Outdoor NEBRASKA

Vol. 35, No. 3 Editorial Staff Dick H. Schaffer Editor C. G. Pritchard Artist Fred B. Gibbs Photographer Leota Ostermeier Circulation Commissioners Frank Button Ogallala La Verne Jacobsen St. Paul Floyd Stone Alliance Leon A. Sprague Red Cloud Don F. Robertson North Platte George Pinkerton Beatrice Robert H. Hall Omaha Administrative Staff Melvin O. Steen Director Eugene H. Baker Construction and Engineering Glen R. Foster Fisheries Dick H. Schaffer Information and Education Jack D. Strain Land Management Lloyd P. Vance Game 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. All material appearing in this magazine may be reprinted/ provided a credit line is included giving credit to magazine and author. GRAHAM PRINTING — LINCOLN, NEBR.

Table of Contents

AROUND THE STATE IN EIGHT DAYS by Jack D. Strain page 3 SAFETY CHECK FOR SUMMER BOATING page 6 MEET THE BULLFROG page 8 FAIR PLAY by Sam Grasmick page 10 IN MEMORIAM—John J. Tooley page 11 FISH STOCKING—Does It Pay? by Glen R. Foster page 12 LIMITING FACTORS by Phil Agee page 13 NEBRASKA STATE PARKS page 14 TROUT TALK by Jack Heaton page 16 SAND PITS FOR SPORT FISHING by O. E. Orr page 18 STATE'S MOST LIBERAL HARVEST OF BIG GAME page 19 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA QUIZ page 21 COTURNIX STOCKING UNDER WAY page 22 FOUR SEASONS AT SWANSON LAKE page 24 SHOP TALK FROM OTHER STATES page 25 NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA—Redtail Hawk page 26 NAME THE SILHOUETTE page 28

AROUND THE STATE IN EIGHT DAYS

by JACK D. STRAIN Land Management Chief

So you can't afford a vacation this year? Well now, wait a minute. What about a trip around Nebraska? Oh, so when you go on vacation you want to go somewhere, and besides, you know all about your own state. You do, huh? Okay. W h e r e's Smith Falls? Volcano Hill? Seven Springs? What! You never even heard of them? I thought you knew all about Nebraska. Well, if you don't know that the Seven Springs are near Long Pine; that Lewis and Clark, in their journal, described a Nebraska "volcano" along the bluffs of the Missouri; and if you haven't seen Nebraska's highest falls, where a beautiful little stream leaps into the Niobrara River canyon a short distance east of Valentine, you have lots of company.

"Well," you say, "I just don't feel like I've been anywhere unless I put some miles on the old buggy." Brother, you came to the right place. Do you know that if you live in Falls City, it is nearer to Chicago than to Chadron State Park? Or, if you are an Omahan, that Madison, Wise, is nearer to your mailbox than the flashing brook trout in Monroe Creek? Get yourself a map and a piece of string and see for yourself.

Just for the fun of it, let's lay out a trip around Nebraska and figure what it will cost. Get out that old SUMMER ISSUE 3   road map, a pencil, and a piece of paper. Maybe we can squeeze a little summer trip out of the budget after all.

For the sake of a starting point, let's say you live in Omaha and are a family of four. You took off nearly a week this spring to paint the house, and you only have eight days left of your "two weeks with pay."

You are going to take things easy on this trip and see things on the way. So let's relax, eat a good breakfast, load the car, and get away about 9.

You are headed for Ponca State Park in Dixon County—about 25 miles northwest of South Sioux City—and you're going to get there around noon, as this is a short leg on the trip. You have a choice of two routes for about two-thirds of the way—U. S. 73E or 77. Since 73E is the shortest, take it. There will be a few miles of gravel on the way, but the view up and down the river near Blackbird Hill is magnificent, and the "old road" leads through the heart of the Winnebago country. When you reach South Sioux City, take U. S. 20 west to State Highway 12, then north to the park.

Ponca State Park, you will find, typifies the oak-covered hills along the Missouri River. And although not extremely large, it makes it up in beauty. First thing to do is to check into park headquarters and meet Dallas Johnson, the superintendent. He ill point out your cabin.

The kids will be hungry, so chow somes next in the order of business. As you put the perishables into the refrigerator, a quick glance around the knotty-pine cabin will turn up two bedrooms with freshly made double beds, a couch, shower, toilet, kitchenette with an apartment-size range, sink, dishes, cooking utensils; and in the main room, a table and chairs.

After lunch, if your youngsters are like mine, the next move is to the new Centennial pool. Completed in 1956, the pool is modern in every respect, including its long octagonal shape. A filtration and chlorination system keeps the water sparkling.

Next, perhaps, a visit on foot to the playground area, or a drive through the winding roads to the east shelter house, from which vantage point three states—Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota—can be seen. After exploring the park, you'll be ready for supper. It can be a conventional meal at the cabin, or a picnic at one of the many areas provided in the park.

Darkness falls swiftly back in the deep recesses of the park valleys, and with it comes evening coolness. Jackets and blankets may be needed, even in mid-summer. A big day tomorrow, so early to bed.

Target for the next day is Niobrara State Park, located near the confluence of the Niobrara and the Missouri Rivers. As you will want to see Gavins Point Reservoir on the way, get an early start.

While the lady of the house gets breakfast, figure the first day's expenses. They should be something like this: gasoline—$2.88; food (two meals away from home)—$4; cabin (double, two adults and one child over 12)— $6; swimming (two adults @ 35c, one child @ 20c, one child under 6, free)—90c. Total expenses—$13.78.

Getting under way from Ponca, you can take State Highway 12 out of that town to the junction of U. S. 81, north to the surfaced road leading to Gavins Point Dam, then west on this road for your first look at this mighty flood-control structure. By following the signs you can easily locate the recreation facilities at the Deep Water and Wiegand Creek Areas within a few miles of the dam. You can break out your lunch before continuing on, or you might want to turn back on Highway 98 to No. 12 to the Lewis and Clark Lake Area.

Proceeding on west to Niobrara, you pass near the toll ferry just east of town. There aren't many of these left, so you may want to stop by and have a look.

Niobrara State Park is a mile west of town. At the entrance, turn left off Highway 12 into the headquarters area and meet A. G. "Mac" McCarroll, superintendent. Cabin accommodations here are equal or superior to those at Ponca, depending upon whether or not you get one of the latest designed units, for which you need reservations. Every effort was made in building these new units to provide for family enjoyment, with a special eye toward making it a vacation for the Mrs., too.

Niobrara Park provides a variety of activity, including a nine-hole golf course, fishing and boating in the newly improved park lagoon, and swimming in a new pool opening for the first time this summer.

You have the choice of eating the evening meal in your cabin, a picnic in the park, or if you prefer, at a cafe in town—or possibly a fish dinner at a local inn that specializes along that line.

Expenses for the day: gasoline— $2.40; food—$5; cabin—$6; swimming —90c. Day's total—$14.30.

The third day might be spent taking a picnic lunch in a side trip back to Gavins Point and possibly the Devils Nest Area, then back to the park for a swim and possibly a boat ride, or a round of golf. Fishing for all hands in the evening.

Third day's expenses: gasoline— $1.60; cabin—$6; food—$6; boat rental —50c; golf—free; fishing permit for the wife, who decided she would like to try it—$1.50. Day's total—$15.60.

An early start is indicated for the fourth day. You can go all the way to Chadron State Park, a long haul, or you can stop over half way, say, at Valentine. If you decide on the stopover, you'll need commercial overnight facilities, as there are no state parks in the area. This leg of the trip takes you into the sandhills, a unique area of the state. Far from being the barren area that the name implies, its lush valleys, hundreds of natural lakes, and magnificent hills are a sight to behold.

Here your children may see their first bona fide cowboy. He will not be wearing a white 10-gallon hat and two guns as they may expect. Instead OUTDOOR NEBRASKA 4   he will be wearing boots, jeans, a worn shirt, and a battered western straw—the summer trade mark of the working cowboy. If you stop to ask questions, he will be friendly but reserved, quiet and positive in his answers, and painfully polite.

