OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Many Factors Involved In Setting of Seasons

Many cooperating groups and individuals are interested in the procedures used by the Nebraska Game Commission in arriving at decisions pertinent to the setting of seasons. The story behind such procedures is a satisfaction to all sportsmen and game specialists, when studied in detail, as it reflects an unusual summary and unification of scientific factual evidence and cooperative public analysis of game conditions.

In order to achieve the highest degree of efficient analysis of game populations, the Nebraska Game Commission used the following sources of information:

Needless to say, data and requests from these various sources do not always agree so the Commission must make decisions and set seasons on the basis of general broad areas which, in some cases, may not wholly agree with situations or recommendations in some particular township. However, considered on the broader basis of larger areas, evidence from these several sources usually agrees in important generalities. Since different types of game birds require equally different types of analytical studies, the birds will be grouped as follows: doves, migratory waterfowl, grouse, quail and pheasants.

Since the mourning dove is a migratory game bird, it, therefore, by law, becomes the responsibility of the United States Fish and Wildlife service. This agency in Washington makes its own population and biological studies pertinent to the dove and when such populations warrant hunting so notify the appropriate states that such states may have a season with prescribed bag limits, if desired. The choice is then the responsibility of the State Game department. The Nebraska Game Commission feels that it is its obligation to the hunters of Nebraska to allow such seasons when the Federal regulations and bird populations so permit, and particularly when neighboring states so participate. Most of Nebraska's dove hunting enthusiasts are to be found near the eastern metropolitan areas where few other local hunting pleasures are available.

As in the case of the dove, all migratory waterfowl are, by law, the responsibility of the United States Fish and Wildlife service in Washington. However, in the case of the ducks and geese, the Nebraska Game Commission co-operates with the Federal Government by employing a field biologist to keep a continual study of waterfowl populations and flight conditions in this state. It is the Federal Government, however, that makes the decision on what bag limits shall be and, further, allows the states a limited choice of starting dates, but clearly defines the length of the seasons. This choice is mailed confidentially to the Commission and the Commission's choice is required to be confidential until decided upon by the Fish and Wildlife service. For example, this season the Nebraska Commission had the following choice in the exact words of the Fish and Wildlife service:

"The status of waterfowl in this flyway shows a moderate improvement and we propose to recommend a season of 50 consecutive days, or   Outdoor Nebraska 5 natural existing habitat or cover was not removed by man through the stimulation of soaring market prices for agricultural produce and again the intangible factor of unusual weather conditions.

Results of the 1951 quail inventory reflect some rather amazing facts to those who have not been continuously studying the quail story. In general, a summary of such facts reflect an increase of quail in all portions of the state where quail can survive. A summary of all counts show the quail in Nebraska to have increased from 25% to 100% in various areas. Certain very localized conditions within given restricted areas will reflect different specialized conditions. However, in as much as the opening or closing of a single township or county is not sound game management due to over-concentration of hunters in too limited an area, the Commission cannot draw such local lines but must consider all such problems from the standpoint of larger areas or blocks with generalized population figures for the larger areas considered as logical game management units. In further detailed analysis of the problem of permitting the hunter to hunt as much as possible without any danger to necessary breeding populations for the future, the Commission also realized the following factual evidence from the Department's detailed study:

1. Summer quail counts in 1951 show that where there are quail in Nebraska the population was higher than in any of the past seven years or more. This includes the Republican and Platte river areas.

2. Such quail population increases have been as high or higher in previously open quail counties as they have been in the closed counties.

3. Any quail present in the range in the fall beyond the carrying capacity of the range will be removed by natural causes by the following spring, whether they are hunted or not. This indicates the importance of habitat or cover planting as the best insurance policy for the maintenance of bird populations or the increasing of such populations especially when climatic and cyclic conditions are uncooperative. Such cover planting is a prerequisite to extending newer quail areas.

4. Hunters would have to kill well over one-third of all the available quail from any sizable area before any effect could be felt in the next year's quail population. This is automatically controlled by the low hunting pressure, the hunters' inability to seriously reduce populations in a given area and though it is probably not necessary, if the farmer desires when he feels his quail have been harvested sufficiently, he may obtain without cost "Hunting by Permission" signs from the Commission and indicate to the hunter where or what he may hunt. Hunters are being requested to contact the farmer in this   6 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA manner in all cases through the Commission's education and publicity campaigns.

5. At the present time in the very best of the open quail country, hunting pressure is light and the take per hunter very low especially where dogs are not used, which is the usual case.

6. Providing a larger block of quail area will result in even less concentration of hunters which at the present is minimum.

7. Quail hunting like all other types of hunting adjusts itself automatically with greater pressure where there are the most quail and areas of low population withih a given block receive little attention as the hunters will not hunt long in areas of limited populations. Even in the most popular open quail areas in the past there have been and will be areas in which there are few, if any, quail and such areas are not hunted. Such areas occur naturally as the land type changes within a limited area. The Commission cannot open just the selected limited quail spots but must open a uniform block which includes the good quail country and will, of course, naturally include some poor quail territory in higher open country within the given block or open territory, where quail will never greatly increase unless habitat areas are provided.

8. Omaha and Lincoln being only 10 to 30 miles from top quail hunting areas in past seasons have not placed any undue hunting pressure on open counties, therefore, quail hunting pressure from smaller cities is expected to be proportionately light m the more western quail counties open to hunting.

9. Combination quail and good pheasant country will still be hunted mostly for pheasant and not for quail, due to size of the bird, availability and the hunter's own knowledge and hunting habits, which, for the most part, are based on pheasant hunting and not quail hunting.

10. Quail seasons are not to be expected to continue regularly in the so-called fringe areas as compared to the usual open quail areas. In these fringe areas when cycles reach their peak, the increase should be harvested, for hunted or not, the population will fall to a lower level as the cycles realize their downward trend or weather conditions so affect the populations.

The Commission is considering all of these points, decided that hunting pressures in the usual quail areas and in the new fringe areas would not be great enough to be harmful to the necessary seed stock. Inasmuch as hunting pressure has not held down the increase in open areas last year, it should not be expected to differ this year. With such unusually high increases in all areas that have quail only, a natural decrease can be expected in the not too distant future, therefore, rather than to permit the natural waste which will inevitably result, the hunters should be permitted a limited harvest in areas where quail exist in sufficient numbers.

All of the previously mentioned methods of analyzing bird populations were used in obtaining the overall pheasant picture.

Results of pheasant studies show a statewide continuation of the very prominent upward trend noted in 1950. For example, the state as a whole as reflected in 606 mail carriers reporting reflected 15.2 pheasants seen per 100 miles (road driving) compared to 13.6 a year ago. Late hatches threw the early count off some as compared to a year or two ago but populations soared above past years' records when the late nesting birds completed their hatch. The ratio of young per adult hen was greatest in the panhandle and northeast where previous populations have been down. In setting the 1951 pheasant season, the Commission considered the pertinent facts as follows:

1. Since the hen pheasant is the key to future pheasant management success, it should continue to be protected.

2. Since the cock-hen ratio is one-to-one in the State at this time and shice one male pheasant will service a large number of hens, a good surplus of cocks can be harvested with little   6 Outdoor Nebraska chance of affecting next year's populations.

3. The number of available cocks were definitely underharvested in the open areas last year.

4. State wide populations show an even greater upward trend.

5. Statistics show that, regardless of limits or length of season, the average hunter on an average trip will average only a fraction better than two birds per trip.

6. The number of birds killed in a long season as compared to a short season is in no means proportionate.

7. Larger bag limits encourage more hunters to enjoy hunting even though statistics show they still average only about the same number of birds per hunt. of the cycle, as such surplus will be lost eventually through natural causes.

8. Increased bag limits, when possible, allow some of the hunters in metropolitan areas to stay over and work for the possession limit, if they so desire. Most average hunters from metropolitan areas are able to take only one or two trips into good pheasant areas each season, while the out state hunters are able to run out before and after work so are less restricted by lower bag limits.

9. As in cases of other game with cyclic trends, the take of pheasants should be encouraged when near the top of the cycle, as such surplus will be lost eventually through natural causes.

10. Reducing the number of cocks in an area of restricted winter food and cover will ease the competition for such cover when the area has reached or exceeded its carrying capacity.

11. In areas open this year, hunters will find most exceedingly dense cover which will make the hunting of all game birds difficult, to say the least.

It is interesting to note that the Commission did not open the extreme north and west areas again this year. These areas are those affected in the past with severe hail and blizzards. Populations

It is interesting to note that the Commission did not open the extreme north and west areas again this year. These areas are those affected in the past with severe hail and blizzards. Populations in this area have increased greatly and there are definitely local areas which could support a limited open season. However, it is inadvisable to open such limited areas when surrounded with larger closed areas, so in conformity with the block system and local requests, this area remained closed. If this area continues to progress as it has the past two years, it will soon be available to hunters.

All in all the Nebraska Game Commission has considered all related factors possible and has followed its usual policy of providing as much hunting for the hunters for as long a period as pos-

CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES STRESSED BY B.O.W. GROUPS

...Nebraska Clubs Lay Groundwork

The teaching of conservation of our natural resources to many of the youth throughout the nation is the main objective of the nationwide program for Boys of Woodcraft Sportsmen's Clubs which was launched by Woodmen of the World on September 1.

Other objectives of the popular and fast growing outdoor program are the teaching of proper and safe use of fire arms; fishing with fly rod, casting rod or cane pole, including the art of fly and bass bug tying; accident prevention on highways, in field or on streams, and first aid; and to stress the fundamentals of citizenship, good sportsmanship and health.

The state of Nebraska takes pride in having played a major role in the formation of the national program for the B.O.W. clubs. This program has been based, to a large extent, on the experience gained through the organization and operation of the 15 clubs now formed in Nebraska. In 1947, genial Arthur Hotz, an energetic young sportsman, organized the first such club at Ashland. Art advertised in the local paper, asking for interested young sportsmen. The response was terrific. The youngsters began learning conservation, gun safety and all of the other phases of the proposed program.

After presenting the program to Woodmen of the World and receiving sponsorship, the B.O.W. clubs in the state flourished in numbers to where today there are 15 such clubs. They are located at Fremont, Weston, Nebraska City, North Platte, Ponca, Omaha, Havelock, Tecumseh, Greenwood and three in Lincoln.

The popularity of the clubs is so great that at present there is a lengthy waiting list. As soon as trained supervisors are available, additional new clubs will be organized. Any town interested in providing its youth with such an organization is encouraged to contact the Woodmen of the World office in Lincoln.

E. E. "Blue" Howell, a former All-American football player at the University of Nebraska and later grid coach at Louisiana state, Kansas State and Yale, has been appointed boys' activity director and will direct the nationwide club project. The ultimate goal is a national organization of several thousand B.O.W. sportsmen's clubs sponsored by local adult Woodmen camps with local men experienced in boys' work as club supervisors. Overall supervision will be furnished by the Woodmen association as will be a fund for recreational equipment and entertainment.

