Outdoor Nebraska 3

LIFE WITH THE COMMISSION

From Origin in 1879 to 1951 By Dick Schaffer Editor

WHAT is your guess as to the age of the Nebraska Game Commission? Is it 25, 30, 45, 55, 62 or 72 years old? You hit the noggin right on the head if you selected 72 as it.was on Feb. 24, 1879 that the Legislative Assembly of the State, in its fifteenth session in Lincoln, created a board of fish commissioners forthe propagation and distribution of fish in the public waters of Nebraska.

The legislative bill of 1879 directed the governor to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint three resident citizens of the state to a Board of Fish Commissioners. The governor at the time was the Honorable James W. Dawes. Three of the early fish commissioners were Robert R. Livingston, W. L. May and B. E. B. Kennedy.

As directed in the bill, the board was to have entire charge and supervision of the public waters pertaining to the collection, propagation, cultivation, distribution and protection of fish in the state.

The bill went on to say, "It shall have control of all property of the state obtained or held for the purposes contemplated by this act. It shall receive all fish and fish spawn donated to the state by the United States fishery commission, or from other sources or persons, or purchased by the state. It may establish hatching boxes, etc., for the preservation and hatching of spawn and fry, and in the most practical and economical manner procure and distribute fish in the public waters of this state, and adopt such other means as shall, in its judgment, best promote the increase and preservation of food fishes."

The first available report issued by the Board of Fish Commissioners was   4 Outdoor Nebraska published in 1884. Following are excerpts from the report:

"His Excellency James W. Dawes, Governor of Nebraska:

"Sir—Below will be found the first semi-annual report of the Board of Fish Commissioners of Nebraska under the present administration, to June 30th, 1883. While we find many encouragements in this branch of the public service, we have to regret the occurrence of serious misfortunes which have wrought a delay in carrying forward much of the important work of the Commission this year.

"In the month of May, 1882, about two hundred and fifty of the adult trout purchased with the site for establishing the state fisheries, were suddenly seized with an unknown fatal malady from which they died within a few hours."

(Editor's note: The fisheries site referred to in above paragraph was named Santee fisheries and is now known as Gretna fish hatchery.)

"In the month of March, 1883, the Commission received from Hon. Spencer F. Baird, the United States commissioner of fish and fisheries, 400,000 fry of the white fish from Lake Huron. These were placed in the most suitable ponds in the state known to the commissioners, namely, 100,000 in Santee lakes, and 200,000 in lakes near Fremont. The residue were retained at the fisheries for distribution to persons who desired to try the experiment of raising these fish in private ponds.

"Several persons obtained allotments of a few thousand each, but with what success we have not as yet been advised. The white fish fry retained at the fisheries soon died, apparently for want of proper sustenance in the water. The Commission also obtained from the Michigan fisheries 100,000 eggs of the white fish and placed them in the Chase hatching jars. But it results that the temperature of our spring water is too high for successful operation with the eggs of this fish. On receipt of these eggs, the embryo was fairly formed, yet within 15 days after they were placed in the jars, they had all hatched and floated out of the jars into the nursery, but soon died apparently for the same cause as the others before named.

"The Commission is therefore satisfied that white fish cannot be successfully cultivated in the water of this state."

The superintendent who was in   Outdoor Nebraska 5 charge of the hatchery at South Bend was dismissed because of being negligent of his duty. The report said, "In the month of February, the Commission opened a correspondence with fish culturists with reference to the employment of a suitable and practical superintendent, but without success, the wages we were authorized to offer, namely $500 per annum, being wholly inadequate."

The offered salary was increased to $700 per year and finally Martin E. O'Brien of Sandwich, Ontario was assigned to the position. Mr. O'Brien came to the Board "recommended as an upright, honorable gentleman, who has had ten or twelve years' practical experience in fish culture."

"The Commission is aware it has in this matter exceeded the legislative expectation in contracting to pay the superintendent the salary of $700 per annum, instead of leaving the fisheries without a superintendent, and consequent destruction for the failure of the legislature to appreciate the actual value of a superintendent's services. It is a mere stroke of good luck in procuring a competent man at the sum named since ten to twelve hundred dollars per annum is the usual salary paid by eastern establishments to practical fish culturists.

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding all these adverse and discouraging circumstances, the interest of fish culture has received encouragement and has made fair progress since our December report. The people throughout the state are becoming more awakened to the subject, are building ponds and sending in orders for fish to stock them, and we hope to be able to furnish them all with that splendid fish, the German carp, before legislature shall convene, and in the meantime, stock the northern and western streams with the attractive and delicious brook trout."

The board'd 1884 report read, "The Commissioners feel highly gratified with the results of the year's business ending Dec. 31, 1884. A marked and increasing interest is manifested by the people of the state over any former year since the Commission was organized. The period of two years following the passage of the act creating the Board of Fish Commissioners saw little progress in fish culture beyond the gathering of statistics relative to the amount and condition of the waters of the state.

"As only the sum of one thousand dollars was appropriated, it was not expected much else could be done, yet, by paying their own personal expenses and devoting the sum appropriated to ,the procuring of fish eggs, hiring them hatched at a private hatchery, and causing the young fish to be planted, and laying the foundation for future   6 Outdoor Nebraska work, they succeeded in a commendable degree in inaugurating a system that will eventually result in great advantage to the people of the state.

"Complete success in this enterprise cannot be evolved like the invention of a machine, executing a work of art, or building a railway, dependent alone upon the genius of the mind or the power of money for success or failure, but many concomitant agencies conspire to make it a success or failure, with a capriciousness scarcely met in any other human undertaking.

"In May, 1853, Dr. Theodatus Garlick of Cleveland, Ohio, made the first attempt at fish culture in America, and in November of that year took and impregnated the first eggs of the brook trout by artificial spawning. He demonstrated the fact, but no one looked upon it other than as a personal affair of a scientific man for his own gratification merely. Thus the matter slumbered for 15 years; but Dr. Garlick lived to see the consummation of a grand result—the fact of successful fish culture in America.

"In April, 1884 superintendent O'Brien was sent to Saginaw Bay, Michigan to obtain the eggs of a desirable fish, whose proper name was 'Pike Perch.' A large percentage of the fish hatched and between one and two million were planted in streams and lakes of the state. Stocked were 150,000 in Santee lakes in Sarpy county, 150,000 in Salt creek above Ashland, 500,000 in Horse Shoe lake in Washington county and 500,000 in streams in Madison and Stanton counties.

The 1884 report added, "The adaptability of the German carp to successful cultivation in private ponds in the state is assured beyond doubt or cavil. They may and very likely will succeed better in some ponds than in others. So far as the Commission has received reports, this fish has exceeded the most sanguine expectation of those engaging in their cultivation."

During the year, 1,650,000 fry—brook, trout, California trout, land locked salmon and walleyes—were planted throughout the state. This practice has since changed as the Commission strives to stock a greater number as adults.

The Board of Fish Commissioners was still in its infant stage. Total property of the state—the Santees fish hatchery—was valued at only $7,170.20. Some of the properties included a dwelling house, ice house, one span work horses, harness and wagon, common plow, ice saw, lantern, 10 unlined hatching troughs, four wood-bound fish cans, 2 seines and a pair of ice tongs. The trout, carp and bass in the hatchery ponds were valued at $770.

Fish Stocking Grows

FISH stocking continued to grow with the years. In 1888, more than seventeen million fry were planted throughout the state. These stocked consisted primarily of the popular walleye. Others were lake herring, brook trout, rainbow trout, German carp, black bass and spotted catfish. In all, more than 1,000 private ponds were stocked by the Commission.

The Commission requested an appropriation of $16,000 for the 1889-1891 bienium, mentioning that it was small in comparison with the $25,000 appropriated to New York for 1888.

Already it was learned that fish, if stocked at larger size, would be more successful than those stocked at fry. In its recommendations, the Commission suggested that all fry, excluding walleyes, be retained in the nursery ponds until six months to one year old before planting.

Transportation problems began converging on the hatchery. The 1889 report commented, "The Commission has this season hatched and distributed 17,732,725 young fish. The planting of this number of young fish in the ponds, lakes and rivers is a work of no inconsiderable magnitude and danger, especially when surrounded, as it is, with manifold difficulties and trials in their transport by railway in shipping cans for long distances. With proper facilities provided for transporting the   Outdoor Nebraska 7 young fish all danger of loss could be avoided."

The Commission recommended the construction of a fish car adapted to the economical distribution of fish by the thousands. The car was to resemble a freight caboose and be built at a cost of about $2,000.

"Numerous complaints have come to the department from persons living in different parts of the state in respect to the unlawful destruction of fish which have been planted by the Commission. Many of these persons, under a misapprehension, of course, complain because the commissioners do not enforce the fish laws or attempt to do so. In nearly every instance, these complaints were answered by sending the persons a copy of the fish laws as they now exist, also informing them that the Commission has neither means or power to proceed against a single offender not possessed by every other citizen of the state.

"Under our present fish laws, no special department of state government is responsible for their enforcement, but it is left to the authorities. The inevitable consequence is that they are not enforced at all or in such a loose manner as to give fish but little protection. In my opinion, the law as it now stands is sufficiently stringent, but the means of enforcing it are lacking. I respectively call the attention of the commissioners to this matter and suggest as a means of modifying the evil so far as possible, that the legislature this winter be asked for a special appropriation of $500 annually to be used for the prosecution of all violations of this law.

The following year, one wish of the Commission was granted. The fish car became a reality. The B.UM. R.R. Co. gave the Commission a side track at South Bend for the exclusive use of the fish car. With the use of the fish car, the delivery of fish to remote points from the hatcheries was facilitated with greater safety and in much better condition than was possible by shipping the fish in cans in baggage cars.

The 1889 stocking was again a huge planting—15,221,610 young fish, varying from one to six months of age. Those stocked were walleye, salmon or   8 Outdoor Nebraska lake trout, brook trout, Loch Leven trout, black bass and German carp. "The introduction into our waters and cultivation of carp since 1883 has been attended with very gratifying results. This excellent food fish has hitherto been under estimated as well as erroneously criticized in some instances. It is destined to be of considerable commercial value."

An amendment of the statute passed for the protection of fish planted by the Commission was felt necessary, making an open season for lawfully taking them with the ordinary method—hook and line only. "We expect to submit to the coming Legislature a bill providing for the open and closed season for the better class of food and game fishes in the state. We also intend submitting a bill asking for the appointment of a Game and Fish Warden, whose special duty it shall be to arrest and prosecute all violators of our game and fish laws."

Horses get tired. The team in use for the last 11 years wasn't believed capable of much hard work so the Commission recommended purchase of another team. The horses were used about nine months of the year hauling water and fish to and from the South Bend station, about 11 1/2 miles from the hatchery. It required 1600 gallons of water to fill the fish boxes and all had to be filled every time the fish car left and it was up to the horses to haul all the water from the hatchery.

The request for fish protection went unheeded. In 1896, the Commission reported, "The matter of fish protection has been a very serious question with the board. The board has been seriously handicapped in this matter by want of funds. Peace officers throughout the state, as a rule, decline to assist in the prosecution unless their costs are paid or secured. An act should be passed providing a closed season, during breeding season, for the more important food fish."

To combat the outbreak of dynamiting fish, the Commission asked that an act be passed making it a felony to use dynamite for the purpose of killing fish in any water of the state.

New Commission

NO consideration was given to these requests until 1901 when the Game and Fish Commission was created by the State Legislature, replacing the Board of Fish Commissioners. As directed by the Legislature, the newly formed Commission had a general charge of the following named public matters: Protection, prepagation and breeding of such fish and game, song and insectiverous and   Outdoor Nebraska 9 other birds as may be deemed valuable to the state; collection and distribution of such statistics and information as may be deemed useful respecting the protection and propagation of fish and game and song birds, etc. . . . ; control and management of all state fish hatcheries and grounds; enforcement of all laws of the state for the protection, preservation and propagation of fish and game, song, insectiverous and other useful birds.

