Page Deer Season Great Success 3 Trapping Equipment Similar to That Used 50 Years Ago 10 Know Your Warden 15 Protect Our Native Birds 17 The Missing Picture 21 The Life of a Commissioner 22 It Pays to Know—Racoons 24 From the Newspaper Desk 26 Increased Posting of Lands 27 Rex and Trigger 30 Winter Seining Under the Ice 33 "Outdoor Nebraska" Quiz 37 Sufficient Game, Hunting Time Products of Game Management 38 Ice Fishing Continues Rapid Popularity Growth in State 41 Outdoor Nebraska Calendar 44 Notes on Nebraska Fauna—Cottontail Rabbit 45

Outdoor Nebraska 3

DEER SEASON GREAT SUCCESS 681 Hunters Take Deer; Record Antler Reported

Nebraska sportsmen and ranchers can sit back in their easy chairs and recall memories of the recently completed deer season. The 1950 deer hunt has already been entered in annals as one of the most successful hunts ever held in the state of Nebraska. The setting was ideal, the deer take outstanding, and the cooperation amazing.

Not content with just living up to the high standards established in the '49 hunt, the 1950 group of 1,000 hunters repeated the perfect cooperation with ranchers in the five-county open area and set a new hunter-success score.

In 1949, 60 percent of the 1,500 special deer permit bearers shot deer. This score ranked with the top scores reported anywhere in the United States that year. The hunt eliminated many of the prize bucks in the western Nebraska area. Deer were more wary because of the constant shooting at them. The number of deer was reduced. All of the results of the 1949 season painted a less optimistic picture for the 1950 hunt.

But contrary to most expectations, the '50 hunters found equally as many deer as the year before. The reproduction of deer had replenished the herds. The group of 1,000 hunters shot 681 deer for an amazing 68 percent:   4 Outdoor Nebraska hunter success score. The score is more outstanding when it is considered that the Nebraska hunters were limited to shooting bucks only. In many other big game states, both the doe and buck are legal game. Had both been subject to shooting in Nebraska, the hunter success score would have been much higher. Most hunters reported seeing more does than bucks.

Keeping in line with the trend of the previous year, Nebraska hunters escaped being involved in accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

Hunters returned to their homes enthusiastic about the warm welcome extended them by the ranchers and towns people of the open area. They were thrilled over the outstanding success they experienced. Many of them had never shot deer before in their life. Ranchers were now certain that the respect shown them by hunters the previous year was no fluke. They were sincere in saying the hunters conducted themselves in perfect sportsmanlike manner.

Paul Gilbert, executive secretary of the Nebraska Game Commission, had only praise for all participants in the hunt. He commended the hunters who duplicated the performance of the '49 nimrods which won them the respect of the ranchers; the landowners who assumed the roles of perfect hosts and the ranchers who provided their services as guides as an aid to the hunters; and the personnel of the Game Commission—the biologists, the wardens and the office staff—all of who played some part in the perfect execution of the big game season.

Gilbert admitted, however, that he was not too surprised at the results of the hunt. He had expected a duplication of the ideal sportsman-rancher relationship. He didn't, however, expect such a large kill of deer. The most optimistic pre-season predictions estimated about 500 deer to be shot during the 14-day hunt.

Not only did the '50 hunters take a lot of deer, they also took big deer. The 226-pound record deer shot by Emery Shaw of Lincoln in 1949 continued to stand after the end of the hunt. It was, however, seriously challenged by two hunters. On the opening day of the '50 hunt, 13 miles northeast of Harrison, Mrs. Betty Jane Eberspecher, a 19-year-old Harrison housewife, shot a 225 pound fork-antlered buck. This was only one pound under the state record.

Mrs. Eberspacher's deer was the heaviest deer shot on opening day and that was all. On the following day, Robert Kenfield of Ogallala became the No. 1 challenger to Shaw's record. Kenfield killed a 225 1/4-pound buck.   Outdoor Nebraska 5 His big deer had an antler spread of 32-inches, largest during the first two days of activities. Kenfield dropped his deer at a distance of 100 yards with a shot through the neck of the animal.

It remained, however, for Fred L. Stohlman of Manley to steal the laurels of the 1950 season. He shot ar deer with an amazing 41%-inch antler spread. The beautiful and- perfectly formed rack had nine points on the left and eight on the right. The previous record antler spread was 37 1/2 -inches. Mary Lou Dodd shot the former record holder in 1949. Stohlman killed his deer 12 miles south of Chadron. It is believed that the antler spread is only seveneighths of an inch under the accepted world record.

Dale Greenwood of Chadron was not successful in the deer permit drawing. Living in the deer country southeast of Chadron, he maintained his interests in the hunt by acting as a guide. While serving in that capacity for a group of hunters, he spotted a bobcat. The animal ran into its den. Greenwood approached the den and stared into the pitch blackness, noticing the glaring eyes of the bobcat. He aimed and shot. He entered the den and brought out the animal. Fortunately for Greenwood, the bobcat was killed by his shot. Bobcats can be vicious.

Hunters reported all kinds of shots— spectacular, long, and short. Louis J. Stumpf of Hemingford sighted a buck only a short distance away from him. The deer likewise saw Stumpf. But instead of running away, the buck headed directly toward him. Stumpf aimed and fired. The buck dropped only 25 yards away.

Melvin J. Haase of Scottsbluff and Joyce Arnold of Omaha also capitalized   6 Outdoor Nebraska on the close shot opportunities. They shot their deer at a distance of 35 yards. Carl Haecker reported one of the longest shots of the season. He said he shot his deer when it was about 500 yards away from him.

Alton W. Marshall of Marsland shot his deer where it stops them. His shot, taken at a distance of 200 yards, disconnected the heart. Even though the deer was hit in the heart region, the momentum carried the deer 20 yards away from the spot it was shot. The deer weighed 145 pounds when hogdressed.

Young hunters took their toll of deer. Phyllis Barber of Chadron and F. G. Steffenhagen of Dannebrog were two of the successful teenagers. Phyllis, 11-year-old junior high student, beaded-in on a 107-pound buck at a distance of 75 yards with deadly accuracy. Young Steffenhagen, only 13, killed a 184-pound buck with two shots. Steffenhagen, a ninth-grader, had never shot a deer before. Both youngsters were accompanied by adults on the hunting excursion as required by state law.

One of the oldest hunters to take a deer was Fred W. Mues, 71, of Elm Creek. Mues's deer weighed 176 1/2 pounds   7 Outdoor Nebraska when hog-dressed. He shot the big buck at a distance of 250 yards.

White-tailed deer were more numerous than in either the '45 or '49 hunts. Five hunters succeeded in shooting the fleet white-tailed deer which are more abundant in the more densely wooded areas. Only two white-tailed bucks were shot in '49.

Merle E. Williams of Gordon did not shoot the heaviest deer or the first buck taken during the season. But he did, however, accomplish something the other 680 successful hunters failed to do. He shot the only antlered doe taken in 1950. There was also an antlered doe taken in the 1945 hunt at Halsey.

Game Commission personnel at the checking stations reported seeing more steer deer than in the previous hunts. There is no apparent reason for the increase of such deer.

Unfavorable weather hampered early season's activities. The thermometer tumbled to a 15-degree below zero mark at Chadron. It hovered continually around the zero mark during the first three days. Fog prevailed Wednesday morning throughout the area. Visibility in some areas was limited to 200 yards, far from ideal long-distance deer shooting conditions. But after the bad start, the weatherman relented and near-perfect weather prevailed for the remainder of the season.

The weather was reflected in the number of deer shot during the opening days of the hunt. Last year more deer were taken on opening day than on any other day of the season. This year, however, with bad weather prevailing at the start of the season, the best day was Wednesday, the third day of the hunt. One hundred and forty-five deer were checked. The second best day was Tuesday as 110 deer were taken. Eighty-nine deer were shot on opening day.

The Crawford checking station, located at the City Hall, again led the other five Game Commission-staffed checking stations in volume of deer business. Situated in the heart of the scenic Pine Ridge area of northwest Nebraska, personnel at Crawford weighed and sealed 240 bucks. Crawford also held a wide margin over the other stations last year. The number of deer checked at the other stations were Bridgeport 102, Gering 107, Chadron 96, Harrison 45, and Rushville 91.

Following is a complete list of the number of deer checked each day during the 14-day hunt at each of the six checking stations:

Dec. 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Total Gering 15 19 21 14 7 6 6 4 3 1 4 3 4 107 Bridgeport 11 14 19 11 10 6 6 5 5 2 3 1 2 2 102 Harrison 12 11 8 5 3 1 2 1 2 45 Crawford 31 32 59 34 15 13 12 8 8 4 3 4 7 10 240 Chadron 10 23 26 14 5 5 5 1 3 2 1 1 96 Rushville 10 9 9 5 6 5 7 3 5 2 5 1 6 8 91 Totals 89 108 142 83 46 36 38 21 24 12 16 9 18 24 681   8 Outdoor Nebraska

On opening day, hunters wasted little time in shooting their deer, hog-dressing them in the field and bringing them to one of the six checking stations. The first successful big game hunters began arriving at the stations after only an hour elapsed after opening time.

Following are the first three hunters to check deer at each of the stations. Also included is the hog-dressed weight of the deer and the distance the buck was shot at when available.

BRIDGEPORT: Floyd O. Allen of Ogallala, 196 pounds, 150 yards; Albert E. Beisch, Ogallala, 117 pounds, 100 yards; Virgil V. Callies, Venango, 109 pounds.

CHADRON: Ed Schumacher, Chadron, 150 pounds, 85 yards; J. D. Reiman, West Point, 122 pounds, 100 yards; Keith Hanson, Alliance, 82 pounds, 100 yards.

HARRISON: Betty Jane Eberspecher, Harrison, 225 pounds, 55 yards; Harry E. Schneider, Lincoln, 129 pounds, 100 yards; Mrs. Inez Folk, Mullen, 88 pounds, 102 yards.

GERING: Robert E. Smith, Scottsbluff, 138 1/2 pounds, 200 feet; S. E. Clark, Gering, 101 1/2 pounds, 80 yards; Karl W. Schmidt, Mitchell, 101 pounds, 200 yards.

CRAWFORD: Edward F. Clark, Scottsbluff, 116 pounds, 50 yards; Luther G. Schulz, Yutan, 182 1/2 pounds, 200 yards; Elmer Block, Roca, 95 pounds, 240 yards.

