EDITORIAL Minority Hurts Majority

WHEN the last scarlet rays of the setting sun drew the curtain on the last day of the 1952 hunting season, we naturally paused in retrospect of the past season. Whether we be hunter, nature lover, game administrator or all three, our contemplation is worthy of evaluation.

The seasons as planned by the Nebraska Game Commission encompassed the complete gamut of possible game seasons from the opening of the dove season September 1st to the closing of the Deer season December 14. Unfortunately, the weather man was not as cooperative with the hunter as was the Commission. Extreme drouth conditions greatly hampered the success of the upland game bird seasons. However, the persistent hunter enjoyed the one or two birds he was able to outsmart each trip into the field. The less experienced hunters and even the more experienced hunting dogs gave up until the rains came at the very last moment. During this period the most encouraging factor to a game administrator was the conscientiousness with which the hunters guarded their actions because of the extreme fire hazard. In fact, hunter decorum in the field would have been exceptionally commendable had it not been for that perpetually existent small percentage of hunters who seem to insist upon doing everything in their power to make things difficult for the great proportion of conscientious hunters.

Like mad dogs freed from a cage, these few human parasites of the prairies take off in all direction to prey on all that draws a breath of Nebraska's purest air. Their predation upon the peaceful farmer and his lands turns such neighborly sons of the soil against all who wear the garb of he who hunts. So, thereby stands in mute contemplation the shadow of next year's season. The bird populations are in good condition to enter into the winter season. The hunters have not had an unsuccessful season. The future depends, of course, some on our abilities as game managers to provide adequate bird populations for the ever-increasing number of hunters. It depends to a degree on the cooperativeness of the so-called weatherman. It depends upon your understanding of how to stalk rather than hunt your game. But most of all, next season's success depends upon your willingness as an individual to educate those who are ignorant of the definition of sportsmanship and the time proven Golden Rule to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When this rule has been fulfilled and the hunters and farmers hearts and minds meet in unified understanding, then and not until then, will be known a perfect season. Indeed, a perfect human relationship from which emerges a pattern of real sportsmanship on the prairies.

Paul T. Gilbert COVER PICTURE—A red fox as yet unaware of a white-footed mouse scurrying for cover. This water color painting is again the fine work of staff artist C. G. Pritchard. GRAHAM PRINTING - LINCOLN. NEBR.

INDIAN HUNTING

by Dick Schaffer Editor

THE COMING of the White man to the virgin prairies of the midwest was unwelcomed by the previously undisturbed Indians and often greeted with stern opposition. It meant competition for game and home. And the presence of the Indians was likewise unappreciated by the pioneers who were continually searching for new frontiers. Though neither had any affection for the other and lost no love, they did eventually manage to adapt themselves to one another and succeeded in exchanging some ideas.

A present game law in Nebraska—and in many other states—is very similar to a law which governed the hunting activities of the Sioux Indians. Whether or not it can be traced to the Indian law is unknown, but it is known that the intent of the law was to discourage violations and to punish those guilty of infractions by seizure of some property.

According to Nebraska law, all guns used illegally shall be seized upon the arrest of the person so using them and upon conviction of such person for this act shall be WINTER ISSUE 3   forfeited to the state. This law has definitely been influential in diminishing certain violations as many hunters, fully realizing the penalty of gun forfeiture, cherish their guns as their "pride and joy" and hesitate doing anything which might endanger their losing them.

And—the Indian tribal law as prescribed by the Sioux group of advisors undoubtedly discouraged and lessened out of season hunting. The advisory group, appointed by the reigning chief, established a law prohibiting hunting during the closed season. Any Indian found guilty of such an offense was dealt with severely. The advisors would first take one of the Indian's horses to replace the game killed out of season. Most Indians had two horses, one a good runner used in pursuing game and the other a stoutly built pack horse used in moving camping equipment. Both horses were their "pride and joy" and almost absolute necessity for survival.

The advisors, however, went one step farther than our present law. They killed one of the horses. Either horse would suffice.

The chief bestowed all hunting regulatory power upon the advisors in the Sioux tribe. They prohibited the killing of young game and prescribed usually two hunting seasons, the first being in May when grass was plentiful and game fat and good to eat; the second in the fall of the year. The start of the fall hunting season was signaled by the falling of leaves and continued until ample game was taken to carry the tribe over until the following spring hunt. They never killed an excessive amount of game in asmuch as game would keep only so long.

Most of the Sioux's hunting territory extended much into Nebraska and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Game was apparently plentiful with the king buffalo most abundant. All streams within the territory abounded with ducks. The Indians also shot deer, antelope, coyotes, rabbits, prairie dogs, beaver, porcupines, badgers and prairie chickens.

Not all Indians participated in the famous game hunts. In fact, only a comparative select few sought the game and provided food for the tribe. Most of the hunting party consisted of young and strong Indians who were taught to hunt in tribal fashion since they were big enough to hold a bow and arrow. The older Indians, however, possessed the better horses and bows and arrows and gave these to the young hunting party prior to their departure from camp. If ample game was sighted, there was no acceptable excuse for any of the learned hunting party to return without a kill.

During their youth, the younger Indians who were to eventually do the hunting for the entire tribe began practicing on rabbits and birds. They were taught how to hold the bow and arrow to achieve different distances. This practice consumed tremendous time.

In the larger villages, the group of advisors—when food was needed—would appoint two or more of their most skilled hunters to go out and seek game. They were under strict orders not to kill any game, but instead to scout for game and return and report their findings. If they saw a multitude of game, the entire hunting party would be sent on the hunt. However, if only small herds of game were sighted, only the most proficient hunter would be assigned the all-important job of killing the game.

When game was abundant and the entire hunting group sent out on the hunt, all were expected to be able to kill game and return to camp. However, if an Indian should fail, he would suffer tribal humiliation and be banned from the elite group of hunters. His horse and bows and arrows would be taken from him. It was then up to him to get another horse and equipment—on his own and prove to the village advisors that he, too, was a capable hunter. Once this was accomplished and the advisor convinced of his ability, he was again received as a member of the hunting party.

Major weapon of the Indians was the bow and arrow. It is said that some great and powerful medicine man was told by the Great Spirit that the Indians should use an arrow-shaped rock to kill game. The Spirit also told the medicine man how the rocks could be sharpened and that they could be found in the hills.

This the Indians did and succeeded in achieving great accuracy .and deadliness with the weapon. Not all of the arrows used by the Sioux were pointed. Different points were needed for killing the different species of game. Some arrows were blunt and rounded on the end. These were used for killing small game and were so shaped so not to mutilate the game. These arrows could be used on more than one occasion.

A sharp-pointed arrow was needed to kill game with tough hides. The stick part of the arrow was matured wood and the arrowhead pointed so it would penetrate the hide. Such arrows were utilized in killing badgers and porcupines. In killing bigger game such as deer and coyotes, the Sioux used flint rock shaped like the point of a spear.

The Sioux followed the game. They sought camping locations where they were safe from the extremities of the weather and where wood and water were abundant. Game, too, sought such locations. During summer, the Indians roamed the lower country while in fall they, like game, came north into the hills.

The Indians lived and thrived on buffalo and consequently devoted most of their efforts to tracking and killing the king of the plains. Ranging up beside a buffalo on their horses, the Indians tried to hit the buffalo in the flank, just behind the last rib, ranging the arrow or lance as far forward as possible into the lungs. Such a hit would make the buffalo slow down. If the lungs were punctured, the animals would begin foaming from the nose and die before long. An unintended hit in either the ribs or shoulder bones would merely irritate the animal which would often turn to fight, occasionally upending both Indian and horse.

Deer hunting was different. The medicine man, not the hunters, scouted for deer. If he spotted a herd, he would break off a limb from a nearby tree and stick it into the ground as a marker for the hunting group which would soon follow. Before returning to camp and reporting his findings, he would sing a song to the Great Spirit.

If possible, the marker stick would be placed near a high bank. The hunting party would create a big circle and work in toward the bank. The frightened deer would often fall over the bank, killing themselves. The others were easy shots for the in-closing Indians.

Another popular way of killing deer was the Sioux's "infiltration" hunt. They took the skin of a certain game animal that had horns and fastened the entire outfit over their body. They had previously taken gall from the scent glands of a fallen deer and smeared this all over themselves. With the horn-trimmed hide and scent of deer, the Sioux could actually infiltrate the herd. The rest was easy. They would pick out the heartiest deer and fire their arrows.

The Indian youngsters, too, had a pet way of killing deer. Finding an often traveled deer path, they would cut 4 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   vines off of trees and unravel them, placing them across the path. Then, starting some distance away, the young boys would create all kinds of noise and drive the deer toward the vine-closed path. The frightened deer would unknowingly head toward the vines and become entangled briefly, permitting the young Indians ample time to shoot their arrows.

Deer were believed to be more wild at that time inasmuch as few humans were ever seen. Now, according to popular Indian belief, the deer are less afraid because man is a common sight.

The Sioux confined most of their antelope hunting to the period just before the sun crept over the horizon. Antelope were then feeding down in the flats and open country. The hunting party would split up, one group being stationed a considerable distance away and working toward the other group located at the foot of the badlands where the "spooked" antelope were expected to head.

Though most hunting required considerable time, it was the hunting of eagles that probably required the greatest patience and endurance of the Indians. They would locate a towering cliff or hill and dig a deep pit or hole near the top with the use of sharpened buffalo ribs. Having the pit completed, the Indians placed willow branches or other brush over the opening. A dead rabbit or deer—to serve as bait—was then placed atop the brush. One or two Indians would remain in the pit for three or four days and even longer until an eagle would be lured to the scene by the bait. As the eagle alighted, the Indians would grab it by the legs and pull it into the pit. A terrific battle then ensued with the Indians usually winding up as victors by ringing the eagle's neck.

Game—animals and birds—constituted the Indians only source of food with the exception of fruits such as wild Indian turnip, cherries, plums and buffalo berries. The hide of the animals also served as clothing.

Buffaloes were most in demand as almost every part of them were used in some fashion. Buffalo hides were cured and made into tepees. This was the assignment belonging to the women of the tribe who presented each newly married couple with a tepee. Buffalo hides were also used in the making of moccasins.

