increase in proportion to the number of trees per unit of area. Closely planted trees also tend to retard evaporation directly from the soil and will shade out other forms of vegetation that use moisture, such as grass and weeds.

In the shelterbelt plantings established by the Prairie States Forestry project trees are spaced 8 by 6 feet and shrubs 8 by 3 feet apart in the North. The spacing in the southern part of the area is 10 by 8 feet for trees and 10 by 4 feet for shrubs. Many of these plantations will have to be thinned somewhat as time passes and the trees develop size, but in the meantime they will provide a dense canopy over the ground and build up a mulch of leaves and litter. The thinnings will yield fence posts, fuel and wood for other uses.

Trees planted in sod or interspersed in growing crops have slight chance for success. It is better, if possible, to cleanfallow the land one year in advance of planting. This is especially desirable if the soil is fairly heavy. The strips occupied by the rows of trees, at least, should be thoroughly loosened to a depth of 12 or 14 inches. The trees should not be planted in a furrow.

Trees may be planted at any time in the spring when the ground may be worked and before they begin to leaf out. Fall

EDITORIAL

Plant those trees now! If you wait until another year, you have just that long to wait before maturity and the trees are of value to you.

The fishing season is now here, observe all regulations and laws, a copy of which you will find on the inside back cover of this magazine. The regulations listed there are good all during the 1939 season.

It is to your advantage to follow these regulations. It means more and better fishing for all.

Which is the most popular sport in the United States —Football? Golf? Baseball?

You're wrong. Just as wrong as the contestants in a National radio quiz who were asked the questions were. They hazarded guesses in that order. They flunked. The correct answer, the person conducting the quiz announced, is: Hunting and fishing, with fishing having a few more followers than hunting.

Perhaps you couldn't blame the radio contestants. Sports commentators on the air devote minutes and hours to the above sports—and the public reads columns and columns of type in the newspapers about them. You would think, wouldn't you, that football and baseball were the leading sports on that basis?

Ray Lambert, Outdoors editor of the Huntington Herald-Advertiser, discussing this subject recently said:

"More than 10 per cent of the entire population of the United States buy hunting and fishing licenses. Look at these figures. In 1936, hunters and fishermen bought | 13,559,745 licenses. And you know as well as I that at least 5 per cent of the people of this country do not buy licenses to hunt or fish. Think of the people living on the eastern, western and southern coasts who do not have to buy licenses to fish—their fishing being done j in the ocean where a license is not necessary. * * * This doesn't include permits for women as in some states they are not required to have a license. It also does not I include millions of persons who are under age, who both hunt and fish. Also it doesn't include those who! hunt and fish on their own property, where it is not I necessary to buy licenses to hunt on their own property. | Figuring conservatively, I would say that close to 17 or 1 18 million people in this country hunt and fish."

Compare these figures with an estimate of football attendance made at the close of the current season by a I national press association, which hailed the figures of I 8,146,124 attending football games as a sharp increase I over preceding years. In fact, this was 11 per cent more I than the number who saw football games in 1937.

And in conclusion, we might add that hunting and I fishing, while the most popular sport, also ranks high in i comparison with all forms of amusement. The most I popular form, according to a radio quiz program, is I radio. Next comes newspaper reading—and third comes I hunting and fishing. Movies are fourth, while football, ( baseball, basketball and other sports follow on down I the list. So the clan is a big one. May they all be con-servationists and real sportsmen.

Arbor Day Has Great Significance

(Editor's Note: We are pleased to republish this article by Hon. Roy L. Cochran, Governor of Nebraska. It was originally printed in the 1938 Spring issue of Outdoor Nebraska, but so many requests for a reprint have been received we are pleased to again present it.)

Plant some trees (his spring. If you can't do so now, arrange a place for them and plant in the fall.

Trees pay good dividends in shade and lumber. Field corners, rough land, gulleys, etc., can be utilized for this purpose.

The pioneers and those who followed them planted many trees. Some of those trees helped to keep us warm durinr the depression years when other kinds of fuel were too expensive. Replant today so that those who may face a depression fifty years later can keep warm.

THE observance of Arbor Day is more than a tribute in honor of the birthday of a great Nebraskan. It is a day that for more than half a century has been known as tree planting day. While Arbor Day has been observed for more than fifty years, it has increased in importance during the recent years of drought. This disappearance of our trees has emphasized their importance, and the necessity for their replacement. Arbor Day has taken on a greater significance because of the interest taken by organizations such as the American Legion, the Izaak Walton League, other civic groups, and the state and federal governments in organized tree planting.

