2 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

NEBRASKA

The above photograph shows the members of the State Game, Forestation and Parks Commission in official meeting. During this meeting the regulations on Pheasants, Quail, Rabbits, Squirrels, Oppossum, and Racoons were set. From left to right are: Clarke Wilson, Lincoln, Cloyd Clark, Elwood, Executive Secretary Paul Gilbert, Dr. C. H. Silvernail, Bridgeport, Ralph Kryger, Neligh, and Chairman Ernest Bihler, Omaha.

Waterfowl regulations are set by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and enforced by State Conservation Officers. While the Game Commission is empowered to make federal regulations more stringent, i.e., reduce bag limits or shorten the season, it cannot make these regulations more liberal. Recommendations by state game commissions are taken into consideration by the TJ. S. agency when setting up waterfowl rules.

CONTENTS

Cover. .Ducks over the Platte; Photo by Bihler When, Where, Why of '46 Season- Paul T. Gilbert P 4 What is a Good Deer Gun ?— Levi L. Mohler P 7 Center Spread P 12 Death Is So Permanent— Rod Amundson P 14 Hunting By Permission Only— Editorial P 16 Footnotes of an Outdoorsman— R. A. Jenkins P 17 It Is Your Duty—Editorial P 18 In the Mail Bag P 19 The Picture Prooves P 20 Protecting the Hen P 21 Trapping Regulations P 22 Aerial Deer Reconnaissance P 23

SUMMARY OF 1946 REGULATIONS

Following is a brief summary of this season's hunting regulations. To insure that you are well informed on species, dates and bag limits, get an official copy of the rules from your permit dealer.

WATERFOWL: October 26,1946 to December 9, 1946 inclusive, 14 ducks may be had in possession after the first day's shooting; daily bag of 7, no wood ducks may be taken. No possession limit on American and Red Breasted mergansers (fish ducks) but a daily bag of 25 singly or in the aggregate. Rules on geese and brants allow 2 of any kind in any combination, including brant, plus 2 snow geese or 2 blue geese, singly or in the aggregate. Possession will be limited to one day's bag.

PHEASANTS: Only male birds may be taken. Season opens October 19, 1946 in eastern part of the state and closes January 5, 1946. In the western part of the state the season opens October 26 and closes December 9. For eastern and western areas see map on page 5. Bag and possession limits are the same for pheasants with 7 allowed in the eastern and 5 allowed in the western area.

QUAIL: Open season from November 10 to December 1 in Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Richardson counties, and that part of Gage county lying south of State Highway No. 4. Daily bag and possession 7.

Areas open for all game exclude shooting on State and Federal reserves and refuges as well as Walgreen and Wellfleet lakes in the case of waterfowl.

Waterfowl may be shot from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset. For pheasants and quail shooting ends at sunset.

The squirrel season opened September 15 and will close December 31. Daily bag 5, possession 10.

Cottontails are legal game the year around, with daily bag of 10 and possession limit 20.

Racoon and Opossum hunting season is from November 1, 1946 to February 15, 1946, with no possession or bag limit and no specific shooting hours.

Shooting hours for rabbits and squirrels are the same as for pheasants. Federal and State refuges and reserves are closed to shooting of all game animals.

4 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

When Where and Why of Nebraska's 1946 Hunting Season

By Paul T. Gilbert Kneeling, L. to R.: Roy Owen, Bill Garniek, Glen Foster, George Rishling, Clarke Wilson, Ralph Kryger, Carl Peterson, Ralph Kryger, Jr., Loren Bunney, Burman Guyer. Sitting, L. to R.: Ed Cassell, Don Davis, Rod Amundson, L. P. Vance, Leon Cunningham, Ed Fichter, Harold Miner, Dave Damon, and Dewey Grace. The English Setter is "Gilbert's Talisman,' owned by Paul Gilbert.

More hunters than ever before will sample Nebraska's offering of ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and game animals this coming season. Permit sales show a steady rise over the past four years with 1946 the banner year due to the returning veteran and the continued stimulated interest of the public as a whole.

In general the prospective hunter will find a fair to excellent bird population awaiting his hunting prowess.

DUCKS The duck season and limits are established by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. The State of Nebraska being located in the intermediate zone has been assigned the dates of October 26 to December 9, inclusive, a total of 45 days compared to last years 80 day season. The daily bag limit has been set at 7 as compared to last year's 10; and the possession limit will be 14 against last year's 20. No wood ducks may be taken this year. Shooting hours will run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, thereby closing one-half an hour earlier than last year.

GEESE The goose season will run concurrent with the duck season with a daily limit of two of any kind in any combination including brant. In addition two snow geese or two blue geese, singly or in the aggregate, may be taken. The possession limit will be one day's bag.