The affairs of the Commission were to be conducted by a Game and Fish Commissioner and his subordinates.

According to the newly passed law, the governor was made Game and Fish Commissioner and he was required to appoint two deputy Game and Fish Commissioners for two year terms. "One of said deputies shall be designated as the chief deputy who shall, under the direction of the Commissioner, devote his entire time to the affairs of this office. One of said deputies shall be skilled in the science of fish culture and shall under the direction of the commissioners have the control and management of all fish hatcheries of the state and the distribution of fish spawn and fry in the waters of the state."

The deputies were to receive a salary of $1,200 per annum, payable quarterly. The Commissioner was also directed to appoint three deputies who were to receive $75 per month for such time as actually employed in actual discharge of their duties.

The commissioner and his deputies were made officers of the state with all of the powers of sheriffs and constables while acting within the line of their official duties with authority to make arrests and to serve all writs and processes, civil and criminal, in the enforcement of the act.

Nebraska's first hunting and fishing license was authorized in 1901 (Picture of 1901 license on pages 30 and 31). The cost was $1.00. Anyone hunting or fishing during the open season within the county of his actual residence was not required to purchase a license. However, if he fished or hunted out of the county, he had to buy a license.

During the first year of the new Commission, 98 arrests were made for violations of game and fish laws with 87 ending in convictions. Six of those prosecuted received jail sentences. Confiscated were 20 dogs, guns and fire-arms. An estimated 10,000 game fish were liberated from confiscated nets and traps. Total number of resident licenses issued during 1901 was 5,718.

The 1902 report said, "Our game birds showed a marked increase as the result of judicious laws and practical protection. Prairie chicken in the eastern and lower counties have increased to a considerable extent. Quail also showed a marked increase."

For the next biennium the Commission recommended that deer and antelope be protected. There were an estimated 100 antelope and 50 deer in the state. It was also recommended that the force of three regular wardens be cut to two and that the salary of the first traveling deputy be increased to $100 per month and that the salary of the assistant traveling deputy remain at $75 with $500 per year for traveling expenses.

The 1908 report contained some discouraging information. "In my last biennial, I reported a marked increase in prairie chicken and grouse over the previous biennial, and I am sorry that I cannot report still further increase now. During the past two seasons prairie chicken have appeared to be very plentiful on the breeding grounds in the spring, but unseasonal weather seemed tc prevent good hatchings and covies have been very small.

"Again we find the increased settlement of our sand hills section, due to the Kinkaid homestead law, has been detrimental to these birds because they disturb them during the nesting season, and it is reported that they kill a great many out of season and in season. I fear we are beginning to see the last of these noble birds, particularly the pinnated grouse, a condition which calls for more restrictive legislation.

"In my last report I called attention to the almost complete extermination   10 Outdoor Nebraska of the quail, caused by the severe winter of 1905, and predicted a speedy recovery to normal conditions, owing to their domestic habits and prolificy. This seems to be true as during the past season the quail have been reported more plentiful than for years past."

Highlights from the 1914 report: Two ."hundred and thirty-six persons were .arrested on charges of game and fish "law violations—176 convicted, 16 jail sentences; the propagation of the ring-decked pheasant and other game birds in captivity in the state did not prove as successful as expected, and 9,166,066 fish were stocked during 1913-14, consisting of walleye, rainbow trout, black bass, croppie (now spelled crappie), bullheads, striped perch, brown trout, channel cat, sunfish, rock bass, carp, buffalo, bull frogs, goldfish and fresh water clams.

The salary of deputy game wardens was recommended to be increased in 1916. Three deputy wardens were employed at a salary of $75 per month for a period not to exceed eight months of the year, leaving the Commission without help for four months.

During the severe winter of 1915, several of the finest lakes in Holt, Brown, Rock, Cherry and Sheridan and other counties which provided excellent bass fishing, were nearly denuded of fish by suffocation and tons of fish lined the shores of those lakes when ice went off in spring. A man was hired to cut air holes in the ice in Dewey, Hackberry, Trout, Marsh and Willow lakes, but owing to unprecedented weather and heavy snows, the work proved futile and the bass were killed in practically all of those lakes. Though every effort was being made to restock the lakes, it was believed that it would take five years before bass fishing would again be as good as it was before the freeze.

Other good waters during that time were the North Platte river and irrigation lakes in that section. Nice catches of brook and rainbow trout were taken in the Verdigre and the Eagle and its branches in Holt county, and both Long Pine and Plum creeks in Brown county. The Blue river at Milford provided excellent crappie fishing.

New Bureau Created

THE year 1919 saw the Legislature do away with the Commission and place the administration of game and fish laws under the Department of Agriculture where it become known as the Bureau of Game and Fish.

Following are the hunting seasons as authorized by the State Legislature:

Plovers (black-breasted and golden, greater and lesser yellow legs.)—Sept. 16-Dec. 31. Daily bag limit 15. Possession limit 25.

Prairie chickens and grouse—Oct. 1-Nov. 1. Daily bag limit 10. Possession limit 10.

Rails (except coots)—Sept. 16-Nov. 30. Daily bag limit 15. Possession limit 15.

Snipe (Wilson and Jack)—Sept. 16-Dec. 31. Daily bag limit 15. Possession limit 25.

Waterfowl (brant, coots, ducks, geese) —Sept. 16-Dec. 31 (as provided by proclamation of the President of the United States). Daily bag limit—brants (10), coots (25), ducks (25) and geese (10). Possession limit 50 game birds. Of this total, no more than following of any one kind: plovers (25), prairie chickens (10), rails, except coots (25), snipe (Wilson and Jack) (25), brants (10), coots (50), ducks (50) and geese (10).

The killing of imported game birds—English pheasant, China pheasant, Mongolian pheasant, English partridge, Belgian partridge, English blackcock—was considered a misdemeanor.

In fishing, the act forbid the taking, catching, killing, destroying or attempting to take or catch any fish by any other means than hook and line. Such line could not have more than five hooks thereon or artificial bait having not more than three triple-gang hooks.

The following regulations pertained to fishing: Black bass (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit eight inches.

  BAG LIMITS OF 1919  

Bass, rock, white or striped (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit six inches.

Bullhead cat and catfish (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit 11 inches.

Croppies (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit six inches.

Perch—white, yellow or ringed and sunfish (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit six inches.

Pickrel (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Size limit 12 inches.

Trout, pike or pike perch (Apr. 1-Oct. 31)—Size limit—trout (six inches) and pike (12 inches).

Several years back the Commission acquired the Valentine fish hatchery. Now the legislature provided an appropriation for the purchase and maintenance of a hatchery in Dundy county. With the addition of the new hatchery, the Commission's fish plants totaled three—Gretna, Valentine and Benkelman.

The Commission reported for the 1921-22 biennium that the elimination of spring shooting and drastic enforcement of game laws in the last four years were the primary reason for the increase of waterfowl and other game birds native to the state.

"The rigid enforcement of laws during closed season has naturally increased the number of prairie chickens, grouse, pheasants and quail."

In addition to the regular deputy game wardens, the Commission at that time employed from time to time special deputy game wardens who acted as enforcement agents without remuneration.

Two game reserves were established—one near Fairbury and the other near Omaha—having a combined total area of 273 acres. The two reserves were posted and together with the national forest reserves at Halsey and Nenzel made up a total area of 220,541 acres for wildlife protection.

Three carloads of pheasants, primarily Chinese ring-necks, were distributed to farmers and others who made applications during the next biennium. The pheasants were secured from pheasant farms at Silvertown, Ore. and St. Charles, 111., and were distributed without cost to the parties who received them.

The report said, "The chief value of pheasants lies in their insectivorous nature which makes them valuable in combating insect pests in sections where much damage results to crops from this source.

"These birds have become quite numerous in Howard, Sherman, Valley and Greeley counties where a limited number were distributed for the first time a few years ago. Continued importations in limited amounts should result in a great increase in the number of these birds within a few years and cause a considerable addition to the game supply of the state.

The greatest distribution of game birds in the history of Nebraska was reported for the 1927-28 biennium. A total of 28,632 Chinese ring-necks and 800 Hungarian partridges were distributed throughout the state.

"The policy of trapping ring-necks from those counties located in the central part of the state, where the birds had become very numerous, was taken up again in March, 1927. Permits were issued to 1,600 trappers in Howard, Sherman and Valley counties where trapping was allowed. One dollar per bird was paid to the trapper for catching and delivering to the Commission. The birds were shipped to practically every county in eastern and southern Nebraska as well as to counties in northwest Nebraska where birds were desired. All of the Hungarian partridges which were imported were placed on the game reserves throughout the state.

During 1928, a reported record number of fish were distributed in the state. The majority of those stocked were fingerlings and reportedly large enough in size to take care of themselves when planted.

The state fish car "Waltonian" was remodeled.

A specially built fish truck with a capacity of eight large tanks equipped with an air pump was built and put   Outdoor Nebraska 13 into service. Several smaller trucks were also used in distribution work.

The important work of conserving fish was carried out on a larger scale than during any previous year. Two salvage crews were kept busy most of each summer taking fish from ponds, irrigation ditches and lakes where there was danger of fish freezing out and transferring them to other waters.

The policy of providing bird and game reserves which began on an extensive scale in 1925 was continued. At the beginning of the biennium, 252,000 acres together with 10 rods on each side of the Platte river in Garden county had been set aside. During the past two years 12 new preserves were added with an area of 46,820 acres.

"Excellent progress had been made during the past two years in the establishing of fish nurseries. The policy of placing fry in nurseries until they are large enough to take care of themselves in natural waters had been found to be a forward step in fish culture. By this method at least 50 percent of the fish planted reach maturity; whereas, under the old system of putting fry into natural waters, approximately 10 percent reached maturity. Additional nurseries have been established in Dawes, Sheridan, Holt, Scotts Bluff, Custer, Douglas, Cherry and Dodge counties."

First Pheasant Hunt

THE fall fo 1927 will go down in hunting news for Nebraskans as it marked the first time an open season was declared on the ring-necked pheasant. A three-day season was opened in Sherman and Wheeler counties with the result that about 5,000 birds were bagged. In the fall of '28, a 10-day season was held in Garfield, Wheeler, Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Howard, Buffalo, Hall and Merrick counties. Over 35,000 pheasants were taken.

"These open seasons decided beyond a question of a doubt that the ring-necked pheasant is an excellent game bird and is fine eating. They are hardy enough to protect themselves and with a reasonable open season the stock can be protected indefinitely.

During the summer of '28, a disastrous flood partially destroyed the Valentine fish hatchery. Considerable damage was done to the ponds and it was ascertained that approximately 250,000 fish consisting of bass, rock bass, crappies and sunfish were lost. The hatchery was immediately rebuilt.

A large number of ponds were developed at the Rock creek hatchery near Parks. The small hatchery at Benkelman is only a few miles distant from Parks. The Commission said Rock Creek hatchery was one of the largest pond hatcheries in the middlewest at that time.

The Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission, as it is known today, came into existence on April 22, 1929 at which time the revised Game Code, contained in House Roll No. 466 of the 1929 session of the State Legislature, being an emergency measure, was approved by the governor.

Five men were appointed by Governor A. J. Weaver as Game Commissioners. They were E. R. Purcell of Broken Bow, F. A. Baldwin of Ainsworth, Webb Rice of Norfolk, Guy R. Spencer of Omaha and George Dayton of Omaha. Frank B. O'Connell, formerly chief of the Bureau of Game and Fish, Department of Agriculture, was appointed secretary and warden.