Even buffalo bones were utilized. The grease was removed from the bones and used in preserving food, in medicine and in a hair tonic. The head of the buffalo was skinned and dried in the sun. These were then used during the ceremonial worships. Prior to such ceremonies, the medicine man would go to some lofty hill where no other man was present. He would wrap a buffalo hide around his body and stand there for four days in a strict fast.

Deer hides received limited use, primarily by the feminine sex. They were tanned and used as summer garments by the women of the tribe.

The skin of skunks were dried and used for medicine bags while badger hides were dried and made into pouches to keep arrows. The Indians also made a kind of "tool box" from badger hides in which to keep their collection of various shaped arrowheads.

Beaver tails constituted a food item. They were removed from the animal and preserved with other meats. The beaver hide was made into little bags and satchels, one of which was used particularly for loose hair. The Sioux Indians had a superstition that should any of their hair fall on the ground, a snake might eat it and sickness WINTER ISSUE 5   and sometimes death would fall upon the person who lost the hair. Whenever a big fire was made, the bag's contents of hair were burned.

Before any of the game could be consumed or used, however, the hunters would first have to provide the disabled Indians with an abundant supply. They could then take the remainder and use as they so chose.

Most of the meats were immediately processed for keeping over a period of several months. There were two popular methods of preserving meats. One was to cut the meat into very thin slices and dry it out or bake it in the sun. The meat was very carefully examined before being packed in the suitcase-like pouches made from buffalo hides. Pieces of meat were chipped off and tested. Unless they were perfectly dry, they were not packed in the pouches.

Another process of preserving meat was to pack dried cherries and bone marrow, pounded into small squares, alongside the meat in the pouches.

The Sioux Indians were successful in keeping flies and other insects from the meat while it was hanging out to dry. They would build a dry sage weed fire under the meat. The dry sage odor discouraged most insects.

The ways of the Indians began changing after 1825, the first year they came in contact with the White man. Guns began replacing the bow and arrow and salt, pepper and other spices became available for the first time. In 1851, the government began supplying the Indians with food rations consisting of such items as bacon, sugar, coffee and flour. The Indians, familiar only with their stable foods of meat and dried fruits, often threw the food away because they neither knew what they were or how to use them.

Yes, things have changed but the practices of the Indians will forever remain symbolic of the hunting prowress of the times.

Giant Beaver Once Lived

Thousands of years ago a giant beaver lived in North America. It was longer than a black bear. Counting its tail, it measured seven and one-half feet. The head was probably only four inches shorter than that of a lion. The modern beaver never stops growing, but doesn't grow fast enough nor live long enough to acquire any great stature.

This Gopher Has Pockets

The pocket gopher, found generally distributed throughout Nebraska, is named for its remarkable fur-lined pockets. These pockets, actually complete pouches, are placed one on each side of the head and neck. The openings are long slits in the skin under each* jawbone. Lined with fine soft fur, they extend backward along the side of its head and neck as far as the shoulders. Using both hands so fast that the human eye can hardly follow them, the gopher inserts food or nest material in one pocket and then the other.

Regulations To Be Ready

Printed copies of the new 1953 Nebraska Fishing Regulations should be available from permit vendors, conservation officers and the Lincoln office of the Nebraska Game Commission in early February at latest. The regulations were to be set at the Dec. 13 meeting of the Game Commission in Lincoln.

Nebraska Has 7 Parks

Nebraska has seven state parks, all of which are operated and maintained by the Game Commission. The parks are: Arbor Lodge (at Nebraska City on U.S. Highway 75), Chadron (9 miles south of Chadron on State Highway No. 19), Fort Kearny (10 miles southeast of Kearney on Highway No. 10), Niobrara (1 mile west of Niobrara on State Highway No. 12), Ponca (4 miles north of Ponca), Stolley (3 miles southwest of Grand Island) and Victoria Springs (8 miles north of Merna on State Highway No. 80).

6 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Take Care of that Gun

AS THE earth hardens by constant cold and occasionally becomes blanketed by wind driven snow, we lay aside our hunting gun and glance out of the frosted window, reminiscing about those recent hunting experiences which linger in our memory. Hunting, generally speaking, is over for another year. The flushing of pheasants and quail has ended. Doves no longer provide wing shooting targets. Grouse, squirrels and deer continue on their way unmolested by barking guns.

It is true we can still hunt the darting cottontail in January and again in April and through the remainder of the year and shoot raccoon and opossum all 12 months of the year. The major hunting seasons, however, appeared on the pages of the calendar we have since torn off.

Our thoughts are gradually being diverted to upcoming fishing, accelerated with each passing day. BUT—before our thoughts become too fixed on angling, let's take a look at that gun which ^brought home the game and pay the respects due it.

Let's not store it in the carrying case and forget about it until next fall. The gun should be cleaned and stored in a proper place to assure its uninterrupted and unhindered use the next time it is called to duty.

Allen J. Mart of Lincoln, several times state pistol champion and whose life-long hobby has been gunsmithing, has these words of practical advice:

"Clean the gun before storing. Clean it throughout with an oil cloth and commercial wiping cloth. If you can disassemble and successfully reassemble all of the parts, do this and clean each part thoroughly. The parts can be cleaned in kerosene inasmuch as it has some lubricant in it. Gasoline, however, is too dry.

"In cleaning the barrel, use a cleaning rod and a good patch soaked with a satisfactory solvent, one capable of dissolving powder and other residue likely to be found in the barrel. Then wipe it dry with another patch and follow this up with an oil patch to protect the inside of the barrel.

"Use a cloth to wipe the stock unless it has an excessive amount of oil in it.

"If you have a little rust on your gun, you shouldn't have too much trouble removing it. Get some real fine steel wool saturated with oil and rub. This should remove the active rust without impairing the finish of the gun. However, if the gun is rusted to the extent that the surface is pitted,nothing will restore it but a reblue job.

"Don't just pack away your gun in the carrying case. This provides the business for the gun smiths. Guns sweat with change of temperature and condensation forms and—rust results. After you have cleaned and oiled the gun, place it in an open space where air can circulate freely around it. Some basements are too damp and will cause the gun to rust.

"Shells, like guns, should be stored in a room with an even temperature where there is never an excessive temperature fluctuation or abundance of moisture. Like guns, some basements are too damp for shells. The first visible effect of dampness will be a swelling of the shell. Most shells, however, are advertised as being waterproof and will withstand considerable moisture for long periods of time.

"Even though shells can be stored for a lengthy time, don't let them lay around too long. Real old shells should not be used. If they age to the point where the powder will solidify, the shells become extremely powerful and equally as dangerous. A good example of this is shells that were used in World War I. Once in awhile someone will come up with one of these. And it has been known to actually blow a gun to pieces. Don't trust old shells."

As to new guns, Mart says "these should be checked and cleaned to be sure there is no obstruction in the barrel. The same applies to a gun that has been stored for some time. If there is any obstruction at all, the terrific pressure develops instantaneously and can blow a barrel to bits. New guns have grease in the barrel and must be cleaned before they are used. Besides the safety point, the grease found in a barrel should be removed because it will darken the barrel permanently if the gun is fired before the grease is removed."

Another tip offered by Mart is why not if repairs are needed put your gun in shape for the next season before you store it rather than wait till you again want to use it.

All gunsmiths are so busy when it nears the hunting seasons that one is fortunate to even be able to get your gun serviced by the time you wish to use it. This might result in one being tempted to use the gun without necessary repairs being done and this in turn may mean an unsafe gun. One accident can ruin a life time of pleasure. Guns if in proper condition are not* dangerous, it's the people who handle them.

Choose a good gun, have it fitted to you by one who knows how, care for it well, respect it, and it will give you many years of pleasure.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR Jan. 1 lo Mar. 31, 1953 HUNTING-Rabbits (Jan. 1 to 31) Raccoon Opossum TRAPPING-Muskrat, mink and beaver (Zone No. 1 including Arthur, Banner, Blaine. Box Butte, Brown, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Dundy, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Hooker, Keith, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux and Thomas counties except for stateowned lakes or marshes or areas closed by Federal, State or Municipal law.) —to Mar. 15. Muskrat, mink and beaver (Zone No. 2 including a 11 counties not mentioned in zone No. 1.) —to Jan. 15. Raccoon Opossum Badger Skunk Civet Fox WINTER ISSUE 7

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA QUIZ

Accompanying each of the following drawings are two statements about the particular species of animal. Indicate in the space to the right of the statement whether it is true or false. Compare your findings with the correct answers appearing at the bottom of page 23.

1. A deer's antlers are grown and shed periodically, unlike an antelope's horns. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

2. It has been estimated that a deer uses about as much energy to produce a pair of antlers as to produce a fawn. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

3. The beaver's tail is its chief means of defense against man. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

4. Women benefit indirectly from beaver in that the fur-bearing animal yields a produce used in the manufacture of some perfumes. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

5. A characteristic of the weasel is its habit of storing considerable food even though it craves fresh hot blood from living prey. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

6. Weasels are actually shy and timid animals and are often misjudged because of their physical appearance. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

7. Cottontail rabbits make more speed going uphill than down. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

8. Probably the cottontail rabbit's No. 1 means of maintaining itself in the face of its many enemies is its reproductive ability. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

9. A porcupine is capable of shooting its many thousands of individual quills "like javelins" when on defense. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

10. Porcupines are notorious for their "salt tooth" which frequently gets them into trouble with campers. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

11. Muskrat meat is occasionally sold in markets under the name of "marsh rabbit." TRUE_____ FALSE_____

12. Muskrats are second only to beaver in the construction of dams. TRUE_____ FALSE_____

Booster Units Aid in Pheasant Rearing

Prior to the opening of the recent pheasant season, 16,833 birds were released in Nebraska. Of this total, 10,374 were raised to maturity at the Game Commission's Norfolk game farm and 5,312 by cooperative booster units scattered through the northern and western parts of the state. More than 1,100 pheasants were spring released breeders.

Most of the pheasants were released in the area of the state closed in 1949, '50 and '51. The remainder were stocked in Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Platte, Colfax and Dodge counties. The primary purpose of the releases was to stregthen the population which was below par as a result of adverse weather conditions in recent years.