Arrangements have been made with numerous departments to assist in the training program of the various clubs. Like the Nebraska Game Commission which has furnished films and personnel for lectures, other conservation departments throughout the United States will cooperate. The state highway patrol will furnish films, lectures and instructions on accident prevention, traffic rules and pedestrian safety. Material and skilled personnel to teach accident prevention, first aid and health hygiene will be provided by the red cross and state health department of the respective states.

Newly formed clubs, in addition to getting B.O.W. charters, will also receive, if desired, a group charter from the National Rifle association. B.O.W. clubs work with the idea that all youngsters, if taught by trained personnel, can achieve outstanding marksmanship.

Membership in the B.O.W. clubs is open to all youngsters in the age group of from 8 to 15 1/2. The club members attend bi-weekly and monthly meetings   10 Outdoor Nebraska during at least nine months of the year to coincide with the regular school program. The interest in some of the clubs has been so great that a number of them have meetings at more frequent intervals. Only the unavailability of supervisors at some times prevents even more frequent meetings.

Highlighting the year's activities is the annual encampment held in some area in the state where adequate facilities are available for the educational part of'the program and also for recreation. The first such encampment was held at Columbus during August of this year. Some 250 thrilled youngsters spent three days at the camp, all expense free.

All club members adhere to the conservation pledge: "I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my country—its soil and minerals, its forests, waters, and wildlife."

Interest in the clubs is not limited to the youths as many fathers attend the meetings almost regularly. In fact, there are sometimes as many fathers as there are sons present. One frequent visitor is Major John L. Tanner whose son David is a member of the Lincoln club.

Major Tanner, very impressed over the club and its activities, writes: "I believe the Boys of Woodcraft Sportsmen's Club program is without exception the most worthwhile program that is being conducted for boys. I do not wish to belittle the many other worthwhile organizations for boys as they do much work of great value in building strong moral and physical character among the youth of America, but I believe your program, 'The Boys of Woodcraft,' is even more interesting and consequently more appealing to youth than any other of those worthwhile programs.

"What I mean specifically is that your program of teaching sportsmanship, together with safe hunting and fishing, and other types of outdoor activities, cannot help but appeal to the youth of America. Other organizations make available a number of much broader activities to boys but I find that my boy, and I believe that it is quite general among the group, is not interested in all these activities and consequently his interest 'lags' at times. Your program being more specifically Sportsmen and Sportsmanship training holds the interest of the boys at all times.

"Another advantage of your program is that it is continuous throughout the year; there are not breaks for vacations and, etc. I find that such breaks are bad. for the interest of the boys. After all, a boy needs no vacation from something that he enjoys. I feel that such vacations are mainly for the convenience of the parents.

"I cannot fail to mention your Summer Camp at Camp Sheldon which I had the pleasure of visiting. I am sure that the boys who attended this camp all enjoyed it immensely and received invaluable training at this camp. They are indeed fortunate to have an organization such as Woodmen of the World as their sponsor, as many of these boys could not financially afford to attend such a camp under any other conditions.

"I cannot fail to mention that your Rifle Marksmanship program is doing much to uphold the tradition that 'Americans are Riflemen.' There is nothing that any group of boys enjoys more than shooting. Far too many boys never have the opportunity to shoot and a far too large a percentage of those that do have the opportunity do not receive proper instruction and supervision. Your safety program should be instrumental in preventing many hunting accidents among our future hunters.

"May I conclude this quite lengthy letter by saying that I have enjoyed every meeting of the Boys of Woodcraft Sportsmen Clubs that it has been my good fortune to attend. I feel that I have been greatly honored to be allowed to contribute my small services to such a worthwhile work, and that it will continue to be a pleasure to help you in any way that I can."

As previously mentioned, all B.O.W. clubs are formed in the response to the request of the citizens of the respective towns and cities. If you town is anxious to organize such a club for your young frecklenoses, please feel free to write to either Arthur Hotz, District Manager, or Russell Ryne, State Manager, both in care of the Woodmen of the World, 410 First National Bank Building, Lincoln.

Know Your Warden

Supervisor of Law Enforcement with the task of coordinating field activities of officers in the field with the central office. This responsible position and its many diversified duties is assigned to William R. Cunningham, an employee of 11-years standing with the Nebraska Game Commission.

Bill, as he is known to his many friends, is not only in charge of all law enforcement for the Game Commission, but also acts as a public relations officer and a game expert. On many occasions, Bill is called upon to give his view on wild game. His years of experience has made him an expert on wildlife and conservation.

Bill's first association with the Game Commission was in 1940 as project supervisor of a quail restoration project in southeast Nebraska. Prior to his appointment, Bill had received a degree in biology from the University of Nebraska. While acting as project supervisor, Bill got his first taste of law enforcement work by also acting as deputy state warden. Two years later, Bill was appointed supervisor of another restoration project which was a cooperative program with the Soil Conservation Service.

Like many of his colleagues, Bill enlisted in the army in March of 1943. He was later transferred to the air force as a personnel consultant. Bill administered psychological examinations to personnel desiring air crew training assignments.

Discharged from the service in November 1945, Bill rejoined the Nebraska Game Commission as a special investigator. His ability, initiative, and game knowledge rewarded him with an appointment as supervisor of the law enforcement division, the position he hs since held.

Being a longtime employee with the Game Commission, Bill has seen the Department grow by leaps and bounds. His own division is a perfect example. The number of wardens has increased from 14 to 26. Contrary to many years back, wardens are now uniformed friends of the public they serve. They do, not concentrate merely on making arrests, but also devote much of their time to aiding the fishing and hunting public of the state.

Bill, in his years of employment with the Game Commission, has successfully worked on cases involving most of the possible violations of present game laws.. One

FIND THE VIOLATIONS

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

It was a sultry mid-July day when Bob Leighton, a strapping 25-year-old grocery clerk, fell victim to his seasonal attack of hunting fever. The illness was contagious. Many of his friends were ailing. Bob needed relief. He realized hunting season was still quite distant, but nevertheless, he had to do something to quell the fever. -1

Bob hadn't had the opportunity to watch his hunting dog work since last year's pheasant season. A good workout, he thought, might be just what the doctor would order. On the following afternoon, a typical broiling summer day, Bob took his pointer to a nearby farm where pheasants abounded in previous years. This year was no exception.

It was just too hot to keep the dog under leash. Bob let him run free, flushing birds at almost regular intervals. Young birds—some barely able to muster enough strength to fly—appeared to outnumber adults. Perspiring and dry tongue dragging, the dog soon became too tired for more work. The swiftness and ability of the pointer to find and flush pheasants in the heavy cover provided needed relief for Bob's hunting woes. -3

A few weeks passed—it seemed like months—when Bob began making plans for the pheasant season. Bob's buddy and constant hunting companion, Ron Andrews, suggested that they take 68-year-old Mr. McAdams with them on their first trip of the season. -4

Bob and Ron asked Mr. McAdams if he'd like to go with them on opening day. The elderly gent jumped at the chance and couldn't find words to express his gratitude. He was an ardent sportsman. He had fished all summer and took his share of fish. He loved hunting, but was somewhat handicapped because of the lack of transportation. He hadn't bought a fishing permit since he was a recipient of old age assistance. The purchase of a hunting permit was out of the question, too, as he always carried his card from the county clerk verifying his old age assistance. -5

On the day of the hunt, a flat tire delayed their awaited start. But once under way, spirit soared. While driving on a country road in southcentral Nebraska, a group of eight or nine pheasants flew across the road and landed in the adjacent corn field. They looked   14 Outdoor Nebraska for signs reading "No Hunting" or "Hunting by Permission Only" and didn't find any so proceeded to walk on to the field. They soon discovered, however, that there was too much corn and too much field for the three hunters to work. All failed to get a bird. -6

Still full of determination, they got back into the car and drove on. Again four or five birds crossed the road, alighting in another corn field. They hurriedly jumped out of the car and scurried into the field. The cover was extremely heavy. The birds used the protection of the cover to great advantage as nary a bird was sighted. -7

By this time their spirit began to lag. They started driving again and a lone cock flushed from the roadside ditch. But—like previous times—the pheasant sought the refuge of the cover. The field was too spacious for the three. -8

Bob's patience was first to wilt away. He muttered that "By golly, the next time I see a bird, I'm going to get it!" -9

And—he did. They hadn't driven two miles when a pheasant took off. Shooting from a comfortable sitting position in the car, Bob found the surprised bird an easy target. Ron and Mr. McAdams bubbled over with enthusiasm and they loaded their guns, placing shells in the chamber. They drove on until they spotted activity in the dense cover of the ditch. Bon jumped out of the car—and standing by the running board—shot into the ditch where he heard the disturbance. There were pheasants. Three ring-necks flushed. Ron shot again. One bird fell. Ron picked up the pheasant and walked over to the ditch. There was another dead bird. It wasn't a cock, but instead a hen. Rather than leave it lay, Ron picked up the bird and placed it alongside the rooster in the trunk of the car. -10

Ron got back into the car and they began driving on. Bob, not too happy with his luck, insisted that had the dog been along that they'd all have had their limits by now. The dog took sick just a day before the season opened. -11

It was about ten o'clock now and pheasants became more scarce. The heavy travel on the road scared many birds into the cover of the fields. They drove off the road on to a field. Here a small trail provided the route of travel. Rather than walk, the three hunters bounced around in the car as it chugged and roared over the furrows of the field. -12

The car sped toward areas where cover was heaviest. As they approached the cover, Ron placed a heavy hand on the horn. Startled pheasants flushed. Everyone shot from the confines of the car and each succeeded in dropping one bird. -13

Improved hunting resulted in bag limits for both Bob and Ron. Mr. McAdams, however, wasn't quite as adept as his young hunting colleagues. His growing years did nothing for his marksmanship. Bob and Ron were soft-hearted. They didn't want to see Mr. McAdams go home with only two birds so they hunted until they shot three more between them to fill his bag. -14

On the succeeding two days, both Bob and Ron, hunting without Mr. McAdams, again took their bag limit. Work back in town, however, kept both of them from hunting again until the last day of the season. -15

They hunted for three hours without much success. Each managed to shoot but one bird. But—they weren't going to give up under any circumstance. It was the last day of the hunt and they wanted the limit. -16

Before the season had ever opened, Ron had found a spot where pheasants always seemed to come and roost just as the sun was setting. He suggested that they drive to the wheat stubble field and wait for the birds to come in. The idea was sound. Bob heartily agreed. A few minutes before sunset, they approached the field and took hidden positions. Little time elapsed before the ring-necks began arriving. -17

The birds were there, that was obvious. As the sun set, they worked back to the car. Ron climbed into the car and shined the spotlight on a couple of roosting birds. The pheasants, seemingly paralyzed by the light, just sat there as Bob shot. Ron switched the spot on to a couple of more birds and Bob picked them off. Within ten minutes, Bob had shot eight birds, enough to complete the bag limit for each. There were more birds—many more—but they weren't going to be violators. If the regulations permit five birds each, that's all they were going to shoot. -18

They began driving back to town and Ron commented that he didn't know whether he had more fun hunting pheasants or ducks. He recalled the '50 season when he used a motorboat, routing and shooting ducks. They never had to hunt more than an hour to get the limit. "Or that time last year," Ron added, "when we tossed grain around in the small field and the ducks came in by the hundreds." -19

As they drove into town, Bob asked Ron to stop at the cold storage locker He wanted to place his birds with the others he shot on the first two days of the season. -20

PARAGRAPHS NOS. 2 & 3: "It was a sultry mid-July day ... On the following afternoon . . . Bob took his pointer to a nearby farm where pheasants abounded in previous years. It was just too hot to keep the dog under leash. Bob let him run free, flushing birds at almost regular intervals." VIOLATION—It is illegal to train or run any hunting dog in fields or upon lands where game birds or animals may be found or which are apt to be frequented by game birds, or to allow such dog to run loose in such fields or upon such lands between April 1 and August 1 of each year.