You will get into Valentine early enough to slip out to the Fort Niobrara Big Game Refuge east of town on Highway 12, to see the long-horned cattle, elk, and the largest herd of buffalo in Nebraska. The longhorns are a must for visitors, for the sweep of the horns on some of these animals is unbelievable. Here there is also a fine museum.

Just on east of the refuge is Smith Falls. Ask how to get there, and be prepared to walk a little; it will be worth it. Also in the general area of Valentine is the Valentine Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and Snake River Falls. Side trips to these areas are time consuming and couldn't be completed on this day.

Estimated expenses for the fourth day: gasoline—$4.15; hotel or motel— $8; food—$7.50; no charge at any of the scenic areas. Total—$19.65.

Alternate (straight through to Chadron State Park): gasoline—$7.04; cabin—$6; food—$5.50. Total—$18.54.

If the previous night was spent in Valentine, you have to drive 151 miles to Chadron State Park on the morning of the fifth day. Arriving around 11 a.m. (MST), you will see the new headquarters building after turning off Highway 19 south of Chadron. You will meet L. M. "Jake" Snodgrass, superintendent, or one of his assistants, who will register you and tell you how to find your cabin—about one mile away by road.

On the way to the cabin you may ford your first stream—beautiful, meandering Chadron Creek. It provides stream fishing for trout.

You are now truly in the West. The hills are covered with pine and the views from the high places are breath —taking. The Black Hills are a blue line on the horizon in the northwest.

After lunch would be a good time to make a trip into Chadron to restock on food supplies, if necessary. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or driving over the park's scenic roads will be in order in the afternoon. For the evening meal, give the Mrs. a reprieve and drive down to the Park Inn. Though not elaborate, it is clean and good food there is a certainty.

Expenses for the fifth day: gasoline —$3.68; cabin—$6; food—$8.50; boating—35c. Total—$18.53.

Expenses for the fifth day (alternate, based on drive straight through from Niobrara): gasoline—70c; cabin—$6; food—$8.50; swimming—90c. Total— $16.10.

The sixth day may be spent in the park and on side trips to such scenic points as:

(1) Fort Robinson. Park facilities are being developed here and will soon afford vacation opportunities. Here the Sioux Chief Crazy Horse fell, and the Cheyennes, under Dull Knife, made their desperate bid for freedom in the bitter winter of 1878-79. At Fort Robinson you stand in one of the shortest shadows of Nebraska's frontier history, where the final reverberations of carbine fire, still within the memory of living men, echoed through the reaches of Hat Creek Canyon.

(2) Also in the Crawford-Harrison area are the Nebraska Bad Lands; Pants Butte; the granite-marked site of the hand-to-hand battle between William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Yellow Hand; Monroe Canyon; Sowbelly Canyon; Squaw Butte; Crow Butte; Sugar Loaf; and many others.,

This will be a full day indeed. Ask directions to out-of-the-way places. Superintendent Snodgrass and the Crawford Chamber of Commerce are especially good sources.

Sixth day expenses; gasoline—$3.40; cabin $6; food—$6. Total—$15.40.

The seventh day is homeward bound. You go south out of Chadron State Park on Nebraska 19 to Alliance, then east on 2 to Anselmo. There is the possibility of a side trip to Scottsbluff and the National Monument. This would give you a distant view of Chimney Rock. Keep in mind, however, that you will stay that night at Victoria Springs State Park, northwest of Broken Bow.

Assuming that you go straight through, you will first see the wonders of modern irrigation on the Alliance flatlands. Watch for antelope on the way into Alliance. After you turn east on 2, you will see the remnants of the potash industry which boomed during World War I in the vicinity of Antioch.

At Halsey, turn off for a tour through the Nebraska National Forest. The fine picnic area and swimming pool there will provide a welcome respite, especially if the day is hot.

Proceed on to Anselmo and turn straight east through town to reach Victoria Springs. The park is small but has a lake for boating and fishing; picnic and playground facilities; and some historical buildings. H. E. Jones or "Jonesy" as he is known to his many friends, is park superintendent, and will point out your cabin. Later, after a long drive, then a walk to see the cold, clear springs for which the park is named, you will be ready for bed.

Expenses for the seventh day: gas —$4.75; cabin—$6; food—$5. Total— $15.75.

Eighth and last day. Go south from Victoria Springs to Highway 2 at Merna, following it to Hazard. Turn south here to Kearney, cross the river, and turn left on the graveled road to Fort Kearny State Park. This is a good place for a picnic lunch, and the youngsters can wear off some energy on the swings while you examine the site of the early day fortifications.

From here, you have the choice of two routes home: (1), back to Kearney and home on U. S. 30 and 34, or (2), south on State Highway 10 to U. S. 6 and home through Hastings.

Expenses for the last day: gasoline —$4.95; food—$5.50. Total—$10.45.

Now let's total up and see where we stand in the budget department. Assuming you (continued on page 21)

SUMMER ISSUE 5

Safety Check for Summer Boating

To be sure your summer water fun is trouble free and safe, check your boat and equipment now. Whether it's water skiing, boat fishing or cruising, you'll want to get the most out of your vacation. By following this check list you can insure many carefree hours of boating pleasure this summer.

6 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   SUMMER ISSUE 7

MEET THE BULLFROG

BULLFROGS will become a protected species in Nebraska for the first time in many years, under the provision of Legislative Bill 511 which authorizes the Game Commission to set up regulations and seasons and bag limits for the taking of that amphibian.

Bill 511 and its authority take effect 90 days after adjournment of the 1957 legislative session. The Game Commission will set up specific regulations in the near future.

The holder of a hunting permit may take bullfrogs only by means of firearms, bow and arrow, hand, or hand net, while the holder of a fishing permit may take bullfrogs only by means of hand, hand net, gig or spear, or hook and line. Artifical lights may be used in taking such frogs. The holder of a combination permit may take bullfrogs bv any of the above named means or methods.

8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

Bullfrogs have long been sought and taken from Nebraska streams and marshes for the delicate eating quality of their large rear legs. With no legal protection, only a few people have benefited from the harvest by being able to take these frogs indiscriminately with no restrictions. This has resulted in virtual removal of the species from some watershed and marshland areas around our lakes.

The new law and regulations are designed to perpetuate the bullfrog and to fairly distribute the take between those people legally desiring to do so. In other words—give more people an even chance at the allowable harvest.

SUMMER ISSUE 9

Game warden gives his meaning of a violator FAIR PLAY

by SAM GRASMICK District IV Law Enforcement Supervisor

IN Nebraska nearly 400,000 people hunt, fish, or trap, and the subject of their relationship should be of great interest and importance not only to the sportsmen of today, but also to those who will participate in these sports in the future.

I could mention a dozen of these relationships, but instead will limit these to the three that I feel are probably the most important. They are: (1) the relationship of hunters, fishermen, and trappers, (2) the relationship of hunters, fishermen, trappers, and private landowners; (3) the relationship of hunters, fishermen, trappers, and the Nebraska Game Commission.

These relationships, will grow more important as the years pass. Why? Because the population of hunters, anglers, and trappers constantly is on the increase, while suitable habitat for game, birds, animals, fish, and fur bearers is on the decrease.

Let's take the first relationship mentioned—between the hunter, fisherman, and trapper. In analyzing this we discover two groups. One is a group of sportsmen, the other a group of violators. We might even break it down into more groups, but for our purposes two will do, for if a person is to be called a sportsman, he certainly has a code to live by.

The definition of a sportsman, according to Webster, is "one who pursues the sports of their field, such as, hunting, fishing, etc." My definition of a sportsman though is a person who abides by all rules of the game, whether it be hunting or fishing, or a game of football, baseball, or golf.

Let's go a little farther, for herein lies the answer to a true relationship among hunters, fishermen, and trappers. Previously I stated in analyzing the relationship between the three, that there were two groups—sportsmen and violators. I have attempted to give you my version of a sportsman; now for a version of a violator. Webster's definition is simply "one who violates." Therefore, to be called a violator, a person doesn't necessarily have to violate a written law. He is also a violator if he breaks a sportsman's code, or an unwritten law; hence, he cannot be called a true sportsman.