In the instance of duck and goose seasons and limits, a definite reduction was   Outdoor Nebraska—1946 5 necessary due to several factors. Conditions on the northern breeding grounds as disclosed by extensive investigations show that breeding populations have fared poorly. Many of these areas are under-populated and on a number of northern lakes there are but relatively few birds. There has been a sustained drouth in portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan. This along with the great increase of hunters necessitates a reduction in permitted take. Nebraska's duck producing areas over the entire State this year have been good except in drouth areas, but at least a partial migration of these birds mays be expected before the opening date. The later opening date will probably catch only the last vanguard of the teal and small duck flight. However, if the season is normal the early closing date should find the mallards and pintails in the hunting localities, though the "yellow leg mallard" hunters who like the later, lower temperatures of December will have to hunt earlier this season. Water areas over the state are shaping up better after a threatened drouth, though some of the fresh water basins in south-central Nebraska failed to reappear after their disappearance through the dry period. River hunters in western Nebraska will probably still find the reservoirs holding a high percentage of birds which, of course, makes for better pass shooting in the immediate areas. Nebraska's goose shooting which broke all records last year will probably fall off somewhat, but such hunting in general should be fair to good as compared to the neighboring states along the Mississippi fly way which will be closed to all goose hunting.

Those few individuals who know how to cook a "fish duck" may take twenty-five singly or in the aggregate of the American and red-breasted mergansers with no limit on possession.

Coot or "mudhen" hunters may take twenty-five daily bag with the possession limit the same.

QUAIL Quail, pheasant and other related seasons are set by the State Game Commission after complete studies of hunting pressures, game populations and general local conditions. These reports come from Game Department field and research men, local wildlife groups, rural mail carriers and individual interested wildlife reporters. Game Commissioners themselves are appointed from representative areas over the entire State and therefore represent sources of first hand knowledge on local conditions in their individual areas.

Through the efforts of a Game Commission habitat development program in southeastern Nebraska in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, more suitable quail areas were developed in the good quail range, with the result that quail populations have soared in this area. Due to this increase Nebraska hunters will realize the finest quail season since the opening of the quail area. Quail hunters will be permitted to hunt in Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Richardson Counties; and in that portion of Gage lying south of highway No. 4, from November 10 to December 1, inclusive. Hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Daily bag and possession at any time will be seven quail. Hunters from both Kansas and Missouri have commented on the equally good quail hunting to be found in Nebraska   as compared to their own State; another proof that good game management pays.

PHEASANTS The Game Commission met with many obstacles in establishing the 1946 pheasant season, due to spotted localized conditions, which made a general blanket season inadvisable.

Though the over-all state census showed a general trend upward, definite areas of low or decreasing populations occurred in especially the southwestern portion of the State; this, coupled with anticipated increases in hunting pressures, called for a tightening of game management lines. Very definite increases in mid - central and east - central areas resulted in high bird populations which should be harvested during the '46 season. The result was the establishing of eastern and western areas with different seasons and limits. The line of demarcation is established by drawing a line along the west side of Keya Paha, Brown, Blaine, Custer, Dawson, Frontier, and Red Willow Counties. All counties east of this line are assigned a season of October 19 to January 5, inclusive, with a bag and possession limit of seven cock pheasants. This is the first year in five that bag and possession limits have been the same on birds. This procedure has been previously tried on fish with excellent results. It is nearly impossible to designate if ten birds have been killed in two days or one, with the result that many individuals were able to "get away" with bringing home ten instead of five birds from one day hunts in areas of high bird populations. Unifying the limits will conserve birds and make the regulations simpler for both the hunter and the law enforcement officer. South Dakota, famous for its pheasant shooting, has long used the district division on hunting with several different areas with equally different regulations.

This two-division system, while new to hunters this year, is based on area studies, and public requests from troubled areas. Hail in recent years, though not prevalent this year, has cut down populations in the far western and southwestern counties. On the other hand booming populations in Sherman and parts of surrounding counties resulted in public appeal to the Commission for increased take in this area. Conversely, appeals were received by the department from the west and southwest requesting district limitations on take and season length. Taking these factors into consideration including the greatly anticipated increase in hunting pressure the present split area was initiated. Hunters will in this way be drawn into areas of high pheasant populations thereby leaving more birds for next year's natural production in areas of restricted populations.

Hunters desiring the best of "birdy country" will try the central Sherman county area.

Natives of the sandhill area will note that their area is not listed as desirable hunting. However, in this area pheasant hunting is good in valleys and along streams, but poor for the most part elsewhere.

This year even more than last year some hunters will probably be criticizing the long season as resulting in overshooting of the birds in given areas. A study was made of this during the winter and spring months, and results show that there were plenty of birds left for breeding purposes in most areas but that the birds became wild after the first two or three week-ends, which coupled with extremely dense cover gave the impression to the novice hunter that there were relatively few birds. This year will be no exception as the cover is denser and higher than ever. There will be no substitute for a good hunting dog this season.

