EDITORIAL Nebraska "Missing Boat?"

by Jack H. Lowe.

THE AVERAGE tourist driving into Nebraska has just one thing in mind—putting miles behind him as fast as possible, to reach a destination where he is anticipating recreational and scenic wonderlands. Nebraska, accepting its role as an "ugly duckling state," does nothing to change this unfortunate situation. The tourist is provided miles of straight-away highway, piercing the sprawling, treeless plains, and is whisked through the Cornhusker state at breakneck speed, unmindful that he is within a few miles of recreation and scenery comparing with the finest in the entire west.

The fault for this, of course, lies with Nebraska itself. Nine out of ten Nebraskans are not aware that we have scenery to compare with Wyoming and Colorado, fishing to compare with Minnesota and Canada, bird shooting unsurpassed in the mid-continent area and big game which is increasing in such numbers that there is every reason to anticipate expanded seasons, year after year.

In recent years Nebraska has seen the creation of a solid chain of large water impoundments, stretching from Lake Minatare in the extreme west, extending through Lake McConaughy, Sutherland reservoir and Jeffrey lake, on east and southeast to embrace such important water concentrations as Midway and Johnson lakes, Enders, Medicine Creek and Harlan reservoirs. With this development has come an evolution in the recreational and sports life of the state—a transition so tremendous, and yet so gradual, that many people are only casually aware of its magnitude and importance.

What has this meant to the sportsman, both the resident and nonresident? It means the existence of hunting and fishing waters providing a year-around opportunity for good sport. It also provides the state with a challenge to develop these areas into recreational localities where thousands of outdoor lovers will find a rightful place to enjoy life to the fullest. This, I believe, not only is an opportunity but an obligation so far as the state is concerned.

Too, Nebraska has magnificent scenery. While most Nebraskans drive thousands of miles to find a change in scenery, they could easily accomplish the same purpose within the borders of their own state. Chadron State Park, the northwestern Nebraska badlands, Fort Robinson, the picturesque Wildcat hills with nearby Chimney and Court House rocks and stately Scottsbluff National monument; the beautiful Niobrara and its tributaries, the lush grass covered expanse of the sand hills, the jutting and rolling countryside leading to the Missouri valley; these and countless other attractions are crying to be exploited by the world. Yet, Nebraska speeds her tourists along a ribbon of plain concrete and fails to capitalize upon the blessings bestowed upon us by God and man.

The time has come when this situation should be corrected. Nebraskans should develop the characteristic pride of Wyoming, Colorado and other western states where hundreds of thousands of tourists spend millions of vacation dollars because the state has lured them with well planned advertising and publicity campaigns. What they do, Nebraska should have been doing years ago.

How can it be accomplished? It is a task which must be faced communally by the officials of the state, the legislature and the agencies responsible for the administration of recreation and parks. It cannot be done overnight, but it should not be delayed any longer. Nebraska is a Cinderella, waiting for someone to wave the magic wand and bring out its great natural beauties and recreational values. . . What are we waiting for?

COVER PICTURE—-Staff Artist C. G. Pritchard paints a fish's underwater view of a brown trout and its tussel with a fisherman. GRAHAM PRINTING- LINCOLN, NEBR.

SMALL CRAFT Safety

By Jack D. Strain Supervisor, Land Management To Be...Or Not To Be

THAT NEBRASKA is an arid, semidesert is a common misconception still held by people in many parts of the country. Lurid tales handed down from settlers crossing the Great Plains are probably partly responsible for the belief, as well as the fact that inaccurate descriptions of the west have been printed in untold numbers of novels and even some text books.

Nebraskans know that this conception of the state is outdated today. Tourists crossing Nebraska are often heard to remark, "I had no idea that there were this many lakes in Nebraska" or to express their surprise at finding a body of water the magnitude of Lake McConaughy situated in the rolling plains.

Natives of the state also know that Nebraska ranks at or near the top of all the states in total miles of running water and that the state already contains many flood control and irrigation impoundments, with more under construction or in the planning stage. These large reservoirs, in addition to their primary function, are supplying access to water for recreational purposes to many people who have not had such opportunity before. In the pursuit of hunting, fishing, swimming, boating and camping, Nebraska sportsmen have been confronted with safety problems not encountered before the advent of the large reservoirs and present transportation facilities. Too many times these encounters have resulted in the tragedy of death by drowning.

Of all fatal accidents that befall sportsmen, death by drowning is probably the most useless by reason of the fact that it is the most avoidable.

Boating fatalities nearly always result from carelessness, lack of preparedness, or inattention to detail committed some time, maybe months, before the accident occurs. Shooting accidents, on the other hand, occur for the same or similar reasons but the causative factor usually is evident at the time of or immediately preceding the accident.

To illustrate the significance of these statements we will cite a hypothetical case of a man who purchases a boat that is too small, does not have buoyancy compartments, and is not provided with life preservers for use on a large reservoir. If this man should meet death by drowning in a boat accident, the chances are excellent that his death could have been prevented weeks or even months before had he acquired adequate equipment.

On the other hand, a study of 1,376 hunting casualties reported nationwide during 1950 and 1951 by the National Rifle Association of America indicates that 742 or 54% of them were attributed to one of three causes: (1) the victim being covered by the shooter while swinging on game; (2) the victim unseen by the shooter; (3) the victim mistaken for game.

All of these could have been prevented on the spot. The accidents could not have been prevented at a previous date except through training of the individual at fault. The casualities could not have been avoided by previous selection of equipment as in our drowning case.

Statistics show that an average of fifty-three people drowned annually in Nebraska during the years 1922 - 1951. If we exclude the 127 lost in 1935, the year of the Republican River flood, this average drops to forty-nine.

There is no question that most of these fatalities involve swimming accidents; however, it is reliably estimated that three per cent were the result of boating accidents. This is three per cent too many. Of the 1,608 persons drowned during this period, it is estimated that 98 died as a result of boating mishaps.

The logical question is how to eliminate the three per cent. Human nature being what it is, there is small likelihood that this will ever be completely accomplished; however, progress can be realized if the boating public will observe elementary precautions.

By all means purchase equipment that is adequate to meet the maximum test to which it may be put. This is especially true of the large reservoirs and the big rivers. Generally speaking, boats less than 14 feet long and 50 inches wide at the beam are not advisable for extensive use on Nebraska's reservoirs. Granted, however, that smaller boats can be used with caution under favorable conditions. Rubber life rafts and similar contrivances have no place on large water areas as sporting equipment. It is true that such rafts were designed for use on the ocean; however, they were intended for short duration emergency use only by trained personnel. They were never meant to replace boats.

Boats should not be overpowered. If we had access to exact statistical SPRING ISSUE 3   data, we would no doubt find that many capsized boats resulted from having a 'too powerful" outboard motor attached to them with a "too heavy" hand attached to the throttle. Placing a 33 h.p. motor on a small boat gets about the same results as mixing alcohol and gunpowder. It is true that a boat should be adequately powered, but the average boat purchased for hunting and fishing activities is not a speedboat. To consider it such is a mistake that can be fatal.

In purchasing a boat for use on large waters, every possible safety factor should be taken into consideration. It should be large enough to safely carry the number of persons you usually want to accompany you. For most uses, it should be as wide as possible with a semi-flat bottom. Such a boat may not get there quite as fast, but it will get there right side up.

Buoyancy tanks are a must. A good boat submerged in water right side up should support its normal complement of passengers in the boat. The same boat submerged or capsized should hold up all the people hanging in the water from its sides and ends that can get a hold on it.

This is probably the place at which a mistake should be emphasized that has cost many lives. Often in a boat accident when the boat has capsized, the first inclination of the passengers is to get to shore immediately. This can be as fatal as mistaking cyanide for sugar. In the event that a person falls overboard or the boat overturns, the first effort should be to immediately regain the craft. Even a water-logged wooden boat will give some support for a time and modern metal boats with air tanks will support a man indefinitely. Never, under any circumstances, should a person start out for shore immediately unless he can stand on the bottom and know beyond any doubt that he can wade safely to shore.

About as often as not, a boat that has been tipped will regain its proper attitude although it will almost invariably ship water. Even if capsized it is relatively easy to right the boat and slosh out enough water to get back aboard by repeatedly pushing down on the stern and shoving it suddenly forward. Entrance into the boat should be regained headfirst over the stern or the bow. If more than one person, they should take opposite ends, each steadying for the other.

People generally consider themselves better swimmers than they are. Middleaged men are inclined to estimate their swimming prowess at the level of their high school days even though they may not have been in the water since. Even if they are physically capable of swimming, say a quarter of a mile to shore, the shock of being suddenly immersed in cold water plus extreme physical exertion may cause cramps or heart failure which are a much greater contributory factor in drownings than most people realize. Remember that it is much better to gain shore ingloriously paddling a half-filled boat with your hands than to die a hero a few yards from safety.

When you have purchased a good safe boat, do not render its safety features useless by overloading it. Overloads are another major cause of boating accidents. Generally speaking, boats under twelve feet in length have a capacity of two persons or equal, fourteen feet or over can usually be loaded two passengers per seat or equal. This is only a rule of thumb, however, and can vary according to conditions. Under no circumstances should a boat ever be loaded to the extent that there is less than six inches freeboard (distance from water surface to top of gunwale amidships) and even this margin is hardly adequate for operation on the larger water areas.

This writer has witnessed many cases of overloaded boats, but none quite as bad as an instance on one of the sandhill lakes several years ago during the late spring. Bullhead fishing was at its height and there was a lot of that activity. Glancing out at the several boats spotted around the lake, one was noted to be laying dangerously low in the water, with small waves actually lapping at the gunwales. A check with binoculars showed that the boat had six occupants. Later, when the boat beached safely through some miracle, a visit with the passengers indicated that there had been a young father, his three children ranging from four to nine years, and the children's grandparents in the boat. Casual questioning revealed that only the young man could swim at all. The boat was an old wooden craft that leaked badly, requiring continuous bailing. The boat was in approximately eight foot of water when first observed and there can be no doubt that had the boat foundered, there would have been multiple fatalities. This was one of the more fortunate instances, others have not been so lucky.