PARAGRAPH NO. 5: "... He had fished all summer . . . He hadn't bought a fishing permit since he was a recipient of old age assistance. The purchase of a hunting permit was out of the question, too, as he always carried his card from the county clerk verifying his assistance." VIOLATION—As Mr. McAdarns fished all summer without a permit, even though a recipient of old age assistance, he committed a violation. L.B. 237, passed by the recent session of the State Legislature and which exempted recipients from purchasing a fishing permit, did not carry an emergency clause and thus did not become effective until 90 days following the adjournment of the Legislature. By not buying a hunting permit, Mr. McAdams committed another violation as the law does not exempt recipients from buying a hunting permit.

PARAGRAPH NO. 6: "... They looked for signs reading 'No Hunting' or 'Hunting by Permisson Only' and didn't find any so proceeded to walk on to the field." VIOLATION—Regardless of whether the field was posted or not, it is necessary to .request permission to hunt on any privately-owned lands.

PARAGRAPH NO. 10: "... Shooting from a comfortable sitting position   16 Outdoor Nebraska in the car, Bob found the surprised bird an easy target." VIOLATION—Bob actually committed three violations, (1) Having a loaded shotgun in a car on a public highway, (2) Shooting from a vehicle, and (3) Shooting from the highway.

"Ron and Mr. Mc Adams bubbled over with enthusiasm and they loaded their guns, placing shells in the chamber." VIOLATION—Having a loaded shotgun in o,r on a vehicle on a public highway.

"Ron jumped out of the car—and standing by the running board—shot into the ditch where the disturbance was." VIOLATION—Shooting from the highway.

"But rather than leave it lay, Ron picked up the bird (hen) and placed it alongside the rooster in the trunk of the car." VIOLATION—No open season on hen pheasants.

PARAGRAPH NO. 12: "... They drove off the road on to a field. Here a small trail provided the route of travel." VIOLATION—Failed to ask permission to enter on land.

PARAGRAPH NO. 13: "... Everyone shot from the confines of the car and each succeeded in dropping one bird." VIOLATION—Shooting from a vehicle.

PARAGRAPH NO 14: "Improved hunting resulted in bag limits for both Bob and Ron. Mr. McAdams, however, wasn't quite as adept as . . . They (Ron and Bob) didn't want to see Mr. McAdams go home with only two birds so they hunted until they shot three more between them to fill his bag." VIOLATION—By shooting three more birds for Mr. McAdams, both Ron and Bob exceeded their authorized bag limit.

PARAGRAPH NO. 18: "... As the sun set, they worked back to the car. Ron climbed into the car and shined the spotlight on a couple of roosting birds. The pheasants, seemingly paralyzed by the light, just sat there as Bob shot." VIOLATION—Hunting ended at sunset. It is illegal to hunt for any game bird or animal with a spotlight or other artificial light.

"Within ten minutes, Bob had shot eight birds, enough to complete the bag limit for each." VIOLATION—The bag limit is five per person. By shooting eight birds, Bob committed a violation.

PARAGRAPH NO. 19: "... He recalled the '50 season when he used a motorboat, routing and shooting ducks." VIOLATION—It is illegal to hunt, kill or attempt to hunt or kill any waterfowl from any boat or watercraft propelled by sails or electric, gas or steam power or from an aeroplane or hydroplane.

"... 'Or that time last year,' Ron added, 'when we tossed grain around in the small field and the ducks came in by the hundreds.' " VIOLATION—It is illegal to hunt, kill or attempt to hunt or kill any game bird or bids by attracting them to the place where hunted by distribution of grain or other feed, commonly called baiting.

PARAGRAPH NO. 20: ".. .He wanted to place his birds (in the cold storage locker) with the others he shot on the first two days of the season." VIOLATION—He took bag limits of five each for three straight days, making a total of 15 birds. He took five more birds on the final day of the season. If he placed all birds in the locker, he would have a total of 20 birds in his possession. Only five are permitted.

Huge Fish Stocking

Almost one million fish—born warm and cold water species—were stocked or transferred to other waters during the first eight months of 1951 according to records released by the Game Commission.

Stocked from the five hatcheries were 454,106 warm water fish—catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleyes, bluegill, crappie, bullheads and perch. Also released were 290,202 trout, both rainbows and browns.

The Commission's salvage and distribution crew seined and transferred 153,984 game fish during the eight-month period. These fish were taken from overcrowded water and released in more needy lakes and streams.

More than 54,100 pounds of carp were removed from state waters. Many of these were later stocked in "Carp only" lakes. "Carp only" lakes are generally waters unfit for game species.

HABITAT DEVELOPMENT PLANTINGS ...How Patterns Determined

The time of the year is now upon us "when we feel the nip of the frost in the air and we are thinking about laying aside our fishing tackle and oiling up our shotguns. A pheasant getting up ahead of us, as we walk through a stubble field, creates a different feeling than it did a month ago. The sight of a flock of ducks or geese passing overhead no longer causes us to think dreamily of far off places, but reminds us it is time to build blinds. Yes, fall is here.

Perhaps the most forceful reminder of the season is the almost overnight transformation of our trees. Red and yellows replace the previously dominantly green country side. Our trees are the prominent reminders of fall.

The October panorama of the Nebraska country side is a different picture today than the one our fathers and .grandfathers saw as they traveled across the state. Trees dot the landscape from one end of the state to another. Each -and every one of them serves some beneficial purpose in nature's complex plan. It may serve only as a nesting site for insectivorous birds, a bulwark against soil erosion or as a winter protection for a game bird. Each and every tree observed has benefited Game Commission personnel in determining requirements for our habitat plantings.

Because we are a plains state, we have always been extremely tree conscious. We have many, many man-made plantings to observe, dating from old timber claims 75 years old, up through shelterbelts of the shelterbelt service, to our present day belts and habitat plantings. We have made no studies of planting patterns from a research point of view. Our studies have consisted of casual observations of any and all types of plantings we could find. From the standpoint of habitat development, the winter of 1949-50 was a benefit to us for it gave us a chance to study different types of plantings under the worst winter conditions Nebraska has known.

Now, what conclusions have we reached as a result of these observations.

It goes without saying that our old timber claims of cottonwood, elm and box-elder are of very little winter benefit   18 Outdoor Nebraska to wildlife except squirrels. The cover furnished by them is from 5 to 50 feet or more in the air. Since all the game species we are trying to help are found on the ground, it followed that we wanted tree species which furnished cover clear to the ground. This led to our use exclusively of evergreens, shrubby trees and shrubs. We feel that we have no place for any of the true trees (except Russian Olive) in our planting.

Next upon observing our old shelterbelts after the winter of 1949-50, we found that unless there was a very tight shrub row followed by one or two tight conifer rows on the north and west sides, that the snow eventually drifted clear through the belt and piled up on the south and east sides, trapping the birds which had sought the protection of that belt. The shrub row alone would stop the snow until the drift reached the height of the shrubs and then would walk right on through the belt. We also found that even if the shrub and conifer rows existed, it was necessary that the belt be at least 10 rows or 130 feet wide to afford any protection on the lee side; and in the most severe cases, even this depth of planting was insufficient.

These old shelterbelt plantings have also given us an excellent opportunity to observe species. The shelterbelt service used almost every tree and shrub which has had any possible chance of survival. By checking blank rows with farmers and observations in the belts, we have arrived at a list of species we feel is suitable for the plains area. Our native red cedar has given us the best survival and growth for conifers. Wild plum has proven excellent from the standpoint of survival, growth and its suckering habits. Caragana was eliminated because of excessive retarding by grasshoppers. Honeysuckle has proved to be our best all-around shrub. It is very hardy and makes fast growth.

Russian Olive is included to add height to the planting and still furnish cover. Rosa multiflora is very good over most of the state and is paying for itself in that it permits us to salvage fencing material. In addition, we are using Nanking Cherry experimentally as an inducement to the farmer to take care of the area.

These species are used exclusively as availability permits. Substitutions are occasionally necessary. The following species are good: Ponderosa Pine, Chokecherry, Buffalo Berry, Common Lilac, Quail Bush and Buckthorne.

The foregoing information has all been translated into habitat restoration as follows: Because we know that the snow will drift through properly planted areas for a distance of 100 to 140 feet, we require all areas to be at least 150 feet in depth. Observations on livestock, in shelterbelts has proven the need of a fence and this is our first job on a. given area. Construct a stock tight fence. Just inside of this, completely around

The Missing Picture

Following are the characteristics of a duck 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 duck can be found on page 46

1. This duck is about 20 inches long when it reaches maturity.

2. Though this duck is popular with sportsmen, it is one of the least shot at members of the duck family.

3. This duck breeds nearly all over the United States, from north to south. In winter, it remains most of the time within the borders of the U. S.

4. This duck nests in a hollow tree from 20 to 40 feet above the ground. Its nest is lined with feathers and down. It has from 8 to 14 eggs, creamy-white in color.

5. It is a woodland bird. It frequents ponds and streams which are bordered by woods, and makes excursions, a-wing or a-foot, or both, back from water into the real woods where it devours nuts as well as whatever insect or other small insect life it may encounter.

6. This duck is one of the most richly and beautifully colored birds of the United States. Males are green, blue and purple above with white streaks and red, yellow and white below. Females are brown above and yellowish-brown and whitish below.

7. Both sexes have long, full crests; the bill narrow, higher at base than wide; the tail long with soft, broad feathers.

8. Other names of this duck are: Summer duck, the bride, bridal duck, wood widgeon, acorn duck and tree duck.

9. For the first time in years, one of these ducks may be included in bag limit of five ducks.

Since Sept. 1, the Nebraska Game Commission has changed its practice of shipping films to wildlife clubs throughout the state. Films were being returned in as many as five and six different pieces. The Game Commission is still anxious, however, to provide the various groups with film programs and will schedule same when a member of the department is available to personally show the picture.