All pheasants stocked were Mongolians which differ from the common ringnecked pheasant in being generally darker in color and larger in size. Ringnecked pheasants, however, predominate in Nebraska.

In anticipation of this year's pheasant rearing operations, the Game Commission retained an ample breeding stock consisting of 1,514 hens and 214 roosters.

8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

NEBRASKA Duck Factory

By William D. Sweeney Wildlife Biologist, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service

FOR MANY years the sportsmen of Nebraska have wondered about the importance of the sand hills as a waterfowl breeding area. It is well known that there are many hundreds of lakes and marshes—both large and s m a 11—scattered throughout the region. Fishermen who go into these lakes to fish in the summertime invariably see paired ducks and broods of ducklings. Ranchers in the lake districts report ducks nesting in their pastures and hay meadows and broods on nearly every sizeable puddle of water.

Everyone has heard these reports; and many hunters have paused to reflect on the fact that there are approximately 20,000 square miles of sand hill country (approximately one-fourth of the state), more than 2,000 lakes, and uncounted small, semi-permanent potholes, marshes, wet meadows and seasonally flooded flats. Just what does this large area produce in the way of waterfowl? We hear much about the great numbers of waterfowl produced in North and South Dakota and Minnesota and, to be sure, these states produce far more ducks than does Nebraska. However, Nebraska contributes more than is generally realized to the continental waterfowl population.

There are a number of ducks, mostly blue-winged teal, raised throughout the rainwater basins in Clay and Fillmore counties and in the Holdrege area. Some ducks are produced in the sloughs, backwaters and beaver ponds along all of our major rivers and creeks; but, the really important breeding area is, of course, the sand hills. So let's take a look at this Nebraska duck factory and see what we have.

The sand hill region today is characterized by a lack of solid, surface rock, caused by a great structural valley in the bedrock known as the Central Nebraska basin. The dune sand is fine, silty quartz sand with small amounts of heavier minerals. The vegetation is a relatively good growth of prairie grasses. Very little farming is done, the area being used mainly for cattle raising.

The sand dunes were formed during Pleistocene times through periods of wind deposition and erosion following each of the last two glacial advances. Much of the sandy material was carried in on the prevailing winds from the north and west. The hills and valleys of the sand hills, and the relatively few streams which drain them, have a generally northwest to southeast orientation. The lighter wind-borne soil particles were carried on further east and south to form the Loess Hills area, the present fertile farming area of the state.

The sand forms a great groundwater reservoir which is slowly drained by streams like the Middle and North Loup rivers. These streams have their source in the groundwater of the sand hills and their flow is relatively constant throughout the year. They are not subject to the sudden violent floods as are the streams in areas of more rapid surface run-off.

The more permanent lakes and marshes are waterable areas and their fluctuation follows the changes in the water levels. These more permanent areas are vastly important for the. rearing of broods. However, the temporary potholes and puddles formed by late winter and spring rains are of utmost importance in tempting a large number of ducks migrating north in the spring to nest in this area. Waterfowl exhibit marked territorial tendencies during WINTER ISSUE 9   the breeding season and will not concentrate. Information obtained from both the Crescent Lake National Wildlife refuge and Valentine National Wildlife refuge points out that the numbers of breeding pairs on the more permanent lakes remain relatively constant from year to year and that any great increase or decrease in overall breeding populations depends on the presence or absence of great numbers of these small, temporary water areas at the time of the spring migration.

This is further borne out by the following statement from the article, ''Marsh Drainage and Waterfowl" by Elmer Peterson of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks:

"Studies by Stoudt (1949) and by Evans and Nord (1952) in the Dakotas have shown that the breeding pairs use the temporary water areas about as much as the more permanent ones. Densities on a per-acre basis were highest on water areas of less than one acre in size. Stoudt also reported that a decrease in the number of water areas resulted in fewer breeding pairs while the degree of occupancy of the water areas remained about the same."

In other words, the fewer the number of individual water areas present when the birds come north, the fewer breeding pairs we will have. They will not crowd in and breed in greater numbers on the water areas that remain. We know that many of these small water areas are intermittent and will soon dry up, but they are extremely important in convincing a large number of ducks that they should stop to nest. Most of these potholes will not go dry before the broods are hatched, and in any event, young ducks are capable of traveling quite a distance to find water. Since there is a good supply of permanent and semi-permanent water areas scattered throughout the sand hills, there is little danger that many broods will perish for lack of water.

Recent observations on sample areas representative of the sand hill region indicate that the sand hills of Nebraska provide spring and summer homes for approximately 80,000 to 90,000 successful pairs of breeding ducks. Normally these breeders will produce about 400,000 ducks annually to help fill the bags of Nebraska duck hunters. Certainly this is a significant number. However, there are about 75,000 duck shooters in Nebraska, as reckoned by duck stamp sales, and they bag in the neighborhood of 500,000 to 600,000 quackers. A glance at these figures serves to show that Nebraska contributes quite a number of ducks to the Central flyway, amounting to well over half of the number that we annually kill. We must, of course, concede that our production is predominantly teal and we are, therefore, dependent on the states and Canadian provinces to the north for most of our bag of big ducks which are so eagerly sought by the majority of duck hunters.

It will also be of interest to sportsmen to know what kind of ducks and their relative abundance make up the breeding population. The blue-winged teal is the most important nester in the sand hills, making* up about 60 per cent of the total breeding population. If we break the sand hills breeding grounds into three districts—Eastern, Central and Western—we will see that there are some marked differences in the relative abundance of the various species. The following table will show at a glance approximately how the species of ducks are distributed among the different districts:

(Based on approximately 1,000 miles of transects in the sand hill region) Eastern Central Western Sand Sand Sand Over- Hills Hills Hills all Blue-Winged teal 82% 60% 32% 60% Mallard 11% 23% 32% 23% Pintail 5% 13% 12% 10% Redhead 0 0 17% 3% Canvasback 0 0 3% 1% Shoveller 1% 1% 1%% 1 + % Gadwall 1% 2% 1 + % 1-f % Ruddy 0 1% 1 + % l-f-% 100% 100% 100% 100%

The eastern sand hills, bounded on the north by Ainsworth, Bassett and O'Neill and on the south by Brewster, Burwell and Bartlett produces the greatest number of broods per square mile—approximately twice as many as the central and western districts. The reason for this can be readily understood if the following few points are considered:

1. The terrain: This area is poorly drained and more nearly flat than that to the west. Melting snow and spring rains leave thousands of temporary 10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

small puddles, potholes, little marshes, flooded field corners, wet meadows and brimfull roadside ditches.

2. Rainfall: This district usually gets more rain in the spring than that further west to create these small water areas.

3. The waterfowl: It has already been noted that the blue-winged teal make up over 80 per cent of the breeding population in the eastern district and this little duck shows a marked preference for the type of breeding habitat present there.

The lakes and marshes of the central and western sand hills are larger and more permanent in nature than are the small water areas to the east, and in dry periods are likely to become relatively more important to the ducks than at present.

The redhead, the only diving duck that nests in Nebraska in significant numbers, becomes an important part of the breeding population of the western sand hills. In recent years, it comprised 15 to 20 per cent of the western district's breeding population.

There have been no records for many, many years of any geese of any species nesting in the wild in Nebraska.

Many other aquatic birds of great interest are to be found nesting in the sand hills. The black tern is found in greater abundance than any other water bird. Coots, with their ridiculous looking young, and pied-billed grebes abound in great numbers. The beautiful black and white avocet, with its upcurved bill, and the western willet can be seen throughout the central and western sand hills. Long-billed curlews, upland plovers and the tiny phalarope are common in the vicinity of most of the lakes and marshes. Sand pipers of many species wade in the shallow water. Broods of sharp-tailed grouse are seen, and every now and then a rooster pheasant, looking rather lonesome out there in the hills.

This great expanse of rolling rangeland, with its lakes and marshes in the valleys, the many different kinds of ducks with their downy broods, and all the other aquatic birds and animals, is a part of Nebraska that every outdoorsman should see.

Winter Fishing For The Hardy

The cold wintry blasts of Nebraska's winter season disrupt most outdoor activities. An exception is ice fishing which flourishes as the thermometer dips in reading. There are, of course, those people who berate their fellow anglers for venturing out on the ice after game fish. On the other hand, it requires a hardy, warm-blooded constitution to spend hours out on the ice when the mercury is barely visible above the thermometer bulb.

February is probably the most popular month for ice fishing in Nebraska although such activities may start as soon as the ice is thick enough to support a man's weight and continue until the spring thaw.

Methods of taking fish through the ice are as varied as warm-weather practices. The main differences is the fact that the angler can "walk on water" to any point on the lake he pleases and set up his rig. Another angle: he has to cut a hole in the ice to get his bait down below. This often runs into work, especially after the ice has frozen down a foot or two. And—when the weather is well below freezing, there is the chore of keeping the hole free of slushy ice crystals.

Set lines are commonly used, especially on warm days when the ice angler does not have to worry about several holes freezing over. A set line is usually a rig with a flag device which raises a flag when the fish takes hold of the bait.

When fishing is good, however, anglers usually confine their attention to one hole, pulling the fish out as fast as numb fingers can replace bait.

A variety of baits are used, including artificial lures. The most successful, however, seem to be live minnows, with raw beefsteak running a close second. Artificial lures are usually of the metallic spinner type, heavy enough to sink. Often they are used in combination with live bait as an added attraction.

Fresh shrimp, pork rind, salmon eggs, even bits of red flannel have been used successfully for winter bait. But whatever the bait, fish from icy water are usually firm and of excellent flavor. Winter fish are there for the taking if you can take the freezing chill that goes with it.

WINTER ISSUE 11

OPENING OF ENDERS SLATED FOR JANUARY

THE FISH populace of "spankin' new" Enders reservoir, one mile southeast of Enders in Chase county, will reap its first dividend for Nebraska anglers sometime in January as that impoundment officially opens to fishing for the first time. The exact opening date was not available when this magazine went to press.

Opening of Enders marks the second consecutive year that a new reservoir has been made available to angling in Nebraska. Last year Medicine Creek reservoir was opened. Still other reservoirs—now in construction—will become available in the next few years.