Nebraska is a land of variable weather. It has been said of the state, if you don't like the present weather, wait a half hour—it will change. Unfortunately this statement can be true. Sudden rises of wind velocity or shifts of direction characterize the western two-thirds of the state. Rain squalls accompanied by gusty winds, or prefrontal activity, are common occurrences. Weather-wise local people recognize these danger signs and avoid them, but with more and more people unused to such conditions as exist on the large reservoirs, they would do well to familiarize themselves with weather and its potential dangers to small craft operations.

In the foregoing we have attempted to outline briefly some of the major causes of small craft accidents. These are summarized as follows: (1) Most boating fatalities are avoidable through selection of proper equipment; (2) Some types of small craft are absolutely unsuitable for sporting operations; (3) Boats should not be overpowered; (4) Safety devices such as buoyancy tanks and life preservers are a must, especially for operation on the larger waters; (5) In the event of a boat mishap where the occupants are thrown into the water, their chances of survival are best if they regain their craft rather than attempting to swim ashore; (6) Care should be taken not to overload a boat; (7) Weather conditions play a leading role in small craft safety.

The one factor that we have not touched upon to any degree is the human element involved in small craft operations. The best boats manufactured are not a guarantee of safety, if they are being operated by incompetants. Daredevils, speed demons, show-offs and other garden variety fools have no place in the sporting world, and should be eliminated through education by level headed, safety conscious sportsmen.

Many fine outdoor experiences are ahead of multitudes of Nebraskans through boating in the sports of hunting and fishing. Due to the comparatively recent appearance on the scene of large water areas in the state, the level of experience and equipment of many of us is limited to creeks, ponds and small lakes. A true sportsman will not over estimate himself or his equipment. He will take every precaution to insure his safety as well as that of others in order that all may enjoy the great out-of-doors. Man's status may change from time to time throughout his life, but death is so very, very permanent.

The lateral line found on fish—a line extending along the side from the gill opening to the tail—is very much like a hearing organ and helps fish recognize heat and cold.

4 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Arbor Day

by Grant McNeel Superintendent, Arbor Lodge State Park

THE PEOPLE of Nebraska are peculiarly honored by the fact that Arbor Day, a national holiday, originated in their state. In 1854, a young man from Detroit, named J. Sterling Morton, and his young bride migrated westward to Nebraska Territory to seek their fortunes. Their first land holdings were a pre-emption consisting of 160 acres, filed upon in 1855 where he built a four room house. Prior to that time, the land was occupied by Indians only and had been described as a treeless prairie with no sign of white man's settlement.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Morton were lovers of nature and their new home was soon adorned with trees, shrubs and flowers. In 1858, an orchard was planted along with other trees and ornamental plantings. Arbor Lodge represents one of the very earliest attempts at home landscaping in Nebraska.

Being a journalist by profession, Morton soon became the editor of Nebraska's first newspaper and zealously spread his agricultural information and tree planting convictions by means of editorials and articles appearing in the paper. The hardy pioneers eagerly read his writings and readily adopted his suggestions because trees were a real necessity in those days. They were needed for windbreaks as well as for fuel, lumber and shade. As a result of his speeches and editorials, great impetus was added to fruit growing and he, along with Robert W. Furnas and others, began what grew into the great commercial orchard section of eastern Nebraska. Morton not only advocated tree planting by individuals, but urged schools, civic organizations and groups of every kind to take up the practice. It was he who suggested that trees be planted to commemorate visits of various notables, special events, such as the dedication of public buildings and for memorials.

After becoming Secretary of the Nebraska Territory, Morton had the opportunity to stress the importance of agriculture and the value of rural life. In his speech at the first Territorial Fair held at Nebraska City in 1859, he urged the farmers in his audience 'To be proud of their calling, for in it there was no possibility of guile or fraud." Speaking at the dedicatory ceremonies of the University of Nebraska in 1871, he again reminded his hearers that "one of the grandest of material labors is the reduction of untried land to tillage."

The early day pioneers believed strongly in organization to further their agricultural interests. At a meeting SPRING ISSUE 5   held in Omaha in 1858, a Board of Agriculture was formed with Robert W. Furnas, an orchardist and nurseryman of Brownville as its president. Also, due to the increasing interest in the fruit business, a State Horticultural Society was organized during the third State Fair which was held at Nebraska City in 1869.

In 1871, at a meeting of the State Horticultural Society, J. Sterling Morton was appointed "to write and publish an address to the people of Nebraska, setting forth all important facts relative to fruit growing in the state." He closed this address with one of his best expressions in praise of tree planting. "There is beauty in a well ordered orchard, which is a joy forever. Orchards are missionaries of culture and refinement. If every farmer in Nebraska will plant out and cultivate an orchard and a flower garden, together with a few forest trees, this will become mentally and morally the best agricultural state in the Union."

At the annual meeting of the State Horticultural Society held in Lincoln on January the 4th, 1872, Morton read his famous fruit address. On the same day, while attending a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, also in Lincoln, he presented his Arbor Day resolution, calling for an annual tree planting day to be known as "Arbor Day" and offering prizes to counties and individuals for planting properly the largest number of trees on that day. Somewhat over a million trees were planted on that first Arbor Day as a result.

On March 31, 1874, Governor Robert W. Furnas issued the first Arbor Day proclamation as follows: "Whereas, The Nebraska State Board of Agriculture, at its January meeting, 1872, adopted the following resolution: Resolved, that the second Wednesday of April of each year be and the same is hereby designated, dedicated, and set apart as "Arbor Day" for the State of Nebraska, and that the agriculturis of Nebraska be requested to petition the legislature to make said Arbor Day a legal holiday. That until so made a holiday, the governor be requested to call attention to said 'Arbor Day,' by proclamation and request the whole people of the state to observe it, by planting forest, fruit or ornamental trees.

'And WHEREAS, I have been officially notified by the president of said board, and by him requested to comply therewith.

"Now, THEREFORE, I, Robert W. Furnas, Governor of the State of Nebraska, do hereby publicly proclaim the aforesaid transactions of the State Board of Agriculture, and both respectfully and urgently recommend that the day designated, viz., the 8th day of April, 1874, be observed by the people of this state, as desired and expressed in the resolution herein referred to.

"IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the state of Nebraska to be affixed on the 31st day March, A.D., 187If. Robert W. Furnas"

In 1885, the legislature declared Arbor Day a legal holiday and named April 22 as the permanent date. Thus, one of the greatest tree planting movements in history was launched and certainly one of the most popular phases of conservation inaugurated.

J. Sterling Morton wrote the Omaha Daily Herald on the First Arbor Day the following: "How enduring are the animate trees of our planting! They grow and self-perpetuate themselves and shed yearly blessings on our race. Trees are the monuments I would have. The cultivation of flowers and trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and noble in man."

The National Association and the American Forestry Congress endorsed and fostered the Arbor Day movement. Nearly all, if not all, of the states have followed Nebraska in adopting an annual tree planting day and the foreign countries that observe Arbor Day include England, Canada, Australia, British West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Japan and China.

J. Sterling Morton has conclusively demonstrated that he practiced exactly what he preached by his extensive plantings on his own land near Nebraska City. Several of his farms contained large orchards, mostly surrounded by pine tree borders and the fine arboretum at Arbor Lodge where over one hundred and sixty species and varieties are growing. The Morton arboretum at Lisle, Illinois, has over seven hundred species of woody plants, including about all of the American trees and shrubs as well as most of the exotics. On the memorial monument at Arbor Lodge which was dedicated by former President Grover Cleve]and in 1905, is the inscription from the writings of Morton: "Other Holidays Repose upon the Past-Arbor Day Proposes for the Future.'

6 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

FOUR FISHING Records FALL

NEBRASKA'S state fishing records, comparable to those in most other leading fishing states, received their heaviest bombardment in history as four new marks were registered during 1952's angling activities. Records succumbing were those on white bass, freshwater drum, rainbow trout and walleye.

Unseasonable cool weather, very reluctant to depart, hampered spring and early summer fishing. Mid and late summer and early fall angling were handicapped by the prevalent drouth. Though these unfavorable climatological conditions had definite adverse effects on fishing in general, they did not succeed in restricting the taking of large fish.

Actually, more large fish were hauled in during '52 than in the preceding year. Fishermen produced two state marks in '51 compared to four last year. One of the records established in '51 was among those records surpassed in '52.

Popular Maloney lake, a brief 10 minute ride south of North Platte, continued its reign as Nebraska's No. 1 "lake of big fishes." The heavily fished impoundment not only provided the record walleye, but also produced many of the largest fish reported taken in '52. Game Commission records, containing weekly reports of conservation officers throughout the state, show that Maloney fishermen caught the three largest crappie taken in Nebraska; the second largest white bass; seventh, eighth and ninth heaviest northern pike; second biggest brown trout; third and fourth largest black bass, and in addition to the record walleye, the second, third and fourth largest walleyes.

A North Platte resident, W. H. Schroff, became the new owner of the state walleye record by landing a 12-pound, 8 1/2 -ounce "marbleye" while fishing in Maloney. During the same week, Curtis Brown, also of North Platte, produced a challenger, a 10-pound, 11-ouncer from the same lake.

Schroff caught the record breaker while using a Lazy Ike plug. The old mark was a 11-pound, 4-ouncer taken by John Stensvaad of North Platte in 1951 while using a bucktail spinner. Stensvaad's big walleye was also hooked in Maloney.

Massive McConaughy reservoir produced two new state records. Miss Barbara Mombach of Grand Island caught a 4-pound, 4-ounce white bass which stretched 20 inches in length. Though no authentic world record is available, some white bass weighing up to five pounds have been reported in other states. Miss Mombach's white bass eclipsed the former record of 3-pounds, 4-ounces by Tom Bradley of North Platte in Otter creek two years ago.