In these simple definitions is the answer to true relationships, and it can be summed up in two words: fair play. For if we all follow the line of fair play in our outdoor recreation, we will not have persons taking more than the legal limit, trying to stretch the shooting hours to get that last bird, or would we be fighting over a piece of game or a certain duck or goose blind. Rather than this we would find new friends, learn to share crowded hunting and fishing spots, and eventually wind up with a true relationship among all who hunt, fish, and trap.

The second relationship has to do with the hunter, fisherman, trapper, and the private landowner, of which the Nebraska farmer and rancher make up the bulk. One thing we must keep in mind is the fact that 90 per cent of the lands in Nebraska are privately owned. Hence, almost every time we go hunting, fishing, or trapping, we are trespassing on someone's land.

I already mentioned that wildlife habitat is gradu a 11 y shrinking, and now add that our hunting, fishing, and trapping grounds are decreasing each year —due to posting of the private lands against trespassing.

You may wonder why so much land is posted each year. Each year the conservation officers in Nebraska receive untold numbers of complaints about how some hunters, fishermen, and trappers abused the privilege of using someone's lands without first asking permission from the rightful owner. Some of these are:

My fences were cut.

My gates were left open and cattle got out.

My farm machinery was used for target practice.

My cattle were shot or stampeded.

My tame ducks and guinea hens were shot.

My hay meadow was ruined by cars.

My traps were robbed by a duck hunter.

Those are seven of the major complaints made by farmers and ranchers, and just a few of the many reasons why you see those "No Trespassing" signs as you drive down the road.

It is time for sportsmen to do something about the outrages that a certain few are getting by with. Let's do something about it while there is 10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   still time, and that is to get acquainted with the farmers and ranchers and help them as they are helping you. The landowner, you will find, is a good person to know and one who can become a close friend. Also, you will find that some of our best sportsmen and conservationists live on the farms and ranches of Nebraska. When we as sportsmen can prove to the landowners that we want to build and form a true relationship, then the thousands of acres of lands now closed to hunting, fishing, and trapping will start to open again.

The third relationship of the sportsman is with the Nebraska Game Commission. This is good already, and is a pleasure to talk about. However, there is always room for improvement, and that is true of this relationship, too.

Perhaps one of the reasons this relationship is good is due to the many projects that the Game Commission and sportsmen work together on, such as rearing facilities for pheasants, operation of pheasant booster units, tree planting, planting of wildlife habitat areas, winter feeding of gamebirds and fish, and game-stocking programs.

Nebraska wildlife clubs are doing a big job, working in close harmony and co-operation with the Game Commission, as the above activities show. The state's conservation officers have received much help from the sportsmen, and without their help wouldn't have been able to do the job we have.

The Law Enforcement division of the Game Commission is a small group of men trying to cover millions of acres of land and water to enforce our game and fish laws. For this division, relationship with the sportsmen has been a close one due to the daily contacts we officers make in the field, at wildlife - club meetings, and working with them on various projects.

As law enforcement officers, our first line of duty naturally is to enforce the game and fish laws and to apprehend those persons who do not abide by them. The people who are arrested for such infractions are called violators. We would rather like to call them thieves. Again, referring to Webster, his definition of a thief is "one who takes unlawfully what is not his own," and you can see why.

Many people are under the impression that to give a conservation officer information on a person or persons who are violating the game laws makes them a squealer, or stool pigeon. To the officer he is anything but that, because title to fish and wildlife is vested in the name of the State, so each and everyone of us are co-owners of fish and wildlife in Nebraska. If someone stole your gun or boat, you would report it immediately to the authorities, and certainly no one is going to call you a squealer for that. So why should the name squealer or stool pigeon be mentioned when a sportsman is trying to protect his interests by reporting violators stealing game whose title is vested in the name of the State?

Many times we receive information on violations too late and can do nothing about it. The time to act is when the person is violating, by observing what is taking place, and by taking down the make of car and license, and reporting it to the nearest conservation officer as soon as possible.

When is the violator going to slow up his illegal methods? Only when he learns that the true sportsman, who has put his time, money, and labor into conservation projects, refuses to allow him to steal things in which he has an interest.

Good cases in court are cases of good evidence and testimony to back them up. Here again the true sportsman can help his conservation officer by not only helping him to apprehend the vrolator, but also by giving testimony in court. Another way to help is to try and weed out the few who are doing so much damage on private lands and causing them to be closed to hunting, fishing, and trapping.

We are proud to say that relationship between our department and the sportsman is good. Let's keep it that way for better hunting, fishing, and trapping tomorrow. THE END

In Memoriam ...

JOHN J. Tooley, 62, long-time Game Commission employee, passed away on Saturday, March 23, at Grand Island. He will long be remembered by his many friends throughout the state for his dedication to the principles of conservation, and the vacancy created by his death will not be easily filled.

John began work with the Game Commission on Oct. 16, 1935 as a conservation officer, and continued in that capacity until July 1, 1939, when he was transferred to Stolley State Park at Grand Island as caretaker. On Dec. 1, 1944, the Game Commission organized a forestry crew, and because of John's vast experience in this field, he was promoted to superintendent of this crew. He supervised the planting of thousands of trees throughout the state, and these stand today as living memorials to his public service.

On May 1, 1953, because of his interest in park work and his desire for closer contact with the public, John was reassigned as superintendent of Stolley State Park, where he served until his death.

Besides his wife and sons, John and David, he is survived by two brothers, Leland Tooley of Fremont and A. C. Tooley of Columbus.

UP TO DATE Hunting and Fishing News OUTDOOR NEBRASKA State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska. Send OUTDOOR NEBRASKA TO: Subscribe to Outdoor Nebraska; quarterly magazine published by Nebraska Game Commission. $1.00 for 2 years $2.00 for 5 years 1. Name Address 2. Name _ Address (show amount) Enclosed is cash, check, money order (indicate which) for $________ to--------Start_____Renew (check one) subscription to OUTDOOR NEBRASKA. SUMMER ISSUE 11

Fish Stocking . . . DOES IT PAY?

by GLEN R. FOSTER Chief of Fisheries Division

SINCE 1879, several years after a railroad disaster near the Elkhorn River, Douglas County, resulted in the release of black bass in that stream, Nebraska has been in the fish-stocking business. In that year the State Legislature, recognizing the need for a stocking program, created the Board of Fish Commissioners, for the purpose of propagating and distributing fish.

The Board was concerned only with fish, but in July 1901, its activities were expanded to include game and the department became known as the Game and Fish Commission. In 1919, the Commission was put under the Department of Agriculture, and in 1929, the Legislature established the present Game, Forestation and Parks Commission. The stocking policies and programs have continually changed through the years.

Before the turn of the century, few fish, particularly those we now class as gamefish, inhabited the state's waters which were estimated to consist of 6,485 miles of rivers and streams and over 11,160 acres of natural lakes. While the stream mileage today is approximately the same as back in '79, the lake total is many times larger due to the addition of hundreds of man-made lakes and reservoirs.

The Commission's first venture into the fish business was to obtain 200,000 "California Salmon" eggs. These were hatched in a private hatchery at South Bend and distributed the following year in streams over the state, including Salt Creek, Big Papillion Creek, Rawhide Creek, Big Blue River, Elkhorn River, and the Loup Rivers. It was thought at the time that the salmon would eventually work down to the sea via the Missouri River and that they might possibly return to the Nebraska streams to spawn. But there is no evidence that they ever found their way back.

Meanwhile the black bass that were let loose in the Elkhorn at the time of the train accident in 1875, multinlied and spread over the entire Elkhorn and its tributaries.

Carp were introduced into the state in 1880 when 133 of that prolific fish were obtained from the U. S. Fish Commissioner. The carp was considered at that time to be the fish for Nebraska. The original 133 were kept as spawners, and these were supplemented by additional spawners in 1881. The resultant fry were allotted only to those individuals who had suitable ponds and who agreed to protect the carp against floods and predatory fish. Eventually, though, carp spread over all Nebraska.