Raccoon hunters problems were considered by the Commission this year and the dog season was set at November 1, fifteen days before the opening of the trapping season. A great increase in raccoons this year should furnish the dog enthusiasts with the best sport in years.

The day will never dawn when a season will be born that will satisfy all interested individuals, however, the present season will soon be making its debut along with the traditional Nebraska Indian summer. A season born by the conception of practical scientific studies, and the cognizance of local areas and their problems. The final product is a season not for the east or for the west, but a season for all Nebraska hunters which will give them a maximum amount of hunting for a peak load of hunters and still leave the necessary brood stock for tomorrow's hunters and their hunting offspring.

Outdoor Nebraska—1946 7

What Is A Good Deer Gun?

Facts and Figures on The Use of Deer Guns in Nebraska 1945 Deer Season By Levi L. Mohler

This story may settle a few arguments,—and it will probably start several more. But the gun fans will be interested in seeing how their favorite pieces "stack up" against other guns as used by Nebraska deer hunters.

A year ago this story couldn't have been written, because it is based upon the hunting information which deer hunters turned in at the checking station during the 1945 deer season. The checking crew attempted to get complete details from each sportsman, and the sportsmen cooperated one hundred percent.

Experienced deer hunters made up about a third of the Nebraskans who came to Nebraska National Forest for the first deer hunt. These experienced nimrods have hunted in other years in various areas,—including Canada, Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, California, Texas, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Michigan, Mexico and Sweden.

Some Guns Not Suitable Most of the inexperienced deer hunters simply brought their coyote guns, and these served very well. Acting upon the advice of gun experts the Game Commission discouraged the use of guns of low killing power and listed such guns as the 22 long rifle, 22 Hornet, 218 Bee, 25-20, 38-40, etc., as unsuitable for deer. These guns develop less than 550 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards and just don't pack enough punch to be classed as deer guns.

In this discussion it would be an endless job to give the details for all individual types of guns,—or to give the gunning details for each of the 350 hunters. Hence, we'll consider averages in most cases.

About 26 different types or calibers of guns were used for taking deer and in this story the guns are grouped in five classes. These groups, with the deer taken by each, follow.

Group I—Most Powerful (132 deer, or 38% of take) 30-06 300 Savage 270 8 mm 348 Winchester 30-40 Krag Group II—Modern High Velocity, light bullet class (35 deer, or 10% of take) 257 Roberts 250-3000 Savage 220 Swift 22 High Power Group III—Generally Accepted, 30-30 class, deer loads (152 deer, or 44% of take) 35 Rem. Auto. 32 Rem. H.P. 303 351 30-30 30 Auto. 32 Special 25 Auto. 32-40 38-55 Group IV—Borderline Cartridges (21 deer or 6% of take) 25-35 Group V—Shotguns (slugs only) (6 deer, or 2% of take) 12 Ga. 16 Ga.

Energy and Bullet Weight The guns in Group I vary from 1875 to 2345 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, and use ammunition which is generally in the 170-180 grain class.

Group II guns vary from 900 to 1485 foot-pounds energy at 100 yards and use light bullets commonly weighing from 48 to around 100 grains.

Guns in Group III are similar in energy to guns in Group II, but bullet weights are mostly 165 grains or heavier.

The 25-35's, placed in Group IV by themselves, rate about 1010 foot-pounds of energy with a 117 grain bullet, so it is readily apparent why the 25-35 is called a borderline cartridge. A shotgun slug carries considerable "wallop", but target trials show that the slugs aren't very accurate at distances above 100 yards.

Bullet types will be generalized in this discussion, since commission recommendations practically eliminated bullets not of the expanding types.

Efficiency in Killing Many things besides the gun, bullet type, and caliber enter into the picture when efficiency is discussed. Among these is the hunter's shooting skill. In a three weeks hunt, with 350 persons   8 Outdoor Nebraska—1946 taking legal deer, various degrees of hunting skill were used and deer were taken under a wide variety of conditions of weather, time of day, cover, etc.

Length of Shots While some hunters stepped off the distance most of them merely estimated it. Deer were hit at an average distance of 139 yards. However, the average is lengthened by a few long estimates. Half the successful hunters hit their deer at over 100 yards and half of them hit deer at distances under 100 yards.

There was practically no difference on range-length between bucks and does so a breakdown by sexes is not made here.

Guns in Group I dropped deer at shooting distances varying from 5 to 500 yards and averaging 138 yards. Group II guns dropped deer at 35 to 350 yards and averaged 154 yards. Group III guns dropped deer at 10 to 500 yards and averaged 145 yards. Group IV guns dropped deer at 30 to 400 yards and averaged 101 yards,—a considerably lower average than for the other rifles. Three deer were dropped by shotguns at an average distance of about 65 yards.