Ogallalan William R. Stefan found home McConaughy waters especially to his liking, landing a record 12-pound, 2-ounce rainbow trout. Stefan's big SPRING ISSUE 7   trout had a girth of 19 inches and was 28% inches long. The previous record rainbow was the 11-pound, 4-ouncer taken by L. E. Houtz of Madrid in 1949, also in McConaughy.

Following Stefan's big catch, George Dickson of Lincoln took a 11-pound, 8-ounce rainbow from McConaughy. The same reservoir also produced a 11-pound, 6-ouncer for Earl Marlott of Julesburg, Colo. Both Dickson's and Marlott's trout topped the old record.

The last record to tumble in '52 was the freshwater drum, a 17-pound, 1-ouncer hauled ashore by Edward Woolsey of Omaha in Carter lake. The old record was a 14-pound, 6-ouncer taken by Shaw Little in 1945. At the time of the record catch, Woolsey was fishing for bass and pike, using a black bucktail spinner.

Northern pike fishermen enjoyed their best success at Lake Minatare in Nebraska's panhandle. The biggest northern taken in all of '52—and that from Lake Minatare—weighed a respectable 20 pounds, only five pounds under the current state record. Others tipping the scales at between 10 and 18 pounds were fairly numerous.

The Platte and Blue rivers continued to be the top catfish producers. Largest of the whiskered cats, weighing 42 pounds, was lugged ashore from the Platte by Harvey Ross of Columbus. The Waldo brothers of DeWitt together landed a 32-pounder from the Blue.

A wide diversity of baits were used with moderate success. Some of the more successful baits and artificial lures for the different species were: trout (worms, flat fish, salmon eggs, liver, artificials), northern pike (spinners, spoons, plugs, frogs, minnows), bullheads (worms, frogs), walleye (minnows, Lazy Ike), bluegill (worms, spinners, flies), carp (corn, doughballs), catfish (crawfish, blood, minnows, frogs, prepared baits, chicken entrails, shrimp, chubs, liver, beef steak), crappie (worms, minnows, Lazy Ikes), bass (worms, spinner, frogs, plugs, pork rinds, spoons), and white bass (minnows, spinners).

Fishing prospects for 1953 are bright. New Enders reservoir has already provided some outstanding angling since its Jan. 15th opening. Memphis lake is almost completed after its rennovation and will be stocked immediately after finished. There is a possibility it may be opened to fishing sometime in '53.

During '52, the Game Commission produced and stocked almost two million fish from its hatcheries. Many of these will be large enough "to do battle" in '53. Further enhancing the '53 outlook for fishing is the removal of all size limits on game fish which will enable more anglers to take full creels.

Scheduled to get under way in '53 but which won't be of actual benefit to fishermen until next year or '55 is new Grove lake in Antelope county. To be constructed on the headwaters of spring-fed Verdigre creek, the new lake should be approximately 30 feet at the dam. It is expected to back up water for a distance of almost three-fourths of a mile. Glen Foster, supervisor of fisheries, said the "lake should be one of the state's best fishing waters."

Following is a summary of the largest fish taken in '52 as reported to the Game Commission office:

FRESHWATER DRUM: 17-pound, 1-ouncer by Edward Woolsey, Omaha (Carter lake).

CATFISH: 42-pounder by Harvey Ross, Columbus (Patte river); 38-pounder by Waldo brothers, DeWitt (Blue river); 32-pounder by Earl Fulton, Wymore (Blue river); 21-pound, 8-ouncer by Herman Budih, McCook (Rice sand pits); 16-pound, 13-ouncer by George Freeze, North Platte (Maloney lake); 13-pound, 10-ouncer by Robin Rasmussen, North Platte (Maloney); 12-pound, 12-ouncer by Herb Howard, North Platte (Maloney).

WALLEYE: 12-pound, 8V2-ouncer by W. H. Schroff, North Platte (Maloney); 11-pound, 3-ouncer by Ed Sorenson, North Platte (Maloney); 10-pound, 11-ouncer by Curtis Brown, North Platte (Maloney); 10-pound, 8-ouncer by Gene Christiansen, Lincoln (Maloney); 10-pounder by Jack Smith, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 9-pound, 12-ouncer by Mrs. Fred Wright, North Platte (McConaughy); 9-pounder by Wilber Kutschkon, Grand Island; 9-pounder by Walt Wilson, Ogallala (McConaughy); 8-pound, 6-ouncer by Harrison Tout, North Platte (Maloney); 8-pound, 6-ouncer by Leonard Bunney, Ogallala (McConaughy); 6-pound, 4-ouncer by M. Gunn, Lincoln (McConaughy).

WHITE BASS: 4-pound, 4-ouncer by Barbara Mombach, Grand Island (McConaughy); 1-pound, 14-ouncer by Ted Farr, North Platte (Maloney).

NORTHERN PIKE: 20-pounder by M. L. Gundelfinger, Hastings (Johnson lake); 20-pounder by Jacob Becking, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 18-pounder by Stanley Ohlund, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 15-pounder by Phil Hilliard, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 15-pounder by Bill Klas, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 13-pound, 8-ouncer by Fred Ruff, Scottsbluff (Lake Minatare); 12-pound, 2-ouncer by Bill Fuerst, North Platte (Maloney); 11-pound, 7-ouncer by Ned Keys, Paxton (Maloney); 7-pound, 4-ouncer 8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   by Leonard Mroozed, North Platte (Maloney); 7-pounder by Dr. F. J. Kubitshek, O'Neill.

CRAPPIE: 2-pound, 1-ouncer by Jack Haehne, North Platte (Maloney); 1-pound, 11-ouncer by Ronald Wall, North Platte (Maloney); 1-pound, 10-ouncer by Tommie Austin, North Platte (Maloney); two 1-pounders by Mike Garage, Wauneta (Camp Hayes lake).

BROWN TROUT: 4-pounder by Gene Scott, Hay Springs (Larrabee creek); 3-pound, 8-ouncer by Bill Braun, North Platte (Maloney).

LARGEMOUTH BASS: 7-pound, 3-ouncer by Clem Ballwig, Spalding (Lake Ericson); 7-pounder by Martin Englehaupt, Spencer; 6-pound, 12-ouncer by Clark Johnson, Holdrege (Sand pits north of Holdrege); 6-pound, 4-ouncer by Guy E. Casteel, North Platte (Maloney); 5-pound, 12-ouncer by George Freeze, North Platte (Maloney); 5-pound, 8-ouncer by Mert Lewellen, Birdgeport (Bridgeport pits); 5-pounder by Harley Hendrix, Stratum; 4-pound, 8-ouncer by Marion Laird, Hayes Center (Camp Hayes lake); 4-pounder by Clarice Elliform, Hayes Center (Camp Hayes lake).

RAINBOW TROUT: 12-pound, 2-ouncer by William R. Stefan, Ogallala (McConaughy); 11-pound, 12-ouncer by George Dickson, Lincoln (McConaughy); 11-pound, 8-ouncer by Ed Henkel, Sidney (McConaughy); 11-pound, 6-ouncer by W. H. Craig, Ogallala (McConaughy); 10-pound, 2-ouncer by Harold Hampton, Ogallala (McConaughy); 9-pounder by J. R. Morley, Julesburg, Colo. (McConaughy); 8-pound, 11-ouncer by George Schumacher, Grand Island (McConaughy); 8-pound, 8-ouncer by W. H. Craig, Ogallala (McConaughy); 8-pound, 6-ouncer by Sid Baird, Grand Island, (McConaughy); 8-pound, 4-ouncer by Paul Bigsby, Scottsbluff (Red Willow creek); 8-pound, 3-ouncer by Sid Baird, Grand Island (McConaughy); 8-pounder by Ed Glass, Hastings (McConaughy); 8-pounder by Walter Vandervort, Bridgeport (Red Willow creek).

CARP: 18 and 15-pounders by Louis Flies, Auburn (Johnson, Nebr. lake); 15-pounder by Don J. Rogers, Peru; 15pounder by Skipper Ehrstom, Omaha; 12-pound, 4-ouncer by Jim Sefried, Falls City; 8-pound, 8-ouncer by D. Falk, Auburn (Verdon lake).

State Fish Records

BLACK BASS (Largemouth): 9-pounds, 3-ounces. Caught by Wentworth Clarke, Omaha in Fremont State Lake No. 4 in 1943. (World record: 22-pounds, 4-ounces).

BLACK BASS (Smallmouth): Open. (World record: 10-pounds, 8-ounces).

WHITE BASS: 4-pounds, 4-ounces. Caught by Barbara Mombach, Grand Island, in McConaughy reservoir in 1952. (No authentic world record but catches up to 5 pounds reported).

BLUEGILL: 2-pounds, 8-ounces. Caught by party consisting of Walter Beckman, Carl Buck, Bill Adams and Ervin Krueger, all of Garland, in Monroe power canal in 1949. (World record: 4-pounds, 12-ounces).

BUFFALO: 32-pounds. Caught by L. Ashbaugh, Wilber, in Blue river near Wilber dam in 1944. (No world record available).

BULLHEAD: Open. (No world record available but catches up to 3 and 4 pounds reported).

BLUE CATFISH: 47-pounds, 6-ounces. Caught by Harold Brown, Columbus, in Loup river off Buck Island at Columbus in June, 1941. (No authentic world record available).

CHANNEL CATFISH: 31-pounds, 12-ounces. Caught by Bob Nuquist, Broken Bow, in Lake Ericson in 1944. (World record: 55-pounds).

YELLOW CATFISH: 46-pounds. Caught by Leo Wozny of Columbus and Roy Hamilton of Lincoln in Loup river power canal at Columbus in 1950. (No authentic world record available).

CRAPPIE: 3-pounds, 4-ounces. Caught by A. E. Hueppelsheuster, Lincoln, across lake from Otter creek in 1947. (No authentic world record available but one white crappie of 5-pounds, 4-ounces has been reported).

FRESH WATER DRUM: 17-pounds, 1-ounce. Caught by Edward Woolsey, Omaha, in Carter lake in 1952. (No authentic world record available)

NORTHERN PIKE: 25-pounds. Caught by R. O. DeFord, Ogallala, in McConaughy in 1949 and tied by O. D. Moon, Sterling, Colo., fh McConaughy in 1951. (World record: 46-pounds, 2-ounces).

