MONTANA Fish and Game Commission QUARTERLY REPORT Wr 10 77 PITTMAN-ROBERTSON FEDERAL AID PROJECT Montana State Library 3 0864 1003 3526 7 Helena, Montana July 15, 1951 Regional Director Fish and Wildlife Service Swan Island Portland 18, Oregon Dear Sir: We are herewith submitting a Quarterly Progress Report in connection with the projects carried out through the use of Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds. The coverage is for the period April, May, apd June, 1951, Submitted by: Approved by: R. F. Lambeth State 'i'ish and Oame Warden FINAL PROGRESS REPORT For The WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION STATE OF MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Chairman = Elmer Johnson, Glasgow Wmo Carpenter, Butte Walter Bank, Conrad Edward Mo Boyes, Libby Thomas S. Morgan^ Miles City State Fish and Game Warden - R. H„ Lambeth Chief Deputy - W. J. Everin Director, Wildlife Restoration Division - Ro F„ Cooney Assistant Director, Wildlife Restoration Division - W„ K,, Thompson Volume 11 Number 2 April J May and June, 1951 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I-R Wildlife Surveys and Investigations Fergus=.Phillips Units; Fort Peck Game Range-Winter Deer Browse Utilization StudieSo .Donald E. Johnson 1 Relationship of Antelope to Agricultural and Range Land Use in Central Montana Donald E. Johnson 3 Blaine Unit; Aerial Habitat Survey. ........ « Donald E. Johnson 5 Chouteau Unit; Antelope Census, o ..„.,. o o .« ............. oDon L. Brown 7 Chouteau Unit; Highwood Mountains Elk Census Don L, Brown 9 Little Belt Unit; Castle Mountain Elk Census......... .....Don L, Brown 11 Blaine Unit; Bear Paw Mountains Elk Census... ,..,oDon L, Brown 12 Western Montana Big Game Investigations and Re-Checks o Lloyd ITcUoweTl 13 State-Wide Cumulative Record of Big Game Data .os.oooo..o...o....o......o..o..oa.9ft .Faye M. Couey 17 35-R Surveys & Investigations - Big Game (Southwestern Montana) West Gallatin Elk Study........ J, Jl. Gaab 30 Nye Deer Trend Census, J. E, Gaab 35 Absaroka Experimental Elk Salting, oo J. JS. Gaab 37 Fleecer Mountain-German Gulch-Willow Creek Winter Deer Range Inspection. » o , ooJ. Gaab 39 Completion of Mule Deer Range & Population Investigations - Madison River, .,.,..„,„,.,,.., o. J. E. Gaab 41 Wise River-Jerry Creek.... , o.«J. E. Gaab 42. Yellowstone Calf Elk Tagging .......J. B. Gaab 43 West Gallatin Calf Elk Tagging.. „ J. E. Gaab 44 36- R Lincoln County Deer Management Unit Abstract of Work Accomplished the Past Year 37- R Game Range Pre-development Survey Abstract of Work Accomplished the Past Year 38- R Upland Game Bird Survey and Investigation State-Wide Unit 1951 Pheasant Breeding Populations Survey ............... o Hartkorn, Greene, Bergeson 45 Mountain Grouse Management Study Ruffed Grouse Drumming Census Phase Fred Hartkorn 51 39- R Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations Final report for the year .Freeman, Salinas 58 5-D Trapping and Transplanting General Wildlife Restocking Project. .James McLucas 66 27-D Sun River Game Range Development, o Bob Neal 69 33-D Blackf oot-Clearwater Game Range Unit Final report for the year,. Stan Mongrain 71 24-M Water Facilities Maintenance Final report for the year 26-M Game Range Develonment Through Salt Distribution Final report for the year 41-R Hunter Harvest Determination Final reports of Checking Stations by areas., Ken Thompson 75 LOOKING OVER A SUCCTESSFUL GOAT CATCH STATE Montana PROJECT 1-R DATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Winter Deer Browse Utilization Studies (Fort Peck Game Range) Due to lack of fall measurements of tagged plants, winter use for only one species on a small portion of the arfla could be determined. Species - Rahbitbrush Utilization - 57% A study should be initiated to determine some proper use factors for plant species present in this particular area. More utilization stations should be set up. A limited antlerless deer season is recommended. Antelope and Agriculture Study , Central Mo ntana The project outline was reviewed and suggestions were made by concerned specialists. An area survey was made to determine study sites. Ranchers and farmers were contacted and permission was obtained to con- duct studies on their lands. One stomach sample was collected and partially analysed. Concurrent with paunch sample collections, botanical specimens were collected and mounted. Aerial Habitat Survey (Blaine Unit) The area was found to be principally mule deer habitat with very little brushy, willow cover present. Elk range appears to be restricted to the southern and western portions of the Bear Paw Mountains. Big Game Census In the Chouteau Unit 851 antelope were counted. Of these, 73 were males, 171 females and 607 unclassified. Twenty-three elk were counted in the Bear Paw Mountains and 217 were seen in the Castle Mountains, V/estern Montana 1. Browse measurement studies a. Swan Valley An average utilization of 43,19^ for the Loop Road area and 49,54 for the Lion Creek area was found. b. South Fork of the Flathead River An average utilization of 42,72/J was found on the Dry Park- Horse Ridge winter range. 2. Aerial saltp.ng a. A total pf 59,600 pounds of salt was drop'ped to big game. 3. Mountain goat trapping and investigations A total of 22 Rocky Mountain loats were trapped during June in the South Fork of the Flathead area. Eleven of these were transplanted to the Gates of the Mountains area in the Big Belt Mountains, Nine were ear tagged with both metal and 2^ inch square plastic tags for census and migration studies within the trapping area. 4. Range seeding On an experimental basis, approximately 20 miles of skid trails were seeded on the Blackf oot-Clearwater Game Range during May, with crested wheatgrass, , smooth brome and sweet clover. STATE Montana PROJECT 1"R DATE June 30, 1951 FERGUS " PHILLIPS UNITS (FORT PECK GAME RANGE) Winter Deer Browse Utilization Studies DATES: May 14-19, 23-26, 1951 PERSONNEL; Fred T„ Staunton, U„ S„ Fish and Wildlife Service Clifford Wolf, U. S„ Fish and Wildlife Service Donald E„ Johnson, Wildlife Restoration Division ' . INTRODnCTION; In the fall of 1949 deer browse plants were located and identified with steel, numbered tags in order that the annual growth could be measured in the fall and spring to determine the amount of winter utilization. This report is a summary of utilization for the winter of 1950-51, determined from the few measurements available, PROCEDURE; Personnel of the cooperating agencies met at CK Creek Patrol Cabin (southern Phillips Unit), Tagged plants in the vicinity were measured. In addition, information on deer depredations and mortality was solicited from ranchers and deer spotlight counts were conducted. The remainder of the time was spent on the south side of the Missouri River (northern Fergus Unit) ob- taining browse plant measurements. FINDINGS; Two willow (Salix spp.) stations were flooded or plowed up. Utiliza- tion figures were detelrmined only for rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp,) and are as follows; Species Rabbitbrush Utilization 57.2^ Range of Utilization 11^ to 84^ All ranchers contacted reported considerable deer damage to alfalfa in the summer but all were very tolerant of the problem. The same ranchers re- ported finding a total of 14 deer carcasses this spring. Evening counts yielded 28 white-tailed and 21 mule deer. Eighteen of the mule and four of the white-tailed deer were counted in the breaks, the remainder being found on the bottoms in or around alfalfa fields. COTJCLUSIONS; It is believed that our utilization figures are of limited value due to the lack of proper use information in this area. However, by general observa- tion, it appears that 50 to 85 per cent use for rabbitbrush is excessive as indicated by the number of plants which are dying out. Fall measurements of willow were not obtained. Winter use, however, appeared light on this species. Generally, the forage on the west end of the Game Range indicates light to moderate use. The extent of heavy use is somewhat limited with some of it, at least, attributed to wintering livestock (cattle and horses) which are known to utilize the breaks particularly during severe winters. Deer mortality does not seem to be excessive in this area from either winter kill, crippling loss or hunting. REtrOTTIEWDATIONS : 1, A study should be initiated (possibly a clipping study) to obtain some information on proper use of plant species in the area. This should be concurrent with present studies, 2, More utilization stations should be set up to include all deer browse species present and in lieu of those lost to flooding and plowing. 3, It is doubtful, from information available j if the deer population should be allowed to increase any further. No over-all serious range problem exists at present and this condition should be maintained. With indications that the annual increase is not being harvested, it is recommended, in addi- tion to the regular buck season (October 15-21), that a limited antlerless deer season be conducted. One hundred and fifty permits should be issued for the Game Range west of CK Creek in Phillips County and the same number for the Game Range lying in Fergus County. Submitted by: June 18, 19 51 Donald E. Johnson, Jr. Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division RELATIONSHIP 0F_ ANmOPE TO AGRICULTURE AND RANGE LAND USE IN CENTRAL MONTANA Project Personnel: Donald E. Johnson, Jr. Biologist Project Outline; A„ Objectives 1„ To determine the effect of antelope use on agriculture. a„ Seed and feed alfalfa b. Winter wheat 2, To determine the effect of antelope use on range lands. B. Methods 1. Agricultural areas a, A portion of fields (alfalfa and wheat) fenced to exclude antelope. b. Comparative yield, by sample measurement, to be determined for fenced and unfenced areas. 2. Range land areas a. A series of 40 acre exclosures to be set up to exclude and/o include certain classes of grazing use (cattle, antelope, neither or both). b„ Sampling quadrats and/or line transects to be used to deter- mine degree of use. C. Food Habits of Antelope Monthly analysis of food habits from paunch samples collected throughout the year. Report of Progress: A. Considerable preliminary contact work was conducted with Agronomy, Range, Soils and Wildlife specialists, as well as numerous ranchers and farmers. 1. Criticisms of the study were obtained 2, Permission to conduct study on their lands was obtained from certain ranchers and farmers after a rather thorough survey was conducted to determine areas of study. The selected areas were dependent, in part, on a. High antelope densities b. Desired agricultural practices, and -3- c. Chronic antelope complaints. B, One stomach sample was obtained and partially analysed, G. In conjunction with above, botanical specimens were collected and mounted. D, Development, and resultant measurement, aspects of the study are pending Commission action on fencing materials. Submitted by: Donald E. Johnson, Jr. Biologist June 25, 1951 Wildlife Restoration Division J V -4- BLAINE UNIT AERIAL HABITAT SURVEY DATE; March 31, 1951 PERSONNEL; Wm. E. DuBeau, Deputy Game Warden Donald E. Johnson, Jr. Biologist PURPOSE; With rapidly increasing deer populations occurring in southern Phillips and northern Fergus counties, it was desirable to have more deer habitat in- formation on the area lying west of the Fort Peck Game Range, This informa- tion was necessary to aid in evaluating the annual big game estimates. It is believed that this area does not receive as much hunting pressure as the adjoining areas to the east. In addition, elk distribution in the Bear Paw Mountains was to be ob- served. An aerial reconnaissance of the antelope in northern Blaine Unit was to be conducted in order to determine the extent, if any, of winter migration from Canada, PROCEDURE; The area was covered in a rented Piper PA-18 airplane, flown by Warden DuBeau, beginning at the Power Plant Ferry on the Missouri River and proceed- ing west along the river. The badlands area of southern Blaine Unit and the Bear Paw Mountains were also covered. Due to low cloud coverage extending from the Milk River north into Canada, the antelope survey was not made. FINDINGS; The brushy, willow type habitat became non-existent a few miles west of the Fort Peck Game Range along the river. No white-tailed deer were observed west of that point. Southern Blaine Unit appears to be entirely mule deer range consisting of rough, steeply eroded breaks. Scattered mule deer were encountered through- out this area. Although no elk were observed, the southern and western portions of the Bear Paws provide excellent elk habitat to a limited extent. Considerable elk and deer sign were encountered in the vicinity of Mt. Bear Paw. CONCLUSIONS; Terrain and vegetative cover provide mainly mule deer habitat in this area. Little to no white-tailed deer habitat was present in the area covered. Elk habitat appears to be restricted to the southern and western portions of the Bear Paw Mtns. Not all of the available habitat is occupied, possibly- due to rather extensive cattle operations in the area. Submitted by: Donald E. Johnson, Jr. Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division June 14, 1951 -6- CHOUTEAU UNIT ANTELOPE CENSUS DATE? May 2-6, 1951 PERSONNEL ; Asa Rodgers - Observer Charles Loberg - Observer I^ay Giebil - Observer Don L. Brown - Pilot PURPOSE; During the past, antelope seasons have been based on estimates for this area. Being well aware of the possible errors that can be made by estimating populations, it was deemed advisable to conduct an aerial survey prior to s setting the 1951 season. PROCEDURE; The area concerned represents 760 square miles of southwestern Chouteau County. It is bounded on the south by the Fort Benton to Stanford road, locally called the Arrow Creek road. All other boundaries are Arrow Creek and the Missouri River (See Figure l). The area described was stripped at one mile intervals in eleven hours and twenty-five minutes of flying time. FINDINGS; The results of this survey are shown in Table 1; letters A through F indicate flight areas in which antelope were found. Table 1. Antelope survey. Area Bucks Do es Unci . Total A 20 , 10 16 46 B 13 38 35 86 G 19 82 82 183 D 0 0 39 39 E 14 30 160 204 f 7 11 275 293 Totals 73 171 607 851 -7- Cultivated land interspersed with pastures of native sod made up the majority of the land in the area of survey. However, most of the antelope were found in the rough breaks along the Missouri River and in Area F which is a group of grassy hills southeast of the town of Square Butte. Incidental to the survey were the 51 mule deer tabulated; the breaks of Arrow Creek and the Missouri River yielding most of them. CONCLUSIONS: The many antelope seen adjacent to the main road in the Square Butte area, has led to the misconception that this entire end of Chouteau County is equally as well populated. This survey has brought out that this is certain- ly not true. While it is true that this antelope herd will always be governed by the number on wheat fields, there is ample room for expansion in the rougher terrain. Thus, only by intensive and somewhat complicated management in the form of seasons, can a maximum of antelope be produced with a minimum of econ- omic conflict. It is recommended that the hunting area be reduced from that of last year to include only the area of heaviest concentration; i.e., south and east of Flat Creek. Submitted by: Don L. Brown, Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division A - 20 bucks 10 does 15 unclassified B - 13 bucks 38 does 35 unclassified C - 19 bucks 82 does 82 unclassifed D - 39 unclassified 8 -a E - 14 bucks 30 do es 160 unclassified F - 7 bucks 11 do es 275 unclassified i \ CHOUTEAU UNIT ' HIGPWOOD MOUNTAINS ELK CENSUS DATE: April 24, 1951 PERSONNEL; Dan Massing - Observer? U. S. Forest Service Don L. Brown - Pilot PURP0S1I; The several attempts made to census elk in this area during the winter had not been successful. Thus, when a light snow fell on the night of April 23, the