Unlike the opening of Medicine Creek reservoir, however, the ice fisherman— the bold angler who braves cold weather and its associated frigid conditions and fishes through the ice—gets first try at Enders' abundant underwater game population. Almost 300,000 fish have been released in that impoundment during the period Oct. 25, 1950 (first time water sufficient enough to support a stocking) to the present. This massive stocking ranks with the largest on record in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Galme Commission released a variety of species to provide diversified fishing. Fish stocked consisted of rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, northern pike, bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, blueheads, crappie and catfish. Trout and crappie are two of the most active species during the cold winter months when ice fishing prevails.

Game Commission officials hopeand they have sound basis for their optimism—that Enders will become one of the better fishing waters in the state. The reservoir receives its water supply from the Frenchman river which is spring fed. The water is comparatively clear and cool. Unlike most other reservoirs, Enders is situated at the upper end of the watershed and should not be bothered with the devastating silt problem.

But, Enders does have a drawback which will undoubtedly limit natural fish reproduction. As the reservoir was designed for water storage and irrigation, its first duty is to provide ample water for irrigation. Use of water for this purpose will cause a marked fluctuation in water level during the spawning period for most species of fish.

Enders reservoir backs up water for approximately 4% miles and has a total shoreline of 19 miles which should afford ample room for all anglers. Its maximum depth should approach the 55-foot mark, deep enough for any Nebraska fish.

In addition to the fish potential, the reservoir should be popular because of its location and easy accessibility. It is almost a ''backdoor" neighbor to the town of Enders, being but one mile from that southwest Nebraska town. State highway No. 61, off of No. 6 east of Imperial, leads to the reservoir and actually crosses the dam which is about one-half mile in length.

Greeting fishermen on opening day will be the Game Commission's recreation area comprised of 320 acres and found on the east side of the reservoir north of the dam. Highway 61 runs through the area. Picnic tables, toilets

(Continued on page 23) 12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Habitat Plantings Benefit Both Farmer And Game

by Harold Hummel

SPORTSMEN and conservation departments generally measure the value of habitat plantings on how they will benefit and increase game and which will eventually add to the. hunter's bag. The esthetic values, or the benefit the farmer and his family will derive from them, are what I wish to stress. And, these should be used in selling the farmer on the value of the plantings along with the provided protection for particular game birds.

In a proper land-use program in conservation farming, there is usually an area unsuited for either production of crops or livestock. This area can be either an eroded, gullied area or a few acres around a farm pond—or both. Such an area can be utilized for habitat development, or as Jim Ager calls them in OUTDOOR NEBRASKA, "Homes for Wildlife."

A large percentage of the plantings used in these areas are fruit producing shrubs and plants such as wild plum, Nanking cherry, sand cherry, buffalo berry, trailing raspberry and many others. These provide the farmer's wife and family with desirable fruit for canning, jams and jellies, besides supplying bird food.

We can call this a cash value, although so speaking, money can't buy the taste thrill we get from some of the fruits we grow on our farms.

An ideal habitat planting can be made around a farm pond where game will be provided food, cover and water. Almost every farm has an available area of this kind—a "sore eye" spot where the soil is badly eroded and nothing but undernourished weeds are growing.

Visualize what will take place after several years of development and growth. You will have an area that is fenced by a living fence—rosa multiflora. You will see many of the native warm season grasses staging a comeback. The blue stems, gramas' and switchgrass make wonderful nesting areas for pheasants, quail, meadowlarks and the song sparrows. The wild flowers will be blooming in their glorious array of colors along with the planted fruiting and flowering shrubs —and, these will attract bees and many other useful insects. Around the water's edge, rushes and many species of water plants will be growing. This will attract nature's own symphony—birds singing praises to their Maker. You will see your frecklenosed kids and their friends fishing in the pond and enjoying nature's great outdoors.

These are only some of the bodyresting, nerve-soothing values of areas of this kind along with pride of ownership and also the increased cash value the old farm will gain. I am mentioning this because the farmer deals almost entirely with nature, yet seldom takes time to really enjoy and appreciate the beautiful things that are growing and living so close to him.

The "Home for Wildlife" attracts a lot of song birds and each of them will eat a hundred crop-destroying insects every day and call that a small meal. In this way we are assisting nature by bringing back a balance whereby birds will hold insects in check rather than by using expensive, dangerous insecticides.

We know we can eliminate one class of predators, like the coyote, and by so doing upset nature's way of keeping in balance or in checking rodents such as mice, gophers and the like. So we, too, by not providing a home for birds and game will upset nature's balance in the insect world and will soon be plagued by many crop-destroying pests.

Theoretically, our thinking can be carried a little further, that by unbalancing nature's scheme in things, by holding down the bird numbers, we will increase insects and insects in turn weaken crop plants to such an extent that we may also increase plant diseases.

So let us help nature, not hinder it; practice conservation, not work against it. All of the fish and game stocking programs will end in failure unless we create conditions under which they can live and produce. Until we remedy our mud-laden streams, bare, eroded hills and flood-swept valleys, wildlife will dwindle in spite of all we can do.

Wildlife rehabilitation may be only a by-product of conservation, but it is an important one and it is a definite part of proper land and water use programs.

Prairie dogs can get along for long periods of time without water. They drink when showers leave puddles, but between times do without.

WINTER ISSUE 12 "Homes For Wildlife"

During these winter months, there is little we—the Game Commission and the cooperative farmers—can do toward the advancement of our individual "Homes for Wildlife." The Game Commission has checked all of the areas for which applications were received. Though the response to date has been smaller than hoped, all sites have been suitable and the applicants interested to the extent that we know there will be some extra "Homes for Wildlife" in the future.

It is still not too late to apply. If you feel you have a suitable site on your farm, write to the Lincoln Office of the Game Commission at your earliest convenience.

Those farmers whose areas have already been inspected can plan to receive their tree deliveries about April 15. Most shipments will be made by express and can be picked up in the nearest town. As an additional reminder, work the ground down again just as soon as weather permits.

Because of the lull in our "building program," forced upon us by the winter months, there is little to write about in this issue. Instead, we have asked a farmer who has a "Home for Wildlife" to take over and relate his thoughts on the benefits of such a program to himself, his farm and the game on his farm. The farmer is Harold Hummel who has long practiced conservation and who is presently a member of the Nebraska Game Commission.

  WILDLIFE IN ONE REEL  

WHAT'S GOOD FISHING WEATHER?

by Ray Bergman Reprinted from Outdoor Life.

THERE ARE many theories how weather affects fishing. It's a subect on which the pros and cons are endless, reflecting the many variable factors involved, and you can't afford to be too dogmatic about it. Personally, I've found that almost anything can happen where weather, water, and fishing are concerned. Often what might be considered a beautiful day by average standards may be a very poor day for fishing, and vice versa. But there are some combinations of these elements that seem to add up to fair rules frequently enough to make sense.

An angler's age and the methods he uses have a lot to do with how the weather affects his fishing. So have such things as water temperatures, direction and velocity of the wind in relation to the water being fished, times of day, and seasons of the year.

From youth to middle age in all weather, good and bad, I fished and adapted my tactics to the conditions that prevailed. The most violent storms couldn't keep me off a lake or stream. Sometimes I had excellent fishing under foul conditions, though my luck wasn't always better than when I fished on clear, sunny days. Now, in my later years, my favorite fishing weather comes at that time of year when the days are mild and clear and when moderate south to southwest breezes are carrying the first fragrant hints of spring. But now and then I yield to the urge to fish during a strong northwester or when there's snow and rain squalls in the mountains. That's because occasionally I've had the grandest dry-fly fishing for large trout at such times.

It's 'commonly supposed that any wind with east in it is bad for fishing. I haven't always found it so. On many awful days when the wind blew hard from the northeast and the clouds spilled sleet and rain, I made some of my best catches by using worms and by fishing according to the moods of the trout. Usually, this meant fishing the deeper holes and runs, but there have been times when fish struck at 16 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   worms long before they reached bottom or when they were splashing on the surface while being retrieved. Whenever I've had poor luck on such days, it's because of stream conditions caused by the bad weather and not the bad weather itself or the fact that the wind was easterly.

I've found fishing invariably to be poor or no good at all when water is so muddy you can't see more than a foot below the surface. The more turbid it gets the worse the fishing becomes. It's been my experience that high and clear water is fair for fishing, and that slightly discolored water, particularly at the start of a rise, is excellent.

You're in luck if you're out fishing when a summer rain falls heavily enough to discolor the water. You should have good results from the time the water starts to discolor until it becomes very muddy, and also from the time the water starts to clear until the rise has subsided. Often the larger fish will be active then, and they'll frequently take dry flies as nicely as you please.

I've done well with natural baits or deep-running lures while bass fishing on lakes when the wind was from the east. Usually, however, the formation of the lake and the strength of the wind have had a bearing on my luck. When the wind blew so strongly that I couldn't handle either the boat or my line and bait properly, then I didn't do well even when the fish were feeding. The trouble wasn't because the fish weren't biting, but because the gale prevented me from fishing the way I would have like to.

When fishing for some species, lake trout, for example, give me the worst weather possible for good results. Under really stormy conditions, it's necessary to have a good companion at the helm to keep the boat headed right for good casting and moving at the proper speed and on the right course for trolling. But many times I've caught on every cast when the wind has been blowing hard out of the north and when the snow has been pelting down.

Once I fished for muskies for five days in a row without getting a single strike. During that time the weather was ideal—clear, and with a soft breeze from the west-northwest. Then a northeaster blew in and lasted for two days. I took muskies the first day of the storm and three on the second.

But, alas, the opposite also can happen. Once I spent four days fishing an eastern bass river when the weather was brilliantly clear and the wind was from the west. The bass were in rare form, taking flies and other artificials near or at the surface. Then the wind veered to northeast, the sky clouded, and the temperature dropped almost 40 degrees F. to nearly freezing. The bass vanished. I fished all the next day, changing to natural baits when the artificials didn't produce. I fished top, middle, and bottom. No luck. Not even a strike.

My belief is that the sudden change in temperature sent the bass deep and put them entirely off their feed. This has happened to me so often, and with so many varieties of fish, that I've come to accept it as natural cause and effect.