WALLEYE: 12-pounds, 8 V2 -ounces. Caught by W. H. Schroff, North Platte, in Maloney in 1952. (World record: 22-pounds, 4-ounces).

PERCH: Open. (World record: 4-pounds, 3V2-ounces).

BROOK TROUT: Open. (World record: 14-pounds, 8-ounces).

BROWN TROUT: 11-pounds, 4-ounces. Caught by L. B. Eby, Sidney, in Otter creek in 1950. (World record: 39-pounds, 8-ounces).

RAINBOW TROUT: 12-pounds, 2-ounces. Caught by William R. Stefan, Ogallala, in McConaughy in April, 1952. (World record: 37-pounds).

(Editor's note: The state fish records are maintained by the Game Commission. The world records used here were taken from the 1953 Heddon Catalog.)

SPRING ISSUE 9

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA QUIZ

FOLLOWING are 10 statements about five different species of fish inhabiting Nebraska waters. The five species are pictured at right. Indicate in the space after each statement which of the species is being discussed. Compare your findings with the correct answers on page 16.

1. This fish, with teeth on the base of its tongue, feeds primarily on shad minnows and is a "school" fish.

2. Not a native fish and not too abundant in the state, this species has a very definite salmon characteristic.

3. More than one million fish of this species were hatched at Nebraska's largest hatchery last year and raised to fingerling size before they were stocked.

4. This fish is considered one of the lowest forms of fish because of its unspecialized structure. There is little or no evidence of natural reproduction of this species in Nebraska waters.

5. Called "dore" by most Canadians, this fish has strong canine teeth and is inclined to be a nocturnal feeder. Its peculiar eyes are distinguishing characteristics of this species.

6. This fish has projections, called barbels, which facilitate its search for food. The barbels are provided with taste-buds.

7. Having a streamlined body and without scales, this fish is popular because it will "take" almost any kind of bait. It is not very particular.

8. Falsely accused of considerable feeding on desirable game fish, this species, a native of Asia, has teeth in its throat.

9. This fish found in some of Nebraska's reservoirs is believed to be a descendent of the salt water striped bass.

10. An extremely prolific fish, this species has been known to reach four feet in length. It is a relative of the gold fish.

10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Bobwhite Quail Family Introduced By Sandhillers

by Lola Held Elsmere, Nebraska

ONE WARM spring day a stray bobwhite quail wandered into our wild plum thicket, and whistled again and again for his mates. We were thrilled by this plaintive call, so familiar among our childhood memories, and when the lone bobwhite slipped away, we were convinced that our bit of Nebraska woodland would never seem right without his voice.

We searched through sport and wildlife magazines for information on food, cover and range necessary to comfortable quail life. We found little on the subject and concluded that we might learn from bobwhite himself the answers to our questions.

The mail carrier brought our first pair of quail to the door one promising spring-like day in early April. The small wooden box seemed close and dark, and we hurried to place them in the roomy, wire-covered pen we had made ready.

For several days, they hid from sight, but in time, they found their food, the dusting box and the can of gravel and were content.

Late in the month of May, we found the first egg in the nesting box and after seventeen were laid, we hoped for the little, brown female to brood them. However, she gave no hint of interest in the white eggs and finally we placed them under a brooding bantam hen.

At the proper time, seven unbelievably small quail tapped their way out of the shells. Velvety brown and yellow mites with tiny bright eyes, needing warmth and food. We stared at their elfin beauty and realized what clumsy, ignorant creatures we were to undertake the duties of a mother quail.

When the foolish bantam crushed one wee fellow, we immediately banished her from the role of helper, gathered the remaining six into a small sand-filled box, and placed them in the warm sunshine.

Summer days passed, many of them chilly and damp, but we managed to keep those small quail warm and fed. The tiniest wing feathers appeared, appetites sharpened, and they independently snatched an ant or hopper for themselves.

When migrating hawks and owls had passed northward, and left our woodland in peace, we freed the two adult quail. They had become fairly tame and enjoyed the freedom of wandering about the lawn and garden, gobbling up dozens of grasshoppers or basking in the summer sunshine.

Bobwhite's quiet, brown mate found a nesting spot in the old rose tangle, and hurriedly, it seemed, laid thirteen eggs, for summer days already were growing shorter.

While Mrs. Quail brooded her precious eggs, Bob wandered through the elm grove, flew out on the open hills, or perched on the lawn gate and whistled, seldom failing to join his mate when she flew to the barn for grain.

Twenty-four summer days hurried by and Mrs. Quail whistled urgently from her nest. No more time for Bobwhite to loaf in the elm grove, or loiter in the sunshine; there was work to be done. Later that day, peering down through the rose bushes, we found them sitting closely, side by side. Small brown heads peeped from under the warm, brooding breasts, and in the deserted nest every shell lay empty.

For three days, the quail remained near the nesting site. Mornings were damp and chilly, the sunbeams tardy, but gradually they led their young over the lawn, across the garden, and into the quiet safety of the thicket.

Two weeks later, we managed to catch one more hasty glimpse of our quail family as they tumbled down a warm sunny slope into the sheltering plum brush. Then they vanished. Not a sound could we hear to tell us our quail were still near.

Weeks hastened by, the days shortened and the nights were often chilled with rain. To hope those frail mites still survived seemed foolish. But we found that Bobwhite and his mate could manage very well. Hurrying across the grove one October morning, we came suddenly upon the mother quail and her brood. Startled, they rose into the air like giant locusts and disappeared in the shrubbery.

Our quail, including the ones adopted, numbered nineteen and we began to prepare them for the bitter winter days ahead by building a shelter and scattering grain conveniently near. They learned quickly, for with the first light snow we found the shelter in use.

By early December, the ground was blanketed deep, the air was sharp with frost and many creatures felt hunger. The quail stayed close by the shelter, sunning themselves in the brief bits of sunlight, seeming able to survive the freezing nights so long as food was plentiful.

But the nearby cedar grove offered shelter to many storm-weary creatures, hungry owls and sharp-taloned hawks. When we carried grain to the shelter in the plum brush, we saw that the quail were decreasing in numbers. Soon the two parent birds were gone, then, one by one, the young were disappearing.

We allowed the grain-feeders to become empty, then, enticed the few remaining quail within the safety of the wire covered pen where they lived, warm and well fed, for many stormy days.

Spring has come and gone and the warmth of summer covers the hills. The quail again roam cheerfully about. In the cool mornings and the quiet evenings we hear their friendly, companionable calls and hope that their swift wings and magic art of concealment may keep them safe for many other seasons.

SPRING ISSUE 11

Indian FISHING

WHEN THE Northern Plains Indians—the Sioux, Cheyenne, Crow and Pawnee—frequented the territory of which Nebraska is today a part, buffalo and other wild game abounded. The meats from these animals constituted the bulk of the Indians' diet but were supplemented by native fruits and edible roots. Suckers, red horse, chub and some of our present game fish inhabited the streams and other waters at that time but were comparatively little sought.

There was little necessity to resort to fishing in an attempt to get food as long as wild game was so abundant. But, when the need did arise due to a scarcity of wild game, and when conditions favored the Indians and fish were easily taken, fishing was practiced.

Unlike hunting which was restricted almost exclusively to a certain group—the young Indians—fishing was done by all. Most fishing, however, was carried on by children, the older and more feeble people, and others who, due to physical handicaps, were unable to do much else.

But—regardless of whether it was the youngsters or the adults who were doing the actual fishing, the key to a successful trip was patience. Without this, little success could be expected.

Most of the fishing habits were common to the different tribes. Probably the most conventional method of fishing was the use of horse hair loops. The Indians made horse hair snares. After making a running loop and twisting the hair so it would stay like a cord, they fastened it to the end of a willow or any other slender and light pole which could be found locally. These were made each time they went fishing as they never carried fishing equipment with them.

Arriving at the stream, they would seek a spot where the water was clear enough to permit them to see the extreme bottom. Then, as quiet and as meticulously as possible, they would lower the snares or loop down into the water. They had to do this without noticeable movement so not to frighten the fish. Seeing a fish, the loop was tediously placed in front of the fish and maneuvered over the head. When the loop was in strategic position about the head, they would jerk up immediately. The loop would tighten about the gills and hold the fish steady. All that was then necessary was pulling the fish out of the water.

In fast streams where the swiftness of the water would tend to carry the hair loop downstream, the Indians used special devices. Taking pebbles found in the stream, and using horse hair, they would tie one or two of these to the loop. These would be placed far enough apart to permit the loop to remain open though submerged under water. As a fish passed through the loop, it would be tightened and oftentimes the fish would become trapped.

Training in bow and arrow shooting paid dividends. The Indians generally used wooden pointed arrows. These arrows would enter the water with less deflection than a bullet would today. They were capable of shooting a considerable distance into the water with surprising accuracy. Most of the arrow shooting was confined to smaller fish. The Indians generally avoided using arrows with tips that could easily be broken or seriously damaged by hitting rocks or hard gravels in the bottoms of some of the streams.

If fishing a particular water where the larger coarse fish predominated, the Indians used ordinary buffalo spears or lances. These were merely held in the hand and tossed at the fish as they darted by. Not too much of this was actually practiced by the Indians, however.

12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

Hand fishing—which is today illegal—was a trick often employed by the Indians. Some of the Indians became very skilled at "tickling" the fish. Finding an overhanging bank, often in streams undercutting the bankline, they would run their hands very slowly and gently under it. Touching a fish, they would gently massage the underside of the fish until it became accustomed to the sensation and until the hand was worked forward enough to clamp down on the gills. They worked a thumb and finger into each side of the gills. The fish couldn't escape.

Indians also devised and used fish hooks, not, however, comparable to those used today but which still served the same purpose. Relatively few Indians did this. Those that did this learned the trick from the Indians down south who used thorns set at an angle on a shank which was any small piece of hard wood. The thorns were not too strong and oftentimes any good-sized fish could break it. The line material was likewise unsatisfactory. The thorns were countersunk into the shanks with the use of a stone drill.

