Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Title: Bulletin, no. 11
Place of Publication: Harrisburg, Pa.
Copyright Date: [n.d.]
Master Negative Storage Number:MNS# PSt SNPaAg244.10
•■el' , k
•Trr*r*'i'^ —--,■7 ■' "f."'* . ' '. r •>
•
More Food for Upland Game
^ Fig. 1. WIIJ) TrUKEY
ir siiut' tlu' (lays of \\\v red inaii. this liniMlsoinc, kocn-wittod creature
to liold its own in IN'iinsylvaiiia. It needs our lielp during the
winter, however, wht'U snitw eovers its food.
Bulletin No. 11
ISSUED BY THK HOARD OF (iAMF COMMISSIONERS
COMMONVVEAi;i'H OF PFNNSYEVANIA
BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS
ROSS L. LEFFLER, President, McKeesport
JARED M. B. REIS, Vice-President, New Castle
DR. H. J. DONALDSON, Williamsport FRANKLIN G. McINTOSH, Franklin
FRANCIS H. COFFIN, Scranton RICHARD E. REITZ, Brookville
ADOLF MULLER, Norristown HARRY C. STACKPOLE, St. Marys
JOHN J. SLAUrrERBACK, Executive Secretary, Harrisburg, Pa.
'W\^\'\
Photograph by Department of Forests and Watera
WOODED HILLS AND COZY VALLEYS DON THE WHITE COAT OF
WINTER : A PENNSYLVANIA STREAM, LINED WITH EXCELLENT
GAME COVER
MORE FOOD FOR UPLAND GAME
BY
W. GARD. CONKLIN
CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF REFUGES AND LANDS
AND
JAMES N. MORTON
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF REFUGES AND LANDS
A
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin has been prepared largely from data and suggestions
submitted by Game Refuge Keepers and other field officers of the Penn-
sylvania Board of Game Commissioners, who have had considerable ex-
perience in feeding upland game. It is hoped that through its publi-
cation Pennsylvania sportsmen and all other wild-life enthusiasts will
have a better understanding of practical and inexpensive methods of
feeding game, particularly in winter. An ample supply of food is
essential to the conservation and increase of our valuable wild-life, and
the cooperation of all interested forces is necessary if this food supply
is to be properly maintained.
No attempt is made in this bulletin to discuss feeding of wild-
water fowl, as this subject was fairly well covered in a bulletin prepared
several years ago which is now available upon application. The title
of that bulletin is *'Wild Water Fowl Foods and How to Grow Them.'*
Since feeding upland game during severe cold spells is one of
the most important phases of conservation work, this bulletin treats
of winter feeding fully, but the planting of trees and shrubs which
produce game food should not be overlooked and this permanent phase
of the game feeding program is briefly discussed.
A great variety of feeding shelters have been experimented with
on game refuges and elsewhere, but in this bulletin only the more
practical types are described, and most of these lend themselves to in-
numerable variations suitable to different conditions and depending on
materials available for construction. Sketches were made by L. A.
Mackey, Draftsman in the Bureau of Refuges and Lands.
WHY MORE FOOD FOR GAME?
If wild birds and animals are to live and propagate normally they
must have an abundance of natural food. When there is a scarcity
of natural food, due either to failure in fruit or nut crops, or to deep
snows which cover nuts, seeds, and grit, it becomes necessary to sup-
ply food by artificial means. In Pennsylvania it is particularly im-
portant that game birds and animals be cared for in these days of
strenuous hunting, when 600,000 sportsmen range the woods and fields
in the fall. To meet the ever increasing demands of the hunter, game
animals and birds must propagate to the limit of their natural ability;
and to do this they must be healthy and well nourished. The im-
portance of keeping game in sound condition cannot be too strongly
impressed on the minds of sportsmen throughout the countrj^ and
particularly is this true within a thickly settled and industrial State
such as Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commis-
sioners fully realize this and, through their Game Protectors and Ref-
uge Keepers constantly endeavor to supplement the natural supply of
food with grains placed in shelters. Sportsmen, too, throughout the
State are becoming more and more interested in this vital phase of
game conservation work. The natural food supply can be augmented
by two principal methods: first, the planting of various kinds of
shrubs, trees, vines and grasses which will eventually produce nuts,
berries, and seeds desirable as food for game ; and second, the distribu-
tion of grains, nuts and dried plants, usually in winter when deep snows
make this method expedient. The latter method is herein termed
emergency imnfer feeding.
When the early settlers came to America they found a balanced,
though varied, assemblage of wild-life. There was sufficient food for
all. Predatory species killed weaker animals, but these weaker animals
w^ere always so abundant that they were not exterminated. The
coming of civilization upset the balance which so nicely existed in
primeval Pennsylvania. The white man killed game, w^hile the beasts
of prey evaded him, and continued their killing. Game animals dis-
appeared as their enemies became too abundant. The white man con-
verted the primeval woodland into farms and towns. Vast areas,
after the timber was cut, became waste land as the result of repeated
forest fires. These fires destroyed much game, game food and cover.
In more recent years the chestnut blight has practically eliminated
The chestnut, Pennsylvania's best native game-food producing tree.
The loss of this tree has taken away much of the food for wild
turkeys, grouse, squirrels, and deer, causing the latter to invade the
farms in search of food. It has become increasingly important to
supply additional winter food for turkeys since these birds depended
so extensively upon chestnuts.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Francis H. Coffln, Scranton.
Fij?. 3. BOY SCOtTTS SCATTERING GRAIN FOR GAME BIRDS
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
Many thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each
winter in Pennsylvania with various kinds of grains, scratch feed,
and occasionally with hay and alfalfa distributed especially for that
purpose. During the past few years this feeding program has been
stressed continuously by the Game Commission and splendid assist-
ance has been given by organized and individual sportsmen, farmers,
rural mail carriers and Boy Scouts. In many sections of the Common-
wealth, Boy Scouts have organized successful feeding campaigns, and
they, as well as farmers, are entitled to special commendation for
their good work. For the welfare of our game, particularly game
birds, everyone interested must do his bit in placing suitable food
where it will do the most good.
We have much to learn concerning the most desirable game foods
and the best methods of feeding game in an economical way. It is
difficult to determine how to feed the maximum amount of game with
a minimum amount of food and effort, for animals other than game,
rodents particularly, are likely to get more of it than the game for
which it is intended. Definite knowledge of the kinds of food that
are most tempting and beneficial to game is of great im])ortance and
in this field there is much opportunity for investigation and experi-
ment.
Many methods in the proper distribution and placing of winter
fped hflvp hppn pmnln^'od in this CnTnTnnTTn'ffllfli ^vifli varvino' dpoTPPS
of success. Throwing grain from an aeroplane was tried in one in-
■^
4
WHY MORE FOOD FOR GAME?
11' wild birds and animals are to live and propagate normally they
must have an abundance of natural food. AVhen there is a scarcity
of natural food, due either to failui'e in fruit or nut crops, or to deep
snows which cover nuts, seeds, and grit, it becomes necessary to sup-
ply food by artificial means. In Pennsylvania it is particularly im-
]iortant that game birds and animals be cared for in these days of
strenuous hunting, when 600,000 sportsmen range the woods and fields
in the fall. To meet the ever increasing demands of the hunter, game
animals and ])ir(ls must propagate to the limit of their natural ability;
and to do this thev must be healthv and well nourished. The im-
portance of keeping game in sound condition cannot be too strongly
impressed on the minds of sportsmen throughout the country, and
particularly is this true within a thickly settled and industrial State
such as Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commis-
sioners fully realize this and, through tlieir Game Protectors and Ref-
uge Keepers constantly endeavor to supplement the natural supply of
food with grains placed in slielters. Slj)ortsmen, too, throughout the
►State are l)ecoming more and more interested in this vital ])hase of
pame conservation woi-k. The natural food supidy can be augmented
by two ]n'incipal UM'thods: first, the pbiuting of various kinds of
shrubs, trees, vines and grasses wliich will eventually ])roduce nuts,
berries, and seeds desirable as food for game; and second, the distribu-
tion of grains, nuts and dried ])lants, usually in winter when deep snows
make this method expedient. The latter method is herein termed
rmrrgrvrif winter fcrdivg.
When the early settlers came to America they found a balanced,
though varied, assemblage of wild-life. There was sufficient food for
all. Predatory species killed weaker animals, but these weaker animals
were always so abundant that they were not exterminated. The
coming of civilization ups(»t the balance which so nicely existed in
primeval Pennsylvania. The white man killed game, while the ])easts
of prey evaded him, and continued their killing. Game animals dis-
appeared as their enemies became too abundant. The white man con-
verted the primeval woodland into farms and towns. Vast areas,
after the tind)er was cut, became waste land as the i-esult of repeated
forest fires. These fires destroyed much game, game food and cover.
In more recent years the chestnut blight has ])racticaliy eliminated
rhe chestnut, Pennsylvania's best native game-food producing tree.
The loss of this tree has taken away much of the food for wild
turkeys, grouse, srpiirrels, and deer, causing the latter to invade the
farms in search of food. Tt has become increasingly important to
supply additional winter food for tui'keys since these birds dependefl
so extensively upon chestnuts.
I
Photograph by Game Commissioner Francis H. Cofflii, Scruiiton.
Fi- 3. ROY SCOr'TS SC\\TTEUINTJ GHAIX FOR GAME BIRDS
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
]\Iany thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each
winter in Pennsylvania with various kinds of grains, scratch feed,
and occasionally with hay and alfalfa distributed especially for that
jvurpose. During the past few years this feeding jirogram has been
stressed continuously by the (Jame Commission and splendid assist-
ance has been given by organized and iixlividual sportsmen, farmers,
rural mail carriers and Boy Scouts, fn many sections of the Connnon-
wealth. Boy Scouts hav(» organized successful feeding campaigns, and
they, as well as farmers, are entitled to special commendation for
their good work. For the welfare of our game, particularly game
birds, everj^one interested must do his bit in placing suitable food
where it will do the most good.
We have much to learn concern inir the most desirable game foods
and the ])est methods of feeding game in an economical way. It is
difficult to determine how to feed the maximum amount of game with
a minimum amount of food and eff'ort, for animals other than game,
rodents particularly, are likely to get more of it than the game for
which it is intended. Definite knowledge of the kinds of food that
ai'e most tempting and beneficial to game is of great importance and
in this field there is much opportunity for investigation and experi-
ment.
Many metliods in the proper distribution and placing of winter
fppd have been employed in this Commonwealth with varying degrees
of success. Throwing grain from an aeroplane was tried in one in-
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
6
stance ; numerous types of artificial shelters have been built ; natural
shelters such as thickets, hollow logs and sheltered rock ledges have
been used ; and grain has been scattered in the open and ears of corn
have been placed on twigs or stubs two feet above the ground so that
they would protrude above the snow.
ORGANIZE FEEDING CAMPAIGNS
Each Sportsmen's Association should work out a plan by which
its members, preferably through the appointment of a good live com-
mittee, will systematically and regularly feed the game during the
winter in their vicinity. District Game Protectors will gladly cooper-
ate with sportsmen in planning feeding campaigns, and can usually
arrange to furnish some of the feed needed.
It is quite easy to feed small game in agricultural territory. In
fact many farmers either provide feed themselves or can be induced
to do so if properly approached. Many of them will gladly put out
feed without compensation while others, who cannot afford to donate
the feed, will put it out if they are paid for the feed or if it is fur-
nished them.
Feeding game in the forest areas becomes a somewhat more diffi-
cult problem in winter, but is no less essential. However, volunteers
who are willing to devote some of their time to taking out grain can
invariably be found in any good Sportsmen's Association. Snow-shoes
or skiis may occasionally be needed in the southern part of the State
and frequently required in the north, but the more difficult the ob-
jective, the greater the satisfaction in having attained it. Many State
Game Refuge Keepers and Game Protectors who devote their entire
time to maintaining the supply of game for sport use snow-shoes or
skiis in carrying feed into the woods and find pleasure in doing so.
The unique method of distributing grain from an aeroplane was
tried in January, 1926, by the Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry
Association (the State Game Commission cooperating), in an effort to
feed turkeys and grouse in the remote, inaccessible mountains of
Central Pennsylvania. The ground was covered by deep snow with a
frozen crust. Paper bags filled with corn on the ear or shelled corn
were dropped from an elevation of a few hundred feet. The bags
broke open either on trees or on the hard crust of the snow, and the
grain scattered. This method cannot be considered practical because
of the excessive cost and because too small a proportion of the grain
falls in the particular spots where it is most needed. However, the
publicity given to this particular experiment brought home to many
people the vital necessity of feedinsr srame, and stimulated activity in
this field throughout the State.
Mki'^M
Photograph by Division Supervisor Frank A. Myers, Lewistown.
Fig. 4. ONE OF THE DUTIES OF THE GAME PROTECTORS IS TO FEED
GAME IN WINTER
Here corn on the cob is being placed so tliat it will not be covered by snow.
FOOD MUST BE TAKEN TO THE GAME
In distributing food in winter it is very important that it be
placed at or near the particular spots where the game for which it is
intended is living. Food for grouse, for instance, should be placed
usually under cover formed by clumps of evergreen trees, thickets of
laurel, rhododendron or weeds, dense patches of scrub oak, or grape
vines; bob- whites are usually fed in the open, along fence rows; wild
turkeys in the deep woods along spring runs and so on.
It should be borne in mind that emergency feeding is most es-
sential when the ground is covered with deep snow and when, in con-
sequence, game is unable to find the existing natural food. It is im-
portant that the food be placed under some form of shelter so that it
will not be covered by snow. Where suitable natural shelters are
available they should be used, but they are not always to be found in
the localities where it is most desirable that feeding be carried on.
Therefore it is usually necessary to provide artificially constructed
shelters.
One disadvantage in the use of natural shelters is that food can
seldom be nut out in snflficient ouantities to last durinsr the part of
the season when it is most needed, and consequently, it must be taken
8
out to such shelters at a time when deep snow makes travel in the
woods exceedingly difficult. On the other hand, artificial shelters can
be arranged so that a considerable quantity of food may be stored
in them when travel is easy, protected from the elements, and thus
be available when it is most needed by game. Game will at first be
more or less suspicious of an artificial shelter and to be effective such
a shelter should be built prior to the time winter feeding is necessary.
If this policy is followed, game will have become accustomed to see-
ing the shelters by the time deep snows arrive. Shelters of one or
more years' standing have proven more satisfactory than those newly
established. It is also essential that the shelter be given a natural
appearance. Feeding should be started before heavy snows so that
game will have learned where to obtain food.
Where it is expected that considerable quantities of food will be
required during the winter at a feeding shelter or station, it is ad-
visable to store an extra supply in some way, either in cans or metal
lined boxes, near the shelter. This stored food will then be conveni-
ently available for placing in the shelter when bad roads and deep
snows make its transportation difficult.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder may readily be devised,
and it is hoped that suggestions made herein will incite the ingenuity
of all who are interested in constructing more efficient types. Prac-
tical lean-to shelters under which food may be placed can be made
quickly from a few old boards or poles and quite a satisfactory shelter
can be made with corn fodder.
VERMIN A MENACE
The habits of predatory birds and animals should by all means
be borne in mind when food for game is being placed, particularly
when artificial shelters are used. Provision should always be made
for the easy escape of game animals or birds so that they will not
be cornered and caught within the shelter. Never less than two en-
trances or exits should be provided.
Various species of predatory animals — foxes, wild cats, weasels
and the more valuable fur bearer, mink — are quite apt to find a
feeding station where game is feeding and in turn feed on the grain
fed game. If this occurs, either the vermin should be trapped or the
placing of grain at the station be discontinued.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much game
in a section to one feeding place, for vermin will profit by it at the
expense of game. Numerous small feeding shelters, artificial or
natural, are far better than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes the
winter feeding of small game a difficult problem, for a very few deer
Photograph by Assistant Game Protector W. F. Hamilton, Galeton,
Fig. 5. A LEAN-TO FEEDING SHELTER FOR RUFFED GROUSE
Notice that this shelt(»r is open at throe sides to i)ermit the easy escape of the
birds in the event they are pursued by enemies
may eat quickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and squirrels,
although buds and twigs on which deer should browse may be fairly
abundant. To overcome this difficulty some of the feeders herein
described were designed primarily to keep the grain beyond the
reach of deer.
All species of upland game, with the exception of ruffed grouse,
can readily be fed if the right kind of food is provided at suitable
]>laces. The most difficult problem to solve is that of feeding grouse,
and this problem merits most exhaustive study and cxporimontation.
Success in feeding this most valuable of native game birds has been
8
out to such shelters at a time wlien deep snow makes travel in the
woods exceedingly difficult. On the otlier hand, artificial shelters can
be arranged so that a considerable quantity oi* food ma> be stored
in them when travel is easy, protected from the elements, and thus
be available when it is most needed by game. Game will at first be
more or less suspicious of an artificial shelter and to be effective such
a shelter should be built prior to tlie time winter feeding is necessary.
If this policy is followed, game will have become accustomed to see-
ing tlie shelters by the time deep snows arrive. Shelters of one or
more years' standing have proven more satisfactory than those newly
established. It is also essential that the shelter be given a natural
appearance. Feeding shoukl be started before heavy snows so that
game will have learned w^here to obtain food.
Where it is expected that considerable quantities of food will be
required during the winter at a feeding shelter or station, it is ad-
visable to store an extra supply in some way, either in cans or metal
lined boxes, near the shelter. This stored food will then be conveni-
ently available for placing in the shelter when bad roads and deep
snows make its transportation difficult.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder maj^ readily be devised,
and it is hoped that suggestions made herein will incite the ingenuity
of all who are interested in constructing more efficient types. Prac-
tical lean-to shelters under which food may be placed can be made
cjuickly from a few^ old boards or poles and quite a satisfactory shelter
can be made with corn fodder.
VERMIN A MENACE
Tlie Imbits of predatory birds and animals should by all means
be borne in mind when food for game is being ])laeed, particularly
when artificial shelters an* used. Provision should always be made
for the easy escape of game aninuils or birds so that they will not
be cornered and caught within the shelter. Never less than two en-
trances or exits should be provided.
Various species of i)redatory animals — foxes, wild cats, weasels
and the more vnlunbh' fur benrei-, mink — are ([uite apt to find a
feeding station where game is feeding and in turn feed on the grain
fed game. If this occurs, either the vermin should be trapped or the
placing of grain at the station be discontinued.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much game
in a section to one feeding place, for vermin will profit by it at the
expense of game. Numerous small feeding shelters, artificial or
natural, are far better than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes tlie
winter feeding of small game a difficult problem, for a very few deer
Photograph by Assistant Game rrolector \V. F. Ilaniiltoii, Galetoii.
rijr. .•». A I.E.WTO FEEDINT; shelter for huffed (JKOISE
Xolico tlint this sli«'lt«'r is open at three sides to iMTinit tlie onsy oscni)e of liie
birds in the event they are purstied by enemies
may eat quickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and squirrels,
although buds and twigs ou which deer should browse may be fairly
abundant. To overcome this difficulty some of th<» feeders herein
described were designed i)rimarily to keep the grain beyond the
reach of deer.
All species of upland game, with the exception of ruffed grouse,
can readily be fed if fhe right kind of food is i)rovided at suitabh-
places. The most tlifficult ]>robl('m to solvo is that of feeding grouse,
and this prohiein merits inost exhaustive shidy ami experiiiienlaf i(»n.
Succ<'ss iu feodiiig this most valuai)le of native game birds has been
L
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
10
very poor, although several officers of the Game Commission report
success. One reports having fed grouse under pines along streams
and in thick laurel patches around springs, in other words under
natural cover where there is nothing to excite their suspicion. It ap-
pears logical that best results should be attained near springs and
streams, for grouse will go there for water and grit.