The necessity for trees was recognized early in this prairie state. It is still recognized, with increased emphasis, because of the vital necessity for conserving our soil and our water, and for providing protection for wildlife, beautifying the landscape, and for providing windbreaks for our homes, as well as for other economic and recreational purposes.

Mr. Morton gave Arbor Day to the state, and the state gave it to the nation. It is now recognized by law or by proclamation in every state in the union, as well as in many foreign countries. This testifies to the universal appreciation of the value of trees.

To young people trees seem as much a part of our state as do the homes, roads and schools, but to those who pioneered the state they mean something that had to be established along with other improvements. During the last few years the drought, together with an urgent need for cheap fuel, has greatly reduced our tree population. This loss, even though part of it was necessary and the material used for a good cause, has changed our landscape to a noticeable extent. Therefore, it is a duty of the present generation to make its contribution toward repairing this loss. It is my sincere wish that every man, woman and child in this state, old enough to use a spade, will plant at least one tree this April and see that it has proper care throughout the season. There could be no finer monument to man's faith as was shown by our first settlers.

It is important that proper trees be planted and that proper methods be followed in their care. We are fortunate in I having organizations that already have plans for conducting coordinated treeplanting programs in every county in the state. I refer to the American Legion and the Izaak Walton League. Local Legionaires and Waltonians, assisted by all civic and governmental organizations, will appreciate your individual assistance and in turn will furnish you information regarding proper tree planting procedure in your county. I hope that during planting season you will contact some member of these organizations and offer your help in carrying out this program.

Experience the past few years has shown conclusively that, if hardy varieties of trees are properly planted in well prepared soil and given regular cultivation, they will grow under dry-land conditions. In cities and towns where special care can be given trees, a much greater variety of species can be used.

Equally important with planting is the care we should give our older trees that have been weakened by unfavorable conditions. In some cases it may be more important or more of an achievement to save a tree than it would be to plant another. Thorough watering and proper pruning are fundamental in reviving older trees.

The question of where planting stock can be secured is always paramount in a program of this kind. Further, it is an important question, because good stock is as important in trees as it is in livestock if the best results are obtained. Nebraska has a number of good commercial nurseries, some of which have been growing and supplying trees to Nebraska people for many, many years. A reliable local nurseryman cannot only supply stock at a reasonable price, but also offer advice on planting and care of trees. The federal shelterbelt and the soil conservation service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture operate in certain sections of the state and furnish stock for erosion control work on farms. County agricultural agents will accept applications for seedling trees distributed at a small cost under the Clarke-McNary Act for planting windbreaks and woodlots on farms. This project applies to every county in the state.

Following are some suggested ways in which tree planting can serve a community. Many of our farms could be improved in value and as homes by the planting of a few hundred trees for shelter, shade and erosion control. Unfortunately, most of our rural schools, where leaders of tomorrow are receiving their start in education, need windbreaks and shade. A planting of trees, shrubs and even flowers at the entrance to a city or town makes an impressive and inspirational welcome sign. Small memorial parks started some years ago by the federated women's clubs of Nebraska have proven to be an excellent way for communities to cooperate in a program of this kind. Roadside beautification has become an important part of our highway improvement program and this work will be continued from year to year. The planting of trees is a part of our program for improving state institutions. These, and many other tree planting projects, large or small, can serve as ways in which communities or counties can take part in their annual tree planting program.

By cooperative endeavor and action, Arbor Day this year can be made of great importance to our homes and communities. Plant trees as early as the ground is in proper condition, and dedicate these by appropriate ceremonies on Arbor Day.

I urge the planting of trees this spring by individuals, by organized groups. What better program with more lasting and beneficial results can any organization have than the planting and caring for trees? Such a program means much to our communities and our state.

During the past few years we have lost millions of trees in Nebraska. We do not know how many. We are conscious, as we drive through any part of our state, that all communities have participated materially in this loss. This may not be a temporary loss. It will be a permanent loss unless we seek to correct it. We alone can repair the damage that has been wrought by nature. It is not the other fellow's job. It is our job. It is a valuable work for all of us.

COMMISSION FIELD ACTIVITIES!

The second edition of the pictorial map of Outdoors in Nebraska is now on the press and will be ready for distribution May 1st.

This map, published every two years, is greatly improved over the first one published, and lists many more places to fish, scenic attractions, etc.

A copy will be mailed free to anyone desiring same. Additional copies may be purchased for 10 cents each. Many Nebraskans buy a dozen copies and send to friends in other states. Or if desired, send a dollar and a list of twelve names and the map will be sent from the Commission's office postpaid.

It is quite likely that the Nebraska Game Commission will open Lake Babcock, the reservoir of the Loup Valley Power District, near Columbus. It will probably be opened to fishing on June 15th.