The first trout brought into the state, excluding the California salmon, was in 1881, by a private hatchery owned by Romine & Decker. This hatchery, situated where the Gretna State Fish Hatchery is now located, hatched and raised brook trout. The Fish Commission purchased this hatchery in 1882 and named it "Santee Fisheries." The several thousand brook trout and 20,000 spawn were also purchased, and the small fry stocked in the streams around the area. This same year the Commissioners also received 500 "California Mountain Trout" eggs (Salmo iridea) (steelhead trout). These hatched and were held over for spawners. Many died of disease and it was believed that the others were stolen due to the, quote, "stupidity of the superintendent." It wasn't until 1884 that additional California trout (rainbow) were stocked in the public waters under the direction of a "new" superintendent!

Walleye were found in but a few streams prior to 1884 when the Fish Commission began hatching and stocking them in eastern Nebraska. Crappie and perch inhabited only a few lakes bordering the Missouri River prior to 1892.

In those early years, there were few experienced fisheries men and only limited funds, making it impossible to study each body of water before stocking it. Fish were planted mostly upon application from individuals and clubs, when available. They were obtained from the state's Gretna hatchery, from seining overflow waters and drying-up pools, from the U. S. Fish Commissioner, or by purchase from other states. Nearly all trout, bass, and walleye were stocked as fry—2 to 12 weeks old.

Fish were delivered almost entirely by railroad fish car, and applicants picked up their fish at the closest station. The railroad furnished this transportation free as a public service.

The application system is still used today, but only for privately owned waters. Ponds must now meet certain requirements, and as many of them as possible are checked by fishery biologists before fish are allotted for stocking.

In the early years there was an obvious over-emphasis on stocking. True, it was necessary to introduce game fish in waters of the state by 12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   stocking. But all sportsmen and fisheries workers alike then believed that the only way to improve fishing was by continual stocking. Now, however, it is recognized by fisheries workers and most sportsmen that each body of water differs in some respect from another and, therefore, that management necessary to improve fishing in each must differ.

Stocking fish each year in some waters actually does more harm than good. In many Nebraska lakes it has been found that the natural reproduction of some species of fish, especially panfish, is too great for the available food supply. Such conditions result in slow-growing or stunted fish. To stock more fish of the same species would only create greater competition for the available food and stunt the fish even more.

We still believe, though, that stocking plays a very important role in improving fishing, but it must be properly used. Each body of water must be carefully studied to learn the species of fish present, the natural reproduction, the amount and kind of fish food being produced, and, among other things, all the physical and biological characteristics before it can be determined if stocking is necessary.

Nebraska now has a trained fisheries biologist in each of the department's five districts. The information obtained from their studies is used in determining the management program for each body of water. On all public waters, and in some privately owned waters that are open to the public, stocking plans for the year are prepared using all information from every source. These plans, listing the waters to be stocked; the species, size, and numbers and other pertinent information; are then sent out to the hatcheries or seining crew, which supply and distribute the fish. Adjustments and revisions are made from time to time as new facts become available.

In Nebraska we believe that stocking of fish is valuable in the improvement of fishing under the following circumstances:

1. For use in the initial stocking of new impoundments. Almost every year many new ponds, lakes, and reservoirs are created in Nebraska and these need to be stocked with the desirable species, numbers, and sizes. The best and most reliable source of these is from fish hatcheries.

2. For rearing and stocking new species of fish where they are not already present, and where investigations show them to be suitable. The white bass is a good example of this, as are the walleye, northern pike, and trout.

3. To re-establish a fish population in lakes that have experienced winter or summer kills. Occasionally, winter kills are experienced in Nebraska, especially in the shallow sandhill lakes and sometimes in the gravel-pit lakes and farm ponds.

4. To re-establish a balanced fish population in older lakes that have been drained or poisoned to remove undesirable species, or when drained to clean or improve the lake area. The most recent example is Verdon State Lake in Richardson County. This lake has been drained and stocked with adult bass, bluegill, and crappie.

5. For a "put-and-take" or maintenance stocking program in waters where adequate natural reproduction is impossible, but where conditions are suitable for survival. Most of our trout waters are in this class. Fishery personnel have found natural trout reproduction in quite a number of our streams. However, it isn't ample enough in most of them to take care of the fishing pressure. All of these, though, are suitable for trout growth.

Nebraska now has a carp and bullhead "put-and-take" program. Admittedly it is expensive, for we are bringing the fish to the fishermen instead of the fishermen going to the area where the fish are. But it is providing fishing in waters unsuitable for gamefish—fishing for thousands of people in the heavily populated sections of the state where otherwise there is little fishing opportunity.

6. Predacious fish, such as northern pike, walleye, and bass, are sometimes used for correctional stocking in waters where forage or panfish are too numerous. Experimental stocking of northerns is now being done in some sandhill lakes in an attempt to hold down the panfish population and also provide an additional species for fishing.

Investigational work is time-consuming, but much progress has been made during the last few years considering the size of the state and the few men available for this work. As additional information is collected and compiled, our fisheries program will continue to improve and should result in better fishing in most of Nebraska's waters.

THE END

LIMITING FACTORS

By PHIL AGEE Project Leader

EVERY species of animal seems to have a supreme goal—that of building a sky-high population. And they'd succeed, too, if they could somehow be in an ideal environment. But this is impossible, for there are always hardships and adverse conditions that stop the population far short of the theoretical limit. In fact, there are usually dozens of these, but in theory there is usually just one factor that actually acts as a barrier to the population at any given time.

To get a clearer picture, let's compare the various parts of the environment with the staves of a rain barrel. If one of the staves is short, we can put water into the barrel only up to the top of this stave. Above this point the water spills out as fast as it runs in. Obviously the only thing to do to make the barrel hold more water is to replace the short stave with a longer one. Then we can fill the barrel to the top of the next stave, and we are faced again with the same problem if we want the barrel to hold still more water.

The same reasoning can be applied to increase game pupulations. We must find the limiting factor (the shortest stave) in the environment and try to improve it. There would be little need to consider other factors first, for losses resulting from the limiting factor would continue to hold the population down.

The limiting factor may be a very obvious thing such as the absence of winter cover, or a very obscure thing such as the deficiency of a certain vitamin in available foods. If for some reason the limiting factor is removed, the population is permitted to rise to a higher level, at which point another part of the environment becomes a new limiting factor.

Efforts made to increase game frequently disregard limiting factors. Such a practice is stocking, which is a useful tool, but only if there is not enough game to fill the environment up to the existing limit, as occurs when a new species is being established or where a new environment has been created. In the case of our barrel, we could raise the water level only a little and only temporarily by pouring in an extra cupful.

It is the game manager's job to find out what the limiting factor is and then to remedy it. By so doing he can "replace a short stave with a long one" and let the population take a step to a higher level.

THE END SUMMER ISSUE 13

NEBRASKA STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND PUBLIC USE AREAS

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 geopgraphical areas of the United States.

Here in this "Valley of Water," 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 apparend from the countless areas productive to the Indian lore hunter to the silent vigil of the past maintained by the deep wagon ruts of 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 praries and the myriad of senic benifits of realaxtion and adventure to him who seeks them.