A Refuge Keeper reported having successfully fed grouse some-
what as follows : A shock of unhusked corn was placed against a tree
close to an old woods road and wired to the tree. Then the shock
was opened on the side opposite from the prevailing winds and scratch
feed was placed on the ground under the shock. All ears on the outside
were husked but left on the stalk. Later grouse were found feeding
on the husked com as well as on the scratch feed.
It is not always necessary to make use of shelters in placing food,
and in certain instances it may even be inadvisable to do so. Experi-
Photograph by Game Protector W. L. Wright, Trauger.
Fig. 6. THE WILD TURKEY RESPONDS READILY TO WINTER
FEEDING
ence has demonstrated that a very satisfactory method of feeding wild
turkeys and other woodland game is by placing ear corn on the stub
end of a small sapling cut off about two feet above the ground, or on
a stick forced into the ground upon which the ear of corn is fastened.
The intention is to keep the corn above the snow. Squirrels may be
successfully fed by placing ears of corn in cavities or crotches of
trees. Shocks of unhusked corn may be placed conveniently for use
of squirrels and other same. Sauirrels eat out the *'pvp'* of fho l^ornp),
leaving the rest as food for other game.
11
ARTIFICIAL FEEDING SHELTERS AND STATIONS
Hopper Shelter and Feeder (Fig. 7): One of the most success-
fial artificial feeding shelters thus far used is the so-called ''Hopper
Shelter and Feeder." It is a combination shelter and feeder with
a fairly large chamber capacity for storage of grain. The shelter,
about 14 feet square, is supported on posts or trees 24 to 30 inches
above the surface of the ground, the hopper being placed about
in the center. The lower or chute end of the hopper should rest on a
stone or in a shallow box to prevent its sinking into the ground. The
frame of the shelter is constructed of four poles 4 to 6 inches in di-
ameter securely nailed to trees or posts. It should be substantially
constructed so that it will carry a heavy weight of snow. Should it
sag under the snow, additional supporting posts can be placed under-
neath the shelter. Saplings 2 to 4 inches in diameter are nailed about
one foot apart, checker-board fashion, and a covering of pine or hem-
lock boughs, or of brush and weeds, is then placed on top, allowing
the covering to hang down over the sides a short distance, forming
a fringe or curtain. It is open on four sides, enabling game to leave
quickly if molested.
The food, either grain or scratch feed, which is placed in the
hopper at convenient times, filters out of the four inverted cone
shaped openings at the bottom of the hopper as it is eaten.
Several Game Refuge Keepers have used this shelter successfully
in feeding small game, some reporting that even grouse, the most
timid of game birds, have fed at them. This type is designed with
the large low shelter so placed as to keep the grain beyond the reach
of deer. The hopper, with suitable modifications, is adaptable for use
in many other types of shelters.
Wire Basket Feeder (Fig. 8): A very satisfactory method of
feeding turkeys and other birds, as well as squirrels, is the use
of a basket of 1^/4 inch mesh poultry wire, made in cylindrical form,
and wired or hung onto a tree. This basket, made in any convenient
size, and filled with ear corn, has proved worthwhile as a feeding
station, particularly in the central and southern parts of the Com-
monwealth where snows seldom become so deep as to prevent refilling
the basket with corn. Turkeys readily peck corn from the cobs
through the wire mesh, and squirrels can enter the basket. They
work the cobs around while gnawing at the corn, thus shelling much
which falls to the ground where it is accessible for grouse, turkeys
or other birds.
Suspended Tray Feeder (Fig. 9) : In squirrel, turkey, and
grouse territory a tray, with mesh wire bottom, suspended well above
the reach of deer, has been used as a feeding station with fair sue-
10
11
very poor, although several officers of the Game Commission report
success. One reports having fed grouse under pines along streams
and in thick laurel patches around springs, in other words under
natural cover where there is nothing to excite their suspicion. It ap-
pears logical that best results should be attained near springs and
streams, for grouse will go there for water and grit.
A Refuge Keeper reported having successfully fed grouse some-
what as follows: A shock of unhusked corn was placed against a tree
close to an old woods road and wired to the tree. Then the shock
vv'as opened on the side opposite from the prevailing Avinds and scratch
feed was placed on the ground under the shock. All ears on the outside
were husked but left on the stalk. Later grouse were found feeding
on the husked corn as well as on the scratch feed.
It is not always necessary to make use of shelters in ])laciug food,
and in certain instances it may even be inadvisable to do so. Experi-
Pliotograph by Game Protector W. L. Wright, Trauger.
Fig. <;. THE WILD TT^KKEY RESPONDS READILY TO WINTER
FEEDING
ence has demonstrated that a very satisfactory method of feeding wild
turkeys and other woodland game is by placing ear corn on the stub
end of a small sapling cut off about two feet above the ground, or on
a stick forced into the ground upon which the ear of corn is fastened.
The intention is to keep the corn above the snow. Squirrels may be
successfully fed by placing ears of corn in cavities or crotches of
trees. Shocks of unhusked corn inay be placed conveniently for use
of squirrels and other name. Squirrels eat out the ''eye" of the koriiel,
leaving the rest as food for other game.
ARTIFICIAL FEEDING SHELTERS AND STATIONS
Hopper Shelter and Feeder (Fig. 7): One of the most success-
ful artificial feeding shelters thus far used is the so-called ''Hopper
Shelter and Feeder." It is a combination shelter and feeder with
a fairly large chamber capacity for storage of grain. The shelter,
about l-i feet square, is supported on posts or trees 24 to 30 inches
above the surface of the ground, the hopper being placed about
in the center. The lower or chute end of the hopper should rest on a
stone or in a shallow box to prevent its sinking into the ground. The
frame of the shelter is constructed of four poles 4 to 6 inches in di-
ameter securely nailed to trees or posts. It should be substantially
constructed so that it will carry a heavy weight of snow. Should it
sag under the snow, additional supporting posts can be placed under-
neath the shelter. Saplings 2 to 4 inches in diameter are nailed about
one foot apart, checker-board fashion, and a covering of pine or hem-
lock boughs, or of brush and weeds, is then placed on top, allowing
the covering to hang down over the sides a short distance, forming
a fringe or curtain. It is open on four sides, enabling game to leave
quickly if molested.
The food, either grain or scratch feed, which is i)laced in the
hopper at convenient times, filters out of the four inverted cone
shaped openings at the bottom of the hopper as it is eaten.
Several Game Refuge Keepers have used this shelter successfully
in feeding small game, some reporting that even grouse, the most
timid of game birds, have fed at them. This type is designed with
the large low shelter so placed as to keep the grain beyond the reach
of deer. The hopper, with suitable modifications, is adaptable for use
in many other types of shelters.
Wire Basket Feeder (Fig. 8): A very satisfactory method of
feeding turkeys and other birds, as well as squirrels, is the use
of a basket of m inch mesh poultry wire, made in cylindrical form,
and wired or hung onto a tree. This basket, made in any convenient
size, and filled with ear corn, has proved worthwhile as a feeding
station, particularly in the central and southern parts of the Com-
monwealth where snows seldom become so deep as to prevent refilling
the basket with corn. Turkeys readily peck corn from the cobs
through the wire mesh, and squirrels can enter the basket. They
work the cobs around while gnawing at the corn, thus shelling much
which falls to the ground where it is accessible for grouse, turkeys
or other birds.
Suspended Tray Feeder (Fig. 9) : In squirrel, turkey, and
grouse territory a tray, with mesh wire bottom, suspended well above
the reach of deer, has been used as a feeding station with fair sue-
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
12
TOP VIEW
Mi A
Tree on
(r;^i,«t«^i^>,ii«jUj^•^f'««y^
\l R;a m m
Wi^l»-i^^ymgmJ»m^f^^li/^f^»*!^^
*Mi(«lii»<#»tw«f!#^*»*jiiiM^^^
Tree oc-
It
"'ttiriiTI'i ■«
y
-i 1
C ""^ i ifffit«^ |«f|7W^ ^;'''.."^! JtB!l{^ f^ff^*
LkUi, >
t-«i j'n'tefc*
i mjA*
\\
-4 '
m
y (lil
^
3
^^^roxims ^o/y^ A* />* / j^^t^dire
Fig. 7. DIAGRAM OF THE HOPPER SHELTER AND FEEDER
13
Fig. 8. DIAGRA^I OF THE WIRE RASKET FEEDER
14
cess. These trays may be of any convenient size, but those which have
proved most practical are from four to five feet in length, from one
to two feet wide, and six inches deep. They may be suspended from
trees by wire or iron rods, or supported on the top of posts set in
the ground. Corn on the ear is placed in the trays. Squirrels which
gnaw at the ears naturally shell a considerable amount which falls to
the ground where it becomes accessible to grouse and turkeys,
SN*".']"!]]
Fig. 9. DIAGRAM OF THE SUSPENDED TRAY FEEDER
Crib-Hopper Feeder (Fig. 10) : This type of feeder was designed
to permit storage of four or five bushels of ear corn when roads are
passable. It is intended primarily for wild turkeys, although other
birds and game animals may take advantage of the kernels of corn
which drop to the ground. It is a crib or box of any convenient
size, made of boards and with sloping floor. The lower end is covered
with 1 inch woven mesh poultry- wire to wuthin 2 inches of the floor,
a strip of wood being nailed across the box just above the floor leaving
an opening about 1% inches wide through which the shelled ears can
drop from the bin after the turkeys have pecked off the kernels. It is
desirable to provide wire covered side openings at the lower end which
will facilitate working out the shelled cobs. Turkeys, and perhaps
grouse, will feed at these cribs by pecking the corn from the ears
through the wire. Some kernels will naturally drop to the ground and
be available for grouse and other birds.
The roof is removable to facilitate refilling. This fppripv shnnld
be placed under natural cover wherever possible.
15
SIDE ELEVATION
Cower' AV//4 /'
%' Ope n/r>^
FRONT ELEVATION
Coi^Gr rron
V
2-6
Fig. 10. 1*]AGUAM OF THE CRIB IIOrrEU FEEDER
16
17
SIDE ELEVATION
PoMs 03/ /CC/
3" or mofe /n
d/arr?ts/Gr
END ELEVATION
I
Po/es /7«//ety /-o /rae.
B/ocA mtf/^c/ /o /rce
DIACUAM or TIIK HACK I'EEDEU
Rack Feeder (Fig. 11): The rack feeder is very easily con-
structed and is an economical and practical method of feeding corn
on the ear to turkeys as well as other game. It is constructed of
poles and saplings and covered with hemlock or pine branches which
extend outward a foot or two, thus furnishing some shelter to the
feeding game. Two parallel poles are nailed on opposite sides of two
trees 3V2 feet to 4 feet above the ground. A third pole is fastened
to blocks nailed to the butts of the two trees and saplings or slats
are then nailed to the poles forming a V-shaped crib. The slats
or palings are spaced about 2 inches apart and the openings thus
formed allow the cobs to fall out of the crib.
A feeder similar to this type, placed about two feet above the
ground, of larger capacity and with slats spaced about four inches
apart, can be used in connection with feeding hay or alfalfa to deer
or elk.
Stove-Pipe Squirrel Feeder (Fig. 12) : A unique and econom-
ical squirrel feeder has been experimented with, using shelled corn or
other grain, but its success has not yet been well demonstrated. A
piece of stove-pipe, about three feet in length, is slipped over the snag
of a tree approximately 2^/2 feet above ground. A post of the proper
size may well be used for this purpose. A two inch square opening
is made in the pipe, near the level of the top of the snag. This is
done by cutting three sides of a square in the metal and pushing it
back. The inside flap thus formed prevents the grain from flowing
out faster than it is used. A top for the container is made by nail-
ing a block the size of the pipe onto a square piece of board several
inches larger than the pipe, the block fitting into the pipe. This pipe
arrangement may well be used in connection with various other kinds
of artificial shelters in the same manner as the hopper described in
Fig. 7 may be used. The plan lends itself to many adaptations for
use under difl'erent conditions.
Spike Pole Feeder (Fig. 13) : A feeder for turkeys and squirrels
wliich has been tried with fair success is made of poles and spikes
upon which ears of corn are placed. Spikes are driven into a pole
and the heads then cut off, or spikes may be driven through the pole
from the bottom up and thus save the labor of cutting off the heads.
Two such poles are fastened to opposite sides of two trees from five
to seven feet above the ground, the poles being parallel and on the
same level, the spikes pointing upward.
Side Hill Shelter (Fig. 14) : A simple type of shelter under
which small game can be fed may readily be constructed on a hill-
side. Fasten a good sized pole horizontally between two trees three
to four feet above tl'.e '^round then \k^^ ^ cnrioQ n? pwrallnl smallpr
poles from the horizontal pole to the higher ground in rear of the
18
two trees. By covering these poles with hemlock or pine branches,
or with brush and weeds, a practical and effective shelter is provided,
three sides of which are open.
The frame of a shelter such as this may be covered with build-
ing or roofing paper, then hemlock or pine branches placed over the
paper. The paper will last throughout the winter and will help to
protect the grain from water and snow. Under this shelter corn or
other grain, or scratch feed, may be placed as required. This type
should prove very satisfactory^ for feeding grouse or quail at acces-
sible places where storage of grain is unnecessary.
Co^cr /?e/c3^ on hy S/ocA
cc//- on //7/-ec ^/e^Gs
on/y^ <^nc/ /'/ap pi/^^ec/
jbacA &^ 3/70^^/7.
Fig. 12. DIAGRAM OF THE STOVE-PIPE SQUIRREL FEEDER
Tent Shelter (Fig. 15) : A shelter on level ground under which
small game can be fed may be constructed of small poles and shaped
like a soldier's "pup" tent. A fairly heavy pole is fastened hori-
zontallv between two trees tliree to five feet above the ground. Smaller
poles are then laid parallel to one another from the ground to th^
horizontal pole, on both sides of the tree, the horizontal pole form-
19
ing the ridge of the ''tent." The frame thus made \?. then covered
with evergreen branches, brush, or weeds, or any other available ma-
terial suitable for the purpose. Corn fodder can be used to form the
"tent" if readily available. Under a shelter such as this corn or
other grain, or scratch feed, may be scattered as needed. Ring-necked
pheasants and quail, and in some localities grouse, will find this shelter
acceptable.
Fig. 13. DIAGRAM OF THE SPIKE POLE FEEDER
WHAT TO USE FOR WINTER FEEDING
Game animals and birds require, or at least appear to need,
different types of food. Some are exceedingly particular as to their
food, while others eat a great variety. Before supplying winter ra-
tions the food habits of game should be carefully studied so that the
particular food which they desire may be furnished. Experience
has demonstrated, in most instances, the kinds of food our game will
eat. For all game birds grii should he included with the feed since
it is a necessary aid to digestion. Birds usually take it in the form
of sand or gravel, but when the ground is covered by snow it may
be diflScult to obtain, and consequently should be included as a part
of the ration. Grit may be purchased separately and put out along
with grain.
20
21
FRONT ELEVATION
SIDE ELEVATION
Shocks of unthreshed buckwheat placed where small game winters,
provides an easy method of feeding ring-necked pheasants and bob-
white quail and one which has given success in all respects. Besides
ring-necks it has been reported that gray squirrels and even raccoon
were found feeding from the buckwheat. Corn in the shock may be
used in the same way, but as it is less easily transported to the most
favorable spots, it becomes less practical to use. In many instances
uncut corn left in the fields has furnished food for ring-necks and
f^ 14 DTAOKAM OF TfTF? STDF HTTT< STTFJTFIR
Fig. lo. DIAGILVM OF THE TENT SHELTER
squirrels, but it is inadvisable to leave buckwheat uncut, since buck-
wheat, unless cut and shocked, will be bent to the ground and covered
by winter snows.
Shocks of corn not only provide food, but if the lower part of
tlie shock is parted a very practical feeding slielter can be arranged.
Following is a list of our upland game. Under each species
is given a statement of the normal winter food, according to the re-
ports of the field force and the investigations of stomach contents
made by the Bureau of Research and Information. A list of the suit-
able winter foods for game which can be procured locally without
much difficulty is also given.
I
22
BOB- WHITE OR QUAIL
Normal Food: The bob-white in winter lives almost altogether
upon weed seeds, grass seed, dried berries such as can be found in
the open or along fence rows, and upon waste grain. Very little in-
sect food is consumed during winter. Stomachs of winter specimens
taken in Pennsylvania contained over 75% of weed seeds. Prominent
among the species represented was the wild lupine.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings,
commercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet and
sunflower seed.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Ross L. Leffler, McKeesport.
Fig. 10. A FEEDING-SHELTER FOR BOB-WHITES BUILT BY
BOY SCOUTS
HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
Normal Food: Tliis bird of the open field lives upon weed and
grass seed almost exclusively during the winter. Since the birds
inhabit only the wide treeless fields, they exist chiefly upon the seeds
of plants which grow strictly in the open.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings,
commercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet
and sunflower seed.
23
RUFFED GROUSE
Normal Food: The grouse eats many different forms of winter
food. It eats the buds and terminal twigs of birch, aspen, poplar,
fire cherry, apple, hawi^horn, and wild rose; occasionally it eats the
buds and leaves of the hemlock. It is very fond of berries and pulpy
fruits which can be found above the snow. Among them are huckle-
berries, winter-green berries, fruit of the jack-in-the-pulpit, redhaws,
rose hips, black haws, and apples. They often eat leaves of the
winter-green berry and laurel during Avinter. On the ground they
occasionally find weed seeds, small acorns and beech nuts and at the
edge of the woodland the fruit of bitter-sweet, Avild grapes and Vir-
ginia creeper. Grouse do not often feed upon w^aste grain because
they do not come into the open as a rule.
Photograph by George Miksch, Sutton.
Vig. 17. THE TOES OF THE RUFB^ED GROUSE HAVE LATERAL SCALES
IN WINTER WHICH SERVE AS SNOWSHOES
Grouse vary their diet considerably from day to day. On one
day an individual may consume little aside from buds; on another
day it will subsist chiefly on wild grapes. While this rather unique
custom may be the result of availability of food, it suggests the
possibility either that food at a shelter should be considerably varied,
or that we need not expect grouse to come regularly to the shelter
to feed upon the same grain daily.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, wheat, rye, buck-
22
23
BOB-WHITE OR QUAIL
Normal Food: The bob-white in winter lives almost altogether
upon weed seeds, grass seed, dried berries such as can be found in
the open or along fence rows, and upon waste grain. Very little in-
sect food is consumed during winter. Stomachs of winter specimens
taken in Pennsylvania contained over 75% of weed seeds. Prouiinent
among the species represented was the wild lupine.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings,
commercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, i)arley, broom corn, millet and
sunflower seed.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Uoss L. Leffler, M stnrp mits and other foods in hollow trees and shallow
holes in the ground. They also eat many seeds, and small fruits, in-
27
eluding the rather bulky fruit of the cucumber tree. However, when
the nut crop is scant, squirrels may lack an adequate winter supply,
or if the forest floor is covered with deep snow for a long period of
time, feeding is desirable. Almost any kind of nuts, as well as grains,
may be used.
Photograph by Division Supervisor FVank A. Myers, Lewistown.
Fig. 20. THE SNOWSHOE RABBIT IS WHITE IN WINTER, BUT GRAY
IN SUMMER
TREES AND SHRUBS WHICH PRODUCE GAME FOOD
Assisting nature in producing suitable foods for game and birds
by planting trees, shrubs, and so forth, is desirable where practicable.
Many varieties of shrubs and trees produce berries, fruits and nuts
which persist well into and often through the winter, and furnish ex-
cellent food. Such species of shrubs and trees may be planted on
favorable locations, but it is a waste of time and money to plant
unless the planted stock will receive sunlight necessary for it to be-
come established and to grow. Most of these species will not grow
satisfactorily in dense shade; in fact they almost invariably demand
an abundance of sunlight, which means they can be expected to grow
only on open areas within the woods, or on abandoned agricultural
lands.