Other personnel of the old Bureau of Game and Fish were taken over, as well as the several institutions and property pertaining to game and fish administration. The four state parks—Arbor Lodge, Chadron, Victoria Springs and Stolley—formerly under the State Park Board, were also taken over.

The Game Commission in 1929 had real estate valued at $518,000 and equipment at $56,500. Both figures were estimates.

Following is a comparison of the sale of permits from 1923-31:

1923 $130,437.50 1924 158,663.45 1925 167,469.69 1926 173,619.16   14 Outdoor Nebraska 1927 169,760.00 1928 193,538.31 1929 200,543.18 1930 215,222.06 1931 212,693.36

In 1929, the Game Commission had 15 district wardens and one special investigator. All district wardens were in '29 furnished with suitable uniforms. All wardens were provided with state-owned cars.

Following is a glance at the number of arrests for violation of game laws from 1925 to 1931:

1925 175 1929 526 1926 384 1930 659 1927 434 1931 531 1928 437

The Game Commission continued the policy of establishing a state-wide system of recreation grounds started in 1926. Recreation grounds were not meant to be state parks, but instead to supplement the state parks as well as to provide fishing and hunting for thousands of Nebraskans.

Some of the areas were the Rowell lake, Long lake, Merriman lake, Cottonmill lake, Louisville sand pit, Blue river, Oxford lake, Memphis lake, Pressey, Pibel lake, Willow lake, Litchfield lake, Champion lake, Loup City, Wellfleet, Alexandria lake, Arnold lake, Frye lake, Union Pacific lake, Ravenna and Richardson county recreation grounds and Ballard's Marsh hunting grounds.

Pheasants continued their spectacular increase. There were an estimated several million pheasants in Nebraska in 1929.

The bob-white quail was almost eliminated. Extreme winters took a heavy toll. The Game Commission report said, "In order to secure a bird to replace the bob-white quail, which probably never' will be found in Nebraska in large numbers again, owing to the lack of suitable cover, the Commission has introduced the Hungarian partridge which has been imported from central Europe. These birds are hardy and excellent game birds. The Commission made a very large purchase of these birds in 1930, stocking them on game reserves throughout the state in hope that coverage will be started and that proper environment for such birds will be found.

"Some experimental work with the wild turkey, which at one time was found in Nebraska in considerable numbers, has been carried out during recent years. Owing to the fact it is extremely difficult to obtain wild birds for stocking,   Outdoor Nebraska 15 the work has been rather slow and it is still too early to tell for certain whether or not this bird could be rehabilitated in certain favorable areas of eastern Nebraska.

The Commission authorized the construction of what is now known as the holding and distributing plant at the state fair grounds. The then modern fish plant cost some $20,000. The plant contained tanks for the holding of several carloads of fish, together with trackage and unloading platforms for the fish car and storerooms for seines and other equipment. Hundreds of thousands of fish were reported handled each year through the plant.

Scientific research was continued during 1931 and '32 although riot to as great an extent as desired. An investigation was made on the different species of fish found in the state. Studies were made on the channel catfish. Another study was made on sand pits and ponds of southern Nebraska in order to get more data regarding food of fish and relation of species to one another.

A cooperative study of the bob-white quail was undertaken by the Game Commission in cooperation with Prof. Myron Swenk of the University of Nebraska and Dr. E. W. Nelson of the Smithsonian Institute.

Build Game Farm

IN 1936, the Game Commission established a game farm at Norfolk to raise pheasants to supplement the pheasant population in areas normally inhabited by the ring-necks. The farm was located on leased property as it was felt inadvisable at the time to purchase a permanent site until more experience could be gained as to the type of soil that was required for ideal pheasant propagation.

During the first year of operation, 75 breeding pens, 7 double brooder houses, 14 brooder runs, 13 show pens, 4 large range pens, 15 small shelters and 25 shipping crates were constructed. A total of 2,700 birds were raised, consisting of pheasants, chuckar partridges and quail. Approximately 700 pheasants and 150 partridges were retained at the game farm as brood stock.

The remaining birds were released in Gardner, Cuming, Saunders, Pierce, Howard, Sherman, Antelope, Stanton, Boone, Wayne and Madison counties.

In 1938, sportsmen began asking what happened to the once common bullhead in Nebraska. The Game Commission had removed in previous years thousands of bullheads from the sand hills lakes to stock underpopulated waters scattered throughout the state.

Several summers of drought left the lakes with low water and consequently many froze out, killing all fish. Nature then relented and the lakes began filling up again and it wasn't too many years before the popular bullheads were again plentiful enough for state-wide stocking.

Waterfowl nimrods had from Oct. 15 to Nov. 28 in 1938 to take their daily bag limits of 10 ducks. Pheasant season was relatively short, lasting from Oct. 16 to Oct. 29. The daily bag and possession limit was five birds. One hen pheasant was permitted.

The Game Commission's first use of the, federal aid bill known as the Pittman-Robertson Act was in 1940 for the new cooperative pheasant rearing projects. This was the beginning of the program still in progress whereby the Commission supplies cooperative wildlife and civic groups with young birds. The clubs rear the pheasants which are later released in areas where pheasants are scarce but where they once thrived.

During the first year of operation, the cooperative pheasant rearing unit projects resulted in the liberation of 13,489 pheasants which averaged better than three pounds each.

The pheasant outlook for 1940 was the best in the state's history. A bag limit of five birds was set for the Oct. 20-Nov. 2 season. Due to an extremely heavy concentration of the ring-necks in the North Platte valley, a second season was authorized for Nov. 10-16. Daily bag arid possession limit for the second season was three male pheasants.

  16 Outdoor Nebraska

On May 1, 1940, the Commission began field work on a Cooperative Quail Restoration program under the provisions of the Pittman-Robertson Act for Federal aid in restoration of wildlife. The objective of the program was the restoration of permanent feed and cover for wildlife in areas which were once heavily populated with quail, and which then offered possibilities for improvement. The work was first centered in Johnson, Pawnee, Richardson and Nemaha counties.

In the following year a study of the distribution, food, nesting habits and nesting mortality of the common upland game birds of the state was started by the Game Commission. The Upland Game Project replaced the quail restoration project which was dropped on July 1, 1941.

The Game Commission reported pheasants more numerous than all other species of upland game birds combined in 1944. An 80-day season was granted Nebraska sportsmen with a bag limit of five cocks. Compiled results from the pheasant season of the previous year showed that the average hunter took about 18 pheasants during the long 70-day season.

World Record Fish

ALL was not hunting in '44. Nebraska waters produced a world record fish. Robert E. Nuquist of Ericson caught a 31-pound, 11 1/2-ounce channel catfish while fishing in Ericson lake. The fish was recognized as a world record.

The second quail season of modern times was held in 1945. Quail hunters flushed about a covey of quail per hour of hunting time. Hunters bagged quail at a rate of 1.25 birds per hunting hour. The year 1945 also marked the first time in Nebraska history that a deer season was held. The hunt was held in the Bessey division of the Nebraska National forest.

By 1946, the Game Commission had grown into a large organization. Eighty-six full-time employees carried out Game Commission activities. Maintained by the Commission were seven state parks, one game farm, four fish hatcheries and 50 recreation grounds.

Gretna hatchery produced 105,343 fish, Valentine 688,839, North Platte 1,243,736 and Rock Creek 145,851 during '46. Biologists made investigations on factors influencing fish growth and reproduction. More than 10,000 catfish were trapped by the Game Commission for stocking above dams in Nebraska's major rivers.

The Game Commission modernized its law enforcement division in 1947 with the purchase of a patrol plane and two-way radio sets.

The year 1949 resulted in increased fishing waters for Nebraska's growing family of anglers. Three new lakes— Smith lake, 23 miles southwest of Rushville, Atkinson lake, Vz mile west of Atkinson and Hull lake, 3 miles south and one mile east of Butte—were constructed by the Game Commission.

Attendance at Nebraska's seven state parks set an all-time high in 1950, ascertaining the growing popularity of the parks and the realization that Nebraska has its share of nature's beauty spots. The park attendance has shown a marked increase since 1945 when attendance was 81,996. Attendance in following years was 123,310 in 1946, 140,000 in 1940, 201,855 in 1948 and 220,000 in 1949. The 1950 park attendance, though plagued by constant un- favorable weather, totaled about 225,000.

Fisheries enjoyed a banner year in '49. Though the number of fish stocked failed to equal the previous record, those stocked ran considerably larger than ever before. Of 4,042,282 fish—all species—stocked, more than 225,000 were adults. The North Platte hatchery was the No. 1 producer, turning out 1,806,346 fish—walleyes, northern pike, bass and bluegill.

The record number of adult fish stocked in '49 failed to hold up. The following year—1950—saw more than 450,000 of the fish stocked being released as adults. The Game Commission is

(Cont'd on Page 52).

Outdoor Nebraska 17

Those Were The Days! Buffalo, Antelope Galore

Those were the days! That's a familiar saying with oldtimers who recall their past hunting and fishing days when sportsmen were relatively scarce and the virgin soils of Nebraska literally abounded with game. Vast herds of buffalo and other game roamed the state, providing Nebraskans with a diversity of hunting. The only controlling agency was one's conscience. "When sufficient meat was available, hunting receded temporarily.

Elam Peterson of Orleans remembers many of those days of yesteryear and submitted the following story to OUTDOOR NEBRASKA.

"Through the courtesy of Mrs. Justus Johnson who loaned me the diary of her brother-in-law, Rolf Johnson, which was written from 1876 to the early 1880's, I am able to give some accurate dates and bags of big game hunting at that time here in this part of the country.

"My father, John Peterson, and my uncle, Clarence Peterson, probably killed more big game in Harlan county than any other two hunters.

"A memorandum—Oct. 7, 1876—from above diary.

" 'Henry and Clarence Peterson, who have been hunting antelope in the sand hills, arrived at Dohlstrands this evening and I went up to see them. They had shot eight antelope. Clarence, the youngest of the brothers, is a famous hunter who has killed thousands of buffalo, deer, antelope, wolves and wildcats. Father bought two antelope so we will have fresh antelope steak tomorrow and that isn't to be sneezed at.'

" 'Oct. 26, 1876—Clarence Peterson and his brother John and his nephew Peter Berquist arrived at Dohlstrands from a two day hunt on Plum creek during which time they killed six deer and six antelope. They said they would   18 Outdoor Nebraska not go buffalo hunting for awhile as the Ute Indians were reported troublesome on the range. Father bought a deer and an antelope.'

" 'Jan. 17, 1877—The buffalo hunters arrived at Dohlstrands. They had been gone two months and had been through hard times owing to the inclemency of the weather. Clarence, John and Peter Berquist made the trip to the head of the Republican river. They brought back ten buffalo, twenty-two deer, fifteen antelope and one wildcat. Father bought a fine blocktail buck we are very proud of.'

"'Oct. 20, 1877—This morning we left School creek (Harlan county), heading west, bound for the headwaters of the Republican river to hunt buffalo, "King of the Plains." Clarence had a Sharps sporting rifle, 44 caliber. Pete had a Springfield needle gun, 50 caliber. I had a "10" shot Henry rifle which I had borrowed from Will Delwarth.'

" 'Nov. 2, 1877—Clarence brought down a cow (buffalo) at a distance of 463 yards. Clarence and I went to butcher the cow. She was not dead, but very fierce and savage. Clarence grasped her by the horn, placed his knee on her neck and plunged his knife into her throat.'

" 'Jan. 4, 1879—Weather very cold. Got a letter from Clarence Peterson who has just returned from a buffalo hunt on the headwaters of the Republican. The boys had a hard trip and one of them, "Barefoot John," froze his feet. They killed six buffalo.'