14 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   Name Location Highways 1 Gilbert-Baker 4V2 rni. N. Harrison U.S. 20 2 Wildcat Hills 10 mi. S. Gering Nebr. 29 3 Bridgeport Bridgeport U.S. 26 4 Chadron State Park 9 mi. S. Chadron U.S. 20 or Nebr. 19 5 Metcalf 7 mi. N. Hay Springs U.S. 20 6 Walgren Lake 5 mi. SW. Hay Springs U.S. 20 7 Smith Lake 23 mi. S.W. Rushville U.S. 20 8 Shell Lake 14 mi. N.W. Gordon U.S. 20 9 Cottonwood Lake 1 mi. E. Merriman U.S. 20 10 Otter Creek 15 mi. E. Lewellen U.S. 26 11 Champion Lake V2 mi. W. Champion U.S. 6 or Nebr. 48 12 Enders Reservoir 8 mi. S.E. Imperial U.S. 6 or Nebr. 61 13 Rock Creek Lake 5 mi. N. Parks U.S. 34 14 Rock Creek Hatchery 7 mi. N.W. Parks US. 6 15 Benkelman Hatchery IV4 mi. N.E. Benkelman U.S. 6 16 Hayes Center 12 mi. N.E. Hayes Center U.S. 6 or Nebr. 17 17 Wellfleet Lake Wellfleet U.S. 83 or Nebr. 23 18 Cottonwood Canyon 6 mi. S. Maxwell U S. 30 or Nebr. 107 19 Box Elder Canyon 14 mi. S.E. North Platte U.S. 30 20 Maloney (inlet) 8 mi. S. North Platte U.S. 30 21 North Platte Hatchery 2 mi. S. North Platte U.S. 183 22 Sutherland 6 mi. S.W. Sutherland U.S. 30 23 Rat Beaver Lakes 30 mi. S.W. Valentine U.S. 83 24 Willow Lake 20 mi. S. Valentine U.S. 83 25 Ballards Marsh 20 mi. S. Valentine U.S. 83 26 Valentine Hatchery 4 mi. N.E. Valentine Nebr. 7 27 Long Lake 25 mi. S.W. Ainsworth Nebr. 7 28 Victoria Springs State Park 7 mi. N. Merna Nebr. 2 or 80 29 Arnold Lake 1 mi. S. Arnold Nebr. 20 or 92 30 Pressey 5 mi. N. Oconto Nebr. 2, 40 or 21 31 Midway 5 mi. S.W. Cozad U.S. 30 32 Gallagher Canyon 9 mi. S. Cozad U.S. 30 33 Plum Creek 15 mi. S. Cozad U.S. 30 34 Johnson Reservoir 7 mi. S.W. Lexington U.S. 30 or Nebr. 283 35 Medicine Creek Reservoir 2 mi. W., 7 mi. N. Cambridg eU.S. 6 or 34 36 Oxford Lake 4 mi. S.W. Oxford Nebr. 3 37 Sacramento 2V2 mi. W. Wilcox U.S. 6, Nebr. 183 or 383 38 Fort Kearny State Park 4 mi. S., 4 mi. E. Kearney U.S. 30, 6 or Nebr. 44 39 Cottonmill Lake 3 mi. W., V2 mi. N. Kearney U.S. 30 40 Ravenna 1 mi. E. Ravenna Nebr. 2 41 Litchfield 5 mi. N.W. Hazard Nebr. 2 42 Bowman Lake 2 mi. W. Loup City Nebr. 92 or 10 43 Pibel Lake 12 mi. N.W. Spalding U.S. 281 44 Goose Lake 25 mi S. O'Neill U.S. 281 45 Atkinson Lake V2 mi. W. Atkinson U.S. 20 or Nebr. 11 46 Hull Lake 3 mi. S., 2 mi. W. Butte U.S. 281 or Nebr. 11 47 Niobrara State Park y2 mi. S., 1 mi. W. Niobrara Nebr. 12 48 Grove Lake 2 mi. N. Royal U.S. 20 49 Norfolk Game Farm 7 mi. S.W. Norfolk U.S. 81 50 Hord Lake 1 mi. S., 3 mi. E. Central City U.S. 30 51 Stolley State Park Grand Island U.S. 30, 34 or Nebr. 2 52 Crystal Lake 1 mi. N. Ayr U.S. 281 or Nebr. 74 53 Swanson Reservoir 3 mi. E. Trenton U.S. 34 54 Jefferson County 4 mi. E. Alexandria U.S. 81, 77 or Nebr. 4 55 Blue River 5 mi. N. Dorchester U.S. 6 56 Memphis Lake Memphis U.S. 6, 77 or Nebr. 57 Fremont Lakes 3 mi. W. Fremont U.S. 30 58 Dead Timber 1 mi. E., V2 mi. S. Crowell U.S. 275 59 Ponca State Park 2 mi. N. Ponca Nebr. 9 60 Crystal Lake 3 mi. W. So. Sioux City U.S. 20 61 Gretna Hatchery 9 mi. S. Gretna Nebr. 85 62 Plattsview Vz mi. N.W. Louisville U.S. 6, 34 or Nebr. 50 63 Arbor Lodge State Park Nebraska City U.S. 73, 75 or Nebr. 2 64 Verdon Lake 1 mi. W. Verdon tted, but no special facility ties provided. U.S. [xl Permi 51 Facili ;s such as boats, bait or lifeguard se rvic :e. ?, SUMMER ISSUE 15

TROUT TALK

by JACK HEATON District 1 Fisheries Supervisor

A chunky 15-inch brown trout hangs motionless m quiet water, just below a riffle. But then you move your hand and the fish scurries toward the shelter of the submerged tree, leaving only a small swirl of sand in his path. As the sand settles a careful inspection of the pool shows no fish whatever. Surely, though, the treetop, undercut banks, and clumps of algae also shelter several other trout; but then perhaps the one you saw is the only fish in the pool.

Such conjectures add to the spice of trout angling. But to the fishery biologist it is a serious problem to discover what kind, how many, and how large the trout are which are hidden in a stream, for he must have such information if he is to do a good job of maintaining or improving sport fishing.

Perhaps you would like to accompany me on an investigation of the upper White River, where we will learn just how many trout are hidden in this fine stream.

Driving from Crawford, we turn off the highway, cross the river, and pass the town of Glen. Here the White River runs clear and cold along a narrow course, pausing briefly in the deep calm pools, then dashing over the gravel riffles below. The riffles provide food and spawning areas, while the pools afford shelter, so it is not surprising that this portion of the river is one of the best brown-trout streams in western Nebraska. The sun lights the stream perfectly, disclosing each pebble and stick on the bottom. But since the first brown darted away, the stream appears barren of fish.

While we are parked beside the stream, a rancher drives up in his jeep to see what is afoot. I explain that we plan to sample the river to discover how many trout are there. But before I can say more, he asks, "How?".

With that question we start pulling out our gear— breast waders, rubber gloves, scales, measuring board, dip net, tubs, and last of all, a rectangular wooden box with electrical dials and a small battery, all fashioned to a packboard. With the square wire electrodes attached, this small electrical shocking device is our method of sampling the trout population. As I shoulder the packboard I explain to our new friend that this electrical device, powered by its small battery will merely stun a fish as it enters the electrical field created between the electrodes. This permits the fish to be captured, examined, and then released unharmed when recovered from the shock.

"Sure have been a lot of fishermen up here this year— more than ever before," the rancher informed me as we walked down to the stream edge. "But I doubt if there are more than two or three trout left in this part of the river.

With these words following us, we wade into the stream, thrust the electrode into the water, and turn on the current. As we move downstream, the brown trout, which had taken shelter under the submerged treetop, darts out from his hiding place. And as he passes between 16 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   the electrodes, his body suddenly stiffens and he rolls on his side. I quickly place him into a holding container and move slowly on upstream. Action continues fast until we have completed the 100-yard sample section of the river. Our efforts yield a holding-box full of trout, some already recovering from shock.

As the rancher watches with disbelief and amazement, we quickly weigh the trout, measure them for length, take a scale sample, and then return them to the stream. The small four to eight-inch browns we shocked were spawned on the gravel riffles just over a year ago; this we determine by examining scales under a microscope. The larger trout are two and three years old. In our 100 yard sample we took, in addition, 29 trout that were 10 to 15 inches long. The largest weighed just under 1V2 pounds.

We load our gear, move downstream a mile, and repeat the process. Successive samples at this spot on farther downstream produce a few nice rainbow and a brook trout or two. But each sample also takes both young and adult brown. Some of these are native; others probably from hatchery stockings.

Our rancher friend has put off a trip to town in favor of watching the free show. After the final sample, he exhuberates, "I would never have believed there were so many trout in this part of the river, not after all the fishermen I've seen here. And I can't see where there are enough places for them to hide in this clear water."

The rancher unknowingly pointed out some truths about what goes into the making of a good trout stream. Trout must have cool water, food, shelter, and a place to spawn. If any of these are missing, the numbers of trout will be low. A stream which has all of these things will support heavy fishing pressure, yet enough browns will generally escape to spawn and maintain at least a low population. Under these conditions the numbers may be reduced so only the most persistent and skillful fishermen may be able to take a brown trout. Here some form of stocking of fingerlings or adults may be desirable to help out Nature.

The rancher wasn't aware that trout reproduced successfully in Nebraska, so we explain that our surveys disclosed that brown trout are spawning successfully in at least 20 streams, and rainbows and brooks in at least six. Some small streams have excellent populations where no stocking has been conducted for several years.