This lake has been well stocked with fish and should provide some excellent sport for Nebraska anglers.

A new type fish truck has been put into operation in the fleet for fish distribution of the Nebraska Game Commission.

The new truck was designed by J. M. Merritt, Superintendent of the Nebraska Fish Hatcheries, and built by Commission employees during the past winter. It is streamlined, equipped with air, temperature and pressure controls. The driver can tell from the cab if his fish are doing well, and the oxygen can be regulated to suit. Nearly five times as many fish as heretofore can now be held in a tank for many hours.

The Nebraska Game Commission expects to furnish the state of Oregon a few catfish for experimental purposes, Our western friends are anxious to see what the bewhiskered member of the finny tribe will do in the Northwest.

It is likely that fry will be sent by airplane. Nebraska now hatches thousands of catfish each summer—probably leading all states in the union in the propagation of this specie.

In January, Governor Cochran announced the appointment of Carl S. Horn, Hay Springs, as a member of the Game Commission. The Legislature unanimously confirmed the appointment.

Mr. Horn is well qualified for this position, not only because of a keen interest in the outdoors, but particularly because he lives in that part of Nebraska which has much of our natural resources.

The new Commissioner is engaged in the insurance and real estate business in Hay Springs. He is secretary-treasurer of the National Farm Loan Associations, representing loans in northwest Nebraska. He has been a prominent figure in cooperative movements, particularly of dairy interests. He served as director and first president of the National Association of Local Creameries; as a director and president of the National Dairy Union; as president of the Nebraska Cooperative Creameries and for the past nine years secretary-treasurer of the Hay Springs Cooperative Creamery Company. At present he is also a director and vice-president of Dairy and Poultry Cooperatives, Inc., New York City, which is one of the largest cooperative butter marketing associations in the United States, and a director and secretary-treasurer of Dairy Products Marketing Association, Chicago.

He is a native of Nebraska, having been born in Cass County.

Many wildlife enthusiasts will have an opportunity to view artificial pheasant propagation close at home this summer. Brooder rearing units have been placed in accessible locations to observe the methods used without molesting or frightening the birds.

Everyone interested in wildlife should make an effort to see and study the methods involved and attempt to simulate these methods to their own home environmental conditions. All of the groups in charge of the cooperative pheasant rearing units will be glad to discuss management methods with you either from the artificial or from the natural propagation viewpoint.

Cooperative pheasant rearing units will be found in the following locations:

Pelts of 614 beaver, taken in Nebraska on permits where damaging trees, were sold by the State Game Commission during March and February. Three sales were held and the pelts sold to the highest bidders.

The pelts averaged $7.55 each and | brought a total of $4,636.11. Most of the] money received went to the landowners, the state retaining only enough to cover costs of administration. New legislation now being considered will allow the state $1 for each pelt taken.

Buyers from Ainsworth, Grand Island, Nebraska City," Lincoln and Omaha were I on hand to bid.

From Our Readers

Have just been glancing through the winter number of Outdoor Nebraska and want to congratulate you on this issue which, along with those that have preceded it, have been unusually interesting to me.

As you know, I am neither a hunter or 7 fisherman, but the conservation of wildlife appeals to me strongly, and your publication is doing a fine job in stimulating interest.

In a letter from H. A. McKelvey, Milford, Nebraska, is the statement that the cash value of a woodpecker is $20. He makes a plea for saving of birds by destroying the millions of stray cats that are in the woods and fields. I do not know about that point, but I do know that thousands of woodpeckers are killed each year on our highways by automobiles.

The woodpecker is naturally a slow and sluggish flier. He finds his food in trees and fence posts bordering the highways and spends much of his time in a distinctly dangerous zone. In flying from one side of the road to the other he does not fly high, but crosses usually in the path of the cars.

If we could interest more motorists in protecting the woodpecker, much good would result, I feel sure. I don't believe I have ever killed one, nor any other bird that I can remember at this time, because I bear in mind that the woodpecker in particular cannot get out of the way as many of the other birds are able to do. I try always to give him a chance. He is among our most beautiful birds, and his habits appeal to me, with the result that I never see the flat blotch of his brilliant colors on the pavement without wishing that some driver might have been more careful.

If Mr. McKelvey is right about his value at $20, a summer drive will reveal a great economic loss if the dead woodpeckers are counted.

Editor's Note: We concur heartily in Mr. Kinder's suggestion and hope all motorists will try to protect our woodpeckers which, as the writer points out, is very slow on his get-away when taking to wing.