In some localities, however, especially in the mountain country of the West, the fish seem to be immune to wide fluctuations in temperature. In such areas, it's common to have a 40-degree spread in temperature between early afternoon and early morning, and this may explain why the feeding habits of the fish in these places aren't affected by violent swings from hot to cool. The same goes for storms in the West; they don't bother the fish to anywhere near the extent they do in the East.

From the middle of June until the first part of October, I like to fish when the wind is west to north. Such winds bring moderate weather, often cool and invigorating. The wind should be strong enough to make a good ripple on the water, and to hold steadily in one quarter so that an angler can plan a whole or partial day's fishing.

A ripple often is a helpful thing, and so is a partly cloudy sky. On lakes and still streams these conditions help to conceal you from the fish. You can use less caution in your approach, get closer, and not be so perfect in the delivery and presentation of your lures. A ripple also helps to distort the appearance of surface or near-surface lures so that the fish may sometimes be fooled more easily. Whitecap water isn’t considered to be surface—lure water, and when the surface is disturbed to that extent, I usually fish with sinkers or sinking lures.

But surface ripples and cloudy skies aren't absolutely necessary for good fishing. You can do very well under clear blue skies and with mirrorlike water, especially when using surface bugs for bass and high-floating flies for trout. Then you must be cautious. You can't go barging in. You've got to be much more careful in presenting the cast and in handling the bug or fly after it alights. For me, that makes the game all the more fascinating.

Many anglers favor morning and evening fishing, and prefer to take time out during the middle of the day. WINTER ISSUE 17   I think those fellows are missing something. While I also fish in the morning and evening, I don't neglect the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They're often very productive. A good distribution of hours might be from day-break to 8 a.m., from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from an hour before sunset until dark. The schedule will vary for different times of the year and will need adjusting for the various regional time factors.

Some folk claim that fish won't bite during a thunderstorm. That's nonsense. I've caught trout, bass, pike, and many other sorts of fish when it's been thundering like fury. When fishing at night, I've had trout take my fly on water illuminated by lightning and also fished in thunder and lightning and caught nothing. You never can tell what your luck will be until you put it to the test.

While the temperature of the air may or may not affect fishing, temperature of the water definitely affects fish. Each species reacts according to its kind and its environment.

Largemouth bass usually do best in fairly warm water. While they'll start feeding when the water is between 50 and 65 degrees F., they become more active at about 68 degrees, and seem to hit their peak in feeding when the temperature is between 68 and 78 degrees. I've had good luck in daytime fishing for largemouths on the surface and over shallows when the water temperature has topped 80 degrees.

Smallmouths seem to like it a bit cooler. They'll start to feed in water below 50 degrees and stop when it gets around 75 degrees—60 to 70 degrees being the range of greatest activity.

Trout will feed at 32 degrees, but I've found them most active in water between 50 and 65 degrees, according to their species. Brook trout are active in the 40's and lower 50's; browns like it between 55 and 70 degrees, and I've caught them around 80 degrees. Rainbows take the warm water as well as the browns but they seem to like the lower temperatures better. Lake trout are cold-water fish. The only time they leave their deep haunts is when the water at the surface gets down to around 40 degrees. All these temperatures vary moderately in different areas.

Pike feed at nearly all temperatures, but they're likely to taper off when the water warms up to over 70 degrees.

Many anglers swear by the barometer, and some swear at it. I'm one who believes that fish are affected by a rapidly falling barometer if the drop is considerable and if the low is sustained for a fairly long time. Slight ups and downs don't seem to bother fish much, particularly if the water temperature isn't above 60 degrees.

Assume that there's been a steady high and that the fishing's been good. Then the barometer drops slowly for a day and a half, going down about two points. Then it starts up, and at the end of another day and a half it's back where it was. On the fourth day it starts down slowly again, then it suddenly does a nose dive. In this four-day period the fishing during the first three days is likely to be good to excellent. It probably will continue to be good on the fourth day up to the time the barometer starts its plunge. Not long after that you'll probably notice that the fish will stop surface feeding. Fishing will be poor, especially at the surface, and will continue so until the barometer is pretty far along on its climb back.

Usually the longer the low-pressure period is, the longer it takes for the fishing to improve. The same applies in reverse. Sometimes a quick drop accompanied by strong winds will upset things to such an extent that even a quick rise immediately afterwards will not bring about any noticeable improvement in the fishing.

This whole business of changes in barometric pressure is complicated and confusing, but here's the way I sum it up, especially so far as its effects on surface fishing are concerned.

There isn't likely to be good dry-fly fishing unless the barometer is rising, holding at a steady high, or is falling very slowly. If the barometer falls steeply and stays down for a considerable period of time, dry-fly fishing is likely to be poor and will continue so for as long as 48 hours after the descent has been reversed.

It's a good idea always to take into consideration the time lag between the start of a fall or rise in the barometer and the reaction of the fish. It can vary greatly, depending on such things as the rapidity and extent of the decline or rise, how long the low or high last, and the temperature of the water. But the time between the cause and its effect on fish helps to explain why sometimes fishing is poor on a rising barometer and good on a falling one. On the whole, though, I think that you'll find a high or rising barometer stimulates fish to greater action than does a sustained low or a falling one.

Some anglers set great store by fishing calendars. There are so many calendars that if you get enough of them you'll find they overlap and if you use them all you'll find good fishing days practically all the time. Which, if any, is the most accurate, I don't know, but it's fun to refer to them. I've had some that worked, others that didn't, but I never plan a fishing trip by them.

Then there are those who subscribe heartily to tide theories or such factors as gravitational attraction. I'm interested in these things, too, but so far, they haven't worked consistently enough for me to depend on much when I plan my trips. But now and again these theoretical aids give the tip-off to some surprisingly good fishing.

There's only one thing about weather, water, and fishing that I care to be positive about. Go fishing whenever the opportunity presents itself, regardless of the weather. Fish are odd creatures, and not the least of their peculiarities is that they often will give you a grand time when you least expect it.

18 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Find The VIOLATIONS

IN THE following letter written by a resident of Nebraska to his hunting pal in Michigan appear a number of violations. Find the infractions and compare them with the answers appearing at the end of the letter:

Joe Klintergun Buckshot, Mich.

My Pal Joe:

By time you get this letter I suppose you'll be back at work again at the Buckshot grocery. Me, too. I'm working again but less eager since pheasant hunting has ended. Byrne way, how was the trip back to Buckshot? Did you and Bob have any more car trouble? I was hoping your carburetor wouldn't act up again like it did when we were hunting here in good ole Nebraska. —1

It was sure nice of that mechanic to come way out into the country to fix the car, wasn't it? I was surprised he didn't charge us much. I suppose it's because we gave him the pheasant tails. He collects them from his friends and sells them as souvenirs to tourists during the summer. Funny thing though, he has never hunted in his life. He's apparently content with hearing about others hunting. I think I've given him at least 10 or 12 tail feathers already this year. __2

Talking about hunting reminds me that I sent your birds to you the other day. You should have received them by now since I expressed them two days after you left. If you haven't, drop a line and I'll try to find out what happened. I wrote a letter to the Game department, telling them I was sending the birds to you. Also I attached a copy of the letter to the shipping box. __3

Don't be too surprised when you open the box! There's a couple of extra birds. But they're legal birds. They're two of my limit. We've had quite a few pheasants lately and don't crave them too much right now. Why don't you put my two birds in your locker—with a couple of yours and we'll have a good pheasant feed on the Fourth of July when the wife and I visit you? And, don't forget to keep an eye on fishing in your state. Expect to spend a lot of our vacation fishing with you. —4

Boy, we sure had a swell time hunting, didn't we? I suppose young Bob is probably walking around busting the buttons from his shirt. If I was him, I'd probably be doing the same thing. He's an exceptional shot for a 14-year-old. I wouldn't have given him one cent for some of the shots he made. Never thought he'd connect on half of them. But he did. You should be real proud of him. —5

Our neighbors are certainly glad he could hit the birds like he did. I know they wouldn't have tasted pheasant unless it was for Bob. Almost forgot the money. Enclosed you'll find eight bucks for the four birds Bob sold the neighbors. That's just as cheap as chicken and better tasting. I know they sure enjoyed eating them. Suppose Bob'll probably save the eight bucks and invest them in the new gun he wants.

Are you convinced by now that the money you spent for your non-resident permit was worth every cent of it? If I would have hunted in your state, I would have had to pay the same thing. It's reciprocal, you know. You're just lucky Bob was under 16 and didn't have to buy one. By the way, is Bob going to be captain of the Buckshot basketball team again? —7

Do you remember Fred Gunzel? He's the guy we met the first morning we went hunting. I met him on the street the other day. Nice guy. He was a little worried though. I told him that was nonsense and to forget about it. What he did was accidentally shoot a hen pheasant. He didn't want to take it along but couldn't see leaving it lay so he dressed it right in the field. When it was dressed, you couldn't tell it from a rooster. But nevertheless, he was worried. He said it wasn't worth it. The way it happened was that he saw this bird take off and thought it was probably a young rooster. I guess he should have been more sure before he shot. —8

Did you get in on any duck hunting before the season ended? Guess not, I forgot you don't hunt ducks. Boy, I WINTER ISSUE 19   had lots of good duck hunting. We had a lulu of a snow storm. It turned darn cold and snow was a 'blowing all over the place. Perfect duck hunting weather. Another fella and me went down to the river. We were dressed for the worst. The ducks came in by the hundreds. They were so low that it seemed like you could hit 'em with the gun barrel. We both took our limit of big mallards in less than an hour. The storm let up the next day but we went hunting anyway. Got our limit again, but not all mallards. I was lucky enough to shoot a couple of wood ducks, first in my life. I'm going to have one mounted. If you want to do the same, let me know and I'll send you the other. Gee, they're the prettiest darn things. —9

Had a little bad luck though before the storm hit. We had a fire in town and—as I'm one of the volunteer firemen—helped put it out. Somehow I lost my wallet. Not only lost my money, but also my Nebraska hunting permit. Fortunately I had my duck stamp in my jacket or I would have lost that, too. Did I show you my collection of duck stamps when you were here? They're beautiful things. After the duck season closed, I put my '52 duck stamp in the album. They're all just as good as new, not a mark on them anywhere. —10

Almost forgot to tell you. Remember Bill Clark, he's the guy who runs the the corner fillin' station. Well, he probably set a record for deer hunting speed. He left here about three in the morning on opening day and reached the open deer area about an hour before the season started. Exactly 20 minutes after the season got under way, he got a bead on a big buck and dropped it in its tracks. He hogdressed it in the field and set right out for home. Was here around 10:30. Never saw a warden anywhere. That's something I want to do next year, go deer hunting. Chances of getting a permit aren't too good because there are so many applicants. I'm going to send in an application for both myself and my wife. If I don't get one, she might. She'll go along but I'll do the shooting. I don't trust a woman with a big gun. —11

Well Joe, I guess I've rambled on long enough so had better bring this letter to a close. Drop me a line soon and let me know if you got the birds. Be seeing you in July. —12

Your pal. Freddie

Following are the violations which appeared in the above letter:

No. 1 (Paragraph 2)—The pheasant tails were given to the mechanic who later sold them as souvenirs. It's unlawful to buy, sell or barter any game bird or part thereof.