Comparing the length of shots on deer which travelled over 50 yards after being hit with the length of shots for the entire hunt it appears that long shots were less successful in dropping deer than were shorter shots. Deer travelling over 50 yards after being hit were shot at an average of 170 yards. The breakdown by sexes for the same item shows 188 yards for the does and 146 yards for the bucks,—the difference is another way of showing the bucks' greater capacity for carrying lead even when mortally wounded.

It would perhaps be correct to say that a gun is efficient if a single shot drops the deer in its tracks. Hence, if a representative sample of killing shots for each group of guns was examined a high percentage of dropped deer for any gun class should label that class as quite efficient.

In the following table the deer taken by each group of guns are divided into three classes, (1) those dropped in their tracks, (2) those not dropped but which travelled up to 50 yards after being hit, and (3) those going over 50 yards after being hit. The percentage of the total kill for each gun group is shown under the three classes.

Percent Dropped In Tracks Percent Travelling up to 50 Yards Percent Travelling Over 50 Yards 50% 34% 53% 48% 50% 32% 35% 29% 43% 33% 18% 31% 18% 9% 17% Deer Gun Group Killed Most Powerful 132 High Velocity 35 30-30 Class 152 25-35 21 Shotguns 6 Totals 346 50% 31% 19%

High Velocity At a glance, the table brings up one point rather markedly,—the high-velocity-light-bullet rifles didn't drop as high a percentage of deer as did the other groups.

And the percentage of the deer travelling over 50 yards after being hit was higher for these guns than for any other group. Yet deer can be dropped at great distances with these guns,—they dropped deer at a higher average distance than guns in any other group. Other things being equal,—and they may not be,—the percentage of deer dropped at great distances could be expected to decrease as the length of shots increase. Maybe that's the answer to the returns made by those with high velocity rifles,— maybe some of them tried long shots which should have been passed up.

Activity of Deer When Shot Sixty-two percent of the deer were shot while standing; 36 percent were shot while running or walking; 2 percent (7 deer) were shot while lying down.

Of the 341 deer on which figures are available 50 percent were dropped in their tracks, 31 percent moved up to 50 yards after being hit, 13 percent went over 50 but less than 400 yards, and 6 percent travelled over 400 yards.

The table on page 9 groups all deer according to their activity when shot as well as the distance travelled after being shot.

Bucks shot while standing (including those dropped in their tracks).moved an average of about 80 yards after being hit, while does averaged only about 35 yards. Bucks shot while on the move went an average of about 60 yards compared to 20 yards for does shot while moving. (In figuring these "travel averages" 8 does and 5 bucks going over a half-mile were omitted since they were   Outdoor Nebraska—1946 9

not typical and the longer distances travelled weren't related to sex.)

Apparently bucks are harder to kill than does, but whether a deer moves on or drops in its tracks probably depends more on just where,—and by what,—the deer was hit than upon what it happened to be doing when hit.

Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No Some hunters say that a running deer, —one alarmed when shot,—can keep right on going while a calm (standing) deer is more likely to drop, but the figures don't seem to verify such a claim. There are plenty of exceptions in addition to what the averages show. For those who want more details the following instances will offer food for thought or argument, if not for proof!

Standing Deer Which Travelled Far One buck, shot in the shoulder with a shotgun slug at 85 yards, travelled a mile before succumbing.

Another buck, shot through the heart at 40 yards by a 30-30, went 175 yards before keeling over,—and ran as if he weren't hit!

A doe, hit in the shoulder by a 250-3000 at 150 yards, moved off a quarter of a mile.

Activity of Deer When Hit and Distance Travelled After Hit. Standing Moving: Lying: Down Percent Percent Percent Percent Distance of Stand- of Mov- of Lying of All After Bit Totals ins Deer Totals ing Deer Totals Deer Totals Deer Dropped in tracks 113 53% 54 45% 4 57% 171 50% 1-50 yards 63 29% 39 32% 2 29% 104 31% Over 50 but under 400 yds. 25 12% 19 16% 0 0 44 13% 400 yds. 12 6% 9 7% 1 14% 22 6% Totals 213 121 7 341

Another doe, hit in the belly by a 22   10 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

High Power at 100 yards, also went a quarter of a mile.

A buck, hit in the side at 70 yards by a 30-30, moved 150 yards before giving up.

Another buck, hit in the neck by a 300 Savage at 300 yards, went three-fourths of a mile.

And another buck, shot through the heart by a 220 Swift at 150 yards, ran 100 yards.