I would like to pass along a few remarks in regard to our trout and stream conditions. Those big red signs, "Stream Closed to All Fishing," along the streams have sure made a wonderful difference in the winter fishing. There has been I some violations, all right, but very few. I think this is one of the best rulings we have had yet as far as conserving our trout until the season opens. It looks like we were on our way back to better fishing, but I suppose there will always be other things in the way of improvement that we can still do. One thing I would like to mention is the fact that we have no natural mountain trout streams out here, consequently we have to depend on our drain and seepage ditches for our trout water, but they would be fine if they were left alone. But the word "but" is a large word in this case.

About the time one of our drain ditches grows into a nice little trout stream, some ditch company comes along and says "Well, I guess we will grab this little stream and irrigate with it." There are three streams within a few minutes' drive of my place here where this has happened. I speak of those three because they are near me, but there are plenty more cases like this. This water is only taken during irrigating season. They pick up the old Stucken Holdt, Red Willow, and what is called the old Alliance drain. This stream is the under-seepage from Minatare Lake. Where this water is picked up they take it all, so you have a dry ditch below until this water builds itself up again into a stream. That means from one-fourth mile to a mile, depending on the seepage pressure.

We plant our trout in these kind of streams in good faith, then lose the water. Well, maybe we can find a dry land variety of trout for our dry streams. It seems to me that if the ditch company has a right to take this water they should at least let half of it go by and also leave a fishway so trout could go up or down stream. Before the Belmont dam was built there were lots of pike in the Platte below the dam at Henry, but after the Belmont was built no one ever gets any pike up there any more. Of course, our pike are pretty scarce, but they can't get over the Belmont if there were millions of them. According to the law I think all dams are supposed to have a fish passageway, but I have never seen one yet. Just what are laws for? There are lots of trout in the Platte River through western Nebraska, and I believe a lot of them would come up our trout streams if some of these dams were worked over. It is still possible that if we can save some of our trout water and have fishways at dams, we may still have trout unlimited. Let's hear from somebody.

I wonder if many of our sportsmen in Nebraska really know what our Game Commission is doing. Let me set forth a few facts so we can better understand what is being done. And, remember, we've had a five-year drought that dried up many lakes and ponds, drove game birds out of the many sections, and kept coveys from hatching because there was no dew or water for the small birds.

Here are some facts:

Our Commission controls nearly a million dollars in property, most of it purchased out of savings from the sale of permits; over forty different parks, hatcheries, game farms, recreational areas and game reserves are owned and paid for.

Operates five fish hatcheries, producing annually up to 5,000,000 fish.

Operates two game farms.

Maintains seven state parks. While the operation costs are not paid for by the hunters and fishermen, the parks are administered by our Commission with no overhead charge being made, thus saving the taxpayers the cost of another commission or board.

Sells several hundred thousand permits a year, promoting the sale of these.

Collects on the sale of permits through over a thousand agents. In 1938 the loss was less than one-sixth of 1 per cent.

Publishes game laws, game and fish regulations, Outdoor Nebraska, maps, conservation bulletins, etc.

Stocks fish in over 300 lakes and streams each year.

Stocked pheasants and partridges in 50 counties throughout the state.

Carries on experimental work in disease control, relations of species, etc., for both fish and birds.

Participates in the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid Act. The first project is a cooperative pheasant-rearing project, operating in 25 counties. This is attracting attention throughout the entire country.

Furnishes motion pictures showing Nebraska's out-of-doors, scenic attractions, and the need of conservation. When you realize that in 1937 the tourists spent more money in Nebraska than our corn crop brought, it is high time some state department was calling the attention of the world to what we have here in Nebraska.

Maintains an efficient law enforcement department. While only 15 officers are employed because of the lack of funds available, over 600 arrests are made each year and thousands of illegal devices confiscated. You may be surprised to know that 15 Nebraska wardens make more arrests each year than some states employing as high as 40 officers!

Salvages thousands of fish from stranded waters, drying up ponds and rivers made dry by irrigation and power interests.

Maintains over 25 state-owned lakes and recreation grounds for the benefit of fishermen who cannot afford to go to

The Autobiography of An Earthworm

I AM of German descent. Worm history records the migration of our race to these grounds in the year 1521, when men assembled for the Diet of Worms, Germany. Our forefathers felt that if men wanted a diet of worms they could feast on hook worms; they sought a land inhabited by souls too pure to molest the underworld, and who would permit them to enjoy "peace on earth, good will to fly fishermen." But, too soon the tribe with big chief Izaak Walton followed in their wake and compelled them to lay low to prevent being trod upon.

