Outdoor NEBRASKA

Vol. 34. No. 2 EDITOR: Wallace Green Artist C. G. Pritchard Circulation Marjorie French Leota Ostermeier COMMISSIONERS Harold H. Hummel, Fairbury; Frank Button, Ogallala; Bennett Davis, Omaha; La Verne Jacobsen, St. Paul; Donald F. Robertson, North Platte; Floyd Stone, Alliance; Leon Sprague, Red Cloud. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: Paul T. Gilbert. CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING DIVISION: Eugene H. Baker, supervisor. FISHERIES DIVISION: Glen R. Foster, supervisor. GAME DIVISION: Lloyd P. Vance, supervisor. INFORMATION DIVISION: Wallace Green. LAND MANAGEMENT DIVISION: Jack D. Strain, supervisor. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OUTDOOR NEBRASKA is published quarterly at Lincoln, Nebraska, by the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission. Subscription rates are $1.00 for two years and $2.00 for five years. Single copies are 15 cents each. Remittances must be made in cash, check or money order. Send subscriptions to OUTDOOR NEBRASKA, Department C, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify this department immediately of any change of address to assure prompt delivery of the next issue to the new address.

Editorial

PAUL T. GILBERT, Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Game Commission for 13 years, died on April 18, 1956.

His untimely passing marks the end of an able and distinguished career that gave Nebraska the beginning of modern game and fish management, notable honest administration and guided the growth of the Commission to today's level of endeavor.

Asking little in return, Paul had the respect and loyalty of both associates and citizens throughout the state.

During his administration Nebraskan's saw whitebass, prairie chickens, sharptailed grouse, bobwhite quail, mule deer, white-tailed deer, antelope, and beaver added to the open season list. Nebraska now offers as much variety to outdoor sportsmen as any inland state in the nation.

These landmarks of his career would be tribute enough for his desires.

However, in conjunction with the desires of his family, a memorial fund is being established. This fund will be used in perpetuating a scholarship for conservation education or a camp fund for youth.

Donations are now being accepted in the name of the Paul T. Gilbert Memorial Fund at the Game Commission office in Lincoln.

THE COVER: This issue's cover depicts a group of famous Sandhill cranes during their spring migration flight through the Platte River country, according to Staff Artist, C. G. "Bud" Pritchard. See pages 14 and 15 for more information on this interesting bird.

WALLEYES In Nebraska Reservoirs

Preliminary studies are giving us new facts such as evidence of natural reproduction and excellent growth rates which will enable better management of this sporty fish in Nebraska reservoirs.

by Orly Orr and Jack R. Heaton

IN THE sport fishery of Nebraska reservoirs the walleye is one of the most desirable fish to the fisherman. The walleye is not native to the reservoirs of Western Nebraska and they have been introduced into each of the study lakes. Walleye were first stocked in McConaughy in 1942, into Minatare in 1944, into Box Butte in 1947, and into Harlan County in 1953.

Because of the importance of the walleye in some reservoirs and the need for a large predatory species in the reservoirs, it appears that research and management efforts should be stressed for this species. Adequate data have not been collected, in the past, to establish the status of the species as to age and growth, feed habits, reproductive success and the actual contribution to the fishery in the various reservoirs.

During the past, 1955, information was gathered on 312 walleye from four reservoirs and 43 earlier scale collections were examined in an attempt to learn more concerning this species in Nebraska waters. As this is the first reported age and growth study of walleye in Nebraska, it is believed that this information will be of interest, although the total sample is small. It is anticipated that future data will substantiate the present data and further enlighten the walleye picture in Nebraska.

Natural Reproduction

Natural reproduction of walleye has been a subject of considerable controversy and one important item of information appearing during this study was that natural reproduction is present in the reservoirs. ,It appears that natural reproduction may be important in supporting the walleye population in McConaughy reservoir and certainly makes contributions in Box Butte and Minatare reservoirs.

The four study lakes have much in SPRING ISSUE 3   common: All are located in the western half of the state, are man-made impoundments, and are subjected to varying amounts of drawdown for irrigation purposes. The shores of McConaughy, Minatare and Box Butte are similar in that there are few coves and the beaches are broad and sandy. Harlan County reservoir is unlike the others in that there are many coves and bays where small intermittent streams enter the lake. Minatare is the only reservoir which does not have a stream flowing into it, since it is filled from reservoirs in Wyoming, via a system of canals. There is a small area of the shore of McConaughy which is steep and rocky, and there are a few areas where broken limestone is exposed along the shores of Box Butte, and a limited amount of gravel is exposed where a canal enters Minatare. All of the dams are riprapped with broken rock of various sizes. Due to irrigation fluctuations there is no vegetation in these lakes.

Age Differences

In age there is some variation among the reservoirs. Harlan County is now four years old, McConaughy is 15 years old, Box Butte is 15 years old, and Minatare is 34 years old.

In general the temperatures of the waters remained under 80°F. in all of the reservoirs during the summer months and all were frozen over for several months during the winter. There was little or no thermal stratification during the summer, except in the deepest portion of McConaughy reservoir. Exposed lake surfaces, high winds and irrigation drawdowns were responsible for this mixing condition. Box Butte reservoir was not stratified even under ice cover as the result of gradual filling during the winter months.

Box Butte was the only reservoir which remained turbid throughout the summer months. This turbidity was the result of high wind action on the exposed lake shores and at times a bloom of blue-green algae. The other reservoirs had seasonal algae blooms which caused some turbidity but they were clearer than Box Butte, where an 8-inch secchi disc disappeared from view in ten to fifteen inches below the surface throughout the summer.

The waters of all reservoirs were hard with the total alkalinity in each well within the range generally considered as productive waters. Total alkalinity for the waters were approximately as follows: McConaughy 80 to 100 ppm; Harlan County, 90 ppm; Minatare, 100 ppm; and Box Butte 180-200 ppm.

AN ANGLER'S DREAM When the winter's nearly over, And the spring's not far away, My thoughts drift back to nature In a sort of yearnin' way. My eyes seek out my tackle box, My hands caress my rod, While memories bring back many dreams Of fishin' banks I've trod. Of all the sports and pastimes That one could ever wish, There's none that's quite as thrilling As anglin' for a fish. How I long to hear the water Gently lappin' at my boat, Gosh, I almost think I hear it now, I long to be afloat. 'Cause a fella's mind is restin' And a fella's thoughts are clean, When a fella's out a fishin' He's too happy to be mean. It's a grand and glorious feelin' When you're out to catch some fish, Where strangers are not strange at all, What more could people wish? All trials and tribulations, All cares and worldly woes Give rise to sweet contentment That just the angler knows. God bless you, Mother Nature, Your sports are clean and fine, And I hope that I'll be with you When it's good old fishin' time. Paul Thygeson Gilbert

Oxygen concentrations were generally adequate for fishes throughout the lakes except in the deepest portion of McConaughy.

Methods

The walleye samples from Harlan County, McConaughy and Box Butte reservoirs were collected by the use of 250-foot graded nylon gill nets with mesh sizes of 1; 1.5; 2; 3 and 4 inches. The sample from Minatare reservoir was taken mainly in the large seines of the seining crew during rough fish removal operations. Seine sample were made to obtain young-of-the-year fish in all but Harlan County.

The scales were aged by the use of a microprojector and the lengths at the end of each year of growth were calculated by the use of a nomograph. A direct proportion growth relationship was assumed. Portions of the scale collections were aged by both writers. Samples of walleye scales from McConaughy reservoir which were collected during 1947 to 1953 were also aged.

Age and Growth

Collections of walleye from four Nebraska reservoirs were made during 1955 and early 1956. Comparatively good growth was made by each population with the exception of Box Butte fish. The best growth rate was found in Harlan County reservoir where only three classes were taken and the average lengths at the end of each year's growth were: 9.6; 16.1; 21.4 inches. Growth rates of the walleye populations of McConaughy and Minatare reservoirs were similar to each other. In McConaughy five year classes were taken in the gill nets and the average lengths at the end of successive years were: 8.2; 13.6; 17.7; 20.7; and 23.0 inches.

The sample of scales, taken by creel census between 1947 and 1953 were also analyzed and the average lengths were slightly larger for this group of fish. It was impossible to age the largest of these fish which was a 32-inch, 14-pound female. Eight year classes of walleye were taken in Minatare reservoir and the average lengths at the end of successive years were: 5.9; 13.9; 18.2; 21.4; 23.5; 25.1 and 27.0 inches. The growth rate was slower in Box Butte reservoir and the walleye reached average lengths of 5.1; 8.8; 11.4; 14.7; 17.2 inches in successive years. The largest fish taken in this lake was an eight pound female which was 27.5 inches in length. The age could not be determined.

Excellent Growth Rates

The growth rates of walleye in Nebraska and in other selected areas are compared in Table I. Harlan County reservoir is new and it would be expected to produce good fish growth. The population of walleye was making growth which compares closely with that reported from Norris reservoir (Stroud, 1949). These were among the best growth rates recorded in the literature.

Examination of the stomachs of walleye 4 OUTDOOR NEBRASKAland   from Harlan County reservoir revealed that they were feeding upon gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum, and white crappie, Pomoxis annularis. Numerically the white crappie dominated the entire fish population in the reservoir. Walleye growth rates in McConaughy and Minatare were slower among the younger year class but were equal to the Norris walleye among the old year classes. The growth rates in both lakes were relatively high in comparison with the growth rates reported for older lakes of Iowa and Minnesota (Carlander, 1953).

Although the growth rates in the two reservoirs were comparable the species composition of the fish populations in the two lakes was not similar. Gizzard shad and white bass were abundant in McConaughy while no shad were present in Minatare and white bass were rare in this lake. Walleye in McConaughy fed heavily on shad during the late summer and fall, while in early summer the stomachs contained yellow perch, Perca flavescens, and Tendipetidid larvae.

An interesting note is that the sports catch declines in late summer after the young shad appear in the lake, although gill net catches were still made in the fishing areas. No stomachs were collected from the Minatare reservoir walleye as the scale samples were collected during the winter operations of the state seining crew. Yellow perch, carp, Cyprinus carpio, and western carpsuckers, Carpiodes forbesi were present in this lake, and the abundance of young yellow perch would suggest they were one of the principal forage species.

The walleye population of Box Butte reservoir made poor growth in comparison with the populations of other Nebraska reservoirs. Growth rates of walleye in Iowa and Minnesota (Carlander, 1953) averaged only slightly better than that of Box Butte, and the growth rate of Box Butte walleye exceeded that reported for Lake Gogebic in Michigan (Eschmeyer, 1950). Examination of the stomach contents of Box Butte walleye revealed they were feeding upon carp and yellow perch. As in Minatare, the gizzard shad was absent.