RUSHVILLE: Jack G. Stiehl, Hay Springs, 100 pounds, 150 feet; Fay M. Haywood, Gordon, 139 pounds, 200 yards; Merle E. Williams, Gordon, 137 pounds, 300 yards.

Game wardens patrolled the area in force throughout the season. The Game Commission's airplane, piloted by Warden Art Edmunds, played an important role in law enforcement. In addition, Edmunds watched for accidental fires which might have been set by hunters and which could, if uncontrolled, cause excessive damage to the pine area.

It was a full 14 days of action for all concerned. But as the season has ended, all that remains until next winter are fond memories. And these memories are considered great enough to warrant a year of waiting.

 

10. Outdoor Nebraska

Trapping Equipment Similar To That Used 50 Years Ago

Fur Prices Show Big Change

In Nebraska today, there are about 5,000 professional trappers battling the elements of winter while trapping furbearing animals — muskrat,. raccoon, mink, opossum, badger, skunk, civet, fox and coyote. One of this group of 5,000 who didn't wish to have his name used, is an oldtime trapper who has been trapping since his early youth. For the sake of clarity, we'll call him Buzz.

Has trapping changed to any extent since the early 1900's? Ask Buzz. His answer is a definite yes. His affirmative answer doesn't apply much to the traps and kinds of traps now used as they are very similar to those used by trappers many years back. He is referring, however, to the difference in fur prices. Buzz recalls the year 1909 when a muskrat pelt was worth only eight cents. Now a good muskrat pelt sells for about $1.25. Mink were at one time worth $1.25 each as compared to around $20 now.

Trapping is not., an easy occupation. It is rugged and requires much time and effort on behalf of the trapper. Buzz, as an example, often works as much as 20 hours each day. His average trapping day, however, begins at daybreak and ends at sunset. When he isn't running traps, he spends his time skinning the animals. He stretches the pelts after supper.

Buzz does most of his trapping in Sheridan county and part of Cherry county. He usually sells his furs in two or three groups during the year. His skillful handling of furs rewarded him with recognition in 1930 when he received first prize for selling the best group of furs to a Sioux City fur dealer.

He has had the usual number of odd experiences during his lengthy trapping profession. He caught eagles and hawks in coyote traps. On two or three occasions, he took a coyote from a trap set for mink. He trapped two muskrats which were colored similar to ripened bananas. On another occasion, he caught two muskrats in the same trap. Once he caught" two coyotes in traps which were attached to the same stake. Often, he trapped fur-bearers within minutes after he set the traps.

Buzz's most profitable trapping years were 1944, '45, '46 and '47 when he took 9,000 furs. During this four-year period, he on two occasions caught two muskrats in the same trap within a period of 10 minutes.

The animal giving Buzz the most trouble after it is trapped is the coyote. Only on rare instances are the coyotes dead when George checks the traps. The coyotes are usually alive and extremely active, always attempting to escape the trap. Once, a trapped coyote made a desperate and enraged charge at Buzz. Only the short chain connecting the trap and stake prevented the infuriated coyote from reaching him. He usually kills the coyotes with a blow on the head.

On numerous occasions, the trapped animal succeeds in escaping the trap, often leaving a leg or two behind. Though it appears that such an injured animal faces certain death, this isn't always the truth. Buzz on one occasion trapped a three-legged beaver which undoubtedly had been trapped before and had escaped at the expense of the fourth leg. There was no visible mark where the leg had once been. It was completely furred over.

Trapping is a big and growing profession   Outdoor Nebraska 11 in Nebraska. Most trappers, however, develop their own pet methods of trapping and pelting. Some of the procedures which have proven successful over many years of trapping are here related.

Those trapping muskrats usually locate the large populations by such signs as bank dens, tracks, feeding platforms, cut vegetation, landing places, trails, slides, and droppings. In a marsh or lake habitat when the water is open, sets for muskrats are best made on feeding platforms, near the edges of houses, and in the runs to or entrance of bank dens.

Sets in the runs to the bank dens can be made after the area freezes over until the ice becomes more than about six inches deep or snow covers the ice. On feeding platforms or edges of houses, place the trap in one to three inches of water. The trap stake should be placed as far from the feeding platform or house as possible to insure drowning of the rat. The suggested steel trap size for muskrat is No. 1 1/2.

The use of stop-loss traps is preferred by many experienced muskrat trappers. It is the opinion of some fur management men that no other type of trap should be used in trapping muskrats. Stop-loss traps are designed to prevent escapes. When the trap springs, a guard device moves high up on the body of the animal, holding it in such a way that it can neither twist off or gnaw off. It is not necessary to make drowning sets when using stoploss traps.

In trapping bank dens, it is best the trap be placed at or just inside the den entrance. Stakes of willows 3/4 to 1 inch thick at the big end and six to eight feet long are good, especially in marshes where the cattails and rushes are heavy. The tops of the stakes stick up above the vegetation making it easy to find the sets.

Before a lake or marsh freezes over to a depth greater than about six inches, and the ice is not covered with snow, muskrats can still be trapped in their runs. The runs can be located by walking on the ice parallel to the shore at about 30 to 40 feet from the shore line; the position of a run is recognized by a "trail" of bubbles frozen into the ice. Chop through the ice and place the trap in the run. Four   12 Outdoor Nebraska or live traps can be set in very long runs. Here the traps should be three to four feet apart. Where runs are heavily used by the muskrats, small areas of open water may persist until heavy freezing occurs.

In streams and ditches, muskrat sets are best made at feeding spots, at slides where they enter the water, and at the entrances of bank dens. If for some reason a muskrat has not been drowned in the trap, pick him up by the tail and then pick up the trap. Otherwise, the muskrat may pull out of the trap. Remember, a muskrat can inflict painful and dangerous wounds with his sharp front teeth.

Mink prefer small streams and shallow marshes. Piles of driftwood are especially attractive to them. Their presence is shown by dens near streams; runs through vegetation, often in the vicinity of the den; droppings, commonly in quite large piles; and tracks. Mink dens are usually round holes leading straight downward, often into old muskrat dens.

Mink are very active, especially along the margins of streams and ponds or marshes. The numerous tracks they make in these places are probably the most easily discovered sign to be sought.

When the water is open, it is usually best to make sets for mink in the water, using bait such as fish, skinned muskrat or garter snake. Where mink are found along the margin of a lake or marsh, make the set in four to five inches of water and 3 to 15 feet from the shoreline. Two traps are preferrable with the bait on a stake between the traps. The traps should be 6 to 8 inches on either side of the bait. Run a sharpened stick into the bait—such as a piece of muskrat carcass—and push the stick into the bottom mud until only two inches of the fleshy portion remains above the water. It is well to tie the bait to the stake with string or wire. The trap chains can be staked out in any direction with either iron rods or wooden stakes. The stakes are driven in so that they are completely under water.

On dry land, sets are often made in runs. Runs or trails are found in vegetation along streams and marshes, commonly leading to dens. Mink will many times make runs along the line of contact of mowed and unmowed wild hay near the bank of a water area. Run sets are made without bait. The traps, chains and stakes are buried. Cover the traps with finely broken up dry hay from the surface of the soil. Do not cover traps too heavily as this may clog the trap jaws and allow the animal to pull out.

The presence of coyotes in an area is usually announced by their barking and howling at night, often at sunset and sunrise. Coyotes travel considerable distances and their tracks not only reveal their presence but also information regarding their movements, territories, and feeding habits. The tracks of a coyote can usually be distinguished   Outdoor Nebraska 13 from those of a dog by the placement of the first and fourth toes, that is, the two outside toes. In the track of a coyote, these outside toes are placed well behind the other toes and tend to point nearly straight forward. A dog track shows the two outside toes tending to flare outward, producing a more or less broad track as compared with the relatively slim track of the coyote.

A set for coyote can be made in a cow trail and is especially good if the trail is no longer used by cattle and where the signs show frequent travel by coyotes. Bury the two traps so that the pans are at ground level. A square of paper (not newspaper) should be placed over the pan of each trap; these pan covers (canvas can be used) keep the dirt from filling in under the pan and halting the action of the trap. Brown wrapping paper can be used if there is no snow; white paper is better if snow is on the ground. Cover the traps with fine dry sand or dirt and the dry, trashy grass particles from the surface of the ground. Be sure that the chains and stakes are completely buried.

A carcass set is usually successful on coyotes, but it is not recommended unless it can be made at a considerable distance from farm or ranch buildings so that the chances of it being visited by dogs are lessened It is easy to determine if coyotes have been feeding on the carcass of a cow or horse. The age of a carcass makes little difference as coyotes will continue to visit the remains of a dead farm animal for many months, gnawing at the bones and dry fragments of a hide.

Use at least four traps. The traps can be wired to the neck or legs of the carcass. Stakes may be used and should usually be placed at the back of the dead animal. The traps are, sunk in the ground and covered in the manner described above. Always be careful not to cover the traps too heavily or with too large pieces of dead vegetation. It is effective to lay two or three broken fence posts or old logs about the set. An approaching coyote will tend to watch these objects, thereby increasing the chances of stepping in a trap.

If it is snowing when a coyote set is being made, place the traps on the surface of the ground and let them be covered with snow.

A bait set can be made for coyotes using skinned-out carcasses from your fur take. The carcasses of three or four muskrats in a pile, half a prairie dog, or half a jack rabbit are placed on the surface of the ground. Four traps are evenly spaced about the bait at regular intervals. All evidence of the traps, chains and stakes must be covered. Small pieces of remaining bait such as legs, head, and tail are scattered about this set as far out as 15 feet from the trap. These are the "come-on" that bring the coyote into the main bait.

Many trappers find it pays to wear cotton gloves and stand or kneel on a piece of canvas while placing traps in a coyote set. Dirt from the trap holes is placed on the canvas and any surplus dirt is carried away from the set.

The cyanide gun is being used with marked success in taking coyotes. This invention, while very effective and popular, is recommended for use only in sparsely settled country or where sets can be made with assurance that dogs, livestock or children can not contact them. Destruction of animals other than coyotes is reported to be negligible. Directions for operating accompany the cyanide guns and should be closely followed. It is well to know, also, that   14 Outdoor Nebraska there are state laws governing the use of these devices.

As for hunting and fishing, there are the usually necessary state regulations applying to the trapping profession. All individuals desiring to trap must have a trapping permit regardless of age. A resident trapper's permit is $2.50. All fur must be disposed of within 10 days after the close of the season.

Other regulations: 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 Commission at the time of shipment. Additional tags may be obtained by writing the Game Commission.