We talk now a bit about the deterioration of our streams—brought on by overgrazing of the stream banks and surrounding hills, as well as cultivation of adjacent fields. Each reduce the cover on the land and intensify the damages of heavy rainfalls. The streams lose their shade cover and silt fills the pools and covers the spawning areas. All this lowers the number of trout the stream can raise. It is imperative that we do all we can to encourage Mother Nature to produce as many wild trout as she can.

A cool shadow creeps across the flat meadow, leaving the stream running slick and dark in the shadows, with the surface broken on occasion by the swirl of a feeding trout. As we stow our gear, our rancher admits that there is a lot more to this trout business than just dumping some hatchery fish into the stream. "Think I'll give it a try here tomorrow and catch one of those trout we saw today."

THE END

The goby fish, which lives in inland lakes in the Philippines, is the smallest known fish. When full grown they're less than a half-inch long.

Among ducks, the pintail is one of the strongest and fastest fliers. A flock of 22 pintails landed on Palmyra Island, 1.100 miles south of Hawaii in 1942 and one wore a band placed on it in Utah 82 days earlier.

SUMMER ISSUE 17

SAND PITS FOR SPORT FISHING

By O. E. ORR Fisheries Project Leader

AN excellent artist tried to relieve the stringency of the money market by raising one dollar bills to tens —his success was limited by laws of the society under which he lived. The laws of nature may also be firm and positive. Lands and waters produce crops of plants and animals within the limits to which they are supplied with neutrientive elements. The sources of these vital neutrients in bodies of water are from the bottom soils or are washed in from the soils of the watershed. If these soils are thin and poor, the biological productivity of the water will be low, and the number of pounds of fish that may be produced in an acre of water are limited by nature's law. The analogy ends here however, for man is able to manipulate laws of nature for his betterment.

Subjectively, our story is concerned with sand pit Jakes and their management for sport fishing. In general terms, lakes of this type are lacking in basic fertility for two principal reasons.

First, the bottom material in new lakes is almost entirely sand and therefore lacking in organic matter which is the most important part of good soil. Professional fish culturists strive to maintain at least four percent organic matter in bottom soils of hatchery ponds, for heavy production will result if such a level is maintained.

Secondly, the shape of the basin of most sand pits, the fish scientists call it morphometry, generally is not condusive to high productivity; they are too deep, and it is not the deep water that is most productive. In lakes, the most productive area is from shoreline out to a depth of five or six feet and a major part of the plants and animals that provide the foundation of the "food chain" are found in this zone.

We can conclude then, that sand pits are not very fertile, partly because the zone of productive shallow water is narrow. Yet they have potential and lend themselves to management practices. In this state there are untold numbers of sand pits. Some have long been favorite fishing spots, many are seldom fished and most all of them could be improved for fishing.

In the city of Gibbon, Nebraska, a group of sportsmen decided to do something about the fishing in two nearby sand pits. After talking the matter over among themselves, they decided to contact the local fishery biologist of the Game Commission. The biologist gladly met and discussed the matter with them. His observations indicated that rough fish, shad, carp, carp sucker and others, were dominating the fish population of the pits to a condition that game fish could not compete well. The food and energy of the pits were going into fishes that are not taken by hook and line or are undesirable to the fisherman.

With little hesitation, the biologist recommended that a fish toxicant be used to remove all the fish. Roten one is a chemical commonly used because it is toxic to gill-breathing animals at a low concentration and dissipates from the water within a few weeks. Another reason for its popularity is that the fish are good for eating because they have been killed by suffocation, as the actual effect upon the fish is respiratory paralysis. Rotenone is a substance produced by a number of species of subtropical plants belonging to the genera, Derris and Cube. Since the sand pits at Gibbon were not entirely public property, the group of sportsmen paid a large part of the cost. Rotenone usually costs a minimum of 35c per pound and is applied at a rate of approximately two pounds per acre foot of water.

The rotenoning of the Gibbon pits took place in early September, 1955, and were stocked with fingerling bass, bluegill, channel catifsh and crappie early in November. The matter of fertilization was brought up and a discussion between the fishery {continued on page 20)

18 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

State's Most Liberal Harvest Of Big Game On Tap This Fall

Recognizing the large increases that both deer and antelope have made in the state, the Game Commission recently authorized for this fall the most liberal harvest of big game ever in Nebraska. Taking quick advantage of the Legislature's nearly unanimous approval of LB 43, which removed the three-year restriction on big-game permits, the Commission chose to issue 16,400 permits for deer and 1,450 for antelope. This compares to 9,650 for deer and 1,100 for antelope in 1956.

Additional liberal regulations open the entire state to bow and arrow deer hunting (no limit on permits) and permit the use of muzzle-loading rifles of .40 caliber or larger during the regular rifle season. Please see table on next page for legal big-game rifles.

As the former three-year restriction has now been repealed, all resident citizens, age 16 and over, are eligible for either a deer or antelope permit in 1957. Applications are still available from all county clerks, conservation officers, and the Nebraska State Game Commission office, State Capitol, Lincoln. Deadline is July 15, and the cost is $10.00. Drawings will be held in any district in which the number of applicants exceeds the number of permits allowed. The maps on this page show open areas and dates and the number of permits per area.

SUMMER ISSUE 19

REPRESENTATIVE LEGAL CALIBERS AND LOADS FOR BIG GAME HUNTING IN NEBRASKA Caliber Bullet Weight Velocity at 100 Energy at 100 (grains) yards, feet per yards, foot-second pounds .243 Winchester 244 Remington 250 Savage 257 Roberts 3.5 mm. M.-S. 6.5 mm. Jap .270 Winchester 7 mm. Mauser .30 30 Winchester .30 Remington .308 Winchester .30 06 .300 H. & H. Magnum ,30 40 Krag .300 Savage .303 Savage .303 British 7.62 mm. Russian 7.7 mm. Jap 8 mm. Mauser 8 mm. Lebel .32 Remington Auto. 32 Winchester Special .33 Winchester .348 Winchester .35 Winchester .35 Remington .358 Winchester .375 H & H Magnum .401 Winchester Auto. .405 Winchester .45 70 Govt. 100 90 100 117 160 140 130 175 170 170 150 150 180 180 150 180 215 150 150 170 170 170 170 200 200 250 200 200 270 200 300 405 2790 2850 2500 2280 1950 2450 (est.) 2850 2170 1890 1890 2570 2670 2670 2250 2390 1810 1900 2570 2420 (est.) 2140 2260 1900 1920 1870 2140 1910 1830 2210 2460 1750 1940 1160 1730 1630 1390 1350 1350 1860 (est.) 2340 1830 1350 1350 2200 2370 2850 2020 1900 1310 1720 2205 1950 (est.) 1730 1930 1325 1390 1555 2030 2025 1490 2160 3620 1360 2510 1210 The following calibers and loads are legal but not recommended. In the hands of an expert they may be satisfactory. .220 Swift 48 3490 1300 .22 Savage High Power 70 2480 955 .25 Remington Auto. 117 2020 1060 .25 35 Winchester 117 1950 985 .32 40 High Velocity 165 1650 1000 .351 Winchester Self-Loading 180 1560 975 ILLEGAL CALIBERS FOR BIG GAME HUNTING IN NEBRASKA These loads do not have 900 foot-pounds at 100 yds.* .22 Long Rifle 40 1045 97 .22 W.R.F. (Remington Special) 45 1110 123 .218 Bee 46 2160 475 .219 Zipper 56 2440 740 22 Hornet 45 2030 410 222 Remington 50 2650 780 .25 Stevens Rim Fire 67 985 140 .25 20 86 1180 265 .30 Ml U.S. Carbine 111 1580 617 .32 20 100 1060 250 .32 40 165 1250 570 .38 55 255 1160 760 .44 40 200 1050 490

*Note: Other loads and calibers which develop less than 9 pounds at 100 yards are also illegal, however, it should be pointed out that hand loads to higher velocity levels, which may be safe in some rifles, could make calibers such as .32-40 and .38-55 legal. Also, all types of semi-automatic rifles are legal in Nebraska provided the load meets the energy requirement. This is not intended to be and cannot be a complete list of rifles, but should serve as an adequate guide. Due to the wide range of possible ballistics, "wildcats" cannot be included, but most "wildcats" of .240 caliber or larger probably are legal. Full metal jacket bullets and incendiary bullets are illegal for use on game.