A doe, shot by a 30-06 at 175 yards and hit in the side and front leg, managed to go a half mile. And other cases could be cited.

Moving Deer Which Were Stopped Short Here's the other side of the argument. A running buck, shot in the back by a 30-30 at 120 yards, dropped in his tracks.

Another running buck, shot in the back by a 25-35 at 25 yards, was stopped cold.

A running doe, hit in the heart by a 30-06 from 100 yards away, dropped in her tracks.

A running buck, hit in the heart at 160 yards by a silvertip bullet from a 30-06, went but 5 yards.

Another running buck, hit in the side, folded in his tracks when hit by a 25-35 at 170 yards.

A running doe was dropped in her tracks when hit in the shoulder at 150 yards by a 30-06.

Another doe was dropped by a 140-yard shoulder shot from a 30-30.

And a running buck moved but 10 yards when struck in the loin by a 30-30 fired from 135 yards. And so it goes.

Deer Rest, Too The records on the seven deer shot while lying down reflect deer habits. Deer bed down in mid-day and a hunter approaching from down wind may get a shot at a resting deer,—if he sees the deer at all. With a single exception these "lying deer" were all taken between 11 a. m. and 3:45 p. m. One big buck, bedded down early, was taken at 8:40 a. m. No fawns were included in the seven deer shot while resting.

The Vital Spots Most hunters got their shots somewhere into the front part of the deer. Checking the spots hit against the distance the deer travelled after being hit gives a pretty good idea of the deadliness of the various shots.

About a fourth of the deer were hit in two or more places and these were generally the deer which travelled a considerable distance after first hit. About   Outdoor Nebraska—1946 11 20 percent of the deer hit more than once actually travelled over 300 yards before stopping for good. This means, of course, that the first shot was often merely a crippling shot in such cases.

Among the deer hit definitely in a single spot, shoulder shots killed the greatest number of deer. This was followed closely by neck shots. Next in line were heart-lung-chest shots, closely followed by back shots. Farther down the list were shots in the middle, head shots, and shots in the hip or hind quarter.

Head shots didn't rank high in total numbers,—the head is a small target. Head shots are deadly, however, and they dropped all victims in place except one. The neck shots were highly efficient too,—50 of the 57 deer killed by neck shots were dropped in their tracks.

The popular shoulder shot dropped about 55 percent of its victims and in only 7 cases out of 67 did shoulder-shot deer travel over 60 yards after being hit.

Only about a third of the heart-lung-chest shots felled deer without a run but only 2 of the 34 deer hit in this area went more than 100 yards.

Back or spine shots were efficient killers and 77 percent of these shots dropped deer in their tracks. Only 2 of the 30 deer taken by back shots went over 20 yards after being hit. A spine shot is good,—but if low may become a messy "belly job."

Shots in the middle weren't too effective in some cases. They dropped about 41 percent of the 24 deer hit, and 4 "middle-shot" deer got over 100 yards away before folding.

Hip and hind quarter hits, some of which may have been spine hits, too, were responsible for 14 deer, half of which dropped in their tracks.

Payoff at the Front Skipping the deer which were hit in two or more places, and lumping all other hits into front, middle, and rear gives the following composite score:

Front (head, neck, shoulder, heart, lung, chest) 176 deer Middle (ribs, belly, and back) 54 deer Rear (hip and hind quarters) 14 deer

The comparisons and cross-checking of the mass of data from the 1945 hunt could go on and on,—even as hunting talk goes on and on. But this seems like a good place to stop.

If a prospective deer hunter wanted to go afield and hunt according to what can be learned from this article he might want to do the following,—which could be called a summary of the whole thing:

1. Know your gun. 2. Use a gun known to be powerful enough to be rated as a deer gun. 3. Use an expanding type bullet. 4. Shoot within the range of your gun. 5. Aim for a vital spot and hope for the best,—but be ready to do some trailing!

The preceding paragraphs are really the mass contribution from 350 successful hunters. Another story, showing what not to do, could be written if the hunting data from the 98 unsuccessful hunters were available.

Questionnaire Used to Obtain Data on Deer Guns. Information was Obtained at Checking Station. HUNTING DATA Measured ? ( ) 1. Distance shot yards 2. Where was the deer hit? 3. How many times was the deer hit? 4. How far did the deer go after being hit? 5. How many shots were needed to bring the deer down ? 6. Standing or running animal ? Standing ( ) Running ( 7. Time of day? 8. In what part of the forest was the deer killed ? Grassland ( Open timber ( ) 9. How many hours of hunting were required ? 10. Kind of gun used Make 11. Bullet type weight 12. How many other deer did you see ? 13. How many deer did you shoot at and miss? 14. How many deer hunters did you see outside your own party? Remarks: Permit number Date.. Estimated? ( Walking ( ) Brush ( ) Heavy timber ( ) Caliber   12 Outdoor Nebraska—1946 Where Nebraskan's Hunt Pheasants

The map on the right includes information from hunters' report cards returned at the end of the 1945 season. These reports show where the hunting was done, how many birds were bagged, where hunting was best, how many hunting days were used, etc. The cards also include items on waterfowl hunting. All counties will again receive report forms near the end of the 1946 season. Hunters are urged to assist game management by returning accurate reports.