It is unlawful to trap on the lands of another without consent; to mutilate or destroy the house or den of any furbearing animals; to use spears, explosives, chemicals or smokers in taking fur-bearing animals or to drive them from out of holes, dens or houses; to use ferrets; to throw carcasses into waters of the state.

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

A reminder. There is no open season on beaver. The only beaver which may be legally trapped or otherwise taken in Nebraska are those which are taken under special beaver damage permits. These permits are issued only to landowners and/or land operators who are suffering actual verified damage. Applications for such damage permits must be in writing and are issued only after inspection of the properties by a State conservation officer.

All beaver pelts taken must be permanently sealed before transported from the premises and sold. Sealing must be done by a State conservation officer.

Anyone desiring additional information regarding trapping in the state and regulations applying thereto may write to the Game Commission office, State House, Lincoln.

Nebraska Fishing In

How much do vou know about Nebraska fishing ?

Do you know where to go fishing? Do you know what fish are in each lake? Do you know the names and locations of the lakes constructed last year? Are you familiar with the habits of each species of fish ?

In all probability, you can answer some of the questions in the affirmative. But to enable you to answer all questions, the Nebraska Game Commission is going to devote the entire Spring Issue of "Outdoor Nebraska" to fishing in the state.

Every fair-sized fishing spot in the state will be listed and located in the Spring Issue of "Outdoor Nebraska" which will be off the press on April 1. In addition, the species of fish stocked in each water will be listed.

In the 1950 Spring Issue of the magazine, the Game Commission published a similar list of waters. All of the 15,000 available copies of "Outdoor Nebraska" were distributed shortly after the publication date.

This spring's issue will have a more complete and up-to-date list of all the waters in the state. It is a fisherman's must.

Fishing prospects at new Enders and Medicine Creek reservoirs will be elaborated on.

The entire issue, 48 pages, will be centered on fishing. For planning your 1951 fishing activities, you can't afford to miss the Spring Issue of "Outdoor Nebraska."

Outdoor Nebraska 15

Know Your Warden

The most years any game warden has served in that capacity with the Nebraska Game Commission. That distinction is claimed by this issue's honor warden, quiet but personable Leon J. Cunningham. Leon, who began working as a game warden on Feb. 24, 1927, now serves District 1, consisting of Box Butte, Dawes and Sioux counties and the western half of Sheridan county.

Leon was born on a farm near Gordon and has lived in that general area since that time. He is probably more familiar with the northwestern part of the state than any other resident of the state. He lived in the northwest when deer were scarce and prairie chicken plentiful. Now he finds a comparative abundance of deer and limited number of prairie chicken.

When Leon first joined the Commission staff as warden, he was issued a used Model-T touring car, tent, camp stove, camp cot, three blankets, and instructions to keep hotel and meal costs at an absolute minimum. He was first assigned the territory along the Platte rivers from North Platte to the Wyoming state-line. Leon's first headquarters were at Bridgeport. In January of 1929, he was assigned his' present district.

Leon has gained the respect of most ranchers in the northwest for his down-the-middle-of-the-road policy in law enforcement. He makes no border line arrests. Unless he's absolutely certain a violation has been committed, he merely issues a warning and explains regulations pertaining thereto. He plays no favors. Regardless of whether the violator is a friend, banker, grocer or salesman, or whatever he may be, Leon is stern on his arrests.

An incident which occurred a number of years ago stands out most in Leon's many experiences in law enforcement. He accidentally received a telegram which   16 Outdoor Nebraska was intended for someone else. The telegram led him to believe that some bullhead bootlegging was taking place in the sand hills. He contacted Warden Vern Conover and the two began working on the case. They never seemed to be at the right place at the right time in the pursuit of the violators. One day, however, good fortune smiled upon them. The two wardens were in the sand hills where the bootlegging was supposedly taking place. They hid in the car until dark when they sighted two sets of headlights approaching them from the valley. The two hid in the weeds along the road. When the vehicles were closer,- Leon saw a pickup truck and a panel truck. He wasn't certain the truck was loaded with fish so he and Conover decided to follow the trucks and learn whether they would take the road to the lake or the road to Gordon.

While driving with the lights out, Leon drove off into a blowout. The lights of the truck were still visible and they were heading for Gordon. For the first time, the issued bed roll proved handy to Leon. He and Conover jacked the car and used blankets, mattresses and sheets for a solid foundation on which the car could move enroute to more solid ground. This having succeeded, the two wardens pursued the truck. The old car coughed and sputtered but soon, the truck was overtaken. Leon and Conover found a ton of dressed bullheads on the truck, estimated to number approximately 9,000. Also on the truck was a barrel of gasoline, extra oil and a package of lunch, enough to take the driver to Sioux City, la., without passing through any towns.

The driver of the truck was an ex-convict. He was placed in jail at Gordon for the night. In the morning, 1,500 separate counts were filed against him, probably the longest complaint ever filed for a game violation in Nebraska. The court issued a judgment against him for the full amount asked. His truck was seized and later sold.

Besides making arrests, Leon also helps avoid them and keeps sportsmen on the right side of the fence. A few years ago during duck season, Leon was out in the field after closing hours. He spotted a couple of hunters get out of their cars, load their shotguns, and prepare to shoot ducks in the nearby pond. Rather than wait and watch the hunters commit a violation, Leon started his car and drove over to the hunters' parked car with the siren wailing. He waved the hunters back to the car. They walked back to the car and left, waving in a thankful manner to Leon.

Many of the hunters who bagged deer in last year's big game hunt in the northwestern part of the state, can thank Leon for his effort in accustoming the ranchers of the area to the idea of the hunt. He was responsible in persuading numerous ranchers to open their lands to visiting hunters.

Leon is a firm believer of conservation. Asked to comment on this subject, he said, "Man, self-centered and egotistical, is prone to overlook the fact that other created things have a right to exist besides himself."

Cub Black Bear Sees Nothing for 40 Days

A cub black bear, after a period of about 40 clays and nights, begins opening its eyes and cutting teeth. The cub at that age is about 12 inches long, weighs about two pounds and is covered with soft black down.

Badger "The Magician"

The badger is famous for its "disappearing act." Using all four feet and its mouth, the badger digs into the ground in a matter of a few seconds. The dirt flies for yards around. The tail vanishes into the churning earth and the badger plugs up the hole behind it. Only a patch of fresh soil marks the spot.

Outdoor Nebraska 17

PROTECT OUR NATIVE BIRDS

By PHILIP A. DUMONT Biologist, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Reprinted Courtesy of The NATIONAL HUMANE REVIEW)

The dodo is gone. This bird, which has become a symbol for anything extinct, was a huge pigeon. Native to the island of Mauritius, off the East African Coast, it was flightless and Dutch sailors clubbed it to death. It was last mentioned as being seen in 1681.

Six of our North American species of birds are just as completely gone. The great auk's last appearance is usually given as 1844. Its home was the North Atlantic and it too was a flightless bird. The Labrador duck, living in the same localities as the great auk, has not been taken since 1875.

The passenger pigeon occurred in such enormous flocks there seemed no possibility of its extermination. However, it suffered constant persecution, being clubbed, netted, and shipped to distant markets for food or to fatten hogs. It was hunted continuously from its nesting grounds in Michigan to its wintering grounds in Tennessee and Kentucky, the last wild bird disappearing in 1908. Actually, the last bird, a female, died of old age in a Cincinnati zoo in 1914. The passenger pigeon was -once considered to have been the most abundant species of bird in the world.

Of the four recognized varieties of prairie chicken, one, the heath hen, is gone. Attwatter's prairie chicken is now found in only five counties of Texas, along the coast where 8,700 birds were estimated present in 1937. The heath hen was the eastern representative of the prairie chicken. It was crowded out along the eastern coast until finally only a few remained on Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. Here the last survivor was seen in 1932. There was a real effort to do something for the heath hen but it was too late even though the last few were given complete protection. When a species is reduced to only a few individuals, the attacks of predators may be concentrated or disease may wipe them out. It is uncertain just what does finish off the last individuals. A species frequently is described as "biologically extinct" when it is reduced to a few individuals. The ivorybilled woodpecker is now in this category.

The Carolina paroquet was greatly admired as a millinery ornamentation. While noted for its beautiful plumage it was also significant because it fed on cockleburs. Killed in great numbers because it destroyed fruit it was also trapped for a cage bird. At one time this bird ranged into Indiana and Iowa but it could not exist as the country became settled. It was last abundant in Oklahoma and when that territory was-opened up for settlement, it vanished. It became extinct early in this century.

The Eskimo curlew is probably gone. It nested in the Arctic regions of North America and completed a migration covering thousands of miles twice a year to winter on the pampas of Argentina. Records in recent years have been indefinite and unsatisfactory. A specimen was taken in Argentina in 1935. There was an observation from Nebraska in 1925 and Robert Cushman Murphy reported seeing one on Long Island in 1932. This curlew migrated northward through the Mississippi River Valley while its route southward included an over-water flight of 2,500 miles from Labrador to Venezuela.

While the six birds mentioned above are gone, others may join them in name only unless preservation efforts are unusually successful.

In 1941 James T. Tanner estimated that there were 24 ivory-billed woodpeckers   18 Outdoor Nebraska surviving on the Singer Tract, in northeastern Louisiana, and possibly in northern Florida, and along the Santee Biver in South Carolina. John H. Baker, president of the National Audubon Society, believed that only two birds were left in the Singer Tract by October, 1946. This virgin gumwood forest had been a state refuge for a number of years but even this protection was insufficient to save this woodpecker. The Singer Tract, famous for its record-sized trees, was bought originally by the Singer Sewing Machine Company and resold to the Chicago Mill and Lumber Company. It was estimated to have contained two and a half million dollars worth of timber. Cutting of these trees has been in progress for some time. The food requirements of the ivory-billed woodpecker, consisting chiefly of grubs which develop in dead gum trees, can now be found in very few places that will at the same time provide the isolation seemingly required by these birds.

The whooping crane, second rarest bird in North America, nests somewhere in northwestern Canada and migrates south through Nebraska, stopping regularly where the Platte River bends to the south. More records of migrant birds had been secured in this Nebraska area than anywhere else in the country. In 1934, there were an estimated 400 whooping cranes, in 1941 there were 42, and since that date only a scattered few birds have been seen. These cranes are wintering regularly on the 47,000-aere Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge north of Corpus Christi, Texas. During the past two seasons thirty-four of these birds have been on or near the refuge. Each winter this flock contains three or four young birds of the year. While the population has shown but slight improvement in the past ten years, the total has remained nearly constant with some young being produced each year. It is believed that increased protection on the wintering grounds and favorable results from widespread publicity along the migration route are responsible for arresting further losses. Attempts have been made to breed captive birds in a large enclosure on the Arkansas' Refuge but the initial clutch proved to be infertile. Another pairing is now being encouraged with a different male bird   Outdoor Nebraska 19 and it is hoped the experiment will succeed. The Canadian nesting grounds of this crane have not been located and appear for the present, to be completely isolated and presumably safe.