SAND PITS

(continued from page 18)

biologist and members of the sportsmen's group followed. The need for organic matter in sand pit lakes was pointed out and a program of fertilization has been in active operation since the fall of 1955 and herein lies the success of this project.

Every four to six weeks, except during the winter, quantities of barnyard manure and other forms of organic matter have been put into the pits. The manure applications have been roughly a quarter of a ton per acre. Also, brush piles have been put in to act as fish attractors. The value of fish attractors in smaller lakes is perhaps not as great as sometimes thought. Small fish will use these to escape the predation of larger fish. Consequently, around brush piles is a good place to fish. Contrary to the belief of many, sunfishes such as bass, bluegill and crappie do not spawn on brush piles. They are all nest builders which is a family trait of the sunfishes. Growth of the fish stocked in these pits has been outstanding for such waters. Fishes make spectacular growth if food is present in good supply.

The excellent job that the sportsmen at Gibbon have done in providing a good fishing place is indeed refreshing, and it may be safely assumed that as long as they continue their program of fertilization, good growth of fish can be expected. After a period of years, the fish population may again become unbalanced and if so, the process of eradication can be repeated. If harvested properly, however, good fishing should last many years.

The fine example of sportsmen cooperation at Gibbon should serve as an example to other groups. This type of work is good fishery management i. e., dollars spent in this way pay back a good interest rate. Good fishery management follows competitent investigation which must be done by persons who know what they are looking for. Some states have had fishery research programs for many years while others like Nebraska had little fact-finding until three years ago. We live in a wonderful age of scientific advancement and we take full advantage of it in many fields. Yet, many fishermen seem to feel that fish propagation by planting alone will do the job. Such a concept is as ancient as the ox-cart.

If our wildlife resources are to be maintained, the public must give as serious thought to the findings of wildlife biologists as it does to that of industrial research workers.

The popular notion that geese are "silly" is misleading for careful observation indicates they are above average in intelligence and are resourceful in the face of danger.

A fish's nervous system is poorly developed and evidence indicates a hooked fish experiences discomfort rather than pain.

Only when traveling long distances do Canada geese fly in the well known V-shaped pattern.

"OUTDOOR NEBRASKA" QUIZ ANSWERS 1, false; 2, true; 3, false; 4, true; 5, true; 6, false; 7, true; 8. false.

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA Quiz

Test your ability to answer the following true and false questions regarding Outdoor Nebraska. Eight correct answers is excellent; seven is very good; six is good; five is fair; and four and below is poor. See page 20 for answers.

AROUND THE STATE

(continued from page 5)

follow what we will call the "proposed" route, you will have spent $27.81 for gasoline, $44 for overnight accommodations, $47.50 for food, $3.50 for amusement, and $1.50 for miscellaneous, for a grand total of $124.36. If you chose the "alternates," make it $120.27.

The largest item is food, and the amount shown contemplates use of cabin cooking facilities, cafes, and picnics. This amount is flexible, depending on your personal tastes—how much you eat out, etc. Fuel consumption is based on 15 miles per gallon.

The miscellaneous column is up to you. Obviously $1.50 will not take care of ice-cream cones, souvenirs, etc. Increasing this to $2 per day makes the total somewhere around $135.

Now to be absolutely honest with yourself, why not deduct the $3 per daj' that you would have spent for food had you stayed at home, making your total for the trip $111. This amounts to $27.75 per person, or about $3.50 per person per day. For this, you traveled over 1,100 miles, saw a few of Nebraska's scenic wonders, and both you and the youngsters will have a better understanding of your home state.

What about next year, you say? Well, friend, get out that dog-eared road map and take another look. Have you ever wet a line for walleye in Medicine Creek? Seen the oil and gas fields in Cheyenne, Kimball, and other counties in Western Nebraska? Do you know where Duke Alexis of Russia and Bill Cody had their famous buffalo hunt? Do you know the old wagon route to Fort McPherson . . .?

THE END SUMMER ISSUE 21

COTURNIX STOCKING UNDER WAY

Releases for the year to total 20,000 birds

A new bird that recently joined the family of Nebraska gamebirds is the coturnix quail. If it survives, it will provide a bonanza in Nebraska's hunting of the future.

The coturnix, a native of the Old World, has the widest distribution of any gamebird in the world. These birds inhabit a range in direct contrat to that of the bobwhite. They live in open pasture and range land and do not covey up as do bobwhites.

In the opinion of M. O. Steen, Game Commission director, the odds are about one in three that the bird will take hold in the United States. He added that mass releases are essential, for the coturnix are short-lived and have a tendency to move around a great deal. Nebraska releases this year will total about 20,000 birds.

Coturnix have a tremendous reproductive capacity. Under pen conditions they begin laying fertile eggs at five weeks. Using fully matured breeding stock, fertility has been satisfactory—around 85 to 91 percent. Hatching success has run only 60 to 70 percent, but under better conditions a higher percentage is hoped for.

The coturnix mature rapidly and normally begin to lay at seven or eight weeks of age, while bobwhites mature at 16 weeks and do not reproduce until the following year. Incubation period of coturnix eggs is 16 days; 23 days for bobwhites.

Of the two quail, the coturnix is the smallest. Where bobwhites weigh 6 to 7 ounces in the field, the coturnix will weigh 3 to 4 ounces.

However, this small bird lays the largest egg. Under hatchery conditions, bobwhite's eggs average 10 grams each in weight. The coturnix hen produces an egg averaging 11.2 grams. Under domestication the egg of the coturnix has increased as much as one-third more the size of its counterpart in the wild.

The eggs—8 to 15 in a clutch—are very well camouflaged. The coloring varies, but the usual coloring is a speckled and mottled brown on a light olive background. 22 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   Some are coated with a bluish haze that makes the camouflage even more effective.

The coturnix is a good target on the wing and lays well to the dog. Shooting him is similar to shooting bobwhite "singles." He makes a fluttering sound in flight which is more muffled than the bobwhite's sharp whir. The flesh of the coturnix is light and delicious, better, some say, than that of the bobwhite.

Some 3,400 coturnix have been released so far in Nebraska with more stocking to be completed by publication time. The chairmen of the groups sponsoring the releases, the numbers of birds released, and the areas in which the releases took place, are as follows:

Norval Dame, Stratton, (Hitchcock county), 740 birds: Pressey Public Hunting Area (Custer county), 400 birds; Roy Schainost, Fairbury, (Jefferson county), 360 birds; Les Tyler, Hordville (Merrick county), 400 birds; Jim Moyer, Ken Zimmerman, Bellwood, (Butler county), 740 birds; Lester Brosovsky, L. Lisec, Crete, (Saline county), 740 birds.

Lloyd Vance, chief of the Game Commission's Game Division, is in charge of the coturnix stocking in Nebraska.

SUMMER ISSUE 23

FOUR SEASONS AT SWANSON LAKE

Approximately 30 miles of shoreline and 5,000 acres of surface water beckon anglers, campers, boating enthusiasts, water skiiers, and hunters —in season—to Trenton Lake, three miles east of Trenton. A concessionaire is now on the grounds, providing baits, boats for rental, and sporting goods. For those interested in private cabins, lots are still available. Contact Melvin Grim, 707 East 3rd, McCook.

24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

WYOMING ... In case of a thermonuclear war, state fish-warden Fred R. Beal said the Wyoming Game and Fish Department could probably supply every man, woman, and child in the state with six pounds of edible fish in a week's time. Harvest methods would be spot poisoning with rotenone (a kind of treatment that wouldn't endanger future supplies), gill netting, seining, and electric shocking.

"If our power supplies still functioned, freezing would be the method of preservation," Beal added. "If not, we would have to use salt." He also said that the total amount could probably be obtained in an annual sustained yield.

CALIFORNIA . . . The apparent failure of their built-in "radar" navigating system led to the sudden death of some 102 ducks in a field near East Nicolaus, Sutter County. Department of Fish and Game wardens investigating a report that dead ducks were strewn about the field found that the birds apparently were all killed at one time when they flew into a high tension power line. Examination showed they had broken necks and wings and bruises.