Growth of walleye has been reported from some Colorado lakes (Lynch, 1955) and they may exceed slightly the growth rates of McConaughy and Minatare walleye; however, the growth of the Colorado walleye was reported in average lengths at the time of capture which makes it difficult to compare these lengths with calculated lengths at the end of each year's growth.

According to Dendy (1946), young shad provide the principal forage for Norris reservoir game fish and most of the walleye feed heavily on them. Where shad were present in Nebraska reservoirs they served as one of the principal forage species. The fact that walleye in Minatare show an excellent growth rate, where shad are absent, demonstrates that the species readily makes use of the most available food fishes.

The reasons for the slow growth rates of Box Butte walleye as compared to Minatare are not clear. Both reservoirs have populations of carp, yellow perch, and crappie. Box Butte has a large, stunted population of black crappie, and a high population of suckers while in Minatare the crappie population is lower and fast growing and western carpsuckers are abundant. It may be possible that the higher turbidity of Box Butte reservoir during the growing season is limiting the productivity of that lake.

There has been a carp removal program in Minatare reservoir over the last several years, and it is possible that the annual seining of carp has been sufficient to reduce competition for food among the various species of fishes.

Reproduction

Prior to the present investigation little information has been collected concerning the natural reproduction of walleye in Nebraska and, consequently, many were of the opinion that little or no successful spawning occurred in these waters. With minor exceptions each reservoir had received annual stockings of walleye fingerlings. This has made it difficult to establish whether the stocking program has been successful in maintaining the walleye populations, or if natural reproduction has been making significant contributions to the population which have been attributed to the stocking program.

Eschmeyer (1950) reported that walleye spawning in Lake Gogebic was concentrated in areas of the shore line where there was a mixture of gravel, rubble and boulders over a substratum of firm sand. He reviewed the findings of other workers who found walleye spawning under a wide variety of situations including the following—mouths of rivers and streams, sandy bars in creeks, gravel bottoms in streams, shallow sandy bays, over gravel bottoms near shores and others.

There are areas in each of the study. reservoirs which fit some of the spawning areas described.

During 1955 it was established that there is successful reproduction in Box Butte and Minatare reservoirs. No fingerlings were stocked in either reservoir, yet 432 young-of-the-year fish were recovered from Minatare, and a single young-of-the-year fish was taken in Box Butte. Only 1,000 fingerling walleye were stocked in McConaughy yet, seining, six weeks after the stocking date, produced at least fifty young fish. In a lake of this size it would seem unlikely that a seine sample could recover five percent of the total number of walleye stocked.

Examination of the age growth data and stocking records for McConaughy indicates that natural spawning is contributing to the population, and may even be a dominant factor in this lake. Since 1950 a total of 961,000 walleye fingerlings have been stocked and, assuming the lake was full, this is approximately six fingerlings per surface acre per year. The highly successful sports fishery during the last few summers suggests a large population of adult walleye, and it hardly seems possible to attribute this population entirely to such light stocking.

We have no estimates of the mortality of the fingerlings following their introduction into the reservoirs but we must assume there will be predation when fingerlings are stocked where populations of adult walleye, yellow perch, white bass and crappie are present. Lynch (1955) reports that survival of fry and fingerling walleye in Colorado waters varies from less than one per cent to over 25 percent.

The dominant year classes as taken in the gill net samples in McConaughy do not correlate well with the stocking history in some cases. For example, in 1951 only 10,000 walleye fingerlings were stocked, and in 1952, 448,000 were stocked, yet the net sample yielded 20 fish of the 1951 year class and only 15 fish of the 1952 year class. It would appear that both year classes would be about equally vulnerable to the graded gill nets since the average length of the 1951 fish was 21.3 inches and the 1952 fish was 18.5 inches, although net selectivity cannot be entirely discounted.

In Box Butte the gill net sample yielded six walleye of the 1951 year class in a sample of 42 fish, yet there were no walleye stocked in the lake during 1951. This would seem to indicate significant contributions by natural

continued on page 25 SPRING ISSUE 5

Have Our Pheasants Reached The Bottom?

by Dan Heyl

AS NEARLY everyone knows, the current pheasant population in the State is quite low—probably the lowest it has been since its establishment in Nebraska. Everyone is concerned about this unhappy situation— Game Commission, hunter and conservationist alike. Most hunters long for "the good old days" of numerous pheasants when they could go out and fill their bag limit in a short time. No doubt many wonder if pheasant hunting will keep on getting poorer or whether it will someday be better.

This article was written to help clarify some of the uncertainty about our future pheasant populations. It is a prediction of what we can expect next in pheasant population levels. A reversal in the trends of the present pheasant population is predicted. Instead of the numbers of pheasants continuing to decrease, they will begin to increase. They will become more plentiful instead of scarcer, and hunting will be better once again. How soon is this going to take place? We should begin to see an increase in our pheasant numbers by 1957 or 1958. Perhaps even this year, 1956, we shall see a turn for the better. By the early 1960's we should have good pheasant hunting, though probably not as good as in 1952 or in 1942. How can a prediction like this be made? What is it based on?

Keeping Track

Fortunately, the Game Commission has been keeping fairly close records on pheasant populations for the past 15 years and has watched patterns of population levels formulated each year. The Game Commission has seen the good years and bad years come and go. Records on the happenings of pheasants are taken during all seasons of the year, year in and year out.

Most information is obtained from what is called extensive surveys. In these surveys,, the pheasant population is sampled over the entire state and an index or indication of the population level is obtained. These annual indices or indications are compared each year and from them our relative pheasant population status is determined. Checks are also made on the situation of our pheasants at various seasons of the year: in winter to determine post hunting season sex ratios; in spring to find out the breeding population; in summer to evaluate the reproductive success; and in fall to see how successful the hunters were.

It takes the cooperation of many persons to gather this valuable extensive data. Commission personnel, of course, supply much of the information, but our information is supplied by the rural mail carriers. Mail carriers have been providing the Game Commission with valuable information since 1945, and have been one of our best sources for 6 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   determining the relative annual and seasonal populations of game. They provide information not only on pheasants, but for bobwhite quail, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, and other animals as well. Generally, over 600 mail carriers covering more than 100,000 miles return tabulations of upland game seen on four days of driving on their mail routes three times a year: winter, spring, and summer.

Through The Year

The recent poor pheasant population year of 1955 can be used as an example of how the pheasants are followed through from one season to the next, and how conclusions are drawn from these findings.

In January 1955, post hunting season sex ratio information (the numbers of cocks as compared to the number of hens) was gathered in order to evaluate the extent of kill of cock pheasants during the 1954 hunting season and to determine the probable sex ratios for the spring breeding population. It was found there was about 1 cock for every 1.5 hens in the winter population. Since one cock for every four or five hens is considered adequate (in some of the extremely heavily hunted areas of the U. S., the cock population is reduced to one cock for every 10 hens without detrimental effect), it was certain that the pheasants had not been overshot. In fact, it indicated to us that we had underharvested our cocks as the average harem size in the spring would be about 1.5 hens for each cock.

When spring rolled around, the breeding population was checked and found down again in numbers as it had been for the past two years. A check of our harems showed that 67 percent contained only one hen per cock and that 92 percent contained only one or two hens per cock. The average harem contained 1.4 hens per cock. By simple arithmetic, it was determined that the fall pheasant population would be no better or perhaps poorer than the preceding year, unless—exceptionally high production of young pheasants occurred.

During the summer months, observations were made on reproduction. It was found that an early, uninterrupted hatch had taken place, but only an average number of young were observed per adult hen. It was then fairly certain that the fall pheasant population would be no better or perhaps poorer than in 1954.

Fall Hunter Checks

In the fall hunters were checked during the 23 half-day hunting season in order to obtain information about their success and age of pheasants bagged. It was established that hunters used fewer hours to bag their pheasants in 1955 than they did in 1954. This may seem to contradict the prediction of lower fall pheasant numbers, but the probable reason for the apparent greater hunting success was due to the half-day hunting this year. The better hunting success was probably the result of less hunting hours rather than a greater increase in pheasants killed.

From this brief look at the pheasants during 1955, it can be seen it was not a great pheasant year. The methods of evaluating the relative pheasant populations for the past 15 years have been done pretty much the same as in 1955. The relative populations as derived from the annual surveys are shown on the accompanying graph. As can be seen on the graph, the recorded information about the annual population trends began in 1941, just before the all-time high of pheasants in 1942. If the yearly trends are followed on the graph it may be noted that after a series of years in which the pheasant declined following 1942 that in 1947 the pheasant population seemed to have hit bottom. In 1948 pheasant numbers started to build up again but were soon thwarted by the blizzard which occurred in 1948 and 1949 and the small peak in the graph is a reflection of that occurrence.

Catastrophe Effect

Incidentally, it has been frequently maintained by game men that blizzards are not usually a permanent deterrent to a pheasant population. The blizzard of "49" undoubtedly killed many birds, but notice that within three years the population had reached a point higher than before the blizzard. If conditions are right for pheasants, a catastrophe such as this blizzard is only a temporary setback, because of the pheasants great reproductive potential. It might be added, however, that the next population peak reached in 1952 might have been higher had it not been for this storm.

Beginning in the later part of 1952 and 1953, the pheasant population once again began to drop off. At the end of 1955, it was once again on or near the bottom. Will it stay there? It is thought not. The pheasant population is expected to get better. This is based on the history of our pheasant fluctuations. While it is admitted that the history of pheasant populations is limited, it is believed that there is sufficient evidence to expect some more or less regular patterns in the fluctuations of them.

Whether a true cyclic condition which is defined in the dictionary as "a complete set of events or phenomena recurring in the same sequence" exists, or whether we are dealing with a fluctuation in pheasant numbers which is caused merely by chance, it is not known. But it appears that in a rough ten-year period, the population undergoes rather drastic high and low periods.

Patterns Give A Clue

It is from these previous patterns of our pheasant population that the conclusions are drawn. Levi Mohler, a former biologist who worked in Nebraska for about 12 years, gathering data about many game birds including the pheasant, evidently also thought along similar lines. Mohler noted the somewhat regular fluctuations in the pheasant populations and made a prediction about the pheasants himself in a writing in an as yet unpublished paper about pheasants. This is what he wrote in 1952, a period of good pheasant populations: "The decline in the population in the mid-forties, and the improvement in the late forties, were repetitions of similar trends which had occurred ten years earlier in the state. If these trends in population continue, declining bird numbers can be expected in the mid-fifties following the present period of good populations."