No. 2 (Paragraph 3)—The birds were sent by express and not accompanied by the shipper. Though a letter was sent to the Game department about the shipment and a copy of the shipper's letter was attached to the package, it is still necessary for the shipper to accompany the package.

No. 3 (Paragraph 4)—The Nebraskan also sent along two of his birds. Inasmuch as both Joe and Bob had their limits, the addition of the two birds would give them in their possession an excessive number of pheasants.

No. 4 (Paragraph 4)—The suggestion made by the Nebraskan was to put the birds in the locker and hold them until July 4. It is unlawful to hold any game bird and animal, except deer, for a period exceeding 90 days after the closing of the season on the respective species.

No. 5 (Paragraph 6)—Bob sold four birds to the neighbor in Nebraska. It is unlawful to sell game. It would also be a violation if Bob shot an additional four birds on the same day to fill his bag and possession limits.

No. 6 (Paragraph 7)—Though Bob was under 16, he was still a non-resident and all non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a non-resident permit to hunt in Nebraska.

No. 7 (Paragraph 8)—Fred Gunzel accidentally shot a hen pheasant. Whether accidental or not, he shouldn't have possessed the bird.

No. 8 (Paragraph 8)—Guenzel dressed the bird in the field and you couldn't distinguish the hen from the roosters. Some form of sex identification, either head or legs, must be left on the bird.

No. 9 (Paragraph 9)—The Nebraskan shot two wood ducks. The limit in Nebraska is one.

No. 10 (Paragraph 9)—He offered to send one to pal Joe in Kansas. Inasmuch as he had no duck stamp, he could not legally possess a wood duck.

No. 10 (Paragraph 10)—The Nebraska went duck hunting without a Nebraska hunting permit since he lost his. He must have it on his person whenever hunting.

No. 12 (Paragraph 10)—The Nebraska hunting permit was in his billfold and the duck stamp in the jacket. According to law, the duck stamp must be pasted on the back of the hunting permit.

No. 13 (Paragraph 10)—The duck stamp didn't have a mark on it. All duck stamps must be signed by the owner.

No. 14 (Paragraph 11)—Bill Clark set right out for home after getting his deer and didn't see a warden. Law requires all successful deer hunters to report to one of the checking stations and have the deer checked and tagged by Game Commission personnel.

No. 15 (Paragraph 11)—Both the Nebraskan and his wife would apply for permits and if she received one, he would do the shooting as he didn't trust a woman with a big gun. If she received a permit, she would have to do the hunting. Permits are not transferable and one can't shoot game for another.

20 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

McCONAUGHY HAS MALODORS

by Walter Kiener Aquatic Biologist

LAST FALL, the Nebraska Game Commission received complaints about Lake McConaughy's malodors emanating from the tower drain below Kingsley dam. Each time the outlet of water from the lake changes from the surface water of the spillway to the bottom water of the tower drain, strong odors emerge from the outlet tunnel under the dam. The amount or strength of smells is difficult to judge but would depend on direction and velocity of wind, or its absence.

One fact stands out, however. When water comes out through the north tunnel, bringing surface water from the spillway, people will fish in the area. Gulls will also be abundant. There will be much food in the surface water from the spillway. The water will be v/ell aerated and fish from Lake Ogallala will come up to this source of food. Many small fish caught in the downdraft on the spillway are apparently killed and become the food for the gulls below. But when the outlet is shifted from surface water of the spillway to bottom water from the tower which comes through the south tunnel, there comes the smell of "dead" water. The fish stay away as do the fishermen. Gulls also are absent as the pickings for them are very small.

What then are these malodors? They are simply the products of some chemical reactions going on every place and all the time in this universe. In a deep lake like McConaughy, the free oxygen in the deeper parts of the lake becomes exhausted. The decomposition processes then proceed under lack of oxygen and a series of gases are formed which emit the unpleasant odors. The gases are in the main hydrogen sulfide, methane and other ammonia gases. Hydrogen sulfide is probably the strongest smelling and the most characteristic emanating from the outlet.

As has been already mentioned, these gases are formed in quantities only in the deeper places of big lakes where the oxygen becomes exhausted. Such deep places are uninhabitable by fish.

The decomposition of organic matter in the main produces the gases and there is a certain proportionality. When there is much organic matter like the bloom that occurred last summer in the lake, then more gases may be expected. When in addition there are more fish in the lake than there is available oxygen at critical periods and a large number of fish die and sink to the bottom, their decomposition also produces malodorous gases. Ordinarily in large lakes, these decomposition products stay on the bottom of such lakes and form a stratum of "dead" water, that is, deadly to animal life.

Lake McConaughy is unique in Nebraska. It is the largest lake and has an outlet at the bottom. Thus, the "dead" or "foul" water can be let out. In the process of being let out, the bottom water is suddenly released from the pressure of the weight of the overburden water, and that alone causes the immediate release of the gases from the bottom water at the outlet. In the rushing of the masses of water, air is entrapped among the water particles and the "dead" water becomes purified and rejuvenated.

So what about the smells? They are chemical compounds—gases. Let's be glad we smell them. It means there is a "house" cleaning taking place in the lake. That's good for fish. It means more fish in the lake.

Big Reservoir Hits Lowest Water Stage

ON OCTOBER 17, 1952, McConaughy reservoir was at its lowest water stage and the most difficult of access, since the dam had been completed and the reservoir filled to near-capacity. A dry summer depleted the volume of stored water by the amount of about 13 feet. This amount of lowering of the water level exposed large areas of the bottoms which have been under water most of the time since the reservoir became filled up. These otherwise submerged bottoms are now open to observation and are of considerable biological interest with regard to fish production in this lake.

The width of the emergent bottoms, now beaches, depends on the angle of slope of the shore. The steeper the slope, the narrower is the belt of exposed shore bottom, the beach. There is a belt of sandy beaches all around the lake except at the dam and near vertical rock bluffs. Practically everywhere in the lower half of the lake the width of these beaches is from about fifty feet to about three hundred feet. Near the upper end of the exposed beaches are as much as half a mile wide. These beaches consist of sands derived from the former soils from which the finer soil particles and colloids had been washed out by dissolu WINTER ISSUE 21   tion and wave action. In the upper part of the lake, however, there are large exposed flats of heavy, clay soils, the former flood plain bottoms, over which only small amounts of sands have been washed.

The emerged beaches are conspicuous by their nearly complete absence of vegetation. Those plants growing there are mostly annual or biannual weeds of the kinds that are usually found in wet soils. Often these plants are found growing in lines that parallel the edge of the water. The lines of plants indicate the stages of the changing water levels when the seeds of these plants were washed ashore. The seeds germinate and grow while the shore is still wet, but as the water recedes further down and the shore gets drier and drier, the plants hurry to put their energies to flower and produce seeds, rather than to grow tall. Hence many are low in stature. Willows and cottonwoods have germinated by the thousands, but few will survive the seedling stage.

None of the plants growing on the shore are known as duck food plants, except here and there some smartweed plants whose seeds are eagerly taken by ducks. The smartweeds are so few, however, to be practically negligible as duck foods.

Some of the larger exposed flats at the upper end are in part covered by a film of algae, a kind of pond scum that grows over the soil. In this film of algae live some very tiny animals which are food for very small fish.

On the whole, there is very little organic matter on these emergent lake bottoms. Sometimes it is stated that much organic matter such as beet pulp from the sugar factories, floats down the river and accumulates in the lake bottoms. There was no evidence of this on the exposed bottoms. Nowhere was there what is. known as a mucky bottom. The areas of exposed lake bottoms, several square miles in extent, are still mostly mineral soils. These kinds of lake soils are regarded as poor producers of the so-called bottom fauna found in older lakes, and which fauna is considered so important to fish production.

Many sportsmen have stated that duck food plants should be planted on the shores of this big lake to better attract and hold ducks for better shooting. It should be obvious from the present condition of the shore that natural duck food plants, which are in

(Continued on page 24)

FOCUS ON THE PICTURE

Following are characteristics of an animal found in Nebraska. How many of these descriptive and informative sentences must you read before you can bring the picture into focus? The name and picture of the animal appear on page 26.

1. This animal which is found in most of the United States, Canada and Alaska inhabits the southeastern half of Nebraska.

2. Its brain has developed to a high degree to compensate for its bodily deficiencies.

3. This animal is a natural burrower and nocturnal hunter.

4. Swimming is easy for this animal as it floats high in the water for the long furry coat holds considerable air and is buoyant.

5. The pelt of this animal is sometimes made into ladies' coats, jackets and scarfs.

6. This animal does some good in that it eats a large number of small rodents and provides hunting when seasons are closed on most other species.

7. It is closely related to the dog, wolf and jackal.

8. It is about the size of a small collie with a sharp nose, large triangular ears and a long, bushy tail.

9. It is weaker than its wolfish relatives, but endowed with great swiftness.

10. This animal takes its prey by running down, by stalking it with craft caution and by lying motionless until the victim approaches close enough to be seized by a catlike pounce.