A great many of the trees and shrubs, as well as vines, includ-
ing the valuable wild grape, which produce desirable foods for up-
land game are more or less objectionable to the forester whose aim
it is to produce the greatest volume of wood on a given area. Un-
fortunately, most of the food-producing species have little or no lum-
ber value and are considered undesirable by the forester and are
termed ** forest weeds. '^ The ultra-scientific forester, failing to realize
28
their inestimable value to wild life, looks with disdain upon these
''forest weeds" and desires above all else to replace them with lumber
trees Fortunatelv, most foresters in this country, not being of the
ultra-scientific type appreciate the fact that wild life in our wooded
areas has a great economic value and realize that the so-called ' ' forest
weeds" are essential to its existence. Pennsylvania's State Game
Lands and State Forests, more than one million acres of good hunting
territory, and owned by the Commonwealth, are managed in a prac-
tical way under the direction of trained foresters. There is little like-
lihood that these men will ever sacrifice too large a proportion of game-
food producing ''forest weeds" to make way for comparatively few
additional lumber trees.
Planting of shrubs, trees and vines which will produce food for
game and small birds should be carried on extensively by sportsmen
Fig. 21,
Photograph by Game Commissioner Ross L. Leffler, McKeesport.
AX EASILY rOXSTIirCTED BOB-WIllTE FOOD-SITELTER
and lovers of wild life. The Board of Game Commissioners have been
setting an example for a number of years through their Game Pro-
tectors and Game Refuge Keepers, and now have planted most of the
available areas under their control. They have no authority to plant
on privately oymed or controlled lands, and, consequently, such plant-
ing as may be carried on in the future must be done by sportsmen
and other individuals.
29
COVER FOR GAME
While considering th'e planting of food-bearing species, it is well
also to give thought to the furnishing of more and better cover for
game. The importance of cover must not be underestimated by for-
esters, sportsmen, officers of the Game Commission or others. Coni-
ferous or evergreen plantations made for reforestation purposes are
wonderful havens of safety for pursued game, especially rutfed
grouse. Under the thick canopy formed by the crowns of the planted
trees grouse and other small game may obtain protection from hawks.
It requires but a very few years for the small seedling trees ordinarily
planted to reach a size sufficient to provide adequate and desirable
cover for game. Also many birds and animals relish as food the seeds
from cones of evergreen trees. A plantation of such species will fur-
nish both cover and food for game as well as timber in later years.
SUITABLE PLANTING STOCK
Far better results will be obtained by planting nursery grown
seedlings in preference to nuts or seeds. If nuts or seeds are planted
or sown a large percentage of them will be eaten by rodents. Ex-
perience has proved that the percentage of those which germinate is
very low. Nuts and seeds of most species sown in a nursery may be
expected to result in a good percentage of germination and to pro-
duce good healthy seedlings. These seedlings, after one or two years
in the nursery, should be planted in their permanent location. Many
commercial nurseries are now raising for sale at reasonable prices,
quite a variety of trees and shrubs which are desirable as producers
of food for game and birds.
Trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants, which produce nuts,
fruits or seeds desirable as food for game and birds, are listed below.
No effort is made to list them in the order of their importance since
the value of each species is variable with locality and with different
kinds of game. The common name of the species is given as well as
the scientific name of the group to which it belongs, but no attempt
is made to list all of the desirable species of each group, since such a
list would be voluminous and unnecessary. The seeds or fruits of
almost all species of one group are similarly edible.
28
tlieir inestimable value to wild life, looks with disdain upon these
''forest weeds" and desires almve all else to replaee them with lunil)er
lives. Fortunately, most foresters in lliis country, not heini.reeiate the Tact that wild life in our wooded
areas has a ^ircat eeonomie value a.id reali/e that the so-called "forest
weeds" are'essential to its existence. Pennsylvania's State (Jame
Lands and State Forests, more than one million aeres of -iood huntinj:
territory, and owned by the (^unmonwealth, are manarodueinjr 'M'orest weeds" to make way for comparatively few
additional lumber trees.
Plantinjr of shrul)s, trees and vines which will i^roduee food for
game and small birds should be carried on extensively by spoi-tsmen
riidfoRijiiili liy Ciimc Commis^iont'i Hi»s L. I-«'fflfi . McKeespoit.
Fm. Ul. AX KASII.V CONSTIU CTHI) IJOlJ WIIITK FO< n> SIIKLTKU
and lovers of wild life. The Board of Game (^onnnissioners have been
setting an example for a luimbcr of years throu^di their (Jaine Pro-
tectors and Game l\efu«re Keepers, and now have ])lanted most of the
available areas under their control. They have no authority to ])lant
on privately owned or controlled lands, and, consecpiently. such ])lant-
injr as may be carried on in the future nntst be done by sportsmen
and other individuals.
29
COVER FOR GAME
AVliile considerin<2f the i)lanting of food-bearinj^ S])ecies, it is well
also to give thought to the fuiTiishing of more and bettej- cover for
game. The importance of cover must not be underestimated by foi'-
esters, sportsmen, officers of the Game Gonnnission or others. Goni-
ferous or evergreen ])lantations made for I'cforestation ])urposes are
Avonderful havens of safety for i)ursued game, especially rutfed
grouse. Under the thick canopy formed by the crowns of the planted
trees grouse and other small game may obtain i)rotection from hawks.
It requires but a very few years for the small seedling trees ordinarily
planted to reach a size sufficient to ])rovide aderpiate and desirable
cover for game. Also many birds and animals relish as food the seeds
from cones of evergreen trees. A i)lantation of such species will fur-
nish both cover and food for game as well as tindjer in later years.
SUITABLE PLANTING STOCK
Par better results will be obtained by i)lanting nursery grown
.seedlings in preference to nuts or seeds. If inits or seeds are ])lanted
or sown a large percentage of them will be eaten by rodents. Fx-
I)erience has proved that the percentage of those which germinate is
very low. Nuts and seeds of most sjiecies sown in a nursery may be
expected to result in a good ])ercentage of germination and to ])ro-
duce ffood healthv seedlings. These seedlings, after one or two y<'ars
in the nursery, should be |)la!ited in their permanent location. ^Fany
commercial nursei'ies are now raising for sale at reasonable ])rices,
fpiite a variety of trees and shrubs which are desiral)le as ])rod»u'ers
of food for game and birds.
Trees. shrid)s, and other ix'rennial jdants, which produce nuts,
fruits or seeds desirable as food for game and birds, are listed below.
No effort is made to list them in the order of their impoi'tance since
th« value of each species li variable with locality and with difTerent
kinds of game. The common name of the species is given as well as
the scientific name of the group to which it belongs, but wo attempt
is made to list all of the desirable species of each group, since such a
list would be volunnnous and unnecessary. The seeds or fruits of
almost all s])ecies of one group are similarly edible.
30
TREES
Common Name Genus
American Beech Fagus
Oak Quercus
Hazelnut Corylus
Walnut Juglans
Hickory ^^''2/ct
Chestnut Castanea
Blue Beech Carpinus
p jjjg Pinus
Hemlock Tsuga
Larch ■^^''^'^
Cedar Juniperus
Hackberry Celtis
Aspen Populus
Cucumber Magnolia
Common Name Genus
Maple ^^^^
Poplar ....Populus
^gjj Fraxinus
'QiYch Betula
Sassafras Sassafras
Basswood Tilia
Crabapple Pyrus
Common Apple Pyrus
Persimmon Diospyros
Black Gum Nyssa
Cherry Prunus
Mulberry ^orus
Pawpaw Asimina
Hornbeam Ostrya
SHRUBS AND MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS
Common Name Genus
Mountain Asli Pyrus
June Berry or
Shad Bush Amelanchier
Dogwood Cornus
Buckthorn Rhammts
Holly J^^^
Elder Samhucus
Chokeberry Pyrus
Hawthorn Crataegus
Rose ^osa
Witch Hazel HamameUs
Spice Bush Benzoin
Hercules Club Aralia
Haw Vihurnum
Viburnum Vihurnum
Red Bud or
Judas Tree Cercis
Alder ^^nus
Ticatherwood Dirca
Partridge Berry MHchclla
Common Name Genus
Maleberry Lyonia
Sourwood Oxydendrum
Privet Ligustrum
Sumac ^'^^•'^
Snowberry Symphoricarpos
Laurel Kalmia
Rhododendron ./Rhododendron
Bayberry Myrica
Red Root Ceanothus
Bittersweet Celastrus
Honej^suckle Lonicera
Grape "^**'^«
Greenbrier Smilax
Raspberry Ruhus
Blackberry Rulms
Strawberry Fragaria
Huckleberry GayJussncia
Blueberry Vaccinium
Pokeberry Phytolacca
Teaberrv Gaulthcria
END OF NUMBER
Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Title: Bulletin, no. 11
Place of Publication: Harrisburg, Pa.
Copyright Date: 1935
Master Negative Storage Number:MNS# PSt SNPaAg244.11
More Food for Upland Game
K44I
. /,3
no . I I
I S35
Bulletin No. 11
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
STATE COLLlGF. ! .'„
ISSLT-D nV THE BOARD Ol" (iAMI-: COM MISSIOMiKS
CO.\l.\rO.\\VKAI.TII ol- PHXNSVI \A\1A
Revised and eidarjicd
1935
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UNIVERSITY U*"^"'^*
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MORE FOOD FOR UPLAND GAME
By
W. Gard. Conklin,
DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF REFUGES AND LANDS
and
James N. Morton,
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF REFUGES AND LANDS
Bulletin No. ii
( Fourth Edition )
Revised and enlarged
1935
p.
-^ -<_i-C-'
4
'•T'-
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
A Pennsylvania Game Refuge Keeper looks over his territory as the
wooded hills and cozy valleys don the white coat of winter.
\
t
{
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin is pre])arecl largely from information collected over
a period of years, and from suggestions submitted by Game Refuge
Keepers and other field officers of the Pennsylvania Board of Game
Commissioners. It is hoped that through its publication Pennsyl-
vania sportsmen and all other wild-life enthusiasts will have a better
understanding of practical and inexpensive methods of feeding
game in winter, as well as methods of improving the environment
for game by ])lanting material which provides natural food and
cover.
The first recjuisite is food which creates body heat and enables
birds to survive intense cold. Food also provides the strength
necessary to assist game and birds to escape predatory enemies. It
brings birds to the spring nesting season in a healthy and vigorous
condition. Artificial feeding of game in winter is therefore
extremely important. It is much better, however, to produce a
supply of natural foods through the planting of shrubs, trees, grains,
grasses, vines etc. A natural food su])ply is in the long run much
cheaper and more effective.
In these days of intensive development, clean farming practices,
good roads, automobiles. nir)re leisure time, and an ever increasing
number of hunters, game must have some attention during the
entire year. We cannot let it shift for itself. This is particularly
true with respect to f(Jod and cover, which in many sections is a
serious problem.
The farmer knows that to raise crops he must save some seed
for planting the next year and that he must carefully care for the
young plants that the seeds produce. In this way only can he
hope to harvest crops each year. The forester or timberland man-
ager knows that to harvest a crop of trees he must carefully protect
the young shoots that spring up when the older trees are cut, that
he must leave seed trees of certain species or he must supplement
the natural growth which springs up. with seedlings artificially
raised and transplanted. The same technique applies to game crops.
It is certainly not possible to harvest the game crop each year
and forget about the seed stock and the young produced by it until
the time for the next harvest. It is obviously impossible for the
Game Commission to adequately care for the crop. This means
that all sportsmen must assist in raising their crop if they hope for
a bountiful harvest. Boy Scouts, bird and nature lovers also have
a particular interest in this connection and can render valuable
assistance. Tniprovemenl in conditions for wildlife in most cases
improves the environment for son^ and insectiverous birds. We
all know of their value to the orchardist and farmer as insect de-
stroyers. Naturally all sportsmen are interested in them. If each
one interested and concerned in this imi)ortant ])rohlem helps just
a little bit it will j»"o a lon^' way toward helping' Pennsylvania to
retain its enviable position as a g;reat g^ame State.
N^o attempt is made in this bulletin to discuss feeding of wild-
water fowl, as this subject was fairly well covered in a bulletin
pre])ared several years aj^o which is now available ui)on application.
The title of that bulletin is li'ifd Water Fowl Foods and How to
CiKozv Them.
WHY MORE FOOD FOR GAME?
If wild birds and animals are to live and propagate normally they
must have an abundance of natural food. When there is a scarcity
of natural food, due either to failure in fruit or nut crops, or to
deep snows which cover nuts, seeds, and grit, it becomes necessary
to supply food by artificial means. To meet the ever-increasing
demands of the 600,000 hunters who range the woods and fields in
the fall, game animals and birds must propagate to the limit of
their natural ability and to do this they must be healthy and well
nourished. The importance of kee])ing game in .sound condition
cannot be too strongly im])ressed on the minds of sportsmen
throughout the country, and particularly is this true within a thickly
settled and industrial State such as Pennsylvania. The Pennsyl-
\ania Board of Game Commissioners fully realize this and, through
their Game Protectors and Refuge Keepers, constantly endeavor to
supplement the natural supply of food with grains placed in .shelters.
Si)ortsmen, too, throughout the State are becoming more and more
interested in this vital phase of game conservation work. The
natural food supply can be augmented by two principal methods:
first, the planting of various kinds of shrubs, trees, vines, grains
and grasses which will eventually produce nuts, berries, and seeds
desirable as food for game; and second, the distribution of grains,
nuts and dried plants, usually in winter when deep snows make
emergency winter feeding necessary.
TREES AND SHRUBS WHICH PRODUCE GAME FOOD
AND COVER
Assisting nature in i)roducing suitable foods for game and birds
by planting trees, shrubs, and so forth, is desirable where practi-
able. Many varieties of shrubs and trees produce berries, fruits and
nuts which persist well into and often through the winter, and fur-
4
I
nish excellent food. Such species of shrubs and trees may be
planted on favorable locations, but it is a waste of time and money
to plant unless the planted stock will receive sunlight necessarv
for it to become established and to grow. Most of these species
will not grow satisfactorily in dense shade ; in fact, they almost in-
variably demand an abundance of sunlight, which means they can
be expected to grow only on open areas within the woods, or on
abandoned agricultural lands.
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Game Protector J. M. Haverstick in
charge of planting program on state
game lands No. 52.
Among the trees the most important are the nut bearers such as
walnut, hickory nut, butternut, hazelnut, oak and beech. The mul-
berry, either common or Russian, is very valuable for summer food
for game birds as well as song and insectivorous birds. Black gum
produces berries relished by wild turkeys. Fruit bearing trees such
as apple, crabapple, wild cherry, pawpaw, hackberry, etc., are very
valuable. Other trees such as sassafras, cucumber, hornbeam and
birch furnish food. For cover the trees most useful are the various
conifers such as spruce, pine and hemlock. Among the shrubs and
vines producing food are the dogwood, holly, barberry, snowberry,
witch hazel, sumac, hawthorn, wild rose, mountain ash, viburnum,
wild grape, greenbrier, osage orange, buffaloberry, bush honey-
suckle, Russian olive, Siberian pea tree, bittersweet, blackberry,
huckleberry, elder, raspberry, dewberry, Japanese barberry, etc.
If each sportsmen's organization would put on a campaign calling
for the planting of food producing species in sections where deer
will not destroy all of them much good will result. The fall or
spring is the best time for planting. The planting could be done
either in October and November or from about March 15th to
May 15th. Practically all the shrubs, as well as the trees, require
sunlight. Consequently the planting must be made where they re-
ceive light. Food producing plants should be set close to cover
or some cover plants set out in connection with the food producers.
A very good plan is to plant a clump of 25 or 50 evergreens and
nearby a clump of mixed shrubs. If these in turn are located near
a food patch of grain, game is almost certain to be found there.
The planting can be made on State owned land or lands upon which
permission to hunt can be obtained. Farmers, no doubt, in many
instances will readily give permission to hunt in return for the
planting of trees and shrubs on their land. These trees increase
the value of the land and most of the shrubs are very ornamental
and attract song and insectivorous birds as well as game. The
value of insectivorous birds to the farmer cannot verv well be
^ ..J*.*-
V ^
^ft T
- jT;^
'^&^-
v->— '
'''^■'^•'•^^^ '
^,;^--
-■r^ -;-»?•
-•*?■
Photograph by Walter A. Gresh.
Wild grapes provide excellent game food and cover.
estimated in dollars and cents, but undoubtedly it is enormous.
Some briars, grape vines, bittersweet, etc., should be encouraged
along fence rows, old dumps, stone {|uarries, gullied areas and other
unused corners of the farm.
A great many of the trees and shrubs, as well as vines, including
the valuable wild grape, which produce desirable foods for upland
game, are more or less objectionable to the forester whose aim it
is to produce the greatest volume of wood on a given area. Un-
fortunately, most of the food-producing species have little or no
6
lumber value and are considered undesirable by the forester and
are termed "forest weeds." The ultra-scientific forester, failing to
realize their inestimable value to wild life, looks with disdain upon
these "forest weeds" and desires above all else to replace them
with lumber trees. Fortunately, most foresters in this country, not
being of the ultra-scientific type, appreciate the fact that wild life
in our wooded areas has a great economic value and realize that
the so-called "forest weeds" are essential to its existence. Pennsyl-
vania's State Game Lands and State Forests, almost two million
acres of good hunting territory, and owned by the Commonwealth,
are managed in a practical way under the direction of trained
foresters. There is little likelihood that these men will ever sacri-
fice too large a proportion of game-food producing "forest weeds"
to make way for comparatively few additional lumber trees.
Planting of shrubs, trees and vines which will produce food for
game and small birds should be carried on extensively by sports-
men and lovers of wild life. The Board of Game Commissioners
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Planting of clumps of evergreens will make more cover for game
on this area.
have been setting an example for a number of years through their
Game Protectors and Game Refuge Keepers, and have j)lanted much
of the available areas under their control. They have no authority
to plant on privately owned or controlled lands. Such planting
should be carried on by sportsmen and other individuals.
Sportsmen and others can render a distinct service to game con-
servation by discouraging the cutting and removal of bittersweet
May 15lli. J'ractically all the shrubs, as well as the trees. ret[uire
siinlijL;ht. C'()nse(|uently the ])lantinj4- must be made where they re-
cei\e li<4ht. h'ood i)r()(lucJnj^ i)lants should be set close to cover
or some co\er ])lants set out iu couuectiou with the food producers.
A very j^ood plan is to i)lant a clump of 25 or 50 everg"reens and
nearby a clump of mixed shrubs. If these in turn are located near
a food patch of grain, j^ame is almost certain to he found there.
The ])lanting' can be made on .State owned land or lands upon which
permission to hunt can be obtained. Farmers, no doubt, in manv
instances will readily j^iNe permission to hunt in return for the
l)lantin«4- of trees and shrubs on their land. These trees increase
the \alue of the land and most of the shrubs are \ ery ornamental
and attract son<^ and insectivorous birds as well as game. The
\alue of insectivorous birds lo the farmer cannot verv well be
Photograph by Walter A. Gresh.
Wild grapes provide excellent game food and cover.
estimated in dollars and cenl>. br.l inidoubtedK it i> enornujus.
Some ])riars. grape \ine>. bittersweet, etc.. should be encouraged
along fence rows, old dumps, stone (juarries. gullied area> and other
unused corners of the farm.
\ great many of the Iree.^ and shrubs, as widl as vines, including
the valuable wild grai)e. which pnKluce desirable foods for upland
game, are more or less ol)jecti(jnal)le to the forester whose aim it
is to produce the greatest volume of wood on a gnven area. Un-
fortunately. UKJst of the food-pnjducing species have little or no
I
Unuber value and are considered undesirable by the forester and
are termed "forest weeds." The ultra-scientific forester, failinj^ to
realize their inestimable value to wild life, looks with disdain upon
these "forest weeds" and desires above all else to replace them
with hunber trees. h\)rtunately. most foresters in this country, not
being of the ultra-scientific type, appreciate the fact that wild life
in our w^ooded areas has a great economic value and realize that
the .so-called "forest weeds" are essential to its existence. Pennsyl-
vania's State (}ame Lands and State Forests, almost two million
acres of good hunting- territory, and owned by the Commonwealth,
are manag^ed in a practical way under the direction of trained
foresters. There is little likelihood that these men will ever sacri-
fice too large a ])roportion of game-food producing- "forest weeds"
to make way for com])aratively few additional hnnber trees.