Increase Is Expected

Assuming, momentarily at least, that we all agree the pheasants will again increase, we must then consider to what extent the increase will be. Will we have as high populations in 1962 as we had in 1952 or in 1942? Probably not. Farming practices are much more intensive now than they were ten, or even four, years ago. Many weedy and woody fence rows have disappeared. The crops themselves are freer from weeds. Insecticides and herbicides are used more and more each year. Their direct effects on game are not well known but they are contributing to the reduction of food and cover—a basic requirement of all living things.

One bright spot which looms in the future is the possibility of the proposed "Soil Bank Plan." Increased acres of idle land might very well be a boon to wildlife. It may provide the undisturbed nesting cover, probably the most critical cover condition, so badly needed by the pheasant in many areas.

The pheasant will be back. They will undoubtedly do the best they can within the limits of the carrying capacity of the land.

SPRING ISSUE 7

Fish Management Means . . . BETTER FISHING FOR NEBRASKANS

This is the conclusion of a series on Fish Management by the late R. W. Eschmeyer. Here he discusses the value of angling and tells what the sportsmen can do to establish a modern fish program.

THERE are no really reliable figures on the monetary value of angling in the U. S. as a whole. And, of course, we can't ascribe monetary values to the intangible side of fishing —the value of angling to our general health and well-being. Our own guess has been that there are more than 25 million anglers in the United States (perhaps 30 million, or over), and that the "average" angler spends about $50 yearly for his sport, bringing the annual total monetary value of fishing to well over one billion dollars.

Our estimate was recognized as an extremely conservative one. We took into account the fact that many anglers, especially the kids, spend very little for their pastime even though they go fishing often. Whatever the actual annual expenditure, we can be certain that fishing is big business.

Monetary Values

The monetary value of fishing, or of fishing and hunting combined, has been calculated for several states. Here are the figures available to us, as reported in earlier issues of the BULLETIN:

Several years ago, a North Carolina survey showed sport fishing in that state to have an annual value of $22,063,112. Commercial fishing was valued at 5V2 million dollars.

A survey in the state of Washington showed that the 400,000 hunting and fishing license holders spent an average of about $200 on their hunting and fishing in 1950, for a total of $80,000,000. The commercial fish catch for the state that year was $20,000,000.

A study in Massachusetts showed hunting and fishing expenditures for 1951 at $74,000,000. Of this amount, 18 million dollars was for saltwater sport fishing.

A New Hampshire survey for 1952 shows that anglers in the state spent $13,000,000 for fishing. By contrast, 18 years ago, the estimated value of hunting and fishing combined was $6,000,000.

A recent survey in Idaho listed the annual value of hunting and fishing activities at $43,000,000.

Minnesota estimated that the monetary value of its 1953 fishing was $200,000,000.

California estimates that the value of its sport fishing, hunting, and commercial fishing approaches $1,000,000,000 annually.

Several years ago, interviews by the Michigan Tourist Council with more than 10,000 tourists showed that, 45 percent of Michigan's tourists, fishing was the principal reason for their vacationing in the state.

Obviously, fishing is big business!

Intangible Values

Whatever the monetary value of fishing may be, the intangible values of the sport, though not measurable, are probably much greater.

Within a few short generations, our way of life has changed. Our forefathers used their hands and muscles to make a living. Today, most people earn a living by using their heads, plus machines, push buttons, and swivelchairs. Despite medical advances, these changes in our way of life, together with the growing complexity of our socalled "civilization," have been taking their toll as a result of constantly increasing nervous strain.

Now, most of us struggle nearly every waking hour—in a mad scramble to "keep up with the Joneses"—in the acquisition of material things aimed at giving us an easier way of life!

Several years ago, the national consumption of aspirin was estimated at 15 tons daily. By now, the daily tonnage has undoubtedly increased considerably. A growing number of people need help from the prescription counter to fall asleep.

Juvenile delinquency is a big and growing problem.

A study of the physical fitness of our youth, compared to that of youth from southern Europe, shows an impressive result. American youths failed 78.3 percent of the tests; the Europeans failed 8.3 percent of them.

Brigadier General Louis H. Renfrow, deputy director of Selective Service, has said that easy living habits are steadily reducing America's stamina to the danger point. General Renfrow said:

Civilizations have disappeared when they lost the central core: strength, incentive, vitality, and the stamina necessary to withstand strain and extreme shock in emergencies.

No one can estimate what the automobile has cost the American people in muscle, or the radio, television and motion picture in active participation in recreation.

Significant was the observation made some months ago by Judge William G. Long of Seattle. He observed that in over twenty years he had handled some forty-five thousand juvenile cases, and 8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   that he recalled no case of serious juvenile misconduct involving a youngster whose hobby and recreational outlet was fishing.

The therapeutic values of angling for adults are also recognized. Obviously, fishing is good for people. For the adult, it's a tonic for frayed nerves and an opportunity to gain a better perspective. For the kid, it contributes to physical and mental well-being, and toward a better future.

Adding It Up

We included this brief comment on the values of fishing to demonstrate that angling is an extremely important aspect of the American scene. It has now been shown, repeatedly, that modern fish conservation can help angling, can contribute toward "shortening the time between bites." Because of the significance of fishing, fish conservation is far too important to be a mere political football, or to be handled by incompetents. Our favorite form of outdoor relaxation must be preserved.

The Modern Program

There is no uniformity among our various state fish set-ups and programs. Nor could there be. The problems in one state differ decidedly from problems elsewhere. Insofar as organizational set-ups are concerned, there is no close relationship between the kind of organization and the quality of the program. In some states, the fish program is under a conservation department; elsewhere, it is in the fish and game department. In some instances, there is a single commissioner; more commonly, we have commissions with a number of members.

The tendency is to have commissions made up of an uneven number of members and to have fish, game, forestry, etc., under one department. Actually, the effectiveness of the fishery program depends on the caliber and ability of the personnel, rather than on the nature of the organizational set-up.

Listed here are some of the observations which, in our opinion, will help determine whether your state has a modern fish conservation set-up. Because of the differences in local organizational makeup, and differences in local problems, some statements do not apply to some states. Too, we may be wrong in some of our observations. The statements which follow should be considered "food for thought," not "gospel."

The Commission

The character of the commission, itself, will determine whether a modern program is possible. In a progressive organization, the commission members work together as a team. Where we have dissension at commission level, there is certain to be indecision and low morale among the personnel. Feuding, common in some commissions, can be expected to result in an ineffective program.

The commission members should have a broad viewpoint. A provincial attitude, with each member concerned mainly with his own area, can only be expected to hamper the program.

The commission members should not think of their membership as a means of realizing personal ambitions, political or otherwise. If their membership is aimed mainly at promoting themselves, they can be expected to contribute little or nothing toward improvement of fishing or hunting.

The chief functions of a commission are to select highly competent personnel, to establish policy based on the recommendations of that personnel, and to act as a "buffer" between the personnel and pressure groups. Actual administration of the program should be left to the personnel selected.

The Personnel

Where the commission does its job well, progressiveness in fish conservation seems to depend largely on the caliber of the men in the top fishery swivel-chairs. But, we're still a little in the dark as to the proper background for these individuals. My own feeling is that things move along best where one of the two top men is a competent administrator who understands business management and people, and who also appreciates the importance of the technical aspect. The other should be a trained fish man who has a good understanding of the fish conservation problems. So long as these two work as a team, it doesn't matter much which one holds down the top swivel-chair.

To have an efficient fishery program the various "specialists" must work as a team. There is a tendency to have friction among enforcement men, hatchery men, and the professionally-trained fish men, and to have an ineffective program as a result. The enforcement man is a specialist in enforcing laws and preventing violation. The hatchery man is a specialist in raising fish in hatcheries and rearing ponds. The researcher is a specialist in fact-finding. In comparison, the trained fish manager should be best equipped to plan and supervise the over-all fisheries program.

In a field as new as fish conservation, some professional fishery workers are far better qualified, by way of native ability and training, than others. The salaries paid to highly qualified workers and to poorly qualified workers do not differ greatly. A state set-up which pays top salaries can get "the cream of the crop" by spending only a few thousand dollars more than the average. Good salaries attract competent people. An investment in good salaries is the best investment that a fish and game SPRING ISSUE 9   commission can make. In some states, the fishery jobs are not attractive to competent personnel because the pay is too low.

In a progressive organization, the workers must have a certain amount of job security. In a few states, this is lacking. Of course, there are instances, too, where jobs are too secure. Where there is complete assurance that the job will continue, regardless of the individual's performance, there is little incentive to do outstanding work, and there may be a tendency merely to "coast along." Both too little security and too much security may lead to mediocre performance.

The Program

The modern fish conservation set-up has a well balanced program. It places proper emphasis on such aspects as fish management, research, and education.

A survey made by the Sport Fishing Institute late in 1953 showed the average budget breakdown for 15 states to be (a number of states were unable to present a breakdown of expenditures):

Administration 8% Information-Education 3% Law Enforcement 21% Stocking 30% Management 28% Research 10%

As expected, individual percentages for the various budget items differed decidedly from state to state.

Our own feeling is that the three percent for information-education is highly inadequate.

Stocking

The modern set-up has a set stocking policy, copies of which are made available to the public. If your state has not released such a policy, you should insist that it do so, and that it abide fully by that policy. We still have instances of "public relations stocking" planting of fish in certain waters regardless of the biological merits of the plantings—because of political pressure. The modern set-up does not make such plantings.

Stocking should be based on demonstrated need. Where the fish are to go and what "species are to be planted (and in what numbers) should be determined by a study of the habitat, fishing pressure, and the stocks already available. Such studies should be made by trained fishery workers.

In some states, a big part of the license dollar is wasted on unjustified, unnecessary, or even harmful stocking.

In a progressive fish and game organization, the fishing regulations tend to be a few in number. Here, regulations are based on demonstrated need. An active research program to determine which laws are needed is in constant progress.

The regulations should be made by the commission, itself, not by the state legislature. Legislatures may be slow in making needed changes, and may tend to bow to political pressures instead of basing the laws on facts.

Enforcement should be by welltrained wardens (preferably called fish and game or conservation officers), selected on the basis of qualification for the job, and with major emphasis placed on prevention of violation rather than on detection.

Management

The state should be using a fair amount of its budget on fish management (other than stocking and regulation). The program will differ widely from state to state because the situations differ. In states with limited fishing water, major emphasis may be on building public fishing lakes. Or, emphasis may be on securing access to existing waters. In some states, the emphasis may be on rehabilitation, on rough fish control, on habitat improvement, or on any of a number of other management methods. In some states, this important fish conservation activity receives far too little attention.

Research

The modern program is guided by facts, produced by a competent research unit. The unit should concern itself with important problems that can be expected to produce usable answers. And, of course, research is of little value if the results are not used.