My early education was not neglected; I was well grounded in many subjects, for I always went to the root of things. I soon advanced to the position of cashier in a clay bank which adjoined a school of fish. One day I stuck my head out of the bank and each fish in the school wanted me to enter their anatomy course, saying I would pass through and come out into the world with a fertile mind and body. They knew, for they had digested similar subjects. I did not want to take up the study of medicine; felt there were too many worm doctors who advertise worm medicine. I never took their medicine; it would not cure my ailment, which was curvature of the spine. I completed a course in vocal training and often sing my favorite so-low, "Massa's in the cold, cold ground."

I am not in sympathy with the Rockefeller method of abolishing the hook worm. They should begin at the source and abolish only the hook; it would be more to the point and could be straightened out, provided they could get a line on it. Just seems to go right "through me when I see a fish hook. Eaters of fish should catch them on the fly.

We do not hold measuring worms in high esteem, for they double up and give us short measure. We prefer to have our measuring done with a tape-worm. Had a deal on one time with another worm and I intended to pull his leg, but discovered it was a 100-legged worm and I didn't have enough pull.

In my youth I was fond of the sport called "tug of war." We always played against birds; they would try to pull us out of a hole and we would try to pull them in. The birds never won unless we were all in, with overexertion. Worms like birds and often feed them.

Early in life I took to drinking and when I got canned it seemed I always went fishing with some man; but fortunately for me, the man usually got canned up too, when fishing, and when he nervously tried to bait me on so he could throw his hooks into me, I fell from grace to the ground as he uttered a cuss word. Drink never went to my head; too far to go.

Once I got caught with a hook that passed through my appendix, then I flew through the air, landed on the water, sank down to the bottom, came up in a sucker, felt like a Jonah and escaped when the man cleaned the fish. Some experience for an innocent young worm.

I was not what you would call a good worm; spent too much time in the bright light districts where the glow worm maidens would dance the crawl with me. I never married. However, the worm girls considered me rather handsome, for I had a ruddy complexion, was of vermiform build, tall for my age, wiry and was polite at every turn. Seemed I never cared for worm girls, for they were always either squirming on your lap or crawling all over you.

In my mature years I have followed but one course in life! not the straight and narrow path, only the narrow. I could never hold any position for any length of time, possibly because I always laid down on the job. I never prospered, but was always in the hole. Seemed that whenever I could see daylight ahead, a bird would present its bill and I would go in the hole again. Could never get on my feet.

Most worms leave a deposit in every bank they pass, but, when frightened, I would lose all my loose change. I never had much backbone, yet I could always make both ends meet. It was always a toss-up to know whether I was head or tail, but I never looked back to see if the rest of me was coming.

In looking back over my long, crooked pathway of life, I can see wherein I have made many wrong turns and often found myself in trouble, could not go straight; every worm said I was crooked, but they were not any better.

I am ready for the final summons; have prepared my tomb in which to be interred, as heretofore, thus save my friends the expense of burial. The tomb will be the end of my earthly career after leaving footprints in the sands and soils of time.

DISEASE THREATENS ELMS

If the United States had a national tree it would be the American Elm, and unless persistent, scientific warfare against an imported disease succeeds, within a few years there will be no elms in this country. The elm heads off the list of ten trees selected by the National Wildlife Federation for inclusion >in the 80 Wildlife Week poster stamp subjects.

"Dutch elm disease" was first recorded in Holland, in 1919. It is believed to have come from Asia. It swept over the continent and into England where, after 18 years of struggle, science has abandoned all elm trees to their doom. In a few more years, the magnificent rows of elms lining many a highway, including the approach to Windsor Castle, and making beautiful for centuries the grounds of great estates and public parks will be no more.

The elm disease entered this country in logs from burled elm trees, used in making veneer. It is a fungous, carried by bark-boring beetles. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. The beetle chiefly responsible for spreading the disease also came from overseas.

In 1933 the fight against the elm disease was begun in the United States.

The elm disease is thus far very largely concentrated in the neighborhood of New York City, with heavy losses in New Jersey and Connecticut. It has also hit trees in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Athens, Ohio; Baltimore, Cumberland and Brunswick, Maryland; Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia; Wileys Ford, West Virginia, and in Indianapolis.

The visible effects of the disease in a growing tree are described by the American Forestry Association:

"Wilting leaves on one or more elm branches, followed by discoloration, shriveling and general falling of all but a few of the end leaves is usually good evidence of the Dutch elm disease. The ends of the j infected twigs may also curl in a characteristic manner, like a shepherd's crook. During the fall and winter, after the leaves have dropped, the curled twig-ends and numerous trunk-suckers at the base of the | larger limbs are the chief means of identifying the presence of the disease."

When the disease is suspected, a packet of twigs no larger than lead pencils, from | the wilting branches should be sent to the I Dutch Elm Disease Laboratory at Morristown, New Jersey.

This laboratory is the headquarters from I which the United States Department of I Agriculture is carrying on, with the states, the determined campaign to save the American elm.