Another means of taking fish—also frowned upon today—was the use of certain native plants growing in the region. The plants were put through an unrevealed process until in liquid form. This solution was then emptied into a quiet pool where fish were expected to be found. The solution would stupify the fish. It was then a simple step to remove the stunted fish. The plants were cooked prior to release as liquid, but the ingredients and method of preparation of the solution—a trick of the medicine men—were not common knowledge.

Mother Nature also abetted the Indians' fishing prowress. If, during a prolonged hot period during which the water became exceedingly warm and a sudden hail storm or cloud burst fell, the sudden and drastic change in water temperature would sometimes kill the fish and make others loggy.

When an unexpected situation would present itself, the Indians used practically 'anything they had which would be practicable. As they had no laws governing fishing, they used all methods of taking fish, many of which today are frowned upon and prohibited by law.

Their methods of fishing changed as White Man came and brought with him steel hooks and good lines. The Indians obtained the new equipment by trade or other means, immediately grasping the advantages of these. Many became proficient anglers. Their antiquated equipment, however, is still used to a great extent but in improved form. If they were to use their former practices, the Indians could still compete in fish take with the modern angler of today.

Let's Get Acquainted with... Burman Guyer

ONE OF Nebraska's relatively few members of the small "I've seen a whooper" club is H. Burman Guyer, state conservation officer who rules the roost in the Dawson, Buffalo, Sherman and southern half of Custer county district. Six-foot, one-inch Burman, who totes an even 200 pounds, has observed the almost extinct whooping crane on two different occasions.

In the spring of 1942, Burman watched three whoopers on the Platte river near Lexington. Again in May of 1950, he spotted and observed a lone whooper which stayed in the immediate area until the latter part of June. Burman was able to watch the bird at comparatively close range for about a month while it inhabited some shallow pond areas south of the Platte river. The present whooping crane population at last report was under 30 which represents a decline in that of a few years ago.

A native of Blair where he attended grade and high schools, Burman spent many of his childhood days fishing and hunting. Favorite stomping grounds were Bunns lake and Lake Quinnebaugh, Missouri cut-off lakes near Blair and Tekamah.

Burman's association with the Game Commission dates back to the spring of 1929 when he began working with the department's salvage and distribution crew. In that post he worked the entire state, assisting in salvaging fish during the summer months, seining coarse fish in the winter months and distributing hatchery raised fish in spring.

On January 1, 1940, Burman was transferred to the law enforcement division as warden, serving in the central part of the state in a district consisting of 11 counties. He headquartered at Kearney until May, 1942 when he left for the service. Following a year's duty in several stateside camps, Burman was sent overseas for two and one-half years, serving with an Army Ordnance Base Shop Battalion in North Africa, Italy and France.

In Oct., 1945, he returned to the states and received his release from the armed forces. Two months later, Burman rejoined the staff of the Game Commission as law enforcement officer, serving in northern Nebraska and headquartering at Niobrara. He was transferred to his present Platte Valley district in March of 1947. Burman headquartered at Overton for three years but now resides in Lexington.

The makeup of his district provides a constant year-around assignment. It has Johnson lake, Midway lake, Gallagher Canyon reservoir and Plum Creek reservoir, along with miles of Tri-County canals—all with fishing interests. The district was one of the heaviest beaver trapped areas during the past season with nearly 1,500 beaver taken and sealed. The main flyway along with resting areas for the sandhill cranes are in the district. The reservoirs and Platte river hold one of the major wintering mallard populations found in the state.

He is married and has two daughters, Maria (five) and Janna (four).

SPRING ISSUE 13

WILDLIFE IN ONE REEL

   

THROUGH A YEAR WITH BULLHEADS

(EDITOR'S NOTE: In the following article. Dr. Walter Kiener, Game Commission fish biologist, presents a more detailed description of the different drawings appearing in the "One Year With The Bullhead" feature on the two preceding pages.)

Emerging from winter rest, mostly in the muddy bottoms of their home waters, the bullheads have become more and more active as the water began to get warmer and warmer and they started to get hungrier and hungrier. Some of these didn't know that they had come very close to suffocation for lack of oxygen due to the ice cover, but that their habit of getting deeper in the water than most other fish, had saved them.

Mating over the nest in May or early June follows the renewal of activities after the winter rest and is a most important business. The nest is fanned out to saucer shape in muddy or sandy bottom often among weeds in water two to four feet deep.

Eggs, from 2000 to 10,000 per nest are being aerated by parents as a necessary requisite to provide oxygen for every egg in the nest. The number of eggs to a nest depends on the age and the condition of health of the female. While the eggs incubate they are being watched and defended by the parents.

Fry, feeding from yolk sac,, are enjoying protection by their parents. Using up the reserve food from the eggf the fry is still a helpless tiny creature.

Microscopic animals are the first food of the fry after the yolk of the egg has been absorbed. This incubation period usually lasts about one week. Then the fry, only about one inch in length, has to find food particles small enough to be gulped up into his yet small mouth. Nature usually provides plenty of these very tiny food animals.

Fry fall prey to other fish, although they are still protected by their parents. Many succumb to the foraging larger fish. The struggle for survival starts early for the baby bullheads.

Fry, at first, live in compact schools. Tightly pressing together, the tiny fish will mill about in the water, moving as a lively, black mass around and around in search of food. During this time the parents still keep a watch on their offspring, but when these are about two inches long, they finally spread out to fully shift for themselves.

Prolific reproduction often causes stunting due to food shortage. When in a given pond there are too many breeders for the available baby food for the fry, large numbers of the offspring will remain undernourished and starve to death, or succumb to parasites. Some may survive for a long time but for lack of food, remain small in size. Often it happens that even the undersized bullheads will breed and contribute further to the excess of fish over available food. And the fishermen are being cheated.

Removal of stunted fish helps the recovery of good fishing. It is good management to remove by seining the excess number of bullheads and place them into an understocked pond. The remaining bullheads will now have individually more food available and begin to grow to normal size.

Survival in sluggish and other poor waters is a characteristic feature of the bullheads. In this respect they are more hardy than most other game fish. One of the reasons for this hardiness seems to lie in the fact that they can come to the surface to fill their swimbladders with air rich in oxygen, return to poor water and use the oxygen from the swimbladder. When out of water, accidentally or otherwise, they can stay alive longer than most other fish. This habit to sink into the mud, however, is often fatal to them when a pond dries up, for they then stay on the drying mud to perish when they should have followed the receding water. In fish rescue work Game Commission personnel often have to pick up large numbers of bullheads, each singly from the mud, because they didn't choose to follow the water.

Larger morsels of food are needed for growing fish than was necessary for the baby bullheads. These larger pieces now are insect larvae and the like that live in the water. Soon also bullheads start feeding on other fish, particularly some kinds of minnows and they become omnivorous, that is, they feed on almost anything in the water dead or alive.

By late fall they seek the bottom mud for their winter hibernation. The seasonal cooling of the pond water slows down their activities. The seasonal food supply probably also has diminished and so it is time for winter rest till nature awakens them again to full activity when spring calls to renew life.

A series of six 30-minute television programs on fishing and vacationing, presented by the Nebraska Game Commission, will be carried on WOW-TV (Channel 6, Omaha) and KFOR-TV (Channel 10, Lincoln), beginning the first week of May.

Both television stations will carry the Game Commission program as public service features. Consult your local newspaper for program time.'

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA QUIZ ANSWERS l.-(e) while bass; 2.-(b) brown trout; 3.-(d) walleye; 4.-(b) brown trout; 5.-(d) walleye; 6.-(c) channel catfish; 7.-(c) channel catfish; 8.-(a) carp; 9.-(e) white bass; 10.-(a) carp. 16 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

KING CATFISHERMAN

by Glenn E. Bunnell

F YOU catch a big catfish in one place in the river you can usually take another large one there in the next few days or a week." Curt Livermore, a veteran Missouri river fisherman from Hartington, Nebraska, has demonstrated the truth of that theory on several occasions.

Curt, who fishes the Missouri river with set lines, is probably the big catfish champion of the upper Missouri river, if past records mean anything.

Going back to the middle 30's when Curt first began fishing the Big Muddy, he landed a 90-pound "cat" to start him on a career of taking the big ones.

In 1938, he first set a local record when he took three big ones from almost the same spot in the river in rapid succession. One weighed 51 pounds and the next two weighed 54 and 62 pounds.

In 1939, Mr. Livermore had his big year and since then has been the acknowledged champ. August first that year, he landed a 75-pound beauty and then from the same location near St. Helena Island north of Hartington, he hooked and landed a 100-pound giant. This latter fish dressed out slightly over 50 pounds of meat. This, Curt claims is about the way they run, 50 per cent dress-out.

In 1940, Curt landed and was photographed with an 84-pound "cat" taken from his favorite fishing area in the Missouri.

During the past 12 years, Curt did not do much fishing, but he did land a few in the 20, 30, and 40 pound range, but these he considers just "fish bait" and he does not keep a record of these. He does not consider anything in the catfish line big until it weighs more than 50 pounds. During his most active years on the river, he took scores of the "middle weights" between 20 and 45 pounds.

In the summer of 1952, Curt returned to the river to see if he had lost his touch, but the old master could still do it. On his first trip, he landed a big one which weighed 64 pounds and measured 50 inches long. It dressed out exactly 32 pounds.

A few days later, Curt went back to the same spot to catch the second one of the pair and predicted he would soon be in with another whopper. Then five days later, he was back with a 75-pounder which measured 59 inches long and 32 inches around. Both of those taken were silver catfish, which do not seem to get coarse fleshed even when large like some types of the Catfish tribe.

How does he do it? That is the question I wanted answered for my readers. When I put the question to Curt, he sort of grinned and then explained that of course you have to know the river and how to handle a boat, but as he put it, "patience is what it takes the most of."

"But even with patience, how do you get the big ones," I asked Curt. I'll try to take the information I received in answer to that question and give it to you in my own words.