crew decided to gather any information possible which might help make a better recommendation for the 1951 elk season. PROCEDURE? Leaving the Stanford Airport in the early morning, two and a half hours were spent flying in the Highwood Mountains. FINDINGS; Conditions were not too good for counting. There was not enough snow and it was partly cloudy and windy. In addition it was evident the main elk herds were breaking up into smaller bands and singles. Several instances of fresh elk tracks leaving the wintering areas and going toward the higher ele- vations were noted. Tracks could not be used in estimates as there was not a uniform snow cover and it was possible that tracks and subsequent elk counted could be duplicates. The distribution was about the same as last year on the east end of the mountains but some elk normally found on Belt Creek and on the west side of Highwood Creek were not seen. A total of 132 elk and 205 deer were tabulated on the two and a half hour trip. CONCLUSIONS : Except to indicate the minimum numbers of elk present, this survey has but little value. Conditions were not good and it was 30 days late to catch a maximum of elk on their winter range. How many elk that had left the wintering areas and were missed is but a wild guess and to set a season from those counted is not in keeping with the management practices agreed upon. -9- T]ius it is recommended that the increase of the known elk (132) be harvested by an either sex permit season and that an additional number of permits be issued for bulls only in 1951. Should the next census indicate an over or under kill, it will be an easy matter to correct the error by a heavier kill or a closed season in 1952. Submitted by: Don L. Brown, Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -10- LITTLE BELT UNIT CASTLE MOUNTAIN ELK CENSUS DATE; April 7, 1951 PERSONNEL; Wo Ko Thompson - Observer Don L„ Brown - Pilot PURPOSE; Census of this elk herd was made incidental to a cross country trip to Lewistowno As most of the elk in the Castle Mountains were believed to b e wintering in the area of survey, the census will be reported as completeo PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS; Leaving the Helena Airport in the department airplane at 6; 00 aom., the -* crew flew to Lewistown via the Castle Mountains. The first elk were encountered near the Jake Bair Ranch on Four Mile Creeko A total of 217 elk were tabulated between Four Mile Creek and the Musselshell-Smith River Divide. CONCLUSIONS; This group, being one of the smaller el)£ herds, should be censused dur- ing the late winter of each year in order to apply management practices nec- essary to hold it within the limits of minimum economic conflict. It is recommended that a short season fe held on elk of either sex in addition to the regular bull season in order to reduce the total population by approximately 30 per cent. Submitted by: Don Lo Brown, Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -11- BLAINF UNIT BEAR PAW MOUNTAINS ELK CENSUS DATE? April 22, 1951 PERSONNEL; Ed Giebel - Observer Don Lo Brown - Pilot PURPOSE; To determine the elk population of the Bear Paw Mountains; which for many years has been known to harbor an elk herd with its numbers unknown. PROCEDURE; A light snowfall in the Bear Paw Mountains made it seem possible that an elk count might be made even at this late date. Leaving Big Sandy Airport in the early morning, the northwestern slopes of the mountains were stripped to a point a few miles inside the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation without encountering any elk. Beginning at the source of Eagle Creek the entire drainage was stripped to the Cow Island Trail, An attempt to look over the Birch Creek and Clear Creek Drainages was cut short by violently turbulent air. FINDINGS ; No elk or tracks were seen on the northwestern slope of Big Sandy Creek drainage. Tracks of four elk were noted near the head of Eagle Creek, 23 elk were counted Just above the ITagle Creek Canyon and tracks of four elk were seen go- ing up Sawmill Butte, CONCLUSIONS : The group of elk seen is believed to remain in that area most of the year, while another group or groups are reported on Big Sandy Creek, Beaver Creek and Birch Creek at various times of the year and in more or less exagger- ated numbers. Adequate law enforcement both on and off the reservation might allow this hard to build to numbers which would provide a small annual permit season. Submitted by: Don L. Brown, Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -12- WESTERN MONTANA BIG GAME INVESTIGATIONS AND RBCHECKS PERSONNEL; Lloyd E, McDowell, Big Game Biologist Yern Sylvester, Range Technician Dwight Stockstad, Student Assistant James "McLucas, Field Assistant (mountain goat trapping) INTRODUCTION The work during the past quarter was divided into three main Jobs: Range investigations, big game aerial salting; and Rocky Mountain goat investigations and trapping. Following is a summary of the findings; BROWSE MEASUREMENTS AND RANGE SEEDING: Swan Valley; Last fall a series of browse plots were again measured in the Swan Valley, The plots were located in 1948 on the princi- pal winter range areas. Measurements have been made each fall and spring since that time. One important finding has begun to show up=-that is, each year the plants tagged have produced, on the average, less and less annual growth. In some cases the plants have died. Red Stem Ceanothus seems to have less resis- tance to browsing than any of the other browse plants. It is estimated that probably 50 per cent of it has already been killed out on the southern exposed slopes by over-use by deer and elk. It appears that many of the main browse species cannot stand the amount of browsing as first thought possible. One error was found in the linear method of measuring browse. When the big game animals had eaten more than the last year's growth, it was nearly impossible to distinguish how much had been taken. In a few cases, spring measurements showed more browse left than was available when first measured. This type of error has a tendency to show a lower use figure than actually existed. To use the linear method accurately, it is believed a field method of distinguishing between first, second, and third year growth will have to be developed. The 1951 spring measurements showed an average use of 43.19 per cent for the Loop Road area and 49,54 for the Lion Creek area. Actual field observations would place these figures much higher. It is believed the loss of big game in the Swan Valley was very low during the past winter. The snow depth did not reach the critical point and deer remained scattered over a much wider -13- area than usual. The increased number of elk on the exposed slopes of the Swan Range proved a big factor in the partial depletion of desir- able browse plants. South Fork of the Flathead: Last fall a new series of browse measurement plots were set up in an area just north of Spotted Bear Ranger Station in the South Fork of the Flathead, Six lines of plots were select- ed at random between Dry Park and the Spotted Bear Station, The number of stations varied from 5 to 14 with four browse plants being measured at each station. Stations were placed sither 3 or 5 chains apart, running up the slopes on a compass line from the roado If this study is continued, it is believed the lines should be continued further up the mountain. During the past mild winter the elk tended to stay high on the slopes and did not get down to the lower stations, but covered an area higher up where there were no stations. This area represents the best browse range in the entire South Fork Drainage. A total of 861 elk were counted on it dur- ing one day's flight last winter. Strip No . Average UtilizaHon 1 37,93 2 12.28 3 31.83 4 60.81 5 66.37 6 47.07 — — = 42.72^ for area sampled* •Figure is low due to method of measuring annual growth in spring after big game have fed upon it. Thanks is given to Dr. E. L. Cheatum, Leader, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit for his assistance in helping make spring measurements , GAME RANGE SEEDING: During May, 200 pounds of dry land type grass seed was planted on the skid roads of the Blackf oo t-Clearwater Game Range, Smooth brome and crested wheatgrass were the main types used. A few pounds of perennial rye, dry land alfalfa and sweet clover were also tried. -14- AERIAL SALTING: To obtain better distribution of big game by drawing them off vital winter ranges as soon as possible, the following salt plan was carried out during the past quarter. All drops were made according to a well laid out plan that has been in use a number of years „ In addition, 600 pounds of calcium phosphate salt was dropped to mountain sheet) on Rock Creek. 1951 AERIAL SALT PLANS FROM FLIGHT LOAD (Pounds) Missoula Kalispell Augusta Big Prairie Ranger Station 3000 Spotted Bear-Big Prairie 3000 Swan (to Kalispell) 3000 Upper Blackfoot (to Augusta) 3000 Bitterroot (to Hamilton) 3000 Clarks Fork (to Plains) 3000 Plains and vicinity 2000 Vicinity of Missoula 3000 Total - Missoula Lower Middle Fork 30 00 Schafer Ranger Station 3000 Spotted Bear 3000 Glacier View (North Fork) 3000 Swan (to Missoula) 3000 Total - Kalispell North Fork Sun River (toChoteau) 3000 North Fork Sun River (to Missoula) 3000 West Fork Sun River (to Augusta) 3000 23,000 15,000 Total - Augusta Hamilton West Fork West Fork East Fork East Fork (to Missoula) 3000 3000 3000 3000 9,000 Total - Hamilton Grand Total (28^ tons) 12,000 59,000 ROCKY TO UNTAIN GOAT TRAPPING AND INVESTIGATIONS; By the end of June, twenty- two Rocky Mountain goats had been -15- trapped in the South Fork of the Flathead, near the mouth of Little Salmon River. Eleven of these were floated down the River, in a 7-man rubber boat, to Black Bear landing field and then flown to Helena, They were planted in the Gates of the Mountains area in the Big Belt Mountains. The remainder of the goats were tagged on both ears with metal tags and 2i inch squares of' orange plastic. This work will con- tinue during July and part of August and it is hoped enough animals can be tagged so that the "Lincoln Index" method of census can be applied to the area. It is also planned to collect known age jaws in the future from tagged animals, so a dentition study to determine age can be started. -16- STATE Montana PROJECT DATE « STATE -WIDE CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA The accompanying map and tabulation show the location of the thirty- eight big game units and their subunits, along with the estimated population, legal kill and other losses for each species of big game. These figures are determined annually following checks on winter sur- vival. Game wardens, field personnel and public land administrators get to- gether and arrive at a mutually agreeable figure for each subunit. All avail= able data are used such as census figures, checking station reports, and other field observations. This is a reasonable approximation of the total number and it is felt that the attached tables indicate a good estimate of the game population in the state. Submitted byt Faye M. Couey, Big Game and Lands Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division 1-R (Statistics) June 30, 1951 -17- \ .1 ANNUAL BIG GAME REPORT, 19 1. 2. 3. Species Elk W.T. Deer Mule Deer Moo se Mtn. Sheep Mtn, Goat Ante- lope Grizzly Bear Bla ck Bear 4. "Est. Mo. animals on unit — winter range only. 5 . Losses: Legal kill Predators Other Total 6. Remarks: Management Unit Number of Subunit 7. Reporting Officer: Signature (Title) Signature (Title) =19- CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA ANTELOPE ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Unit Est. Pop. Legal Kill Predators Other Total Absaroka 135 Beartooth 265 Big Belt - Boulder 908 Big Hole - Monida "135 Bitterroo t Blaine 1,375 Bridger - Crazy Mtns. 640 Carter 6,050 Cascade 607 Choteau 1,500 Clark Fork Custer 6,000 Deer Lodge 302 Ennis - Hebgen 28 Fergus 9 25 Flathead - Sun River Gallatin Glasgow 924 Glendive 1,400 Kalispell Kootenai Little Belts 624 Madison - Ruby 1,547 Missouri Breaks 1,250 Musselshell 6,700 Phillips 600 Poison (Flathead Res.) 32 Poplar 147 Powder River 2,700 Sweetgrass Hills 1,600 Teton 1,400 Yellowstone 10,584 Blackfoot Indian Res. 60 Crow Indian Res, 300 Cheyenne Indian Res, 50 Ft. Peck Indian Res. 75 Moiese Bison Range 15 Yellowstone Nat'l Park 215 40 40 460 100 350 234 250 500 3,300 300 2,500 15 7 7 40 30 130 2 300 10 50 20 12 20 24 50 9 63 15 10 500 11 22 525 50 20 10 10 400 20 2 92 100 10 16 30 100 1,000 205 9 61 20 15 650 30 258 20 29 47 565 120 610 12 110 1,050 30 2 142 120 22 270 304 650 4,300 210 18 424 35 25 3,650 15 35 258 Total 49,093 8,089 1.318 3,666 13,073 -20- CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA MULE DEER ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Est. Legal Unit Pop. Kill Predators Others Total Absaro ka 3,350 525 75 75 675 Beartooth 8,500 1,500 30 37 1,567 Big Belt - Boulder 12,668 1,069 162 245 1,476 Big Hole - Monida 1,300 139 15 15 169 Bitterroot 2,950 537 1-55 83 775 Blaine 3,300 400 15 100 515 Bridger - Crazy Mtns. 13,700 2,600 105 1,580 4,285 Carter 1,450 235 17 12 264 Cascade 1,800 200 10 50 260 Cho teau 2,300 200 100 300 Clark Fork 9,250 Custer 2,250 170 100 100 370 Deer Lodge 7,629 1,271 110 214 1,595 Ennis - Hebgen 1,300 190 40 100 330 Fergus 3,600 600 165 290 1,055 Flathead - Sun River 5,475 1,200 150 40 1,390 Gallatin 1,600 208 45 40 293 Glasgow 1,650 175 18 75 268 Glendive 1,000 100 12 22 134 Kali spell 575 Ko 0 tenai 6,775 Little Belts 18,955 1,825 185 615 2,625 Madison - Ruby 5,150 1,036 70 65 1,171 Missouri Breaks 2,100 150 30 100 280 Musselshell 950 150 100 250 Phillips 3, 230 300 15 75 590 Poison (Ti'lathead Res. ) 600 Poplar 500 48 7 15 70 Powder River 5,400 675 77 121 873 Swan - Blackfoot 5,560 702 69 125 896 Sweetgrass Hills 302 5 2 15 22 Teton 3,200 60 1 3 64 Yellowstone 2,100 180 56 106 342 Blackfoot Indian Res. 275 15 15 Crow Indian Res. 3,000 Cheyenne Indian Res. 200 Fort Peck Indian Res. 125 5 30 35 Moiese Bison Range 350 Glacier Park 460 Yellowstone Park 600 Total 145,479 16,665 1,741 4,548 22,954 21- WHITE-TAILED DEER ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Managenent Hnit Est. Pop. Legal Kill Predators Other To tal Boulder Monida Crazy Mtns, Sun River Absaroka Beartooth Big Belt - Big Hole - Bitterroo t Blaine Pridger Carter Cascade Choteau Clark Fork Custer Deer Lodge Ennis - Hebgen Fergus Flathead Gal latin Glasgow Glendive Kalispell Kootenai Little Belts Madison - ^uby Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips Poison (TJ'lathead Res, Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot Sweetgrass Hills Teton Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res, Crow Indian Res. Cheyenne Indian Res. Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range Glacier Park Yellowstone Park 200 688 385 325 20 400 110 10 6,050 470 850 1,250 20 1,180 1,200 7,650 13,690 795 43 700 91 475 500 2,000 40 4,807 58 65 70 175 200 30 100 125 400 118 47 25 40 3 250 43 120 15 105 80 13 15 1 30 300 690 3 20 5 7 47 10 2 110 17 35 45 14 18 15 10 36 73 10 26 60 3 12 1 83 9 65 2 50 25 10 75 8 25 195 107 2 2 25 5 135 120 95 5 52 4 443 69 220 62 169 105 41 105 9 65 531 870 2 5 20 30 Total 45,172 1,918 449 795 3,162 CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA ELK ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Est. Legal Uni-t Pop. Kill Predators Others Total Absaro ka 1,37 5 1,280 14 9 1,303 Beartoo th 365 2 2 Big Belt - Boulder 1,997 166 ■ 15 29 210 Big Hole - Monida 275 63 14 77 Bitterroot 1,685 632 20 51 703 Blaine 90 20 20 Bridger - Crazy Mtns. 210 10 25 35 Carter 18 Cascade 150 4 4 Choteau 250 70 10 80 Clark Fork 2,830 307 5 27 339 Custer Deer Lodge 2,508 311 2 31 344 Ennis - Hebgen 29 5 90 12 10 llli Fergus 116 14 15 5 34 Flathead - Sun River 6,375 935 45 25 1,005 Gallatin 1,975 7 67 20 55 842 Glasgow 39 Glendive Kalispell 460 Kootenai 570 Little Belts 1,186 235 5 31 271 Madison - Ruby- 1,176 1,147 13 20 1,180 Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips 61 Poison (Flathead Res. ) 30 Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot 2,080 455 7 21 483 Sweetgrass Hills Teton 85 10 1 11 Yellowstone 30 Blackfoot Indian Res. 375 75 75 Crow Indian Res. 4,000 Cheyenne Indian Res. 3 Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range 60 Glacier Park 2,170 Yellowstone Park 13,000 Total 45,839 6,557 183 390 7,130 -23- CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA MOOSE ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES — 1950-51 Management Unit Est. Pop. Legal Kill Predators Others Total Absaroka 310 Beartooth 275 Big Belt - Boulder 155 Big Hole - Monida 160 Bitterroot 250 Blaine Bridger - Crazy Mtns. 50 Carter Cascade Choteau Clark Fork 163 Custer Deer Lodge ' 788 Ennis - Hebgen 150 Fergus Flathead - Sun River 112 Gallatin 250 Glasgow Glendive Kalispell 90 Kootenai 255 Little Belts 22 Madison - Ruby 147 Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips Poison (Flathead Res.) 4 Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot 15 Teton 5 Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res. 15 Crow Indian Res. Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range Glacier Park 93 Yellowstone Park 600 6 3 14 3 2 10 n IS 59 10 17 2 10 12 3 8 16 18 74 15 30 2 14 1 2> Total 3,909 59 11 125 195 CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA MOUNTAIN SHEEP ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Unit Kst. Pop. Legal Kill Predators Other Total Absaroka Beartoo th Big Belt - Boulder Big Hole - Monida Bitterroot Blaine Bridger - Crazy Mtns. Carter Choteau Clark Fork Custer Deer Lodge Ennis - Hebgen Fergus Flathead - Sun River Gallatin Glasgow Glendive Kalispell Kootenai Little Belts Madison - Ruby Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips Poison (Flathead Res.) Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot Sweetgrass Hills Teton Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res. Crow Indian Res. Cheyenne Indian Res. Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range Glacier Park Yellowstone Nat'l Park 75 175 32 27 46 240 90 25 400 13 43 20 23 12 20 225 170 14 21 13 7 6 7 19 14 Total 1,636 8 39 25 72 CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA MOUNTAIN GOATS ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Unit Est. Pop. Legal Kill Predators Other Total Absaroka Beartooth 7 Big Belt - Boulder Big Hole - Monida 170 Bitterroot 680 Blaine Bridger - Crazy Mtns, 150 Carter Cascade , Choteau 11. Clark Fork 87 Deer Lodge 550 Ennis - Hebgen 16 Fergus Flathead - Sun River 1,550 Gallatin 5 Glasgow 61 endive Kalispell 125 Kootenai 220 Little Belts Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips Poison (TJ'lathead Res.) 75 Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot 145 Sweetgrass Hills Teton Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res. 20 Crow Indian Res. Cheyenne Indian Res. Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range Glacier Park 800 Yellowstone Nat ' 1 Park 70 5 38 5 108 10 40 10 10 15 25 51 To tal 4,591 40 95 59 194 -26- CUMULATIVE RECORD OF BIG GAME DATA BLACK BEAR ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSFS -- 1950-51 Management Est. Legal Unit Pop. Kill Predators Others Total Absaroka 185 Beartooth 250 Big Belt - Boulder 290 Big Hole - Monida 72 Bitterroot 275 Blaine Bridger - Crazy Mtns. 200 Carter Cascade 5 Choteau 2 Clark ^ork 1,325 Custer Deer lodge 277 Ennis - Hebgen 200 Fergus 5 Flathead - Sun River 740 Gallatin 150 Gl asgow Glendive Kalispell 650 Kootenai 1,400 Little Belts 215 Madison - Ruby 327 Missouri Breaks Musselshell Phillips Poison (Flathead Res.) 80 Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot 545 Sweetgrass Hills 2 Teton 30 Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res, 75 Crow Indian Res. 100 Cheyenne Indian Res. 6 Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Pi son Range Glacier Park 350 Yellowstone Park 360 Total 8,116 55 15 70 22 10 32 9 1 10 16 23 39 35 10 45 66 6 72 25 19 44 14 20 34 1 1 12 12 10 10 20 16 3 19 28 5 4 37 87 23 110 3 2 5 8 8 406 5 147 558 -27- GRIZZLY ESTIMATED POPULATION LOSSES -- 1950-51 Management Est. Legal Unit Pop. Kill Predators Other Total Absaroka 30 2 2 Beartooth 17 Big Belt - Boulder 1 Big Hole - Monida 1 Bitterroot 3 Blaine Bridger - Crazy Mtns. Carter Cascade Choteau Clark Fork 18 Custer Deer Lodge 1 Ennis - Hebgen 15 Fergus Flathead - Sun River 190 3 3 Gallatin 12 Glasgow Gl endive Kalispell 75 Kootenai 84 Little Belts Madison - Ruby Missouri Breaks Mussel shell Phillips Poison (Flathead Res.) 10 Poplar Powder River Swan - Blackfoot 51 4 2 6 Sweetgrass Hills Teton 2 Yellowstone Blackfoot Indian Res. 20 5 5 Crow Indian Res. Cheyenne Indian Res. Ft. Peck Indian Res. Moiese Bison Range Glacier Park 120 Yellowstone Park Total 650 ' 14 0 2 16 -28- STATE Montana PROJECT 35-R DATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Gallatin Management Unit Mule deer populations are increasing rapidly in all typical habitat throughout the Unit. The West Gallatin elk herd wintered in excellent condition. Approx- imately 200 Gallatin elk migrated to the Madison to winter. Two thousand five hundred and twelve elk are expected for the 1951 huntable herd. Winter elk range studies in the Gallatin are approaching comDletion. Nineteen per cent of marked calf elk in the Gallatin were observed. Fleecer Mountain-Willow Creek elk herd is approaching carrying capac- Aerial distribution of game salt is most economical in the Absaroka Wilderness Area. Ninety-three calf elk tagged and marked with color symbols on the Gallatin. Seventy-four calf elk tagged and marked with color symbols on the Yellowstone. ity. t STATE Montana PROJECT DATE FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT lo Title of Project: Gallatin Management Unit 2. Personnel: J. E, Gaab, Biologist Norman Wortman, Fieldman 3„ Report of Progress: Mule deer censusing and range condition inspections for the entire unit completed. West Gallatin elk winter study is completed. Absaroka experimental elk salting is completed. Seventy-four calf elk were tagged on the Yellowstone. Ninety-three calf elk were tagged on the west Gallatin. West Gallatin Range Studies: a. Production and correct utilization transects were clipped. b. Five year browse withstandability study completed — -data analysis pending, c. Spring-use test of utilization and trampling check plot fenced for spring protection. Temporary fence was removed after spring use by elk in the area. d. Drafting of final tracing on new range map is near completion. 35-R June 30, 1951 -29- WEST GALLATIN WINTER ELK STUDY DATE; October 1950 and continued through May 1951 PERSONNEL? Jo E„ Gaabp Biologist Norman Wortman, Fieldman PURPOSE; To accomplish an accurate elk census, to observe marked animals and plot their movements, observe wintering conditions and its effect on game dis- tribution, and any other information pertinent toward proper management of this elk herd. PROCEDURE; Coverage was made on horseback and snowshoes supplemented with aerial reconnaissance flights. FINDINGS; Ao Migration An unusual migration of elk occurred on November 24th. About 250 elk came out of the Buffalo Horn Game Preserve into open hunting area during reasonably nice weather. (Explanation - October-December 1950 P=R Quarterly) . During January, 1951, approximately 200 elk migrated over Cache Creek Pass from the Gallatin onto the Madison. This migration was not checked or held back this winter. Nineteen individual marked calves were observed. One calf was recorded in six different locations; another in four different Ipcations, as it approached the Madison Divide and returned, A complete study correlating all observations of visual ear markers throughout the year will be submitted when more complete data is obtained. There was the usual general pattern of distribution for a moderate winter in the Gallatin. Wintering conditions did not force the elk into the so-called "shot gun distribution" that is so evident under severe conditions. More wind than usual bared large open slopes and the elk remained in large bands, B„ Physical Condition of the Elk Winter loss was negligible. Four calf elk were found dead. -30- Probable cause of death was malnutrition. Two calves and one cow were killed on the highway. Five losses were found that were attributed to crippling during the hunting season. The herd appeared quite vigorous with adequate forage and little evidence of disease and parasitism. The month of March was the most severe. 42.8 inches of snow out of the 112.7 inches for the entire winter fell during this month. The average snow depth for a 12-year period is 104 inches. The 1949-50 fall average was 109 inches. The past winter was a little above aver- age. C. Present Elk Populations The following census was made during January, 19 51 by ground ob- servations supplemented with aerial reconnaissance. Table 1. Meadow Creek 243 Sunken Forest 31 Hancock Mtn. 5 Dead Horse Creek 37 Lincoln Mtn. 215 Wapiti Creek 92 Slide Creek 7 Porcupine Creek 454 Buffalo Horn Creek 50 Gallatin Ranger Station 77 Snowslide (2) 68 Bacon Rind (2) 14 Fan Creek 8 Sawmill Gulch 48 Tepee Creek 212 Daly Creek 8 Lava Butte 22 Monument Greek 12 To tal 1 , 603 D. Classifications Table 2. Calves Cows Spike Bulls Mature Bulls Total 192 702 50 44 988 1. Annual Increase The classified elk this past winter indicate an annual increase of -31- 20«4 par cent as compared to 23.7 in 1949=50 and 25,5 in 1948-49o The 1948=49 census of 1,706 and that spring increase figured from class- ifying elk the following winter at 23.7 indicated a huntable herd of 2,235 in 1949. The hunter harvest in 1949 was 703 elk leaving 1,532 for a calculated wintering herd. The winter census was made and 1,570 elk counted which was within 38 o f the calculated herd. Calculating the 1950-51 winter herd in the same manner using 24.4 per cent calf crop as indicated in the above chart, there should have been a huntable herd of 1,953 in the fall of 1950. During that season 745 elk were checked out of Squaw Creek and Grayling Creek checking stations that does not include other losses not checked. The calculated winter herd for 1950-51 should be l,208--yet 1,603 were actually counted. A difference of 395 is calculated error. That error may be absorbed in four ways. Either the 1949-50 winter count was low or the 1950-51 calculated calf crop for the spring of 1950 is low or the combination of both plus a drift of Northern Yellowstone elk from the Gardiner River area, or the actual number of bull elk cannot or at least have not been classified in the field. Concentrated effort is being applied each year to determine the origin of this fluctuating increase. 2. Sex ratio observed in wintering herd One male to 4.2 females is the entire herd ratio, figuring the calf ratio at 1:1, from ground observations. The sex ratio of hunter harvested elk over an 11-year period (April - June, 1950 Quarterly) is 1 male to 1,2 females, 3, Hunter utilization and harvest sex ratio ■ ■ The 1950 season began October 15 through November 26, both dates inclusive . Table 3, Species Total, Adult Male Spikes Adult Females Young Male Young Female Elk 744 222 97 2T5 66 84 Mule Deer 108 67 8 3 30 Black Bear 4 3 1 Moo se 13 i— 13 lol males to 1 f emal e elk is the sex ratio taken from the above harvest figures. E. Expected 1951 Huntable Herd In an attempt to accurately predict the West Gallatin elk herd, the question of the number of males has been debatable. There is sub= stantial evidence that the sex ratio at birth is 1;1„ This ratio is -32- still maintained very closely during the harvest. After compensating winter field classifications to bring the herd sex ratio to near 1:1 and also using calf crop figures, the expected 1951 huntable herd is properly determined to be 2p512o Calculations : This winter's field observed sex ratio (See Table 2): 94 spikes plus mature males 702 yearling females and cows 96 male calves 96 female calves 190 males 798 females 798 * 190 = 4„2 or 1 male to 4,2 females 190 X 4„2 = 798 or equal number of males as females — sex ratio 1:1 Total classified 988 *■ 608 additional males (798 - 190) = 1,596 total. C&lculated ^ males not observed 608 «■ 1,596 = 38 per cent. Total census 1,603 (Table # l) x 38% = 609 additional males 609 41,603 = 2,212 or calculated wintering herd 1950-51. Compensated calf crop . . 1,596 - 192 (classified calves) ~ 1,404 192 ♦ 1,404 = 13.6% calf crop. 2,212 X 13.6 per cent = 300 calves spring of 1951 2,212 H> 300 = 2,512 expected 1951 huntable herd. F. Inter-herd relationship project (progress report) The unpredictable population of elk to winter within the West Gallatin drainage may be because of replenishment of the Gallatin herd from the Northern Yellowstone elk herd. From 575 elk calves tagged on the Gallatin, 5 have been recovered on the Yellowstone, From 158 calves tagged in the Yellowstone none have been recovered by hunters in the Gallatin. Of the 69 tagged on the Yellowstone in the spring of 1950 with colored symbols, only one marked calf was seen in the Gallatin during the winter of 1950-51, As proof that the markers persisted, 19 per cent of the calves tagged in the Gallatin during the spring of 1950 were observed on live animals in the field during the winter of 19 50=51. This data is not conclusive; however concentrated effort is still directed toward determining these relationships. Separate reports of calf tagging on the Yellowstone and Gallatin follow. COTTCLUSIONS AND SUBHARY: 1. Approximately 200 Gallatin elk drifted into the Madison; no attempt was made to stop them as has been done the last two years, 2, Nineteen per cent of the marked animals were observed during the winter. -33- 3. Physical condition of the elk was good. Negligible winter loss. 4. Actual census - 1,603 (January, 1951). 5o The annual increase found from classifying 988 elk this past winter seems low in comparison with other years. 6. It seems difficult to accurately predict the size of this herd of elk from year to year. It was discovered that annual increase figures had not been calculated properly in the past. When 75 per cent of the elk censused can be classified, usually the herd can be calculated quite accurately. When a high percentage of calves are classified and annual increase calculated, it probably partially compensates for male animals not observed. This past winter a low annual increase figure was calculated from field observation and the degree of error in sex ratio was applied to determine next fall's huntable herd. If it is determined that replenishment from the Northern Yellowstone herd is negligible, it should become easier to predict the size of fall hunt- able herds by using annual increase figures properly and compensating winter census figures with a sex ratio factor used in this report. 7. Expected 1951 huntable herd - 2,512 elk. RECOmENDATIONSg 1. That the winter studies in the Gallatin be continued. 2o Tagging and marking calf elk be continued. 3. Hunting dates and boundaries remain unchanged. 4. Checking stations be equipped to collect more biological data than in the past, chiefly aging. 