Complete eradication of infected trees is carried on by poisoning of the diseased trees. An infected elm is girdled and the peeled trunk encircled with a pack containing copper sulphate, which kills the tree and the fungous, prevents sprouting from the stump, repels the disease-carrying beetles and makes it possible to save the wood for fuel. Before this method was developed each tree had to be cut down ;

Fishing Directory for 1939

THE END OF THE LINE

"Fish Hook," shouted the trainman as; the local chugged to stop at a small station.

"That's an odd name for a station. Why do you call it that?" asked a passenger, making his first trip to the town.

"Well," answered the trainman, "it's the end of the line."

FISHERMAN'S PARADISE

Tall fish stories are drifting back from, the Red Sea. Reported to be an unfished paradise, the waters, say adventuring Isaak Waltons, are full of battling giants of the deep. From Cairo, parties keen on the new sport drive eighty miles across the desert to Suez, where they embark in small sailboats heading for the "grounds." Modern motor boats are increasing along the waterfront.

SEE WILD CAT HILLS

HOW TO LIVE ON THE FAT OF THE LAND AND WATER IN NEBRASKA

Two of the most abundant wild products of Nebraska's fields and streams are the jackrabbits and German carp fish.

Because of their great numbers and the mass prejudice against them, few people seem to know how really delicious they can be if prepared and cooked properly.

Those who have hunted and fished for years, strange to say, are the very ones who regard these foods with favor.

The true German or scaled carp from the Platte River or other fairly pure streams is the best variety.

This fish should never be skinned or scraped. Rather remove the scales in slabs by cutting under them with a thin, sharp blade from the rear. This removes the black, bitter scale pockets and leaves the meat a glistening silvery, somewhat iridescent color.

With a sharp knife or razor blade cube all outside surfaces by slashing both ways. Then cut the fish in slabs, lengthwise, never crosswise. Some, before doing this, wrap the fish in a dry salt pack of butcher's paper for several hours. Slabs should not be too thick.

To cook, place in hot grease in skillet and cover with lid and let steam cook 30 minutes. Then remove lid and let brown to suit. You'll be surprised at the white, flaky rolls of tasty meat and at the lack of those little bones, which ordinarily slow up your eating and detract from the pleasure of a fish meal.

Rabbits, both jacks and bunnies, are rather numerous in Nebraska. They are very good during the months of November, December, January and part of February.

The new crop is good any time after they are two-thirds grown, from July on. But the rabbit season is associated with winter and snow, of course.

A rabbit should be bled as soon as he is captured and dressed as quickly as possible. This is an easy and quick operation. Just pull the fur off from the back legs to the head, and remove the insides. Contrary to the stories of rabbit fever (tuleramia), there seems to be few cases reported in Nebraska but, if you wish, wear rubber gloves when handling.

Ordinarily rabbits are better after a good freezing, but this is not absolutely necessary to good edible flavor and texture. After the rabbit is dressed and Washed in several cold waters it should be placed in salt water for 30 minutes or so and then hung up to cool if time allows.

For cooking, cut it up much like chicken and place in a stew pan or kettle. Add water and a little soda and salt. Allow to remain on the heat until it begins tq, simmer.

Then remove, pour off water, rinse once with warm water, then add fairly hot water, cover with lid and let it cook. The time it should cook and stew depends, of course, on the age and size: Jackrabbits, one hour to two hours; bunnies, about an hour average. Care should be taken that the meat does not become overdone and shred away from the bone. It should be timed so that most of the water will have boiled away.

Frying brown to suit is simple. Add a little bacon if you wish and place entire contents of kettle in skillet with hot lard.

If you do it this way and do not say that this was a revelation in the way of meat, then you just have a fixation that no rabbit can ever be good.

FARMERS OPPOSE HUNTS

A group of conservation-minded farmers in Otoe County are taking the lead against coyote or wolf drives. They feel such hunts are detrimental to game and do very little good.

Over eighty, listed below, signed this pledge:

"In the interest of restoring our upland game, we do hereby notify the public that we, the undersigned, do forbid the passage of all coyote drives across our farms."

FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NEBRASKA

Nebraska's program for the state-wide production of pheasants, three-fourths supported by federal funds, has been brought nearer to realization by the enabling act, recently passed by our state legislature. Now comes news that Congress has passed the appropriation with which to carry on this project and others in 22 states. It seemed for' a time certain that the excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition would not be available this year, but the National Wildlife Federation, sponsor of the Pittman-Robertson Act, announces that the appropriation of a million and a half dollars has carried. The Nebraska Wildlife Federation, affiliate of the National Federation, joined in the concerted appeal to Congress on behalf of this great wildlife restoration program.