First of all, he uses No. 9 or 10 hooks. His line is a 72-thread trot line with No. 1 staging line. These lines are tied to the main set line with bow knots, so when he gets one he can quickly free it from the main line and land him.

He uses five hooks per line with each hook about 2 yards apart. After putting on two hooks, he attaches a gallon jug, then three more hooks and finally, a heavy rock is fastened to the end of the line with a lighter cord. This arrangement puts some hooks near the top and some down on the bottom. Some types of catfish feed in the mud, while others feed nearer the top.

Curt reports having tried many different baits, but he claims his only real luck has been with minnows for bait. He uses the extra large minnows or river chub. In baiting up, he puts the hook through the mouth and out through the gills and then puts the point in the back.

The big minnows live a long time and are very active. Their action together with that provided by the jug in the middle of the line keeps away the "small ones" and the bait robbers such as turtles or gar. He does hook an occasional black bass or sturgeon, however, on his lines.

He puts his sets in deep, fast water, and his routine calls for baiting up shortly before sun down, then he SPRING ISSUE 17   leaves the lines alone until just before sun-up. He believes you scare the fish away from your fishing places if you fool around the place too much. His early morning schedule is kept because he claims that the big ones fight the line a lot more and you have more chance of losing them after the sun is up. He baits up again in the morning, but says that he seldom catches much during the day. The only large cat he ever took off his lines when he went to bait up in the evening was the 64-pounder taken in the summer of '52.

A lot of Curt's know-how on the river cannot be explained. He learned his fishing lore with an old-time fisherman on the river, Pete Hoese, who was fishing with Mr. Livermore when he made some of his big catches. Jack Jones, who lives and farms on St. Helena Island and grew up on the Missouri, is another of Curt's favorite fishing companions.

Curt showed this writer his record of big catches, which total nine big ones with a total weight of 657 pounds. Just to prove that Curt wasn't spinning a big fishing yarn, a check was made with the local newspaper where stories and pictures of every one of Curt's big catches were authenticated.

As Curt told this writer, "there are still plenty of the big ones in the Missouri if you have the patience to wait for them, and know how and where to wait."

While there may have been bigger fish taken from the Missouri river on a set line, it is doubtful if anyone can boast of as many big ones as "Curt the Catfish King of the Upper Missouri."

FOCUS THE PICTURE

FOLLOWING are characteristics of a game fish found in Nebraska waters. How many of the characteristics must you read before you can bring the picture into focus? The name and picture of the fish appear on page 24.

1. This fish, though it doesn't get very large, is an all-time favorite in Nebraska. It is a member of the sunfish family.

2. It is the most widely known species of the panfishes.

3. When this fish is on the feed—which is most of the time—it will take a bite of almost anything remotely resembling food.

4. Favorite hangouts are brush piles, lily pad fields, stumps, weed beds or just any deep hole or pocket where there might be aquatic food.

5. Nearly any method of getting a hook and worm to this fish will produce results.

6. It is a spring and early summer spawner. The male remains on guard on the nest until the eggs hatch and the fry absorb their yolk sacs.

7. Any fish of this species reaching 10 or more inches in length is considered extremely large.

8. This fish has a wonderful flavor. Its meat is sweet and firm.

9. Its back is usually dark olive-green with a purplish cast. Chain-like greenish bars run girthwise. Its fins are a deep green.

10. Distinguishing characteristics are a black blotch at the lower end of its gill cover and a black blotch at the lower end of its dorsal fin.

11. The bag limit on this fish in Nebraska is 15.

12. It is also called bream, sun perch and polladee.

18 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

MAIL BAG

LINCOLN—"I was thinking about raising fish worms. Will I have to have a license or permit? If I do, how will I go about getting one and what will it cost me?"

(No permit is needed to raise fish worms.)

PALISADE—"It is my desire to seine and offer for sale live minnows and baits. It is my understanding that a special permit or license is required before minnows can be sold for bait. If this is so, will you please mail me an application for some and also advise as to cost of such license."

(It will be necessary for you to obtain a Bait Vendor permit before you can seine for and sell minnows. No application form is necessary. Upon recepit of the fee of $2.50 in this office, a Vendor permit will be issued to you.)

GRAND ISLAND—"Please tell me, is it legal to spear carp? I am thinking of buying a face mask equipped with oxygen tank for diving purposes but of course want to know if it is illegal to use it."

(It is legal to spear carp from April 1 to December 1, except in restricted areas. These are listed in the 1953 Fishing Regulations. There is no law prohibiting the use of described mask while spearing carp.)

OMAHA—"Please send me any information on the protection of frogs in Nebraska. Also the seining of crawdads and how, when, where for bait not used commercially."

(A list of streams closed to the seining of bait of any kind is found in the Fishing Regulations. It is legal to seine for minnows or other bait, including crawdads, in any other stream now listed, for your own use at any lime, except of course, below dams and other structures as noted in the regulations. We have no protection on frogs at present and they may be taken any time in any manner as long as no other laws on seining, spearing, etc., are violated.)

OMAHA—"On several visits to Arbor Lodge, Grade 8 pupils have been taxed to visit our home of J. Sterling Morton and charged adult prices if over 12 years of age. Is it the policy of our State Department to charge pupils supervised by teachers and visiting during school hours?"

(Some time ago, we experimented with allowing free admission to the mansion; however, the resulting vandalism and the hub-bub created by people repeatedly going in and out led to the necessity for a small fee. This means has been effective in cutting down the activities mentioned above, and, at the same time in a very small way, helps to defray the operating expenses.

We certainly agree with you that where groups are sponsored by a competent person, such a charge may appear to be out of place. However, we are sure that you must agree with us in that when a rule is established, it must apply to all and not to certain specific ones. In addition to this, we have neither the funds nor the personnel to properly police the mansion if people were permitted complete and free access. We fully realize that this is not going to be a satisfactory answer to you, but until people can be educated away from vandalism of public property, we feel that some sort of control is necessary.)

CENTRAL CITY—"In the trapping laws and regulations, it is stated that racoon, opossum, badger, skunk, fox, and civet may be trapped from Jan. 1-Dec. 31. May these animals be trapped in steel traps from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 1953? If so, is it legal to make water sets for any of these animals? The raccoon as I find it is easiest caught in water. Or does one have to catch these on dry land sets?"

(Raccoon, opossum, badger, skunk, civet and fox, upon which the season is open for the entire year of '53, may be trapped with steel traps at any time during this open season. There are no restrictions on the way in which you set your traps or the location you put them.)

NORFOLK—"Having heard several agruments pro and con, I would like to ask the following question. Is it compulsory for a game warden to wear his badge at all times and especially when he is in the field on duty and also when making an arrest?"

(It is not cumpulsory for a deputy warden to wear his badge at all times. In general, it is true that our officers are in uniform and wear their badge of identification when on routine operations such as street patrol work, or public appearances, and public relations work. It is not mandatory by the law that he have the badge exposed when he makes an arrest while on field duty. You will find that most of our officers will be in uniform and be wearing a badge most of the time, dependent much upon the type of duty they are performing.)

HEBRON—"Please advise if it is necessary to have a permit to train bird dogs during the closed hunting season. If so, how and to whom do you make application for such permit? I keep my dogs penned except when I am with them and they are always under my control in the field."

(It is not necessary for you to obtain a permit from this department to train bird dogs during the closed season. A main restriction as far as the law is concerned is that dogs may not be allowed to run loose in the fields between April 1 and August 1 of each year.

MADRID—"I have a crossbow of 80 pounds pull, which uses 15-inch arrows. I have the arrows in both target and hunting points. The information I would like to have, is there any LAW which would forbid me from shooting carp fish in lake McConaughy?'

(We secured a legal opinion from the Attorney General's office of the State of Nebraska a few years ago in regard to the shooting of rough fish or any fish with the means of a bow and arrow. It is the opinion and ruling of that office that under present Nebraska legislative law it is and it would be illegal to shoot fish with a bow and arrow regardless of whether they were rough fish or not. In other words, the opinion is based upon the fact that the state law says that the only legal means of taking fish fish is by angling with hook and line or by spearing of rough fish between April 1st and December 1st of each year.)

SPRING ISSUE 19  

SCOTTSBLUFF—"I would appreciate your answers to the following questions: 1. Am I allowed to use jugs and bank lines on lakes such as Medicine Creek, Johnson and McConaughy? 2. How many treble hooks are allowed on plugs? 3. Are there any restrictions on trolling?"

(1. Under present state law, you may use jugs or bank lines in lakes or reservoirs such as Medicine Creek, Johnson or McConaughy. 2. According to present law, a maximum of 3 treble hooks are allowed on a plug or any artificial lure. 3. There are no restrictions on trolling in Nebraska waters.)

WAYNE—"Will you please advise me if is necessary to have a trapper's permit in order to trap either rabbits or squirrels around your own residence or on your farm? Of course, there are none of these that are in any way being trapped for market, but sometimes they are too numerous and do harm; and I would rather enjoy trapping than shooting them."

(The season is now closed on rabbits and squirrels, consequently they may not be killed or taken by any means ether than a special damage permit. The season on rabbits will reopen on April 1, 1953 at which time they may be taken on a regular hunting permit. Squirrel season remains closed until next fall.)

STAMFORD—"Can you please send me a statement as to coon hunting with dogs. Is a dog owner required to have both a dog permit and trapping permit to hunt coons and possum with dogs?"

(You may hunt raccoon with or without dogs on either a hunting permit or a trapping permit. If you desire to sell the fur of the raccoon, you must possess a trapping permit.)

OCONTO—"I have a grandson at McGrew that loves to hunt with a gun. He is 13 years old and his father does not live with him. If he should kill any livestock, could my daughter be made to pay for them? Please send me laws on a child of 13 carrying a gun."

(A minor, regardless of his age, if he is under 16, is the responsibility of his parent or guardian and the parent or guardian may be held responsible for the activities of the youngster while he is hunting in the Stale of Nebraska. If a youngster of 13 years of age did kill livestock belonging to some other person, his parents could be held responsible.)