The fact-finding program should be in the hands of competent, well-trained researchers who operate with a maximum of freedom to do their job and with both a minimum of bias and a minimum of red tape.

Through basic fact-finding programs, some fishery organizations have already been able to greatly improve angling, and to use the license dollar wisely and effectively. All states now have some research in progress. However, in a few of them, "research" is barely tolerated and findings of the investigators are still largely ignored. This is true in those few states where one or both of these conditions exist: (1) the fish (or fish and game) administrators are poorly qualified for their jobs; and (2) the administrators don't want the facts known, because the facts might demonstrate to the public that their programs are unprogressive.

The administrators who don't want sound fact-finding programs (there are very few of them left) can be compared to the physician who objects to medical research, or to the head of an engineering firm who opposes engineering research!

In those states where fact finding is secondary or is barely tolerated, we can be sure that the fishery program is a backward one.

Education

The up-to-date fish and game commission has an active and effective educational program. Concepts in fish conservation have been changing rapidly. Fact finding is pointing the way to "shortening the time between bites." But, we can have modern, scientific fish conservation only if we have an informed and enlightened public. The 10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   education program is an extremely important one for bringing about this needed condition for progress.

The points discussed above are only a few of those which might be made if space permitted. A reading of the other sections of the "Fish Conservation Fundamentals" will suggest additional ones. There is no simple, fool-proof way of determining whether you are getting a good return for your license dollar. However, the suggestions made here may help you to decide if the fish conservation set-up is up to par.

The Sportsman's Role

In the early days, sportsmen were responsible for the beginnings of modern fish conservation. Their early squabbling led to the hiring of biologists to serve as trouble-shooters. This hiring, in some states, led to the change, from indiscriminate stocking and arbitrarily made regulations, to a more effective fish conservation program.

Today, as in the early days, our progress will be determined mainly by the actions of sportsmen. We can have good fishing only if the anglers, themselves, insist on an up-to-date program; and, only if they, collectively, take a hand in the many aspects of fish conservation which cannot be handled by the fishery authorities alone.

Organization

Individuals carry little weight in an age when group action determines what shall be done. Individual sportsmen can be of only limited help to a fish conservation program; organized sportsmen, working together, can carry enough weight to decidedly influence our fishing future.

We have organized sportsmen's groups in our least progressive states, as well as in those which lead the fish conservation parade. So, the mere fact that a sportsmen's organization exists in a state is of little importance. The strength of that organization, and the ability, progressiveness, and caliber of its leaders are the important items.

Sportsmen's Activities

Here are a dozen specific suggestions for sportsmen's groups:

1. The organized sportsmen should insist that the state have a modern fish (and game) program, handled by wellpaid, competent personnel, free from politics.

2. Sportsmen should insist that the regulations be made by the fish and game (or conservation) department, and that they be based on factual information. If made by the legislature, sportsmen should see to it that only the proper laws are enacted.

3. The pollution problem can be solved by an enlightened public opinion. It's too big a program for the fish and game authorities to handle, but pressure from sportsmen's organizations can go far toward forcing pollution abatement.

4 The cluttering of our waters and shorelines with cans, bottles, and other debris is leading to an increase in "keep out" signs. The remedy to this problem must come chiefly from the sportsmen, themselves, through educational programs.

5. In many instances, the quality of our fishing depends on land use in the watershed — on the farming, forestry practices, etc. In some instances, such as preventing silting of fishing waters as a result of improper road building, the sportsmen can be extremely helpful by putting pressure on the road builders to correct the bad practices. In some other aspects of land use, especially on private land, improvement must come through education.

6. Some city water supply reservoirs are open to fishing, others aren't. There is no excuse for not permitting fishing on such waters, provided certain sanitary regulations are enforced. It's another problem for the organized sportsmen.

7. Each sportsmen's organization needs an active and capable education committee. It can be expected to do an effective job in helping out on both adult and juvenile conservation education.

8. Many bills introduced in Congress, if passed, may vitally affect our future fishing — some beneficially, others adversely. Passage of the bills depends to a considerable degree on the expressed views of constituents. Sportsmen can have a decided influence on national legislation as it affects national forests, national parks, and other public domain. State legislation can also greatly influence our fishing. Sportsmen must play an active part in the passing of desirable state and national legislation, and in the defeat of proposals which would harm our favorite form of recreation.

9. Sportsmen must play a vital role in having proper recognition given to fishing values in the building of dams for hydropower, flood control, or irrigation.

10. In areas where fishing waters are scarce, organized sportsmen can take the initiative in the building of fishing lakes, for club use or for public use. In some areas, this is an important club activity.

11. Each sportsmen's group should have an active "junior" program. This might include sponsoring kids for conservation camps, building kid fishing lakes, casting instruction, providing suitable conservation literature for youngsters, and a wide variety of other activities.

12. Assuring public access to existing waters is a big and growing problem. Organized sportsmen can influence it immensely.

SPRING ISSUE 11

ODE TO A WORM

You crawling, wriggling little thing, Despised by social state, In realms of femininity Your presence nurtures hate. Your own existence, deep in earth If often questioned, why A slimy thing like you should have A place beneath the sky? But when other lures have failed them, Fine tackle doesn't rate, They always turn to you, old friend, 'Cause fishworms is darn good bait. Paul Thygeson Gilbert

Part 5 of a Guide to Nebraska Fishing Fishing In Southeastern Nebraska

FISHING in Southeastern Nebraska is centered around two kinds of fishing—river and small lakes or ponds. Obviously this limits the fishermen to two kinds of catches.

From the rivers such as the Nemaha, Little Nemaha, Big Blue and tributaries, Platte and Missouri rivers the catch consists of catfish, bullheads, carp and buffalo. Occasionally other species are taken, such as the sturgeon catches of recent years on parts of the Missouri river.

Bass and panfish are the most important fish to be taken from many of the small lakes and ponds where siltation is not a problem. Some of the better known lakes are located at Memphis, Alexandria, Louisville, Crystal, and Hord Lake Recreation Grounds. If siltation is heavy, the smaller waters probably contain only bullheads and carp.

This section of the state is unique in the fact that it is more heavily populated and yet there are fewer fishing spots available to the public. Some relief is seen in the development of the upper watershed flood control plans such as the Salt-Wahoo Watershed project. There is opportunity for a number of the flood control reservoirs to provide public fishing. At this time there is nothing definite being worked into these projects to assure public access.

The following is a list of the better fishing areas, listed by counties, in Southeastern Nebraska.

ADAMS COUNTY: Crystal Lake at Ayr (State)—crappie, bullheads, catfish, bass; Little Blue River—catfish, bullheads.

BUTLER COUNTY: Big Blue Rivercatfish, bullheads, sunfisn; City Park at David City—crappie, bass, bullheads, bluegill, catfish; Platte River—catfish, bullheads.

CASS COUNTY: Cedar Creek—bullheads, catfish; City Lake at Weeping Water—bullheads, crappie, bass; Platte River — catfish, bullheads, sturgeon; Salt Creek and Bayous—catfish, bullheads, crappie; Platteview Sandpits (State) at Louisville — catfish, bass, bullheads, bluegill, crappie, trout.

CLAY COUNTY: Little Blue Rivercatfish, bullheads, bass, sunfish, crappie; Sandy Creek — catfish, bullheads, sunfish, crappie.

DOUGLAS COUNTY: Benson Park Lake at Omaha—bullheads, carp; Carter Lake at Omaha — bass, bluegill, crappie, bullheads, catfish, northern pike; Hansom Park Lake at Omahabullheads, catfish, crappie; Miller Park Lake at Omaha—bullheads, carp; Ralston Lake at Ralston—carp; Riverview Park Lake at Omaha—bullheads, carp; Missouri River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Elkhorn River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Platte River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Papillion Creek—bullheads.

FILLMORE COUNTY: West Blue River—bullheads, catfish, carp; Lions Club Lake at Geneva—bullheads, bass, bluegill; North Pond at Shickley—bullheads; Beatrice Gun Club Lake at Shickley — bullheads, crappie; Turkey Creek—catfish, bullheads, crappie.

GAGE COUNTY: Big Blue River— catfish, bullheads, buffalo, carp; Indian Creek—bullheads, sunfish, crappie, catfish; Turkey Creek—catfish, bullheads; Wolf Creek—bullheads.

HALL COUNTY: Pier Lake at Grand Island — bass, bluegill, crappie, bullheads, walleye, catfish; Platte River & Bayous — catfish, bullheads, sunfish; South Loup River—catfish, bullheads, sunfish.

HAMILTON COUNTY: West Blue River—catfish, bullheads, crappie; Lincoln Creek—bullheads, catfish; Platte River & Bayous—catfish, bass, bluegill, crappie, bullheads.

HOWARD COUNTY: South, Middle, North Loup Rivers—catfish, bullheads, carp; Oak Creek—bullheads, carp.

JEFFERSON COUNTY: Alexandria Lakes (State)—bass, bluegill, crappie, bullheads; Little Blue River—bullheads, catfish, carp; Crystal Springs Lake at Fairbury—bullheads, sunfish, crappie; Sandy Creek—catfish, sunfish, crappie.

JOHNSON COUNTY: North fork of Nemaha River & Bayous—bullheads, catfish; South fork of Little Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads.

LANCASTER COUNTY: City Park Lake at Hickman — bullheads; Oak

continued on page 24 12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

SPRING ISSUE 13

Wildlife in one reel

 

State Park Directory: For Your Vacation Planning

FROM the oak covered bluffs of the old Missouri, across the gently rolling prairies, through the waving sea of grass of the sandhills, to the pine-scented canyons of the Pine Ridge, Nebraska exemplifies the coronation of all good things from the two geographical areas of the United States.

Here in this "Valley of Waters," so christened by the American Indian, flora and fauna of the East meets West with the typical natural scenic regions of many states. With this unique composite of natural scenic wonders, Nebraska also presents examples of the history of the "Old West." History is still apparent from the countless areas productive to the Indian lore hunter to the silent vigil of the past maintained by the deep wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail and the forts that protected it.

For a most economical, yet productive, vacation, Nebraska is proud of her offering to those who are stimulated by the romance of the prairies and the myriad of scenic benefits of relaxation and adventure to him who seeks them.

STATE PARKS VICTORIA SPRINGS STATE PARK, eight miles north of Merna on State Highway No. 80, consists of 70 acres. The park has much historical significance and has also been developed for recreational purposes. Space is available for parking house trailers. Facilities include boating, fishing, baseball, horseshoes, nature study, outdoor fireplaces, camping and children's playground equipment. RATES: Modern cabins, completely furnished available at $4.00 to $5.00 per day; also weekly rate. No group camp facilities.