Planting of shrubs, trees and vines which will produce food for
game and small birds should be carried on oxten>ive1v b\ sports-
men and lovers of wild life. The Iioard of (]ame Commissioners
f^^^^'^m '"^"^"^■■■V'*S:t»-«i w.
5=*" :~ - 'tm V.
'%■- :
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Planting of clumps of evergreens will make more cover for game
on this area.
have been setting an example for a number of years through their
Game Protectors and Game Refuge Kee])ers. and have planted much
of the available areas under their control. They have no authority
to plant on ])rivately owned or controlled lands. Such planting
should be carried on by s])ortsmen and other individuals.
Sportsmen and others can render a distinct service to game con-
servation by discouraging the cutting and removal of bittersweet
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
and other shrubs which produce game food. Bittersweet suffers
particularly due to the fact that it is sought for decorative purposes
by many people. The bittersweet forms much of the normal diet
of birds in sections where it is abundant. Roth game and song
birds feed on the berries and they should be permitted to remain
in the woods for game food.
Coniferous or evergreen plantations made for reforestation pur-
poses are wonderful havens of safety for pursued game, especially
ruffed grouse. Under the thick canopy formed by the crowns of
the planted trees grouse and other small game may obtain protec-
tion from hawks. It requires but a very few years for the small
geedling trees ordinarily planted to reach a size sufficient to provide
adequate and desirable cover for game. Also many birds and
animals relish as food seeds from cones of evergreen trees. A plan-
tation of such species will furnish both cover and food for game,
as well as timber in later years.
For maximum utility for game, plantations of evergreens must
not be large in size. They should not be more than 500 or 600
feet in diameter. All old fields or clearings should not be planted
as they are essential to the well-being of many small game species.
It is better to have clumps or small patches planted here and there
with evergreens and some clearings left to grow up to the miscel-
laneous assortment of weeds and briars which provide game food.
SUITABLE PLANTING STOCK
Far better results will be obtained by planting nursery grown
seedlings in preference to nuts or .seeds. If nuts or seeds are planted
nr sown a large ])ercentage of them will be eaten by rodents. Experi-
ence has proved that the percentage of those w^hich germinate is
very low. Xuts and seeds of most species sown in a nursery may
be ex])ected to result in a good percentage of germination and to
produce good healthy seedlings. These seedlings, after one or two
years in the nursery, should be planted in their permanent location.
Many commercial nurseries are now raising for sale at reasonable
prices, (juite a variety of trees and shrubs which are desirable as
producers of food for game and birds.
Trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants, which produce nuts,
fruits or seeds desirable as food for game and birds, are listed be-
low. No effort is made to list them in the order of their import-
ance since the value of each species is variable with locality and
with different kinds of game. The common name of the species
is given as well as the scientific name of the group to which it be-
longs, but no attempt is made to list all of the desirable species
of each group, since such a list would be voluminous and unneces-
8
(
*
sary. The seeds or fruits of almost all species of one group are
similarly edible.
TREES
Common Name Genus
American Beech Fagns
Oak Quercus
Hazelnut Corylus
Walnut Jiiglans
Hickory Carya
Chestnut Castanea
Blue Beech Car pi tins
Pine Finns
Hemlock Tsnga
Larch Larix
Cedar Jimiperiis
Hackberry Celtis
Aspen Popuhts
Cucumber Magnolia
Locust Robinia
Common Name Genus
Maple Acer
Poplar Popiilus
Ash Fraxinus
Birch Betula
Sassafras Sassafras
Basswood Tilia
Crabapple Pyrus
Common Apple Pyrus
Persimmon Diospyros
Black Gum Nyssa
Cherry Prunus
Mulberry Morus
Pawpaw Asimina
Hornbeam Ostrya
Willow Salix
SHRUBS AND MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS
Common Name Genus
Mountain Ash Pyrns
June Berry or
Shad Bush ... Amehnchier
Dogwood Corn us
Buckthorn RJiamnus
Holly Hex
Elder Sambucus
Chokeberry Pyrus
Hawthorn Crataegus
Rose Rosa
Witch Hazel Hamamclis
Spice Bush Benzoin
Hercules Club Aralia
Haw Viburnum
Viburnum Viburnum
Red Bud or
Judas Tree Cercis
Alder Alnus
Leatherwood Dirca
Partridge Berry .... Mitch el la
Russian Olive Elaeagnus
Buffaloberry Shcphcrda
Virginia Creeper Psedera
Common A^ame Genus
Maleberry Lyonia
Sourwood Oxydendrum
Privet Li gust rum
Sumac Rhus
Snow?)erry . . Symphoricarpos
Laurel KaJmia
Rhododendron . . Rhododendron
Bayberry Myrica
Red Root Ceanothus
Bittersweet Celastrus
Honeysuckle Lonicera
Grape Vitis
Greenbrier Smilax
Raspberry Rubus
Blackberry Rubus
Strawberry Fragaria
Huckleberry Gaylussacia
Blueberry Vaccinium
Pokcberry Phytolacca
Teaberry Gaultheria
Siberian Pea Tree . . . Caragana
Japanese Barberry .... Bcrberis
Osage Orange Madura
GRAIN CROPS— ESSENTIAL
The planting of food patches and strips is another very essential
prog-ram for providing wildlife with food during the summer and
fall. Several sportsmen's organizations have recently taken up this
matter. It is sincerely hoped that more will make arrangements
now for an extensive program to be carried out as soon as possible.
There are a great many grains, grasses, w^eeds, etc., which furnish
food for game. Nearly everyone is familiar with many of the
kinds found quite commonly growing on farms. In addition to
the commoner plants there are other ones which produce particu-
larly desirable seed for game, game birds, and song and insecti-
vorous birds.
The Department of Conservation in Michigan, as a result of
experiments, found a wildlife mixture wdiich has proven very satis-
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Sportsmen broadcasting grains on prepared areas.
Game food conditions can be greatly improved if
sportsmen's groups take up this work.
factory for southern Michigan. This consists of a mixture of 15
grains, including Sudan grass, buckwheat, sorghum, cowpeas, flax,
millets, hemp, corn, proso, soy beans, feterita and sunflowers. This
is planted in May or early June, at the rate of about 20 lbs. to
the acre. It may be broadcast on the previously prepared seed
bed and harrowed in. This should be planted in long narrow strips
close to cover. It appears to be an excellent combination for plant-
ing in Pennsylvania. The cost of seed is very reasonable. This
should be particularly good in ringnecked pheasant or quail terri-
tory. A cooperative arrangement between sportsmen and farmers
could be worked out in many sections whereby patches can be
10
(
planted with this material. Information as to where seed may be
obtained will be furnished ui)on re(|uest.
The Department of Conservation in Minnesota has put on cam-
paigns of planting of Black Amber Cane or Minnesota Sorghum,
wdiich is a native plant of the State. It is of the same family as
Kaffir corn but more hardy. This material is drilled in with a corn
planter, planted about the same time and cultivated in the same
manner as corn. It is planted 20 lbs. to the acre and under normal
crop conditions will ]:)roduce sixty bushels of seed. It grows from
seven to nine feet tall and has a high fodder value for livestock. In
Minnesota the farmers are furnished the seed and they arrange
to raise the material as their own. All that is recjuested is that
they leave the shocks in the fields until the snow leaves the ground,
when they can use it up as fodder. All during the winter, there-
fore, this valuable food is available for game birds. Sportsmen in
Pennsylvania could no doubt make similar arrangements with
farmers in this State.
Willie Craig of Trevilians, Virginia, the w^ell known dog trainer,
purchased 3.000 acres of land in X^irginia a few years ago for the
purpose of training his dogs. At that time the quail was ])ractically
gone on this area, due to lack of food and cover and because of
predators. By intelligent attention to the requirements of the quail,
Mr. Craig has been able to bring them back. lie encourages cover
such as thickets of briars and vine tangles. Adjacent to these
areas and wooded sections, strips are plowed and planted to various
grains. For fall, winter and spring food a mixture of cowpeas and
beans is used. Other patches are planted to Octotan beans, Kaffir
corn, maize, millet, buckwheat and sorghum, with a sprinkling of
field corn. This material is planted by hand, about 2 pecks to the
acre. Planting by hand distributes the seed more evenly than by
using a drill or seeder, as the small seeds, when mixed with the
larger ones, have a tendancy to work to the bottom of the drill
and sow them too thick. These seeds are planted about the middle
of May. From the middle of May to the middle of June should
be satisfactory for Pennsylvania climate. Mr. Craig finds that
by sowing the seed thinly it matures good strong plants and makes
more seed than if planted thickly.
The common lespedezia or Jai)an clover is one of the important
quail foods of the south. The Korean lespedezia. a variety of this,
is more hardy and should do well in Pennsylvania. This is an
excellent quail food. It is a very good forage crop; it is a legume
and therefore builds up poor soils by returning nitrogen to the soil
and it is valuable in preventing soil erosion. This will grow on
almost any kind of soil wMth very little pre])aration. Disking the
11
ground prior to sowing the seed broadcast is satisfactory. It does
excellently by sowing broadcast on top of winter wheat during the
later part of March or the first of April. Unlike that of most
legumes the seed loses its viability in a relatively short time,
consequently seed of the previous year's crop should be sown to
secure best results.
Buckwheat is a very good wild turkey food. Either the common
or Tartary may be used. The latter is probably better for game
food. It is sown from the middle of June to the middle of July.
Sweet clover planted around gravel pits, stone quarries, along road-
sides, eroded gullies, and other unused corners, furnishes very good
cover for game and benefits the farmer by building up the soil and
preventing erosion. This can be planted in the spring with oats
or barley as a nurse crop. It can also be sown in June or July
without a nurse crop or in corn at the last cultivation.
1
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Clean farming does not provide good game conditions. This area
could be made better by permitting a few rows of grain along
the edge to remain standing.
Other plants suitable for food strips include cowpeas, millet, sorg-
hum, and laredo soy beans. Cowpeas may be sown broadcast at
the rate of \% to 2 bushels per acre or planted in rows ^ to
34 bushels in May or June. Millet is planted broadcast at the
rate of 20 or 35 pounds per acre in June. Sorghum is planted in
rows at the rate of 8 to 10 pounds per acre or broadcast in June using
about 1 peck per acre. Soy beans are broadcast at the rate of 3
pecks per acre from the middle of May to the first of July. In
mixture, of course, the amount per acre of each of the four plants
should be only 34 oi that given for planting per acre. The patches
12
<(
planted to the above can also include buckwheat broadcast at the
rate of j4 to 1)4 bushels per acre from May to August 15th; corn
planted in rows at the rate of 1 to 1 3^ gallons per acre from May
1 to May 31st; Kaffir corn planted in rows, 6 to 10 lbs., or broad-
cast 1 peck per acre in June; and Sudan grass broadcast 20 to 35
pounds per acre. May 15th to May 31st. Provided all 8 of the
plants listed are used for a mixture the amount per acre of each
would be }i the amount given for planting per acre.
Food patches of wheat, rye, vetch, Austrian winter pea and
German or crimson clover have been found good for quail. Wheat
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Fence rows permitted to grow up furnish excellent game food and cover.
is planted 4 to 6 pecks per acre, planted about the time of the first
killing frost. Rye planted 4 to 6 pecks per acre at about the same
time as wheat or a little later. Vetch 20 to 30 pounds per acre
from August 1st to November 1st. Austrian winter pea at the
rate of 1^/^ to 2 bushels per acre in February or March. German
or crimson clover is planted broadcast 15 pounds to the acre about
August.
Volunteer foods, consisting of various weed seeds, can often be
13
secured by havinj^ parts (jf abandoned fields plowed. Soils very
often contain thousands of seeds of many kinds dropped years ago.
They germinate only when influenced by the sun and other con-
ditions. Plowing brings about favorable conditions for part of
these weed seeds.
Sportsmen quite frequently secure the cooperation of farmers by
purchasing a few shocks of buckwheat or unhusked corn or a
patch of uncut corn which is allowed to remain in the fields. It
should be kept in mind that to be most useful the corn or buck-
wheat should be left near good cover. Perhaps arrangements could
also be made to permit a strip of uncut grain or hay to remain
along the edges of some fields. A strip four feet wide will do much
good. If wheat stubble is cut high it provides some cover to birds
seeking the waste grains in the stubble field during the fall of the
year.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Ross L. Leffler, McKeesport.
An easily constructed Bob-white food shelter, built by Boy Scouts.
Hoy Scouts could help immensely in providing food lor game
and song birds if each troop would arrange for a patch of sun
flowers. These provide excellent food for song birds and for game
l)irds. A small patch near good cover would not re(|uire much
work for the returns which would be secured for the birds. It is
planted any time up to the middle of July in rows far enough apart
to permit cultivation. Eight or ten pounds per acre should be sown
and cultivated the same as corn. A small patch of broom corn
could also be planted near good game cover. This is very good
quail food. It is planted about one to two weeks after the first
corn is planted, that is May 1st to June 15th. It is planted at
the rate of about 4 pounds per acre. The seed is placed in rows
14
i
3y2 feet apart and covered about 1 inch deep. It must l)e cultivated
by harrowing or hoeing frequently. After the seed ripens in the
fall the tops of the stalks should be bent down so that the seed
hangs about 18 inches above the ground. In many sections it
will also be possible for the Scouts to secure berry bushes or other
game foodplants for planting in clumps around stone piles or other
places where permission can be obtained to plant.
The Scouts should also start now the building of feeding shelters
under which game can be fed this winter. If shelters are built now
game will have become accustomed to them before next winter's
snow makes artificial feeding essential. Plans for shelters are
shown under Emergency Winter Feeding in this Bulletin.
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
Many thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each
winter in Pennsylvania with various kinds of grains, scratch feed,
and occasionally with hay and alfalfa distributed especially for that
purpose. During the past few years this feeding program has been
stressed continuously by the Game Commission and s])lendid assist-
ance has been given by organized and individual s])ortsmen, farmers,
rural mail carriers. Boy Scouts and others. In many sections of
the Commonwealth, Boy Scouts have organized successful feeding
campaigns, and they, as well as farmers, are entitled to special com-
mendation for their good work. For the welfare of our game,
particularly game birds, everyone interested must do his bit in plac-
ing suitable food where it will do the most good.
We have much to learn concerning the most desirable game foods
and the best methods of feeding game in an economical way. It is
difficult to determine how to feed the maximum amount of game
with a minimum amount of food and effort, for animals other than
game, rodents particularly, are likely to get more of it than the
game for which it is intended. Definite knowledge of the kinds
of food that are most tempting and beneficial to game is of great
importance and in this field there is much opportunity for investi-
gation and experiment.
IVIany methods in the pro])er distribution and placing of winter
feed have been employed in this Commonwealth with varying de-
grees of success. Throwing grain from an airplane has been tried ;
numerous types of artificial shelters have been built; natural shelters
such as thickets, hollow logs and sheltered rock ledges have been
used and grain has been scattered in the open and ears of corn
have been placed on twigs or stubs two feet above the ground so
that they would protrude above the snow.
15
secured 1)\ having |)arl> of ahandom-d fitdds i)lu\vt*d. Soils very
often contain th(»usand> of seeds of many kinds dropped years ago.
They j^erniinate «)nly when inlUienccd by the sun and other con-
(htions. IMowinj^- hrinj^s .ihout favorable conditions for part of
these weed seeds.
Sportsmen cpiite fre(juently secure the cooperation of farmers by
purchasing a few shocks of buckwheat or unhusked corn or a
patch of uncut corn which is allowed to remain in the fields. It
should be kept in mind that to be most useful the corn or buck-
wheat should be left near good cover. Perhaps arrangements could
also be made to permit a strip of uncut grain or ha\ to remain
along the edges of s(»me fields. A strip four feet wide will do much
good, if wheat stubble is cut high it provides >ome cover to birds
seeking the waste grains in the stubble held during the fall of the
vear.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Ro.ss L. Leffler, McKeesport.
An easily constructed Bob-white food shelter, built by Boy Scouts.
P>oy Scouts could helj) immensely in providing food for game
and song l)irds if each trooj) would arrange for a i)atch of sun
llowers. These i)rovide excellent food for song birds and for game
birds. A small ])atch near good co\er would not reijuire much
work for the returns which would be >ecured for the birds. It is
planted any time up to the middle of July in row> far enough apart
to permit cultivation. Eight or ten ])ounds |)er acre should be sown
and cultivated the same as corn. A small patch of broom corn
C(iuld also be planted near good game cover. This is very good
(|uail food. It is planted about one t(j two weeks after the first
corn is ])lanted. that is May 1st to June 15th. It is planted at
the rate of about 4 ])ounds ])er acre. The seed is placed in rows
14
3/^2 feet a])art and co\ere(l about 1 inch deep. It nuist be cultivated
by harrowing or hoeing fretpiently. After the seed ripens in the
fall the tops of the stalks should be bent down so that the seed
hangs about 18 inches above the ground. In many sections it
will alst) be ])ossible for the Scouts to secure berry bushes or other
game food])lants for ])lanting in clumps aroinid stone piles or other
places where |)ermission can be obtained to ])lant.
The Scouts should also start now llu' building of feeding shelters
under which game can be iv(\ \\u> winter. If >ludters are built now
game will have become accustomed to them before next winter's
snow makes artificial feeding essential. Tlans for shelters are
shown under Emergency Winter Eeeding in this Bulletin.
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
Many thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each
winter in I'ennsyK ania with \;irious kinds of grains, scratch feed,
and occasionally with hay and alfalfa distributed esi)eci.'dly for that
purpose. During the ])ast few years thi> feeding program has been
stressed continuously by the (jame Commission anrl s])lendid assist-
ance has l)een given by organized and indix idual s])ortsmen. larmers,
rural mail carriers. lioy Scouts and other. In many sections of
the Commonwealth, l>oy Scouts ha\ e organi/.i'd successful feeding
campaigns, and they, as well as farmers, are entitled to s])ecial com-
mendation for their good work, h'or the welfare of our game,
particularly game birds, exeryone interested must do hi> bit in plac-
ing suitable food where it will do the most good.
We have much to learn concerning the mo>t desirable game loods
and the best methods of feeding game in an economical way. It is
difficult to determine how to feed the maximum amount of game
with a minimum amount of tt)od and effort, for animals other than
game, rodents particularly, are likely to get more ui it than the
game for which it is intended. Definite knowledge of the kinds
of food that are most tempting and beneficial to game is of great
importance and in this field there is much opportunity for investi-
gation and experiment.
Many methods in the pro])er distribution and placing of winter
feed have been employed in this Commonwealth with varying de-
grees of success. Throwing grain from an air])lane has been tried;
numerous types of artificial shelters have l)een built; natural shelters
such as tliickets, hollow logs and sheltered rodc ledges have been
used and grain has been scattered In ttie open and ears of corn
have been i)laced on twigs m stubs two feet above the ground so
that they would protrude above the snow^
15
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
ORGANIZE FEEDING CAMPAIGNS
Each Sportsmen's Association should work out a phm by which
its members, preferably through the appointment of a good live
committee, will systematical!}- and rej^ularly feed the game during
the winter in their vicinity. District (iame Protectors will gladly
cooperate with sportsmen in planning feeding campaigns, and can
usually arrange to furnish some of the feed needed.