FISH GAINS POUNDS IN MINUTE

An adult muskellunge may gain several pounds within a minute, depending upon the fish's success in finding a sizeable lunch, according to Prof. Chancey Juday of the University of Wisconsin. In working out length and weight charts for Wisconsin muskies, Professor Juday found one muskellunge that had just gulped a full-grown muskrat and another that had just dined on a two-pound sucker.

REMOVE COARSE FISH

The salvage crew during the past winter removed about 25 tons of coarse fish from Nebraska lakes and ponds. Most of these fish were used for trout feed at the several hatcheries, although some of the larger ones were sold on the market for human consumption.

Arbor Day Has Great Significance

If you will pardon a personal reference, I can well remember planting a tree on our country school ground more than forty years ago. Whenever I pass that school house today, I receive great satisfaction from the knowledge of the part that I had in planting what has come to be a fine tree. The same is true of our farm home where more than forty years ago we planted a row of trees to serve both as a windbreak and for shade. Now I look with pride and satisfaction on the results produced from small but well directed efforts when I was a boy.

The loss of trees which we have suffered in recent years is a serious problem. It is a challenge to us to replace those trees. It is a duty we owe to ourselves and to posterity. It is also a fine tribute and expression of gratitude to the pioneers who planted the first trees. I earnestly urge everyone to take an active interest, individually as well as in groups, in the planting of trees this spring, and their care during the hot weather this summer

WARNING AGAINST BURNING

Farmers preparing to do their annual spring burning might well consider the consequences of this practice. Recent investigations in burning of ground litter have revealed many interesting facts—all pointing to one significant conclusion— burning does not improve pastures.

In the burning of dead leaves, weeds and other material, there is always present the danger of damage to fence posts, telephone and power line poles, trestles, and even danger to buildings. The practice destroys, also, valuable food and cover for wildlife at a time which is extremely critical for these populations.

Fire cannot possibly add anything to the soil. It destroys, entirely or in part, the organic matter on top the soil. At best, fire only makes available, in a short period of time, material that would naturally be fed back to the soil over a period of months or years.

Constant burning may lessen the absorptive capacity of the soil, lead to gullying. In short, fire depletes the thing all humanity is dependent on, the soil.

FISH FOR FUN

A full creel is like a weight on the shoulder and the mind of the thinking angler; for if he thinks, he will know that he is taking more than his share, and in so doing is depleting the source of future sport for himself and brother anglers. Better one or two good fish in the creel with the rest carefully put back as an investment in future sport.—Pennsylvania Angler.

Disease Threatens Elms

and promptly burned, the stump being treated with chemicals to stop reproduction from the roots. The copper sulphate process is one-tenth as costly.

The American elm is one of six species of elms native to the United States east of the Great Plains. All will be wiped out unless the disease is conquered.

The American elm won the love of the early colonists, who built their homes in its shade and brought young trees from the forests to line the streets of their towns. In New England are miles of elms in rows that were planted in the early days of the Republic.

The popularity of the American elm was carried westward by settlement. It is the chief shade tree of this country, and is now common in all the states, from the southernmost tip of Texas to the shores of Lake Superior.

The elm census in a few inland cities shows 600,000 of the trees in Minneapolis; 400,000 in Detroit; 400,000 in Cincinnati; 300,000 in Dallas; 200,000 in Chicago; 150,000 in Oklahoma City; 105,000 in Denver.

TOO MANY FISH

Excessive planting of young fish, without accurate information as to the conditions favorable to their growth, has had some curious results, such as large populations of dwarfed game fish in certain lakes. Also the crowding of spawning beds has resulted in some curious hybrids among bluegills, sunfish and crappies. These "mule" fish do not reproduce.

From Our Readers

other states. Each year several new lakes are being added to the list.

Cooperates with the federal government in the acquiring and operation of two large waterfowl sanctuaries, and operates over 50 state reserves for game birds and animals of all kinds.

Maintains a big-game refuge where the large animals, once at large in Nebraska, can be seen by our children.

Holds a camp each summer for 4-H Club boys and girls where they are taught conservation.

Outside of all of the above, as well as handling hundreds of complaints and thousands of letters annually, our Commission hasn't anything to do except have a good time as a few of our uninformed brethren are sometimes led to believe.

FIRST AID TO FISH

Nebraska is one of the leading states in salvaging fish.

The Commission operates a fish rescue crew with suitable trucks. Tanks are supplied with pumps that provide a constant supply of air. An outfit of nets and seines are carried and where fish have been stranded in stagnant pools or dryingup rivers sportsmen aid in salvaging operations. Thousands of fish are thus saved.