  Outdoor Nebraska-1946 13 Hunt Where the Pheasants Are

The map on the left shows the location of the better spots in Nebraska for hunting pheasants. The marked-off areas were determined by the annual census of pheasants carried on by rural mail carriers and Game Commission workers. Most farmers in heavily shaded areas are eager for hunters to crop off the heavy pheasant population.

14 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

DEATH IS SO PERMANENT!

By ROALD AMUNDSON A combination of ignorance, carelessness, and gunpowder can be deadly. Accidents don't Happen — they are caused. (Photos Courtesy Sporting Arms and Ammunition Mfgrs. Institute.)

The armed forces sent millions of men out on the practice firing lines during the war, yet there were remarkably few casualties. The shooting on rifle and shotgun ranges was supervised by competent personnel; but it was the enforcement of a few simple rules that saved lives that otherwise would have been expended long before they became expendable in the front line of battle.

Illustrations are not necessary to show people how to do things the wrong way. It comes naturally. More millions of people are going out with guns this fall than ever before. The headlines will carry tidings of sudden and violent death despite all of the editorial and educational material that can be forced down the public throat.

But if you will remember to observe a few simple rules of common sense, your own and your friends' chances of dying of old age will be increased.

A barbed wire fence doesn't seem very deadly. But crawl through one, dragging a loaded gun after you, only if your insurance is paid up and you have made out a will. UNLOAD YOUR GUN BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE.

Shooting on, across, or from a highway, or from a car may save you a lot of time and effort. Both are worth money these days. But coroner's inquests take time, and law suits are expensive, especially on the losing end. DO NOT SHOOT FROM A HIGHWAY OR FROM A CAR.

Empty guns can't shoot. It is the ones that were thought to be unloaded that create fresh mounds of earth in the cemetery. There is only one time when you are justified in having shells in your gun. That is when you are ready to shoot something. You do not expect to shoot anything around your house, in the car, or while taking a break.

  Outdoor Nebraska-1946 15 LOAD YOUR GUN ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.

Common sense dictates that there is a time and place for everything. Shooting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour before sunset. The cocktail hour usually comes in the evening. DON'T LET THESE TWO TIMES OVERLAP!

There isn't going to be any ammunition to shoot carelessly into the air this year anyway, but it is a good idea at all times to know where your bullets or shot are going to land before you let go with either barrel. The .22 caliber with the high-power charge it carries can kill at a mile. Shotgun pellets don't have to be going very fast to liquidate a human eye. DON'T SHOOT UNLESS YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BULLET IS GOING TO LAND.

Gun handling is like automobile driving. You have not only yourself to look out for, but the other fellow as well. Be sure that you handle your own gun carefully, and then go to work on your friends. They would feel very badly about shooting you accidentally, and then, for your own part, death is very permanent.

  16 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

In the last issue of "Outdoor Nebraska" an article entitled "Let's Get Together" analized the growing problem which has arisen from the none too cordial relationship between farmers and hunters. The article pointed out that sportsmen are finding it increasingly difficult to gain access to good shooting grounds, and that farmers are becoming more and more irritated by hunters who go on the land without permission and often cause damage. A solution to the problem was set forth as a matter of sportsmen taking the initiative by requesting permission from land operators before going onto the land to hunt.

One can drive through many parts of Nebraska today and see numerous signs posted along the road which read "Keep Out", "No Hunting", "No Fishing", or "No Trespassing". These signs are very discouraging to conscientious sportsmen. Frequently these do not actually mean what they say, since hunting is often done in posted fields, either by the owner himself or by hunters who have obtained permission.

In local communities, townsmen and farmers get along well enough together in the matter of hunting to insure that nearly every local sportsman gets plenty of hunting. But what of the army of hunters who migrate annually from low game-populated areas to counties where the shooting is good? It is these hunters who have most of the trouble getting onto property, and who are more inclined to trespass in order to get their bag of game.

It is safe to say that most farmers who put up "No Hunting" signs are willing to grant permission to parties of hunters who call on them personally   Outdoor Nebraska—1946 17 and request it. Nevertheless, these signs mean business. They are backed by the state trespass law, and any court in the state will convict persons who violate the sanctity of private property. Most farmers do not carry the matter to the courts, but when they do the cases "stick", and the violator finds himself paying a fine that could have been avoided by the simple expedient of asking for permission to hunt.