It is quite easy to feed small game in agricultural territory. In
fact, many farmers either provide feed themselves or can be induced
to do so if properly approached. Many of them will gladly put
out feed without compensation while others, who cannot afford to
donate the feed, will put it out if they are paid for the feed or if it
is furnished them.
Photograph by Brandau Studio, Hazleton. Pa.
A group of sportsmen preparing for winter feeding of game.
Feeding game in the forest areas becomes a somewhat more dif-
ficult problem in winter, but is no less essential. However,
volunteers who are willing to devote some of their time to taking
out grain can invariably be found in any good Sportsmen's Associa-
tion. Snow-shoes or skiis may occasionally be needed in the
southern part of the State and frecjuently recpiired in the north,
but the more difficult the objective, the greater the satisfaction in
having attained it. Many State (Jame Refuge Keepers and Game
Protectors who devote their entire time to maintaining the supply
of game for sport, use snow-shoes or skiis in carrying feed into
the woods and find pleasure in doing so.
The unique method of distributing grain from an airplane was
first tried in January. 1926, by the Hlair County Game, Fi.sh and
Forestry Association, (the State Game Commission cooperating), in
an effort to feed turkeys and grouse in the remote, inaccessible
mountains of Central Pennsylvania. The ground was covered by
deep snow with a frozen crust. Paper bags filled with corn on the
ear or shelled corn were drop])ed from an elevation of a few hun-
dred feet. The bags broke open either on trees or on the hard
16
<
crust of the snow, and the grain scattered. This method cannot be
considered practical because of the excessive cost and because too
small a proportion of the grain falls in the particular spots w^here
it is most needed. However, the publicity given to this particular
experiment brought home to many i)eople the vital necessity of feed-
ing game, and stimulated activity in this field throughout the State.
FOOD MUST BE TAKEN TO THE GAME
In distributing food in winter it is very im])ortant that it be placed
at or near the particular spots where the game for which it is in-
tended is living. Food for grouse, for instance, should be placed
usually under cover formed by clumps of evergreen trees, thickets
of laurel, rhododendron or weeds, dense patches of scrub oak, or
grape vines; bob-whites are usually fed in the open, along fence
rows; wild turkeys in the deep woods along spring runs and so on.
It should be borne in mind that emergency feeding is most essen-
tial when the ground is covered with deep snow and when, in con-
sec|uence. game is unable to find the existing natural food. It is
im])ortant that the food be placed under some form of shelter so
that it will not be covered by snow. Where suitable natural shelters
are available they should be used, but they are not always to be
found in the localities where it is most desirable that feeding be
carried on. Therefore it is usually necessary to provide artificially
constructed shelters.
One disadvantage in the use of natural shelters is that food can
seldom be put out in sufficient (piantities to last during the part of
the season when it is most needed, and consequently, it must be
taken out to such shelters at a time when deep snow makes travel
in the woods exceedingly difficult. On the other hand, artificial
shelters can be arranged so that a considerable (|uantity of food
may be stored in them when travel is easy, protected from the
elements, and thus be available when it is most needed by game.
Game will at first be more or less suspicious of an artificial shelter
and to be effective such a shelter should be built prior to the time
winter feeding is necessary. If this policy is followed, game will
have become accustomed to .seeing the shelters by the tiine deep
snows arrive. Shelters of one or more years' standing have proven
more satisfactory than those newly established. It is also essential
that the shelter be given a natural appearance. Feeding should be
started before heavy snows so that game will have learned where
to obtain food.
Where it is expected that considerable quantities of food will be
required during the winter at a feeding shelter or station, it is
advisable to store an extra supply in some way. either in cans or
IT
metal lined boxes, near the shelter. This stored food will then be
conveniently available for placing in the shelter when bad roads
and deep snows make its transportation difficult.
i
t
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Artificial feeding of game can be done under thickets of evergreens.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder may readily be devised,
and it is h()])ed that suggestions made herein will incite the in-
genuity of all who are interested in constructing more efficient types.
Practical lean-to shelters under which food may be placed can be
made quickly from a few old boards or poles and f|uite a satisfactory
shelter can be made with corn fodder.
18
VERMIN A MENACE
The habits of predatory birds and animals should by all means
be borne in mind when food for game is being placed, particularly
when artificial shelters are used. Provision should always be made
for the easy escape of game animals or birds so that they will not
be cornered and caught within the shelter. Never less than two
entrances or exits should be provided.
Various species of predatory animals — foxes, wild cats, weasels
and the more valuable fur bearer, mink — are quite apt to find a
feeding station where game is feeding and in turn feed on the
grain-fed game. If this occurs, either the vermin should be trapped
or the placing of grain at the station be discontinued.
^m-
lNe^^■■;
■wm^^.
,7 '. .!; vV .1,
f /
.v^f'
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Typical large game territory in Pennsylvania.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much game
in a section to one feeding place, for vermin will profit by it at the
expense of game. Numerous small feeding shelters, artificial or
natural, are far better than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes the
winter feeding of small game a difficult problem, for a very few
deer may eat (|uickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and
squirrels, although buds and twigs on which deer should browse
may be fairly abundant. To overcome this difficulty some of the
19
nu'lal liiu'd l)()Xt'S, near the shelter. This stored food will then be
conveiiitntlx availahlc for ])lacinj4- in the shelter when had roads
and deep snows make its transportation diflicnlt.
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Artificial feeding of game can be done under thickets of evergreens.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder may readil\ hi- devised,
and it is hoped that >ii.i;«4estions made herein will incite the in-
genuity <»f all who are interested in c<»nstructinj^ more efficient types.
I'ractical lean-t<> shelters under which I'nocl ma\ he ])laced can be
made <»r poles and (piite a satisfactory
shelter can be made with corn fodder.
18
VERMIN A MENACE
The habits of ])redatory l)irds and animals should by all means
be borne in mind when food for t^ame is beinj;- placed, particularly
when artificial shelters are used. Provision should always be made
for the easy escape of jL;"ame animals or birds so that they will not
be cornered and cauj^ht within the shelter. Xevt'r less than two
entrances or exits should be provided.
\^arious species of predatory animal.s — foxes, wild cats, weasels
and the more valuable fur bearer, mink — are (piite apt to find a
feeding station where ^ame is feedinj^- and in turn feed <»n the
^•rain-fed .<4anie. If this occiu's. either the vermin should be trapped
or the ])lacinm of j^rain at the station be discontinued.
•■P5^it'?
^>^.
.^•:v
'"^mi
7. a' L.:
^..■.
\\f
:/i>^
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar.
Typical large game territory in Pennsylvania.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much j^ame
in a section to one feedinj^: |)lace, for \erniin will j^'ofit by it at the
ex])ense of i^^ame. Xumerous small feedini^ shelters, artificial or
natural, are far l)etter than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes the
winter feeding «»f small game a difficult problem, for a very few
deer may eat (juickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and
sc|in'rrels. although buds and twigs on which deer should browse
niav be fairly abundant. To overcome this difficulty some of the
19
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
feeders herein described were designed primarily to keep the grain
beyond the reach of deer.
All species of upland game, with the exception of ruffed grouse,
can readily be fed if the right kind of food is provided at suitable
places. The most difficult problem to solve is that of feeding grouse,
and this problem merits most exhaustive study and experimentation.
Success in feeding this most valuable of native game birds has been
very poor, although several officers of the Game Commission report
success. One rei)orts having fed grouse under pines along streams
and in thick laurel patches around springs, in other words, under
natural cover where there is nothing to excite their suspicion. It
appears logical that best results should be attained near springs
and streams, for grouse will go there for water and grit.
Photograph by Division Game Protector W. L. Wright, Trauger.
The Wild Turkey responds readily to winter feeding.
A Refuge Keeper reported having successfully fed grouse .some-
what as follows : A shock of unhusked corn was placed against a
tree close to an old woods road and wired to the tree. Then the
shock w^as opened on the side opposite from the prevailing winds
and scratch feed was placed on the ground under the shock. All
ears on the outside were husked but left on the stalk. Later grouse
were found feeding on the husked corn as well as on the scratch
feed.
Tt is not always necessary to make use of shelters in placing
food, and in certain instances it may even be inadvisable to do so.
Experience has demonstrated that a very satisfactory method of
l^\
w^ *r
feeding wnld turkeys and other woodland game is by placing ear
corn on the stub end of a small sapling cut off about two feet above
the ground, or on a stick forced into the ground upon which the
ear of corn is fastened. The intention is to keep the corn above
the snow. S(|uirrels may be successfully fed by ])lacing ears of
corn in cavities c^r crotches of trees. Shocks of unhusked corn
may be placed conveniently for use of squirrels and other game.
Squirrels eat out the "eye" of the kernel, leaving the rest as food
for other game.
A desirable arrangement for placing ear corn can be made by
driving nails or spikes through a board in several places and tack-
ing the board to a tree or to a fence. A number of ears can thus
be placed in one location.
A great variety of feeding shelters have been experimented w^ith
on game refuges and elsewhere, but in this bulletin only the more
practical tyi)es are described, and most of these lend themselves
to innumerable variations suitable to different conditions and de-
])ending on materials available for construction. Sketches were
made by L. A. Mackey, Draftsman in the Bureau of Refuges and
Lands.
ARTIFICIAL FFEDING SHELTERS AND STATIONS
Hopper Shelter and Feeder (Fig. 13) : One of the successful
artificial feeding shelters which has been used is the so-called
"Hopper Shelter and Feeder." It is a combination shelter and
feeder with a fairly large chamber capacity for storage of grain.
The shelter, about 14 feet square, is supported on posts or trees
24 to 30 inches above the surface of the ground, the hopper being
placed about in the center. The lower or chute end of the hopper
should rest on a stone or in a shallow box to prevent its sinking
into the ground. The frame of the shelter is constructed of four
poles 4 to 6 inches in diameter securely nailed to trees or posts.
It should be substantially constructed so that it will carry a heavy
weight of snow. Should it sag under the snow, additional sup-
porting posts can be placed underneath the shelter. Saplings 2 to
4 inches in diameter are nailed about one foot apart, checker-board
fashion, and a covering of pine or hemlock boughs, or of brush
and weeds, is then placed on top. allowing the covering to hang
down over the sides a short distance, forming a fringe or curtain.
It is open on four sides, enabling game to leave quickly if molested.
The food, either grain or scratch feed, which is placed in the
hopper at convenient times, filters out of the four inverted cone-
shaped openings at the bottom of the hopper as it is eaten.
Several Game Refuge Keepers have used this shelter success-
20
21
fc't'dcrs licrt'in docrihcd were (Icsii^iu'd prinianlx to kt'Cj) the j^raifi
beyond tlu' rcacdi of deer.
All s])i'ciL's of ii])land <4-anic. with the exception of nillfd i^^roiisc,
can r<.*adil\- he fed if the rij^ht kind of food is provided at suitable
places. 'J'lie most difficult ])robleni to soKc is that of feedinj^^ grouse,
and this problem merits most exhaustive stud\' and ex])erimentation.
Success in feedin<4" this most xaluable of native j^ame birds has been
very ])»>or. althou,J4h sexcral officers of the ( iame Commission report
success. ( )ne reports having \v(\ j^rouse under pines alonj^ stri-ams
«'ind in thick laurel patches around sprinj^'s. in other words, under
natural co\ cr where there is nothinj^- to I'xcite their suspicion, it
a])pear> loj^ieal that best re.Nult> >hould be attained near springs
anrl streams, for «^rouse will <^o there for water and tirit.
Photograph by Division Game Protector W. L. Wright. Trauger.
The Wild Turkey responds readily to winter feeding.
A Refugee Keeper reported havfnjr successfully fed jjrouse some-
what as follows- A sliock of unhusked corn was placed aj^ainst a
tree close to an old woods road and wired to the tree. Then the
shock was opened on the side o])posite from the prevailinj^ \Ninds
and scratcli feed was placed on the jT^round under the shock. All
ears on the outside were husked but left on the stalk. Later g^rouse
were found feeding on the husked corn as well as on the scratch
feed.
It is not always necessary to make use of shelters in placing
food, and in certain instances it may even be Inadvisable to do so.
Experience has demonstrated that a very satisfactory method of
20
I
feeding wild turkeys and other woodland j^ame is by placing ear
corn on the stub end of a small saplini^- cut off about two feet al)o\ c
the ground, or on a stick forced into tin- ^.^round upon which the
ear ol corn is fastened. The intention is to keej) the corn above
the snow. S<|uirrels may be successfully \v(\ by placinj^- ears of
corn in cavities or crotches of trees. .Shocks of unhusked corn
may be placed coiueniently for use of sfjuirrels and other j^ame.
.Scpiirrels eat out the "eye" of the kernel, leaving the rest as food
for other i^^'lme.
A desiralde arranj^ement for placinj.,^ ear corn can be made bv
driving- nails or spikes throuj^h a board in several i)lace> and tack-
\ng the board to a tree or to a fence. .\ num!)er of ears can thus
be placed in one location.
A jL^reat variety of feedinj.i^ shelters have been experimented \vith
on game refuges and elsewhere, but in this bulletin only the more
practical tyi)es are described, and most of these lend themselves
to innumerable variations suitable to different conditions and de-
]>en(ling on materials available for C(»nstruction. .Sketches were
made by I.. .\. Mackey. Draftsman in the I»ureau of Refuges and
Lands.
ARTIFICIAL FFEDING SHELTERS AND STATIONS
Hopper Shelter and Feeder (Fig. 13): One of the successful
artificial feeding shelters which has been used is the .su-called
"Hopper .Shcher and Feeder." It is a combination shelter and
feeder with a fairly large chand)er capacity for storage of grain.
The shelter, about 14 feet S(|uare. is su])])orted on posts or trees
24 to 30 inches above the surface of the ground, the hopper being
])laced about in the center. The lower or chute end of the hopper
should rest on a stone or in a shallow box to ])revent its sinking
into the ground. The frame of the shelter is constructed of ftnir
poles 4 to 6 inches in diameter .securely nailed to trees or posts.
It should be substantially constructed so that it will carry a heavy
weight of snow. Should it sag under the stujw . additit»nal sup-
porting posts can ^ placed underneath the shelter. Saplings 2 to
4 inches in diameter are nailed about one foot apart, checker-board
fashion, and a covering of pine or hemlock boughs, or of brush
and weeds, is then placed on top. allowing the coxering to hang
down over the sides a short distance, forming a fringe or curtain.
It is open on four sides, enabling game to leave (piickly if molested.
The food, either grain or scratch feed, whieli fs placed in the
hopper at convenient times, filters ottt of the four inverted cone-
shaped openings at the bottoiti of the hopper as it is eaten.
Several Game Refuge Keepers have used this shelter success-
21
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
TOP VIEW
>gi=aii^;5garr^ifefeMy,-,M
m M W
Tree on
Posf
■ p/3cec^>3boar
^2' .spar/-
i(Ti,ttmf.iri»iWi-ix^^mimm^ri*^
k1tftWi*«i«K!Si«*«W%«i^'^^
Thee oc^
Pos/'
/?^/!>rOK trr>s ^^^ /^ >*>* ^ Ji^cy^re
5hoc//c/ no/
exceeaf -30"
/rom ^n ouoc/
wAtyygfw
Fig. 13. Diagram of the Hopper Shelter and Feeder.
1
4
22
fully in feeding- small game, some reporting that even grouse, the
most timid of game birds, have fed at them. This type is designed
with the large low shelter so placed as to keep the grain beyond
the reach of deer. The hopper, with suitable modifications, is
adaptable for use in many other types of shelters.
Fig. 14. Diagram of the Wire Basket Feeder.
Wire Basket Feeder (Fig. 14) : A very satisfactory method of
feeding turkeys and other birds, as well as scjuirrels, is the use of a
basket of 1^-inch mesh poultry wire, made in cylindrical form,
23
and wired or hung unto a tree. This basket, made in any conven-
ient size, and filled with ear corn, lias ])r()\ed worthwhile as a feed-
inji: station, ])articnlarly in the central and southern ])arts of the
Commonwealth where snows seldom become so deep as to prevent
refillinj^r the basket with corn. Turkeys readily peck corn from
the cobs throuj^h the wire mesh, and s(|uirrels can enter the basket.
They work the cobs around while gnawing- at the corn, thus shell-
\n^ nuich which falls to the j^round where it is accessible for grouse,
turkevs or other birds.
Fig. 15. Diagram of tlie Suspended Tray Feeder.
Suspended Tray Feeder (Fig. 15) : In squirrel, turkey, and grouse
territory a tray, with mesh wire bottom, suspended well above the
reach of deer, has been used as a feeding station with fair success.
These travs mav be of anv convenient size, but those which have
proved most practical are from four to five feet in length, from
one to two feet wide, and six inches deep. They may be suspended
from trees by wire or iron rods, or supported on the top of posts
set in the ground. Corn on the ear is placed in the trays. Squirrels
which gnaw at the ears naturally shell a considerable amount
which falls to the ground where it becomes accessible to grouse
and turkeys. ,
Crib-Hopper Feeder (Fig. 16): This type of feeder was designed
to permit storage of four or five bushels of ear corn when roads are
passable. It is intended primarily for wild turkeys, although other
24
>
\
SIDE ELEVATION
/77 e^ /? y^/r e
^/4! Open/ng
FRON T E LEVAT I ON
h*"-h
Z'6
- 6
1
i
Co^er s/c/e^ /♦'///^
Fig. 16. Diagram of the Crib-Hopper Feeder.
25
birds and game animals may take advantage of the kernels of corn
which drop to the ground. It is a crib or box of any convenient
size, made of boards and with sloping floor. The lower end is
covered with 1-inch woven mesh poultry wire to within 2 inches
of the floor, a strip of wood being nailed across the box just above
the floor leaving an opening about \}i inches wide through which
the shelled ears can drop from the bin after the turkeys have pecked
off the kernels. It is desirable to provide wire covered side open-
ings at the lower end which will facilitate working out the shelled
cobs. Turkeys, and perhaps grouse, will feed at these cribs by
pecking the corn from the ears through the wire. Some kernels will
naturally drop to the ground and be available for grouse and
other birds.
The roof is removable to facilitate refilling. This feeder should
be i)laced under natural cover wherever possible.
Co^er >v///^ compos/ //or?
END VIEW
Fig. 17. Diagram of Box Feeder.
Box Feeder (Fig. 17): This feeder, designed by Refuge Keeper
Orrie Smith for s(|uirrels. should hkewise be valuable for feeding
wild turkeys.
The feeder can be made any size, but a convenient one holds
about one peck of shelled corn. The board in front is sloped to
provide a tray at the bottom from which squirrels or turkeys can
feed. An opening, approximately one-half inch, is provided between
the front board and the bottom board so that grain will flow onto
I
I
SIDE ELEVATION
Po/es n&i/ec/
3" or more /n
d/3rr?e/er
fh/f r7<3t/ec/
or?ro A?/ocA
END ELEVATION
^
/fjfKiiwm.w
Po/es oai/ec/ ^o //**«.
3sp//nd nst/cc/ ^o po/«
«y/ / oiT'snd iJo f^fo rr>.
3/ocA no'/^c/ /o /tcs
Fig. 18. Diagram of the Rack Feeder.
26
27
the tray as it is eaten. A strip in front of the tray prevents the
grain from being brushed off before eaten. A hinged lid is pro-
vided on top. This should overhang slightly and should be covered
with tar paper or some other roofing to keep the grain dry.
A clip is fastened to the back of the box and this, in turn, is
hooked on a nail driven into a tree. For squirrels the box can be
placed any height on a tree. For anyone carrying corn on horse-
back, a convenient height is one which will permit the refilling of
the box from the horse. For feeding turkeys the box should be
placed so that it can be easily reached by turkeys on the ground.
This box is jiarticularly well suited for feeding squirrels where
deer are plentiful as it can be placed above their reach.