5. Land acquisition on the Madison be further investigated to provide winter range for those Gallatin elk migrating into the Bear Creek - Mill Creek area. 6o A winter project be set up to collect information of forage prefer- ence and amount of each plant species used daily so forage requirements for elk can be applied to the forage inventory now near completion. In this way it will be possible to determine the proper carrying capacity of the Gallatin range in terms of elk. -34- NYE DEER TREND CENSUS DATE; April 18 - 22, 1951 PERSONNEL; Wayne Fitzwater, Deputy Game Warden, Columbus Norman Wortman, Fieldman Ronald Waters, Forest Ranger, Meyers Creek Ranger Station J. E„ Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE; To determine winter range conditions and mule deer concentrations on private ground following a three-day either sex hunting season last year to alleviate damage complaints by private individuals. PROCEDURE; Total coverage of the area was accomplished on horseback. During the period sporatic snow storms lessened visibility. When it was actually snowing crewmen stopped until the brief storms subsided. Following the storms deer came out in the open and were readily counted on a background of fresh snow. HISTORY; 1„ During a three-day either sex hunt=-October 15 - 17, 1951--the follow- ing deer were harvested; Adult Males Adult Females Fawns Total Mule Deer 97 157 145 399 2. This hunt accomplished control of deer that had become resident in the vicinity of hayfields. However, the migratory deer during the winter months frequented haystacks in such numbers that ranchers feel the need for further reduction, FINDINGS; Mule Deer Census Meyers Creek 80 Squaw Creek 11 Castle Creek, South Slope 318 Castle Creek, North Slope 169 Horseman Flat 258 Total 766 -35 CONCLUSIONS; 1, A continuous harvest of either sex deer in this area appears necess- arjo Increased concentrations would aggravate a range condition and harm departmental-rancher relations, RECUMMENDATIONS ; A 1951 three-day either sex harvest from November 1 through November 3 in the same described area as 1950„ -36- ABSAROKA EXPERIHENTAL ELK SALTING DATES; April 21, 1951 to June 23, 19 51 PWlSOmEL; Charles Manley, Pilot, Yellowstone Service Airways Glenn Bent, Pilot, Yellowstone Service Airways J a E„ Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE; This is the third year of this project. The Absaroka Wilderness Area, an excellent sport hunting area, hasn't in the past produced many elk to the hunters. Northern Yellowstone elk migrating from winter to summer range have by=pas3ed this area in the spring. In an attempt to hold elk on intermediate range until the Wilderness Area opened in the spring is the reason for the first step of the program. The second step is to attract elk deep enough into the area and hold them there until September 15 when the hunting season starts, PROCEDURE; Twenty=f our , fifty pound blocks of white salt were dropped from a 170 Cessna airplane on twelve grounds located on intermediate range within Yellowstone Park on April 21, 1951. Thirty-two, fifty pound blocks of white salt were dropped from a 170 Cessna airplane on sixteen grounds on summer range within the Absaroka Wilder- ness Area on June 23, 1951. FINDINGS; 1, A custom made door on the plane facilitated dropping from this type of airplane. 2o Five and one-half hours flying time was necessary to complete the salting. At a rate of $15 per hour, the cost per pound of salt amounted to $.0294. 3o The summer range is opening up late. The elk are migrating up t he creek bottoms instead of using the ridges which are still covered with snow. Some elk are still in the vicinity of salt grounds established April 21st. No remaining salt was observed from the air on these grounds, but bared areas were easily seen. COWCLUSinNS; 1. Last fall's hunting season indicated that the salting program was -37- successful when one half less hunters in the first week of the season bagged the same number of elk as had been taken during the fall season the previous year. 2o After two years of locating salt grounds on the ground and packing the salt by horses, the best possible sites were located. After this ground work was laid, it was felt that aerial distribution would accomplish excellent results o 3, Aerial distribution is approximately one half as expensive as pack horse distributiono RECOMMENDATIONS ; 1„ Field inspections of salt use and hunter success to be made in September . 2. Project to be continued. _38- FLEECER MOUNTAIN -GERMAN GULCH-WILLOW CREEK WINTER DEER RANGE INSPECTION DATE; April 23 - 25, 1951 PERSONNEL: Fred Mass, Assistant Supervisor, Deerlodge National Forest Bill Williams, District Ranger, h n n Ray West, District Ranger, " « n John Antonich, Anaconda Sportsman J„ Eo Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE; To inspect winter elk range conditions and determine the success of fall salting to gain winter distribution. PROCEDURE ; The party quartered at High Rye Ranger Station and rode the area on horses furnished by the Forest Service. FINDINGS ; lo The salting program seems to have a definite effect on distribu- tion. Two new grounds established last fall attracted elk onto slopes not used in previous years. 2, The range used by 432 elk, counted in this area March 21, 1951, is approaching carrying capacity. 3, No winter loss was observed. CONCLUSIONS; 1, Salting will effect winter distribution. 2„ The number of elk wintering in the area and the range use indicate that the harvest should be increased. RECQ-MMENDATIONS ; 1„ The entire area be opened to the hunting of branch antlered elk from October 15 to November 15, 1951, -39 2o An annual spring range inspection t rip should be made, 3. Present salting program should be continued. 4, An annual aerial census be made. -40- COMPLETION OF MULE DEER RANGE AND POPULATION INVESTIGATIONS MADISON RIVER DATE? April 2 - 14, 1951 PERSONNEL; ' Norman Wortman, Fieldman J. E. Gaab, Biologist Both sides of the river were covered on foot and horseback. The first day riding the East Side, some 1,400 deer were seen. Range conditions are improving from what they were four years ago due to harvesting deer of either sex. From Jack Creek to Trail Creek, forage use is quite heavy and further reduction of deer should be accomplished. On the west side of the river several warm days had dispensed the deer and count figures were not representative. Range use from Wigwam Creek to Standard Creek is near maximum and the deer population should not be allowed to increase. RECOmENDATIONS ; Continuous either sex harvest as long as the present population and range use is evident. -41- WISE RIVER - JERRY CREEK DATE; April 8, 19 51 PERSONTTEL; A group of twenty-five sportsmen, ranchers, National Forest officers and Fish and Game Department personnel made an inspection of this problem area. Groups of three or more inspected seven subunits. Nine hundred and forty-five deer were counted. Portions of this range are improving; however the general trend of ade- quate forage use is very evident. Bone marrow tests were made of two coyote-killed fawns and it indicated that the animals were in the early stages of emaciation. RECOmENDATIONS: Either sex harvest. OTHER AREAg INSPECTED; Mill Creek - Wisconsin Creek (west side of Tobacco Root Mtns.) Willow Creek - Birch Creek (east side of Pioneer Mtns.) Crazy Mtns. (north end) West side of Ruby Mtns. The mule deer populations in the above areas are increasing rapidly year by year with just a male harvest. Continuous observations must be made so when the range carrying capacity is being approached, adequate control can be applied. -42- YELLOWSTONE CALF ELK TAGGING DATE; May 28 - June 17, 1951 PERSONNEL ; Jack Lentfer Frank Cunningham J. E, Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE; To determine the relationship of elk herds, PROCEDURE; Coverage of the calving grounds was made on horseback. Crew members quartered at Mammoth Hot Springs. FINDINGS; 1. Elk were more dispersed than last year. 2. From the amount of predation observed, it must have a definite affect on the annual increase of the herd. 3. Seventy-four calves were caught, tagged, marked and released. CONCLUSIONS; Due to the dispersion of the elk this was an exceptional catch. RECOMMENDATIONS ; Project to be continued. -43- WEST GALLATIN CALF ELK TAGGING DATE; May 23 - June 20, 1951 PERSONNEL; Art Brazda, Field Assistant Norman Wortman, Field Assistant J, E. Gaab, Biologist Lo C. Clark, Deputy Game Warden Interested sportsmen assisted when possible. PURPOSE; To determine the relationship of elk herds. To gain biological and life history data, to have known aged animals from which to gain aging and reproductive information. PROCEDURE; Coverage of the calving grounds was made on horseback. FINDINGS ; 1, Calving cows were dispersed much more than last year. 2. Ninety-three calves were caught, tagged, marked and released. CONCLUSIONS; By bettering techniques, this project is becoming more successful. For the time and expense involved, this method of marking probably is more economical than live trapping. RECOMMENDATIONS : Project be continued. Submitted by: J. E, Gaab, Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division =44- STATE Montana PROJECT 36-R DATE ■ • ' • June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Lincoln County Deer Management Unit Experimental plantings of browse seed resulted in germination of 13 per cent and a 57»3 per cent survival of the seedlings for an over-all surviv- al of 7„5 per cent. Pellet group plots and browse utilization plots were combined in ran- dom strips over the winter deer range. Considerable work was continued in the physical organization of facil- ities for this study area. Two additional one-acre grazing check plots were completed and 12 box-type deer traps were built for marking and tagging deer. 2,942 hunters bagged 579 deer, 5 black bear and 7 bull elk, which re- presents a hunter success of 19.5 per cent. The harvested deer included all age classes from one-half year -^p ten years and older. In the six pairs of . mature ovaries which were examined there were ten eggs produced. During the hunting season of the fall of 1950 checking stations were operated to obtain needed research data. The area under study was open to the hunting of all deer. Following are some of the important findings. 1. Hunter success was ,3 per cent higher this season than in 1949. 2. Legal bucks made up 22,4 per cent of the total kill. 3. White-tailed deer made up 82„4 per cent of the harvest. 4. Age composition ranged from 6 months to 10 years and over. 5„ Sixty per cent of the deer were 4^ years old or older if fawns are excluded. 6, There were more 4^^, 5^ or 6i--year old deer killed than in the 2-J- or 3-^ year class. 7. Six mature females had produced 10 embryos in the previous year. 8„ Hunting pressure was greater in the first week of the season, when 1/3 of the total kill was taken. The preceding information represents a complete summary of all work accomplished on this project during the past fiscal year. Detail from which this abstract was taken may be found in Quarterly Reports for July - September, 1950, October - December, 1950, and January - March, 1951, The personnel employed on this project terminated their work m th us as of April 24, 1951. Since that time no further work has been accomplished on the project. It is anticipated, however, that this project will again become active early this fall with the assignment of new personnel. STATE Montana PROJECT 37 -R DATE June 30, 19 51 ABSTRACT Game Range Pre -development Survey The basic range map needed for development and management work in the Gallatin drainage took up a major part of the quarter. A new phase of the project was started to determine effects of early spring use on important grasses. Six hundred plants will be measured under conditions of no use, delayed use and continual use. Native seeds were collected for reseeding experimentation. Photo -transect plots were established in the Sun River and Gallatin elk ranges. Most of the data were compiled for the Gallatin Range Survey. Production and utilization plots were clipped prior to winter use. Withstandability experiments were continued for willows, sage, and aspen. Willow production plots were clipped and grass seeds of various species were collected. The above information represents an abstract of activities carried out under this project during the past fiscal year. Detail from which this ab- stract was obtained may be found in Quarterly Reports for July - September, 1950, and October - December, 1950. The personnel employed terminated their work with us on February 28th, 1950, on a permanent basis, but have worked occasionally since. The project therefore became inactive as of that date, with the exception that a meeting was held with all cooperating agencies on June 19th at which time details were worked out for future activities on this project when suitable personnel will again be obtained. On July 1, 1950 Carter Rubottom, former range technician with the 0. S, Forest Service, was employed on a temporary basis to complete the range resource map which constitutes an important part of this program. It is expected that this work will be completed during the summer of 1951. It is also expected that a game range technician will be assigned to the project on a permanent basis by this fall. STATE Montana PROJECT 38-.R DATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT" Upland Game Bird Survey and Investigations 1. Pheasant Breeding Population Survey During April and May, 1951, all established crowing count routes were retraced and five new routes in other pheasant producing areas were added. With the exception of the Bitterroot, Frenchtown, Kalispell, and Billings routes, all other areas show substantial increases in the numbers of breeding cocks. The increase is attributed to the generally lighter hunting pressure experienced during the 1950 season and is reflected in the more nearly equal cock-hen ratios found this spring compared with the 1950 findings. 2, Ruffed Grouse Drumming Census Ruffed grouse drumming census w as made at intervals during April, May and June, 1951 to evaluate this method of grouse enumeration to obtain popula- tion trends. The first grouse was heard drumming on April 16, peak number were heard about May 22, and regular drumming had ceased by June 15, A 36 per cent decrease in the 1951 spring ruffed grouse population compared to the 1950 population at a similar time is indicated, based on limited comparable 1950 road drumming counts available. A ten-minute listening interval was proven satisfactory as grouse drumming frequency was observed to vary from 5„8 to 2o3 minutes. All drumming sites were logs. The grouse were found to drum most regularly the first three hours after sunrise. Phenological obser- vations were made, but due to lack of past similar observations could not be applied. Wind, creek noises, topography, and cover were observed to limit audibility of the drumming. Though more study of road drumming counts are desirable, the findings to date indicate that this method of grouse enumera- tion is satisfactory for obtaining spring population trends. STATE Montana PROJECT 38-R DATE June 30, 1951 STATE-WIDE 1951 Pheasant Breeding Population Survey DATE; April 15 - May 25, 19 51 PERSONNEL; Wo R. Bergeson, Game Bird Biologist Robert J. Greene, Assistant Game Bird Biologist Fred L. Hartkorn, Jr. Biologist Wilfred D„ Crabb , Leader, Missouri River Basin Studies William S„ Maloit, Deputy Game Warden PURPOSE; To determine spring breeding populations, population trends and pheasant distribution in the major pheasant producing areas of Montana. PROCEDURE; Routes that had been established in previous years were retraced and the number of cock calls heard during a two-minute interval were recorded at each listening station. In most cases, the routes contained 20 listening stations. A number of new routes were established in several areas. The re- sults of the counts made by the Missouri River Basin Studies group are also included. FINDINGS; Flathead Area A 59 per cent increase in the number of cock pheasant calls was noted in the Flathead area over the 1950 average. The average number of cock calls heard during a two-minute listening period was 47«8 this year compared to 30„0 for the same routes last year. No doubt much of this increase could be credit- ed to a marked decrease in the pheasant harvest last fall from the previous -45- hunting season, and to the mild winter just past. The winter sex ratio in this area was found to be 1 cock to 2.6 hens this past winter as compared to 1 cock to 3,1 hens the previous winter. Table 1. Pheasant crowing counts — Flathead Area. Route 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 No, 1 56,7 27.5 29.6 29,8 53.3 No, 2 44,0 41,0 30.2 42.3 Bitterroot Area A decrease of 18 per cent in the number of cock pheasant calls was found in the Bitterroot Valley, The average number of calls heard during the two- minute listening period this spring, was 16.5 compared to 20,2 last spring for the same routes. Considerable publicity was given the Bitterroot area due to large numbers of game farm pheasants released there during the summer of 1950 and consequently considerably more hunting pressure was experienced in this area than in the past several years. The sex ratio during the winter was 1 cock to 5.5 hens which is a much lower cock/hen ratio than for past winters. Table 2. Pheasant crowing counts -- Pitterroot Valley. Route 1949 1950 1951 East Side 26.5 29,7 21.2 West Side 10.3 10.7 11.8 Kalispell Area A decrease of 16 per cent in cock crowing since last year* was noted in the Kalispell area. The average number of cock calls heard at each station this spring was 20.9 compared to 24.8 in 1950. This area has had comparative- ly hard winters for the past three years and it is believed that this may be the cause of the population decline in this area. Table 3, Pheasant crowing counts -- Kalispell Area. 1949 19 50 1951 29.6 24.8 20.9 Frenchtown Area The average number of calls heard in the Frenchtown area decreased 18 per cent from the 1950 average, dropping from 12.4 in 1950 to 10.2 in 1951. -46- Although much of this area is included in the Grass Valley Game Preserve, there is considerable hunting pressure in this area due to its proximity to the city of Missoula. Table 4„ Pheasant crowing counts -- Frenchtown Area, 1949 1950 1951 10,5 12o4 10.2 Hel ena Valley A slight increase in the average calls per two-minute stop was noted in the Helena Valley over last year, averaging 15.0 this spring and 12„2 in 1950. Table 5, Pheasant crowing counts Helena Valley. 