Taking a hint from the above ideas, the State Game Commission is working out a plan which should go a long way toward getting sportsmen and farmers together. Thousands of signs such as the one illustrated are being printed and made ready for distribution. These signs clearly indicate that there is a possibility of hunting on the land where the signs appear, but they also direct the hunter to obtain permission before going into the fields. The signs mean exactly what they say, and persons who fail to observe their meaning before entering the posted lands are still subject to trespass laws.

The advantages to farmers are obvious. It will enable them to know who is on their property and when. Hunters can be directed away from fields where there is livestock, or where harvesting is in progress. Farmers can remind hunters to close gates from which livestock might escape. If there has been accidental damage due to hunting, farmers will be enabled to know by whom the damage was done. Persons who ask for permission to hunt are not the type who make nuisances of themselves, or risk spoiling their chances of returning for another day's hunting.

What about the advantages to sportsmen? Well, sportsmen can benefit too. The greatest advantage will be in opening a lot of land to hunting that otherwise might be closed to all but a few individuals. That is a direct benefit. A more far-reaching benefit will be realized when more and more sportsmen get into the habit of asking permission to hunt and more and more farmers realize that most sportsmen are really good sports.

Sportsmen's groups can take an active part in the use of these signs by obtaining a number of them from the Game Commission and arranging with farmers in their communities to replace the "No Hunting" signs. The activity need not rest with sportsmen's groups. 4-H Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, and other groups can participate as well.

From the point of view of conservation, the plan is sound. The fellow who asks permission to hunt is neither a poacher nor a game-hog. Perpetuation of good hunting in this state is a task which must be accomplished by both sportsmen and farmers, and if these signs help the two groups to get together, the program will have been a success.

FOOTNOTES OF AN OUTDOORSMAN

By R. A. Jenkins

During mild weather boot grease doesn't get as sticky as oil waterproofing. Warm some mutton tallow over a slow fire and rub the melted grease while it is warm over the entire shoe. Give the seams and where the upper is sewed to the sole a second helping. For a cold weather waterproof boot oil that can be applied in a hurry without mixing there is nothing better than plain castor oil.

Blisters have spoiled many a hunting trip. Here is a sure preventative. The minute you feel a blister starting, stop and remove your shoe and sock. Rub the sore place with a bar of soap. Any kind will do but don't wet it. The coating of soap will stop the pain at once and prevents further friction between the foot ,sock and boot which caused the trouble.

Should your rubber-footed or all rubber footwear "spring a leak" when you are out in the "sticks" you'll have to travel with wet feet unless you include a small bicycle tube patch outfit in your kit.

Wet rubber or leather boots can be dried out in a jiffy by using this old woodsman's trick. Heat two or three quarts of sand, gravel or small stones in a skillet. Don't let the "dier" get too hot or it will burn the rubber or leather. Pour the gravel into the boot and the heat will soon dry out the inside. If there is no gravel handy, shelled corn, oats or even dry sawdust will serve.

During cold weather don't forget that two pairs of light wool socks are warmer than one pair of extra heavy ones.

18 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

IT IS YOUR DUTY!

PROTECT GAME & FISH REPORT VIOLATIONS OF FISH AND GAME LAWS TO ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Your Cooperation WILL IMPROVE HUNTING AND FISHING IN NEBRASKA OBTAIN FARMERS PERMISSION TO HUNT OR FISH GAME, FORESTATION & PARKS COMMISSION LINCOLN NEBRASKA

There is a moral code in America which exacts a social penalty on the tattle-tale or squealer from gradeschool throughout the span of life. No one likes to squeal on a friend or acquaintance. Nevertheless, no one with any moral backbone whatever would witness an act of petty or grand larceny without either trying to prevent the act or at least reporting it to the proper authorities. It is perhaps an inborn trait of human nature to like to "get by with something". That is not a desirable trait under any circumstances.

Protecting one's own property is a different matter. Did you ever stop to think that the fish and game of the state are really your own property? That may not seem true at times when laws and prohibitions prevent your enjoying fish and game to the extent you would like. All of the fish and game belong to all of the people. In order that all can enjoy it, all must play the rules as set down by the authority which keeps that fish and game the property of all.

It is hard to get away from the "sporting" idea of not tattling on the other fellow. But when you see someone breaking the rules set up to protect fish and game, you are watching someone steal property which is rightfully your own. Think that over a little. Why, then, should you not take steps to see that that person is apprehended and prevented from further misbehavior? Of course, there is always the dislike of getting yourself involved. That need not be. If you see a game violation, report it to your nearest peace officer. It is his duty to take corrective action or to inform parties designated to do so. The information you give will be treated with the strictest confidence. You do not have to testify unless you wish to do so, or even give your name. The information you give, if it doesn't convict the offender, will at least mark him as a suspect for careful watching by a Conservation Officer.