CHADRON STATE PARK, nine miles south of Chadron on State Highway No. 19, is one of the most attractive and notable places in Nebraska. It can be handily reached ! from State Highway No. 20 leading from the east and west and on Highway No. 19 connecting with Highway No. 2 from the south and east. The park's surface is rugged with deep ravines, high buttes and many acres of pine timber. Chadron creek, inhabited by rainbow and brown trout, runs throughout the northeast part of the park. Several miles of graded drives traverse the park. There are numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Chadron park is an entirely different type of park. The plains and sandhills country of Nebraska suddenly break into pine-studded bluffs on the beaufiful pine ridge. Fifteen hundred acres of these pine covered bluffs have been set aside for the park. Modern cabins and a group camp are available to the public. Other attractions at the park are picnic grounds, swimming pool, playground equipment, and an outdoor auditorium. RATES: Modern cabins, completely furnished, available at $4.00 to $5.00 per day; also weekly rate. Special rate for group camp facilities.

FORT KEARNY STATE PARK, 10 miles southeast of Kearney in Kearney county on Highway No. 10, is comprised of 40 acres. The park contains the original parade grounds and site of the stockade and fort buildings of the old army post. Mounds of earth mark the spot where these buildings stood. There are tall cottonwoods around the parade grounds which were planted in 1848.

NIOBRARA ISLAND STATE PARK, one mile west of Niobrara on State Highway No. 12 in Knox county, was settled in 1846 by the Mormons. Evidence of the three-quarter-mile mill race built by them can still be seen. The park, covering about 800 acres, is a heavily wooded island at the mouth of the Niobrara river. A long winding, clear-water lagoon runs through the center of the island, providing fishing, boating and swimming. There is a small golf course adjacent to the lagoon. RATES: Modern cabins, completely furnished, available at $4.00 to $5.00 per day; also weekly rate. Special rate for group camp facilities.

ODE TO NEBRASKA You can have your mighty mountains, Or your endless waves at sea, Your great palatial cities, They were never meant for me. Just give me a wistful pineridge trail. A valley rich with grain, Where there's fish and game a plenty, And there I will remain. Paul Thygeson Gilbert

ARBOR LODGE STATE PARK, at Nebraska City on U. S. Highway No. 75, is the former home of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day, which is celebrated April 22, annually. The old colonial mansion, preserved as it was in the days of Mr. Morton, contains 52 rooms. It has numerous relics of early Nebraska. There are stables containing Morton vehicles, old fire engines and a stage coach. Every type of tree grown in Nebraska, in addition to other kinds peculiar to other parts of the United States and foreign countries, is found here.

Some of the other features of the park are foot trails; park roads used for bridle trails; picnic grounds with tables, fireplaces and drinking fountains; amphitheater and the Morton arboretum containing 200 species and varieties of trees and shrubs.

PONCA STATE PARK, four miles north of Ponca in Dixon county, is the most recent addition to the Nebraska park chain. Located in the Ponca Indian country on the high bluffs overlooking the "Old Muddy," the park provides a diversity of recreation. Five modern overnight cabins are nestled in the trees and far enough apart to provide privacy for all. Hiking trails are clearly marked and from one of the high lookouts three states—Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota—can be seen. Some of the features are scores of picnic sites; two stone shelters; fountains and fireplaces; three miles of drives; ten miles of footpaths and nature trails; rustic bridges; flowers in profusion; trees of many varieties and a vast variety of fossils. Deer, fox, rabbits, squirrels, raccoon, opossum and many native birds may be seen. RATES: Modern cabins, completely furnished, available at $4.00 to $5.00 per day; also weekly rate. Special rate for group camp facilities.

STOLLEY STATE PARK, three miles southwest of Grand Island in Hall county, is another historical landmark. It is the site of Old Fort Independence. Additional features include outdoor fireplaces, playground facilities and an old log cabin.

16 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

A Progress Report Gavin's Point Reservoir

by Elmer Carlson

NEBRASKA'S NEWEST FISHING spot is the recently filled Gavin's Point reservoir on the Missouri river, just east of Yankton, South Dakota. It is expected to be one of the most important fishing places in the eastern part of the state. At present there are few or no facilities at the reservoir. However, since the closing of the dam last year, there has been good fishing in the tailwaters.

The Gavin's Point area is to be mutually managed by the Nebraska and South Dakota Game Commissions. Joint programs and regulations have been established.

Joint Study

As the Gavin's Point investigations are to be a joint study by the two states, the job of management on the reservoir has been divided into two sections: 1. The fish sampling and rate of growth study, and 2. The creel census survey; with South Dakota taking charge of the fish sampling and Nebraska the creel census.

The creel census will be carried out much in the same manner as that carried on at Randall reservoir, by Ted Shields, of the South Dakota Commission. During 1956 the reservoir and tailwaters will be censused every other weekend from Friday morning until Monday evening.

On July 31, 1955, water was first diverted through the dam. Some fishing began in the tailwaters immediately. A traffic counter was borrowed from the South Dakota Conservation Department and installed on the tailwaters access road October 15. Five additional counters have been purchased for this project by Nebraska and will be used this spring.

A census taken at intervals during 1955 on the pool already formed behind the dam showed only a trace of fishing. A census of the tailwaters, however, indicated a good amount of fishing. People fishing below the dam had only one access road with which to reach the tailwaters. This was along the Nebraska shore. It is believed that next year, a road along the base of the dam will give South Dakotans access to the tailwaters.

Creel Census Results

The results of the weekend creel census indicate that drum, recognized as a game fish in Nebraska, was the fish caught in greatest quantity. It was believed that sauger would be caught in large numbers below the dam this fall, but such was not the case. The relatively small catch of sauger may be attributed in part to the method of fishing used by many fishermen not familiar with the habits of the sauger. However, sauger fishermen who have fished Randall as well as Gavin's Point claim that sauger fishing is much better at Randall reservoir.

The possibility exists that the sauger population may be more dense in the Gavin's Point tailwaters in the future because of an influx as a result of attempted spawning migrations last fall and winter.

The largest sauger officially recorded from the tailwaters was a fish weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces taken by Dale Johnson of Wausa, Nebr. This is a new Nebraska sauger record.

During the latter part of November, fishing dropped off sharply and during December, fishing, for all practical purposes, was nil.

Traffic Counter Results

If an average of the fish taken per hour during the census periods is projected into the traffic counter readings taken during October and November, we arrive at an estimate of 1200-1500 fish taken from October 15 to November 1 and 1000-1200 taken from November 1 to November 30.

RECIPE FOR A MAN A handful of freckles on a turned up nose Patched up jeans and muddy toes, An old cane pole and a battered can Dad's old straw hat and baked on tan. A faithful pup less pedigree A vacant space where a tooth should be, A secret place to sit and dream A fishin' hole on a noisy stream. The birds, the frogs, the bugs and snakes And grub like only Mother makes, And special times when Dad can come To fish and talk till day is done. It's such as these that link the span From a freckle nose kid to a worthwhile man. Paul Thygeson Gilbert SPRING ISSUE 17  

If projected into the five month period, the total number of fish taken between August 1, 1955, and January 1, 1956, could be estimated at 9,000-11,000 or approximately 10,000 pounds of fish. This amount of fish was taken by effort expended during approximately 6,800 fisherman days. Some 2.6% of the total fishermen estimated on the tailwaters were personally interviewed.

The idea of the brush pile "attractors" at Gavin's Point is to provide cover for minnows and forage fish in an area devoid of cover. It is further believed some species of game fish will be attracted to the submerged brush piles for food, cover, spawning, etc. The sites are legibly marked for the fishermen and it is intended that the accumulation of fish should increase the fisherman's catch.

Fish attractors in the form of giant brush piles have been completed in various areas on the reservoir floor. The locations, sizes, types of brush piles, securing, and marking of the same were carried out to conform with the wishes of both South Dakota and Nebraska Conservation Departments.

The attractors were placed in groups of three's. They were placed at elevations such that the tops of the brush piles would be under approximately eight feet of water after the reservoir is filled. Four groups of three brush piles each were placed along the Nebraska shore and three groups of three piles each were built along the South Dakota shore. All attractor groups were built in the lower eight miles of the reservoir which were completely cleared of cover. The brush piles were all placed with 3A mile of an access road and none occur more than Va mile from shore.

The size of the individual attractors averaged 100' x 50' x 10'.

The brush piles were constructed of large and small logs pushed together by bulldozers. Much of the material consisted of cottonwood, burr oak and elm logs. Although the brush piles appear quite compact at present, it is felt much of the small material and soil scraped into the pile will wash out with wave action.

The burr oak appears to be especially suited to attractor construction because of its combined flexibility and toughness. The bushy and scrubby nature of this tree are also desirable characteristics for cover.

They were secured by a series of % inch cables placed in parallel across the piles. Five to eight cables were used, depending on the individual size and construction of each pile. The cables were tautly secured to tree stumps and "deadmen" (auger type telephone cable anchors, 5 ft. in length) bored into the ground. Some trouble was caused by vandals stealing cable clamps but these were replaced before the piles were inundated.

The materials for the attractors were cut in the spring and had dried considerably by autumn possibly due partly to the exceptionally dry summer. It was thought that this may cause the logs to float and possibly break their moorings; however, the lake elevation has risen slowly and the brush piles show little tendency to float.

Attractor Markings

The Corps of Engineers indicated that if the fish attractors were to be marked it would be the responsibility of the two states. Various ideas were tried in an effort to build markers which would be serviceable and at the same time inexpensive. It was believed that the buoys should be bullet-proof if possible. An attempt was made to float an empty oxygen tank. It was figured that the weight of the water displaced was greater than the weight of the tank but the shape of the tank was not taken into account. The experiment did not work.

The South Dakota department had buoys built for the attractors bordering the South Dakota shore and Nebraska did the same for those bordering the Nebraska shore.

Following is a description of the construction of the Nebraska buoys. Buoys were finally constructed of empty 100 lb. grease barrels measuring approximately 36 inches in length and 18 inches in diameter. The barrels were cleaned and conditioned by sand blasting and burning out, and then given two coats of rust resistant primer paint inside and out. The outside upper two thirds of the barrel was then given a coat of red enamel.

The lower third and bottom of the barrel was painted with black asphalt paint as a precaution against freezing in during the winter. The black paint was used with the idea that black would absorb the sun's rays and possibly melt the ice immediately around the barrel before the ice breaks up or begins to move in the spring. This may eliminate the possibility of the barrel being torn loose from its moorings.

Because of the remote locations of the attractors, precautions were taken in an attempt to keep the barrels afloat even though they may be riddled by bullets from high powered rifles. Approximately 2V2 square feet of styrofoam (polystarene), a plastic material used to keep boats afloat, was placed in each barrel. We believe the displacement of water by the styrofoam will keep the barrels afloat even though bullet riddled.