Groups desiring a film program are requested to give the preferred date of their program and a second and third choice of dates. Available pictures are THE MAKING OF A SHOOTER, PRAIRIE WINGS, STEADY NOW, THIS IS THE LAND THE BEAVER and BIOGRAPHY OF A FISH.

For Hunting Fun Know Your Gun

Surprisingly few hunters take to the fields and woods knowing exactly where and how their rifles and shotguns will shoot. More game is missed each season, for this one reason alone, than from any other cause.

You will shoot best with a gun whose features and idiosyncrasies you know intimately. The other extreme is the firearm that may be borrowed for a hunt. A borrowed rifle, especially, is seldom sighted-in for the borrower, no matter what success the owner may have enjoyed. You need a gun adjusted to you and to your selected ammunition, ready to do its job if you do yours.

Though it may seem logical to sight-in a rifle for the exact range you expect to kill your squirrel, or deer, ballistics don't work out that way. The secret is to sight-in your rifle to best take advantage of that all-important factor, bullet trajectory, so that you can expect to make killing shots on game at both short and long ranges without changing sight settings, or having your bullet hit too high or too low. If that doesn't make sense, then suppose we examine the following case history:

Last hunting season a hunting acquaintance zeroed his .270 Winchester at 100 yards, the range he figured his shots at deer would be made. His load was the 150 grain bullet; the rifle scope-sight equipped. The day he got his one and only shot at a deer the animal was very close to 250 yards away—not 100 as he expected would be the case—but, fortunately, from his viewpoint, it was a shot in the clear, at a browsing, relaxed animal. The hunter took the shot from a steady sitting position, but with the report the deer bounded off, with no indication of being hit. Why?

The trouble was largely in the trajectory of the bullet, along with the size of the target area, which, in the case of a deer, represents a variance of from 14 inches to an extreme of 20, depending on the full size of the animal and measured from bottom of brisket to top of shoulder. The 150 grain lead slug, fired from a rifle previously zeroed to hit dead-center at 100 yards, dropped some 10 inches over the distance between rifle muzzle and the point of aim. This uncompensated error, added to whatever imperfection that may have existed in aim at the exact moment of firing, resulted in a miss, even though the hunter later claimed to have held midway between brisket and shoulder.

Had the rifle been sighted-in for dead-centered impact of bullet at 225 yards, the shots taken thereafter would have been striking only three inches high of dead-center at 100 yards and only two inches low at 250. Shots over either of the named ranges, with the rifle sighted-in as described, would have resulted in killing hits.

Readers should keep in mind that a bullet in flight intersects the line of sight (not to be confused with line of bore) in two places, one quite near the shooter, and the second at or near the mark at which normal aim is taken.

In addition to the figures already given for the .270, the following calibers, bullet loads and trajectories will, together, embrace just about every common rifle used by hunters for the taking of game:

.22 Long Rifle (low velocity), used with metallic sights; zeroed at 75 yards.

.22 Long: Rifle (high speed), used with scope sight; zeroed at 85 yards.

.30-30, used with metallic sights, zeroed at 150 yards; 170-gr. bullet, m.v. 2,200 ft. sec. (Also .25/35, .32 Special, .303 Sav- age, .30, .32, and .35 Remington, all of which can be said to embody similar trajectories.)

.30-06, used with scope sight, zeroed at 225 yards; 180-gr. bullet, m.v. 2,700 ft. sec.

.30-06, used with scope sight, zeroed at 250 yards; 150-gr. bullet, m.v. around 2,960 ft. sec. (Also can safely be applied to the 180-gr. .300 H&H Magnum; the 87-gr. .250/3000; the 100-gr. .257 Roberts and other loads of similar muzzle velocity and trajectory.)

Though a good off-hand shot should be able to kill three out of four deer up to 200 yards, don't try to sight-in a rifle from the unsteady off-hand position. Your first goal is to get a tight group or cluster of bullet holes on a paper target so that from a study of the recorded hits you can determine in which direction you may need sight adjustment. Frequently both elevation and windage adjustments need to be made.

Fire your sighting shots prone, or from a steady bench rest, rifle rested on a rolled up blanket or other soft material, contact point being slightly forward of the rifle's trigger guard. A hard, unyielding rifle rest, and a balance much forward of the trigger guard, will cause the rifle to shoot higher than when later used from the sitting and off-hand positions.

Begin by setting up an oversize aiming target against a safe backstop only 25 yards from rifle muzzle. At this short range your first shots will surely strike the target paper, and from major si'ght corrections made at this reduced range you can move back to a much longer range and fire with reasonable certainty   22 Outdoor Nebraska of immediate, close hits and without wasting costly ammunition. Shoot groups of five shots each—not just single shots, which seldom prove anything—and, if necessary, move the rear sight upon completion of each carefully-fired group until you are correctly sighted-in, both for accuracy and to take maximum advantage of trajectory. The cardinal rule is to move your rear sight in the direction you want your succeeding shots to hit. If your final test targets indicate practical killing accuracy, then accept that sight setting; hunting doesn't require the X-ring accuracy of the target-shooting tournaments.

Running-deer, squirrel, raccoon, bear, running-rabbit, fox, turkey, and crow figure targets, with regulation aiming bullseye super-imposed, now can be had for a few cents. These game figure targets are practical and offer variety.

Buy new hunting loads each season, and once you sight-in with a particular load, continue to use that load when you hunt. Changes of ammunition and incorporated changes in velocities, and corresponding points of bullet impact, can undo all the good work you did in sighting-in with a different load.

But even with perfect ammunition, a firearm is no better than its sights!

A good rear peep, readily adjustable for both elevation and windage and used in combination with a sturdy blade front sight, or a square-cut, non-glare bead, is excellent. Such combinations are definitely faster and more accurate than crude open sights, once you've learned to use them properly and accustomed your shooting eye to the correct sight picture. Just follow the instructions furnished with each sight by respective manufacturers—and practice!

Scope sights have enjoyed a rising, tide of popularity during the last decade. Most shooters make the mistake of using scopes more powerful than needed, thereby sacrificing field of vision and unduly accentuating minor errors in holding and aiming. The lowest power that will do the job is invariably the best choice.

The 2y2X, with its 40 ft. field of vision at 100 yards and its good eye relief at the other end of the tube, is ideal for those fast shots on running game. It is amazing how a 2%X will function under conditions that rule out satisfactory performance from other powers. Mount the scope as close to the receiver as possible, in quality mounts.

For hunting, select a tapered post reticule, the type most easily seen in poor light. A good second choice would be a tapered post and single, horizontal crosshair reticule, combined.

A scope sight on a shotgun is more than a novelty. It is definitely advantageous to those shotgun shooters who are calculatingly slow and precise, and a similar boon to far-sighted individuals. The shotgun scope features a coarse crosshair reticule with a big center dot, adjustable so that the shot pattern can be made to coincide with the aiming dot. Lead is readily apparent with such a sight.

Correctly applied lead for various angle shots comes from experience, and experience only. There is no practical mechanical shortcut to successful leading of moving game. Individual physical coordination, degree of follow through of gun swing, and other factors, enter into the matter of determining correct lead. Such things as fast gun pointing and judgment of bird speed and flight direction still have the final word.

Shotguns vary in characteristics and performance just as people do. To find out how a shotgun shoots you have to first pattern it at the official 40 yard range, firing at an aiming mark pasted or drawn on a large sheet of paper or cardboard, and then studying the shot patterns that form within a thirty inch diameter circle, drawn around a common center, figuring the total number of hits within the prescribed circle compared to the shot count of an unfired shell of identical loading. But it is a mistake to assume that a good shot pattern at 40 yards will be deadly at shorter ranges. It does not hold true. A 12-ga. of modified barrel boring that delivers a wide, uniform pattern of shot at 40 yards will embrace only 24 inches   Outdoor Nebraska 23 of real killing area at 35 yards; 13" at 20 yards and only 7% inches at the close range of ten yards. (This information obtained from tests conducted by the writer, using lVs oz. of No. 7 % shot loaded to standard velocity.)

Therefore, to get an idea of what your shotgun will really do with selected loads at various ranges, again employ the bird and animal silhouette targets. Fasten these against sizeable white paper backgrounds and shoot at individual targets at various distances—10 yards, 20, 30, and even 50 if you wish. Then measure the size and position of your practical killing pattern at each distance. You will likely be surprised, and perhaps suddenly aware of why you missed what appeared to be easy shots last season.

Personal comfort influences successful hunting, too. I once accompanied a hunter who missed his chance to bag a beautiful buck simply because the hunter's feet hurt—and I am not kidding! My companion had elected to wear unsuited footgear that, in the rough going he encountered afield, chafed his feet until he could stand it no longer. He had stopped and rested his rifle against a tree and sat down to remove the pinching boots for a few grateful moments when the buck chose just that time to cross the wood road my friend was following. Another member of the party bagged the trophy.

Experienced hunter preference in footgear runs to lightweight, all-weathered hunting shoes, with elk leather uppers and tough, but light, rubber feet and soles. This type hunting shoe will not tire the wearer like certain others, but yet will withstand rough traveling. If you prefer an all-leather product, consider water-proofed leather footgear on either the Munson Army last, or of the moccasin type, with uppers not over 9 inches high.

Where snakes are numerous add a pair of heavy canvas leggings made fangproof by the insertion of very fine, flexible mesh wire between the layers of canvas. In really bad snake country, these leggings can be conveniently added, and as conveniently removed when the hunt is over.

Wear your hunting shoes with two pairs of smooth, undyed cotton socks, and carry an extra pair rolled up in pocket. A handful of sulphur sprinkled over feet and around shoetops assures that, during the time spent afield, you won't be annoyed by redbugs and other "no-see-ums."

Clothing should be all cotton, in accordance with our climate. Many hunters wear straight leg style, cuffless pants, rather than breeches or zouaves, and made of tough, briar resistant, Zelan-treated materials. These uncuffed pants legs are usually permitted to hang free and outside and over hunting shoes, for comfort and to give an unseen rattler a loose, distracting target.

A hunting coat and hat aire two items that are optional, though a third item, the combination game and shell bag, is in the nature of a necessity and very convenient.

Carry a small but complete first aid kit, including a phial of 5% ammonia to quickly neutralize the effects of any brush with poison ivy or belligerent wasp; and a pocketsize snakebite treatment kit of the suction type. A compass should be pinned inside the pocketflap of shirt, with a packet of parafined-dipped matches tucked away in this same pocket.

I don't believe in a hunter loading his person with a lot of extra, cumbersome shooting accessories, but when dove shooting from a chosen stand, within short walk of farmhouse or parked car, I've found a bucket-seat mighty handy and comfortable, especially in wet weather. Simply cut a plywood cover to fit an ordinary 12-qt. galvanized bucket. Add a brass hinge and hasp, and a padded, plastic-covered seat pad, the latter tacked all around. Replace the metal handle with one of rope.