"I have given you the above memorandums in Rolf Johnson's diary which began in 1876. Buffalo at that time were beginning to get scarce here in Harlan county. You will note that these hunters were either in the sand hills in the northern part of what is now Phelps county or up near the headwaters of the Republican, about 50 to 75 miles northwest of McCook.

"Most of the buffalo killed by my father and uncle were taken in Harlan county or adjacent to this county before 1876. My father was referred to in the diary as 'Barefoot John.' He got the nickname because of a very remarkable buffalo hunt.

"On a morning in the early 1870's, there was a big herd of buffalo traveling north past my father's home which was located on School creek in Harlan county. I might add that he was a young man at that time. He grabbed his rifle, cartridge belt and hunting knife—without cap, coat or boots—and took after the buffalo which numbered seven head. He killed all of the buffalo during the day on foot within 10 miles of home. After that day he was called 'Barefoot John' among the buffalo hunters.

"His rifle was a single-shot weighing about 16 pounds which shot a bullet of about 400 grains. If I remember right, it would handle a heavier bullet up to 500 grains. He held an extra shell in his left hand and could shoot twice and even three times before a buffalo could travel 150 yards. Most buffalo were killed at less than 100 yards distant.

"My Uncle Clarence and my father, though the records show they killed thousands of big game animals, never wasted any edible meat of any game they had killed. They , had a market for buffalo, venison and antelope or they gave it to the neighbors. They did all their hunting on foot and transported their game home by wagons drawn by oxen.

"After their big game hunting was over, they continued hunting ducks, geese, quail, prairie chicken, etc. My father's greatest sport was quail hunting. He was considered the fastest shot in this part of the country and very seldom aimed his shotgun as some of us do now in duck shooting.

"He did not shoot from the hip, but would bring his gun up ta his shoulder and by that time would have his gun lined up with proper swing and lead on the birds. Few birds ever traveled more than 20 feet before he dropped them. All birds were shot over highly trained bird dogs of which he trained many.

  Outdoor Nebraska 19

"He started training the boys and myself to shoot shotguns when we were about four to five years of age. He also taught us how to handle a gun. He was a very tough teacher when it came to teaching the 'respect of a gun.' He never permitted us to shoot a quail or prairie chicken while the bird was sitting. My first shotgun was a 28 gauge damascus barrel muzzle loader.

"He was a great conservationist even at that time. He would never shoot or permit us to shoot a bird that we could not retrieve if we killed it.

"He was also a fisherman and made my first fishing line by hand. He spun horse hair and taught us how to spin our own fishing lines. They worked okay then, but I'm afraid they would not be too good on my spinning rod and reel of today.

"In the 1870's to 1890, we had catfish, bullheads, suckers, buffalo, red horse (weight 1 1/2 to 3 pounds) and a few bluegill and quillbacks. We caught our first carp in 1897 or '98. Crappie, bass, pike and cat have been introduced since 1900. There were very few bass here before 1900.

"We have not had many elk in Harlan county. I believe a few were killed here in the 1870's. We did have bison, deer, antelope, buffalo wolf, grey wolf, coyotes, otter, beaver, mink, rats, lynx and wildcats. In the bird family in early days we had geese, cranes, swans, wild turkeys, ducks, quail, prairie chicken, grouse, curlews, plovers and eagles. We also had a few jackrabbits in 1876.

"There were supposed to have been two black bear seen in Phelps county in 1876. Opossum showed up here in about 1900.

"Nebraska has been one of the best big game states in the union and still is one of the finest hunting and fishing spots. Incidentally, my wife, Mrs. Emma H. Peterson, who is 66 years old, shot her limit of ducks last season on opening day, all on the wing of course. I lacked one duck on the limit but we still had a good time and are looking forward to opening day this year.

The antelope, fleetest of the hoofed animals, may be found in most all of the panhandle counties of Nebraska.

20 Outdoor Nebraska

The Missing Picture

Following are characteristics of a bird seen in Nebraska. How many of these descriptive and informative sentences must you read before you can identify the "Missing Picture." The name and picture of the fish can be found on page 57.

1. Many years back, the Indians shot this bird with arrows.

2. It is the only bird in North America described "almost as tall as man."

3. It has an average length of 4 1/2 feet and a wing spread of about 7% feet. Its plumage is white. On both sides of the head, below the eyes, can be found a bare spot extending to a point on the back of the crown which is sparsely covered with short hairs.

4. It is long-lived and grows wary as the years pass. It now frequents prairies, marshes and barren ground, though always being on constant alert for man.

5. It flies low, its wings sometimes almost brushing the grass tops. In migration it rises to such tremendous heights that it may pass over a large region un-noticed by man.

6. It is an occasional visitor to Nebraska, stopping chiefly along the Platte river.

7. The sand hills crane, often seen in the state's unique sand hills region, is often mistakingly identified as the subject bird.

8. This bird is now threatened with extinction. Latest reports indicate that less than 40 of these birds are still alive.

9. The bird is easily identified by its familiar "whoop" sound.

Take Cats from Missouri-1927

Beginning Sept. 1, a state crew will begin operations in the Missouri river. Catfish will be caught, transported to holding ponds and later distributed to creeks, ponds and streams throughout the state. Owing to the fact that it is extremely difficult to propagate channel catfish, it hoped that this new method of taking fish will meet the demands for them and make fishing in southeastern Nebraska better than during the past several years.

Outdoor Nebraska 21

Directions Can Be Complicated; Try These To Rat, Beaver Lakes

How would you like to do some good fishing in Rat and Beaver lakes, right in the heart of Nebraska's unique sand hills. Well, if you live in North Platte, all you have to do is go west from the Ford garage to where Lincoln highway turns north, which is one and one-half blocks from the garage.

Then drive north on the highway, straight across the river. When you get as far north on the north side of the river as you can get, turn to the right. Go east to second road turning to the left. This corner will bear a road sign marked Stapleton. Turn left here. Follow main traveled road until you come to a corner a short distance north of windmill with part of the tower boxes and which stands right close to the right side of the road. A lot of evergreen trees are found around the buildings here. You can't miss it.

At corner just after passing this, you will find three roads. Take the middle one, which angles across the section, in a northeasterly direction. You hit the intersecting road, just after passing the old red frame school house, which stands at northeast corner of section. Turn to left when you hit the intersecting road and follow this road as far as you can go which will put you on the Logan county line. Turn to right here and go two miles. Turn to left and follow main traveled road until you come to foot of hill, just at west line of Stapleton.

Turn left here on section line. Follow main traveled road until you come to another windmill with a steel tank, standing just at the right of the road. Just after you pass this, the road runs through a little cut in a hill, and immediately after this cut, road turns to left. Very short distance from here, the road forks. The left road looks the best, but keep the right hand one. Follow main traveled road, angling back and forth across prairie until you come to old dingy board, arrow-shaped, pointing to left. Turn on main traveled road and follow it along side of field and fences until you come to second road angling across prairie to right. Follow this road all the way through the hills and across prairies until you come to the Dismal river.

Cross the river and climb hill on other side. Keep left hand road all the time after getting over this hill until you pass through runover where there is a mail box at left side of runover and an old trunk standing right alongside the mail box. Immediately after passing this, road turns downhill to right. After passing this point, it is plain sailing to Thedford. Take on gas and oil at Thedford. Then drive straight up the hill from garage. At top of hill, the road forks. Keep left hand road as right hand road leads to Enders lake.

Follow main traveled road until you come to ranch where house is sod and out-buildings frame. Set of elk or deer horns are hanging on barn. This is left of road. Mail box here at left of road with name Elliott, rather indistinct.

At corner just beyond this place, road forks. Turn corner to left. Signboard on post here, "Brownlee." When you get to Brownlee, which you cannot miss, if you follow main traveled road, driving off bridge, there is a garage at right on corner. Straight ahead of you there is an old store building with name White and Pedersen on front. Keep straight ahead, passing just to right of this building, and go straight ahead on main road until you hit grade road at north edge of town site. Turn corner to left, on graded road, and just a very short distance from here, not over a hundred yards, turn off graded road to right.

Follow road angling across prairie, through two gates, second one right   22 Outdoor Nebraska close to house at end of grove. Keep straight ahead until you come to windmill on right side of road. Gate to your left. Go through this gate and immediately turn to right and follow road clear across prairie, coming out at abandoned sod house without any roof. House has been concreted at one time.

Follow main road until you come to gate where mower wheel buried at left of road; take left hand road here.

When you come to ranch where sign reads "Ice for Sale," keep straight ahead and go through gate at end of grove between ranch buildings in grove, and deserted frame house on other side of road. At next fork in road, keep right hand road. At gate where sign "Dewey lake" is found, keep right hand road. After passing next ranch, where there is considerable timber, you will find at left of road a post with two signs on it, "Rat and Beaver lake." Turn left here and you are headed for Beaver lake. No chance to miss it. At Beaver lake, inquire as to road to Pelican or any other lake you might be interested in.

Now for the trip back. What? You're not interested? Neither am I. Space is running short.

(Editor's Note: It is with deep regret that I must inform you that you can no longer get to Rat and Beaver lakes via these directions—too many landmarks have since disappeared.)

If you are really interested in going to the lakes from North Platte, leave on highway 92 and go north and east to Merna and from there take highway 2 northwest to junction of highways 83 and 2 which is two miles from Thedford. Take 83, going north, cross Goose creek and turn west by the sign marked "Rat and Beaver lakes." Not too hard, is it? The distance from North Platte to the lakes by using the last directions is approximately 175 miles, most of which is either hard surfaced or gravelled roads.

The pioneer directions were submitted by Leigh L. Reynolds, 1921 West Waugh street, Grand Island.

Plant Hungarian Partridges -1928

A small shipment of Hungarian partridges were received by the Nebraska Bureau of Game and Fish in November and released in the state. Only a few states were able to get these birds this year owing to the restrictions governing the exportation of same from central Europe.

Seven crates were received. The birds were in good condition, only three being dead. The birds in several crates were injured somewhat, probably due to carelessness in trapping or shipping.

25th Anniversary Issue

This Summer Issue of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Game Commission magazine. Many changes have incurred. The size of the magazine has been doubled and the circulation has in the last year doubled its previous peak.

It is through the courtesy of the Nebraska Game Commission that you are able to purchase the book at such reasonable costs. OUTDOOR NEBRASKA is sold at a cost not to exceed actual publication, mailing and distribution expenses.

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA is devoted to the fair dissemination of hunting, fishing and recreation news. It is for you that the Game Commission publishes such a magazine. Your comments and suggestions as to improvements and changes in the contents of the magazine are solicited. Address all correspondence to The Editor, OUTDOOR NEBRASKA, STATE HOUSE, LINCOLN.

  24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 25   26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 27   28 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 29       32 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 33   34 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 35   36 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 37

38 Outdoor Nebraska

DESCENT OF STATE'S MARKET HUNTING

In the late 1890's, Nebraska's vast prairies were frequented by market hunters. Game was killed en masse, drawn, packed in barrels or casks with head and feathers intact, and shipped to big markets in Chicago and other points east

Game was considered a crop in those days. Hunters from the east turned out in great numbers to harvest the plentiful Nebraska game. The state also had its own professional market hunters. There were others, though not professing to be the professional type, who would kill game and exchange it at local dealers for beef and grocery items.

A kill of 500 ducks or 100 prairie chickens was not unusual. Often one hunter would shoot an entire case of shells.

In the early 1900's, market hunting began disappearing as game dwindled in numbers and limitations on numbers killed were enforced. Probably the major factor forcing the downfall of market hunting, however, was the change in land use, not newly imposed hunting restrictions.