One barrel was attached by cable and clamps to a center mooring cable on each brush pile. Stenciled in aluminum paint on the barrels in letters four and six inches in height are the words "BRUSH PILE — NEBRASKA GAME COMMISSION." The brush piles have been triangulated from shore before inundation so that if need be in the future, signs on shore may be erected showing the locations of the attractors.

Total cost of marking twelve attractors was approximately $207 or from $15 to $20 per brush pile. Approximately $67 was spent for materials and the remainder was figured as cost in hours of work in construction of the buoys.

18 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

Can We Help Bobwhite's Plight?

by George Schildman

THE BOB-WHITE QUAIL is a native Nebraskan—that is, he was here before white man arrived. But his range was confined to the southeastern corner and westward and northward along the wooded stream bottoms. Early settlers eliminated the prairie fires, planted osage orange hedges for fencing, and improved the food supply with cultivated crops. As a result, the bob-white not only increased his range westward and northward, but greatly increased his numbers.

Today we are reversing these trends. It is true that Nebraska has enjoyed excellent quail populations these past two years. But it is just as true, unless we start considering their welfare, that Nebraskans are going to experience some rather lean populations in the near future. This doesn't apply to our very best quail range—which should continue to support excellent populations. Conditions in these top quality areas are not changing rapidly. However, there is an extensive area bordering our better range that has supported fair to excellent populations in the past but in recent years has had a great portion of it rendered unsuitable for quail. Their numbers have been greatly reduced and in some locales eliminated.

SPRING ISSUE 19  

Why aren't the birds there anymore? In most instances the answer is simply that their home or habitat was removed in some cases food is also a problem but generally the food is available if cover was present. This is primarily confined to winter cover, although suitable nesting cover is sometimes lacking too. They can and will repopulate these areas if we improve cover conditions.

Resolving This Cover Problem

In the final analyses the land operator holds the success formula to Mr. Bob's problems. But others of us might be able to help them. The first step is retaining as much of our existing cover as is feasible.

Game Commission men don't intend to impede progress or interfere with modern agricultural practices. However, there are some instances in which wildlife cover is removed incidentally during cleanup work. Very often this cleanup work includes a lot of good wildlife cover that wasn't originally planned. By saving a portion of this cover, quail could have been saved; but, unfortunately, at the time the thought of saving cover and quail just didn't occur.

Possibly the burning of a fence row eliminated good nesting places. The next best place for ground nesting birds may be precarious, with only a low percentage of nests being successful. Often we find that burning accomplishes nothing of value for farming.

A wild plum thicket, or hedge row that was sprayed just to empty a spray tank may have completed the house keeping requirements for a covey of quail or a couple of pheasants. Without these, the birds just aren't there.

The second step is establishing new cover. Many, if not most, of us have a spot or two around the farm that would be suitable and possibly desirable to have a multiflora fence. Possibly ownership boundaries in some cases could be delineated by a multiflora rose fence. Or perhaps you would prefer a lilac or honeysuckle or spirea hedge. Perhaps there is an odd corner that could be set aside with a living fence or maybe just a clump planting. Maybe your farm pond needs a fence to set it off. Each additional piece of cover may effect greater survival of what we have—or may establish an entirely new community of wildlife species.

None of the species of plants previously mentioned are as attractive to wildlife (both game and non-game species) as the osage orange hedge. However, they could mean the difference between having some wildlife and having none at all. And it doesn't take as much space as you might think. A strip eight feet wide and a mile long would occupy a little less than one acre. A large mature multiflora rose fence occupies a strip about 8 feet wide.

Multiflora rose and a variety of other plants may be obtained free of charge by contacting your Game Commission District office. It is too late for 1956. Something over a million rose plants and several hundred thousand other plants are already allocated for 1956 planting. However, now would be the time to plan for next year's planting season.

Nebraska has lost and is still losing much of her woody cover and even just plain grassy fence rows. Also being lost are the wildlife species that utilize the hedge row for protection and the grassy fence rows for nesting sites. Lost to each of us, whether we live in the city or on the farm, is the inspirational, health, knowledge and recreational values; the beauty; and the understanding and satisfaction that accompanies an enjoyable day out-of-doors.

OLD DUKE

He was more than just a big old dog Best friend I've ever known He always did his share to help To make our house a home. There's an empty spot within my heart I guess there'll always be I thought an awful lot of Duke And Duke thought a lot of me. I sure do miss old Duke. I'll always miss his welcome whine When I come home at night. That waggin' tail that went in circles Sayin' everything's all right. I miss his big old ugly head A rubbin' close as he could get His big brown eyes of deep affection How can I forget. I sure do miss old Duke. Duke wasn't any fancy breed With fame or pedigree But his heart was big as the open fields He used to hunt with me. In some strange way it seems He always understood My changing moods, and tried to please The very best he could. I sure do miss old Duke. The Indians told of hunting grounds Beyond the setting sun Where spirits of the* faithful hunters Lived when life was done. And so I pray this may be true Some strange eternity Where dogs like Duke, with tail a waggin' Wait in hope for guys like me. I sure do miss old Duke. Paul Thygeson Gilbert 20 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

What About NORTHERN PIKE?

by Bruce McCarraher

DURING THE SUMMER of 1955 a questionnaire was submitted to 25 states and Canadian provinces for an up-to-date evaluation of the northern pike in their sport fishery. Returns were received from 22 states and provincial organizations reflecting such information.

Eighteen states reported on the popularity of the northern relative to resident and non-resident fishing. The residents of 11 states regard the northern in high esteem, while seven states considered the fish of low fishing value. The northern reaches its greatest form of popularity in the upper midwest states, with a fringe area in New York and Pennsylvania. Of the 18 states and provinces reporting non-resident values, 14 consider the fish high in sport fishing popularity.

In the non-resident group, selective fishing becomes important. A remark on the Vermont questionnaire exemplifies this situation: "Under Vermont laws the northern pike may be shot while in the act of spawning, but you need a hunting license. Non-residents consider this fish a prize catch, natives catch them and they wind-up on the manure pile." Northwest Territory, Canada, reports that the northern pike is considered a rough fish, though some are taken in commercial nets and shipped to U. S. markets. The crux of the matter seems to be local prejudice against fish—a bias that has prevailed throughout the past, but recently becoming less noticeable in many areas.

In the Sandhill lake region of Nebraska, where for generations of fishermen the bass and bluegill have reigned as the only fish worth having, in-roads have been made with stocking of pike in lakes and ponds, much of the pleasure of the vast majority of fishermen.

Spawn Production

Of the eight states and provinces reporting Northern spawn taking operations, it is estimated that between 44,000,000 to 46,000,000 eggs are taken annually. Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota lead in the production of eggs. The percent of hatch derived from this production ranges from 3% to 82%; with an eight state average of 32%. Six years ago the estimated percent of hatch average was only 18 to 20%.

A total of 16 states reported on the growth rate of one-year-old fish, from hatching date to the following spring. This growth average was 10.6" with a reported range from 7" to 17". Those pike stocked in farm ponds appeared to grow considerably faster with an average of 17.6", based on information from three states. The states of North Dakota, Montana, Ohio, and Nebraska have successfully introduced the fish into larger farm and ranch ponds. The true role of the northern in larger farm ponds has not been adequately evaluated as of this date.

The state of Montana, in cooperation frith the Fish and Wildlife Service, started using northern pike in farm ponds above three acres in size in 1945. Wherever vegetation could exist, the initial introduction of pike was all that was necessary. During the present year, northern pike fingerlings have been introduced into five to seven acre farm ponds in Northern Nebraska. These plantings are made with adult bluegill spawners, the young bluegills providing the only forage fish available. Growth of the young northerns has been good, with an average growth of 10" in four months.

Northerns As Predators

On the question regarding the fish as an efficient predator species, 77% of the reporting 22 states indicated the northern as an important and satisfactory predator fish. Doubt still exists among those states with high bullhead populations, as to the over-all importance of the northern in reducing and checking black bullhead populations.

Only six states indicated that they are expanding their hatching and rearing facilities in respect to the northern pike production. Attention is being directed toward the natural production of pike fingerlings through the use of selected adult breeders in small drainable ponds.

The question: "Is your Department conducting a research study on the northern pike?", brought positive replies from 10 states. The following nine research projects were in action at this time:

1. Improvement of Natural Spawning Areas. 2. Life History Studies. 3. Growth Studies and Food Habits. 4. Hybridization and Parasites. 5. Hatchery and Transportation Techniques. 6. Fishing Success and Total Harvest. 7. As a predator on Yellow Perch Populations (Saskatchewan). 8. Experimental feeding — Fry and Fingerling Stage. 9. Use of the Northern as a Predator in Farm Ponds and Lakes.

Studies with the northern as a predator species proved to be the most popular with 40% of the states reporting this project underway at this time. Hatchery and transportation techniques concerned 30% of the interested states.

Closed Seasons

The question: "Do you have a closed season on the northern during the spawning period?", was answered by 19 states and provinces. Fourteen states disclosed a closed season, while five states continued the fishing season during the spawning period. Several of the states now having open seasons during the spawning dates are now considering having closed seasons.

In summarizing this paper, it must be assumed that the northern pike exhibits a rather unique place in the North American sport fishery, inasmuch as it is either an extremely popular fish or greatly disliked. There seems to be little neutral feeling when it comes to public opinion regarding this fish. It is a well known fact that the elongated appearance of this fish injects much unjustified bias against the species long before introductions are attempted. This physical objection is being overcome in many localities through the use of public relations contacts.

The range of the northern is expanding east and west through experimental introductions. Colorado and Wyoming have recently expressed a desire to obtain eggs or fry for introductory plantings in their warm water reservoirs.