1948 1949 1950 19 51 10.7 15.3 12,2 15.0 Fairfield Bench The average number of pheasant calls increased from 25.8 to 40.9 or 58 per cent over the 1950 average on the four established routes in the Fair- field area. All routes showed an increase over last year. The 1951 spring sex ratio figures show 1 co ck to 2.54 hens, A much lighter cock harvest was experienced in this section during the 1950 hunting season than in 1949, This no doubt accounts for the high ratio of cocks to hens and also for some of the increase in calls per stop, since the 1950 spring sex ratio was 1 cock to 5o2 hens. Early morning road counts showed a total of 587 birds observed in 79,6 miles of driving. This included 166 cocks and 421 hens or 7,37 birds per mile. Both the crowing counts and the road counts indicate the highest spring breeding population that has ever been present in this area. Table 6, Pheasant crowing counts ■ — Fairfield Area. Route 1948 1949 1950 1951 Noo 1 30,9 38.1 24.3 54.8 j No, 2 27.9 30.0 29,6 53.3 No, 3 4,8 12,5 10,0 18,7 No, 4* 36,6 37.6 •M, R. B, S. Route -47- Conrad Area Crowing counts increased from 33o7 in 1950 to 40,4 in 1951, or a 20 per cent increase for the two routes in the Conrad-Valier area. The spring sex ratio was 1 cock to 2.2 hens, or an over-abundance of roosters resulting from a marked decrease in hunting pressure during the 1950 open season, A much wider dispersal of the birds off the irrigated areas into surround' ing dry land wheat was found in both the Fairfield and Conrad areas. Table 7„ Pheasant crowing counts -- Conrad Area, Route 1949 1950 1951 No. 1 27,9 24o8 28,9 No, 2 53.6 42.2 51,9 Billings Area A gradual decline in the pheasant population in the Billings area since 1948 is shown by the crowing counts made in that area. The average for the two routes run in 1950 and 1951 show a drop from 28,6 in 1950 to 27.0 this spring. Table 8, Pheasant crowing counts -• - Billings Area. Route 1948 1949 1950 1951 Noj, 1 29,0 14,0 16.7 Nou 2 18,0 11.5 11.4 Noi, 3» 35.2 34.2 No, 4» 22,0 19,7 •M. R. B. S. Routes Hardin Area No crowing count was made in this area in 1950 so no comparison can be made. However, the 1951 counts showed a slight increase over the 1948 and 1949 averages. It is felt that the crowing counts were taken too late in the season in this area to show maximum crowing intensity. Table 9. Pheasant crowing counts =- Hardin Area. 1948 1949 1950 1951 15<,3 17.4 — 19.1 Milk River Area The crowing count averages for the two routes repeated in the Glasgow and Malta areas show an increase of 84 per cent over last year, A very severe winter in 1949=50 caused heavy losses of birds in this area and accounts for the low average for the spring of 1950„ Although the winter of 1950-51 was much less severe, a late storm in March caused pheasant losses in several areas o However, a fairly good spring breeding population is present in the general Milk River Valley, The 1950 crowing count average was 15,9 and in 1951 was 29 „ 3. Due to a shortage of time, the other routes established in this area in 1950 could not be retraced. Table lO, Pheasant crowing counts ~- Milk River Area Route 1950 1951 Glasgow - Vandalia* 14.0 28,7 Malta - Dodson* 16.5 29,6 * M. R, B, S, Routes New Routes Several new routes were set up and mapped in areas not previously censused by crowing counts. They are listed in Table 11 below with the aver= age number of calls for each stop in 1951, Table 11. Pheasant crowing counts Newly established routes. Route and Area Bro adwat er No , 1 Broadwater No, 2 Beaverhead Cho teau=Agawam Forsyth CONCLUSIONS; According to early breeding season surveys, the State in general has a better breeding population of pheasants than for a number of years. There has been a gradual increase in the pheasant population since 1946, and if a successful hatching season develops, Montana hunters can look forward to an excellent population by fall. Spring sex ratios show an oversupply of roosters for breeding in all =49- areas and indicate that more cocks should have been harvested last fall. RECOTmENDATIONS: lo That a detailed study be inaugurated in the Billings area to attempt to determine the underlying causes for the pheasant decline in that locality in direct contrast to other major pheasant producing areas in the state, which show a general population increase. 2„ That further studies be made to more readily determine the time of maximum crowing intensity in all areas of the state in order that the crowing count census can be made during maximum crowing. Submitted by: Fred L. Hartkorn Robert J. Greene W. Ro Bergeson Wildlife Restoration Division -50 MOUNTAIN GROUSE MANAGEMENT STUDY RUFFED GROUSE DRUMMING CENSUS PHASE DATE; March 31 - June 21, 1951 PERSONNEL; Fred Hartkorn, Jr„ Biologist INTRODUCTION; If wise management of ruffed grouse is to be achieved in Montana, population trends must be known from year to year. Thus, as past population studies on grouse have been very limited in Montana, it was considered of first importance to begin by attempting to develop a census technique suitable for ruffed grouse enumeration under Montana conditions „ In many of the states where ruffed grouse are present in huntable num- bers, a strip census technique, counting either actual grouse or grouse heard drumning, is used as a population index on the sample strips „ Most of these states describe their ruffed grouse habitat as "level forest land and rolling hills" where a strip can easily be followed„ Howeverj in Montana the ruffed grouse habitat is restricted to the mountain valleys where a census strip would be very difficult to follow. Therefore, as in general the roads follow these mountain valleys, it is believed drumming counts made off these roads offer a possible practical census method. The only known study devoted to ruffed grouse drumming as a method of census in Montana was done in the spring of 1950 by Orville W„ Lewis as a student project while attending Montana State University, This work was of great value as a base for the present project and with Mr„ Lewis' permission certain aspects will be included in this report, PURPOSE; To evaluate drumming counts as a method of obtaining ruffed grouse pop- ulation trends in Montana. PROt:;EIlTTRir; The same route on Miller Creek that Lewis had censused in the spring of 1950 was selected to obtain any comparative values possible and another route was set up on Lolo Creek. These routes were mapped and listening points marked by orange colored stakes prior to the first census. The Miller Creek route represented random listening stations, as points were selected every half mile for, seven miles along the creek bottom road beginning where the farm land gives way to principally forested land. The Lolo Creek route represented a selec- tive route, as only places that appeared to be typical ruffed grouse habitat and free from crBBk and farm noises were selected. Ten listening stations were =51- set up along 15 miles of creek bottom road above the south fork of Lolo Creek turnoff to Lolo Hot Springs. It was hoped to census these routes every four days, but as it was con- sidered useless to try to make counts on days when the weather was windy or rainy^ the average census interval was about six days. Counts were made with- in two hours after sunrise which in early April was about 6 aom,, and in late June about 4:40 a„m„ A ten-minute listening period was spent at each station and all grouse drumming was recorded and the time interval between drummings noted in the case of the same grouse drumming twice. Since a maximum of three grouse was heard at any one station, it was easy to recognize each grouse by location and the distinctive character of each individual's drumming. A few of the common plants in the area were noted at one station on each route whenever a census was made with a view toward establishing possible phen- ological relationships between plant growth $.nd grouse drumming. A record of snow condition was kept and the air temperature at the first station was taken each time a census was made. After the route had been censused a stop was made at stations where grouse had been heard and an effort made to locate the bird, record the time interval between drumming, and the distance that the drumming could be heard. When the drumming site could be located, its location was marked on the area mapo FINDINGS; Results of the census are shown in Tables I and II. The first drumming was observed on April 16 at station #7 on Miller Creek, where, although snow drifts were still present, the cock grouse was drumming on a log in a sunny spot. This grouse was heard each time a census was made until May 25 after which he was seen nearby the drumming site, but didn't drum while observations were being made. Two grouse were heard drumming on April 23 at two different stations on Lolo Creek, The number of drumming grouse increased until approx- imately May 22, as a peak number was heard on the Miller Creek route on May 21 and on the Lolo Creek route on May 23. After these dates the number of drumming grouse decreased until the last grouse was heard on the Lolo Creek route on June 13. A drumming period of about 55 days is indicated. Lewis reported hearing the first grouse drum on April 17 on Miller Creek in 1950 and that the number of grouse drumming on that route increased until his highest count was made May 26, after which date the study was termin- ated due to a time limitation. Based on the highest count for each of the two years, a 36 per cent de- crease in the spring ruffed grouse population in 1951 compared to the 1950 spring population is indicated. On May 26, 1950 Lewis reported hearing 17 grouse at 18 listening stations or ,90 grouse per station and on May 21, 1951 at the first 14 stations of this route a total of 8 grouse were heard or an average of „ 57 grouse per station. If this figure is used, it must be assumed that the additional stations did not alter the average for the route. The drumming interval varied from an average of 5.8 minutes on June 13 -52- to an average of 2„3 minutes on May 28„ (Note Table III) In general, it seemed that drumming frequency increased as the number of drumming grouse increased. At stations where two or more grouse were drumming, the interval was shorter than where a single grouse was heard. Often another drum would be heard al- most immediately following a nearby drum, as if to answer. Considerable var- iation was evident in the interval of various individual cocks and this was also reDorted by Lewis who states: "The interval between drums seems to vary more even in the most active days than would be expected. In one case a grouse drummed at the following intervals; 55 seconds, 2 minutes 35 seconds, 3 minutes 55 seconds, 2 minutes 15 seconds," Based on the observations made by Lewis in 1950 and on the 1951 study, it is indicated that a ten-minute listen- ing period is optimum since all grouse drumming would be heard in this period. Also J more habitat can be covered than if longer periods were spent at each station. All grouse were observed drumming from logs or flushed from a log when it was possible to locate them, Lewis also reported all drumming sites to be logs. It was possible to locate most drumming grouse if enough time and care was taken in stalking them. Considerable time was spent after counts at stations along the route where grouse had been heard drumming regularly. In general, it was found that drumming diminished or ceased by three hours after sunrise and grouse drumming activity after this time was only occasional, Lewis reported drumming to have started before any daylight could be measured at 4:15 a„m„ on May 26, 1950, When possible, after a drumming ruffed grouse had been located, the dis- tance that the sound could be heard was determined by walking away from the site until the sound of drumming was no longer audible. Success in doing this was not too good as in many cases the drumming cock was flushed while trying to locate him or he ceased drumming before the audible limits were determin- ed. However, Lewis devoted more time to this aspect of the investigation and his findings are the basis for Table V, It was noted that wind and creek noise limited audible distance greatly, while terrain and cover had some limit- ing effect. Lewis found a variation of drumming audibility of from 600 yards under ideal conditions in an open area to 25 yards with flood stage creek noise interfering, Phenological info relation in connection with the occurrence and inten- sity of ruffed grouse drumming is shown in Table IV, The spring of 1951 was considered a "late spring" as the low early morning temperatures might suggest. Since little plant phenology work has been dore in this area in the past, the recorded dates of first plant blooming will form a broader base for evaluating future observations, Lewis reported that the buttercup was in full bloom on April 17 when he heard the first grouse drum on Miller Creek and thp-t Trillium was in full bloom on May 26 when his peak count was made, SUMMAHY AND gnNOLUSIONS; The project was designed to evaluate drumming counts as a method of obtaining ruffed grouse population trends under Montana conditions. Two census routes set up along typical creek bottom roads were covered -5 3= about every six days during April, May, and June, 1951 and the number of ruffed grouse heard drumming during a ten=minute interval at each station was recorded. Observations made by Orville Lewis in this area during the spring of 1950 provided some basis for this work. The first drumming grouse was heard on April 16 and the last on June 13, with peak number being observed about May 22, 1951,, Results of census are shown in Tables I and II„ Based on the best comparable counts available it is indicated that the spring 1951 ruffed grouse population is 36 per cent smaller than the similar 1950 populationo Drumming frequency varied from 5„8 minutes to 2,3 minutes during the study with a trend toward shorter intervals as the number of drumming grouse increased, A ten-minute listening period is considered ideal based on these findings. Note Table III, All drumming sites investigated were logs and it was found most drumming sites could be located if care was taken in stalking the drumming cock. Ruffed grouse were found to drum most regularly the first three hours after sunrise, but do drum occasionally all through the day, Phenological information be3,ieved possibly connected with ruffed grouse drumming was recorded (Note Table IV) „ Observations of this type will have to be made over a