The virgin prairie was plowed up, eliminating much of the vital nesting areas for the birds and consequently decreasing the numbers. Overpasturing of hay lands was also detrimental to game populations. Draining of once numerous marshes raised havoc with ducks which wintered in the state in substantial numbers.

Mrs. Grace A. Hamaker, superintendent of Brown county schools, provided OUTDOOR NEBRASKA with a letter and special market report on game sent to Eli Fast of Johnstown, Nebraska.

The letter, dated Oct. 16, 1890, was sent by H. L. Brown and Son, Produce Commission, Chicago. It read:

"Noticing that you are shipping game to this market, we take the liberty of writing to you soliciting your shipments.

"We make game a specialty here and enclose you one of our market reports. We sold all our P.C.'s (prairie chickens) today, light and dark at $4.00, and the market is firm at this figure.

"Give us a trial and we will put your game to the front and sell at highest market prices."

The special market report on game published by H. L. Brown and Son on Oct. 15, 1890 give the prices on game as follows:

Prairie Chickens $4.00 per dozen; partridge $5.00 per dozen; quail, prime No. 1, $1.50 per dozen; quail, soft and off, 60 cents to $1.00 per dozen; woodcock, prime No. 1, $5.00 per dozen; venison saddles, fresh killed, 13 to 14 cents per pound; venison, off, 10 to 12 cents per pound; venison carcasses, 8 to 14 cents per pound; bear saddles, 10 to 12 cents per pound; bear carcasses, hide on, 12 to 15 cents per pound; bear carcasses, hide off, 8 to 10 cents per pound, wild turkey, sound, 10 to 12 cents per pound.

Mallard ducks, $3.75 per dozen; redhead ducks, $3.75 to $4.00 per dozen; blue-winged teal, $2.25 per dozen; green-winged teal, $1.75 to $2.00 per dozen; small duck, $1.25 to $1.50 per dozen; canvassback duck, $10.00 to $16.00 per dozen; jacksnipe, $1.00 to $1.25 per dozen; sandsnipe, 30 to 40 cents per dozen; golden plover, $1.50 per dozen; grass plover, 75 to 90 cents per dozen; jackrabbits, $3.00 to $4.00 per dozen, and common rabbits, $1.20 per dozen.

The market report also added that "Stock mutilated or out of condition will not sell at outside price. The demand is good on all of the above mentioned game and prices are such that shippers ought to make good margins on all consignments. Weather cool and stock coming in in much better shape and buyers are taking hold with more confidence. Remember our store is the headquarters for game buyers, and with the competition we have, we can obtain highest prices paid at all times and remit promptly. Favor us when shipping."

Outdoor Nebraska 39

"Outdoor Nebraska" Quiz

You are invited to test your fish identification knowledge. Answer the five questions at the right of the drawing with the names of fish found immediately below the drawing. For answers see page 57. Count 20 points for each question answered correctly. A score of 100 is excellent while a score of 80 is good. If you get below that, you're not doing too well.

40 Outdoor Nebraska

STATE-WIDE SEARCH REVEALS THREE LICENSES DATED 1901

Early in April, the Nebraska Game Commission asked sportsmen of the state to aid the department in its search to find the oldest fishing and hunting license in the state. Several hundred Nebraskans and many residents of other states came to the rescue.

Sifting through the avalanche of licenses sent to the Game Commission office produced three licenses purchased in 1901, the first year fishing and hunting licenses were sold in the state.

Licenses bought in 1901 were sent in by Mrs. F. W. Tate of Valentine, Leslie J. Bauer of Sutton and C. J. Eller of Harvard. Mrs. Tate mailed in a permit purchased by her husband while Mr. Bauer presented a license bought by Andrew Gellatly. Mr. Eller submitted both a 1901 and a 1902 license purchased by Fred Fickler.

Following are the names of those people who sent in permits bought from 1901 through 1910. These people originally purchased the permits. The exceptions are where one name follows a name appearing in parenthesis. In these instances, the name in parenthesis is the purchaser while the following name is that of the sender.

1901—(F. W. Tate), Mrs. F. W. Tate, Valentine; (Andrew Gellatly), Leslie J. Bauer, Sutton; (Fred Fickler), C. J. Eller, Harvard (also a 1902 license).

1902—(Luther Adkins), E. Hrbek, Omaha; E. Parkins, Chapman; Joe Martin, Hastings (also 1906-09).

1903—Ed Humberstone, Holyoke, Colo, (also 1905); O. C. Hilsinger, Omaha.

1904—("William Marsh), Harry G. Marsh, Omaha (also 1905-1945); Albert George, Lushton.

1905—Herman Wiegert, Grand Island; (Anton Melcer), Frank Kozak, Wilber; Carl Stainbaugh, Omaha.

1907—Bud Ditman, Stanton (and most through 1951); (Charles Pfrimmer), C. S. England, Axtell.

1908—(Walter Dale), Al Johnson, Gothenburg; Henry Ratay, Omaha.

1909—Ray Short, Omaha.

1910—(Dan Winslow), Harry Johnson, Friend.

The first fishing and hunting license issued in 1901 cost $1. The permit entitled the bearer to hunt and fish anywhere in the state. A license wasn't required, however, to hunt or fish in the county in which a person was a resident.

The permit cost of $1 remained the same until 1943 when the State Legislature changed the cost to $1.50 for a combination fishing and hunting permit or $1 for a straight hunting or fishing permit. The permit cost was changed to $1.50 for each in 1949 or $2.50 for the combination.

The Game Commission wishes to express its gratitude to the hundreds of people who sent in permits and also to the radio stations and newspapers in the state who cooperated by announcing the license search.

A complete set of all fishing and hunting permits from 1901 to 1951 is expected to be ready for exhibit by July 15. The permit series will be on display in the Game Commission offices on the ninth floor of the state house.

Outdoor Nebraska 41

Know Your Warden

At home anywhere in the state. That's Loron Bunney, veteran warden of district No. 8 comprised of Arthur, Grant, Perkins and Keith counties. During his lengthy tenure with the Game Commission, Bunney has driven about three quarters of a million miles within the boundaries of Nebraska. He has at some time worked every county of the state and apprehended and saw convicted more than a thousand game law violators.

Bunney was born on his father's homestead in Chase county. Years later, he moved to Harlan county where he farmed for 10 years. He discovered that dry farming didn't pay.

Bunney became adept at trapshooting and gained nation-wide recognition. This rewarded him with a position in 1924 as a professional trapshooter for a sporting powder manufacturer.

One year later, he received an appointment as game warden under the Department of Agriculture, a position he held for two years. The Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission was created in 1929 and in that year Bunney again became a warden, a position he has held since.

Bunney's first district was the area from Hastings to the Colorado line, south of the Platte river. His headquarters were at Holdrege. He next moved to Lincoln and was appointed field supervisor, covering the entire state. He was then appointed special investigator and later supervisor of the eastern half of the state.

Many of the pictures appearing in past issues of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA were taken by Bunney. His favorite hobby, however, is shooting, either game or the traps.

Bunney attributes his success in holding his position for so many years under the same employer to several reasons; first, being thoroughly sold on conservation of our wildlife and the natural resources of our great state, and second, using judgment and honesty in handling the violator as well as the public. Last, but not least, "trying to the best of my ability to be loyal to my supervisors, and strict economy in the handling of state funds entrusted to me."

42 Outdoor Nebraska

TURNING BACK THE PAGES ... Of Outdoor Nebraska

The following stories appeared in past issues of this magazine. No changes have been made in any of the stories.

Howdy! -1926

The Bureau of Game and Fish takes pleasure in presenting to the citizens of the state the first number of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA.

It is the purpose of the Department to publish this bulletin from time to time for two reasons:

(a) To inform the sportsmen and other citizens of the state who are interested in the work of the Department just what is being done.

(b) To inculcate a greater appreciation for the wildlife and the natural beauty of Nebraska.

It is hoped that our first efforts meet with the approval of all citizens. And we hope that all who are interested in outdoor Nebraska will cooperate with us in the great work in which your state is engaged.

Frogs -1926

Considerable misunderstanding prevails as to the meaning of the law protecting frogs.

The Nebraska law protects frogs but does not define the kind or qualify their use for bait, probably through an oversight on the part of the Legislature.

Inasmuch as the bureau stocks bullfrogs, they should not be used for bait or molested in any way. Game wardens have been instructed to make arrests where bullfrogs are taken or killed but to disregard the use of the small grass frogs when used for bait. Under no circumstances should any kind of frogs be shot or killed for any purpose except bait.

It is quite likely the next session of the Legislature will clarify this situation so that the intent of the law will be clear.

Bag Limits Reduced -1926

Reduction in bag limits in certain kinds of migratory wild fowl was ordered this spring by the Secretary of Agriculture and approved by the President. The lower bag limits will be effective next fall.

Only 20 Wilson or jacksnipe may be taken in one day instead of 25, as in the past. Under State law, the Nebraska limit is 15.

The daily bag limit of sora was reduced from 50 to 25. On rails and gallinules, except sora, a daily limit of 25 in the aggregate or 15 of any one species was prescribed. Nebraska's limit on these is also 15. The new Federal regulation provides a daily limit of 25 coots, which is the same under the Nebraska law.

Nebraska's Newest Recusation Grounds -1926

The fourth state recreation grounds was purchased last month by the Nebraska Bureau of Fish and Game.

The new holding is located three miles west of Fremont on the Lincoln Highway. Paved and gravelled roads lead directly to it from Omaha, Fremont, Lincoln and numerous other towns.

The tract contains approximately 165 acres of which about 100 acres is water. The water is contained in eight sand pits varying in size from twenty-five to five acres. Most of these pits are twenty to forty feet deep and all of them are fed from seepage water from the Platte river.

Case of the Prairie Chickens -1927

(The case of Prairie Chickens vs. the   Outdoor Nebraska 43 State of Nebraska in the Court of Public Opinion.)

Your Honor, my name is Prairie Chicken. I am a native of Nebraska. In the early days before the coming of the White Man my ancestors lived upon the unbroken prairie in peace and security. My people were numbered by the thousands and life was very sweet to them.

Unfortunately for my people, Your Honor, we must live in the open places. We cannot thrive where we are hemmed in by civilization. We must have broad fields and prairies upon which to feed and build our homes. Our young are very tender and timid. Our little ones cannot do well when they are endangered by man and his machines.

In the olden days we had our enemies. The wolf and the coyote and the mink and the eagle and the hawk used to steal into our homes and steal the little ones. Many times there was a pitiful scene when a young mother returned to the nest to find it looted by some miscreant who had taken advantage of her while she was seeking food. We had our natural enemies in those days, but we managed to increase in numbers and to get along. We have no complaint to make of that.

It is of conditions today, Your Honor, of which I complain.

Today, Your Honor, we are faced with extinction. The White Man has come in ever increasing numbers, pushing farther and farther westward until today there is no place left for us. Not only is it impossible -for us to find suitable places where we can obtain food and build our nests—worse than that, Your Honor, it is impossible for us to find a place where White Man will even let us rest in peace and security. There is only a handful of us left.

It is true, Your Honor, that the White Man has passed some laws in the last few years which are meant to protect and preserve us. But alas! these laws are so poor and so many of your people have given them so little heed!

As I say, Your Honor, there is only a handful of us left. I am here today to plead our cause. Unless you can give us some relief we are doomed. We cannot go on like this; five years more and we are doomed.

I do not feel that we are asking anything unreasonable, Your Honor. Over half of (all my people left have been driven into your state, Nebraska. Here we are making our last stand. I am here today to ask several things. I hope that you can see your way clear to grant them. Life to us is sweet; it is a heart-breakingthing to see one's peoplevanish from the face of the earth.