Rack Feeder (Fig. 18) : The rack feeder is very easily con-
structed and is an economical and practical method of feeding corn
on the ear to turkeys as well as other game. It is constructed of
poles and saplings and covered with hendock or pine branches
which extend outward a foot or two, thus furnishing some shelter
to the feeding game. Two parallel poles are nailed on opposite
sides of two trees 33/2 feet to 4 feet above the ground. A third
pole is fastened to blocks nailed to the butts of the two trees and
saplings or slats are then nailed to the poles forming a \'-shaped
crib. The slats or i)alings are s])aced about 2 inches apart and the
openings thus formed allow the cobs to fall out of the crib.
A feeder similar to this ty])e, placed about two feet al)ove the
ground, of larger capacity and with slats spaced about four inches
apart, can be used in connection with feeding hay or alfalfa to deer
or elk.
Stove-Pipe Squirrel Feeder (Fig. 19): A unicpie and economical
squirrel feeder has been experimented with, using shelled corn or
other grain, but its success has not yet been well demonstrated.
A piece of stove-pipe, about three feet in length, is slipped over
the snag of a tree ap])roximately 2>4 feet above ground. A post
of the i)roper size may well be used for this purpose. A two inch
square opening is made in the pipe, near the level of the top of the
snag. This is done by cutting three sides of a square in the metal
and pushing it back. The inside flap thus formed prevents the
grain from flowing out faster than it is used. A top for the con-
tainer is made by nailing a block the size of the pipe onto a scpiare
piece of board several inches larger than the pipe, the block fitting
into the pipe. This pipe arrangement may well be used in con-
nection with various other kinds of artificial shelters in the same
manner as the hopper described in Fig. 7 may be used. The plan
lends itself to many adaptations for use under different conditions.
)
Spike Pole Feeder (Fig. 20) : A feeder for turkeys and squirrels
which has been tried with fair success is made of poles and spikes
upon which ears of corn are placed. Spikes are driven into a pole
and the heads then cut off, or spikes may be driven through the
pole from the bottom up and thus save the labor of cutting off the
heads. Two such poles are fastened to opposite sides of two trees
from five to seven feet above the ground, the poles being parallel
and on the same level, the spikes pointing upward.
t^^"H
Coven /> //?/-ee yS/a^es
Fig. 19. Diagram of the Stove-Pipe Squirrel Feeder.
Side Hill Shelter (Fig. 21) : A similar type of shelter under which
small game can be fed may readily be constructed on a hillside.
Fasten a good sized pole horizontally between two trees three to
four feet above the ground, then lay a series of parallel smaller
poles from the horizontal pole to the higher ground in rear of the
two trees. By covering these poles with hemlock or pine branches,
or with brush and weeds, a practical and effective shelter is pro-
vided, three sides of which are open.
The frame of a shelter such as this may be covered with building
28
29
or roofing- paper, tlieii hemlock or ])ine branches placed over the
paper. The paper will last throughout the winter and will help
to protect the grain from water and snow. Under this shelter corn
or other grain, or scratch feed, may be placed as required. This
type should prove very satisfactory for feeding grouse or quail at
accessible places where storage of grain is unnecessary.
Fig. 20. Diagram of the Spike Pole Feeder.
Tent Shelter (Fig. 22) : A shelter on level ground under which
small game can be fed may be constructed of small poles and
shaped like a soldier's "pup" tent. A fairly heavy pole is fastened
horizontally between two trees three to five feet above the ground.
Smaller i)oles are then laid ])arallel to one another from the ground
to the horizontal pole on both sides of the tree, the horizontal pole
forming the ridge of the "tent." The frame thus made is then
covered with evergreen branches, bru.sh, or weeds, or any other
available material suitable for the i)urpose. Corn fodder can be
used to form the "tent" if readily available. Under a shelter such
as this corn or other grain, or scratch feed, may be scattered as
needed. Ring-necked pheasants and quail, and in some localities
grouse, will find this shelter acceptable.
FRONT ELEVATION
}
f
SIDE ELEVATION
i
Fig. 21. Diagram of the side hill shelter.
30
31
WHAT TO USE FOR WINTER FEEDING
Game animals and birds require, or at least appear to need, dif-
ferent types of food. Some are exceedingly particular as to their
food, while others eat a great variety. Before supplying winter
rations the food habits of game should be carefully studied so that
the particular food which they desire may be furnished. Experience
has demonstrated, in most instances, the kinds of food our game
will eat. For all game birds grit should be included with the feed
since it is a necessary aid to digestion. Birds usually take it in
the form of sand or gravel, but when the ground is covered by
snow it may be difficult to obtain, and consequently should be
included as a part of the ration. Grit may be purchased separately
and put out along with grain.
Fig. 22. Diagram of the tent shelter.
Shocks of unthreshed buckwheat placed where small game
winters, provides an easy method of feeding ring-necked pheasants
and bob-white quail and one which has given success in all respects.
Besides ring-necks it has been reported that gray squirrels and
even raccoon were found feeding from the buckwheat. Corn in
the shock may be used in the same way, but as it is less easily
transported to the most favorable spots, it becomes less practical
to use. In many instances uncut corn left in the fields has furnished
32
i
S
food for ring-necks and squirrels, but it is inadvisable to leave
buckwheat uncut, since buckwheat, unless cut and shocked, will
be bent to the ground and covered by winter snows.
Shocks of corn not only provide food, but if the lower part of
the shock is parted a very practical feeding shelter can be arranged.
Frequently farmers can be persuaded to leave food patches for
■:. '■■■■■' ;'v
3
•
>. .
St.
•
^
.H. / A- i'} J ■ r
Kl
f J
1
1
\i^ \ a/ '• -.- ^* ^ -^
1 y
a» TC X - ' —
^fff' ■
* -
Photograpn by Seth E. Gordon.
Shocks of corn not only provide food but can
be made into a practical shelter under which
to place other feed.
game here and there on their farm. A small patch of grain or
a fence row left without cutting will be particularly beneficial to
ring-necked pheasants and quail.
Following is a list of our upland game. Under each species is
given a statement of the normal winter food, according to the
reports of the field force and the investigations of stomach con-
tents made by the Bureau of Research and Information. A list of
the suitable winter foods for game which can be procured locally
without much difficulty is also given.
WHAT TO USE FOR WINTER FEEDING
Game animals and l)ir(ls rt-cjuire, or at least appear to need, dif-
ferent types of food. Some are exceedinj^ly particular as to their
food, while others eat a ^'^reat variety. Before sn])plyin<,'^ winter
rations the food hahits of j^ame should be carefully studied so that
the particular food w hich they desire may be furnished. Experience
has demonstrated, in most in,->tances, the kinds of food our "-ame
will eat. I-'or all .^-ame birds (/ril should he included 7cit/i the feed
since it is a necessary aid to digestion. Piirds usually take it in
the torm 91
^1
I
I
i
I
INTRODUCTION
This bulletin is prepared largely from information collected over a
period of years, and from suggestions submitted by Game Refuge Keep-
ers and other field officers of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It is
hoped that through its publication Pennsylvania sportsmen and all other
wild-life enthusiasts will have a better understanding of practical and "
inexpensive methods of feedmg game in winter, as well as methods of
improving the environment for game by planting material which provides
natural food and cover.
The first requisite is food which creates body heat and enables birds
to survive intense cold. Food also provides the strength necessary to
assist game and birds to escape predatory enemies. It brings birds to
the spring nesting season in a healthy and vigorous condition. Artificial
feeding of game in winter is therefore extremely important. It is much
better, however, to produce a supply of natural foods through the
planting of shrubs, trees, grains, grasses, vines, etc. A natural food
supply is in the long run much cheaper and more effective.
In these days of intensive development, clean farming practices, good
roads, automobiles, more leisure time, and an ever increasing number of
hunters, game must have some attention during the entire year. We
cannot let it shift for itself. This is particularly true with respect to food
and cover, which in many sections is a serious problem.
It is obviously impossible for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to
carry on all of the improvement work necessary to adequately care for
the game supply. This means that all sportsmen must assist in raising
their game crop if a sufficient supply is to be produced. Boy Scouts, bird
and nature lovers also have a particular interest in this connection and
can render valuable assistance. Improvements in conditions for wild-
life in most cases improves the environment for song and insectivorous
birds. Everyone knows of their value to the orchardist and farmer as
insect destroyers. If each one interested and concerned in this important
problem helps just a little bit, it will go a long way toward helping
Pennsylvania to retain its enviable pt)sition as a great game State.
No attempt is made in this bulletin to discuss feeding of wild water-
fowl, as this subject was fairly well covered in a mimeographed pamphlet
prepared several years ago and which is available upon application. The
title of that pamphlet is "Wild Waterfowl Foods and How to Grow
Them."
20r>r,91
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
WHY MORE FOOD FOR GAME ?
If wild birds and animals are to live and propagate normally they must
have an abundance of natural food. When there is a scarcity of natural
food, due either to failure in fruit or nut crops, or to deep snows which
cover nuts, seeds, and grit, it becomes necessary to supply food by
artificial means. To meet the ever-increasing demands of the 600,000
hunters who range the woods and fields in the fall, game animals and
birds must propagate to the limit of their natural ability and to do this
they must be healthy and well nourished. The importance of keeping
game in sound condition cannot be too strongly impressed on the minds
of sportsmen throughout the country, and particularly is this true within
a thickly settled and industrial State such as Pennsylvania. The Penn-
sylvania Game Commission fully realize this and, through their Game
Photograph by John B. Sedam
Game management students, Pennsylvania State College, examining food
development work on State Game Lands.
Protectors and Refuge Keepers, constantly endeavor to supplement the
natural supply of food with grains placed in shelters. Sportsmen, too,
throughout the State are becoming more and more interested in this
vital phase of game conservation work. The natural food supply can
be augmented by two principal methods: first, the planting of various
kinds of shrubs, trees, vines, grains and grasses which will eventually
produce nuts, berries, and seeds desirable as food for game; and second,
the distribution of grains, nuts and dried plants, usually in winter when
deep snows make emergency winter feeding necessary.
TREES AND SHRUBS WHICH PRODUCE GAME FOOD
AND COVER
Assisting nature in producing suitable foods for game and birds by
planting trees, shrubs, and so forth, is desirable where practicable. Many
varieties of shrubs and trees produce berries, fruits and nuts which
persist well into and often through the winter, and furnish excellent
food. Such species of shrubs and trees may be planted on favorable
locations, but it is a waste of time and money to plant unless the planted
stock will receive sunlight necessary for it to become established and to
grow. Most of these species will not grow satisfactorily in dense shade;
in fact, they almost invariably demand an abundance of sunlight, which
means they can be expected to grow only on open areas within the
woods, or on abandoned agricultural lands.
riiotOKiaph l»y Dr. C. S. ApKar
Game Protector J. M. Havcrslick in
charge of planting program on state
game lands No. 52.
Among the trees the most important are the nut bearers such as
walnut, hickory nut, butternut, hazlcnut, oak and beech. The mulberry,
either common or Russian, is very valuable for summer food for game
birds as well as song and insectivorous birds. Black gum produces berries
relished by wild turkeys. Fruit bearing trees such as apple, crabapple,
wild cherry, pawpaw, hackberry, etc., are very valuable. Other trees
such as sassafras, cucumber, hornbeam and birch furnish food. For
cover the trees most useful are the various conifers such as spruce, pine
and hemlock. Among the shrubs and vines producing food are the dog-
wood, holly, barberry, snowberry, witch hazel, sumac, hawthorn, wild
rose, mountain ash, viburnum, wild grape, greenbrier, osage orange,
bufFaloberry, bush honeysuckle, Russian olive, Siberian pea tree, bitter-
sweet, blackberry, huckleberry, elder, raspberry, dewberry, Japanese
barberry, etc.
If each sportsmen's organization would put on a campaign calling for
the planting of food producing species in sections where deer will not
destroy all of them much good will result. The fall or spring is the
best time for planting. The planting could be done either in October
and November or from about March 15th to May 15th. Practically all
the shrubs, as well as the trees, require sunlight. Consequently the
planting must be made where they receive light. Food producing plants
should be set close to cover or some cover plants set out in connection
with the food producers. A very good plan is to plant a clump of 25
or 50 evergreens and nearby a clump of mixed shrubs. If these in turn
are located near a food patch of grain, game is almost certain to be found
there. The planting can be made on State owned land or lands upon
which permission to hunt can be obtained. Farmers, no doubt, in many
instances will readily give permission to hunt in return for the planting
of trees and shrubs on their land. These trees increase the value of the
land and most of the shrubs are very ornamental and attract song and
insectivorous birds as well as game. The value of insectivorous birds to
the farmer cannot very well be estimated in dollars and cents, but
undoubtedly it is enormous. Some briars, grape vines, bittersweet, etc..
PhotoRraph by J. N. Morton
Wild grapes provide excellent game food and cover.
should be encouraged along fence rows, old dumps, stone quarries, gullied
areas and other unused corners of the farm.
A great many of the trees and shrubs, as well as vines, including the
valuable wild grape, which produce desirable foods for upland game,
are more or less objectionable to the forester whose aim it is to produce
the greatest volume of wood on a given area. Unfortunately, most of
the food-producing species have little or no lumber value and are con'
sidered undesirable by the forester and are termed "forest weeds.'' The
ultra-scientific forester, failing to realize their inestimable value to wild
life, looks with disdain upon these "forest weeds" and desires above all
else to replace them with lumber trees. Fortunately, most foresters in
this country, not being of the ultra-scientific type, appreciate the fact
that wild life in our wooded areas has a great economic value and realize
that the so-called "forest weeds" are essential to its existence. Penn-
sylvania's State Game Lands and State Forests, almost 2,000,000 acres
of good hunting territory, and owned by the Commonwealth, are man-
aged in a practical way under the direction of trained foresters. There
is little likelihood that these men will ever sacrifice too large a proportion
of game-food producing "forest weeds" to make way for comparatively
few additional lumber trees.
Planting of shrubs, trees and vines which will produce food for game
and small birds should be carried on extensively by sportsmen and lovers
of wild life. The Pennsylvania Game Commission have been setting an
example for a number of years through their Game Protectors and Game
Refuge Keepers, and have planted much of the available areas under
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Planting of clumps of evergreens will make more cover for game
on this area.
their control. They have no authority to plant on privately owned or
controlled lands. Such planting should be carried on by sportsmen and
other individuals.
Sportsmen and others can render a distinct service to game conserva'
tion by discouraging the cutting and removal of bittersweet and other
shrubs which produce game food. Bittersweet suffers particularly due
to the fact that it is sought for decorative purposes by many people. The
7
the shrubs, as well as the trees, require sunlight. Consequently the
planting must be made where they receive light. Food producing plants
should be set close to cover or some cover plants set out in connection
with the food producers. A very good plan is to plant a clump of 25
or 30 evergreens and nearby a clump of mixed shrubs. If these in turn
are located near a food patch of grain, game is almost certain to be found
there. The planting can be made on State owned land or lands upon
which permission to hunt can be obtained. Farmers, no doubt, in many
instances will readily give permission to hunt in return for the planting
of trees and shrubs on their land. These trees increase the value of the
land and most of the shrubs are very ornamental and attract song and
insectivorous birds as well as game. The value of insectivorous birds to
the farmer cannot very well be estimated in dollars and cents, but
undoubtedly it is enormous. Some briars, grape vines, bittersweet, etc..
IMjotoRraph by .1. \. Morton
Wild ^rai>r«i provide exrelleni ganu' food aiul cov€»r.
should be encouraged along fence rows, old dumps, stone quarries, gullied
areas and other unused corners of the farm.
A great many of the trees and shrubs, as well as vines, including the
valuable wild grape, which produce desirable foods for upland game,
are more or less objectionable to the forester whose aim it is to produce
the greatest volume of wood on a given area. Unfortunately, most of
the food-producing species have little or no lumber value and are con-
sidered undesirable by the forester and are termed "forest weeds.'' The
ultra-scientific forester, failing to realize their inestimable value to wild
life, looks with disdain upon these "forest weeds" and desires above all
else to replace them with lumber trees. Fortunately, most foresters in
this country, not being of the ultra-scientific type, appreciate the fact
that wild life in our wooded areas has a great economic value and realize
that the so-called "forest weeds" are essential to its existence. Penn-
sylvania's State Game Lands and State Forests, almost 2,000,000 acres
of good hunting territory, and owned by the Commonwealth, are man-
aged in a practical way under the direction of trained foresters. There
is little likelihood that these men will ever sacrifice too large a proportion
of game- food producing "forest weeds" to make way for comparatively
few additional lumber trees.
Planting of shrubs, trees and vines which will produce food for game
and small birds should be carried on extensively by sportsmen and lovers
of wild life. The Pennsylvania Game Commission have been setting an
example for a number of years through their Game Protectors and Game
Refuge Keepers, and have planted much of the available areas under
Photog^raph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Planting of clumps of everin'eens will make more cover for game
oil this area.
their control. They have no authority to plant on privately owned or
controlled lands. Such planting should be carried on by sportsmen and
other individuals.
Sportsmen and others can render a distinct service to game conserva-
tion by discouraging the cutting and removal of bittersweet and other
shrubs which produce game food. Bittersweet suffers particularly due
to the fact that it is sought for decorative purposes by many people. The
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
bittersweet forms much of the normal diet of birds in sections where it
is abundant. Both game and song birds feed on the berries and they
should be permitted to remain in the woods for game food.
Coniferous or evergreen plantations made for reforestation purposes
are wonderful havens of safety for pursued game, especially ruffed grouse.
Under the thick canopy formed by the crowns of the planted trees grouse
and other small game may obtain protection from hawks. It requires
but a very few years for the small seedling trees ordinarily planted to
reach a size sufficient to provide adequate and desirable cover for game.
Also many birds and animals relish as food seeds from cones of evergreen
trees. A plantation of such species will furnish both cover and food for
game, as well as timber in later years.
For maximum utility for game, plantations of evergreens must not be
large in size. They should not be more than 500 or 600 feet in diameter.
AH old fields or clearings should not be planted as they are essential to
the well being of many small game species. It is better to have clumps
or small patches planted here and there with evergreens and some clear-
ings left to grow up to the miscellaneous assortment of weeds and briars
which provide game food.
SUITABLE PLANTING STOCK
Far better results will be obtained by planting nursery grown seedlings
in preference to nuts or seeds. If nuts or seeds are planted or sown a
large percentage of them will be eaten by rodents. Experience has
proved that the percentage of those which germinate is very low. Nuts
and seeds of most species sown in a nursery may be expected to result
in a good percentage of germination and to produce good healthy seed-
lings. These seedlings, after one or two years in the nursery, should be
planted in their permanent location. Many commercial nurseries are
now raising for sale at reasonable prices, quite a variety of trees and
shrubs which are desirable as producers of food for game and birds.
Trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants, which produce nuts, fruits
or seeds' desirable as food for game and birds, are listed on the following
page. No effort is made to list them in the order of their importance
since the value of each species is variable with locality and with different
kinds of game. The common name of the species is given as well as the
scientific name of the group to which it belongs, but no attempt is made
to list all of the desirable species of each group, since such a list would be
8
^^pK^.:^.. W-^^ 'J*^S*» M^^i^^Ty
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
A Pennsylvania Game Refuge Keeper looks over his territory as the
wooded hills and cozy valleys don the white coat of winter.
voluminous and unnecessary. The seeds or fruits of almost all species of
one group are similarly edible.