period of years before any interpretation can be made of the ruffed grouse phenology, Windp creek noise, terrain, and heavy cover have a limiting effect on the distance grouse drumming can be heard (Note Table V), Although more study of this method of ruffed grouse enumeration would be desirable, it is indicated based on the findings to date that a road drum- ming count is a satisfactory and practical method of obtaining population trends in Montana, Submitted by: Fred L, Hartkorn, Jr, Biologist June 30, 1951 -54- TABLE I RUFFED GROUSE DRUMMING CENSUS ON LOLO CREEK IN 1951 Census Date« Table III , Average ruffed grouse drunming interval observed from sunrise to 8 a„mo on Lolo and Miller Creeks in 1951, Average Interval Average Interval Date Grouse Observed (Minutes) Date, Gi-ouse Observed (Minutes) 16 1 4„8 May 18 12 3.4 23 2 4„2 21 8 3,2 25 1 2o8 23 14 2,4 1 7 3.5 25 4 3,6 2 3 4«7 28 12 2,3 4 10 3oO 31 5 3,1 7 4 2„8 June 2 12 2.6 9 9 3o4 6 5 3,9 11 7 2„5 7 7 3,5 14 11 3„7 11 3 4,3 15 7 3 .0 13 3 5,8 Table IV, Natural phenomena believed possibly involved in the phenology of ruffed grouse drumming observed at the first station of routes on Lolo and Miller Creeks which were periodically censused for ruffed grouse drumming during the spring of 1951, Area Date Air Temperature SkY Wind Grous Drummi Lolo 3-=3?. Clear Lt, Brz, 0 Lolo 4- 3 23 11 Calm 0 Miller 4- 5 26 II II 0 Lolo 4- 9 24 It Lt, Brz. 0 Miller 4-11 20 It II 0 Lolo 4-13 24 ri M 0 Miller 4=16 21 II M 1 Lolo 4-1 B 13 ft n 0 Lolo 4=23 27 ti n 2 Miller 4-25 23 M H 1 Lolo 4-25 27 Cloudy n 1 Lolo 5- 1 25 II II 7 Miller 5- 2 29 Clear Calm 3 Lolo 5- 4 30 Pt, CI, Lt, Brz, 10 Miller 5- 7 37 It 4 Lolo 5- 9 32 Clear H 9 Miller 5-11 36 It n 7 Lolo 5-14 31 II n 11 Miller 5-15 39 M n 7 Lolo 5-18 33 . Pt, CI, II 12 Miller 5-21 31 Cloudy Calm 8 Lolo 5-23 34 Pto CI, Lt, Brz, 14 Miller 5 = 25 36 Clear Lto Brz, 4 (First Appearance) Buttercup-Ranunculus glab° berrimus Shooting star-Do decatheon Pink-Douglasia montana Dandelion - Taraxacum Yellow bell-Fritillaria Wind Fl, -Pulsatilla Fringe cup-Tellima bulbi- f era Balsamorrhiza Dogtooth violet-Erytharonium Lily-Trillium ovatuiq Currant-Ribes cereuiq Serviceberry-Amelanchier s p, Lupine=Lo f lexuo sus Larkspur-Delphinium Indian paintbrush-Castille ja Chokecherry Arnica cordifolia -56- Table I¥o (Contilaued) Air Grouse Flowering Native Plants Area Date Temperature Sky Wind Drumming (First Appearance) Lolo 5-28 27° F, Clear Lt. Brz. 12 Strawberry-Fragaria Miller 5-31 32 II II 5 Hawtho rn - Crataegus Lolo 6- 2 31 II 11 12 Miller 6- 6 38 II H 5 Lolo 6= 7 40 Pt, CI, 7 Miller 6-11 44 Clear 3 Lolo 6-13 46 II M 3 Miller 6-21 40 II II 0 Lolo 6-25 35 H H 0 Lolo 6-27 43 ■• H 0 Table V„ Audibility of ruffed grouse drumming in creek bottom sites as obser- ved by Lewis in 1950. i Ideal condition of wind. Wind Creek Topography and Cover rain, and creek noise. 10 - 20 mph Near Flood Stage Wide valley and open 500 yds. 450 yds. 500 yds. fields Narrow valley and open 350 yds. 200 yds. 73 yds. fields Narrow valley and dense 175 yds,* 100 yds,* 25 yds.* sfarub Narrow valley and dense 175 yds.» 100 yds.* 50 yds.* tree cover Hill 200 ft. high between grouse and observer 200 yds. 0 yds. 0 yds. * Approximated because pacing impractical in this type of cover. -57- STATE Montana PROJECT 39 -R PATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations A waterfowl study was made in the Flathead Valley trend area. The obiectives of the study were as follows; 1. The evaluation of standard methods of appraising waterfowl popula- tions, 2. The establishment of a reliable census technique for future study, 3. The determination of the breeding population. 4. The appraisal of waterfowl production. 5. The inventory of waterfowl habitat available in the area. The population on the fifty-one square mile trend area was 4,300 ducks as determined by complete coverage on one-quarter mile ground transects and by the use of randomly selected one-quarter section plots. Other methods were not considered adequate. The waterfowl hunting season provided the same number of days for hunt- ing in 1950, as it did in 1949. The number of duck stamps sold decreased in 1950. The number of trips to the field by the individual hunter also decreased but the average bag increased from 1,4 birds/trip in 1949, to 1,9 birds/trip in 1950. A total of 1,552 mallards were banded during the winter of 1950=51. Two hundred and ninety-seven plastic tags were attached to the mallards as a marking study. The results are not analyzed in this paper. The 1951 spring breeding ground census has been conducted. Aerial and ground transects have been completed over the established routes. The eastern Montana stock water reservoir management study is being continued. The importance of this study lies in the fact that approximately one half of the state's land mass is involved in this habitat type, and the waterfowl habitat is almost entirely man-made as stock water reservoirs. It was estimated that the unglaciated prairie had one reservoir for every 3,8 square miles and that broods were observed on 25 per cent of all reservoirs. An intensive management study is being conducted on the Freeze-out Lake area. It is proposed that portions of these lands be acquired for water- fowl management by the state. Other areas for possible acquisition and development as waterfowl mana ment areas are as follows: 1. Cascade Development area 2. Fox Lake 3. Chain-O-Lakes 4. Development on the present state-owned lands. STATE Montana PROJECT DATE FINAL YEARLY REPORT FOR SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1„ Title of Project: Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations 2o Project Personnel: Wynn G. Freeman, Waterfowl Biologist Gerald Salinas, Assistant Waterfowl Biologist Dick Smith, Student Assistant ■, Dan Poole, Student Assistant 3„ Report of Progress: FIATHEAD VALLEY STUDY In May, 1950, a waterfowl population study was begun in lower Flat- head Valley to obtain information basic to waterfowl management. The study area roughly 7x8 miles, contains many potholes. It lies in a terminal moraine having little drainage. The primary land use is irri- gated farming with the remainder being devoted to either dryland farms or pasture. The area is historically important for waterfowl. Although small it carries a high density of breeding waterfowl and experiences considerable hunting pressure. Mallards and redheads are the most important breeding ducks . Some objectives of the study were: 1, Evaluation of standard methods of appraising waterfowl populations, 2. Establishment of a reliable trend cen- sus for future study, 3, Determination of the breeding population, 4. Appraisal of watej-fowl production and 5. Inventory of waterfowl habitat available in the valley. ' Methods 1, An eight inch map was made for eacji squ9.re mile of the study area. 39-R June 30, 1951 -58- Details traced from aerial photos included all potholes, major ditches, roads , and other important land features, 2„ The area was divided into three habitat types based upon the density of potholes as follows: A. An area of fairly level land having 1=7 potholes per square mile, B,, A gently rolling area having 8-30 potholes per square mile and C„ A heavily pitted, hilly area having 31-150 potholes per square mile 3„ An intense and evenly distributed roadside census route was devised by following section line roads that practically grid the study area. Every square mile was sampled by the transect, 4o Potholes were numbered and described in those areas to be covered during the census work, Flathead Valley Spring Census One phase of the study was the spring breeding population census. The results of the waterfowl counts that were conducted during May 17 - 26, 1950 are shown in Table 2„ Four principal types of census coverage were employed? lo The standard one-quarter mile wide ground transect was used. How- ever, during this census a total coverage was made of all water areas within the one-quarter mile transect. 2„ A census of all potholes visible from the road was made within the one-quarter mile ground transect. Potholes were censused without leaving the car. 3o A total census was made of the water areas located in forty-five one-quarter section plots. Fifteen plots were located in each of the three habitat divisions. This coverage formed a stratified random sample of the study area. 4, The standard one-quarter mile wide aerial transect was also employed The aerial route coincided with the ground transect. All four census methods sampled the identical study area of 51 square miles (Table 2). The transect areas of the roadside census and the aerial census were identical. The area covered by using the one-quarter section plots was a little less than in the other two methods, but the selection of the areas was, perhaps, more objective. The boundaries of the "visible from the road" census was formed by the one-quarter mile tranpect, but the actual width of coverage varied with whatever area could be observed from the road. The waterfowl population estimate by the use of the one-quarter mile ground transects was 4,299 and the estimate by use of the one-quarter section plots was 4,370 (Table l). The aerial count yielded a surprisingly low figure of 421 birds actually counted and a theoretical breeding population of 1,504. The "visible from the road" census totaled 243 ducks. This is approximately one-fifth the ducks counted on the one-quarter mile complete coverage ground -59- Table 1. A comparison of four methods of censusing the breeding waterfowl population in Flathead Valley — May 17 - 25, 1950. ' Square Miles Square Miles of Number of water- Waterfow/ Theoretical Type of Census of Sample Area Sampled fowl observed Sq. Mile Area Population Roadside Transect k mile wide 14.25 51.0 J, 202 84.3 4,299 One-quarter section plots 11.25 51.0 1,180 85.7 4,370 Aerial Transect - One- quarter mile wide 14.25 51.0 421 29.5 1,504 "Visible" roadside Tran- sect i mile wide 14.25 51.0 243 17.0 867 transect. The low visibility of birds from the road may be peculiar to this area. Habitat type C (30=150 potholes per square mile) did not offer a wide - transect to the "visible from the road" count. The greatest density of birds also occurred in this type. HUNTING SEASON; Montana's 1950 waterfowl hunting season was a split season of two 18-day periods. This season provided the same number of days for hunting as did the 1949 season. There was a decrease of 274 hunters that checked through "the voluntary checking station^o The state-wide sale of duck stamps also showed a decrease from 32,117 in 1949 to 30,858 in 1950o The average number of birds per trip to the field increased from 1„4 in 1949 to 1„9 birds in 1950., Pheasant hunters were contacted concerning the success they had had during the first half of the waterfowl season. The results indicated that al- though the number of birds per trip increased, the number of trips to the field and consequently the total bag for the first half of the season was re- duced o The U„ S„ Fish and Wildlife Service postal card survey of Montana hun- ters showed a similar but somewhat exaggerated picture of the hunting season to that obtained from checking stations. The recent legislative attempt to make hunter participation at game checking stations compulsory was vetoed by the Governor, The effect this ac- tion might have on future hunter participation at voluntary checking stations is a matter of conjecture. However, it is assumed that game checkers will get less cooperation from the hunters than they have had in the past. There- fore, some method to replace or supplement the kill information obtained from checking stations will have to be worked out before the 1951 waterfowl season, WINTER BANDING; Waterfowl have been banded at winter concentration points during three successive yeers. These operations are an important part of Montana's water- fowl project. At certain of our original winter stations, a sufficient number of ducks have been banded for our immediate purposes. These stations were discontinued in 1951, This winter, ducks were banded at two stations. One station was loca- ted in the Manhattan i^Tame Preserve near Bozeman in southwestern Montana. The other station was situated near Missoula in the extreme west end of the state. This was the second winter for the Manhattan station and the third season for the Missoula station. Both stations were manned with the aid of wildlife stu- dents from the respective institutions, A total of 1,552 mallards were banded during the winter months (Table 2). Marking experiments were conducted with the banding operations. One hundred and ninety-seven plastic tags were attached to mallards at the -61- Table 2. Mallard ducks banded in Montana during the winter of 1951. Dec. 20-Feb, 22 Sex Ratio Total Feb.23-Mar, 10 Sex Ratio Total Total Station Males Females M /lOO F By Period Males Females M/lOO F by Period by Station Manhattan Game Preserve 60 31 194:100 91 77 15 513:100 92 Missoula Area 838 373 224:100 1,211 114 34 317:100 148 Grand Total 193 3.,359 l,5p2 Manhattan stationo Approximately one hundred hen mallards were similarly marked at the Missoula station. At the Manhattan station, the sex ratio of all ducks banded was approx- imately 300 males to 100 females. The sex ratio showed a definite variation between the earlier and later periods (Table 2)o In the period from December 20 to February 22, the sex ratio was approximately 200 drakes to 100 hens„ In the latter periods February 23 to March 10, the sex ratio jumped to 510 males to 100 females „ At the Missoula station, a similar but smaller variation in the sex ratio was indicax9a„ During the early period the ratio of banded mallards was 224 males to 100 females » In the l.tter period the ratio increased to 317 males to 100 females (Table 2), The increase of drakes at Manhattan may have been due to the arrival of early migrants, a movement in local populations or possibly some other unknown factor„ A noticeable increase of ducks was seen in this area during the latter banding period. An increase in the number of birds flying about the Missoula area also became apparent in the latter period. This may account for the increased drake-hen ratio. However, in late February and March the pairing of ducks may well have contributed to the increased drake-hen ratio among the banded ducks. At this time, single pairs and small groups of paired mallards were scattered throughout the sloughs and the remaining flock units were obviously heavy to males „ If these larger groups of birds were more susceptible to the trap than the paired birds that could well explain the increased sex ratio „ SPRING CENSUS ; The spring season, along with the migration of waterfowl, arrived in Montana quite normally. However, the last of May was cold and the month of June was the coldest on record. Water conditions were excellent in all areas except southeastern Montana where many of the stock water reservoirs began the season dry. Heavy rains in June have alleviated this situation. Aerial transects were flown over the same routes as were utilized in 1949 and 1950, Ground transects were again covered in order to determine the species composition of the breeding population. Seasonally comparative information was obtained on the number of waterfowl present and the number and type of water area available. The methods used for the breeding ground census now need to be examined critically in order to arrive at possible simplification and/or improvement. EASTERN MONTANA STOCK WATER POND STUDY Richard Smith, a graduate student from the State College at Bozeman has been continuing the waterfowl studies in Eastern Montana. Useful manage- ment information is resulting from this study, -63 = Approximately one half of the state's land mass is included in what we consider the southern unglaciated prairie region. This area was practically- devoid of waterfowl habitat until the inhabitants began building stock water reservoirs. The value of the area for waterfowl is increasing continually through construction of new reservoirs and the possibility of reservoir