LOUP CITY—"The other day I got into an argument about the duties of a game warden. I would like to know if when a warden makes an arrest, for instance if someone shoots a pheasant with a rifle, does he take the gun? The other fellow I was arguing with said that the first thing the warden does is to ask for the gun. If the warden asks for the gun and the one who supposedly shot the pheasant lays the gun on the ground, is it true that the warden cannot pick up the gun? Also if the warden asks or tells the hunter to hand over the gun, does the hunter have to?"

(If a violation has been committed by an individual, the warden contacts him and can and will take any guns involved in the violation for the purpose of submitting it as evidence in court at the time of hearing. The warden himself does not actually confiscate a gun. The gun is confiscated by state law after the individual has been found guilty in a court of the state.

In regard to your second question, we wish to advise you that it does not make any difference whether the man has the gun in his hands or whether it is lying on the ground or in a vehicle. The officer will still legally take the gun as evidence in the case. If a hunter who has violated the law refuses to turn his gun over to a officer of the stale, such as a deputy game warden, he than may also be charged with the offense of interfering with, obstructing or resisting an officer of the state.)

FREMONT, MINN.—"I am interesting in bountied animals in your state from an airplane. Would you please inform me if this is possible? If so, what are the laws governing such hunting? What is the bounty price?"

(Predatory unprotected animals may be hunted in this state from an airplane. There are no special regulations in this regard other than the fact that you must secure a permit or waiver from the C.A.A. and from the State Aeronautics Commission for low flying.

The bounty system in Nebraska is not administered by the Game Commission, but is handled by local counties. The bounty payment in Nebraska is $2.50 which is paid by the county clerk of the county in which the animal is killed.)

OGALLALA—"Could you please advise the department and procedure one must follow in getting a license to operate a water taxi or boat in and on the lakes and reservoirs in Nebraska for hire?"

(You must first secure a written permit from the Tri-County Power District for operation of boats or boat services on the waters of their reservoirs. In this connection, you should contact Mr. David Houston, the recreational engineer for the power district, who is located at Brady. If you secure such written permission for operation of boats for hire or rental on the waters of the reservoirs, it will be necessary for you to have your boats and equipment inspected and licensed by this department before they are rented out to the public.)

LITCHFIELD—"I would like to know what kind of fish to put in a dam. I had bullheads, but they couldn't get air and died. Dad and I went down to the dam and put a hole in the ice. We found dead fish. There were too many Lsh in the dam. I would like to know what kind of fish to stock now."

(Bullheads are about the hardiest fish there are and will live in a lake a lot longer than most other species. If bullheads will not live through the winter in your pond, I doubt very much if any other species would. Chances are that all of the bullheads did not die this winter as we generally find that if the weather is too bad, some of the bullheads will die and then the remaining fish will have enough oxygen to survive the rest of the winter. It might be a good idea if you would stock some bass with your bullheads—if the pond is suitable for bass, — as they will tend to feed on the small bullheads and keep them from producing quite so fast.

If your pond is open to public fishing and meets our requirements, we could stock it for you probably this spring. If this is the case, please fill out the enclosed application and return it to us and we will be glad to check the information to see if it is suitable for bass. If it is not open to the public, you could write to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife service, Minneapolis, Minn., and request bass from them.)

Fish never stop growing. They continue to grow as long as they live and as long as they obtain food in a quantity greater than the amount necessary to maintain the body in a normal state of unkeep and repair.

20 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

It's PLATING Time

by Jim Ayer Habitat Restoration Leader

THERE ARE very few of us, be we city dwellers or farmers, who do not get the urge, at this time of the year, to get out and get our hands into the rapidly warming soil.

We will spend eleven months of each year, with never a thought of growing things, but with the coming of April there comes a nation-wide "itch" to plant something.

Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she endowed us with this spring planting urge, because spring is when things should be planted. With very few exceptions planting any time but spring is hazardous and planting in the spring brings success.

The planting of a "Home for Wildlife" is no exception. Now is the time. Many of you readers have applied for a "Home for Wildlife." You have been contacted, your area laid out and have either received your trees or you will within a few days. Now you are concerned with the problem of getting them into the ground with as little loss as possible and to get them planted in a pattern which will be the best for the game on your farm.

In order to insure a maximum survival it is essential that all plants be handled with the utmost care. Upon receipt of your small trees and shrubs you must get them planted just as soon as possible. If you should be unable to plant them the day you receive them, care should be taken that they are stored properly. The best method of storage is to heal them in, in a cool shady spot and if possible where they can be wet down. This is done by digging a trench 18" deep and sloping one side (see diagram). The bundles of trees are laid side by side on the sloping side of the trench, being sure the root collar is below the ground level. Then the dirt is thrown back in, and firmly packed around the roots. If the dirt can be settled with water, this is much better. After the trees are healed in, they should be heavily mulched with straw. If for any reason, the trees cannot be healed in they should be stored in a cool damp place, with the roots covered with damp straw or burlap bags, etc.

"Homes For Wildlife"

We are now ready to start planting the trees. Naturally the faster we get them in the ground the better our survival. There are two very satisfactory methods of rapidly planting trees. The best is the use of a mechanical tree planter. These are now in use by most of the Soil Conservation districts and may be available at a small charge per tree. If you do not wish to use this method or if a planter is not available, the next best method is with the mold board plow.

Open a furrow just ahead of the planting operation, so that the soil does not dry out. Never allow the roots to dry out. Carry plants in a pail of soupy mud or keep them in a pail of wet straw. Hold plant against the straight side of the furrow and pull a handful of dirt over the roots.

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

At this time it would probably be well to discuss the spacing of the plants. The distance between rows must vary with the type of equipment which you will use for cultivation. However, we should keep the limits at not less than 8 feet nor more than 16 feet.

The spacing between trees will vary with the species or kind being planted. The recommended spacing is as follows:

Red Cedar 5-6 ft. Russian Olive 5-7 ft. Plum, Honeysuckle, Quail bush 4 ft. Rosa multiflora 18 in.

The question of the arrangement or pattern for your planting is. very important. These are plantings for a purpose. We want to provide maximum winter protection for our game. First SPRING ISSUE 21   we will encircle the area with Rosa multiflora to provide a permanent fence. This in itself will permit the growth of herbacious cover which would not be there were livestock permitted to graze and trample. Just inside of the rose go two rows of Red Cedar on the north and west sides. These dense trees pile up snow and break up the severe gales before they have a chance to move into the area where birds are roosting. Inside the rows of Cedars we will leave a blank row or in other words double our spacing. This serves two purposes. One is a snow trap to catch the most severe part of the drifts and prevent damage to trees. Secondly, it prevents the next row, Russian Olive, from overtopping the Cedars and whipping the tops out of them. The Russian Olive is the last row of trees that needs to parallel the north and west sides. The remainder of the area is planted to the shrubs, wild plum, honeysuckle and quail bush. These rows may be run in whatever direction is most convenient, but east and west would be a little better. The sketch of an ideal planting will serve as a handy guide for your planting.

There is now a planted "Home for Wildlife" on your farm. The feeling of a job well done should be yours. In order to keep that feeling of satisfaction it is necessary to see those trees and shrubs growing. This means the job is not yet done. A weedy cornfield produces poor corn, a weedy pasture produces poor grass and milk. So a weedy tree planting produces poor trees, or worse yet, no trees at all. Cultivation is essential. If you keep your planting site clean for three or four years you will have additional part of your farm of which you may rightfully be proud. If you fail to cultivate, you have wasted many hours for the purpose of building a weed patch. I think you are going to have a site to be proud of. I think your neighbors are going to ask about it. When they do refer them to the Nebraska Game Commission.

22 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Rosa Multiflora ...Its Planting and Care

SPRING ISSUE 23

UNPRECEDENTED DEER HUNTING NOW POSSIBLE

Deer hunting on an unprecedented scope in Nebraska, both in open area and number of hunters, became a definite possibility for 1953 or the very near future when Governor Robert Crosby signed L. B. 5 which removed all restrictions on the area which could be opened by the Nebraska Game Commission to deer hunting.

L. B. 5 also permits the Game department to open any county in the state to antelope hunting and limits special big game hunting permits to residents 16 years of age and over. Previous legislation prohibited antelope hunting and permitted any resident of the state to apply for a deer permit, regardless of age.

Prior to passage of L. B. 5, the Nebraska Game Commission, according to legislative law, was authorized only to open part of or all of seven northwestern counties to deer hunting. With the removal of the restrictions, the Game Commission can now open any county of the state to either deer or antelope hunting or both.

Levi L. Mohler, the Game Commission's Wildlife Survey and Investigation leader, had this to report on the deer and antelope situation before L. B. 5 became law:

"Deer occur in all counties, and they are common to very abundant in northern and western counties as well as in Platte river and Missouri river counties, and in addition are becoming common in several southeastern counties away from major drainages. Most of the western deer are mule deer, while the Virginia deer or white-tailed deer are more common in eastern Nebraska.

"Deer have increased very rapidly in the past years, with numbers high enough more recently that deer have become readily evident to people in all parts of the state. A number of local areas already show the range over-use which indicates deer numbers cannot be expected to go much higher there without serious winter food problems which annually cause serious losses in deer range in many other states.

"Five open seasons, four of which have been held in consecutive years (1949 through 1952), have been held and between four and five thousands deer have been harvested. A thriving herd, reproducing rapidly, has made deer available for harvest faster than the public could bring itself to a realization that deer hunting can be an actuality in Nebraska.

"Deer are already available in numbers great enough to provide an annual kill somewhat larger than any of the first five open seasons have produced. The number of permits issued can be increased greatly, and the area open to hunting can be enlarged as soon as that becomes legally possible. Indications are that deer can be maintained in good numbers over much of the state and annual open seasons are quite probable. Range inspection, at least in key areas, is needed to make sure that the harvest is keeping total deer numbers within the carrying capacity of the range. Without this, deer losses and range deterioration could cause real losses to deer welfare and the recreation of deer hunting.