The California condor is rarely seen. A total population of between sixty and eighty birds is known to exist in the Los Padres National Forest, in southern California, where no hunting is allowed. These condors are believed to nest every other year using caves in which to hatch their eggs and raise their young. They are easily disturbed while nesting and will remain away from the eggs until the intruder leaves the locality. Consequently, all grazing, photographers, and researchers, have been excluded from the nesting region. Recently, efforts have been made to prohibit oil exploration; the one disturbing activity still possible.

The trumpeter swan may be pointed to as a bird which has been rescued from the brink of extinction. They nest in Yellowstone National Park, the Red Rock Lakes Migratory Bird Refuge, Montana, and on the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Some of the young were transplanted from Red Rock Lakes to the 175,000-acre Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Oregon, and, in turn, to the 35,000-acre Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Nevada. In 1935, only seventy-three of these magnificent birds, which have a wing spread of eight feet, remained in the United States. The count last fall showed that 451 of these birds are now present. Several other trumpeter swans are known to exist in Canada and parts of Alaska. The increase in. numbers of these birds has been encouraging and may be due in part to the intensified program of controlling coyotes on their nesting grounds.

There are other endangered species which require protection now before their numbers reach the danger point.

All of our. four species of kites are in reduced numbers. Alexander Sprunt, Jr.„ reported twenty-five to fifty nesting pairs of the Everglades kite in Florida in 1945. They were found along Lake Okeechobee and on the Kissimmee Prairie. It feeds chiefly on snails and as its marsh haunts are destroyed, its numbers diminish. The Mississippi kite has been crowded out of its former range. It now breeds sparingly in South Carolina, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and the Gulf Coast. On April 10 to 12, 1946,, Ernest J. Greenwalt estimated seeing: 400 of the birds on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Trumpeter swans have shown an increase under the protection of the federal government.   20 Outdoor Nebraska Oklahoma. The white-tailed kite is very scarce. It nests in the Sacramento Valley of California while there are a few in Texas. The swallow-tailed kite is scarce everywhere and may nest now only in northern Florida. It formerly nested over the central portion of the United States.

The great white heron species was reduced to perhaps 100 birds in 1910, as a result of tropical storms and the quest for its feathers. In 1938, Alexander Sprunt, Jr., counted 585 of these birds in the Florida Keys; it is estimated now that their population may be above 1,000.

The roseate spoonbill has responded so well to protection and changed public attitude for safeguarding the bird that one Florida Bay colony has increased tenfold during the past decade. For the first time in recent years, spoonbills are now fairly common in summer in Florida Bay and among the Keys. Fishing guides and others have learned to point them out as one of the local attractions instead of shooting them.

Little is known of the limpkin at present in Florida and on the Gulf Coast. Some are on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Like the Everglades kite, it is restricted to swamps where the snail, which is its preferred food, is found.

The 1949 Perry River expedition with Harold Hanson and Peter Scott as ornithologists found only one colony of Ross's geese. Two hundred and sixty nests were counted on five islands, and no breeding appeared on the lakes where they were previously found by Angus Gavin. These men concluded that the total population of Ross's geese, based upon these nesting records, may be under 2,000 birds.

The reddish egret, snowy egret, and American egret are all increasing in numbers. Protection and Mother Nature are chiefly responsible.

The methods used to preserve endangered species and to guard their future are problems of the Fish and Wildlife Service, in the United States Department of the Interior, the National Audubon Society, and its affiliated clubs, and the various state conservation departments. An adequate refuge system and local safeguards are necessary. Local protection comes from legislation provided by State and Federal Governments. Establishment of permanent refuges is most important. Protection may also be provided by the smaller wildlife sanctuaries, parks, and wilderness areas. Improvements of the natural habitat is important also in safeguarding the species. The last resort in saving an endangered species is by domestication or protection in a zoological park. This had to be done to save the American bison or buffalo. The last passenger pigeons were placed in a zoo and still were not saved.

Meet Mr. Gruesome!

The bat is the only mammal that has wings. It is covered with fur and has big ears and a tail. It suckles its mother's breast for milk. It bites, has the face of a tiny bull dog, the body of a mouse, and the wings of a miniature airplane.

The Patriotic Squirrel

The "thirteen-lined ground squirrel," abundant in Nebraska, is sometimes called the federation squirrel. This is because it is supposed to have 13 stars and 13 stripes. The ground squirrel is a hearty meat-eater. Fully half of its diet is meat. It pounces on grasshoppers and other insects and can even catch deer mice and meadow mice.

Wow! What An Appetite!

Moles work day and night, probably hardest in the daytime when the earthworms and insects are stirring. Perhaps because they labor so strenuously, the moles have an insatiable appetite. They often eat the equivalent of one-third to two-thirds of their own weight in a day.

Outdoor Nebraska 21

The Missing Picture

Following are characteristics of an animal found in parts of Nebraska. How many of these characteristics must you read before you can identify the missing picture. The name and picture of the animal can be found on page 46.

1. This animal is a rodent. It isn't large, powerful, smart or attractive to the eye. It can't even run fast or far.

2. This animal generally appears only in the daytime. It is primarily a vegetarian, feeding heartily on leaves, flowers and soft stems of green forage plants, such as grasses, alfalfa and clover.

3. The stomach of an adult holds about one and one-half pounds of greens at one time.

4. Sometimes three-fourths of the life of this animal is spent in sleep.

5. During a four or five month fast, this animal loses from one-third to one-half of its total weight.

6. The newborn of this animal are naked, pink, wrinkled little beings, less than four inches long and weighing one to one and one-half ounces.

7. Regardless of the hunger of the animal at the end of its lengthy sleep, it most generally sets forth to find a mate.

8. If an emergency arises, the animal can go up a tree trunk in a rush. Water is no barrier.

9. This animal frequently whistles a low, abrupt note, often followed by a tremulous, wavering call that dies slowly away. This has earned for it the name of "whistle-pig."

10. Most people associate this animal with a special day each year as a forecast of things to happen.

22 Outdoor Nebraska

The Life of a Commisioner

While pheasant hunting during the past season in a sparsely settled section of the state, a group of four hunters unloaded their shotguns and headed for a small crossroads village for a bite to eat. While in a cafe in the village, a native engaged them in conversation and inquired as to what kind of hunting success they had experienced.

One of the hunters, a slightly graying man of middle-age, replied that up to that particular time hunting had been none too good. Looking directly at the hunters' spokesman and displaying a great deal of pride, the local fellow said he had pretty good luck—that is, before the season opened. He said, "I killed five rooster pheasants in about 30 minutes the day before the season opened."

The graying gent then said, "Perhaps you don't know to whom you are speaking. It so happens that I am a member of the Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission."

Then, somewhat surprised but prepared for a rebuttal, the local fellow replied, "Well, Mr. Commissioner, perhaps you don't realize to whom you are speaking. You are looking at and talking to the biggest liar in Nebraska."

This particular incident—a true experience—belongs to one of the present Game Commissioners. He, like the other Commissioners, have had similar humorous experiences. In fact, they have had all kinds of experiences, many of which lacked the humorous aspects. These other experiences constitute uncherished memories. In some instances, the Commissioners have been regarded as heroes—the representatives on the Game Commission, who through their efforts, influenced a particular enactment or action meeting with the approval of the sponsoring sportsmen. But at the same time and in the minds of others, the Commissioners are considered the lowest persons on earth. They, for some reason, failed to agree with a sportsman's recommendation. The Commissioners are wonderful fellows one day and stinkers the next. They are continually subjected to ridicule and embarrassment.

Why then do the Commissioners choose to maintain their positions? The answer is difficult to find. The only apparent reason is that they, with the advice and recommendations of the trained staff of the Game Commission, gain the satisfaction of managing the Game Commission's program on a sound basis. They are continually striving to improve fishing and hunting in the state. They are fishermen and hunters just as we are. A big fish or a bag limit of pheasants means as much to them as it does to you or me.

Much of the dissatisfaction on behalf of the sportsmen is due to the lack of knowledge of the prevailing circumstances. Whenever the Game Commission decides to do this or refrain from doing that, you can feel assured that there are some justifiable reasons. All action taken by the Commission is printed in newspapers throughout the state. If yet the disgruntled sportsmen fails to be satisfied, it is up to him to get additional information before jumping at conclusions. He can either contact his district representative on the Commission or write to the Game Commission office in Lincoln.

The disgruntled sportsmen who voice such a loud objection represent but a minority of the sportsmen in the state. When the Game Commission does something meeting with their approval, they don't stand up and give the Commission credit. The only time they are heard is when they want something or are denied.

The Game Commissioners rely heavily upon the advice and recommendations of Commission personnel in making any decision. All of the Game Commission employees are highly trained technicians in their respective fields. A plumber,   Outdoor Nebraska 23 for instance, is not questioned or repudiated because he says a faucet leaks and needs repairs. Nor is the carpenter, the mechanic, or the engineer doubted in their judgment. They are trained in their particular fields. Nobody questions their ability.

A doctor is another good example. He has years of training. A patient calls at his office for a diagnosis of his illness or for a prescription to remedy an ailment. The doctor, after careful examination, explains the illness to the patient and prescribes some medicine. The patient doesn't stop and ridicule the doctor. He doesn't say, "That's wrong, Doc. I know more about this medical profession than you do even if I am a grocer or salesman." If there was such a person disputing the advice of a doctor, he would be of the belief that a sore toe could be healed by pulling a tooth.

The same confidence and respect showered upon the above professions should be extended to personnel of the Game Commission. But the minority group refuses to do this. The minority group of sportsmen—the patients— sometimes think they know more about what is going on and what should be done than the Game Commissioners and department personnel—the doctors.

One of the present Commissioners grasped the problem like this: "I get a certain amount of criticism from sportsmen, but most of it is well intended. There are as many different ideas as there are hunters and fishermen. I make no absolute promises without first meeting with the Commission and the division supervisors."

The Commissioners, though they are appointed from seven different sections of the state, act on behalf of the state as a whole. One Commissioner commented that if he emphasized only the immediate desires of his district without weighing them against the overall state benefit, he would not be meeting the full purpose of his office.