manage- ment. It was estimated that the entire southern unglaciated prairie region had an average of one reservoir for every 3.8 square miles in 1950. Waterfowl broods were observed on 25.8 per cent of the study reservoirs in 1950. Mallards, pintails and blue-winged teals comprised 81.1 per cent of the 1950 breeding population in this area. The over-all juv. /adult ratio in 1950 was 0,5 juv. /adult in contrast to 0.9 in 1949. pH tests by the Taylor colormeter method showed that all areas were alkaline, averaging pH 8.3. A controlled study on the effects of fencing for the exclusion of livestock on certain portions of these study reservoirs should now be under- taken . LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM Freeze-Out Lake The Bureau of Reclamation controls approximately 5/6 of the shoreline of Freeze-Out Lake, The Bureau land has been operated under local grazing leases. Negotiations have been started with the Bureau of Reclamation for management control of specific portions of the area. Definite management re- commendations should be submitted to the Bureau with the request for transfer or lease of these lands. Leroy Ellig, a graduate student at Montana State College, Bozeman, has been hired to do a waterfowl management study of the Freeze-Out area. Repre- sentative sections of nesting habitat have been covered. An intensive search was made for nests three times during the spring. Extensive nest searches have been made throughout the nesting season. Observations have been made on 99 nests. Skunk predation seems to be a definite limiting factor in pro- duction. Cascade Development Area An option has been obtained to purchase the land on which Rocky Reef Reservoir is located. Preliminary surveys have been made on the repairs needed to restore the dike and control structures to good operating condition. -64- Negotiations have been started to secure additional water for dry years o Fox Lake Application has been made for the acquisition of government land in the Fox Lake Waterfowl area. The land will form the basis on which future development will begin. Chain-0-°Lakes The key to the development of this area lies in the location of a water supply. It has been proposed that a pumping station located on Fresno reser- voir would supply the needed water. The area holds promise of being productive if developed and preliminary plans are being made to examine its feasibility. Boyd Ranch It is possible to dam a section of Cottonwood Creek on the Boyd Ranch Big Game acquisition. The impoundment would inundate approximately ten acres of meadow land. The dam and control structure would cost approximately $7,000 to build. In addition, one mile of county road would have to be reloca- ted. There would be some benefits derived by the waterfowl, but at this writing it is questionable whether the benefits would justify the cost, espec- ially the cost of moving the county road. -6 5- STATE Mo ntana PROJECT 5-D DATE June 30 , 1951 FINAL YEARLY REPORT FOR ' DEVELOPMENT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: General Wildlife Restocking 2. Project Personnel: James McLucas, Foreman Aided by other Department personnel as time was available 3. Report of Progress: ANTELOPE RELEASES, WINTER 19 51 Trapping Sites: Yellowstone National Park - 250, Miller Lake - 60. Date Area Released Does Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total Jan. 21, 1951 Poison-Irving Flats 15 4 10 7 36 (Lake County) Feb. 13, 1951 Ennis -Wigwam Or. 12 9 5 4 30 (Madison County) Feb. 13, 1951 Ennis-St. Joseph Cr. 11 6 1 12 30 (Madison County) Feb, 14, 1951 Ennis-Spring Cr. 5 3 2 8 18 (Madison County) Feb. 14, 1951 Moiese Range 7 4 4 15 (Madison County) Feb. 15, 1951 Little Bitterroot 8 7 5 10 30 Hills (Lake Co.) March 29 , 1951 Medicine Lake 11 6 10 5 32 (Sheridan County) March 29 , 19 51 Tiger But+.e 10 4 8 6 28 (Cascade County) Total For State 219 Antelope Released Out of State Jan. 21, 1951 Theodore Roosevelt Natl. Park, N. Dak. 60^ Does 40% Bucks 75 Jan. 20, 1951 Wind Caves, S. Dak. 12 12 Feb, 15, 1951 Toledo Ohio Zoo 2 2 4 Total Out of State 91 Grand Total 310 -66- Since the beginning of the Wildlife Restoration progranip the trapping , and transplanting of game animals and birds has been an important phase of the worko With the big game, animals have been taken from areas of concentration and released in selected locations where the species was totally lacking or so few as to be unable to establish themselveso For the most part, the program has been very successful„ Work with antelope and mule deer has been nearly completedo It will be necessary to continue a vigorous mountain goat, mountain sheep, and to a lesser extent, white-tailed deer program. With this year's work, it has been possible to catch and transplant somewhat ever 3,500 of this speciaoo As a result, most of the suitable areas have received preliminary stockingo This year's trapping was concentrated in Yellowstone Park and at Miller's Lake near Roundup. These areas are recognized as regions of heavy antelope population and thus desirable sources for stockingo In return for the assistance given our crew by ranger personnel in the trapping and loading operations, ninety-one antelope were released to the National Park Service for transplanting in other National ParkSo WHITE=TAILED DEER Many areas east of the Continental Divide have been located where white^tailed deer were once abundant but where the species was totally eliminated by indiscriminate hunting, half a century ago. The transplanting program has thus far accounted for the re-introduction of white-tailed deer into several of the most desirable areas. Protection has been afforded by either total closing of the planting site or by the closure of the county to the hunting of white-tailed deero At least another year of work will be necessary to complete this phase of the restoration programs 1951 WHITE-TAILED DEER TRAPPING & TRANSPLANTING Area Trapped Date Bucks ,Do es Fawns Total Area Planted North Fork Jano 21, 1951 6 5 3 14 Hoover Ranch, Blackfoot Musselshell Valley North Fork Jan. 27, 1951 2 5 5 12 Twin Bridges, Blackfoot Jefferson Valley North Fork Feb, 8, 1951 2 6 2 10 Hysham Blackfoot Yellowstone Valley Nin9=Mile Cfo Mare 1, 1951 5 1 6 Twin Bridges, Jefferson Valley Nine=Mile Gfo Maro 20, 1951 2 2 3 7 Twin Bridges, Jefferson Valley Total 17 19 13 49 MOUNTAIN GOATS The original limited range of the Mountain Goat in Montana suggested the importance of a vigorous trapping and transplanting program. The work has been slow due to the difficulties involved in trapping this relatively rare b]g game species, A very successful establishment has been obtained in the Crazy Mountain Range. Plants in other desirable areas will very probably need additional animals during the next few years. The trapping program was delayed this spring by unseasonably cold weather and late snow storms in the Deep Creek area. One male and one female goat were trapped and transplanted into the Gates of the Mountains area north of Helena, Preliminary work and detailed plans were completed for trapping operations in the South Fork of the Flathead area (Little Salmon) during the early summer. -68- STATE Montana PROJECT 27-D DATE June 30, 1951 FINAL YEARLY REPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT lo Title of Project; Sun River Game Range Development 2, Personnel: Bruce Neal, Unit Manager Bob Neal, Assistant Unit Manager 3„ Report of Progress: SUMMER a. One-half mile of heavy elk-proof drift fence was constructed on the Cutreef Drainage (a tributary of Beaver Creek). It is expected that the drift fence will divert the migration of elk onto the game range at the north end. This is particularly desirable as they enter directly from forest land in that area. b. Several miles of old interior f ence were picked up and the material stock-piled. This is in line with the cleanup program over the entire winter elk range area. c. Necessary repair of field station buildings at Willow Creek. This consisted primarily of replacing the worn foundation of the station with con- crete as well as re-caulking the logs in the sub-station building. d. Construction of a necessary frost-proof cellar (14' x 8') at the Willow Creek station. 8. The construction of ten miles of fire break on the game range. f. The construction of a culvert and fill on the road at the Bar Creek crossing near the headquarters station, g. The construction of approximately 1,300 feet of ditch for headquar- ters water system. -69- h„ Supervision of the harvesting of fifty tons of hay from the meadows near the headquarters. This work was carried out on a share-crop basis. i. The winter's supply of fuel was obtained. jo Approximately 2,000 poles were placed on the boundary fence. k. One-half mile of fence was constructed at the Willow Creek sub-statio Necessary fire patrol was carried out, FALL a. Metal stakes were driven at necessary intervals along the entire boundary fence„ These were used to anchor this "jack-type" fence. b„ A concrete-metal cattle guard was installed on the road near the headquarters , WINTER During January, February and March, project personnel were taken off the Federal Aid payroll. For the most part elk management activities took up this period of the year. Continuous patrol was necessary to assure desirable distributions on the winter range. Approximately 3,000 elk utilized the area during this period. SPRING a. A pipe-line was laid and connected with the headquarters dwelling. b. Repair on roads and culverts was carried out. This was made nec- essary due to an unusually heavy spring run-off in this area. c. In April elk were drifted off the game range and started back into the forest toward their spring and summer ranges. d. A necessary headquarters cleanup was carried out. Submitted by: Bob Neal, Assistant Unit Manager Wildlife Restoration Division -70- STATE Montana PROJECT 33-D DATE June 30, 1951 FINAL PROJECT REPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT As Required By FEDERAL AID TO WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: Blackf oot-Clearwater Game Range Unit 2. Personnel; Stan Mongrain, Unit Manager Jack Ray, Laborer Other temporary help hired as needed 3. Report of Progress: A. Construction 1 . Headgates Considerable damage occurs each spring to our main ditches from flood waters. In order to control the water coming into the ditches, headgates are placed at the originating point in each ditch. In the past year seven gates were replaced that had decayed. These gates were made of two and three inch plank. Three inch plank for the floor and sides, and two inch plank for the control gate. 2. Fence Construction One mile of old fence was taken down and enough material was saved to build 3/4 mile of fence on the south side of the Blackfoot Highway. This enclosed an area heavily used by trespass stock. One and one-tenth miles of new fence were constructed on the north side of the Blackfoot Highway. This fence is of jack leg and barbwire. No top rail was needed as this fence is not in the path of any game movement. 3 . Telephone Line A telephone line from the county road to headquarters was put -71- ino Material for 7/8 mile of line was purchased from "the telephone company The posts were set and the wire strung by Department personnel. 4„ Bridge Construction There are seventeen bridges on the Blackf oot-Clearwater pro- pertyo These bridges are necessary as the water channels are too deeD to cross otherwisso Six of the bridges were replaced last year. 5„ Water Supply for Harp er Buildi ngs The water supply to the building is supplied by a hydraulic ram from a spring 1,600 feet frcm the main buildings. For several years this water system had not been in use and was in need of repair. A small building, eight feet square and five feet high, was built over the ram for protection from frost and snow. The walls and roof are double with six inches of sawdust for insulation. The ram sits in a con- crete pit three feet below the surface of the ground. A few spots in the pipe line had to be uncovered and repaired. B„ Maintenance and Repair 1. Fence Repair Heavy snow, down timber, and range stock damage the outside fences of the B-C range. Every season several miles of fence must be re- built due to the above causes. The past season over-all fence repair totaled sixteen miles of fence. Four hundred rods of unnecessary fence near headquarters were taken down and the material saved for fence repair where it is needed. 2. Building Maintenance and Repair The foundations were repaired under three of the buildings used by the Department. Concrete and stone was used. The siding on the barn, bunkhouse, and both residences has been renailed ready for painting. Arrange- ments for painting the buildings have been completed for eariy in July. The roofs were repaired and some remodeling done on the sheds used for hay storage. Bins were built for grain storage. 3o Building Removal Building at headquarters that were beyond repair were removed. Material of any use was salvaged and stored. The rest of the buildings were piled and burned. C. Removing Trespass Stock The number of stock drifting onto Department owned range has increased steadily over the past two years. The possibility of free winter range for horses has been the reason behind the increase in horses coming onto the range. Some stock cattle bother in the summer, but they are easily controlled. Herding this trespass stock takes approximately 90 man-days each year. D. Truck Trail Maintenance The major part of the maintenance of the truck trails on the B-C Range is done by the Blackfoot Fire Protective Association, The trails that are used to haul fencing material, and winter wood are important in carrying on winter activitieSo These are maintained on a cooperative basis with the Blackfoot Association, E. Weed Control Noxious weed control has become a major problem on the B-C Range. On the extreme southeast corner of the range an infestation of leafy spurge has gained a foothold on both the agricultural and grassland. To the west of headquarters along the Clearwater River a small area infested with St. Johns- wort or goat weed has been discovered. Control of the laafy spurge started in the summer of 1949. As the area infested was very accessible with machinery, a routine of cultiva- tion was decided upon as a method of control. The area infested with leafy spurge was kept black for the growing season. The following spring the stand of spurge covering the ground was heavier than before the cultivation. Apparently, the root growth was stimulated rather than retarded. In July of 1950, the spurge was sprayed with chemicals. A mix- ture of 2, 4-D and % 4,5, -T mixed with water and fuel oil for a base was sprayed on the spurge just as it came into bloom. From observation this spring, a very definite gain was made toward the eradication of the leafy spurge. The same procedure will be carried out this summero Plans are being completed now to start on the goat waed. F. Baiting and Herding Elk Early in December the crew started moving elk onto winter range. At first, before the snow became too deep, saddle horses were used. Herding the elk horseback worked out very well. Care must be taken to avoid crowding the elk too fast or they will scatter and hide. A gradual disturbance behind the elk will cause them to keep moving. Once on the range, they are content to stay. A feed line had to be started later in the winter. The snow was too deep for saddle horses. The same method of distributing the feed was used as in the winter of 1949-50. The route used this year ran in a north and east direction from the Blackf oot-Clearwater unit for seven miles. Care was taken in establishing this line so that any elk drifting from the high country would hit the feed before breaking into small groups and scattering onto the ranches. -73 From the natural drift and through herding, approximately 715 elk were wintered on the Blackf oot-Clearwater range. G« Range Exchange A large part of the critical whitetailed-deer winter range in the Salmon Lake area was sheep range. This range was in an over-grazed conditio no The Fish and Game Department did not control all of this range. The Fish and Game Department did control range lying west of the Clearwater River on Blanchard Creeko This range is not considered vital game range and is not in an over-grazed condition, A range use exchange viias executed in the summer of 1950o The sheep were moved into the Blanchard Creek area relieving the Salmon Lake hills area of any summer usee This exchange is a very important phase of the range management of the Blackf oot-Clearwater Game Range Unit, Submitted by: Stan Mongrain, Unit Manager Wildlife Restoration Division -74= STATE Mo ntana PROJECT 24-M DATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Water Facilities Maintenance Waterfowl development on 29 reservoirs in eastern Montana was examined. The water levels were found to be high on all but one of these and general conditions were good. Repairs were made on fenced areas. The details on this report were covered in the July-Sep"tember 1950 Quarterly Report, STATE Montana PROJECT 26=M DATE June 30, 1951 ABSTRACT Game Range Development Through Salt Distribution Twenty flights with a total of 33 hours and forty minutes were required to place 59,000 pounds of salt in wilderness areas. Phosphate salt was included in areas which were believed deficient in this mineral. Approximately 100,000 pounds of salt were distributed by pack-string in areas not covered by the aerial programo The details on this were covered in our July-September 1950 Quarterly Report o STATE Montana PROJECT 41-R DATE June 30, 1951 FINAL REPORT HUNTER HARVEST DETERMINATION ABSTRACT Checking stations at twenty key areas collected data on 4,297 elk, 970 white-tailed deer, and 2,851 mule deero A questionnaire was sent to a 10^ sample of Montana hunters and the following information obtained: Total Kill of Big Game Animals -1950- Elk 11,323 Mule Deer......... 29,592 White-tailed deer 8,683 Antelope..... 