In the state of Pennsylvania, where the greatest need in their warm water fisheries program is for an efficient

conlinued on page 25 SPRING ISSUE 21

1955 KILL SURVEY

HUNTER SUCCESS SURVEY — NEBRASKA — 1955 INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill out this form completely. Please use your tally card hunting record and report only YOUR hunting kill. Do not report the hunting kill of any other sportsman with whom you may have hunted. WATERFOWL 1. Number of days this season YOU hunted waterfowl 2-Z- 2. In what county did you hunt waterfowl most (A K-L. 5. Number of each kind of geese you bagged: Blue and Snow [7] 3. Total number of waterfowl YOU bagged: DUCKS[2.7 ] GEESE [ 3 ] 4. Write the number of ducks you bagged during the following periods: Nov. 17-Nov. 26.[7] Oct. 8-0ct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 27 Oct. 28-Nov. 6 Nov. 7-Nov. 16. L9_ a Nov. 27-Dec. 6.[7J Baldpate (widgeon)., [o] Dec. 7-Dec. 16.[5] Shoveller (spoon-bill) [7] Dec. 17-Dec. 21.[~g Green-wing teal.[0 Canada White-front (speckle-belly)..Q] Unknown.[7] 6. Number of each kind of duck you bagged: Mallard [/7J Blue-wing teal...[7] Gadwall Pintail Canvasback [7] Redhead [T] Scaup (blue bill) [g Coot (mud hen) [0] Unknown HP UPLAND GAME 7. Number days YOU hunted pheasants 8. Write the number of pheasants you bagged during the following periods: Oct. 22 Oct. 26...g Nov. 3-Nov. 9.[jf] Oct. 27 Nov. 2.[g Nov. 10-Nov. 13.[7] 9. Number days YOU hunted quail Q. 10. Write the number of quail you bagged during the following periods: Nov. 5-Nov. 9.[7] Nov. 17-Nov. 23.jgj Nov. 10-Nov. 16\a\ Nov. 24-Nov. 30.[7] 11. Number days YOU hunted a grouse 12. Total number of grouse you bagged: Sharptail .fol Prairie Chicken Maybe you were one of over 7,000 hunters that received this questionnaire. Here are the results of the 195 5 survey. by Phil Agee

EVER since game managers and researchers have delved into the facts and figures of wildlife, they have been haunted by one big question mark — the actual number of ducks, pheasants or what-have-you taken in any hunting season.

From time to time various interested persons have attempted to estimate harvest. Some based their estimates on known values, others based them on supposition while a few resorted to pure fancy. Some of the estimates may have been accurate but in general, procedure had not been followed which provided for checking the accuracy.

A couple of years ago, several states employed a survey aimed at determining how many ducks and geese were killed. They used a method which was designed by Mr. Earl Atwood of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Being a statistician, Mr. Atwood based it on information from samples of all types of hunters from good to poor. He provided for checks and corrections wherever necessary. By careful study, and planning he showed how to eliminate many of the biases and "unknowns" in the data so that the results would be accurate within 10 percent.

For the 1954 hunting season, Harvey Miller, who is in charge of waterfowl studies in Nebraska, made such a survey of the kill of ducks and geese in this state. For the 1955 season, he expanded it to include pheasants, quail and grouse as well. The results of these surveys are both interesting and valuable, for they have given us for the first time, reliable estimates of the numbers of these species taken by Nebraska hunters.

Figure 1. Reported Hunter Success and Estimated Statewide Kill of Waterfowl and Upland Game Birds Species Ducks Information, reported by 3190 buyers of hunting licenses Av. number Av. kill % who of trips per day 40.2 — — Calculated mean seasonal kill per hunter 9.76 Statewide estimates (168,027 buyers of hunting licenses) Number who Total num hunted ber bagged 67,788 661,882 Geese — — 0.20 13,557 Pheasants 61.7 4.15 1.10 4.48 104,043 466,113 Quail 9.9 2.50 2.18 4.33 16,694 72,285 Grouse 4.2 1.69 1.31 2.17 7,032 15,259

It should be pointed out that only licensed, resident hunters were included in the survey; hence, kill figures do not include birds killed by hunters under 16 years of age (no license required), birds killed by non-resident hunters or birds shot illegally. The number of licensed, resident hunters used here for 1955 (168,627) probably is not exact 22 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   since it was calculated when records of sales were about 97 percent complete.

1954 Waterfowl Season

The survey showed that in 1954, ducks and geese were hunted by 52,857 Nebraskans. This army of hunters bagged a total of 344,945 ducks of which 53 percent were mallards, 14 percent were green-winged teal, 10 percent blue-winged teal and 6 percent were pintail. The remainder of the bag was made up of shovellers, bluebills, redheads, canvasbacks, gadwalls, baldpates and others.

These hunters also bagged 13,058 geese. "Snows" and "blues" made up 41 percent of this total followed by canada-type geese, 32 percent and white-fronted geese (specks), 14 percent.

1955 Waterfowl and Upland Seasons

Since the 1955 survey involved several species, the results are shown in the Figure below. The kill of ducks and geese are not given by species since these calculations are not yet completed.

Waterfowl

It is apparent that, as a whole, Nebraskans enjoyed an excellent duck season in 1955. The average season kill per hunter increased by half while the total number bagged was nearly twice the 1954 total due to an increased number of hunters.

The total kill of geese in the state however, remained about the same as in 1954.

A CHRISTMAS INTERLUDE Jeweled footprints follow me through moon drenched virgin snow That echoes back the shining star of Christmas long ago As on I wander, hypnotized by winter's solitude. Complaining snow beneath my feet, the only human interlude Except for drowsy chimney's breathing mists upon the night As they poke their sooty heads above their covers fluffy white While deep beneath the tufted ermine sleeps the quiet little town With tiny lights that sparkle in the diamonds on the ground. I pause before a friendly window framing deep a glistening pine With low hung branches heavy where the tinseled lights entwine And at its feet in neat confusion, well dressed presents waiting there Each one a bit of human love, an answer to a wee one's prayer The little tree sings out its gladness, as tho' it lived just for tonight And proudly cradles scented arms about its nest of tinted light Just a symbol of a forest, lighted as by stars above Reflecting man's own pause for worship, thoughts of everlasting love. Paul Thygeson Gilbert Pheasants

While it is generally agreed that our pheasant population is very low, it is interesting to find that the total harvest during the 1955 season amounted to nearly V2 million. By considering this number relative to the area of Nebraska it was found that hunters bagged 6 cocks for each square mile of land in the state.

While this may appear to be a large harvest for the state as a whole, it was not in excess of the number available for harvest. Post-season observations showed the population to include 56 cocks for every 100 hens. In many states a substantially greater portion of the cocks is harvested without noticeable effect on the following year's population.

Quail

While quail are not always thought of as an important game bird in this state, they were found to provide recreation for more than 16,000 hunters in 1955. And more hunters probably could have participated in this sport without damaging the quail population, for considerable portions of the open area went virtually untouched.

Grouse

Two species of grouse dominate the uplands in the Sandhills. For many years these have provided recreation and food for Nebraskans. In 1955 about 5% of our hunters availed themselves of this sport. Their total bag of more than 15,000 grouse was made up of about 64% sharp-tailed grouse and 36% prairie chickens.

Effect Of Long Seasons

In addition to data on hunter success, the 1955 survey illustrated the effect of the length of the season on the total kill of pheasants and quail. Each hunter was asked to report his bag of these species by specified segments of the seasons so that we might graph the distribution of the kills through the seasons (see Figure 2 below).

These data show a marked decline in the kill as the seasons progressed, agreeing favorably with other such data from previous hunting seasons. This decline is important for it illustrates that longer hunting seasons do not result in proportionately greater harvests of either pheasants or quail. As shown by the graph, during our 1955 pheasant season of 21 half-days, hunters harvested, not two times as many, but less than 1.5 times as many birds as they would have taken in a season half as long.

SPRING ISSUE 23

1956 FISHING REGULATIONS 1956

SPECIES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT TROUT (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 10.) "BLACKl3ASS~ 10 10 WHITE BASS (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 50.) 15 15 CRAPPIE (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 50.) (Except in Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Brown, Box Butte, Boyd, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Kimball, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas and Wheeler counties, where the limit is 30). 15 15 ROCK BASS (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 50.) 15 15 BULLHEADS (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties AND in Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Brown, Box Butte, Boyd, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Kimball, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas and Wheeler counties, where the limit is 50.) 15 PERCH (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties AND in Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Brown, Box Butte, Boyd, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Kimball, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas and Wheeler counties, where there is no limit.) 25 15 25 WALLEYE or SAUGER or both (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Bovd. Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 16.) NORTHERN PIKE (Except in Gavins Point reservoir and the Missouri River in Boyd, Cedar and Knox counties, where the limit is 6.) CATFISH (Channel, Blue, Yellow) 10 10 BLUEGILL and SUNFISH (Green, Orange-Spotted and Pumpkinseed) No limit No limit FRESHWATER DRUM No limit No limit AREA OPEN: The entire state is open to fishing excepting private lakes closed to the public or areas closed by Federal or State law or city ordinance. SEASON: Open the entire year on all species. SIZE LIMITS: No size limits on fish caught with hook and line. TRANSPORTING MINNOWS: It shall be unlawful for any person to transport live minnows out of the state in any manner. DAILY BAG: Means fish taken from midnight to midnight. POSSESSION LIMIT: Means fish in possession of any person at any time. There is no limit on bluegill, sunfish (green, orange-spotted, and pumpkinseed) or on non-game fish.

Fishing In Southeastern Nebraska

continued from page 12

Creek—bullheads, catfish, carp; Salt Creek cut-off at Greenwood—bullheads; Oak Creek Lakes at Lincoln—catfish, bullheads, carp, perch, crappie, buffalo; Salt Creek—bullheads, catfish, sunfish; Rock Creek—bullheads, catfish.

MERRICK COUNTY: Booth Sandpit at Central City—bass, bluegill; Hord Lake (State) at Central City—crappie, perch, bass, bluegill, bullheads, walleye; Scotts Sandpits at Clarks — crappie, bullheads, bass, bluegill, catfish; Platte River—catfish, bullheads, sunfish.

NEMAHA COUNTY: Little Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Muddy Creek—catfish, bullheads, carp; Missouri River—catfish, bullheads, carp.

NUCKOLLS COUNTY: Little Blue River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Republican River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Sandy Creek—catfish, bullheads, carp.

OTOE COUNTY: Missouri River —catfish, bullheads, carp; Little Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads, carp; North Fork of Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads, carp; South Fork of Little Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads, carp.

PAWNEE COUNTY: City Pond at Pawnee City—bluegill, bullheads, carp, crappie; Izaak Walton Lake at Table Rock—bass, bluegill, bullhead; Turkey Creek—bullheads, catfish; North Fork of Nemaha—catfish, carp, bullheads; South Fork of Nemaha—catfish, bullheads, carp.

POLK COUNTY: Clear Creek—crappie, bluegill; Big Blue River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Platte River—catfish, bullheads, carp.

RICHARDSON COUNTY: Four Mile Creek at Humboldt—bullheads; Humboldt City Lake—bullheads, carp, catfish; 24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   Nemaha River—catfish, bullheads, carp; South Fork of Nemaha—catfish, bullheads, carp; Muddy Creek—carp, catfish, bullheads; Verdon Lake (State) —crappie, catfish, bass, bullheads.

SALINE COUNTY: Big Blue River-catfish, bullheads, carp, walleye, black bass, crappie; Crete City Sandpits—bullheads, bass, bluegill; College Pond at Crete—bullheads; Blue River Recreation Grounds (State)—catfish, bullheads, carp; Turkey Creek — catfish, bullheads, bass.