As to the amelope, Mohler said, "This is one kind of game animal which can be censused and harvested accurately. Limited open seasons seem to be a definite possibility in several panhandle ranges. Great increase in antelope numbers in Nebraska would almost certainly result in aggravated crop damage situations, but the maintenance of reasonable herds in some areas will not only keep this interesting game animal before the public, but will provide hunting on a controlled and restricted basis."

24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

LIVE BAITS

by Car H. Peterson

For any information on live bait, we should go back a few years to the time many people made their own tackle and used it with the same kind of skill that another generation now exhibits with custom-made rods, tapered lines and dry flies. They were the artists of yesterday and we borrow heavily from their ideas.

Earthworms: While there is no way to prove it, the chances are that worms have caught more kinds of fish than any other bait and when properly used, can be very effective. Most people use hooks that would be suitable for large river catfish of twenty pounds or more but are entirely unfit to use with worms as bait. A worm hook should not be larger than No. 1 which will fit over the tip of your little finger and those that are made especially for that purpose are smaller yet. Now put a live worm into water and notice its appearance. There is a slight coil in the middle with some motion at either end and if you put it on the hook to look like that, a sizeable fish might recognize it as a worm which he knows is good to eat. Unless he is very hungry or afraid another fish will get it first, he will take hold of one of the ends to free it from the "stick" it's caught on. That is your first nibble and if you jerk, you miss him. But if you let him get the worm into his mouth and start to swim away, your small hook is inside with the bait. A short tug and you have hooked a fish.

Grubs: White grubs are the larvae stage of June beetles. They are found in decaying vegetable matter such as the bottom of old straw stacks and in leaf mold. Because of their creamy white color, they seem to work better at times than darker colored bait for crappie, perch, bullheads and even catfish. Fish them near the bottom in roily water.

Minnows: With a shortage of minnows becoming more acute, the question of procurement is the one that needs attention. Bait minnows can and will be raised commercially but in the meantime will be in short supply. If it's impracticable to transport live minnows, a few days supply may be assured if you will take them out of the water while they are still firm, spread on newspaper until almost dry and then pack in table salt. In a cool place, a saJt pack will keep them in better shape than the hardened preserved variety

Hoppers: Grasshoppers and crickets are good bait when fished without a sinker. They are easy to catch early in the morning before they warm up or with a flashlight at night

Crayfish: For those who would rather catch one or two good fish than a string of small ones, we recommend soft shelled crayfish. The smaller fish will not bother this bait. A supply can usually be obtained by seining pools or streams with mud bottoms where these fresh water lobsters dig in to avoid the heavy frosts. Select the medium size with the lightest color because they have recently shed their hard shells in growth and are "soft-shelled" for a few days. All bass and pike seem to prefer blondes and a small snelled hook through the second joint of the tail, caught from the under side, will many times get interesting results. The bait is traveling backwards but that's the way he swims when in a hurry and when a fish strikes, he grabs for the middle of the back, runs a few feet and stops, then he turns the bait around to swallow it. By the time he starts his second run, the crayfish is being swallowed tail first and your hook is inside of his throat. If it should be jerked an inch in any direction at that time, your undivided attention will be needed to save your tackle from going into the nearest brushpile.

Fishing Waters, Recreation Guide, Now Available

Two new publications of the Nebraska Game Commission, "Nebraska Fishing Waters" and "Nebraska Recreation Guide" are now available upon written request without charge.

"Nebraska Fishing Waters" lists all major waters in the state and the major species inhabiting each. Also included in the 12-page pamphlet are four sectional maps of the state with each of the different waters plotted thereon.

The "Recreation Guide" features photographs of the various state parks, recreation grounds, fish hatcheries, game farm and fishing waters. It includes a detailed guide on all state areas, location and facilities at each.

Both publications, available only since late March, can be obtained by writing to: Nebraska Game Commission, State Capitol, Lincoln.

SPRING ISSUE 25

NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA

This is the thirteenth of a series of articles and drawings depicting Nebraska wildlife. The article was written by Junior Fish Biologist Elmer Carlson and the painting made by C. G. Pritchard. The Summer Issue of Outdoor Nebraska will feature the prairie dog.

THE largemouth bass is the outstanding sport fish in the sand pits, clear farm ponds and smaller lakes of Nebraska. He is scientifically known as Micropterus salmoides. The largemouth is a fish of great tolerance to conditions, or ability to adjust himself to varying conditions. He can adapt himself to moderately cool or very warm waters. Therefore, he has a wide geographical range. The largemouth originally ranged from southern Canada south through the Great Lakes region to Florida and Mexico. He has been successfully introduced into Cuba, Great Britain, continental Europe and South Africa. Today the largemouth is one of the major fresh-water game fish, being found in every state.

He may be known to some as the black bass, linesides, Oswego bass, chub, trout, bronzeback, mossback or green trout, but according to agreement among professional fisheries men and organized sports writers, he is known as the largemouth bass. This bass is the largest member of the North American sunfish family which also includes the bluegill, sunfishes, rock bass, smallmouth bass, warmouth bass and crappies.

The largemouth at first glance may very much resemble his near relative, the smallmouth. However, here are some quick methods of telling them apart: (1.) The jaw of the largemouth ends distinctly behind a line drawn perpendicular from the eye, whereas the jaw of the smallmouth ends below or in front of the eye; (2.) The markings of the smallmouth are dark splotches on the sides and back, but the largemouth has a dark band running along the sides of the fish from the gills to the tail; (3.) The fin on the back of the largemouth is nearly completely divided into two parts while in the smallmouth the fin division is not as deep.

The color of the largemouth depends to some extent on its environment. Fish taken from clear lakes usually have green sides shading to white on the belly, while those taken from mud bottom lakes may be black on the back and sides, shading to gray or yellow on the belly.

The reproductive period for the largemouth begins in late May or June when the water temperature reaches G4-68 degrees F. The male builds the nest. This is accomplished by cleaning an area by fanning it with his tail and fins. He may form the nest on dead vegetation or among roots in water two to six feet deep. A female is then enticed to lay her eggs in the nest. The eggs are fertilized by ejection of milt (sperm) from the male, and he proceeds to drive away the female. As many as three females have been known to lay eggs in one nest in quick succession. Females lay from 2,000 to 6,000 or more eggs, with the larger females producing the greater number of eggs in proportion to body weight.

As soon as papa bass has taken care of the females, he becomes a watchdog, defending the nest from all intruders. Experiments have indicated he does not feed during this period. He may defend an area with a radius up to 20 feet or more.

Largemouth Bass

After several days or a week, depending on the water temperature, the eggs begin to hatch. They usually hatch in two days at a temperature of 72 degrees F. or in five days at a temperature of 66 degrees F. A flood causing turbid waters or a sharp drop in temperature may hinder or stop the hatching process. A light deposit of silt on the eggs will cause the bass to desert his nest and try to make a new one at a later date.

After hatching, the young travel in large schools for 5 to 12 days. During this time they can be observed, rising from the lake bottom in seemingly endless numbers. The male parent is still watching over his offspring, although not as closely as he did the eggs. The yolk sac, which has been me food for the baby bass, is finally absorbed, and 1he little fellows or (fry) have to find their own nourishment. This food is found in the form of water felas and other microscopic water animals which thrive and reproduce prolifically in Nebraska waters. As the small fish grows, his menu includes a variety of foods such as insect larvae, worms and minnows.

The largemouth in our state reaches a length of 3 to 4 inches the first winter, 7 to 8 inches at the end of the second year and 10 to 11 inches at the end of the third year. Nebraska records indicate that the largemouth sometimes lives to the ripe old age of 10 to 12 years.

The adult largemouth is a carnivorous fish. He has a great variety in his menu. Some items are minnows, crayfish, insects, frogs, worms, mice, and occasionally small ducks which cannot successfully evade his powerful jaws. Small fish have been found in 60 percent of one group of bass stomachs studied, indicating that smaller fish serve as an important part in the diet and growth of the largemouth.

The most productive fishing period for largemouth is usually defined as the first couple of hours after dawn and the few hours before sunset. Although bass feed throughout the day and night, their most aggressive food movements seem to be at these hours. They may be found in and under submerged trees, stumps, sunken logs, undercut banks and among aquatic plants.

Baits which fishermen use for largemouth vary from the fishworm and cane pole combination used by the barefoot schoolboy to the dry fly of the fly fishing purist. Other baits used with excellent success are live minnows and crayfish. Among artificial lures are the deep running plugs, surface plugs, poppers, spinners, and spoons. A surface lure may prove most productive in the early morning and late evening, and a deep running lure may fool that monster out of the deeps during the warmer part of the day.

In whatever manner the angler cares to fish, and whether it be in the many sand pits, farm ponds or lakes, he stands a good chance of a largemouth hitting his plug or bait. The bass will furnish plenty of sport and excitement, and if creeled, will provide the angler a delicious meal.

26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA     Posimasler: 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 Sec. 34.66 P.L.&R. U. S. POSTAGE PAI D Lincoln, Nebraska PERMIT NO. 369 Voice From The Forest Just what are you going to do, my friend, An oak tree asked of me. Are you going to hue my timbers down Or are you going to let me be. I'm but a symbol of the few that's left, The few from yesterday And, if you but listen, I've a tale to tell, So harken to what I say. I'm but a symbol of a grassy plain, Of rivers crystal clear, Of Indian trails and bison hunts Before you Whites were here, But then you came, the ring of your axe Flaunted your white man's greed, You turned under the prairie grass With civilization's seed. You bared the bosom of the earth, You watched the waters cloud The constant winds of the rolling plain Engulfed you in a shroud, The birds of the air, beasts of the field Fell before your fun, And with them fell the forest giants, Cut down one by one. So stand not proud, oh mighty man, Actions betray your brain, Your heritage is all but lost, You have but one chance again, You can make the prairie live once more, With Nature's help you can But only by learning Nature's laws, Which must be the laws of man. Grow again the prairie grasses Plant, and let the forests bloom, Seal forever any chance of failure, Chance of conservations doom. I'm but a symbol of the past, I shed my seeds for you, Will they die, or will you plant them, Just what are you going to do? Paul Thygeson Gilbert