TREES
Common Name Genus
American Beech Fagus
Oak Quercus
Hazelnut Corylus
Walnut Juglans
Hickory Carya
Chestnut Castanea
Blue Beech Carpinus
Pine Pinus
Hemlock Tsiiga
Larch Larix
Cedar Juniperus
Hackberry Celtis
Aspen Populus
Cucumber Magnolia
Locust Robiuia
Common Name Genus
Maple Ace^
Poplar Populus
Ash Fraxinus
Birch Betula
Sassafras Sassafras
Basswood Tilia
Crabapple Pyrus
Common Apple Pyrus
Persimmon Diospyros
Black Gum Nyssa
Cherry Primus
Mulberry Morus
Pawpaw Asimina
Hop Hornbeam Ostrya
Willow Salix
SHRUBS AND MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS
4
Common Name Genus
Mountain Ash Pyrus
June Berry or
Shad Bush Amelanchier
Dogwood Cornus
Buckthorn Rhamnus
Holly il^'^'
Elder Sambucus
Chokeberry Pyrus
Hawthorn Crataegus
Rose Posa
Witch Hazel Hamamelis
Spice Bush Benzoin
Hercules Club Aralia
Haw Viburnum
Viburnum Viburnum
Red Bud or
Judas Tree Cercis
Alder Alnus
Leatherwood Dirca
Partridge Berry Mitchella
Russian Olive Elaeagnus
BufFaloberry Shepherda
Virginia Creeper Psedera
Common Name Genus
Maleberry Lyonia
Sourwood Oxydendrum
Privet Ligustrum
Sumac Rhus
Snowberry .... Symphoricarpos
Laurel Kalmia
Rhododendron . . Rhododendron
Bayberry Myrica
Red Root Ceanothus
Bittersweet Celastrus
Honeysuckle Lonicera
Grape Vitis
Greenbrier Smilax
Raspberry Riibus
Blackberry Rubus
Strawberry Fragaria
Huckleberry Gaylussacia
Blueberry Vaccinium
Pokeberry Phytolacca
Teaberry Gaultheria
Siberian Pea Tree ... Caragana
Japanese Barberry Berberis
Osage Orange Madura
GRAIN CROPS— ESSENTIAL
The planting of food patches and strips is another very essential prO'
gram for providing wildlife with food during the summer and fall.
Several sportsmen's organizations have recently taken up this matter.
It is sincerely hoped that more will make arrangements now for an
extensive program to be carried out as soon as possible.
There are a great many grains, grasses, weeds, etc., which furnish food
for game. Nearly everyone is familiar with many of the kinds found
quite commonly growing on farms. In addition to the commoner plants
there are other ones which produce particularly desirable seed for game,
game birds, and song and insectivorous birds.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, after carrying on some experi-
ments, developed a mixture of seeds which is recommended for planting
for game food. The mixture contains buckwheat, Kaffir corn, Sudan
grass, sorghum, dwarf broom corn, German millet, Japanese millet, hog
10
I'hotograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Sportsmen broadcasting grains on prepared areas.
Game food conditions can be greatly improved if
sportsmen^s groups take up this work.
millet, flax and sunflower. The seed is planted at the rate of about
fifteen pounds per acre in May or early June. This seed should be
planted in long narrow strips close to cover. Seed costs are very reason-
able. A cooperative arrangement between sportsmen and farmers could
be worked out in many sections, whereby patches of this material to
supply game food are made available. Information relative to the source
of supply of seeds and any other information will be supplied upon
request to the Game Commission, Harrisburg, Pa.
The common lespedezia or Japan clover is one of the important quail
foods of the south. The serecia lespedezia, a variety of this, is more
hardy and should do well in Pennsylvania. This is an excellent quail
n
food It is a very good forage crop; it is a legume and therefore bmlds
up poor sons by refurning n.trogen to the soil and it is valuable .n pre^
venting soil erosion. This w.U grow on almost any kmd of soil wuh
very little preparation. Disking the ground prior to sowing the seed
broadcast is satisfactory. It does excellently by sowing broadcast on top
of winter wheat during the later part of March or the first of April.
Unlike that of most legumes the seed loses its viability in a relatively
short time, consequently seed of the previous year's crop should be sown
to secure best results.
Buckwheat is a very good wild turkey food. Either the common
or Tartary may be used. The latter is probably better for game food.
It is sown from the middle of June to the middle of July. Sweet clover
Photograph by John B. Sedam
Plot showing Pennsylvania game food plol mixture.
planted around gravel pits, stone quarries, along roadsides, eroded gullies
and other unused corners, furnishes very good cover for game and
benefits the farmer by building up the soil and preventing erosion. This
can be planted in the spring with oats or barley as a nurse crop. It can
also be sown in June or July without a nurse crop or in corn at the last
cultivation.
Other plants suitable for food strips include cowpeas, millet, sorghum,
and laredo soy beans. Cowpeas may be sown broadcast at the rate of
one and one-quarter to two bushels per acre or planted in rows one-half
to one-quarter bushels in May or June. Millet is planted broadcast at the
rate of twenty to thirty-five pounds per acre in June. Sorghum is planted
12
in rows at the rate of eight to ten pounds per acre or broadcast in June
using about one peck per acre. Soy beans are broadcast at the rate of
three pecks per acre from the middle of May to the first of July. In
mixture, of course, the amount per acre of each of the four plants should
be only one-quarter of that given for planting per acre. The patches
planted to the above can also include buckwheat broadcast at the rate
of one-quarter to one and one-quarter bushels per acre from May to
August 15th; corn planted in rows at the rate of one to one and one-half
gallons per acre from May 1 to May 31st; Kaffir corn planted in rows,
six to ten pounds, or broadcast one peck per acre in June; and Sudan
grass broadcast twenty to thirty-five pounds per acre, May 15th to May
31st. Provided all eight of the plants listed are used for a mixture the
amount per acre of each would be one-eighth the amount given for
planting per acre.
Photograph by Seth Gordon
Clean farming does not provide good game conditions. This area could
be made belter by allowing cover to grow along the fence rows and
permitting a few rows of grain along the edge to remam standmg.
Food patches of wheat, rye, vetch, Austrian winter pea and German
or crimson clover have been found good for quail. Wheat is planted
four to six pecks per acre, planted about the time of the first killing frost.
Rye planted four to six pecks per acre at about the same time as wheat
or a little later. Vetch twenty to thirty pounds per acre from August 1st
to November 1st. Austrian winter pea at the rate of one and one-half
to two bushels per acre in February or March. German or crimson clover
is planted broadcast fifteen pounds to the acre about August.
Volunteer foods, consisting of various weed seeds, can often be secured
by having parts of abandoned fields plowed. Soils very often contain
thousands of seeds of many kinds dropped years ago. They germinate
13
food. It is a very good forage crop; it is a legume and '^ -f-e bmld
up poor s<»ls by returning nitrogen to the soil and it ,s valuable in pre
venting soil erosion. This will grow on almost any kind of soil with
very little preparation. Disking the ground prior to sowing the seed
broadeast is satisfactory. It does excellently by sowing broadcast on top
of winter wheat during the later part of March or the first of April.
Unlike that of most legumes the seed loses its viability in a relatively
short time, consequently seed of the previous year's crop should be sown
to secure best results.
Buckwheat is a very good wild turkey food. Either the common
or Tartary may be used. The latter is probably better tor game food.
It is sown from the middle of June to the middle of July. Sweet clover
PhotoKr.ii»h by John U. Sedam
PIol showing Priinsvlvailia gaiiu- f<»oH plol mixture.
planted around i^'ravel pits, stone quarries, alon^ roadsides, eroded gullies,
and other unused corners, furnishes very good cover for game and
benefits the farmer by building up the soil and preventing erosion. This
can be planted in the spring with oats or barley as a nurse crop. It can
also be sown in June or July without a nurse crop or in corn at the last
cultivation.
Other plants suitable for food strips include cowpeas, millet, sorghum,
and laredo soy beans. Cowpeas may be sown broadcast at the rate of
one and one-quarter to two bushels per acre or planted in rows one-half
to one-quarter bushels in May or June. Millet is planted broadcast at the
rate of twenty to thirty-five pounds per acre in June. Sorghum is planted
in rows at the rate of eight to ten pounds per acre or broadcast in June
using about one peck per acre. Soy beans are broadcast at the rate of
three pecks per acre from the middle of May to the first of July. In
mixture, of course, the amount per acre of each of the four plants should
be only one-quarter of that given for planting per acre. The patches
planted to the above can also include buckwheat broadcast at the rate
of one-quarter to one and one-quarter bushels per acre from May to
August 13th; corn planted in rows at the rate of one to one and one-half
gallons per acre from May 1 to May 31st; Kaffir corn planted in rows,
six to ten pounds, or broadcast one peck per acre in June; and Sudan
grass broadcast twenty to thirty-five pounds per acre. May 13th to May
31st. Provided all eight of the plants listed are used for a mixture the
amount per acre of each would be one-eighth the amount given for
planting per acre.
/ x^^^^^i^^^r^r:
• i'»H
1
»
Photograph by Seth Gordon
Clean farniiiig does not provide good game eondilions. This area eould
be made better l)v allowing rover to grow along the fenee rows and
permitting a few rows of grain along the edge to remain standnig.
Food patches of wheat, rye, vetch, Austrian winter pea and German
or crimson clover have been found good for quail. Wheat is planted
four to six pecks per acre, planted about the time of the first killing frost.
Rye planted four to six pecks per acre at about the same time as wheat
or a little later. Vetch twenty to thirty pounds per acre from August 1st
to November 1st. Austrian winter pea at the rate of one and one-half
to two bushels per acre in February or March. German or crimson clover
is planted broadcast fifteen pounds to the acre about August.
Volunteer foods, consisting of various weed seeds, can often be secured
by having parts of abandoned fields plowed. Soils very often contain
thousands of seeds of many kinds dropped years ago. They germinate
13
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
only when influenced by the sun and other conditions. Plowing brings
about favorable conditions for part of these weed seeds.
Sportsmen quite frequently secure the cooperation of farmers by pur-
chasing a few shocks of buckwheat or unhusked corn or a patch ot
uncut corn which is allowed to remain in the fields. It should be kept
in mind that to be most useful the corn or buckwheat should be left near
good cover. Perhaps arrangements could also be made to permit a strip
of uncut grain or hay to remain along the edges of some fields. A strip
four feet wide will do much good. If wheat stubble is cut high it pro-
vides some cover to birds seeking the waste grains in the stubble field
during the fall of the year.
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Fence rows permitted to grow up furnish excellent game food and cover.
Boy Scouts could help immensely in providing food for game and song
birds if each troop would arrange for a patch of sun flowers. These
provide excellent food for song birds and for game birds. A small patch
near good cover would not require much work for the returns which
would be secured for the birds. It is planted any time up to the middle
of July in rows far enough apart to permit cultivation. Eight or ten
pounds per acre should be sown and cultivated the same as corn. A
small patch of broom corn could also be planted near good game cover.
14
This is very good quail food. It is planted about one to two weeks after
the first corn is planted, that is May 1 to June 15. It is planted at the
rate of about four pounds per acre. The seed is placed in rows three
and one-half feet apart and covered about one inch deep. It must be
cultivated by harrowing or hoeing frequently. After the seed ripens
in the fall the tops of the stalks should be bent down so that the seed
hangs about eighteen inches above the ground. In many sections it
will also be possible for the Scouts to secure berry bushes or other game
foodplants for planting in clumps around stone piles or other places
where permission can be obtained to plant.
The Scouts should also assist in the building of feeding shelters under
which game can be fed during the winter. Wherever possible these
shelters should be built before the time for feeding in order that game
will have become accustomed to them before the winter's snow makes
artificial feeding essential. Plans for shelters are shown under Emer'
gency Winter Feeding in this bulletin.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Ross L. LeflSer, McKeesport
An easily constructed Bobwhite food shelter, built hy Boy Scouts.
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
Many thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each winter
in Pennsylvania with various kinds of grains, scratch feed, and occa-
sionally with hay and alfalfa distributed especially for that purpose.
During the past few years this feeding program has been stressed con-
tinuously by the Game Commission and splendid assistance has been
given by organized and individual sportsmen, farmers, rural mail car-
riers. Boy Scouts and others. In many sections of the Commonwealth,
Boy Scouts have organized successful feeding campaigns, and they, as
well as farmers, are entitled to special commendation for their good
work. For the welfare of our game, particularly game birds, everyone
IS
only when influenced by the sun and other conditions. Plowing brings
about favorable conditions for part of these weed seeds.
Sportsmen quite frequently secure the cooperation of farmers by pur-
chasing a few shocks of buckwheat or unhusked corn or a patch ot
uncut corn which is allowed to remain in the fields. It should be kept
in mind that to be most useful the corn or buckwheat should be left near
good cover. Perhaps arrangements could also be made to permit a strip
of uncut grain or hay to remain along the edges of some fields. A strip
four feet wide will do much good. If wheat stubble is cut high it pro-
vides some cover to birds seeking the waste grains in the stubble field
during the fall of the year.
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Fence rows permitterl to grow up furnish excellenl game food and cover.
Boy Scouts could help immensely in providing food for game and song
birds if each troop would arrange for a patch of sun flowers. These
provide excellent food for song birds and for game birds. A small patch
near good cover would not require much work for the returns which
would be secured for the birds. It is planted any time up to the middle
of luly in rows far enough apart to permit cultivation. Eight or ten
pounds per acre should be sown and cultivated the same as corn. A
small patch of broom corn could also be planted near good game cover.
This is very good quail food. It is planted about one to two weeks after
the first corn is planted, that is May 1 to June 13. It is planted at the
rate of about four pounds per acre. The seed is placed in rows three
and one-half feet apart and covered about one inch deep. It must be
cultivated by harrowing or hoeing frequently. After the seed ripens
in the fall the tops of the stalks should be bent down so that the seed
hangs about eighteen inches above the ground. In many sections it
will also be possible for the Scouts to secure berry bushes or other game
foodplants for planting in clumps around stone piles or other places
where permission can be obtained to plant.
The Scouts should also assist in the building of feeding shelters under
which game can be fed during the winter. Wherever possible these
shelters should be built before the time for feeding in order that game
will have become accustomed to them before the winter's snow makes
artificial feeding essential. Plans for shelters are shown under Emef
gency Winter Feeding in this bulletin.
Photograph by Game Commissioner Koss L. Leffler, McKeesport
An easily constructed Bobwhite food shelter, buih by Boy Scouts.
EMERGENCY WINTER FEEDING
Many thousands of game animals and game birds are fed each winter
in Pennsylvania with various kinds of grains, scratch feed, and occa'
sionally with hay and alfalfa distributed especially for that purpose.
During the past few years this feeding program has been stressed con-
tinuously by the Game Commission and splendid assistance has been
given by organized and individual sportsmen, farmers, rural mail car-
riers. Boy Scouts and others. In many sections of the Commonwealth,
Boy Scouts have organized successful feeding campaigns, and they, as
well as farmers, are entitled to special commendation for their good
work. For the welfare of our game, particularly game birds, everyone
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
interested must do his bit in placing suitable food where it will do the
most good.
We have much to learn concerning the most desirable game foods
and the best methods of feeding game in an economical way. It is
difficult to determine how to feed the maximum amount of game with
a minimum amount of food and effort, for animals other than game
rodents particularly, are likely to get more of it than the game for which
it is intended. Definite knowledge of the kinds of food that are most
tempting and beneficial to game is of great importance and in this held
there is much opportunity for investigation and experiment.
Many methods in the proper distribution and placing of winter feed
have been employed in this Commonwealth with varying degrees ot
':j f:-
»^4:,.. r
~^
^*'Am'
Kf^^
{^■iF^E£^4£i
1^
^^^^BJr 'V Vic
i \%f
1l' u
,M r
^ r» !
'.f^i^.^
>*.?
':^V% * '^:
S'^-
«». V,
Photograph by C. C. Freebum
Feeding station constructed by C. C. C. camp.
success. Throwing grain from an airplane has been tried; numerous
types of artificial shelters have been built; natural shelters such as
thickets, hollow logs and sheltered rock ledges have been used and grain
has been scattered in the open and ears of corn have been placed on
twigs or stubs two feet above the ground so that they would protrude
above the snow.
ORGANIZE FEEDING CAMPAIGNS
Each sportsmen's association should work out a plan by which ]ts
members, preferably through the appointment of a good live committee,
will systematically and regularly feed the game during the winter in
their vicinity. District Game Protectors will gladly cooperate with
sportsmen in planning feeding campaigns, and can usually arrange to
furnish some of the feed needed.
16
It is quite easy to feed small game in agricultural territory. In fact,
many farmers either provide feed themselves or can be induced to do so
if properly approached. Many of them will gladly put out feed without
compensation while others, who cannot afford to donate the feed, will
put it out if they are paid for the feed or if it is furnished them.
Feeding game in the forest areas becomes a somewhat more difficult
problem in winter, but is no less essential. However, volunteers who
are willing to devote some of their time to taking out grain can invariably
be found in any good sportsmen's association. Snow shoes or skis may
occasionally be needed in the southern part of the State and frequently
required in the north, but the more difficult the objective, the greater the
satisfaction in having attained it. Many State Game Refuge Keepers
and Game Protectors who devote their entire time to maintaining the
supply of game for sport, use snowshoes or skis in carrying feed into
the woods and find pleasure in doing so.
Photograph by Brandau Studio, Hazleton, Pa.
A group of sportsmen preparing for winter feeding of game.
The unique method of distributing grain from an airplane was first
tried in January, 1926, by the Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry
Association (the Pennsylvania Game Commission cooperating), in an
effort to feed turkeys and grouse in the remote, inaccessible mountains of
Central Pennsylvania. The ground was covered by deep snow with a
frozen crust. Paper bags filled with corn on the ear or shelled corn were
dropped from an elevation of a few hundred feet. The bags broke open
either on trees or on the hard crust of the snow, and the grain scattered.
In more recent years other organizations and individuals have used this
method of winter feeding with varying degrees of success. However,
the publicity given to this particular experiment brought home to many
people the vital necessity of feeding game, and stimulated activity in this
field throughout the State.
17
FOOD MUST BE TAKEN TO THE GAME
In distributing food in winter it is very important that it be placed at
or near the particular spots where the game for which it is intended is
living. Food for grouse, for instance, should be placed usually under
cover formed by clumps of evergreen trees, thickets of laurel, rhododen-
dron or weeds, dense patches of scrub oak, or grape vines; bobwhites
are usually fed in the open, along fence rows; wild turkeys in the deep
woods along spring runs and so on.
It should be borne in mind that emergency feeding is most essential
when the ground is covered with deep snow and when, in consequence,
game is unable to find the existing natural food. It is important that the
Game protectors taking game feed into mountainous
sections during deep snow.
food be placed under some form of shelter so that it will not be covered
by snow. Where suitable natural shelters are available they should be
used, but they are not always to be found in the localities where it is
most desirable that feeding be carried on. Therefore it is usually neces-
sary to provide artificially constructed shelters.
In placing shelters in mountainous areas, southern exposures of course
offer the most attractive places for the snow melts quicker and subsequent
bare spots provide ideal feeding areas. Mountain streamsides also fur-
nish ideal places to erect feeders. Grouse particularly frequent such spots
to feed on succulent growth which is usually available.
Around springs and near the heads of streams moss and other vegeta-
tion is usually present no matter how severe the weather; therefore these
locations are desirable.
v'.
'.V
msmmm
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ti V- , -■ •• ■. >
-" t,>
^^^■■V^J''«
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,.-:'• ff
:i ^ > ..^
-> %Vi^.-'' . • ■
- "V 't.
1%
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;
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4>.'^
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V - ,
r"
-M '^^)
M -^ '
.. f'
w : t
'- .«*'>'/•' .
-■■■ >".■ *
|p %'*..^ •
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^*^*v<
.:^
•^1-,
■;\ h i^'V. %
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Artificial feeding of game can be done under thickets of evergreens.
One disadvantage in the use of natural shelters is that food can seldom
be put out in sufficient quantities to last during the part of the season
when it is most needed, and consequently, it must be taken out to such
shelters at a time when deep snow makes travel in the woods exceedingly
difficult. On the other hand, artificial shelters can be arranged so that a
19
I
I
considerable quantity of food may be stored m them when travel
easy protected from the elements, and thus be available when it is most
needed by game. Game will at first be more or less suspicious of an
artificial shelter and to be effective such a shelter should be bui t prior
to the time winter feeding is necessary. If this policy is followed, game
will have become accustomed to seeing the shelters by the time deep
snows arrive. Shelters of one or more years' standing have proven more
satisfactory than those newly established. It is also essential that the
shelter be given a natural appearance. Feeding should be started before
heavy snows so that game will have learned where to obtain food.