11. It has a golden reddish coat, white-tipped tail which is circular in cross section and black feet.

12. Many farmers consider it as Public Enemy No. 1, scheming to kill it to avenge some missing poultry.

13. It is a traditional symbol of craft, cunning and cleverness. It is sly.

14. There is a year-around trapping season on this animal in Nebraska.

Outdoor Program Carried On 17 Stations

Fishing and hunting go on review on the Nebraska Game Commission's weekly OUTDOOR NEBRASKA broadcast heard over 16 Nebraska and 1 Kansas radio stations. Paul T. Gilbert, executive secretary of the Nebraska Game Commission, emcees the 15-minute program.

Following are the stations airing the broadcast: KWBE (1450 kc), Beatrice 6:45 p.m., Friday KXXX (790 kc), Colby, Kans 7:30 a.m., Saturday KCNI (1280 kc), Broken Bow 12:45 a.m., Saturday KCOW (1400 kc), Alliance 8:30 p.m., Tuesday KGFW (1340 kc), Kearney 5:30 p.m., Saturday KJSK (900 kc), Columbus 3:15 p.m., Saturday KMMJ (750 kc), Grand Island 10:45 a.m., Saturday KBRL (1450 kc), McCook 1:00 p.m., Sunday KFOR (1240 kc), Lincoln 5:15 p.m., Saturday WJAG (780 kc), Norfolk 8:30 a.m., Sunday KODY (1240 kc), North Platte 4:30 p.m., Saturday KOLT (1320 kc), Scottsbluff 9:15 p.m., Saturday KRVN (1010 kc), Lexington 8:30 a.m., Saturday WOW (590 kc), Omaha 10:15 a.m., Sunday KFGT (1340 kc), Fremont 9:15 p.m., Monday KBON (1490 kc), Omaha 8:05 p.m., Tuesday KHAS (1230 kc), Hastings 5:00 p.m., Saturday 22 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Confiscated Guns

EACH YEAR a number of guns are forfeited to the state because they were used illegally while hunting. A smaller per cent are lost because the guns are illegal in that they don't comply with federal standards. In 1951, there were 112 gun confiscations, 78 in '50 and 103 in '49.

All guns confiscated during the past year and which will be sold at a public auction sometime in April are presently "locked up" in gun cabinets in the Game Commission's Lincoln office. The guns, however, will be available for inspection by the public a few weeks before the auction date.

The confiscated guns consist of all types, makes and sizes. There are 22 rifles, 410 pump guns, single-shot shotguns, double-barrel shotguns, repeating shotguns and auto-loaders or so-called automatics.

Pictured above are a few of the unusual guns which have been confiscated. Gun No. 1 is an illegal type of shotgun, a 12 gauge double barrel gun with a short barrel, commonly called "sawed off" shotgun. This gun is illegal in that federal law requires all shotguns to have barrels not less than 18 inches in length. Actually a barrel less than 18 inches in length is of little or no use in hunting since it throws a very, very wide pattern. Some shotguns are "sawed off" by gangsters and used in gang warfare. This particular gun, made about 50 years ago, is one of the early hammerless guns. It is held together by adhesive tape and won't stay closed when fired, making it a dangerous gun and one which shouldn't ever be fired in its present condition.

Gun No. 2 is an old hammer gun about 75 years old. It is known as a hammer double and is 12 gauge. Its hammers are out in sight. This gun was designed for black powder. It is dangerous to shoot with modern smokeless powder because the barrels and lock are not designed to withstand the pressure built by such powder. This gun is legal but dangerous.

Gun No. 3 is an early type of repeater, single shot, 12 gauge and made by the Burgess Gun Co. of Buffalo, N.Y. about 60 years ago. Its unique feature is the grip which has a sleeve on it. The trigger mechanism slides back with the sleeve. It has a laminated Belgian twist barrel. It is a hammer gun in poor condition and dangerous to fire with modern ammunition.

Gun No. 4 is one of the earlier type Winchester repeating shotguns having a lever action with tubular magazine.

Gun No. 5 is a bolt action repeater. It is one of the earlier bolt action guns. It is illegal as the barrel is under 18 inches in length. This early type bolt action is awkward and unsafe.

The last gun, No. 6, is an early type of 22 rifle made by Stevens Arms Co., and sold under the name of Marksman. It is about 50 years old and was a favorite among the kids in its day. It was commonly sold through mail order houses. This gun has a lever action which breaks the breech rather than loads it. It is a single shot gun.

Enders Opening

(Continued from page 12)

and wells have been installed for the convenience of visiting sportsmen. Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted and will add to the scenic setting of the reservoir area.

A concession where meals, baits and fishing tackle will be sold and boats rented is planned. The Game Commission hopes the concession will become a reality yet this spring. Private cabin leases are available for those interested in spending more time in the area proper. About 20 private areas have already been leased. Those people interested in obtaining a lease on the area can receive additional information by writing to Ed Cassell, Reservoir Manager, Box 175, McCook.

All factors—Enders' location, easy accessability, good water supply and massive stocking — point to making Enders one of the state's better fishing waters, and all indications to date point toward a heavy visitation by Nebraska's vast army of fishing enthusiasts.

"OUTDOOR NEBRASKA" QUIZ ANSWERS 1. True; 2. True; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. False; 7. True; 8. True; 9. False; 10. True; 11. True; 12. False.

McConaughy Has Malodors (Continued from page 22)

the main aquatic plants, could not survive under these conditions of fluctuations of water levels. In fact, there are no plants that could survive being part-time submerged and part-time left high and dry. The only place where there might be a promise of success of planting such duck food plants as bulrushes, would be at the extreme upper end of the lake in the heavy and mostly unchanged bottom soils which retain soil moisture much longer than the sandy soils of the beaches.

A large part of the emergent area at the upper end of the lake was formerly covered by willow thickets. Most of the willows are still standing but only as barkless stems. This area is the same as that known as the spawning area for perch, crappie and white bass, in the sense that during spawning season most of these fish are caught in this area. It is generally known that perch do spawn over brushy or weedy areas where their adhesive eggs are dropped in "ribbons". No accurate information is available of the details of spawning of the crappies, but it is believed that they scoop out nests in the vicinity of submerged brush, or drop their eggs over submerged brush or weeds. Even less is known about the details of the spawning of white bass. The whole emergent area was carefully checked for the presence of, or signs of spawning nests, but nothing could be found that indicated nest-building by the above named fish.

It is hoped that the water level will soon again be coming up to increase the volume of water and with it the amount of free oxygen to insure the winter survival of all the fish in the lake.

WHY DO THEY DO IT?

by Levi. J. Mohler

Editor's note: Your Game Commission believes in operating on a practical basis. Professional game men, called Game Technicians or Wildlife Biologists, have the job of getting sound information as a basis for practical operations. In this article, Levi Mohler, in charge of the Game Commission's wildlife survey and investigation work, answers some of the everyday questions which outdoorsmen ask about this work.

WHETHER I'M at a deer checking station, (where this was written, incidentally,) at a sportsmen's meeting, on a pheasant study area, or in the grocery store where my grocer knows I'm a wildlifer, or over my backyard fence when I'm supposed to be mowing my lawn, and at countless other places, someone is always asking about our work. And I've noticed that the milkman and the garbage man, both of whom like to hunt, sometimes slow their pace in the fall so they can talk about ducks or pheasants, if I happen to be at home when the milk bottles jingle on the porch or when the garbage can makes its noisy clatter. Since almost everyone is interested in wildlife in one way or another, it's natural that people want to talk about it.

Some of the questions put to me recently are worth answering in print. The answers may help you understand what our men are up to when they make some request of you in the field.

Question: The man at the checking station weighed my deer and looked at its teeth. Why did he do that? Answer: Records kept at the checking stations are compiled to find out what part of the deer herd consists of yearlings, prime deer and older deer. This in turn indicates whether the herd is reproducing at a satisfactory rate, and that is of real importance to you as a deer hunter in future years. The technician who examined your deer can tell the age of the deer by a look at the teeth. The weight records show whether the deer are up to previous standards or not. A range with acute food shortage would be reflected by lower weights and poor condition in the deer. The composition of the deer herd and the condition of the deer themselves, coupled with information on the condition of the range (particularly the brushy plants which are the chief food of deer), all combine to show whether deer harvesting by hunting should be increased or held back. The common fault on most heavily populated ranges has been to underharvest. Our first Nebraska deer hunt—brought on by an over-population of deer locally —yielded deer of considerably lower weights than those taken on recent hunts in western Nebraska. Yearling bucks, for example, averaged only ninety-one pounds in the 1945 hunt and about fifteen pounds heavier in western Nebraska hunts. In much of this latter area, deer hunting was begun while the range was still in good shape and the higher deer weights reflected this. Some areas show range deterioration, and harvesting more deer in such places is needed before the range ran be expected to improve.

Question: One of your men checked our pheasants at a filling station, then took a foot from each bird. Why did he take these feet? Answer: Each fall we want to learn what proportion of the pheasants bagged are young-of-the year. This in turn can be checked against pre-season field records in order to improve the accuracy of future pre-season surveys. It also helps to explain the good or poor hunting which hunters find in various areas. Young pheasants can be separated from the old by measuring spur and "leg". Using a gadget called an "age gauge", this can be done at the laboratory more carefully and efficiently than in the field, and that is where the feet from your pheasant finally landed Records of the ratio of young per adult pheasant, from hunters' bags, are now available for several years. A ratio of three or more young per adult usually means good reproduction and good hunting. Hunters who find mostly old birds in the bag often notice that the hunting was extremely tough. That is something that can be expected if the cock birds up ahead are oldsters that were "wised up" by living through a previous hunting season.

Question: My neighbor read a bulletin from your office at our community club meeting. He said he was a wildlife reporter and that the bulletin was sent to all wildlife reporters. What is a wildlife reporter? Answer: A wild 24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   life reporter is a reliable land operator who was originally put on our mailing list at the suggestion of the county agent, conservation officer, or some other local person interested in wildlife resources. Reporters receive at least two inquiries a year from us, concerning wildlife on their own farms. The bulletins are our statewide summaries which go back to these cooperators. The wildlife reporter system does the same thing for wildlife which the crop reporting service does for other farm crops.