In use, the bucket-seat provides a low comfortable rest from which one can arise quickly, and serves as a handy receptacle for extra shells, downed birds or rainjacket. Between

DON'T

Nebraska Hunting Calendar

Drawn on these two pages for your convenience are the major species of game on which Nebraska has an open season and the inclusive dates. On subsequent pages you will find more detailed information—open area, bag limit, possession limit and shooting hours.

Following are a few reminders which it will pay all sportsmen to observe and acknowledge:

Ducks, geese, coots, snipe, sora, doves, swans, cranes, rails and gallinules are also protected by Federal laws which contain certain regulations not found in the State regulations. Secure a copy of Federal laws and regulations for your protection.

It is necessary for everyone over 16 years of age to purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp), validated by signature on stamp, in order to hunt migratory waterfowl. These stamps must be affixed on the back of your State Hunting permit.

Nebraska has no open hunting season on swans, cranes, snipe (Wilson or Jack), curlew, rails, gallinules, partridges, (Chukar or Hungarian), wild turkeys, hen pheasants or antelope.

No one is permitted to construct blinds or other devices on State-owned lakes. Blinds of a temporary nature may be constructed on designated public hunting grounds.

No one may destroy, molest or disturb natural or planted vegetation on or near State-owned lakes.

It is unlawful to place any game birds or animals in any commercial refrigeration plant except by the lawful owner in his .or her own name. All game placed in cold storage must be tagged and identified.

It is unlawful to possess any game bird or game animal or the flesh of any game bird or animal at any time except during the legal open season thereon and for 90 days thereafter except the flesh of deer taken in Nebraska by special permit which may be kept until December 31, 1952.

It is unlawful to hunt upon any private lands without permission of the owner.

It is illegal to take a bag of game and return to hunt and take another bag the same day. Hunters are warned that persons so doing will be prosecuted and full damages of $25.00 per bird or animal will be assessed.

It is unlawful to hunt unless the hunting permit is on the person while hunting or to use a hunting permit unless it is countersigned by the holder.

1951 HUNTING REGULATIONS

NOTE: Where Entire State open, this does NOT include Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges. ** denotes five geese, including in such limit not more than two (2) Canada geese or its subspecies; or not more than two (2) white-fronted geese; or not more than one (1) Canada goose or its subspecies and one (1) white-fronted goose. SPECIES OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT SHOOTING HOURS OPEN AREA DUCKS Oct. 19-Dec. 7 (May include one wood duck) 10 (May include one wood duck) From one-half hour before sunrise to one hour before sunset, except that the hour for the commencement of hunting on the first day of the season shall be 12 o'clock noon. Entire State GEESE & BRANTS Oct. 19-Dec. 7 5** 5** Same as above Entire State COOTS Oct. 19-Dec. 7 10 10 Same as above Entire State DOVES Sept. 1-Sept. 30 10 10 One-half hour fore sunrise to sunset be- Entire State GROUSE Nov. 10-Nov. 12 (Sharp-tailed and Prairie Chicken) Sunrise to sunset Brown, Cherry, Keya Paha and Rock counties, and Sheridan county south of the Niobrara river, except Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges. QUAIL Nov. 1-Nov. 25 Sunrise to one Adams, Buffalo, Butler, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Frank V,™,,- v,0-fW0 o„„c0+ Hn, Gage, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearnour Deiore sunset ney] L,ancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Phelps, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Webster and York counties, and that portion of the following counties located south of U. S. Highway No. 30: Colfax, Dodge, Merrick, Platte and Washington, except for Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges in these counties. RABBITS (Cottontails) Sept. 25-Jan. 31 and May 1-Dec. 31 10 10 Sunrise to sunset Entire State SQUIRRELS Oct. 1-Dec. 31 5 5 Sunrise to sunset Entire State RACCOON & OPOSSUM Jan. 1-Dec. 31 No Limit No Limit All hours Entire State   DEER Dec. 8-Dec. 17 (By special permit only) One male antlered deer with a fork on at least one antler. Sunrise to sunset Dawes, Sioux, Scotts Bluff, Banner and Morrill counties, except Wildcat Hills Big Game Refuge in Scotts Bluff and Banner counties, Chadron State Park in Dawes county and federal refuge areas in all open counties. COCK PHEASANTS Oct. 26-Nov. 25 Sunrise to sunset Adams, Boone, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cedar, Chase, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gage, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Keith, Knox (East of State Highway No. 13 to the intersection with State Highway No. 12, and thence east of a line due north from the intersection of the State Highway No. 13 and No, 12 to the thread of the channel of the Missouri river), Lancaster, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Sherman, Stanton, Thayer, Thurston, Valley, Washington, Wayne, Webster and York counties, except for Federal and State sanctuaries and refuges.

1951 TRAPPING REGULATIONS

"Outdoor Nebraska" Quiz

You are invited to test your skill in answering the following pictorial questions. Count one point for each question answered correctly. A score of nine is excellent; eight or seven is good; six or five is fair; and four or below is poor. For answers see page 45.

THIRD DEER HUNT IN THREE YEARS ...68 Per Cent Kill in '50

For the third time in as many years, Nebraska's big game hunters have been afforded the opportunity to take to the field in pursuit of deer. A group of 1,200 nimrods, an increase of 200 over 1950, will work a five county area during the ten day period of December 8-17.

The hunting territory in '51 is divided roughly into three areas—the Pine Ridge of Sioux and Dawes counties, Wildcat Hills of Banner, Scotts Bluff and Morrill counties and the North Platte River area of Scotts Bluff and Morrill counties.

During the two previous hunts of '49 and '50- when limited deer hunting was permitted in about the same area as opened now, approximately 70 per cent of the deer taken came from the Pine Ridge area and the remainder from the Wildcat Hills and North Platte valley. With the closing of the Pine Ridge area of Sheridan county, and the opening of the Wildcat Hills in Banner county, it is anticipated that a larger percentage of the kill will come from the southern counties.

The "'50 season resulted in a known kill of 686 deer (including 679 mule deer and 7 white-tailed deer) by 1,000 permittees. Of the 1,000 hunters issued permits, some 923 hunted deer, which is roughly a way of saying that three out of four deer hunters brought home deer. In the '49 hunt, there were 910 deer taken by the 1,500 special permit holders. During the '45 hunt, 448 hunters of the 500 permittees took 361 deer from the Halsey National Forest in Blaine and Thomas counties.

There was considerable variation in the weights of hog-dressed deer as determined at the sealing and checking stations during the previous hunts. Deer in the younger age groups (one and two-year-olds) weighed from 100 to 130 pounds hog-dressed; the three and four-year-olds from 140 to 160 pounds and the five-year-olds and older weighed up to 200 pounds. Record weights of deer include 196 1/2 pounds from the Halsey Forest hunt in '45; a 223 1/2 pounder for the '49 hunt, and a 225 3/4 pound deer from the '50 hunt. A buck checked in at the Bridgeport station in 1949 scaled 322 pounds before dressing, which is probably the largest deer taken to date.

Record antler spreads have increased with each hunt. The largest spread in '45 was 32Vs inches; in '49 it was 37 inches and, in '50 a granddaddy with a 41 1/2 inch spread was taken. The normal rack of a mule deer has four points on each side, not including the brow tines. Older deer may have more points than are usually considered normal. The '49 hunt produced a buck with 10 points on one side and 11 points on the other. The '50 hunt produced an eight by nine.

The average successful hunter during the '50 season spent about three days deer hunting and saw about 12 deer per day. An incomplete survey of 160 unsuccessful deer hunters of the '50 season showed that 1 to 13 days were spent hunting. The average time was over four days. Only eight of these people hunted without, seeing a deer. About half of this sample of unsuccessful   32 Outdoor Nebraska hunters had shot at deer. One shot at six and bagged none.

Deer reported seen by hunters included deer of all ages—fawns, does and bucks. At the beginning of the season, hunters reported seeing one buck for each three anterless deer; as the season progressed, one buck was seen for about every seven anterless deer.

There are probably more does than bucks in any normal deer herd. The chance of seeing antlerless deer in greater numbers than bucks is entirely normal. Some of the antlerless deer are fawns of the year consisting of both does and bucks. Bucks are killed by fighting during the rutting season. The kill of 1,600 bucks during the past two seasons has not increased the total number of bucks available.

A higher percentage of younger deer are taken in areas where hunting has been permitted. In the '45 and '49 hunts, which were on previously unshot areas, bucks two and one-half years of age or younger comprised about 35 per cent of the kill. In the '50 hunt, which was on the same area shot in '49, about 56 per cent were two and one-half years and younger.

Game Commission biologists find that the higher percentage take of younger bucks indicates a satisfactory reproductive rate in the breeding herd, and that the major kill of young deer makes no serious cut into the mature breeding stock.

The kill of deer follows a pattern similar to other game in that most of the deer taken during the season are killed the first several days. Records from the '45, '49 and '50 hunts show about 30 per cent of the season kill checked in the opening day of the season, up to 45 per cent by the end of the second day, 50 to 60 per cent the third day, 55 to 70 per cent the fourth day, 60 to 75 per cent the fifth day, and from 70 to 85 per cent by the end of the first week. In '45, half of the total kill had been reported at the end of four days; in '49 only two and one-third days were required for 50 per cent of the season kill, while in '50 about 60 per cent of the total kill had been checked through the stations at the end of the third day.

Deer have increased in Nebraska in recent years until there are, in certain parts of the state, deer available for hunting. The harvesting of deer by hunters is an important part of successful deer management. The proper management of Nebraska's deer herds, including recurrent and controlled local harvests of deer by hunters, can insure the animals continuance and well-being. Over-protection may bring on low level populations and, as consequences, depleted deer browse and excessive crop damage. Controlled hunts serve to help keep deer numbers within the carrying capacities of local deer ranges, and thus maintain production of harvestable surpluses of deer in good physical condition.

The number of deer which may do well on any given unit of range is limited by the carrying capacity of that range—that is, the amount of suitable browse available and the ability of the browse plants to maintain themselves under deer pressure. Deer can and do increase beyond the carrying capacity of the range for deer. If, under protection, deer are allowed to increase beyond the biological limits of their habitat, over-population of their species increases local damage to farm crops.

Deer like some browse plants better than others—and not all plants that look like suitable browse are equally good for deer. Shrubs, trees and non-grassy forbs are the principal items fed on by deer. Deer are principally browsers—not grazers.

During the '49 and '50 deer seasons, biologists were assigned to the several checking and sealing stations which were established in the open area. As a part of their program, a number of deer stomachs were secured to determine deer feeding habits. Results of the analysis of 37 stomachs examined during the two seasons reveal a heavy utilization of agricultural crops during that portion of the year. Farm crops are readily available and it seems likely that deer feeding on these crops may do so as a matter of choice rather than   Outdoor 33 necessity, although the range does show some heavy utilization in some localities. In '49 about 40 per cent by volume of the stomachs examined was made up of agricultural products, while in '50 over 60 per cent of the volume of stomachs was of agricultural crops.