7,668 Fifty-six percent of Montana hunters succeeded in taking at least one big game animal. STATE Mo ntana PRO JECT DATE 41 -R June 30, 1951 FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR SURVEYS ft INVESTIGATIONS As Required by FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1« Title of Project; Hunter Harvest Determination INTRDUUCTION A most necessary part of any wildlife research project is the determination of species harvest. Whether it be creel census, a fisheries problem, a big game checking station, or a wildlife project, it is essential to know how much game was taken as well as the species, sex and age classifi- cation. Without this data, the wildlife researcher is working with only one side of the management problem. In an effort to determine the viewpoint of other states on this matter, a questionnaire was sent to all other game departments. It was found that nearly 90^ of all states used checking stations in their program of game management and research. Nafiopal Checking Station Data Species Examined Big Game 97% Waterfowl 59% Upland Game 60^ Small Game Chief Objective Collection of Biological Material Collection of Research Data Collection of Management Data Law Enforcement Not Specified 3% 29% 34^ 9% 2 5% Financed By P-R 22% State 36% Both 4git Status Voluntary Required Both 35% 29% 36% Percen'tage of Range Sampl ed H 11 22 22 22 Specified 7 -75- lOOl 90-1I 50-7 25 5-25 1-5^ Not PROJECT PHASES; Work on this project was divided into two sections. First was the checking station program with the objective of sampling accurately the most critical game areas. The second phase was by random questionnaire to determine the big game kill for the entire stateo BIG GAME QUESTIONNAIRE; Post card questionnaires, similar to ths following sample, were sent to every tenth license holder. These names were selected from the license book stubs or files in the offices of the Fish and "^ame department. Returns of 60^ were received and analyzed. As a test of validity, the antelope kill, which was determined from a 76^ return of another questionnaire, was projectedo HUNTER REPORT OF BIG GAME KILL - 1950 SEASON I killed the following big ■game animals; (Please check proper spaces) Species Male Female Young County of Kill Mule Deer White-tailed Deer Elk Moose Antelope Bear I hunted big game but was not successful,-— I did not hunt big game, MONTANA HUNTER SUCCESS BY QUESTIONNAIRE BIG GAME HUNTING SEASON -1950- Hunter Success Hun-fcers Per Cent Unsuccessful T7,738 43,46^ Successful 49,094 56,54^ Total Hunters 86,832 100, % Big Game Killed Species Game Killed Per cent of Total Kill Mule Deer 29,592 51. ( White-tailed Deer 8,683 15.00^ Elk 11,323 19. 25^ Antelope 7,668 13.20^ Bear 912 1.555^ Total Big Game Kill 58,817 100. % Hunter Success for each Species of Big Game Total Hunters Game Killed Hunter Percentage 86,832 Mule Deer - 29,592 ~ 34.08^ ~ 86,832 White-tailed Deer - 8,683 10,00% 86,832 Elk - 11,323 13.04% 86,832 Bear - 9^2 1,05% Of the 86,832 hunters, 12,825 or 14,8% were successful in killing two or more big game animals. Antelope on Permit System Total Hunters Antelope Killed 8,335 - 100 % 7,668 = 92.06 % (Compilation by James McLuca .77- SPECIAL DEER SEASONS -1950- Area Type of S 9a. SO n Propo sec Take 1 Kill 1 h Card lie ij un 1 Hunt a* \ i'i r\ o Da r cj Adult Bucks Year- ling Bucks Does Male Deer Fawns Fe- male Fawns Total Bigho la Either Sex 300 Oct. 15- Nov, 11 2B9 175 45 44 553 None Used Madison Either Sex 250 Oct. 15- No V . 15 113 18 107 57 38 333 None Used - — — — Ruby Either Sex 500 Oct. 15- Nov. 15 190 39 205 58 74 566 None Used Nye Either Sex Oct. 15- Oct. 17 80 17 157 25 120 399 None Used — — — Fisher- Wolf Creek Either Sex 500 Oct, 15- Nov, 15 132 363 79 96 670 None Uaa d ^ Thompson River Either Sex 150 Oct. 15- Oct. 21 25 100 23 23 171 None Used Ashland A & B Permits Antlerless 300 2 69 sold Oct. 21- Nov. 19 None Used Glendive Permits Either sex 60 Oct. 28- Nov. 26 None Used McKay Rancb Permits Antlerless 300 Nov. 15= Dec. 31 262 15 8 285 56^ — 95% American Fork Permits Antlerless 100 Nov. 18- Nov. 25 96 4 100 54% 100% Big Elk Creek Permits Antlerless 50 Nov. 18- Nov, 26 45 2 3 50 56% 100% Benton Bulch Permits Antlerless 30 Nov. IB- Dec , 5 None Used Newland Creek Permits Antlerless 100 Nov. IB- Dec. 5 None Used _ — - — Elk Creek Permits Either Sex 150 Dec, 2- Dec. 31 45 92 7 144 52% 96% Dearborn Middle Fork Permits Either Sex 250 Dec. 2- Dec. 31 71 160 7 238 53% 95% Dearborrj South Fork Permits Either Sex 100 Dec, 2- Dec. 31 28 64 3 95 None Used 95% Mill Creek (Strom) I'ermits Antlerles s 30 Dec, 16- JJG C o O 1 20 20 I d/. Joe Nelson Ranch Permits Either Sex 50 Dec. 16- Dec. 31 None Used Hyalite Canyon Permits j Antlerless | 30 Dec. 19- Dec, 31 None Used TABLE I. Montana Hunting and Fishing License Sales 1939 through 1950 LICENSE 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 Res Bird & Fish 92 645 93 876 98 554 99 406 99 669 1 m Q41 R R Rip (ramfi 39 201 38 943 46 , 487 47 , 889 46 89? T: U , O O O Rnq Snn i""l"'^TnfiTi x\.olj« ^ Ljyj i. u tj 111 o 1 X 152 115 76 X u o ^ J o W XI X \.C30« X XOXXXil^ 1 273 1,475 1 49? 1 340 1 41 Q ± , O O (C Tmir*"! 9 net -i-WL4,X J.O U X .LiDXX-LXlpC, 5 ,534 6,534 7 ,184 5 351 X J U ij 8 8 100/„ - 100^ - - 100^ 100^ AREA #17 92 0 92 - - 92 92 100^ - 100^ - - 100^ 100% AREA #18 95 12 107 - 6 89 95 88.88^ 11.12^ 100^ - 6.25^ 93.75^ 100^ AREA #19 39 15 54 - 16 23 39 71.43^ 28.57^ 100^ - 40.00^ 60.00^^ 100^ AREA #20 84 17 101 - 17 67 84 83.33^ 16.67^ 100^ - 20.00^ 80.00^ 100^ ARIA #21 164 - 164 13 37 114 164 100^ - 100f„ 7.69/o 23.08^ 69.23^ 100^ AREA #22 406 47 452 24 123 258 405 89.6i;C 10.395^ 100^ 5.80^ 30.43^ 63.77^ 100^ AREA #23 38 11 49 - 5 33 38 77.78/„ 22.22/0 100/ - 14.29/ 85.71/ 100% AREA #24 115 36 151 5 26 84 115 75.86/ 24.14/ 100/ 4.54/ 22.73/ 72.73/ 100/ ANTELOPE SUCCESS AND RATIO BY AREAS (Continued) Successful Unsuccessful Total Total Hunters Hunters Hunters Fawns Does Bucks Antelope AREA #25 294 7 301 20 78 196 294 97.83^, 2.17^ 100^ 6.66^ 26.67^ 66. 67/. 100% 7668 661 8329 345 2405 4918 7668 92.06^ 7.94/„ 100^ 4.50^ 31.36^ 64.14f, 100^ Either Sex Area— 61.85^ -'82- • CHECKING STATIONS; Twenty full-time checking stations were operated in big game areas where critical investigation work is underway. Standardized data cards were filled out for each animal examined. Biological material such as jaws and reproductive tracts were collected at several stations. This material served a two-fold purpose. One of estab- lishing technique for ageing mule deer and elk and to compare development and wear of white-tailed deer jaws with those from New York where the technique was developed. The primary objective was to ascertain age composition of important big game herds as a guide to similar management recommendations. Approximately 400 elk jaws and 200 reproductive tracts were collected from all sources in the Yellowstone Drainage. This material will form the basis for developing ageing techniques for this species. In Lincoln County, 145 jaws were collected from white-tailed deer and about 100 were collected in the Thompson River. Other collections were smaller in number and a greater emphasis will be needed to build up the necessary data in forthcoming hunting seasons, SUMMARY OF ALL CHECKING STATIONS Area Total Elk Total White-tailed Deer Total Mule Deer Fisher-Wolf Creek 478 101 Thompson River 214 5 Cherry Creek F50 16 32 South Fork Flathead 218 5 8 Swan 43 22 3 Blackf oot 207 230 138 Sun River-Dearborn 681 3 369 Big Hole-Wise River 97 0 552 Gallatin 744 1 131 Yellowstone 1070 0 Judith River 60 0 253 Ruby 47 6 1 566 Blacktail 491 0 61 Ennis 140 0 333 Nye 299 TOTAL 4277 970 2851 -83- FINAL REPORT of Cherry Creek Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Thomas Schurr V. C, McLeary Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 50 50 Mule deer 32 32 White-tailed deer 15 16 Black bear 3 2 5 Number of hunters checked - 1,564 Number of hunters estimated - 1,780 Percentage of successful hunters - 6^ -84- FINAL REPORT of Bend Ranger Station #2 Checking Station for 1950 Personnel; Emery G. Barnhill Dates of Season; Either sex - October 15 to October 21, Bucks - October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Mule deer 3 1 4 White-tailed deer 23 48 16 10 97 Number of hunters checked - 520 Number of hunters estimated - — - Percentage of successful hunters - 18% -85- 1 FINAL REPORT of Little Thompson River Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Lloyd McDowell Merle Rognrud John Vance Dates of Season: Either sex - October 15 to October 21 Bucks - October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 1 1 Mule deer 1 12 White-tailed deer 35 49 10 13 107 Black bear 2 1 3 Number of hunters checked - 784 Percentage of successful hunters - lb% -86^ FINAL REPORT of Swan Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: James McLucas Dates of Season; October 15 to November 15. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 14 18 6 5 43 Mule deer 12 3 White-tailed deer 9 13 22 Black bear 2 ' 2 Grizzly bear 1 1 Number of hunters checked - 1,569 Percentage of successful hunters - 2,1% -87- i FINAL REPORT of Bonner Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: E. M. Kro st F. A. Gummer Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAMl KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 61 75 34 37 207 Mule deer 138 138 White-tailed deer 230 230 Black bear 6 6 Number of hunters checked - 2,612 Number of hunters estimated - 5,031 -88- FINAL REPORT of Sun River Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Dates of Season: Floyd Frisbee Wayne Burke Deer - October 15 to November 15, Elk = October 15 to December 10, Species Elk Mule deer White-tailed deer Black bear Grizzly bear TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total 116 183 15 50 364 149 149 3 3 3 1 4 1 1 Number of hunters checked - 2,091 Number of hunters estimated - 2,111 Percentage of successful hunters - 24.1/i -89- FINAL REPORT of Benchmark & Willow Creek Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: John P. McGuire EugSne C. Hedfern Dates of Season: October 15 to December 10. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 94 103 63 35 295 Mule deer 45 59 104 Black bear 2 3 5 Number of hunters checked - 3,013 Number of hunters estimated - 3,038 Percentage of successful hunters - 13% -90- ! i FINAL REPORT of N. F. Dearborn Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Joe W. Kottke J. B. Angstman Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spike Elk 4 9 4 1 4 Mule deer 41 75 Total 22 Elk; 116 Mule deer. Number of hunters checked - 939 Number of hunters estimated - 939 Percentage of successful hunters - 165^ -91- J FINAL REPORT of Squaw Creek Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Ed Roby A. R. Brazda Paul Sadler M. Wayne Fitzwater Gaylord Anderson Norman N. Wortman Robert L. Eng Dates of Season: October 15 to November 26. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spikes Elk 212 259 53 80 97 Mule deer 67 3 30 8 Black bear 3 1 Mo 0 s 6 13 Total: Elk 701; Mule deer 108; Black bear 4; Moose 13. Number of hunters checked - 6,421 Percentage of successful hunters - 12.3^ -92- FINAL REPORT of Grayling Creek Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: C. M. Anderson Homer Brent Dates of Season: October 15 to November 26. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 10 16 13 4 43 Mule deer 15 5 3 23 White-tailed deer 1 1 Antelope 6 3 1 1 11 Number of hunters checked - 672 Percentage of successful hunters - 8,77^ -93" FINAL REPORT of Corwin Springs Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: John P. Waynard W. B. Harrell Dates of Season: *November 16, 1950 February 1, 1951 HDate checking station was in operatioji. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spikes Elk 258 605 46 50 111 Total Elk - 1,070 Number of hunters checked - 6,529 -94- FINAL REPORT of Utica Checking Station for 1950 Personnels Harold D. Williams W. L. Peters Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 50 8 1 1 60 Mule deer 253 253 Black bear 2 1 14 Number of hunters checked - 1,836 Number of hunters estimated - 2,295 Percentage of successful hunters - 7.09^ -95- FINAL REPORT of Blacktail Checking Stations Including Sage Creek, Clover Creek, Clarks Canyon, Blacktail Road, and Flynn Lane for 1950 Personnel: Schroeder, Knight, Arbor, Forsyth, & Nelson Dates of Season: October 15 to October 17. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Total Elk 118 205 99 69 491 Mule deer 47 2 11 1 61 Number of hunters checked = 535 Number of hunters estimated - 1,250 Percentage of successful hunters - 42.8^ -96- 1 FINAL REPORT of Ennis Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: T. E. Bennetts Joe Waggonner W. R. Kohls Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spike Elk 46 56 12 18 8 Mule deer 113 107 57 38 18 Black bear 1 Mo 0 s e 1 Total - Elk 140; Mule deer 333; Black bear 1; Moose 1. Number of hunters checked - 439 -97- 4 4 FINAL REPORT of Ruby Checking Station for 1950 Perso nnel ; W. B. Harrell Paul Sadler Dates of Season: October 15 to November 15, Species Elk Mule deer White-tailed deer Black bear Moo se TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spikes 38 140 190 1 3 219 205 1 1 32 58 47 74 39 Total - Elk;476; Mule deer 566; Black bear 3; Moose 3; White-tailed deer 1, Number of hunters checked - 1,778 -98- FINAL REPORT of Nye Checking Station for 1950 ' Personnel: Henry Bedford H, C. Sailor Dates of Season; October 15 to October 17. TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Species Adult male Adult female Young male Young female Spikes Mule deer 80 157 25 120 17 Total - Mule deer 397. Number of hunters checked 399 t -99- mi FINAL REPORT of Hungry Horse Checking Station for 1950 Personnel: Vandall B. Snyder J. S, Ramsey Dates of Seasons: Antlered Bulls - September 15-September 30 Either Sex - October 1-October 15 TOTAL GAME KILL - 1950 Antl ered Bulls Bulls Cows Calves Total Mule Deer W.T.deer B.Bear Grizzly Goat Antlered Bulls 14 14 2 5 Either Sex 105 77 22 204 8 5 8 2 Number of hunters checked - 1,033 Number of hunters estimated - 2,000 Percentage of successful hunters - 12.25^ -100- .t4