The first request I have to make, Your Honor, is for a place where we can feed and raise our families in security. We do not expect much. We shall be glad to have only a few preserves, just a few places where we can know we are safe from those who would destroy us.

And secondly, Your Honor, we ask that we be protected against the ever increasing number who come each year to hunt us. We wonder if you really know our plight, Your Honor. Pardon me for digressing a moment. Here is the picture:

Under your present laws each fall there are 30 long days when men can come from all over America to hunt us. Each man can kill 10 of us. Men come in tens and hundreds. They come in automobiles nowadays and they run over hill and valley from early in the morning until late at night.

Some of these men are too lazy to give us even a fighting chance. They set in their camps and hire some market hunter to kill us for them. Then they load our dead bodies into their cars and take us home where they feed upon our flesh and boast to their friends of their prowess as hunters.

And some of these White Men, too poor in sportsmanship to give us a fighting chance for our lives, steal upon us in their cars and shoot us before we know whether it is friend or foe. Many of our people, Your Honor, have died from a gun fired from a man sitting in a car. Then there is the White Man whom you call a Game-Hog, who is afraid that he isn't going to get his share and that his neighbor will kill us first. He goes out before the allotted   43 Outdoor Nebraska thirty days and kills our young before they have learned to care for themselves.

All we ask, Your Honor, is a place in the sun and protection against too much hunting. We are of a sporting blood and willing to try our wing against the eye of any White Man. But we ask that we be given a fighting chance—just a fighting chance. If you will allow us enough peace and security to raise our young and give us enough protection to recuperate our depleted numbers, we will not camplain. We will do our best to help make Nebraska a fine state with abundant wildlife and a glorious outdoors. We know that the olden days can never return; that there are now new conditions. But we feel that we are entitled to live and that it would be unfair to allow our race to disappear from the earth. Once we are gone there can be no return.

(Editor's note: The judge was in complete sympathy with Prairie Chicken. After a short season in 1928, the judge ruled that the Prairie Chicken be given complete protection and closed the seasons until 1950. In that year, Prairie Chicken, satisfied that his population was on the way up, declared that a short open season would be welcome. A three-day season, Nov. 10-12, was held in 1950 in Brown, Keya Paha and Rock counties and part of Sheridan county.)

Wardens to Wear Uniforms -1929

Following the favorable reports received from Michigan, Wisconsin and New York, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has decided to put Nebraska wardens in uniform.

Last year Wisconsin and Michigan placed their law enforcement officers in uniform part of the time. The experiment at once became popular with the sportsmen. It was found that suitable uniforms not only helped to dignify the position but it helped the sportsmen identify the authorized representative of the state and kept them from being the victim of unscrupulous persons.

Of course, it is realized that it would be impossible for game wardens to wear the uniforms at all times, since part of the warden's work is to bring game violators to justice. Sometimes it takes several days of "shadowing" to catch a spring-hunter or a seining party. The uniform would be a give-away in such cases.

But rounding up the habitual lawbreaker is only a part of the warden's work. He must investigate complaints sent in to the office, check thousands of hunting and fishing permits, appear in court and give advice and instructions to the hundreds of persons who hunt, trap and fish. In these latter tasks the uniform can be worn to great advantage to both the state and to the sportsmen.

The new Nebraska uniform consists of a semi-military style and is forest-green in color. Belts and hats are worn with the uniform in the summer and caps in the winter.

Discontinue Handling Goldfish -1929

The Commission has discontinued the handling and sale of goldfish at the several hatcheries. This decision was made when it was reported that owing to disease and high cost of the purchase the state was losing money in handling these fish.

Since the citizen who pays his dollar does not care about goldfish, it was n'ot deemed advisable to use funds longer for such purpose.

Adjust Wardens Salaries -1929

The salaries of game wardens have been adjusted so as to reward men who have served the state for a long period of time.

Heretofore, wardens have received $100 per month flat, regardless of length of service or value to the state. Through recent action of the Game Commission this schedule has been changed so that wardens will henceforth receive from $80 to SI20 per month, depending on length of service and rating as to efficiency.

Qualifications of A Game Warden ...They're Diversified

Many letters are received by Conservation Departments of all states from sportsmen who want to know how they can qualify as game wardens. Now, at last, we can tell them. Quoting Curtis S. Allin (regional supervisor of law enforcement at Boston, Mass., for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife service) we list all—well, nearly all of the requirements. Hold on to your hunting caps!

A game warden must be:

A biologist which would make him a botanist and zoologist, as he must know something of the origin, structure, functions and life history of vegetable and animal organisms.

An anthropologist, as he must study the science and history of the human race.

A conchologist, if he expects to handle oysters, clams and mussels.

An entomologist, as he will be combating friendly insects including the mosquito, tick, chigger and others.

A herpitologist, for he had better know the difference between a rattler, copperhead, cotton-mouth, and a bull snake, cow sucker and garden snake.

A mammalogist, as his dealings will be with wild as well as domestic animals.

A paleontologist, as he will deal with a supervisor or central office who are fossils in any fieldman's book.

A ornithologist, as birds will comprise a special study for him.

Ichthyologist, branching out in his zoology in knowing his fish.

Capable of filling some of the less technical positions such as a policeman, as he must arrest violators that he observes infringing on game and fish laws.

An investigator, in running down tips and information.

An attorney, for he must prepare and handle his cases in court.

A sprinter, as he will be forced to run down many a violator.

  46 Outdoor Nebraska

An automobile driver and mechanic, for a lot of time will be spent wearing out the seat of his pants.

A boatman and mechanic, as he must be versed in the operation of all floating equipment.

An orator, as he will be called upon to deliver speeches before many organizations.

A school teacher, as much time will be spent in schools and before youth groups explaining the why's and wherefore's of conservation.

A doctor, as he will be called on numerous times to act in emergencies, using his training in life saving and first aid.

An engineer—with the revival of farm pond construction he will be called on to locate suitable spots, run lines for dams and give advice on plantings, etc.

A farmer, for he must know the difference in soils, have the know how to advise fellow farmers to improve their lands for more wildlife, which is his crop to improve.

A typist, as the number of reports, memorandum, etc., are increasing every month.

A diplomat, to keep the department out of hot water as well as himself.

An airplane pilot and radio operator; it is here gentlemen you are going to have to meet the violator fire with fire. The airplane and radio are the answers to many of our enforcement problems.

Forester—a conservation , officer should be well versed in the native timber and wildlife food producing trees in his state, be trained in the proper use of fire fighting equipment.

Guide—many times he is called upon to visit remote districts, he must be able to find his way back to his car or. boat.

Salesman—he is in most cases the sole representative of his department in his district, therefore, on his shoulders rests the responsibility of selling himself and liis department's program to the local citizens.

Furrier—he will be called upon to identify the different furs or pelts from fur bearers, likewise identify a prime from unprime pelt.

Preacher—his doctrine will fit into any creed or religion as his sermon should be delivered seven days each week, from the creek bank to the temple. His theme song is "Let us play the game fair and save some seed for another year."

Last, but not least, he is a banker for if he can stretch that pay check far enough to meet all current expenses, he can qualify as an expert, which is to accept a job as a conservation officer, the one man who must complete more different assignments than any other man living or dead (except another game warden). If he is a success in his calling he may rest assured his efforts have not been in vain as he is one of the few who can say, "A game warden is born, not made."

Any applicants?

Outdoor Nebraska 47

State Fish Record Falls, Another Tied

Nebraska's fishing records wobbled dangerously in their desperate fight to cling to some thread of life during the first half of 1951 which produced fishing as productive as experienced in many years. One record was topped, another standard was tied and several others were in serious jeopardy.

Trout fishing, now dwindling in productiveness as the summer wears on, provided Nebraska anglers with constant outstanding catches throughout most of the state. Eastern Nebraskans enjoyed probably the finest trout fishing ever in Fremont and Louisville state lakes. Bag limits were plentiful.

Unseasonable cold and frequent rains hampered fishing in April and May, but still good catches were reported. Regardless of the weather, however, you could find some productive water whether you were fishing for crappie, bluegill, northern pike, walleye, bass, catfish or bullheads.

Probably the most spectacular fishing water of the state was Maloney lake, located five miles southwest of North Platte. Maloney provided the finest walleye fishing in years in addition to producing good fishing for most other species.

McConaughy reservoir, though not as outstanding as bygone years, again pleased many an angler. Huge northern pike were taken as were some white bass, big catfish and hefty trout.

A Coloradoan, A. D. Moon of Sterling, in particular, found McConaughy's productiveness to his liking. Moon landed a ponderous 25-pound northern pike, equalling the state record set by R. O. DeFord of Ogallala in the same body of water two years ago.

McConaughy also provided a challenger for the state record rainbow. Earl Hames of Oshkosh hooked on to a 10-pound, 3-ounce rainbow while using a bucktail fly as the lure. The state record is 11-pounds, 4-ounces and is owned by L. E. Houtz of Madrid.

H. C. Stancliff of North Platte took advantage of Maloney's lakes productiveness, landing a 10-pound, 5-ounce walleye. Only shortly before his spectacular catch, Roger Hoff of Gering provided the Game Commission with an affidavit ascertaining a catch he made in 1950 of a 11-pound walleye. The state record had been 10 pounds and was established by Claude Whitcomb of Chadron in 1949.

Neither of these good catches held up, however, as John Stensvaad of North Platte hauled in a 11-pound, 5-ounce walleye during the first week of June. Stensvaad, like Stancliff and Hoff, took his big walleye from Maloney lake.

Following are the names of just a few of the anglers who took some of the "big ones" during the first six months of 1951. The water in which the fish were taken is given when available.

NORTHERN PIKE: 25-pounder by A. D. Moon, Sterling, Colo., in McConaughy; 23-pounder by Byron Reeding, Kansas, in Johnson lake; 19y2-pounder by Benny Ostrand, Mason City, in Johnson lake; 15V2-pounder by Lee Reifschneider, Lincoln, in Johnson lake; 11-pounder by A. W. Anderson, North Platte, in Maloney lake; five averaging four to six pounds each by A. H. Harper, North Platte, in Maloney lake inlet; four averaging four to six pounds each by Mrs. A. H. Harper, North Platte, in Maloney lake inlet.

TROUT, RAINBOW: 10-pound, 3-ouncer by Earl Hames, Oshkosh, in McConaughy; 8J/2-pounder by Robert Schmidt, Bayard; 7y2-pounder by Mrs. Hazel Hupfer, North Platte, in McConaughy; 6y2-pounder by John Peters, Omaha, in Maloney lake; 6-pounder by Albert E. Hensen, Bellevue, in McConaughy; 6-pounder by Fred Ward, Ogallala, in McConaughy; 5%-pounder by John Bauer, McCook; 4% -pounder by Ed Porter, North Platte, in Maloney lake inlet.

  48 Outdoor Nebraska

TROUT, BROWN: 8-pounder by John Banks, Scottsbluff, in stream eight miles south of Broadwater.

WALLEYE: 10-pound, 5-ouncer by H. C. Stancliff, North Platte, in Maloney lake; 9-pound, 14-ouncer by Harry Bragg, North Platte, in Maloney; 7-pound, 12-ouncer by Bud Taylor, North Platte, in Maloney lake inlet; five weighing from 2V2 to 9 pounds each; four weighing from 2 to 5 pounds each by Dr. Donald Fox, Kearney, in Johnson lake; eight from 2 to 6 pounds each by group of Martin Gundelfinger, Glen Gundelfinger and Bob Eckhart, all of Hastings, in Johnson lake.