What effect the factor of shooting deer from more accessible country adjacent to agricultural land has had in this determination is not known, although it may weigh these results more heavily to these foods. While many Nebraskans are most anxious for an even greater deer herd to develop, there is a distinct possibility that a substantial' increase of deer in areas now supporting a good herd could exert undue crop damage to land operators and result in a call for drastic reduction measures.

Season length has been shortened from the 20 days of open season allowed in '45, the 19 and 14 day seasons of '49 and '50, to the 10 days of open season for this year. Ranchers and land operators in the open area are generally appreciative of the shorter hunting period.

Shotguns have been allowed in all previous hunts, and required in the North Platte valley areas in Scotts Bluff and Morrill counties for the '49 and '50 hunts. Because of danger of richochet of shotgun slugs or buckshot, plus the increased crippling loss of deer shot with shotguns, none will be permitted in any area this season. Everyone who has studied ballistics and the disintegration of bullets shot from high-powered rifles, will readily appreciate how accidents and crippling loss can be avoided by the use of the proper gun.

Guns such as the 30-06, 270, 30-40, 300 Savage, and 8 mm Mauser, accounted for the bulk of the deer in   34 Outdoor Nebraska the past hunts. The 30-30 (a good gun at short range) has been responsible for a large percentage of the kills.

Several organizations have written the Nebraska Game Commission advising us of the splendid cooperation planned for the special deer season.

From the Sioux Rifle and Pistol Club, Charles N. Umphenour, secretary-treasurer, at Harrison, in Sioux County: "We are planning a big time this season. The Sioux Rifle and Pistol club will arrange a sighting-in range two and one-half miles east of Harrison on the north side of Highway No. 20. Hunters wishing to use the range are to inquire at the County Judge's office in the Court House for arrangements for targets and aid.

C. Fred Gund, jr., president of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce, advises that: "Anyone wanting advance arrangements should write the Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Crawford, Nebraska, well in advance of the season, so that we will have time to get everybody fitted out." The Crawford Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with local ranchers, is going all out to make the deer season a success. They have already arranged for the rifle range at Fort Robinson to be open on the day prior to the deer season so that hunters may check their sights prior to the opening of the season.

They will handle, without charge, all requests for reservations for rooms, in town or on ranches, for anyone wanting assistance, and will arrange in advance for guides and hunting areas for anyone who lets them know.

The Wildlife Conservation Club at Chadron, through its officers and members, will plan to provide as much service as possible. For those hunters planning to headquarter or hunt in the Chadron area, it is suggested they contact Don Berlie or Al Lecher at Chadron for information.

Frank Jessup, Banner County Clerk, at Harrisburg, writes that the local rifle club will put their rifle range near Harrisburg at the complete disposal of the deer hunters,

The Bluffs Rifle and Pistol club at Scottsbluff has indicated its interest in setting up a sighting-in station for deer hunters coming into that area. Information may be secured by deer hunters from the checking and sealing station in the Scotts Bluff County Court House in Gering.

Similar assistance may be available at Bridgeport. For hunters planning to hunt or headquarter from Bridgeport, they can contact the checking station which will be located at Larsen's Feed Store in the north part of town on the west side of Main Street.

For Hunting Fun—Cont'd from Page 23 seasons, the bucket-seat adds to fishing pleasure.

Three other useful items in the gadget class might be mentioned to reader advantage:

Quite often, when several gunners are deployed around a large dove field, incoming birds will approach a hunter from behind, the flight possibly unnoticed by the man nearest the birds but clearly visible to companions on the far sides of the field. A Scout whistle, carried on a neckcord, is a sure means of quickly warning companions of birds approaching from behind.

Again, many times dove will settle down to feed smack in the middle of a large field, to the chagrin of anxious hunters on its fringes. You can flush such feeding birds with slingshots, the habit of most doves to circle before levelling off for distant flight often bringing them within range.

When recovering downed birds without a dog, immediately walk directly to the spot where you figured the bird fell, and, if unable to find it on approach, drop your handkerchief as a marker, and then search the area adjacent to this indicator. Because you can always return to your original starting point and branch out into new areas from this logical hub, you will seldom lose a downed bird, using the method described.

Indications are that we can look forward to a good hunting season this year, but, even so, hunting success begins at home. Don't hunt handicapped!

Complete success in big game hunting isn't realized entirely upon killing of game, but also depends on the manner practiced in protecting the meat from spoilage. In many instances, hunters unfamiliar with the correct procedure sometimea waste precious portions of the tasty meat.

The Nebraska Game Commission in an effort to assist this year's group of 1,200 big game hunters, many of whom will be hunting for the first time, offers the following suggestions:

Go prepared to take care of the deer. Necessary equipment to do a good job is a sharp hunting knife, 15 feet of 1/4 inch rope, some strong cord, and several pieces of clean wiping cloth. If you plan on quartering the deer at camp, take four muslin sacks, each large enough to hold a quarter of deer.

As soon as possible after the animal is down, turn the head down-hill and bleed it by inserting a knife into the jugular, the windpipe, and the gullet. If the head is to be mounted, make the cut in the skin as small as possible. Often in a rib or chest shot, bleeding is internal and very little blood will come from the jugular.

After bleeding, turn the carcass belly up, with the head uphill. Open from the vent to the brisket, using two fingers as a guide beneath' the skin to avoid cutting into the intestines and paunch and making a messy job. Cut carefully around the vent and free the large intestine. Holding the carcass between the knees, cut the diaphram (the heavy partition between the intestinal and lung cavities) free from the ribs as far around toward the backbone as you can—the further the better.

Reach into the upper cavity, grasp the severed windpipe and gullet in the left hand and pull firmly toward you, severing the remaining connective tissue with the knife in your right hand, until heart, liver, lungs, paunch, intestines, and all can be lifted out and placed to one side out of the way.

Examine the inside to see that all parts of organs remaining are removed. They spoil quickly. Save the heart and liver. They are choice morsels for your supper. Save the leaf lard. It makes good frying grease or tallow for shoes and leather.

It is preferable at this point to hang the animal up to cool overnight. Transporting, carrying, or dragging hot meat toughens it. If the carcass cannot be hung up, prop it wide open. Whether you hang it up or lay it down, be sure it is well shaded and the inside is wiped dry and clean before you leave.

Conservation Officers--Their Districts

Following are the names of the conservation officers and their respective district headquarters:

Know Your Warden—Cont'd from Page 12

of Bill's most lingering memories dates back to 1940 when he was working with Billy Monnett, a former warden, during the pheasant season. Spotting a group of hunters shooting from a vehicle before the open season, the two wardens approached the car and motioned the driver to stop. Instead of stopping, however, the car just sped by. Officer Monnett opened the door and looked back, keeping an eye on the speeding car. Bill, not realizing Monnett had the door open and was looking out, began backing up to turn around on the road. As he did this, Officer Monnett rolled out of the car and into the ditch. After devoting a few seconds for rehabilitation, the two officers pursued the car and caught up with the hunting violators.

TRIP "BEHIND THE SCENES" ON THE PHEASANT SURVEY

In this story Levi L. Mohler, leader of the Game Commission's wildlife survey and investigation, takes us "behind the scenes" on the pre-season pheasant survey job. Similar work with other game includes following individual bobwhite coveys through the winter, checking spring populations of prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse on the breeding grounds, and noting the condition of winter deer range to get an indication of deer welfare or danger locally. These and other jobs, following the lines indicated by detailed field investigations on study areas, are currently being organized for use by the entire field staff of the Commission so that statewide information can be gathered systematically on major game problems.

"We saw only one pheasant on the whole trip. We drove from Podunk (real name omitted!) to Lincoln, right through what is supposed to be the best pheasant country. No sir-eee! There can't be many birds there."

So spoke the first caller who came in to visit about pheasants. Then, believe it or not, the very next visitor happened to be from the same locality, and here's -what he said—"Man, have we got a bird crop out towards Podunk (same town as above)! I don't get around much, but the other day I went out to the place to see about putting up another corn crib, and there were pheasants everywhere".

I could see my visitor was enthused, and he continued, "I had Jake Douglas along—he's a salesman from Podunk-hunts about as much as anyone I know. Jake kept track and he says we saw exactly 137 pheasants on the drive, just 31 miles from the raliroad crossing to the farm and back, the way we went. Looks like Jake can get some pheasants this year without any trouble."

There, in those two fellows' remarks, you begin to see why the bird population can be good for an argument any time the hot-stove-league goes into session. Both men were sincere and well-meaning, but probably neither had a very good view on the general pheasant situation in that county. The details of the story may be different in different places, but the topic packs a lot of interest whether you do your visiting in the grocery at Culbertson, the post office at Randolph, the filling station at Exeter, or your favorite lunch spot in Omaha.

Since it takes more than one swallow to make a summer, it also takes more than one look at the pheasants to tell just what their local status is. And when you multiply each locality by the hundreds of localities in the state, well, that puts you face to face with a survey job which your game department tackles manfully every year.

Whether it be pheasants, quail, grouse, ducks, or deer, it took a lot of planning and a lot of field work, by the fellows who work with game, before things finally worked around to the point where Jake Douglas could have a pheasant feed or put fat mallards in his deep-freeze.

To the average outdoorsman, the main purpose of game work is probably to bring about successful hunting conditions. So, while we are at the stage where guns are being fondled, dogs exercised, and decoys touched up, it might help fill the hours if we'd consider what goes into a year's survey job.

First, let's take up pheasants. Excepting in the ranch country, where grouse are tops, and in the southeast where bobwhites outrank other birds, the ring-necked dandies of the mixed farming country just about monopolize the upland game bird picture.

Keeping a finger on the pheasant situation (statewide, remember!) can have a lot of complications. There are various ways of checking birds on small areas, but only methods which can give extensive coverage are suitable for a big, statewide job.

Back in the early 1940's, when the game investigation was first getting under way, game biologists worked in various parts of the state, trying out all kinds of systems, and carefully keeping records of their results. They walked and beat the bushes, they rode horseback   38 Outdoor Nebraska beyond the roads and fields, they used bird dogs, they used "teams" of cooperating hunters in check areas. After the first few months of such activity one thing still seemed to be a problem. As one of my biologist friends put it, "I could make a statewide survey click if I could just be everywhere at once". He didn't find a way to do that, but the next best thing was done, as you'll see a few paragraphs later.

Outdoorsmen long ago discovered that most birds are active in early morning and late afternoon, and relatively quiet during the rest of the day. The pheasant is no exception to this, and the field records of game workers soon began to emphasize the importance of morning and evening observations in survey work. To cite one real example—in July of 1947, two experienced onservation officers kept records of what they saw in each hour of the day in good pheasant country of central and southern Nebraska. They worked separately, but their combined records for the first hour and a half after sunrise included slightly more pheasant observations than for all the rest of the day put together!