Another Commissioner said, "I have never, since my appointment, felt that I was representing any one district. I have definitely felt from the beginning of my term of service that the 'program' applied to the entire state."

The life of the Commissioner starts when he is appointed to that position by the Governor. The appointment must have the consent of a majority of all members of the State Legislature. If the Legislature wasn't in session at the time of the appointment, the new Commissioners take office and act as recess appointees until the Legislature next thereafter convenes.

At least one member of the Commission must by law be actually engaged in agricultural pursuits and reside oh a farm or ranch. No more than four members can be affiliated with one political party. The term of office is five years.

The powers of the Commission, as outlined by the State Legislature, are many and varied. According to state law, the Commission has sole charge of forestation, state parks, game and fish, recreation grounds and all things pertaining thereto. The Commission adopts and carries into effect plans of forestation for Nebraska and to replenish and stock the state with game and fish. It may plan such extensions and additions to existing hatcheries and such new plants as may be necessary to supply fully the state with such game. It can, with the consent of the Governor, purchase sites for state forests, additional state parks, hatcheries, nurseries, recreation grounds, game farms, game refuges and public shooting grounds.

The Commission has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the use, care and administration of all property and areas under its control, violations of which shall be deemed misdemeanors. The Commission is authorized, with respect to lakes covering 20 acres in area, rivers, and streams (1) to regulate the use of watercraft thereon for the purpose of promoting public safety, (2) to establish regulations for boats used thereon and (3) to fix and collect inspection fees from owners of commercial boats used thereon.

The Commissioners are required by law to meet four times each year. But

(Continued on Page 32)

IT PAYS TO KNOW RACOONS (Old Bandit Face)

 

26 Outdoor Nebraska

FROM THE NEWSPAPER DESK

James E. Lawrence, editor of The Lincoln Star, wrote the following editorial which appeared in The Star on Oct. 4. On the previous day, the Game Commission announced it had submitted its proposed budget for the 1951-53 biennium to the Governor. The budget total was $2,055,990. This figure does not include park funds.

There is quite an item. "Wow!" the hardpressed taxpayer may shout when he eyes it. "A whale of a lot of jack to invest in recreational facilities!" It is a lot of money—quite a fair-sized figure in an appropriation bill which now has grown until all earlier comparisons lose their meaning.

But here is convincing evidence of Nebraska maturity, and the word "maturity" can be used advisedly. We have grown up as a state. Pioneer habits and pioneer living are at best only the faintest of faint memories. Nebraskans, finished with the tasks of breaking the sod, of homebuilding, of developing cultivated fields, of establishing towns and cities, and of providing all the accompaniments of modern living, in increasing numbers are harkening to the enticing call of the outdoors. In 15 years of Nebraska development, there has been a surprising yet gratifying growth of recreational opportunities. Not the least of it are the new lakes which have come into being —man-made, numbers of them parts of a soil conservation program. Then there is huge Lake McConaughy on the upper North Platte, an impressive body of water, more than 150 feet in depth, three miles in width, 35 miles in length, clear waters ideal for all species of game fish. There is the chain of smaller lakes constituting the links of a comprehensive program of conservation of natural resources.

It should be noted that the budget request filed by the State Game Commission involves no direct tax funds collected by the state. The money comes from the pockets of those who use these newly created facilities. And the growth in outdoor living is a rather inspiring chapter. For the current year, 83,039 Nebraskans took out fishing licenses, an additional 60,948, hunting permits, and, more impressively—123,882 people, an approximate tenth of all the people in the state, took out a combination license permitting the holder to both fish and hunt.

There is the complete story of this budget request of the Game Commission.

An annual fishing permit costs $1.50, a license for hunting, the same amount, the combination, $2.50. But there is a great deal of pride in the fact that a state noted only a few years back for the absence of recreational facilities now draws thousands of enthusiastic fishermen and hunters to its borders. For the current fiscal year, there were 6,920 fishing permits issued to those who live in other states; a total of 1,283 hunting licenses. This is a source of money which Nebraska spends upon developing its outdoor recreational facilities. The budget figure represents merely reappropriations of the license fees paid into the state treasury, plus a contribution of $210,779.35 earmarked by Uncle Sam to encourage the conservation of wildlife in this country.

There is a time for work, a time for play—the two wisely blended contribute enormously to healthy, satisfying, contented living.

We are just beginning to reap some of the dividends of the developments within the last year and a half which received less emphasis at the time they were taking place. The prime purposes of river valley development in Nebraska in the early thirties was to provide jobs for the unemployed and, more, to set in motion a comprehensive program of the conservation of natural resources, on the upper Platte, the Loups, on the main stream of the Republican and its tributaries, the first goal was the storage of waste and flood waters to eliminate flood damage, and to encourage the expansion of irrigation. It succeeded beyond the fondest dreams. The irrigated lands in this state have been more than doubled. That means security from drouth which, in the good fortune of the last 10 years, has been far from the thoughts of   Outdoor Nebraska 27 Nebraskans. But there have been other values. Nebraska is developing hunting and fishing opportunities never before dreamed of, providing its people with a life in the open, with opportunities for which they found it necessary to travel hundreds of miles. There is a place for good fishing and hunting in the life of any state. Nebraska has come a long way when her people pay nearly a million dollars every 12 months, for fishing and hunting.

Hunters' Conduct Can Curtail Most Posting Of Private Lands

"Lull in hunting. Now have three farms posted for every one posted on opening day. Nov. 1, 1950."

"More hunting pressure today. Kills light. Still more 'No Hunting' signs up today. Nov. 2, 1950."

These two wire reports on hunting conditions in Frontier, Furnas, Gosper and Red Willow counties were sent to the Lincoln office of the Game Commission by District Conservation Officer Bill Schultz. Other similar reports from most districts of the state were received at the Commission office, all indicating a general increase in restricted hunting signs throughout Nebraska as the 23-day pheasant season progressed.

The general trend throughout the years is that only a limited number of restricted hunting signs are posted at the outset of the season. But as the season progresses and hunters tend to congregate in certain areas, unfavorable incidents occur which prompt increased posting of lands.

At the beginning of the 1950 pheasant hunt, only a small number of farms in the open area were posted with "Hunting by Permission Only" or "No Hunting" signs. Hunters out in the field during the early part of the season had little difficulty in finding suitable places to hunt. But as the hunt entered its second week, nimrods found a greater number of posted areas and consequently, fewer places to hunt. By the end of the season, it is estimated that in certain areas where pheasants were most abundant that there were at least three times as many farms posted as at the start of the season.

The accelerated posting of farms is cause for alarm. Most hunting occurs on privately-owned lands. Without the cooperation of the farmer, the hunter would be virtually without a place to hunt. He not only owes it to himself to respect the rights of the farmer, but also to his children and their children. For it is the conduct of the hunter today which will determine the pattern of hunting in future years.

There are numerous hunting codes set by and followed by sportsmen throughout the nation. One of the codes reads that hunters won't shoot game when near a house or dwelling. Several Nebraska hunters, however, chose to write their own codes. This particular group of hunters sought pheasants in a garden within easy shotgun range of the farm house. Two pheasants flushed and shotguns smoked. Buckshot sprayed the house—the construction of which was only recently completed. Three windows were shattered. Shot just missed a big picture window. Fortunately for all concerned, the people living in the house were attending church at the time.

A farmer living near York had a group of tame ducks on his pond located near the house. It is true that the tame   28 Outdoor Nebraska ducks closely resembled mallards in coloration. The tame ducks, however, were much larger than mallards and considerably smaller than geese. The temptation to shoot any waterfowl was too great for the hunters. They shot and killed three adults and 13 young. After discovering the mistake, they let the ducks lay and ambled off the property.

A lady living on a farm in an eastern county was sprayed by buckshot. A farmer, working in his barn, heard a shotgun blast. The buckshot riddled one side of the farm. Cattle were almost stampeded when hunters fired at pheasants zooming over the corral. Another farmer reported extensive damage to his fence and crops as cars drove onto his fields.

This farmer reported the most surprising thing of his life. Years of patience and fortitude were rewarded. A group of hunters finally drove up to his house and requested permission to hunt on his lands. Year after year, hunters trespassed on his lands. Not one ever took time to introduce himself and askto hunt. The farmer mentioned that all he asks of any hunter is that he introduce himself.

Most hunters spend hours at a time in seeking game. It would take but a few minutes of their time to stop at the farm house and speak to the owner. When hunting away from home, the nimrod is the guest of someone; he is not the host. The farmer is privileged and entitled to grant or deny persons the right to hunt on his lands. It is his right to know who is hunting on his property and their whereabouts.

The cooperation between the farmer and hunter is beneficial to each. The farmer—having the authority to grant or deny permission—can maintain constant control of the hunting pressure on his lands. He can exercise definite control of the harvest of wildlife in the immediate vicinity and gain the satisfaction of promoting the ever-increasing popularity of outdoor sports.

The hunter would be almost lost without the farmer. He needs the farmers' lands on which to hunt. He is entitled to the game as much as the farmer. Game belongs to all.

Several of the Game Commission wardens conducted several tests during the recent season. Noticing the increased appearance of restricted hunting signs, they decided to stop and talk to some of the farmers whose lands were posted. They found that they were granted permission to hunt on the majority of lands on which "No Hunting" signs were posted. The owners of those lands said that anyone interested in hunting would at least have the foresight to think twice before hunting there. Then, if they still wanted to hunt on that property, they would approach the owner of the land and seek permission. Few of the owners of "No Hunting" posted lands denied the requests.

The same applied to farmers having "Hunting by Permission Only" signs posted on their lands. With such a sign, they felt that hunters would realize that the opportunity to hunt would be granted if the hunter merely took time to approach the owner.

The hunter-farmer relationship in Nebraska is repairable. In some states, however, it is all but non-existant. Hunters pay to hunt where game abounds. Farmers have expressed the

(Continued on Page 40)

Outdoor Nebraska 29

30 Outdoor Nebraska

Rex and Trigger

By William R. Cunningham

There are "dogs and dogs", then there is "your dog" and "my dog", and so help me, "my dog" will always be the best. So please, bear with us if this story is flavored strongly with Springer Spaniels.

Many are the stories and discussions centered upon the above. There are "Setter fans", "Pointer fans", "Spaniel fans" and now it seems that some "dog foreigners" from Europe are invading the hunting dog picture again.

This story concerns two dogs, one of which was introduced to this publication years ago under the title of "Trigger" in the fall issue of 1942. The other concerns "Rex" who follows "Trigger", but will never replace him.