BASS, LARGEMOUTH: 6%-pounder by Melvin Pursley, Benkelman; 6Yi-pounder by Bert Urban, O'Neill, in Atkinson-Stuart gravel pits; 5-pounder by Lynn Holbach, Avoca, in Louisville state lake; 5-pounder by John Graham, Dakota City, in Crystal lake; 4%-pounder by Robert Carmichael, Blair, in Fremont state lake; 4-pqund, 5-ouncer by Leo Cooper, North Platte, in Maloney lake; 4 % -pounder by Jack Ballard, Benkelman; 3-pound, 9%-ouncer by Dr. G. L. Lorenzen, Benkelman; 2%-pounder by Ed Jacoby, Superior, in Pawnee lake.

CATFISH: 19-pound, 8-ouncer by Mrs. Leonard Lawyer, North Platte, in Maloney lake; one 16-pounder and one 10-pounder by Fred Ward and party, Ogallala, in McConaughy; 12-pounder by William Manley, Omaha, in Carter lake; 10-pounder by Ed Hashberger, Schuyler; 9-pounder by H. R. Wright, Superior; 8-pounder by Charles Garthright, Dakota City, in Crystal lake; 6y4-pounder by Ed Jacoby, Superior, in Republican river; 5y3-pounder by R. W. Davis, Hastings, in diversion dam; 4-pounder and 2-pounder by Mr. and Mrs. Worthy Woods, Hastings, in Republican river; 3 Vz -pounder by R. A. Brimson, Odell, in Little Blue river.

CRAPPIE: 10 weighing total of 11% -pounds by Rev. Phil Dubbs, North Platte, in canal below North Platte.

WHITE BASS: Limit of large bass by John R. Moore, North Platte, in Maloney lake.

CARP: 16%-pounder by W. F. Somerhiser, Lincoln, in Fremont state lake.

The versatile minnow has to date proven the most successful all-around bait for Nebraska fishes. The most productive baits, according to reports received by Nebraska's conservation officers were live minnows for white bass; live minnows for walleye; minnows, plugs, flies and salmon eggs for northern pike; minnows, plugs, crayfish and pork rinds for bass; minnows, chicken liver, chicken entrails, stale minnows, shrimp, frogs and beef melt for catfish; nightcrawlers for bullheads; minnows, worms and flies for crappie; flies, minnows, salmon eggs, liver, beef melt and spinners for trout; worms for bluegill, and corn, worms and doughballs for"' carp.

There is no closed season for any species of fish in the state caught by hook and line.

Did You Know?

There appears to be more upland game birds today than when white man first settled in these parts. Pheasant, grouse and quail are considered upland game birds.

The common opossum has been extending its range both northward and westward each year.

The black-footed ferret is still to be found in Nebraska. The ferret is a member of the weasel family.

The milk snake, similar in appearance to the poisonous coral snake which is peculiar to southeast United States, is found as far north and west as southeast Nebraska.

Nebraska's king bird, the pheasant, must share its "ring-neck" name. The state also has a prairie "ring-necked" snake which can be found in the eastern half of Nebraska.

Outdoor Nebraska 49

ROSA MULTIFLORA ...Its Planting and Care

By James Ager Habitat Restoration Project Leader

Five years ago multiflora rose was a stranger to Nebraska. Farmers didn't know such a plant existed and game men were beginning to hear a few comments about it at wildlife meetings. The following year it was planted in Nebraska for the first time as a living fence and wildlife cover. These plantings in 1947 were made by the Game Commission and the Soil Conservation Service. Since that time the Game Commission has planted 1,500,000 rose plants or approximately 285 miles of living fence. Today practically all farmers and sportsmen in the southeastern half of the state are familiar with the plant in some degree.

Rose multiflora serves several very excellent purposes in Nebraska. It furnishes a low cost living fence for farms and is especially desirable as a contour fence dividing crop land from pasture. It furnishes travel lanes and escape cover for game birds and animals. In addition it has erosion control characteristics and adds a great deal of beauty to the farm.

Game Commission plantings are primarily aimed at bird cover, but this is very often in the . form of living fences. The chief reason Nebraska has been able to provide a quail season in southeast Nebraska has been the abundance and distribution of osage orange hedgerows. These are rapidly disappearing in front of the bulldozer and our quail will follow suit if some replacement is not provided.

In the east, quail are finding rose hedges the answer to the disappearing hedges and brushy fence rows. We feel the Nebraska quail will respond in the same manner

With proper planting and care this rose will make a stock tight fence in from three to five years in Nebraska. Planting such a fence need not be a difficult task. Most Soil Conservation districts are now equipped with mechanical tree planters which are available to their cooperators at a very reasonable cost.

If a mechanical planter is not available, the rose may be planted very easily and rapidly with a tractor and plow by following a few simple instructions:

I. The fall before planting, plow and disc a strip -wide enough to accommodate the disc on each side of the center line where the rose will be planted. On thin soil, add manure or commercial fertilizer.

II. In the spring, open a furrow down the center of the prepared strip just ahead of planting operation, so that the soil does not dry out. (Never allow the roots to dry out and if planting cannot be done immediately upon   50 Outdoor Nebraska receipt of the plants, they should be heeled-in or stored in a cool damp place). Carry plants in a pail of soupy mud or keep them in a pail of wet straw. Hold plant against the straight side of the furrow and pull a handful of dirt over the roots. Place plants one foot apart in a single row.

III. When one or two hundred feet of rose have been set in place, plow the furrow shut. On the return trip pack soil over the roots by running tractor wheel close to roses.The placing operation is very important to survival by insuring that soil is in close contact with the roots, thus preventing roots from drying.

IV. Clean-cultivate the roses for at least two years and use a straw mulch in the row to reduce weed competition. Protect plants from grazing until they are large enough to protect themselves. Replace dead plants with new ones or by burying tips of adjacent shoots as soon as possible in order that the new plants will get off to an early start.

Remember Rosa multiflora adds beauty, wildlife and a practical stocktight fence to the farm, yet it takes away nothing.

Give Wildlife The Brake

Whether it be a pheasant, an opossum, a squirrel, a deer, a rabbit or any other species of wildlife, "give it the brake" and spare a life. Prolonging its life will reap dividends, not only for the hunter, the bird or animal lover, but for all. Wildlife is fascinating and loved by all. It is a part of all of our lives.

The lives of thousands of birds and animals are ruthlessly taken each year by unconcerned motorists who defy anything, living or dead, to get in their paths. Wildlife, in particular, is insignificant in their lives.

So slow down, particularly in areas where wildlife abounds, and "Give Wildlife The Brake." Who knows, the bird you might have avoided killing might have helped to fill your bag this fall.

  Outdoor Nebraska 51   52 Outdoor Nebraska

Life With the Commission

(Cont'd from Page 16).

gradually beginning to realize its long-range dream of stocking primarily adult fish.

Mentioned in the preceding paragraphs are only a few of the more outstanding accomplishments of the Game Commission. Withheld because of lack of space are reports on the stocking of the huge reservoirs; elimination of the application system for stocking fish which provides more equal and improved fishing for all; control of outbreak of fish diseases; other lake construction and maintenance; the 1949 and 1950 deer hunts; the 1950 grouse season after a lapse of more than 20 years; the acquisition of such game reserves and public shooting grounds as Sacramento, Gilbert-Baker, Pressey, Plattsmouth, Peterson and Metcalf, and Nebraska's leadership in the initiation of the program of rearing walleyes to at least fmgerling size before release.

There are other numerous accomplishments, which, though of minor concern, weighed heavily in the Game Commission's program of managing and propagating Nebraska's wildlife and resources. It is the Game Commission's intention, as has been evidenced in the records appearing in this story, to continue to provide Nebraskans with the finest in outdoor sports as nature and man can possibly afford.

(Appreciation is extended to personnel of the Nebraska Historical Society for their assistance in securing old publications from which much of the material used in this story was taken.)

Big Game Census -1928

A census of big game animals on the Niobrara Reservation listed 80 buffalo, 100 elk, 10 antelope and one white-tailed deer.

Outdoor Nebraska 53

FIND THE VIOLATIONS

A number of violations appear in the following story. Test your game law aptitude by finding the violations. Answers appear at the end of the story.

The problem confronting Mr. Ashby, a graying gent of about 55, was how to entertain his favorite son-in-law Jim Lawson and grandson Billy. Jim and Billy lived in a neighboring state and were expected to arrive within an hour for an eight-day visit. —1

The weather was sultry—the simmering heat seemed destined to stay forever. It wouldn't relent. Mr. Ashby sought some form of recreation which would avoid the full might of the broiling sun. He then thought about a fishing trip to the local lake. Here lofty trees would afford some comfort from the heat. —2

Convinced that a fishing excursion would provide the most comforting form of entertainment, he immediately ambled down to the local permit buyer and purchased a resident permit for Jim. He didn't buy a permit for either Billy or himself. Billy was only 11 years old. Mr. Ashby was merely going to teach Billy how to fish.

Precisely at the scheduled time, the train chugged into the whistle-stop station. Jim and Billy stepped off the train, weary from the long jaunt, but anxious for diversion. Both heartily agreed instantly to the proposed angling trip. —4

An hour later, the three were on their way to the lake. Three minutes after their arrival at the lake, Jim was working his favorite artificial lure in search of crappie. Young Billy, who had never fished before, stood anxiously by. —5

Grandfather Ashby took a casting rod and reel from its carrying case. He assembled it and baited the hooks with nightcrawlers. "Here," he said to Billy, "let's see you cast out." Billy was hesitant. He didn't know the first thing about casting. —6

"Well, then," Grandfather Ashby remarked, "I'll cast and you watch me." He cast and Billy was awed by the ease with which his grandfather cast his baited line far out into the lake. —7

"Now sit down, Billy, and hold your line." —8

Billy relaxed on a fallen tree and his grandfather then explained the techniques of fishing. He was describing the method of putting worms on a hook when a fish made a savage jab at Billy's luring hook and began to run with the line. Startled by the unexpected lug on his line, Billy let it fall to the ground. —9

Grandfather Ashby retrieved the rod immediately and began reeling in.. After the fish appeared to be definitely hooked and on its way to shore, he gave the rod to Billy and told him to reel it in. This he did and he succeeded in. landing the first fish of his young life.. —10

Meanwhile, Jim had moved over to the shallows of the lake. Luck was with him. He had already landed three crappie, one a "lunker", must have weighed better than a pound and a half. An hour later, he returned to the restful rendevous under the tree where Billy and Grandfather Ashby were sitting. Jim had something to show them 10 crappie, the bag limit. —11

This was inspiring to Billy and his grandfather. They were sure they could catch more fish. Jim, however,   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 53 wasn't too satisfied with himself. Six of the crappie were better than a pound each, but the other four were only seven or eight inches long. He went back to the shallows and as he hooked a larger crappie, he returned one of the smaller panfish to the water. He kept this up until he had a limit of large crappie. —12

The late afternoon sun was beginning to creep below the horizon and hunger pangs became prevalent. The three climbed into the car and returned to Grandfather Ashby's house. Jim wanted to show his "Nebraska fish" to the folks back home so he cleaned them and put 'em on ice. —13

Plans for the next day were devoted exclusively to more fishing. Jim .wondered if minnows would be as successful as his artificial lures. He asked his father-in-law if minnows were abundant in the local area. Mr. Ashby replied that they were, but that those bought at bait vendors cost quite a bit. He suggested that they seine their own. —14

Just as the sun was begining to light up the sky, the three arose. They drove to a nearby creek. The water immediately below the dam appeared to be the most likely spot where minnows might abound. They seined below the dam for about 15 minutes and succeeded in getting more minnows than they actually needed. —15

Next stop was the lake. Grandfather Ashby helped Billy cast and retrieve for bullheads while Jim used minnows in trying for crappie in the productive shallows. Repeating his success of the previous day, Jim took another bag limit of crappie. —16