Question: The local conservation officer met us in the country one weekend during pheasant season, looked at our birds and asked us how long we had been hunting. Why did he want to know that? Answer: Time is the great leveliler of hunters. Our bag check studies have shown that the average amount of time needed to bag a pheasant (or a quail, rabbit, squirrel or duck) is a good gauge of hunting success. So the fieldman recorded your hunting time as one step in getting the 1952 average on pheasant hunting. By the time a thousand or more contacts have been made, the figures will show how field luck compares with that in other states and with last year. (If you got a pheasant in three hours or less, pat yourself on the back,—that is better than average. If you tramped eight hours for one bird, well, that was slow going. But before you get to feeling too sorry for yourself, remember that there are states where the average is more than fifteen hours of hunting per pheasant bagged! That won't do your tired feet much good (nor shovel the snow off the driveway!) but it may help to show that Nebraska is a pretty good place for a hunter after all.)

Question: I'm a grouse hunter, and had a fine time in the sandhills last grouse season. At the town of Merriman, where I ate my lunch, another hunter took a tail feather and some wing feathers from each grouse. He said he was sending them to you at Lincoln. Why did he take these feathers? Answer: We'd like to know whether sharptailed grouse or prairie chickens are more common in the bag locally, how the ratio of young to adults is running each year, and how the ratio of males to females is going. We have hunters, as well as game department employees, send in these feathers to give us the information needed. Chickens can be distinguished from sharptailed grouse either by tail feathers or wing markings, and the amount of wear on wing feathers shows whether these birds are young or old. Tail feather markings also distinguish the sexes in both chickens and sharptails.

A man in the field can get only a limited amount of this information, simply because the grouse country is thinly settled and not many grouse hunters can be contacted in the field. But, when many hunting cooperators send in material, enough data results to give a representative idea of how the grouse are making out. In the past three seasons, hunters have taken about six or eight sharptails for every prairie chicken bagged. Among the sharptails bagged, males and females have been nearly equal in number, but male chickens have outnumbered females in the bag. The ratio of young to old grouse was only fair in 1950, but much better in both 1951 and 1952.

Question: I'm a farmer in northeast Nebraska and am on my first deer hunt here at Crawford, but there are lots of deer along the river at home too. Why doesn't the Game Commission open the season on deer where I live? Answer: The Game Commission does not now have the authority to declare an open deer season in your county. But since deer are found in every county in the state, and are increasing rapidly, your county could stand some deer hunting. My guess is that when legislative restrictions are removed you can hunt deer right at home instead of going to western Nebraska. Our laws have changed rapidly, in order to keep up with changing conditions, and your deer problem points a finger at another change which seems likely to come.

Question: Why does the game department put bands on ducks? Answer: So that duck movements from one part of the country to another can be determined. This information, together with that concerning the kill, the nesting or breeding ground success, and the number of over-wintering ducks, is needed for proper duck management. We are particularly interested in Nebraska in learning where Nebraska-reared ducks are shot and where they spend the winter. We likewise want to know where our bagged ducks are raised. Complete records of all banded ducks (and geese too) are kept, and you should report any duck band to the Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington, D. C. Federal bands are used even though the actual banding is often done by state men. Both state and federal offices cooperate in keeping the records of where and when ducks are banded and shot or otherwise recovered. Some young, Nebraska-reared teal, hatched in 1952, were shot early in the last season in the lake states, but band recoveries from Nebraska-reared ducks are usually made in states south or southwest of here.

Question: Why do coyotes dig into muskrat houses more in some areas than in others? Answer: Muskrat investigations during the past three years in Cherry and Brown counties have shown that muskrat disease sometimes wipes out whole colonies of 'rats. The coyotes frequently dig into the houses to eat the dead 'rats. House molestation by predators is often the "tipoff" to a local muskrat disease problem.

Question: Why aren't quail getting really plentiful in my part of the state? We have no quail season here. Answer: Our routine annual field checks of quail indicate just about the same population trends (that is, gains or losses in quail numbers) in both open and closed quail territory. The important thing is that hedges, thickets, and other brushy cover, which quail need, are more common in the southeastern part of the state so the quail are more abundant there. The best way to encourage quail in central and western Nebraska is to plant woody field borders and thickets. It would help too, if we could successfully order mild winters, but that is beyond human control.

BULLETIN!

All size limits on game fish in Nebraska for 1953 have been removed.

Enders resevoir will open to fishing on Jan. 15, 1953.

Bag and possession limits remain same for 1953. They are:

Bag Possession Trout 7 7 White Bass 10 10 Black Bass 7 7 Bluegill 15 15 Rock Bass 15 15 Bullheads 15 15 (except in Cherry, Brown, Holt and Rock counties where limit is 25) Perch 25 25 (except in Cherry, Brown, Holt and Rock counties where there is no limit.) Walleye 5 5 Sauger 5 5 Northern Pike 5 5 Freshwater Drum 10 10 Catfish 10 10 WINTER ISSUE 25

NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA

This is the twelfth of a series of articles and drawings depicting Nebraska wildlife. The article was written by Biologist George Schildman and the water color painting made by C. G. Pritchard. The Spring Issue of OUTDOOR NEBRASKA will feature the largemouth bass.

The badger is a member of the Mustelidae or weasel family, as are the mink, otter and skunk. Like the skunk, through the ages of evolution, he has lost many of the weasel-like characteristics. He has developed his own special characteristics to become a specialist in his niche in the animal kingdom. He is about two feet long with a stocky, broad and low hung body and short bushy tail. His head is comparatively small, broad and flat, and equipped with strong jaws and a formidable set of 34 teeth. The legs are short and powerful, and the large feet are equipped with long, well developed claws, over an inch in length.

Badgers are animals of the prairies and plains and are found in all parts of Nebraska—their range extending into Canada and Mexico and from Michigan to the west coast states.

When badgers are mentioned, first thoughts are usually of numerous holes in the ground of his favorite hunting territory. It makes its living by digging faster than moles, pocket gophers, mice and ground squirrels. In a matter of seconds, and amidst a geyser of soil, it can dig itself into the earth; the loose soil plugging up the hole behind. If this hole was being dug to escape an enemy, this furious digging would have been accompanied by plenty of grumbling and snarling.

Because of its "disappearing act," strength and fierceness few animals will attack it. It is fearless, with plenty of courage and an indomitable spirit. No odds are too great, and he never surrenders. If cornered or pressed too hard, the badger readily attacks. The determined ferocity of the badger generally changes the mind of most opponents before a fight gets started.

Few dogs can whip a badger, and most of them know it. Dogs two or three times its size have been killed or badly slashed by the badger's teeth and claws. It can usually stand off a whole pack of dogs until it can reach a den or dig in. Coyotes seldom, if ever, attack a badger alone. A badger can be flooded out of his den because he must come out for air — but be prepared to meet your match.

Young badgers are born in May or June and average about three to a litter, but the number may range from one to five. Mating takes place in autumn or early winter. Mother badger has but one litter a year. They are born in a grass-lined chamber from two to six feet below the ground surface with a tunnel varying from six to thirty feet long leading to the chamber. Their eyes open when they are a month to six weeks old. When they are about half grown, they are weaned and the mother brings them food until they are about two-thirds grown when they begin accompanying her on hunting trips. Father badgers assume no responsibilities for the young. The young are nearly full grown by autumn and can forage for themselves.

Badger

Badgers are mostly nocturnal, but may start their day's activity from late afternoon on, and generally hunt alone. They are industrious, and when hunting has been good, badger holes are apt to be numerous. They dig out much of their prey, but anything in the line of meat (fresh or carrion) and eggs are relished. Pocket gophers and mice and ground squirrels make up the large bulk of his diet. Rabbits, skunks, ground nesting birds and their eggs, lizards, snakes and insects are included at times. Except in the extreme north, badgers do not hibernate in the true sense. Since their principal foods—small rodents—are below the frozen surface, some of them hibernating, food is generally less available. Mother nature has helped take care of this by having the badger enter the winter heavily laden with fat and by reducing his appetite and making him drowsy. He may sleep for a few days and then venture forth regardless of the temperature above ground. A rabbit using one of the holes in the vicinity will satisfy him and he will return to his den for awhile. If a group of sleeping skunks, which some of will "hole up" together, should be located, they would provide several weeks of winter feed. The badger stores up what he doesn't eat and returns to dig it up later. When he goes back to his den, he plugs up the hole behind him with loose unfrozen earth to keep out the cold air.

Since the badger is such an effective hunter for small rodents, it is probably of considerable value as a rodent control agent. But since they are not very abundant in most localities, their actual control of rodents is not widespread.

The frequency of holes has caused considerable swearing by cowboys and other horseback riders because of the danger of a horse stepping in a hole. Due to this aggravation, he is frequently shot on sight. But the badger, in Nebraska today, is apparently able to maintain his numbers rather easily.

26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA     Postmaster: If undeliverable FOR ANY REASON, notify sender, staling reason, on FORM 3547, postage for which is guaranteed. FORWARDING POSTAGE GUARANTEED OUTDOOR NEBRASKA STATE HOUSE Lincoln, Nebraska When Huntin's Done I've been watchin' sort of dreamy-like The lazy driftin' smoke That comes from out my fireplace When I gives the fire a poke; It's filled my little cabin With a bluish sort of haze, That sets my mind a dreamin' Of other happy days; The fire is oozin' pinewood sap From out a fresh-cut log, While warm reflections reachin' out Caress my sleepin' dog. In the shadows back there somewhere Hangs my good old huntin' gear, And over on the other wall Should be an antlered deer; A sleepin' dog, a smoulderin' pipe, Warm fire that makes you doze, While outside in winter darkness A noisy blizzard blows; The fish I loves to tempt a bit With flies, I'd like to know Just how, when winter's ragin', They live beneath the snow. And then those happy little quail That stayed down by the spring, Where you suppose they are tonight, Snow's coverin' everything; The ducks, they're gone, long gone I guess And left us here behind, But seein' how my dog and I, We're warm, so we don't mind; I guess old Mother Nature sort of Cares for things outside, She'll find some way to feed 'em, And a place for 'em to hide. Yes, the old cabin's mighty quiet And in the darkness, sort of big, But I can see it full to bustin' With hunters and their rig; Like as not they're thinkin', Like this old dog and me, Throughout the winter twilight, Of sportin' days to be; Sleep on, dream on, four-footed pal, For when your day is done You can always live it over By the fire, when winter's come. Paul Thygeson Gilbert