The ducks, mostly pintails, lay scattered below the wires in a large plowed rice field. The wardens said that although coots and some other species often fall victim to power lines, it is rare that ducks have such an accident.

COLORADO ... If fish could think, the small trout in the Colorado Game and Fish Department's Bellvue hatchery would probably be wondering why superintendent J. J. Geiger has suddenly become so generous with food. The trout are being fed every hour, on the hour, and around the clock during an experiment in automatic feeding. Young fish ordinarily are fed by hand every hour for eight hours during the day for five weeks after they hatch. Geiger says the experiment is working out well and the young fish appear to be thriving on the dry food fed them mechanically.

MISSOURI . . . Conservation agent Don May had a wildlife violation literally knocking at his door. "It was the easiest case I ever made," he said. "All I had to do was walk to my front door, where Ernest Kinder of Illmo, Missouri, was peddling fish without a permit."

SOUTH DAKOTA . . . "DON'T pick up that fawn!" warns the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Departent. Such action constitutes illegal possession of big game and is punishable by large fines and up to 30 days in jail. "Actually," the department says, "you are seriously hampering the animal's chances for survival. In many instances when a helpless-looking fawn is captured, taken from an area and held for even a few hours, the doe will not claim it when it is released.

NEW MEXICO . . . Al Yaple of the Department of Game and Fish says, "If all the fish that have been planted from Red River since July 1, 1956 until April 30, 1957 were laid end to end, they would reach from here to way out yonder, in fact 62.9 miles."

NEW HAMPSHIRE ... The Legislature has passed a bill which will permit the taking of hen as well as cock pheasants during the open season. As passed, the law now reads: "Pheasants may be taken and possessed from October 1 to November 1. No person shall take more than two pheasants in any one day. No person shall take more than 10 pheasants in any one calendar open season, or have in his possession at one time more than two days' bag limit of pheasants."

TEXAS . . . Log-floating rains of the past several weeks in Texas give assurances of the best fishing season in many years. Given as reasons are: Every impoundment, large and small, in the state has been filled; fish in the lakes and streams have been widely dispersed; feeding conditions will be changed entirely for many weeks.

ACCORDING to the Fish and Wildlife Service, educated mice may be the answer to saving millions of dollars, as well as to aiding wildlife management. Extensive field tests being conducted are designed to educate mice through nonlethal treatment of seeds to discourage the foragers from further destruction of newly planted fir, spruce, and pine seeds. In addition to the monetary saving there could be direct benefits to rehabilitation of deer range and wildlife habitat. A new four-purpose seed coating is now being field tested which, in addition to educating the mice, has proven fatal to some insects, gives protection against a fungus common to tree seeds, and makes the seed unattractive to birds.

SOUTH POLE . . . Word has been received by Bill Pringle, Pierre, So. Dak., national president of the Izaak Walton League, of the formation of the Antarctica Chapter at the South Pole. The only contact with the new chapter has been by ham radio operators in conjunction with the Red Cross. Daily radio contact is maintained with the group when weather conditions permit.

Eighteen members representing 14 different states make up the chapter.

SUMMER ISSUE 25

Notes on Nebraska Fauna

Redtail Hawk

This is the 31st of a series of articles and drawings depicting Nebraska wildlife. The article was written by Charles V. Bohari, project leader of land management, and the drawing was prepared by Staff Artist C. G. Pritchard. The Fall Issue will feature the prairie chicken.

THE seemingly effortless flight of many species of hawks as they swing high and lazy in the sky is usually sufficient reason for an Outdoor Nebraskan to pause and marvel at this picture of complete freedom. This is also a time for speculating on what species hawk it is that is being watched. In Nebraska, during certain seasons of the year, this will quite frequently be a redtailed hawk, so named because of its primary identifying mark. Mature individuals are most easily identified by the rust-reddish color of the upper portion of the tail. It is possible though, with a great deal of experience, to distinguish them from other species by their shapethe redtail being chunkier with broader wings and shorter tail.

Immature redtails are more difficult to identify and the characteristic tail color doesn't appear until maturity —approximately a year and a half after hatching.

The name "hen or chicken hawk" has been attached to the redtail as well as to many other larger hawks. This is unfortunate, for it implies undesirable habits. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Much study by skilled technicians has proven the redtail's table manners to be definitely on the beneficial side of the ledger. Actually, "mouse hawk" would be a more appropriate name.

The redtail, as do many other hawks, disgorges undigestible portions of food from its mouth, and these carry the story of what is utilized as food. These extrusions, called pellets, are found under nesting and roosting sites. Careful examination of the bones and hair which these contain, along with studies of crop and stomach contents, have shown the redtail to subsist largely on small mammals such as field mice, ground squirrels, etc.

As is the case with many wild animals, the redtail is an opportunist as far as food is concerned. He will take what becomes available. Carrion in all forms may be utilized. Occasionally a redtail will stray from the straight and narrow path outlined by man and become a predator on some easily accessible poultry yard. These depredations, however, are usually few and the loss is more than offset by the benefits obtained from the hawk's destruction of rodents.

Because of its size, shape, and slower flying ability, the redtail rarely takes game and song birds unless the victim is old, crippled, or diseased. In such cases destruction of such an individual is beneficial and is nature's scheme for the elimination of the unfit.

Redtail hawks begin their existence in early spring when two to four creamy colored eggs are laid. Although the eggs are occasionally unmarked, they generally will be spotted or bloched with varying shades of brown. The egg laying takes place in a structure of sticks with a sparse lining of softer materials. This structure may be small to start with but will grow with continued seasons of use.

The landowner who has a pair of redtails returning to nest season after season can consider himself fortunate to have these rodent exterminators in his employ at little or no cost.

The nests are usually located in high, inaccessible places as tall trees or high ledges in rough rocky country. After 28 to 32 days, the eggs will be replaced by small, fuzzy balls of white, downy hawks. Now the job of the adult hawks is increased, for food must be obtained in ever-increasing amounts until the young are large enough to be on their own.

There are other dangers beside man to the nest during this period. The horned owl has no aversion to destroying a hawk nest and apparently finds the young appetiable. Raccoons, too, have been known to destroy the nest and its contents. When on the wing, however, the redtail has little to fear if he stays away from man.

Once a brood of young has been sent on its way, the life of adult hawks falls into set patterns. Practically all activity will be carried on within a three-mile radius of the roosting site. This area forms the hunting grounds of the hawk, and the primary objective of flights around this area is pursuit of food.

Many hours will be spent perched on a high inaccessible spot from which the hawk can survey its chosen do main. The bird's extremely keen eyesight enables it to watch for food from this vantage point, and it may take off in an instant to capture some careless rodent on the ground below. Occasionally while so perched, crows will sight the hawk and clamor about until the redtail, sufficiently provoked by the disturbance, sails away to seek another place that affords more peace and quiet.

When on the wing the redtail will soar to great heights, often becoming a mere speck in the sky. Moving the wings only when the situation so demands, they will make great circles in the sky, changing course with a tilt of the tail. Often on these turns at lower altitude the red color of the upper portion of the tail can be easily seen for identification purposes.

When a mouse or other rodent is sighted, the redtail will dive with partially folded wings to pounce on its prey. Frequently the victim is carried away to some favored perch and there eaten.

In the northern portion of the redtail's range, which covers the entire United States and a large portion of Canada, the coming of winter signifies the start of an annual migration to the South. During these movements it is sometimes possible to see redtails in fairly abundant numbers. In mild winters, the southern portion of Nebraska is often found suitable for wintering, and redtails may be seen throughout the year. But with the coming of spring, the move northward is undertaken and the cycle of reproduction starts again.

The redtail hawk is protected in Nebraska, as it should be, because of its value as a rodent exterminator and its place in nature's scheme of life. The redtail's value from other standpoints is difficult to measure.

THE END 26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

NAME THE SILHOUETTE

ANSWERS: 1—ringnecked pheasant; 2—Canada goose; 3—Hungarian partridge; 4—sharptailed grouse; 5—prairie chicken; 6—mallard duck; 7— coot; 8—bobwhite quail.