Billy and his grandfather weren't ready to leave as yet so Jim started fishing for catfish. He was just as successful as he was for crappie. Jim took nine yellow cat, ranging from nine to fifteen inches in size, before he called it quits. —17

Billy landed five or six bullheads and was apparently well satisfied with himself as an angler. He was ready to go home. They packed their fishing gear and headed for Grandfather Ashby's housed Upon arrival there, they found a car with an out-of-state license. Jim recognized it at once. It was his friend, Bob Parker, whom he had called last night. Bob was so enthused about Jim's luck that he wanted to try it himself. _18

Plans for the next day were being formulated when the telephone rang. It was Jim's boss. Something unexpected had happened at the plant and it was absolutely necessary that Jim and Bob report back to work as soon as possible. —19

No one was more disappointed than Billy. He had the thrill of a lifetime while fishing with his grandfather. He hated to see his "dream" end. Bob was almost as disappointed. Here he had traveled all the way from home to do some fishing and now this was impossible. —20

Jim had an idea. He was too tired to leave tonight for home so he suggested that Bob drive out to the lake and fish until about midnight. The trip then wouldn't be in vain. This would still give him ample time to rest before making the trip back home in the morning. Bob was all smiles. —21

Grandfather Ashby pointed out the directions to Bob while Jim described in detail the shallows of the lake and the use of his pet lures. Jim loaned. Bob his permit so everything would be legal. —22

In a brief ten minutes, Bob was on his way. Garndfather Ashby helped Billy clean his fish while Jim worked steadily in preparing his limit of crappie and nine catfish for freezing. When he was finished, Jim leaned back in his chair. Between inhales of smoke from his burning cigarette, he imagined his family and himself feasting on the fish he had caught. —23

Jim figured that his wife, Billy and himself could have at least ten meals with just the fish he caught himself. "Let's see," he said, "I've got two bag limits of crappie, that's a total of 20; and nine catfish." Supplementing his catch with Billy's, he believed they   Outdoor Nebraska 55 Would be eating fish until the aquatic characters came out of their ears. —24

Shortly before midnight, Bob pulled up the driveway. Night fishing wasn't too hot, but he did manage to haul in four crappie and one bass. There were still some minnows remaining in the bucket and he had debated with himself as to whether or not he should get rid of the minnows. —25

Jim muttered, "I'm glad you didn't. You know we can't hardly get them at home. Let's take them back with us. They'll live if we give them fresh water every other hour or so." —26

Early the next morning, Jim, Billy and Bob climbed into their cars and bid farewell. —27

VIOLATIONS

1. Paragraph No. 3: "...he immediately ambled down to the local permit buyer and purchased a resident permit for Jim. He didn't buy a permit for either Billy or himself. Billy was only 11 years old." There are two violations here. First, it is illegal to buy a resident permit for a non-resident. Second, Billy, though he was only 11, is still required to buy a permit as he is a non-resident.

2. Paragraphs Nos. 7 and 10: " 'Well, then,' Grandfather Ashby remarked, 'I'll cast and you watch me.'

"Grandfather Ashby retrieved the rod immediately and began reeling in." Both sentences contain violations. Grandfather did not buy a permit, but yet he actually fished—he cast out and later reeled in. Anyone fishing must have a permit unless a resident of the state and under 16 years of age. He wouldn't have been required to have a permit if he merely would have told Billy what to do, instead of showing Mm how to do it.

3. Paragraph No. 12: "Six of the crappie were better than a pound each, but the other four were only seven or eight inches long. He (Jim) went back to the shallows and as he hooked a larger crappie, he returned one of the 'smaller panfish to the water. He kept this up until he had a limit of large crappie." On any fish on which there is no size limit, it is illegal to catch more than a limit. Once a limit is taken on a particular species of fish on which there is no size limit, the angler is finished fishing for that particular species on that day.

4. Paragraph No. 15: "The water immediately below the dam appeared to be the most likely spot where minnows might abound. They seined below the dam for about 15 minutes and succeeded in getting more minnows than they actually needed." It is illegal to seine for minnows below any obstruction of any stream.

5. Paragraph No. 16: "Grandfather Ashby helped Billy cast and retrieve " Another example of violation No. 2 where the grandfather, without a permit, actually fishes.

7. Paragraph No. 17: "Jim took ninq yellow cat, ranging from nine to fifteen inches in size " The legal size on catfish is 12 inches, not nine inches.

8. Paragraph No. 22: "Jim loaned Bob his permit so everything would be legal." It is illegal for anyone to loan his permit to another for the latter's use.

9. Paragraph No. 24: " 'Let's see, he said, 'I've got two bag limits of crappie, that's a total of of 20; and nine catfish.' " This exceeds the authorized total possession limit. The possession limit reads not more than 25 game fish of all kinds combined may be had in possession at any one time.

10. Paragraph No. 2: "Jim muttered, 'I'm glad you didn't. You know we can't hardly get them at home. Let's take them back with us. They'll live if we give them fresh water every other hour or so.' " It is unlawful for any person to transport live minnows in any manner out of the state.

Three species of rattlesnakes are found in Nebraska. They are the prairie rattler (found chiefly west of the 100th meridian), the timber rattler (along the bluffs of the Missouri river) and the massasauga rattler (found generally between the areas of the prairie and timber rattlers).

56 Outdoor Nebraska

FATE OF McCONAUGHY'S ONCE ABUNDANT CRAPPIE AND PERCH

By Walter Kiener Aquatic Biologist

My green truck with the familiar flying red rooster (pheasant) insignia on its doors is always swarmed around by interested and inquisitive sportsmen, regardless of when I stop and where I stop. They're interested in watching what I'm doing and occasionally toss in a barrage of questions.

On a recent trip to huge McConaughy, a group of fishermen gathered around my truck. The usual questions were asked, "Who are you and what are you doing?" and "Why do we have this and not that?" The general question at McConaughy, however, is "What became of the perch and crappie?"

Fishing for perch and crappie was particularly outstanding a number of years back. But now these two fish have slowed down considerably and fishing for other species has grabbed the limelight. The anglers at McConaughy wanted to know why so I proceeded to tell them the following story:

When the numbers of perch and crappie caught began receding, it started the same year Kingsley dam was finished and the water level of the big lake rose 50 feet. The rise in water level did the following: (a) The large producing area of brush spawning beds became submerged at too great a depth below the water surface and consequently the crappie and perch stopped spawning there; (b) It shifted the best crappie and perch fishing to the upper end of the lake where the brush and trees of the old river bed are not too deep under the water surface and therefore suitable for spawning, (c) It thus reduced the spawning area. This shift was predicted when the water level rose.

The catch in numbers of game fish such as walleyes, northern pike and trout—increased at about the same time and numbers in the catch of perch and crappie receded. The connection is as follows: The walleyes, northern pike, black bass and trout are predators —fish that feed primarily on fish smaller than themselves. When over the years more and more predators were stocked in McConaughy by the Game Commission, the need for small forage fish increased enormously.

The forage fish may be of any species, even the predator's own offspring. To reach a weight of say four pounds, a foraging game fish has to eat literally thousands of smaller fish. A four-pound trout, for example, upon examination had 67 tiny perch in its stomach. These small perch weighed barely two ounces and probably represented only a "light breakfast" for this particular trout.

From a little reflection it should be obvious that with the heavy stocking of game fish, the nature of the catch is shifted from the smaller panfish to the larger game fish. If in the near   Outdoor Nebraska 57 future the Game Commission should have fewer game fish available for stocking, the number of perch and crappie would again be on the increase.

The present status of the catch is an indication that the stocking of the lake has not only been adequate, but has been at the saturation point. Any appreciable increase in the rate of stocking would not increase the catch as the saturation point of stocking is nearly identical with the probable productivity or carrying capacity of this lake per units of surface acres of water. It is an old truth that overstocking makes poor fishing.

Another angler asked whether crappie and perch have anything in common. They do—one thing—and that is both of their eggs have an adhesive surface. Both species of fish have adapted their method of spawning and raising their young to the fact that their eggs are adhesive. Accordingly, when spawning, they spread their eggs over submerged brush or over submerged coarse weeds such as tumble weeds blown into the water by the wind.

In spreading the eggs over brush, the eggs stick to the stem of the plants and are well scattered by the fish. The scattering insures the individual eggs of becoming surrounded by water of good oxygen content. Free oxygen in the water is absolutely essential for the eggs to hatch.

Water near the surface is richer in free oxygen content than deep water. The crappie and perch therefore will not lay their eggs, as a rule, on brush deeper in the water than two to five feet. If no brush or weed beds are available, these fish do not spawn.

Submerged brush and weeds are also the hosts to myriads of tiny animals which feed on the slowly decaying, water-logged stems of brush and weeds. These tiny animals are small enough to provide the exact type of food for the newly hatched fry.

ANSWERS TO "OUTDOOR NEBRASKA" QUIZ

1. Rainbow trout; 2. Black crappie; 3. Yellow bullhead; 4. Walleye, and 5. Yellow Perch.

The Missing Picture---

58 Outdoor Nebraska

Notes on Nebraska Fauna

...Mourning Dove

This is the seventh of a series of articles and drawings on Nebraska's small and big game animals, game birds and game fish. C.G. Pritchard, staff artist, prepared the drawing. The Fall Issue of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA will feature the bobwhite quail.

The mourning dove is unique among game birds in that it is the only game bird that breeds in every one of the 48 states. It has been distributed throughout North America for several thousand years. Its range during the breeding season, in addition to the U.S., extends across southern Canada from British Columbia to Ontario, and southward to Haiti, Cuba and central Mexico.

Few birds exert a stronger esthetic and sporting appeal than does the mourning dove. The trim beauty of its form, the soft delicate shades of color touched by spots of metallic luster, the whistling sound emitted by the rapid beat of wings in a swift, arrow-like flight that calls for the greatest skill of the marksman, and the soothing, plaintive quality of its call-notes make it popular with both sportsmen and nature students.

Single birds or even small flocks of doves sometimes spend the winter north almost to the limits of the breeding range, but normally at that season the doves are found south of a zone that extends eastward across the U.S. from California to Colorado, Iowa, southern Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey.

Sound management of mourning doves and of other game species must give full weight to breeding habits. The dove is widely distributed and in the south is a perennial breeder. It is doubtful whether perfect management can ever be attained. Nevertheless, sportsman and public interest alike demand that this objective be achieved as nearly as possible.

The great difficulty lies in the fact that while doves normally lay but two eggs to a setting, they are multibrooded, that is a single pair of birds may produce several broods each season. Even in the most northern parts of the breeding range, two broods are common while in the south there may be as many as five or six. Building the nest, incubating the eggs and caring for squabs require a period slightly longer than one month.

Late breeding is a factor complicating dove management. Occasionally some broods are still in the nest at the usual start of the season in Nebraska. However, the number of birds is probably reduced because most birds in the state during the fall season are migrants heading south.

The fact that many of the states south of Nebraska annually participate in a legal open season on doves, many of which are raised in Nebraska, is not taken into consideration by many people demanding a closed dove season in Nebraska.

Losses due to adverse weather are not confined to the breeding season as in January 1940 when snow and freezing weather extended south to the Gulf coast, covering the chief wintering grounds of the mourning dove and shutting off its food supply, the birds starved to death by the thousands and they were so reduced in numbers that drastic regulatory action was required to give them a chance to recover.

Nebraska's major concentration of mourning doves is found in the eastern part of the state. The western sector of the state is also inhabited by doves but in lesser numbers. This portion of the state in most instances is grassland and comparatively treeless. Under these conditions the dove becomes a ground nester comparable to other game birds.