Since the story of 1942 when "Trig" was a youngster, many brush patches have been worked and enjoyed by both dog and writer. The incidents of dutiful performance have been many; each and every one further proving that a good dog is the key not only to hunting success, but also to the final enjoyment of hunting with a most loyal friend.

We cannot help but remember the early days with "Trigger" and compare them with the later years of continued development through experience. The days when pheasants were crippled and dropped, but still able to run through the fields. With the dog in pursuit, the bird ran out of sight. With no hope of recovering the bird, the party would be ready to give up. But at that time, "Trigger" would reappear in the distance proudly carrying the lost bird.

Most people call it training. We say it's experience and thinking on the part of a dog when it reaches the stage that a flushing hen is ignored. Through the repetition of years in the field, "Trigger" apparently realized that no attempt was ever made to shoot hens and consequently, no need of his staying with a hen when it was always the rooster which was shot. We again say it's experience that does it when a dog becomes a good retriever but refuses to carry a pheasant any further than necessary on a hot October day when the saliva runs and panting is heavy. Many were the times when "Trigger" could well see us and knew we saw him with a bird when he felt a retrieve was not necessary. Also the times when we were out of sight and the bird was carried to a point where we could first see him and no further. At first, such actions were irritating until we considered it carefully, deciding that when we were so thirsty we could spit cotton. A mouthful of loose pheasant feathers wouldn't be comfortable either.

Is it training or experience that makes it possible to hunt a dog on all types of game birds and animals in each season without running into trouble with rabbit chasing on a pheasant hunt? Again we say it is experience which makes a dog realize after the first few shots of a hunting trip that we are hunting birds and not rabbits or squirrels and the reverse.

  Outdoor Nebraska 31

There have been times when hunters have been heard to remark, "I would like to have a hunting dog, but I would never be able to train it well enough to be of any use". We have also heard many arguments pro and con over the best kind of hunting dog. Such arguments go on and on with no consideration given to the type of country to be hunted, type of general cover, and generally what game is available to be hunted. Too many times the hunter bases his choice of a dog strictly on the kind of dog he would like to own rather than on the natural capabilities of the given breeds as compared to the country they are to be used in and what game they intend to use the dog on. When the chips are down, they cuss the dog and his training when he apparently fouls up their hunting. Actually the best trained dog in the world can go wrong when forced into a type of hunting for which he is unfitted and has had insufficient experience. We have seen many a "crack shot" on duck and pheasant who wasted a box of shells to shoot his first quail and do the same on their first try at blue rocks.

We well remember the time on a quail hunt in southeast Nebraska when one oldtimer of the party made the statement that dogs had ruined more game shots for him than they had ever given him and would just as soon hunt without a dog. Feeling as he did, he proceeded to remain his own distance from our friend "Trigger" who was also a working member of the party. Everything proceeded in fine shape and a large covey of quail flushed from the hedgerow and spread down along the hedge for a considerable distance with the promise of some fast shooting. As we moved along, "Trigger", treaded his way in and out of the hedge, boosting "singles" for us. A fast blur of feathers whirred in front of the oldtimer who pulled on it fast and dropped a cripple back into the hedge. Immediately, another bird flushed. The oldtimer dead centered for a dropped bird into a wash ditch along the hedge with the dog following it.

  32 Outdoor Nebraska

Everyone was sure of the bird being where it fell until we approached the ditch to find nothing but a spot of feathers and a searching dog. After considerable looking and debate with the oldtime repeating, "That bird hit dead and has to be there". "Trigger" pulled a surprise act and shoved his nose deep into the loose dirt of the ditch bank and came out with the quail which had apparently struggled into the gopher hole and concealed itself from all but the knowing nose of the dog. A short time later and a few steps farther, "Trigger" came out of the hedge bearing the crippled bird—the first shot— and presented it to the oldtimer who rubbed his forehead and remarked, "Well, I'll be damned—I've seen everything, but that's two birds I wouldn't have had." Needless to say the old boy followed the dog pretty close the rest of the afternoon.

There were some occasions when the writer and owner of "Trigger" could have secured a pair of birds or rabbits without firing a shot or carrying a gun. A dog that loves to hunt soon gains enough "know how" to smell out a tight-sitting bird and there was never a day when a dog was more proud than when he caught game on his own and added it to the bag.

We don't feel that "Trigger" was an exception as Springer Spaniels for Nebraska go, we feel he developed into a good dog because he first learned to obey the simple tune of "yes" and "no" and from then on it was hunting experience gained in fields of Nebraska on all kinds of game—furred and feathered.

Another dog member has joined the family now, a big two-year-old Springer called "Rex". He is just completing his first season in the field after having lived with us since Thanksgiving Day, 1949. Up to this year's hunting season, "Rex" has received his training on the do's and don'ts, the yes and no's. He has hunted doves, squirrels, pheasant, and quail with rabbits yet to come. He is getting experience under the collar and caught his first pheasant when it started to take off, his first rabbit under a bush. During the quail season he has realized the importance of hunting to the extent that upon finding that game is flushed and shot for a purpose, he is now retrieving entirely on his own with no coaching and with some of the retrieves in the difficult category.

It is evident that he is following the path of "Trigger" and well we hope he may, because "Old Trigger" passed on to a greater field of hunting four days after completing the 1949 pheasant season like the veteran he was, active to the last when an eleven-year-old heart gave way.

Life of A Commissioner

—From Page 23

in most years, work is so abundant that they assemble in Lincoln many more times. They do not draw a salary for their services. They must take time from their own work and receive no reimbursement. The Commissioners are allowed their per diem and necessary traveling and hotel expenses when actually away from home.

Any sportsmen having any recommendations for improvement of fishing and hunting in the state, are cordially invited to contact their respective district Commissioners or write to the Game Commission office in Lincoln. There has yet to be the first time that anyone has been denied the opportunity to present his case. Remember, the Game Commissioners represent all of you here in Nebraska. Tell them what you like and dislike. Every suggestion or criticism will receive careful study.

Outdoor Nebraska 33

WINTER SEINING UNDER THE ICE . . . No Rest for the Huskies

Strapping, untiring huskies who have no regular hours or comfortable working conditions represent the seining crew of the Nebraska Game Commission. They are the unsung heroes of the fishing public. Underpublicized, they receive little credit due them for their conscientious and strenuous efforts in improving fishing throughout the state.

Man for man, they struggle with gigantic seines and nets during all hours of the day and night. They remove rough fish from ice-covered lakes and ponds during the winter months when blizzards roar and few others choose to venture outdoors. They trap catfish in the treacherous Missouri river during the early spring and fall months when wet, cold weather is prevalent. They seine fish from overcrowded waters throughout the year, sometimes having to work and trudge in knee-deep mud. They stock salvaged fish during the summer when the hot, broiling sun beats down, coloring the shirtless and perspiring huskies with a deep coat of tan. In the same period they make numerous tests of lakes by seining to determine the condition of fish growth—retardation of growth due to the shortage of the available food supply, overcrowded conditions, and overabundance of coarse fish.

During the fall months of the year the seining crew stocks fish and seines hazardous irrigation canals, which are increasing in number annually. They travel from one section of the state to another on short notice. Their work never ends. When one phase of the important program is completed, they immediately move on to other locations. No time is wasted. They try to meet their assignments as closely as possible, fully realizing that the jobs are both too numerous and extensive for the undermanned crew. What about their home life? Not much can be said as their work keeps them away from home most of the year. The only incentives to retain their positions on the seining crew and which offset the many hardships are the love for their work and the realization that their efforts are continually improving Nebraska fishing.

The seining crew, headquartered at North Platte, is headed by Superintendent Paul Todd, a fisherman of wide experience. When a youth, Paul accompanied his father, a commercial angler, on many of his fishing excursions. Paul began working with the Game Commission more than 21 years ago and has held his present position since 1943. His leadership, initiative and knowledge of seining is a big asset to the Game Commission. Members of Paul's "musclecrew" are Lloyd Winkelman, Victor Matousek, Emil Nieman, Jermoe Molek, William Parker, Henry Burhn, Warren Negley, Victor Forney and Keith Kraai.

The equipment used by the seining crew is huge and awkward to handle and usually requires the full strength of the entire crew to maneuver. The salvage nets used in removing fish from irrigation canals run from 20 to 200 feet in length, six feet deep and are made of one-quarter inch mesh. The salvage   34 Outdoor Nebraska work usually begins in September and continues until the canals are frozen over in late fall.

There are no Sundays or holidays during the salvage operations as this work must be accomplished during the short period when the water is turned off and the canals either freeze or seep dry. All of the fish salvaged from the canals are segregated according to species and placed in separate tanks on fish trucks used in transferring them to the nearest lakes. The same nets used in the salvage operations are also used along old river beds which flooded during the spring and began drying out during the summer. Such places are usually about 6 to 12 inches full of water and contain from two to three feet of mud, making seining operations extremely difficult.

The bullhead seines used by the crew are made up in sections, each of which is about 200 feet long. The number of sections used is dependent upon the size of the lake or pond to be, seined. These seines are 12 feet deep and are made of one inch mesh. They are used primarily in removing bullheads from overcrowded lakes in the sand hills. The bullheads are either transferred to North Platte holding ponds for future stocking or are immediately taken to state-owned lakes or city and public waters throughout the state.

To remove rough fish such as carp, buffalo and gizzard shad from the reservoirs or other large bodies of water, the crew uses seines ranging from 14 to 36 feet deep and up to 2,400 feet in length. These seines come in 300-foot sections. Because of the bulk and weight of these seines, a large inboard motor boat and several barges are used. The barges are equipped with a motor and pulling winch. The net is loaded on the barge with approximately 1,200 feet of rope attached to each end of it. The boat is used to carry the net out into the lake where the net is spread out in a wide semi-circle. When the entire net is in position, the winch on the barge anchored near shore begins pulling the net inward. Once the net is within range of the wading crewman, it is pulled in by   Outdoor Nebraska 35 hand. The carp and other rough fish are loaded on fish trucks and transferred to North Platte pending future sale or stocking.

The number of rough fish which are sold has declined considerably in recent years as more and more communities annually request the Game Commission to stock their waters with carp. The growing popularity of the carp is due to its adaptability to waters unsuitable for game fish. Another reason is that female carp are very prolific, rapidly multiplying the original population. Carp give anglers an opportunity to experience the thrill of playing a large fish because they're present in great numbers and are perfect candidates for still-fishing.