When you see one of the posters illustrated here, look it over and take to heart what it says. You certainly cannot be judged a squealer by anyone in his right mind for reporting a person for taking property which is your own and your descendents' property. Just remember that the poacher and the game hog are out to get what you as a law abiding citizen are entitled to by law. Report them and you do yourself and your neighbors a favor. It is your duty to do so.

IN THE MAIL BAG

20 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

THE PICTURE PROVES

Outdoor Nebraska—1946 21

PROTECTING THE HEN PHEASANT

There is only one reason for not including the hen pheasant in the daily bag or possession limit. That is to protect this bird so that there will be an adequate supply of birds for the following year's hunting. The oldest injunction against taking the female bird is found in Deuteronomy 22:6. "If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, taut the young thou mayest take unto thyself..."

Since one cock can serve several hens there can be little danger to the pheasant population by shooting as long as only the male birds are taken. There will be adequate males left to insure a new pheasant crop.

22 Outdoor Nebraska—1946

NEBRASKA 1946-1947 TRAPPING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

BADGER, MINK, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, SKUNK AND CIVET OPEN SEASON, November 15 to February 15, inclusive. AREA OPEN, Entire State except Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges and State-owned lakes. HOURS OPEN EACH DAY, All hours. DAILY BAG, No limit. MUSKRATS OPEN SEASON, November 15 to February 15, inclusive. AREA OPEN, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Keith Keya Paha Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux and Thomas counties, except Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges and State-owned lakes in said counties. HOURS OPEN EACH DAY, All hours. DAILY BAG, No limit. POSSESSION AT ANY TIME, No limit. BEAVER OPEN SEASON, No open season. FOXES OPEN SEASON, January 1 to December 31, inclusive. AREA OPEN, Entire State except Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges and State-owned lakes. HOURS OPEN EACH DAY, All hours. DAILY BAG, No limit. POSSESSION AT ANY TIME, No limit.   Outdoor Nebraska—1946 23 COYOTES No closed season. No limit. GENERAL REGULATIONS

All individuals desiring to trap must have a trapping permit regardless of age.

Individuals taking coon with dogs shall have a trapper's permit.

Fee for resident trapper's permit shall be two dollars and fifty cents. Non-residents taking one thousand or less fur-bearing animals shall pay a permit fee in the amount of one hundred dollars and five dollars additional for each additional one hundred or part of one hundred fur-bearing animals.

Any individual buying raw four must have a fur-buyer's permit and keep records in the fur book furnished by the Game Department.

No beaver may be trapped on a regular trapping permit.

All fur must be disposed of within ten days after the close of the season.

All fur shipped directly out of the state must be tagged by a tag available at any place of purchase of permits. Half of the tag is to be filled out in full and mailed to the Game Department at the time of shipping. Additional tags may be obtained by writing to the Game Department.

It is unlawful to trap on the lands of another without his consent.

It is unlawful to mutilate or destroy the house or den of any fur-bearing animals.

It is unlawful to use spears, explosives, chemicals or smokers in taking fur-bearing animals, or to drive them from out of holes, dens or houses.

It is unlawful to use ferrets.

It is unlawful to throw carcasses of fur-bearing animals into waters of the state.

Anyone in possession of live game or fur-bearing animals must have a fur-farmer's permit.

Aerial Deer Reconnaissance

There is probably a good hunting story in every deer that was shot during last year's open season in Halsey Forest. Here is one that started in the Philippine Islands last year when a Nebraska GI heard that there was to be an open season on deer in the Halsey area. Being due to return to the States soon, the GI applied for and was allotted a deer hunting permit. By the time the season opened the GI was well on the way to the States.

By the time he reached Nebraska, two of his buddies had already been out and bagged their deer. However, they returned to the hunting area and set about helping the newly arrived GI to get his deer.

Officer Art Edmunds, Grand Island, owns and operates a private plane which has been used by the Game Commission in law enforcement work and for counting deer in the forest areas. During the deer season Edmunds piloted his plane over the Halsey forest to aid in patrol work.

Flying at about 1,000 feet, Edmunds spotted a two-point buck and, over the next ridge, the party of three hunters. Art circled the men and motioned them to go in the direction of the deer. When they failed to comprehend his intentions, Art scribbled a note and dropped it to the ground. Circling at 2,000 feet, Edmunds watched the men double-time toward where the deer was located, and saw the kill. He waved to the grateful hunters and flew away on patrol.

It was not until some time later that Edmunds learned the whole story. He had no way of knowing that the hunter he had helped was an ex-GI fresh from the Pacific, or that the hunt had its beginning in the Philippine Islands.