Why Plant Trees?

and winter planting in the South is practicable and often gives better results.

Roots of the planting stock should be kept covered to prevent them from drying out before being placed in the ground. This is extremely important. An exposure of even a few minutes, especially on a bright windy day, may be enough to injure the trees and cause them to die after they are planted.

If it is necessary to heel-in the nursery trees for a time before planting, they should be placed in trenches in a moist location. The moist soil should adequately cover the roots and part of the stems and be sifted in about the roots and firmly tamped.

Seedling trees should be planted in the field about one inch deeper than they grew when in the nursery, each tree in a hole deep enough to prevent the roots from being curled. The soil should be packed firmly about the roots to avoid the possibility of air pockets. The trees should be planted immediately upon opening the hole. Dry surface soil should not be allowed to come in contact with the roots.

No farmer would plant a corn crop and fail to cultivate it or turn his livestock into the field. Private tree plantations have in many cases been so treated. Trees in the Prairie-Plains region need the best care that can be given, especially careful early cultivation. Weeds and grass have exactly the same effect on trees that they have upon a crop; the weaker trees succumb to the competition, and the rest are stunted. Cultivation is necessary, however, only when the trees are young. The crowns will develop in two to four years and touch each other where the trees are closely spaced, shading the ground and making further cultivation unnecessary.

Livestock do much damage to both young and old plantations. They browse and break young trees and pack the soil by trampling. In older plantings they open up the stand by trampling and browsing so that the valuable leaf litter is destroyed or blown away.

Rodents, particularly rabbits, do great damage to young trees, and must be controlled by poison or trapping where their depredations become serious. Grasshoppers and other defoliating insects often attack young trees, and a variety of borers and some defoliators may sometimes cause damage when the trees are older.

Trees for windbreak purposes should not be pruned, but should be allowed to retain as many of the lower limbs as they will. If trees are pruned, the trunks do not adequately break the force of the wind near the ground.

REGULATIONS for FlSHINGSeason of 1939

The following open seasons, bag and possession limits and areas are fixed, prescribed and published, effective September 15, 1938, and will be effective during the 1939 season:

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 from midnight to midnight.

"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. They may be speared between sunrise and sunset from April 1st to December 1st.

It is POSITIVELY FORBIDDEN to take the legal bag of fish and return to fishing waters and take another bag the same day. Fishermen are warned that persons so doing will be prosecuted and full damages of $5.00 per fish assessed.

Certain state-owned lakes are not open at all times or hours to fishing. The following information, which is posted at the lake, is for your information.

Open daily March 1st to November 30th. Fishing hours 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily. Bag, 15 game fish, 5 of which may be bass in proper open season.

This lake will not be open until May 1st and then will be closed Thursday, Friday and until noon Saturday of each week. Fishing hours 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily. The bag limit on fish is not more than 10 in any one day, all species combined.

Louisville and Fremont Sand Pits open daily March 1st to November 30th. Fishing hours from 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. Bag limit, 15 game fish, 5 of which may be trout, during proper open seasons on these species.

Open daily March 1st to November 30th. Fishing hours 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily. Bag limit on all fish, not more than 15 in any one day.

Open daily March 1st to November 30th. Fishing hours 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily. Bag limits, 15 game fish, 5 of which may be bass taken during proper open season.

Open daily from March 1st to October 1st. Daily bag and possession limit, 25 game fish, 5 of which may be trout, and 5 of which may be bass during proper open season on these species. Fishing hours, 4 A.M. to 10 P.M.

This lake will be closed for repairs until May 1st.

Open daily March 1st to November 30th. Bag limit, not more than 5 bass a day during proper open season. Fishing hours, 4 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily.

No fishing is permitted at any state-owned lakes from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M.

Do not use other than regular lines attached to poles having not more than two hooks thereon and not more than two lines to any one person.

Note: Consult the general fishing regulations, above, for further information about other lakes, limits on possession, bag, etc.

Watch far the FISH HOG!

You have, no doubt, heard of the Road Hog who tries to use more of the road than he is entitled to. We have some very severe laws to curb his cheating, and all good citizens report him to the authorities.

We also have another kind of hog. He is known as the "Fish Hog." He is the chap who won't take his fish in a lawful manner with a hook and line like other fishermen, but insists on using nets, traps or dynamite.

Watch for this Fish Hog. He is violating our laws, robbing you and your family of your rightful resources. While he is perhaps not as bad as the Road Hog who endangers your life, he is a distinct menace to our outdoors. Report him whenever you can. Burn or destroy all traps and nets found in our rivers. Be sure to get car numbers where possible.

Reports are confidential, and every effort will be made to prosecute all Fish Hogs.