During spring and fall, members of the seining crew—usually a team of two men—spend considerable time trapping catfish in the treacherous Missouri river. Their equipment consists of an 18-foot flat-bottom boat and from 14 to 20 hoop nets, each of which is made of one inch mesh, 24 inches in diameter and is from 8 to 10 feet in length. The hoop nets are baited with scrap cheese. The scent of the cheese washes downstream with the current and attracts fish into the nets. The nets are checked once each day when the fish are removed.

Not everyone is capable of river trapping. Those who are successful trappers know just where the traps must be set in order to catch fish. They must be excellent swimmers and be able to maneuver a motor boat up and down the swift channel.

Catfish taken in the trapping operations are eventually stocked in streams throughout Nebraska. As there are numerous dams on most rivers in the state, the natural migration of catfish upstream is prohibited. Realizing this, the Game Commission releases most of the catfish above the uppermost dams where they will spawn. Fish trapped during the fall months are held over at one of the hatcheries until the following spring. This is due to the fact that catfish work downstream to deeper waters for wintering.

The frigid weather of winter fails to slow down activities of the seining crew. Members of the crew spend most of the winter months seining fish under the ice. A lake with a layer of ice between 12 and 16 inches thick is preferred by the crew. Often, however, they must work on ice up to 36 inches in thickness. The thicker the ice, the more work involved in cutting holes. Some of the winter equipment used consists of ice chisels, pike poles, ice tongs and a needle. The latter piece of equipment is referred to by most anglers as a running board. The needles are made from l"x4" boards, 16 feet long. Enough of these boards are nailed together until the total length of the needle is ateout 75 feet.

After completing the needle, the crew moves out on the ice a long distance from shore. There, with the use of ice chisels and saws, a 16 foot long, 10 foot wide hole in the ice is cut. The big slab of ice is removed with ice tongs and pike poles. Additional holes in the ice—about   36 Outdoor Nebraska 18 inches in diameter—are cut every 75 feet apart in the direction the net is to be pulled.

The needle is threaded through the large hole, heading in the direction of the nearest 18-inch hole. A long rope is fastened to one end of the needle. One end of the seine, tied to the rope, is fed into the large hole as the needle is pushed from one hole in the ice to another. The other end of the seine is fastened and moved along in the same manner as the other end only in the opposite direction. The needles are pulled from one hole to another by the use of pike poles—a long wooden pole with an iron hook on one end.

When using a 2,400-foot long seine, the net is pulled about 1,000 feet in each direction. When this is completed, the net is moved at right angles across the lake toward shore in the same manner as followed in laying out the net. About every 400 feet, the seine is pulled up with the rope moved by power winches. The winch is moved every 400 feet where the same procedure is followed. When the net is worked near shore, another hole—16 feet by 10 feet— is "cut in the ice. Both ends of the seine are pulled •out through this large hole by either truck power or by hand until only the bag of the net remains in the icy water. The bag of the seines is heavy and loaded with fish which are removed with dip nets.

All game fish are first removed from the net and returned to the water through another hole in the ice. The rough fish are then dipped out of the net and placed in live boxes. They are held there until they can be transferred. On one such operation last year in which several drags were made, more than 80,000 pounds of rough fish were removed.

(Continucd on Page 40)

Outdoor Nebraska 37

Outdoor Nebraska Quiz

You are invited to test your ability in identifying the following species of upland game birds and migratory waterfowl. A score of eight is excellent; six is good; five is fair; and four or below is poor. For answers see page 46.

Upland Game Birds (a) Prairie Chicken (b) Hungarian Partridge (c) Sage Grouse (d) Sharp-Tailed Grouse (e) Hen Pheasant (f) Quail 5 () Migratory Waterfowl Answers (a) Green-Wing Teal 5—( ) (b) Mallard 6— ( ) (c) Baldpate 7—( ) (d) Green-Wing Teal 8—( ) (e) Gadwall (f) Shoveller

38 Outdoor Nebraska

Sufficient Game, Hunting Time Products of Game Management

BY WADE HAMOK Assistant Restoration Project Leader

In these days of ever increasing hunting pressure, it is essential that the latest game management methods be used in handling game problems.

One of the first problems of proper management is providing suitable habitat for game in the field. An area containing good habitat meets all or nearly all of the requirements of the species populating that particular territory. To say that a bird or animal has a suitable habitat may mean the presence of food and water near a patch of brush; these provided, that bird or animal can live well as all his requirements in the way of food and water as well as a home are accessible to him.

Only under exceptional circumstances do game managers in Nebraska have to concern themselves with the food problem. Mechanical cornpickers and combines leave sufficient grain in the fields to meet the needs of the game birds and animals. Also, weed seeds are available throughout the year. Exceptional circumstances include deep snows and strong, cold winds and freezing rains which may put the food in the open fields beyond the reach of the game. In most cases, these conditions do not exist lor a long enough time to noticeably reduce the game populations in areas where adequate winter protection exists.

It is, however, a major part of the game manager's job to reduce the unnecessary loss of game wherever possible. One of the greatest hazards in the successful production of any species is weather. To combat this element, it is within the capabilities of man to provide cover suitable to most requirements of wild birds and animals. With cover conditions being adequate, game can survive extreme weather conditions for short periods of time.

To develop habitat, it is first necessary to select a site close to a food source, adjoining it if possible, and planting trees and shrubs in types and quantities which will provide winter cover, nesting cover, escape cover, loafing cover and roosting cover.

The development of winter cover in Nebraska means the placing of trees and shrubs in such a position as to catch and hold snow in part of the area leaving the remainder open for the use of the birds. In addition, wind velocity must be reduced so the birds do not suffer unduly from this element.

Nesting cover is supplied by leaving small parts of the area unplowed, there-by permitting the growth of native grasses. In addition, small patches of alfalfa may be included within the area's boundaries with no harvest of the crop allowed.

Escape cover, properly located, is easily accessible from the food source as well as the nesting site and is composed of a dense, woody and preferably thorny thicket. The composition should be of the type which will not permit the larger predators easy entrance and not allow predator birds to enter while in flight. Multiflora rose, Russian olive, and native wild plum are excellent plants for this type of cover. Once a pheasant reaches a dense growth of this kind, the bird can easily escape predators by running.

Loafing cover is used during the hours of the day when the birds are not feeding. This is usually a small thicket into which a maximum amount of sunlight is allowed to filter. Also, it provides some immediate protection from predators. The birds found in such places are usually preening or drying themselves or just resting. Growths of plum and Russian olive are ideal for this purpose as well as the edges of other types of woody plantings.

While birds will roost on the ground during certain times of the year, they often require a place to spend the night above the ground. Such may be the case during periods of heavy snows. Also, the above ground roosts are used to avoid nocturnal ground predators such as the coyote. Requirements of this kind •are met by providing the birds with the taller trees as the red cedar and Russian olive. The red cedar also supplies a good measure of protection against driving winds and snow on stormy winter nights.

    40 Outdoor Nebraska

Through the development of wildlife habitat and specifically cover, game managers can reduce the unprofitable losses of healthy game birds and animals. By reducing such losses, the population of that particular species tends toward a point of stabilization. The leveling out of a game population at the highest possible point means a greater and more constant harvest by the hunter during the open season. The end product of game management is, of course, to allow the hunter the greatest amount of hunting time possible and to expose him to the largest possible harvestable surplus of his favorite game species.

Seining Under the Ice

—From Page 36

This took place at Hackberry Lake.

During all seining and salvage operations, whether it occurs during the spring, summer, fall or winter months, extreme care is taken in handling the fish as little as possible. The more fish are handled, the more chance of their being injured.

Special trucks are> used by the seining crew in transferring fish. Each of the trucks is equipped with fresh air blowers to provide a constant flow of oxygen for the fish. Each truck also has an auxiliary gas motor to be used in the event the truck motor fails. Some of the larger trucks used by the Commission can handle as many as 4,000 pounds of fish. Even though fish can live in the truck tanks for several days at a time, the Commission tries to transfer the fish from one place to another as expediently as possible.

When all assigned seining or salvaging operations are completed in one part of the state, the crew returns briefly to its North Platte headquarters. Here the crew repairs all damaged nets and seines and equipment. All the fish tanks used on the trucks, live boxes, boats and pulling winches are made and maintained by the crew. The equipment takes a lot of abuse and requires a lot of time and effort to repair and maintain.

Yes, the seining crew has its work cut out for it months in advance. There's no time for letdowns. Their work never ends.

Increased Posting

—From Page 28

desire to cooperate with the hunters. The latter is also anxious to cooperate with the farmer. What's the trouble then? Time! It is not so much the fault of the farmer as it is of the hunter. The farmer is doing his daily tasks while the hunter in most instances is away from his job. The hunter comparatively has more time as he is on a recreational fling. It is up to him to ask permission. It is not the duty of the farmer.

Those of you who have yet to approach a farmer, introduce yourself and express your desire to hunt, talk to someone who has. He will tell you that the few minutes used before the hunt pays off in hours of hunting.

45 Mile Per Hour Clip

A jack rabbit is not a rabbit. It is a hare. Jackass ears are partly responsible for the name. An exceptional jack rabbit can run as fast as 45 miles an hour. Only a greyhound can run down a fleet jack rabbit in a fair chase.

A Mile A Minute

The antelope is capable of traveling almost a mile a minute when necessary. Although it cannot keep up this terrific speed for a long period of time, it is probably the swiftest of all the American mammals. When in good condition, it can run 40 miles an hour for several miles.

(Continued on Page 43)

Outdoor Nebraska 41

Ice Fishing Continues Rapid Popularity Growth in State

The sport of fishing, missing from most sportsmen's calendar of outdoor activities for a period of two to three months, has recaptured its throne as king of sports. Hunting activities have all but disappeared and exist only in memory. The only hunting activity still in progress is the rabbit season which closes on Jan. 31.

Frigid weather, a thick layer of ice, proper tackle, warm clothing, and most of all—determination and fortitude—are the basic essentials of the ice anglers of today. Year by year, the ice angling populace in Nebraska continues to grow.

Fishing at this time of the year does not afford the natural comforts of the sport as are true at other times of the year. Gone are the warm days when it was refreshing to dip your hands in the cool, tingling water. Gone are the days when you could remove your shirt and take on a coat of tan. Gone, in fact, are all the natural comforts which help make spring and summer fishing the popular sport it is today.

But, substitutes can be had, and with the help of vigor and determination, ice fishing can approach other seasonal fishing in popularity. The comfort of the angler is dependent upon what steps he takes to make it so. If he prefers nature in the raw, he can brave the elements with the minimum means of comfort.