There may be other times when it would be personally more convenient to do the job, but if seeing birds is a consideration an early-set alarm clock is practically a must. Which reminds me again, don't sell your local officer short when you see him getting his mail at the postoffice on a summer morning about eight or nine o'clock. You may feel like making some crack about him keeping "banker's hours," but the chances are he was out at sunrise following the birds, putting in a half-day before the corner druggist had his second cup of coffee. Following the birds is no job for a late sleeper.

Now, back to the man who wanted to be everywhere at once. If he couldn't do that, the next best thing would be to get the help of other people. After trying out various cooperators, the rural mail carriers of the state turned out to be the best bet for this particular kind of a job, for the simple reason that they go practically everywhere that roads go, and they go right back again, day after day.

Some of the early cooperating observers just happened to be mail carriers— fellows like Kmmett Pope of Arnold, Roy Olmstead of Wauneta, and Austin King of Creighton, to name a few. But their help proved so useful that the cooperative record keeping soon was expanded to include over 600 rural carriers throughout the state. These carriers travel about 30,000 miles per day. And their help gets information which could not possibly be obtained with the limited field personnel of the Game Commission working alone.

The carriers, driving mostly in mid-day, don't see as many birds per 100 miles as could be seen in early morning, but their traveling is so extensive that they get a big statewide sample anyway. In 1951, for example, they saw over 4,500 pheasants per day, and in 1950 about 4,000 per day, during the selected counting period.

The conservation officers actually are key men in the summer pheasant survey, which is probably the most important of the entire year since summer is the season when young birds hold the key to the fall hunting outlook. The officers keep detailed field records of their observations during a five-week period in July and August. They do this primarily to learn the ratio of young pheasants to adults. This ratio changes rapidly from week to week in mid-summer. The young are much more in evidence by late July than earlier, and the mail carriers are asked to do their four-day count at the time when warden records show that young are near their peak for the summer. Usually this happens near the first of August. It would be a tougher job later, since by then some of the early-hatched young would be big enough that they might not be distinguished from adults.

The officers work in their pheasant-looking with their other duties on a week-to-week basis. They may be busy with fishermen most of the week, or be busy at the courthouse with the details of processing game law violations on certain days, but on remaining days their cruising on the side roads usually results in a good cross-section of what's going on among the pheasants. In a good week in mid-summer it isn't especially difficult for the field men to see a state-wide sample well in excess of a thousand young pheasants.

The pheasant men get a good idea of whether the general hatch is earlier or later than usual by paying particular attention to the first few broods they see in the year, usually in June. By the time ten or more broods have been seen by each officer the hatching period can be fairly well established—and then it's largely a matter of laying definite plans for the busy period of pheasant-watching which is still a few weeks ahead.

Incidentally, the peak hatching period is usually during the last half of June. Very few pheasants hatch before June, and there is considerable hatching every year in July, with a smaller amount in August.

Judging by the data gathered in the past ten years an extra early hatch, like we saw in 1946, can be bad for the pheasants. They can take the wettings of July and August, but the chill rains (sometimes even snows!) of May and early June aren't calculated to make a pheasant hunter happy the following October.

While hatching is chiefly in June and early July the young birds aren't seen much until they are two or three weeks old or older, hence the importance of late July and August for the annual pre-season survey.

The graph accompanying this story shows the general trend the pheasant population has taken during the past decade in Nebraska. The 1949 blizzards made a temporary delay in the uptrend, especially in northern areas, but 1949, 1950, and 1951 have all been good pheasant-producing years so the general outlook is favorable as we approach the pheasant harvest of 1951.

How much do you know about the young of wildlife. Match the name of the species of game with its respective young. Answers appear below.

Dead-Shot Wardens Solve Rabbit Migration Practice

Roy Owen, warden of district No. 23 comprised of the western half of Gage and all of Fillmore, Saline, Thayer and Jefferson counties, is an outstanding conservation officer and one of the state's better trap-shoot artists.

Father Roy, as many of his friends address him, has one other outstanding characteristic. He has a natural ability for telling tall yarns. In fact, Roy won the state liar's championship on six different occasions.

The hunting season is about to approach and Roy agreed to enumerate a couple of stories which occurred in his district. We will let Roy take it from here.

"We are looking forward to a wonderful rabbit shooting season. Back in the early days when Loron Bunney and I first started hunting, we prided ourselves in our ability to hit the mark. We didn't have biologists or a game management division, so in order to get an accurate check on the amount of game raised and their habits, we decided that we would take it upon ourselves to mark a goodly number of rabbits. Bunney lived on the north side of the Platte river and there was always some question whether these rabbits migrated across the river. So we spent three months ear-marking each rabbit that we jumped. Bunney shot his in the right ear just at the base of the black spot on the north side of the river with a .22 rifle while I shot mine on the south side of the river on the left ear at the base of the black spot.

"We carried out this procedure for nigh on to 10 years and never a time has anyone been able to say that we ever missed a shot. And to this day, after many years have passed, we are still finding rabbits with marks on (If You Want to Believe Roy Owens) the left ear on the south side of the river and the rabbits earmarked on the right ear on the north side of the river.

"To give you an idea of the accuracy of our gun pointing, we used to shoot at tomcats that were running wild in the field. We would start them running and whittle their tails off an inch at a time until we had them down close to the back bone or where he sits while looking for game. That was where the bobcat came from. This became hereditary and the cats of today commonly known as bobs were the descendants. If there are any wardens from any state who doubt the veracity of our shooting ability, we are open for contest."

"You have been hearing a lot about the big fish in the western part of the state and how often they mention six, eight, and ten-pound catches. Now on the Blue river down Crete way, we don't allow amateur fishermen. You have to be experienced before we will permit you to fish in certain areas along the Blue. The kind of fish being caught out west serves merely as bait here in the Blue.

"A good old gentleman in charge of the post office in our vicinity had been having considerable trouble trying to land one of our medium-sized catfish. Being thoroughly disgusted with finding his line gone each morning, he decided he would really get a line out that would do the job. He proceeded up to Horky's blacksmith shop and had a barb put on a hay hook and used an inch-thick cable for a leader. He fastened the line to one of our big maple trees and baited the hook with an 80-pound pig. He cast into the river and waited for results.

"The next morning, he went down to check his line and behold, he had   Outdoor Nebraska 41 snagged one of the smaller fish in the Blue. This fish had swam around the tree and about half uprooted it. The old gentleman slid down on the cable and tried to pry the fish's mouth open in order to drown him. This aggravated the old cat. He made a terrific lunge, pulled up the tree by the roots and took off down the stream.

"We don't know how big the fish was but as it passed under the railroad bridge, there was so much of him sticking out of the water that it brushed our beloved postmaster off his back. The old gent was so aggravated to think that the fish got away that he placed the following advertisement in a Kansas City newspaper: 'Anyone seeing a tree going down the river, please notify the postmaster at Crete:' At the present time, the fisherman is resting easily, though somewhat bruised and his pride hurt. If you intend fishing in the Blue, and when you get a bite, please run for a tree and take a half hitch on it. We are not responsible for accidents."

"The hunting season is about to open and we, in the vicinity of District 23, look forward to some wonderful hunting. We are in constant fear, being in the central flyway, that the old goose that passed over Nebraska in the late 80's might pass this way again. We don't know how large he was, but he was likened to a B-29. As I remember, when he sailed in over Uncle Lutz' place, we could hear the deep base honk which had a tremendous vibration. It was so great that it broke window panes in the court house 18 miles away.

"To give you some idea of the terrific aftertow as he passed over the farm, the suction was so great that it upset the corn cribs and windmill. Uncle Ebner, shucking corn, didn't notice the goose until he was passing over and it pulled his team of mules and corn husking wagon 200 yards across the field. The old goose circled the field and lighted in a 10-acre pond on top of the hill, drank all the water, made a nest and laid one egg which was in proportion to the size of the goose.

"Now, you wouldn't expect an egg like that to be fertile, but this old goose had lots of confidence. She sat on the egg for four weeks and ate all the crops within a radius of 100 yards from the pond. This aggravated Uncle Lutz. He loaded his muzzle-loading rifle and leveled off at the goose and let her have it. He shot a trifle low and hit the egg. The egg blew up and drowned 16 head of mules as the fluid gushed down across the pasture. The gas from the egg was so terrific that it melted the end of Uncle's gun and since, there has never been another crop grown on that field."

Habitat—Cont'd from Page 18

the area, is a row of the Rose to replace the fence after a three or four-year period. This also acts as the shrub row on the north and west. To pile the snow up as soon as it enters the area, two rows of cedar are planted just inside of the rose on the north and west. This is followed by a blank row and then a row of Russian Olive. The blank row acts as a snow trap and prevents over topping of the cedars by the olives. Again, observations on old belts have shown that when olives overtop cedars, they have a tendency to whip the tops out of the cedars. The olives add height to the planting so that drift levels never reach the tops of the plantings. After the olive row, our plantings are broken up in to clump plantings or row plantings of shrubs which should be free of snow for the birds' use. We also intersperse open areas for nesting cover which, in parts of Nebraska, is very critical.

Lumping all of these items we have put together a habitat area which we feel will serve king pheasant through the extremes of weather he can expect in Nebraska.

The mountain goat is not a true goat. It is an antelope.

The opossum is the only native North American mammal that carries the young in a pouch.

Barn owls are reported to eat their own weight in food every night, and more, if they can get it.

Transferred from the perils of dangling hooks into more hot water. This fate was suffered by some 200 odd game fish displayed by the Nebraska Game Commission at the State Fair Grounds.

On the Saturday before the opening of fair week, Fisheries personnel of the Game Commission stocked the exhibit pond behind the aquarium building with representatives of most Nebraska fish. An hour or so later, the fish appeared to be dying. Some fish were laying on their side, some on. their back while others floated to the surface.

The first thought to occur was the presence of too much chlorine in the water. Gerhard Lenz, Gretna fish hatchery superintendent, dumped a gallon of chiro sulphate into the pond. This sulphate eliminates chlorine. Nothing happened. Another gallon was emptied into the water. Results were still nil.

Fisheries personnel, wearing waders, entered the pond and attempted to revive the fish. They placed the fish in upright positions and put them in the current of the fresh water entering the pond. But still to no avail.

By accident, Lenz placed his hand on the fresh water pipe and received an electrical shock. He checked the entire wiring system until he found a faulty ground wire. The fish were slowly being electrocuted and hadn't Lenz paused and placed his hand on the fresh water pipe, all fish might have died and the cause would probably have remained a mystery.

Booster Units Help Rehabilitate Pheasants

Fifteen different organizations in the state operated pheasant booster units during 1951.

These cooperating groups requested and received young birds from the Nebraska Game Commission and reared them until the pheasants reached stocking age. Game Commission representatives accompanied the groups when they released the pheasants.