W^., ,
i^-.^'^i ,♦■,
•'&\r
' : ' ' » '
v;
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Typical large game territory in Pennsylvania.
Where it is expected that considerable quantities of food will be re-
quired during the winter at a feeding shelter or station, it is advisable to
store an extra supply in some way, either in cans or metal-lined boxes,
near the shelter. This stored food will then be conveniently available for
placing in the shelter when bad roads and deep snows make its transpor-
tation difficult.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder may readily be devised, and
it is hoped that suggestions made herein will incite the ingenuity of all
who are interested in constructing more efficient types. Practical lean-to
shelters under which food may be placed can be made quickly from a few
old boards or poles and quite a satisfactory shelter can be made with
corn fodder.
VERMIN A MENACE
The habits of predatory birds and animals should by all means be
borne in mind when food for game is being placed, particularly when
artificial shelters are used. Provision should always be made for the
easy escape of game animals or birds so that they will not be cornered
and caught within the shelter. Never less than two entrances or exits
should be provided.
Various species of predatory animals — foxes, wild cats, weasels and
the more valuable fur bearer, mink— are quite apt to find a feeding station
where game is feeding and in turn feed on the grain-fed game. If this
occurs, either the vermin should be trapped or the placing of grain at
the station be discontinued.
Photograph by J. N. Morton
Wild turkeys at feeding shelter on game refuge in Bedford County.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much game in a
section to one feeding place, for vermin will profit by it at the expense
of game. Numerous small feeding shelters, artificial or natural, are far
better than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes the winter
feeding of small game a difficult problem, for a very few deer may eat
quickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and squirrels, although
buds and twigs on which deer should browse may be fairly abundant.
21
considerable quantity of food may be stored in them when ravel
easy nroteeted from the elements, and thus be available when it is most
needed by ,ame. Ciame will at first be more or less suspieious ot an
artifieial shelter and to be effective such a shelter should be bui t prior
to the time winter feedm^u is necessary. If this policy is tollowed, ^ame
will have become accustomed to seein,^ the shelters by the time deep
snows arrive. Shelters of one or more years' standin- have proven more
satisfactory than those newly established. It is also essential that the
shelter be -iven a natural appearance. Feedinj^ should be started before
heavy snows so that ^^ame will have learned where to obtain food.
Photograph by Dr. C. S. Apgar
Tvpioal largo game lerrilorv in Pennsylvania.
Where it is expected that considerable quantities of food will be re-
quired durinit the winter at a feeding; shelter or station, it is advisable to
store an extra supply in some way, either in cans or metallined boxes,
near the shelter. This stored food will then be conveniently available for
placinii in the shelter when bad roads and deep snows make its transpor-
tation difficult.
Many types of artificial shelter or feeder may readily be devised, and
it is hoped that suij.uestions made herein will incite the inijenuity of all
who are interested in constructing^ more efficient types. Practical lean-to
shelters under which food may be placed can be made quickly from a few
old boards or poles and quite a satisfactory shelter can be made with
corn fodder.
20
VERMIN A MENACE
The habits of predatory birds and animals should by all means be
borne in mind when food for game is being placed, particularly when
artificial shelters are used. Provision should always be made for the
easy escape of game animals or birds so that they will not be cornered
and caught within the shelter. Never less than two entrances or exits
should be provided.
Various species of predatory animals — foxes, wild cats, weasels and
the more valuable fur bearer, mink are quite apt to find a feeding station
where game is feeding and m turn feed on the grain-fed game. If this
occurs, either the vermin should be trapped or the placing of grain at
the station be discontinued.
PhotoKraph by J. X. Morton
Wild lurko>> al feeding >*heller on game refuge in Bedford County.
Care should be exercised not to attempt to draw too much game in a
section to one feeding place, for vermin will profit by it at the expense
of game. Numerous small feeding shelters, artificial or natural, are far
better than a few large ones.
The abundance of deer in many sections of the State makes the winter
feeding of small game a difficult problem, for a very few deer may eat
quickly the grain intended for turkeys, grouse, and squirrels, although
buds and twigs on which deer should browse may be fairly abundant.
21
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
To overcome this difficulty some of the feeders herein described were
designed primarily to keep the grain beyond the reach of deer.
All species of upland game, with the exception of ruffed grouse, can
readily be fed if the right kind of food is provided at suitable places.
The most difficult problem to solve is that of feeding grouse, and this
problem merits most exhaustive study and experimentation. Success in
feeding this most valuable of native game birds has been very poor,
although several officers of the Game Commission report success. One
reports having fed grouse under pines along streams and in thick laurel
patches around springs, in other words, under natural cover where there
is nothing to excite their suspicion. It appears logical that best results
should be attained near springs and streams, for grouse will go there
for water and grit.
A refuge keeper reported having successfully fed grouse somewhat as
follows: A shock of unhusked corn was placed against a tree close to an
old woods road and wired to the tree. Then the shock was opened on
the side opposite from the prevailing winds and scratch feed was placed
on the ground under the shock. All ears on the outside were husked
but left on the stalk. Later grouse were found feeding on the husked
corn as well as on the scratch feed.
It is not always necessary to make use of shelters in placing food, and
in certain instances it may even be inadvisable to do so. Experience has
demonstrated that a very satisfactory method of feeding wild turkeys and
other woodland game is by placing ear corn on the stub end of a small
sapling cut off about two feet above the ground, or on a stick forced
into the ground upon which the ear of corn is fastened. The intention
is to keep the corn above the snow. Squirrels may be successfully fed
by placing ears of corn in cavities or crotches of trees. Shocks of un'
husked corn may be placed conveniently for use of squirrels and other
game. Squirrels eat out the "eye" of the kernel, leaving the rest as
food for other game.
A desirable arrangement for placing ear corn can be made by driving
nails or spikes through a board in several places and tacking the board
to a tree or to a fence. A number of ears can thus be placed in one
location.
A great variety of feeding shelters have been experimented with on
game refuges and elsewhere, but in this bulletin only the more practical
32
TOP VIEW
Tree Qr*
Post
p/ace crabaur
7a'«" ef-Ot"
-♦.^^-^^ of cirrtkn The "shpltpf. ahout fourteen feet
square, is supported on posts or trees twenty-four to thirty inches above
the surface of the ground, the hopper being placed about in the center.
The lower or chute end of the hopper should rest on a stone or in a
shallow box to prevent its sinking into the ground. The frame of the
shelter is constructed of four poles four to six inches in diameter securely
nailed to trees or posts. It should be substantially constructed so that
it will carry a heavy weight of snow. Should it sag under the snow,
additional supporting posts can be placed underneath the shelter. Sap-
lings two to four inches in diameter are nailed about one foot apart,
checker-board fashion, and a covering of pine or hemlock boughs, or of
brush and weeds, is then placed on top, allowing the covering to hang
Fig. 15. Diagram of the Suspended Tray Feeder. j/
down over the sides a short distance, forming a fringe or curtain,
open on four sides, enabling game to leave quickly if molested.
It is
24
The food, either grain or scratch feed, which is placed in the hopper
at convenient times, filters out of the four inverted cone-shaped openings
at the bottom of the hopper as it is eaten.
Several Game Refuge Keepers have used this shelter successfully in
feeding small game, some reporting that even grouse, the most timid of
game birds, have fed at them. This type is designed with the large low
shelter so placed as to keep the grain beyond the reach of deer. The
hopper, with suitable modifications, is adaptable for use in many other
types of shelters.
25
1
m
I
SIDE ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION
z - e
\»- 6
U-6"*l«
i i ;
H
Cov^er s/c/ff'S /v//^
T^^- Opontn<^
Fig. 16. Diagram of the Crib-Hopper Feeder.
Wire Basket Feeder (Fig. 14): A very satisfactory method of feeding
turkeys and other birds, as well as squirrels, is the use of a basket of
one and one-half inch mesh poultry wire, made in cylindrical form,
and wired or hung onto a tree. This basket, made in any convenient
size, and filled with ear corn, has proved worthwhile as a feeding station,
particularly in the central and southern parts of the Commonwealth
where snows seldom become so deep as to prevent refilling the basket
with corn. Turkeys readily peck corn from the cobs through the wire
mesh, and squirrels can enter the basket. They work the cobs around
while gnawing at the corn, thus shelling much which falls to the ground
where it is accessible for grouse, turkeys or other birds.
j//-«ij/0 /or
/?9nd^r>^ feecfer
END VIEW
Fig. 17. Diagram of Box Feeder.
Suspended Tray Feeder (Fig. 15): In squirrel, turkey, and grouse
territory a tray, with mesh wire bottom, suspended well above the reach
of deer, has been used as a feeding station with fair success. These
trays may be of any convenient size, but those which have proved most
practical are from four to five feet in length, from one to two feet wide,
and six inches deep. They may be suspended from trees by wire or iron
rods, or supported on the top of posts set in the ground. Corn on the
ear is placed in the trays. Squirrels which gnaw at the ears naturally
shell a considerable amount which falls to the ground where it becomes
accessible to grouse and turkeys.
27
26
SIDE ELEVATION
Po/cs nai/cc/
8" or more i>n
d/sr77a/er
END ELEVATION
Po/es r?a//ecy /^o /rce.
B/oc^ r?of/ffc/ /«',.•<•.•
STEP
Fig. 24. Diagram of Barrel Feeder.
grit should be included ivith the feed since it is a necessary aid to diges'
tion. Birds usually take it in the form of sand or gravel, but when the
ground is covered by snow it may be difficult to obtain, and consequently
should be included as a part of the ration. Grit may be purchased
separately and put out along with grain.
Shocks of unthreshed buckwheat placed where small game winters,
provides an easy method of feeding ring necked pheasants and bobwhite
quail and one which has given success in all respects. Besides ring necks
it has been reported that gray squirrels and even raccoon were found feed-
ing from the buckwheat. Corn in the shock may be used in the same way,
35
III 4
but as it is less easily transported to the most f-°-W /P^^'' '' ^J^^-^'J
less practical to use. In many instances uncut corn left n the field has
furnished food for ring-necks and squirrels, but it - inadvisable to leave
buckv^heat uncut, since buckwheat, unless cut and shocked, w.ll be bent
to the ground and covered by winter snows.
Shocks of corn not only provide food, but if the lower part of the
shock is parted a very practical feeding shelter can be arranged. Fre-
quently farmers can be persuaded to leave food patches for game here
Photograph by Seth (Gordon
Shocks of corn not only provide food but can
be made into a practical shelter under which
to place other feed and grit.
and there on their farm. A small patch of grain or a fence row left
without cutting will be particularly beneficial to ring-necked pheasants
and quail.
Following is a list of our upland game. Under each species is given a
statement of the normal winter food, according to the reports of the field
force and the investigations of stomach contents made by the Bureau of
Research and Information. A list of the suitable winter foods for game
which can be pr
UCUiCU
,J I^^^IU,
BOBWHITE OR QUAIL
Normal Food: The bobwhite in winter lives almost altogether upon
weed seeds, grass seed, dried berries such as can be found in the open
or along fence rows, and upon waste grain. Very little insect food is
consumed during the winter. Stomachs of winter specimens taken in
Pennsylvania contained over seventy-five per cent of weed seeds. Prom-
inent among the species represented was the wild lupine.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings, com-
mercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet and sun-
flower seed.
36
Photograph by J. N. Morton
Where Wild Turkeys are plentiful frequent refills of the wire
basket feeder are necessary.
Refuge Keeper Ro.ss Metz refilling wire basket in Diamond
Valley. Huntingdon County
HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
Normal Food: This bird of the open field lives upon weed and grass
seed almost exclusively during the winter. Since the birds inhabit only
the wide treeless fields, they exist chiefly upon the seeds of plants which
grow strictly in the open.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings, com-
mercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet and sun-
flower seed.
RUFFED GROUSE
Normal Food: The grouse eats many different forms of winter food.
It eats the buds and terminal twigs of birch, aspen, poplar, fire cherry,
apple, hawthorn, and wild rose; occasionally it eats the buds and leaves
of the hemlock. It is very fond of berries and pulpy fruits which can
37
but as .t is less eas.ly transported to the most f-"-" /""';, "'jj^",
less practical to use. In many instances uncut corn Ictt n the fi IJ has
furnished food for ring-necks and squirrels, but it - --'--*^'; ''' \'^'
buckwheat uncut, since buckwheat, unless cut and shocked, w.ll be bent
to the ground and covered by winter snows.
Shocks of corn not only provide food, but if the lower part of the
shock is parted a very practical feeding shelter can be arranged. Fre-
quently farmers can be persuaded to leave food patches for game here
I'hotouraph by Seth Cordon
Shocks i»f corn ih»I only provide food luil ran
be Iliad*' into a pracliral shellor under whieh
t«» place olher feed and pril.
and there on their farm. A sm.ill patch cf ^rani or a fence row left
without cutting will be particularly beneficial to ring-necked pheasants
and quail.
Following is a list of our upland game. Under each species is given a
statement of the normal winter food, according to the reports c^f the field
force and the investigations of stomach contents made by the Bureau of
Research and Information. A list of the suitable winter foods for game
which can be procured locally without much difficulty is also given.
36
BOBWHITE OR QUAIL
Normal Food: The bobwhite in winter lives almost altogether upon
weed seeds, grass seed, dried berries such as can be found in the open
or along fence rows, and upon waste grain. Very little insect food is
consumed during the winter. Stomachs of winter specimens taken in
Pennsylvania contained over seventyfive per cent of weed seeds. Prom-
inent among the species represented was the wild lupine.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings, com-
mercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet and sun-
flower seed.
I'hotograph by J. X. Morton
Where Wild Turke>> are pleiilifiil frequent refills of ihe wire
l>a!«kel fee«ler are neeej>« Mriz ivfillinji wiic basket in Diamond
\';ill(v. Hunfinu;(l()ii Coiinfy
HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
Normal Food: This bird of the open field lives upon weed and grass
seed almost exclusively during the winter. Since the birds inhabit only
the wide treeless fields, they exist chiefly upon the seeds of plants which
grow strictly in the open.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, good screenings, com-
mercial chick feed, wheat, oats, rye, barley, broom corn, millet and sun-
flower seed.
RUFFED GROUSE
Normal Food: The grouse eats many different forms of winter food.
It eats the buds and terminal twigs of birch, aspen, poplar, fire cherry,
apple, hawthorn, and wild rose; occasionally it eats the buds and leaves
of the hemlock. It is very fond of berries and pulpy fruits which can
37
be found above the snow. Among them are huckleberries, wmtergreen
berries, fruit of the jack-in-the-pulpit, redhaws, rose hips, black haws, and
apples. They often eat, during winter, leaves of the wintergreen berry,
laurel and the fruiting bodies of sweet fern. On the ground they occa-
sionally find weed seeds, small acorns and beechnuts and at the edge ot
the woodland the fruit of bittersweet, wild grapes and Virginia creeper.
Grouse do not often feed upon waste grain because they do not come
into the open as a rule.
Grouse vary their diet considerably from day to day. On one day an
individual may consume little aside from buds; on another day it will
subsist chiefly on wild grapes. While this rather unique custom may
be the result of availability of food, it suggests the possibility either that
food at a shelter should be considerably varied, or that we need not
expect grouse to come regularly to the shelter to feed upon the same
grain daily.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, wheat, rye, buckwheat and
whole or cracked corn.
WILD TURKEY
Normal Food: The winter food of this species consists of such fruits,
nuts, berries and seeds as can be found above or under the snow. Turkeys
are exceedingly fond of chestnuts and acorns. They consume regularly
the fruit of the jack-in-the-pulpit, and do not hesitate to eat such leaves
berries and weed seeds as can be found. Being large of sue, the wild
turkey requires a good deal of food and much grit. Pebbles the size of
an acorn are not unusual in this bird's gizzard.
When turkeys live near grain fields they often wander about feeding
upon such corn, buckwheat, wheat, barley, rye or oats as they can find.
A limited amount of insect food is consumed during winter. Much grass
is eaten.
Food at Shelters: Shelled corn or corn on the ear, commercial scratch
feed, buckwheat, barley, wheat and rye.
RING NECK PHEASANT
Normal Food: One of the principal winter foods of the ring-neck
is the seed of the skunk cabbage. Weed seeds, waste grains, berries and
small fruits, and grass and leaves, as well as a limited amount of insect
food are consumed. Since ring necks live in open country, and are
partial to agricultural regions, much of their food in some sections is
doubtless waste grain.
Food at Shelters: Commercial scratch feed, wheat, corn and buck-
wheat.
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WAPITI OR ELK
Normal Food: The fondness of this big game for twigs of sumac and
hercules club has led to the virtual disappearance of these plants locally,
where elk have been in the habit of feeding. They eat much grass, of
course, and vary their diet with moss and lichens, leaves, twigs of various
trees, and such small fruits as they can find.
Food at Shelters: Clover, timothy and alfalfa hay, branches from fruit
and other trees, and occasionally corn and other grains.
Photograph by John B. Sedam
Feeding shelter built by WPA on State Game Lands.
WHITE-TAILED DEER
Normal Food: Deer secure most of their winter food through brows-
ing and through pawing in the snow for acorns, leaves, and such bits of
green vegetation as they can find. As a rule they eat the twigs of most
of our well-known trees and shrubs, including the orchard varieties.
Where their usual food supply is low they may eat the twigs or leaves
of pine and hemlock, and of laurel or rhododendron — plants which they
do not ordinarily touch. Deer will virtually live upon acorns if they can
find a sufficiently large supply.
Food at Shelters: It has been difficult to get deer in a wild state in
Pennsylvania to take advantage of hay and fodder put out for them.
It is a well known fact that they eat corn put out for turkeys, but to feed
corn to the hundreds of thousands of deer in Pennsylvania would be
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excessively expensive and laborious. Authentic reports are available of
deer eating timothy (particularly when it is sprinkled with salt water),
clover and alfalfa hay, unthreshed grains, cull apples, oats and corn, and
it seems logical that they will feed on branches cut from fruit and other
trees.
BLACK BEAR
The black bear has no winter food problem for he goes into deep sleep
in the autumn and does not awaken until the warmth of spring is assured.
When he emerges from his winter sleep he may be ravenous, and little
can be done, it appears, to keep him from attacking livestock or beehives
when he cannot find such food as he needs, in the wilds.
COTTONTAIL RABBITS
These, the most popular of game animals in Pennsylvania, consume
much bark during winter. They eat also such small fruits, grasses, and
leaves as they can find. At shelters they will feed on a great variety of
vegetables and fruits, corn, oats, clover hay and even branches pruned
from fruit trees. The latter have been used successfully where rabbits
are damaging an orchard. The pruned branches are piled in or near
thickets just outside of the orchards, or left lying as they fall around the
trees, the rabbits eating the bark from the prunings. Grain also may be
placed under the piles of branches as an added attraction to keep them
from damaging the orchard trees.
SNOWSHOE RABBITS
The snowshoe rabbit's chief winter food is the bark of small trees.
It is particularly fond of willow. Many varieties of vegetables and fruits,
corn, oats, and clover hay furnish desirable winter food for them at
shelters.
SQUIRRELS
Squirrels usually store some food for winter needs. They do not store
quantities of food in any one place; instead they bury nuts singly, scat-
tering them promiscuously over rather sizeable areas. In addition to nuts,
they also eat many seeds and small fruits, including the rather bulky
fruit of the cucumber tree. When the nut crop is scant, squirrels lack
an adequate winter supply. If the forest floor is covered with deep snow
for a long period of time, feeding is desirable. Almost any kind of nuts,
as well as grains, may be used.
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