SARPY COUNTY: Salt Creek cut-off at Ashland — catfish, bullheads, carp; Papillion Creek—bullheads; Platte River—catfish, carp, bullheads; Missouri River — catfish, carp, bullheads, sturgeon.

SAUNDERS COUNTY: Clear Creek at Ashland—bass, bullheads; Salt Creek cut-off at Ashland—catfish, bullheads, sunfish; Oak Creek—bullheads; Platte River—carp, catfish, bullheads; Rock Creek — bullheads; Memphis Lake (State)—catfish, bullheads, bluegill, bass, crappie; Sand Creek—bullheads; Silver Creek—bullheads, catfish; Wahoo Creek—catfish, bullheads.

SEWARD COUNTY: Big Blue River —catfish, carp, bullheads; West Blue River—catfish, carp, bullheads; Seward City Park Lake — bullheads; Lincoln Creek—bullheads, catfish; Blue River Recreation Grounds (State)—catfish, bullheads, crappie, perch.

THAYER COUNTY: Little Blue River —catfish, bullheads, carp; Sandy Creek — bullheads, catfish, perch, crappie; Spring Creek—bullheads, carp, catfish.

WEBSTER COUNTY: Elm Creek — trout; Republican River—catfish, bullheads, carp; Pawnee Lake—bass, bluegill, crappie, bullheads, walleye.

YORK COUNTY: West Blue Rivercarp, catfish, bullheads; Beaver Creek-carp, catfish, bullheads; Lincoln Creek —carp, catfish, bullheads.

Northern Pike

continued from page 21

predatory game fish, the northern is being introduced to fulfill this requirement. Little initial success has been obtained with plantings in the midsouth states.

As the northern pike becomes introduced into new waters throughout the continent, it will, where plants are successful, tend to popularize itself with fishermen in a short period of time. The future appears unlimited for this fish in regions of high availability and the consequent removal of public bias against the species.

Walleyes In Nebraska

continued from page 5

spawning in the reservoir.

The seine and gill net samples of Minatare reservoir contained seven walleye of the 1951 year class in a sample of 84 fish, yet xio walleye were stocked in the lake that year. Examination of the stocking and salvage records and conservation with personnel of the seining crew indicate that small walleye were recovered from the Minatare ditches in the fall after adult walleye were first stocked in the lake in 1944.

There is a definite need for more information concerning the contribution of natural spawned fish and stocked fish in these reservoirs after a population of spawning size fish is established. Since no walleye were stocked in Minatare, Box Butte and only a few in McConaughy during 1955 the collections over the next few years should be of interest in confirming the presence of natural spawned walleye.

In each of the four reservoirs there now appears to be populations of spawning size fish. However, in Box Butte where walleye were introduced in 1947, the slow growth rate undoubtedly has affected the development of an adequate population of spawning adults.

It appears that the present system of stocking walleye should be altered to a program of concentrating on new reservoirs for a period of about three years in an effort to build up populations of spawning size walleye. In the reservoirs where we know there are now populations of spawning size adults it would seem well to consider altering the present stocking program in favor of a system of heavy stocking at intervals of a few years rather than yearly stockings.

Summary

A total of 355 walleye scale samples from four Western Nebraska irrigation reservoirs were studied by the scale method. The fish ranged in age from young-of-the-year to year-class seven.

Growth rates for the walleye in three of the reservoirs—Harlan county, McConaughy and Minatare — were considered as good and compared favorably with the better growth rates reported from reservoirs of other areas. The slowest growth rates, in Box Butte, were comparable with the growth rates reported for many northern waters including Minnesota and Iowa.

It was shown that walleye are spawning successfully in the reservoirs, and in a single sandhill lake, during 1955, young-of-the-year fish were recovered from Box Butte and Minatare where no fingerlings were stocked.

In Minatare and Box Butte reservoirs there were walleye of the 1951 year class, when no walleye were stocked, indicating successful spawning is contributing to the populations in both reservoirs. Population levels and dominant year classes do not correlate well with the stocking record in McConaughy, suggesting successful spawning in that lake.

Examination of the stomachs indicates the walleye were utilizing the forage fishes available.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY Please, Lord, let me stay a kid, Do I have to be a man? I like the way us kids are livin', Let it stay so, if you can. Sure, I've got my problems, Lord, Like school, and castor oil, Like the time I broke the window, And the time I had a boil. But gosh, Lord, growin' up Sure changes folks and things, Fd rather not be bothered With the trouble that it brings. Big folks keep a talkin' 'bout The younger generation, But we ain't messin' up our stuff Like they're messin' up the nation. They keep a naggin' all the time Be good, be kind, and such, But they ain't doin' what they're preachin', At least, not very much. They seem to rush and worry so And always talkin' money, Tellin' us to take it easy. It seems, Lord, kind of funny. They work so hard so they can play, But never quite know how, Fact is, they don't get 'round to play The way that I do now. Oh well, I can't be bothered, Here's my worms, now where's a can ? Here's my pole, I better hurry Fore I've got to be a man. Paul Thygeson Gilbert SPRING ISSUE 25

BROWN TROUT

by Jack R. Heaton

A FLAKE OF GOLD from a streamside cottonwood spirals in lazy circles to the stream below, skims the surface and swirls over the tumbling riffle intr the cool shadows which hold the nip of fall. Your eye follows and there just where the riffle breaks a pair of brown trout are disclosed. They match the stream gravel so well you had missed them before.

The brown trout is a sturdy fellow without the brilliance of the brook trout or the cartwheeling leaps of a hooked rainbow but to many trout fishermen this matters not at all. The color is generally an olive to greenish brown with large black and red-orange spots which have a pale border. The belly tends to be yellowish and during the spawning season a breeding male may have a bright orange color in this area.

The lower fins are edged in yellowish white and an unwary fisherman may confuse this with the pure white edges of a brook trout's fins. The squarish tail has no spots or markings which readily distinguishes this fish from the brook and rainbow trouts.

In size the brown is a heavyweight with the worlds record a 39 pound 8 ounce fish taken in Scotland. They will commonly reach weights of 5 to 10 pounds and the Nebraska record brown trout is an 11 pound 4 ounce fish caught in Otter Creek. There are undoubtedly some old residents in some of the streams which will beat this record, but catching them is another matter.

Brown trout are nocturnal in their feeding although a good hatch of mayflies may bring them out on an orgy of feeding in midday. They are the delight of the fly fisherman, since they feed largely on insects and even large fish will occasionally rise to a mayfly or a well presented imitation.

Generally, however, the brown is extremely cautious and a careless or heavy footfall, a heavy leader, or shadow on the water will put them in hiding and the fishing is done. Although a large number o'f the trout are taken on flies the bait fisherman has an equal chance and with the larger fish he will win the prizes. A large brown wants food, preferably in large chunks, so a gob of worms or a frisky minnow will probably be more likely to lure him into that last fatal mistake. Of course the plugs and lures which imitate minnows do well for the fisherman who knows how and where to use them.

You may know him as a brown trout, Von Behr trout, brownie, German trout, German brown, spotted trout, loch, Loch Leven brown or by his Latin name of Salmo irutta and he will be the same fish. This trout calls Europe his native home, but as early as 1883 eggs of the brown trout were brought to this country from Germany. Later eggs were introduced from Scotland and now the stocks from Scotland and Germany have become so intermingled that most authorities make no effort to distinguish between the two strains. At any rate this member of the Salmon family is well established all across our land and is the most abundant trout in most Nebraska trout streams.

Now, let us return to the pair of trout we observed over the gravel of the riffle. Those who follow the Nebraska streams in the fall may thus witness an ageless and classic drama for we have found a pair of brown trout and they are about to spawn. Settle and wait awhile and you may see the trout excavate a dish shaped hole in the gravel of the bottom or perhaps this task is already completed. Then you may observe the pair as they lay side by side, brilliant spawning colors flashing as they turn; observe the elongated, hooked jaws which distinguish the spawning male and even see the deposition of the eggs which fall into the crevices of the gravel of the spawning nest.

The brown trout spawn in the fall when water temperatures drop into the low 50° range or lower, so you must be afield during October through December to observe spawning in Nebraska streams. The number of eggs our fish may lay will depend upon the size of the female for she may lay only a few hundred eggs if she is small or several thousand if she is large. If you should find a spawning pair of trout and are able to visit them over a period of several days you will see that the fish remain at the redd or nest until all eggs are deposited and then battered and scarred, slack sided and with the brilliant colors dulled they move away and disappear into a deep pool or under an overhanging bank.

Parental duties are done and now each egg is left to the whims of chance and Nature. How long will the eggs remain in the gravel? That is dependent upon the temperature of the water for at cooler temperatures the incubation period is prolonged. Where the water is at about 51 degrees the eggs will hatch in about 48 to 51 days. The young fish do not immediately go in search of food for they have a food supply from the yolk of the egg which sustains them during their first days out of the egg. As soon as this yolk sac is absorbed the tiny fry is ready to venture out in search of food.

Tiny animals of almost microscopic size are the first food, then slightly larger animals, insects and then adult insects. By the time a brown trout is a foot long he will feed upon most anything including minnows, insects, mice or whatever should chance into the stream.

The wariness of this species coupled with their ability to withstand higher temperatures and serious flooding cause the brown to be able to withstand conditions and fishing pressures which would soon deplete populations of brook or rainbow trout. Since the brown does not have the wander lust of a rainbow the fish will remain in the streams where they are placed and generally migrate little except during the spawning season when they will move upstream.

In most Nebraska waters where streams are small, fishing pressure often high, water temperatures high during the summer and flashfloods frequent the brown trout is the only one of the three species of trout that seems capable of maintaining itself in the majority of the streams. However, even the brown trout needs cool, pure water. In almost every Nebraska stream there is evidence of the deterioration of our trout waters. Heavy grazing, which removes streamside vegetation and results in unstable banks and less shade and cover as well as sand and silt from poorly used range and cropland which fill the pools, cover the spawning gravel and decrease the food are just as dangerous to trout as pollution by chemicals and sewage.

However, from Verdigre Creek in the northeast, to Long Pine Creek, on out to the White River down to the Niobrara, then Red Willow, Nine Mile and other Platte Valley streams and on to the Lodgepole Creek you will find brown trout. Almost every stream where summer water temperatures are not too high and there is good gravel for spawning has brown trout in residence.

Do not sell him short—he may not jump—or be the most beautiful of the trouts, but he is here to stay and among the trout is the best able to take all the rough times both Mother Nature and the fishermen give him here on the plains.

26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

The challenge of conservation