The pheasants were released in areas where the population is now below normal but are known to be capable of supporting a harvestable pheasant population.

Organized wildlife clubs and wildlife committees of civic clubs cooperating with the Nebraska Game Commission are in large measure responsible for much of the fine pheasant hunting enjoyed by Nebraska sportsmen throughout the state.

Following is a list of the cooperating groups and the locations of their respective booster units during 1951:

O'Neill Gun club (Page, O'Neill and Emmett); Whisker club (Atkinson); Sandhills Rod and Gun club (Bassett and Ainsworth); Woodlake Community club (Woodlake); Cherry County Pheasant club (Valentine); Cody Rod and Gun club (Cody); Gordon Wildlife society (Gordon); Rushville-Hay Springs Pheasant club (Rushville).

Wildlife Conservation club (Chadron); Elks club (Alliance); Morrill County Wildlife club (Bridgeport); Garden County Wildlife club (Oshkosh); Cheyenne County Wildlife club (Sidney); Kimball County Wildlife club (Bushnell, Kimball and Dix); and Tri-County Wildlife club (Ogallala).

OLD AGE ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS MUST PURCHASE HUNTING PERMIT

Four laws affecting sportsmen of the state and the Nebraska Game Commission were passed by the recent session of the State Legislature in Lincoln. Following are the laws in brief:

L.B. 224 provides that any person in the military service of the United States and stationed in Nebraska may hunt and fish in Nebraska on a resident permit upon proof that he is in such military service and stationed in Nebraska. This law carried the emergency clause and became effective immediately after the adjournment of the State Legislature.

Old Age Assistance recipients were exempted from purchasing Nebraska resident fishing permits by the passage of L.B. 237. This law read in brief: Any person who is a recipient of old age assistance and who is a resident of Nebraska shall be exempt from the payment of any fees for the privilege of fishing in Nebraska; providing he obtains a certificate from the county clerk of the county in which such person resides certifying that he is a recipient of old age assistance. This law did not carry an emergency clause and consequently did not become effective until 90 days after the close of the State Legislature which was Aug. 27.

The Old Age Assistance law as passed does not, however, exempt recipients from the purchase of hunting permits. If they hunt at anytime they are required to buy a Nebraska resident hunting permit.

L.B. 229 amended Section 37-215 of the State Statutes which governed deer regulations. This amendment authorized the Game Commission to issue special permits for the killing of doe and horned buck deer when the same became prevalent enough to allow a limited season for the purpose of reducing the number thereof in limited areas. Prior to this passage, the Game Commission was authorized only to declare open seasons on buck deer.

The remaining contents of L.B. 229 read: "The number of such special permits may be limited, as provided by the regulations of the Commission, but the permits shall be disposed of in an impartial manner by lot. Such special permits may be issued to allow killing of doe and horned buck deer in Dawes, Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Banner, Sheridan and Sioux counties, and in the Nebraska National Forest and other game reserves whenever the Commission shall deem that permitting such killing will not be detrimental to the proper preservation of wild life in Nebraska. The C ommission shall charge a fee for each special permit so issued in the sum of ten dollars. No person shall be issued a special permit to kill doe and horned buck deer oftener than once in any three consecutive seasons."

Two major changes appeared in the preceding paragraph. The Game Commission was authorized to open an additional county to deer hunting—Banner—if the size of the population warranted such.

The other change affected all deer hunters and deer permit applicants. Prior to this year, all residents of the state could apply for deep permits every year and if fortunate, receive permits each year. L.B. 229, however, forbids the issuance of a deer permit to any person oftener than once in any three consecutive open seasons. Hunters who received deer permits for the 1951 deer hunt will not be eligible to apply for another permit during the next two seasons.

The passage of L.B. 44 authorized the Commission to utilize Dingell-Johnson money, similar to the Pittman-Robertson funds. The law read: "The State of Nebraska hereby assents to the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled 'An Act to provide that the United States shall aid the states in fish restoration and management projects, and for other purposes,' approved August 9, 1950 (Public Law No.   44 Outdoor Nebraska 681, 81st Congress), and the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative fish restoration and management projects, as defined in the Act of Congress, in compliance with such act and with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior thereunder. No funds accruing to the State of Nebraska from permit or license fees paid by fishermen shall be diverted for any other purpose than the administration of the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission."

This law carried the emergency clause and became effective immediately.

The Nebraska Game Commission is expected to receive an estimated $46,000 in Dingell-Johnson fisheries money for the first year.

These laws passed by the 1951 session of the State Legislature anfj all other laws affecting sportsmen, wild life and the Nebraska Game Commission o§n be found in the Game Law book printed every biennium by the Game Commission. The new laws appear in the 1951-1952 Game Law book recently published by the Game Commission. Sportsmen may obtain a copy of the Game Law book by contracting their respective conservation officers or by writing to the Nebraska Game Commission, State House, Lincoln.

Farmers Take Share of Deer Permits

Nebraska farmers were well represented in the deer drawing held at the State House on Sept. 15. Six of the first ten names drawn were those of farmers. The other four consisted of a housewife, a salesman, a section laborer and a publisher.

The first ten applicants to receive permits and the order in which they were drawn were: Dexter D. Patton, Nebraska City; Wilbur L. Hunter, Hay Springs; Warren E. Richter, Palisade; Elizabeth Ruff, Mitchell; Merle C. O'Neill, Elsie; Frank Serbousek, Hay Springs; Ivor E. McRae, Bayard; John R. Elliott, McCook; Milford R. Pierce, Belmont, and Frederich H. Price, Newman Grove.

In all, 1,200 special deer permits were drawn from the record breaking total of 7,800 applications.

What's A Loaded Shotgun?

LOADED SHOTGUN—A shotgun is considered to be loaded when it has live cartridges or ammunition any place in its mechanism in a position from which the gun could be rendered capable of firing or discharging such ammunition. Consequently, a shotgun with shells in either the chamber or magazine is considered loaded. (This is the most recent State Attorney General's opinion as to what constitutes a loaded shotgun.)

SHOOTING FROM THE HIGHWAY—A public highway is considered to extend from fence line to fence line or property line to property line. Consequently, shooting at game birds or game animals from any location between the above described boundaries is illegal. (This is the most recent Attorney General's opinion.)

WHAT CAN BE SHOT WITH A RIFLE—Game animals and unprotected birds or animals may be shot with a rifle. No game birds can be shot with a rifle. Game birds may be shot with any shotgun not larger than 10 guage which is plugged to a total capacity of three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.

WHO NEEDS A DUCK STAMP—Everyone 16 years of age and over must have a migratory waterfowl hunting stamp in addition to the regular state hunting permit.

Notes on Nebraska Fauna . . . Bobwhite Quail

This is the seventh of a series of articles and drawings on Nebraska's small and big game animals, game birds and game fish. George Schildman, biologist, prepared the story while C. G. Pritchard, staff artist, made the drawing. The Winter Issue of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA will feature the muskrat.

The bobwhite is a favorite of all who know him. The strong, clear whistle of the cock during spring and summer enriches the life of the farm boy and girl. Neither is this plump and pert little bird wanting in attractiveness. His song and appearance aren't his only good traits. Insects comprise most of the summer diet of the young and a large part of the adults. Through the winter, weed seed and waste grain are consumed. In the fall, in that part of th£ state where they are found in harvestable numbers, they furnish sport for the hunter; and on the table, no other meat could be better. With all these attributes, is it any wonder that he is a favorite with all who know him?

Every species is a product of the environment it lives in. This factor limits its range and distribution. The bobwhite is no exception. The northwestern limits of its original range probably included northeastern to southcentral Nebraska. But with settlement and interspersion of agriculture, the cessation of prairie grass fires with resultant increase of trees and woody shrubs, the bobwhite has expanded the limits of his range westward to include most of Nebraska. This extended range, however, is not all inhabitated; only those local areas that meet their requirements.

Only in the southern and eastern parts of Nebraska where woody fence rows and smaller fields make up the general land use plan, or where there is sufficient interspersion of grass, and cultivation, and woody cover, (see background of picture) does the distribution of the birds produce our best populations. Severe winters probably reduce their expanded range except for isolated coveys inhabiting the very best of conditions.

In the spring when the covey breaks up, mated pairs disperse from their wintering areas and seek a nesting area. There is an excess of cocks. These unmated birds are the whistlers in summer. The nest is on the ground and generally in a grassy plot. The cock usually constructs the nest which is lined with grass and leaves and commonly roofed over with a canopy of grass. Ten to 24 eggs are laid which hatch after 23 to 24 days of incubation. The hen usually incubates but the cock may do it, and generally does, if something should happen to the hen. Only one brood is raised each year. Late broods are due to unsuccessful nesting attempts earlier.

The chicks leave the nest the same day they hatch and are able to fly short distances 10 to 14 days later. Both the hen and cock brood the young. Chicks that get separated from the brood may be adopted by an unmated cock. In general, they remain together as a family until early fall when they break up. Coveys are reformed later that may be comprised of birds from several different coveys. There is a movement then

from the uplands to wooded stream valleys and other woody cover as winter approaches. Winter is the most critical period for Nebraska's auail. Probably the one greatest asset to the wintering birds in southeastern counties is the protection and travel lanes provided by the osage orange hedge rows.

These birds have a unique arrangement for night roosting. They roost on the ground forming a compact circle, each side by side, with the heads pointing out in all directions. The tails point inward. When flushed this "bombshell formation" bursts with a whir of wings. It is commonly believed that this formation is for protection, providing vision in all directions and allowing the birds to disperse without interfering with each other. This may be true, but difficult to ascertain. However, this formation does provide a greater conservation of heat on cold winter nights.

The sexes are nearly alike, reddish-brown, mottled with black and white. The male has a white throat and white line over the eye bordered with black. On the female this is buffy and bordered with reddish brown. They are a plump, stocky bird about 10 inches long weighing 6V2 to 8 ounces. They are rapid and strong runners, as is their flight. However, flights are usually short, seldom as much as 200 yards and terminated with a long glide on bowed wings.

Few if any birds are more adept at "freezing" in the face of danger, and the variegated plumage aids it greatly in its concealment. While in this act of "freezing," the feathers are compressed tightly against the body, helping to reduce the emmission of scent to a minimum. Bird dogs with "pretty fair noses" have passed within a few feet of a "freezing" bird and not detected it.

The bobwhite population in the past two years has gained rapidly after a couple of years of reduced numbers. Results of late inventories indicate a population comparable to some of the higher years in the early and middle 1940's.

A brief explanation for those of you who do not sanction the shooting of this fine bird. Hunting regulations are designed to harvest the "surplus" where the birds are present in shootable numbers. For example, a given area will carry only so many birds as its habitat will support. Each summer a surplus of birds is produced. By breeding season, the following year, the surplus will have been largely eliminated by "mother nature." Otherwise this or any other species would soon overrun the country. This surplus is the part designed for harvest by Game Commission regulations.

The Missing Picture