However, if he prefers comfort with thrilling fishing, he can attain that achievement. Many anglers erect ice fishing houses out on the ice. The small houses are warmed by tiny stoves burning wood, charcoal, coal or fuel oil. Anglers in houses on the ice fish in nearly total darkness. This blackness is an asset for the angler as the fish appearing below in the water take on an eerie light that filters through the ice. The line is dangled from the hand. When the fish is hooked, it is hauled in, hand over hand. In shirt-sleeve comfort, the ice fishing house angler can ply his sport in the foulest weather, so long as the fuel holds up.

Regardless of whether or not an angler selects to erect a small house, there is one requirement which all ice anglers must tackle. There has to be a hole in the ice. With the proper equipment, this presents but a minor problem. A chisel or metal spud is usually sufficient to cut the hole in the ice. Bait the hook and drop it into the water. This is where the patience and fortitude comes in.

Fish usually travel in schools during the winter months and when one is caught, you can feel reasonably certain that there are undoubtedly many others in the immediate vicinity.

While waiting for the fish to strike, make yourself comfortable. Construct a wind break. There is no need for taking unnecessary punishment. Bring along a small seat or camp stool. A gasoline lantern will provide some heat. Wear some warm clothing. If you are still cold, build a group fire nearby and take turns with other anglers in tending it.

    Outdoor Nebraska 43

Now you hate to leave the fire. The warmth is too great an incentive. Well, you can do this, too. But in order to do so, you had better rearrange your fishing gear. Set up an easily constructed "tip up". This is a device "which has a teeter-totter arrangement. When the fish takes the bait down, a red flag rises or your pole rises to signal the strike. You had better be pretty quick in reacting, however. Some of the fish will not wait for you to amble over to them.

One factor in the angler's favor during the winter season is that he can move all around the lake cutting holes until he strikes a school of fish. He can select his spot anywhere on the lake. His maneuverability on open waters during warm weather is limited to the use of boats. Cut a hole in the ice and fish for a while. If you don't have a strike within 15 or 20 minutes, move on until you hit a school. There is one drawback, however, in ice fishing. Not all fish are active during the winter months. Most of them are in a semi-dormant stage. The most active fish in winter is the perch which is plentiful in many state waters.

Huge McConaughy reservoir again promises to be one of the busiest ice fishing attractions. Dewey lake in Cherry county also shows indications of being a popular ice fishing rendezvous. The neighboring sand hills lakes are ideal. Any lake or pond stocked with perch should provide good fishing. If you desire such a list, contact the Game Commission office in the State House, Lincoln.

The same regulations which governed fishing during the spring, summer and fall months apply to ice fishing. The only species of fish which can't be taken is trout. The trout season began on April 1 and ended Oct. 31. The bag and possession limits are as follows: Black bass (10 and 10), white bass (5 and 5), rock bass (15 and 15) crappie (15 and 15), bluegill (15 and 15), walleye and sauger (5 and 5), northern pike (5 and 5), drum (10 and 10) and catfish (10 and 10).

The daily bag limit and possession limit on bullheads is 15 except in Cherry, Brown and Rock counties in which it is 25. There is no bag or possession limit on the winter-active perch.

Ice anglers in some areas will have to compete with ice skaters. It is advisable that before any angler cuts a hole in the ice that he contact the responsible party.

One last reminder: Be- sure that the ice is safe. Don't take a chance by driving a car out on the ice. The risk isn't worth it. Go ice fishing in pairs so that, if by some accident you would fall into the lake, some one would be available to offer assistance. Catch your fish and do not take chances.'

A Mile A Minute

From Page 40

At the first appearance of danger anywhere on the horizon, the antelope throws up its head and stares. The great black eyes dilate, the pointed ears, five inches high and three inches broad, are thrown forward to scoop in the faintest sound.

Antelopes make tremendous horizontal leaps at times. Very seldom do they make high vertical jumps. They can go through the strands of a wire fence, or under the bottom wire, with astonishing ease and speed. Antelope have been seen running through a space no more than a foot high between the ground and lower strand of fence with hardly a pause.

44 Outdoor Nebraska

Outdoor Nebraska Calendar

FISHING

BLACK BASS, WHITE BASS, ROCK BASS, CRAPPIE, BLUEGILL, BULLHEADS, WALLEYE, SAUGER, PERCH, NORTHERN PIKE, DRUM AND CATFISH. Entire state open. Same size limits and daily bag and possession limits as applied to fishing during spring, summer and fall months. TROUT SEASON CLOSED.

HUNTING

RABBIT—Ends on January 31. Entire state is open. Hunting from sunrise to sunset. Bag limit is five. Possession limit is five. Hunting for all other game animals is closed.

TRAPPING

MUSKRAT and MINK—Ends on March 15 in Area No. 1—Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Dawes, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas and Wheeler counties except Federal and State Sanctuaries and State-owned lakes. Trapping all hours. No daily bag or possession limit.

MUSKRAT and MINK—Ends on Jan. 15 in Area No. 2—Adams, Antelope, Boone, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cedar, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gage, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Knox, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Sherman, Stanton, Thayer, Thurston, Valley, Washington, Wayne, Webster and York counties except Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges and State-owned lakes. Trapping all hours. No daily bag or possession limit.

RACCOON and OPOSSUM—Ends March 15. Entire state open except Federal and State Sanctuaries and Refuges and State-owned lakes. Trapping all hours. No daily bag or possession limit.

BADGER, SKUNK and CIVET—Ends March 15. Entire state open except Federal and State Sanctuaries and Refuges and State-owned lakes. Trapping all hours. No daily bag or possession limit.

COYOTE—No closed season.

STATE PARKS

ARBOR LODGE, CHADRON, FT. KEARNY, NIOBRARA, PONCA, STOLLEY and VICTORIA SPRINGS—Grounds open all year. Cabins at Chadron, Niobrara and Ponca closed until spring. Arbor Lodge mansion closed until April 1 when it again reopens daily from 1:30 to 5:00 p. m. From June 15-Sept. 15, mansion will be open from 10:00 to 12 noon and 1:30 to 5:00 p. m. daily.

RECREATION GROUNDS

All recreation grounds open throughout the year. Ice fishing permitted on lakes in all recreation grounds.

Outdoor Nebraska 45

Notes on Nebraska Fauna . . . Cottontail Rabbit

This is the fifth of a series of articles and drawings on Nebraska's small and big game animals, game birds and game fish. Levi Mohler, game biologist, prepared the written account while C. G. Pritchard, staff artist, made the drawing. The Spring issue of "Outdoor Nebraska", due off the press April 1, will feature the catfish.

Cottontail rabbits are taken in larger numbers than any other game animal pursued by hunters in this country. Hence, for the country as a whole, the powder-puff of the brushpiles outranks the gaudy pheasant, the high-flying mallard, the bombshell bobwhite and all the rest.

In Nebraska, cottontails are widely distributed, from the hedgerows and brush patches of the southeast to the dry canyons and rocky bluffs of the west. And in southeast Nebraska, as well as in most states east of here, they are the most important game animal.

In a land where we talk freely about T-bone steaks, fried shrimp, roast turkey, etc., it is still no secret that fried rabbit and gravy ranks high on the list of foods that are designed to make a hungry person hurry home to supper. So, while rabbit hunting provides wintry sport for untold thousands of people, the cottontail also scores high as a meat animal. Its weight, usually between two and three pounds, is great enough that one bunny means a meal. Incidentally, fertile soils produce the largest rabbits, so what's good for the farm is good for rabbits too, a point worth remembering in these times when the emphasis is on soil-building and improvement.

There are several different species and sub-species of cottontails in Nebraska. The western rabbits are light grayish in general color and commonly show more reddish color over the shoulders than the eastern rabbits which are darker with considerable black in the fur along the back.

One of the reasons why rabbit hunting is so popular is that rabbits can be found without making a trip to a distant hunting spot. Rabbits frequent the garden patch and the shrubs behind the outbuildings, as well as the hedgerows, post piles, and weed patches. In fact, the cottontail is one game animal which occurs in practically every residential block in Nebraska's towns and cities.

A cottontail ordinarily isn't much of a traveller, and studies using tagged rabbits have shown that a rabbit may spend an entire lifetime on a plot of four or five acres or less. The males range about more widely than the females; likewise, in cold weather, the males tend to be more active than the females.

Much of the common rabbit food consists of grasses and a variety of herbaceous vegetation, but winter diet often runs heavily to bark, buds, roots, and other parts of woody plants. Because of their appetite for woody foods in winter, rabbits sometimes cause damage to orchard and nursery plantations. A good way to offset this damage is to leave piles of pruned branches in the orchard, or around the borders, until after the snow melts in early spring.

Rabbits are known for their high rate of reproduction. An individual female may rear from 2 to 5 litters of young in a year. Litters commonly contain four or five young but larger litters are frequently found.

The young are blind at birth, and remain in the fur-and-grass-lined nesting cavity for about two weeks, during which time they are suckled by the mother. They are soon weaned and on their own, for the female may be making preparations for the arrival of a   46 Outdoor Nebraska new litter not many weeks after weaning the last young. The nest cavity, usually in a grassy location, is not conspicuous, usually being covered over with grasses when the mother rabbit is not actually feeding the young. The female rabbit plucks fur from her own breast to obtain lining material for the nest.

The breeding season is long, extending from late winter to late fall. Most of the young, however, are born in the spring and summer months. In Nebraska it is common for Game Commission fieldmen to see large numbers of partly-grown young rabbits in July when special drives are being made as a part of the annual statewide summer pheasant survey.

The open season this year extends from October 1 to January 31. During the middle forties rabbits declined in numbers but there are indications that the population is currently on the' increase.

Rabbit hunters would do well to heed a word of caution concerning tularemia, a disease which can be transmitted from rabbits to men. If rabbits are handled with rubber gloves during the skinning and dressing process, and if the meat is well cooked, there is no danger of getting the disease. Only healthy looking and acting rabbits should be bagged. There has been no serious outbreak of tularemia in Nebraska the past several years. In times when the disease is prevalent the outbreaks are far less common after cold weather sets in, which is one of the reasons why rabbit hunting can well be postponed until after the first real cold snap of the winter.

ANSWERS TO "OUTDOOR NEBRASKA" QUIZ

1.—(f) Quail; 2.—(a) Prairie Chicken; 3.—(b) Hungarian Partridge; 4.—(d) Sharp-Tailed Grouse; 5.—(b) Shoveller; 6.—(c) Baldpate; 7.—(a) Green-Wing Teal- 8.— (e) Gadwall. J Jul TyiuMnq. filchuuL------

THe Missing Picture