ONTAN A Fish and Game Commission QUARTERLY REPORT \ JANUARY - MARCH, 19 51 PITTMAN-ROBERTSON FEDERAL AID PROJECT Montana State Library 3 0864 1006 6676 0 MONTANA STATr^ftTVffSlllr LiBRARY UfilVERSlTY of MONTANA 7f f Helena, Montana April 15, 19 51 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 January, February, and March, 1950. Submitted by: Robert F, Cooney, Director Wildlife Restoration Division Approved by: R. H. LAMBETH State Fish and Game Warden QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT For The WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION STATE OF MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Chairman =■ Elmer Johnson, Glasgow Wmo Carpenter, Butte VJalter Banka^ Conrad Edward M, 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 Directorj Wildlife Restoration Division = W„ Ko Thompson Volume 11 Number 1 January, February and March, 1951 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/quarterlyreport1951mont_0 WILDLIFE RESTORATION DIVISION PERSONNEL ■■ ' Staff and Pro j ec t Leaders Robert F. Cooney .................... Director W. K. Thompson . . . . « « . « . o . « » o . , Assistant ' Director Faye M. Couey. » . o . . « . . » . » Big Game and Lands Biologist Wm, R. Bergeson, o . . . .•■ • • « Upland Game Bird Biologist Wynn G. Freeman. „ „„,»..,, o . .Waterfowl Biologist Upland Game Pro j ect Personnel Robert J. Greene .,,.00.0. .Assistant Game Bird Biologist Fred L, Hartkorn . ..o .0 ......,.<, . .Field Biologist Big Game Pro 3 ect Personnel Lloyd McDowell. ..... o..... . «Unit Biologist J. E. Gaab , ... ....... . .Unit Biologist Jack Schmautz ,,,,,.„,....„.,.. . .Unit Biologist Ade Zajanc, ....,.,......„ .... . .Unit Biologist Range Project Personnel Vernon Sylvester ... , Assistant Range Technician Development and Maintenance Personnel Bruce Neal , .... ...... ..... .... . Unit Manager Robert Neal. .............. , Assistant Unit Manager Stanley Mongrain .....,..,„„....„.. Unit Manager Jack Ray .............. . Assistant Unit Manager Jack Owens ...... o.. ....... . Senior Field Foreman James McLucas. ,......„„.,..„,.„,... Fieldman Multilith and Pho to graphic Personnel H, J. LaCasse Graphic Arts Technician Edward Blaskovich Assistant Graphic Arts Technician Shop and Warehouse Personnel Rex Smart .' .Shop Foreman Fd Ludtke Assistant Shop Foreman Frank Lancaster Warehouse Foreman Stenographic and Boo kkeeping Personnel Margaret Dixon Huth Bookkeeper Colleen Wallace Stenographer TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 36^R Lincoln County Deer Management Unit Kootenai Unit. The 1950 Big Game Season in Fisher-Wolf Creek Area, » , o o o . o » „ « « « oJack Schmautz and Ade Zajanc 1 1-R Wildlife Surveys and Investigations Western Montana Big Game Investigations and Rechecks. , o . . « « . . Lloyd McDowell and Vern Sylvester 18 Bitterroot Unitt Big Game Survey ..... o «. o ...« . .W. K. Thompson 24 Aerial Survey - Sun River , .o. ,<....<.. . Robert Cooney 26 Aerial Elk Range Survey, Hound Creek-Elk Horn. . o . o .„...». o . Robert Cooney 28 Big Belt-Boulder Unit; Dry Creek Elk Census, .„o ...... , Faye M, Couey 29 Crow Creek Elk Census ... . Faye M. Couey 30 Bull Mountains Elk Census „...,..... Faye M. Couey 32 Aerial Elk Survey, Canyon Creek - Lincoln- Dearborn. ...,...,„.,,.. o . . W. K. Thompson 34 Little Belt Unit Winter Range Elk Count and Range Investigation of the Little Belt Mountains. ....... .Donald Johnson 36 Yellowstone Unit: Pine Ridge Winter Elk Aerial Recheck. . . . .Donald Johnson 39 Big Belt-Boulder Unit? Limestone Hills Deer Count. ......... Faye M, Couey 41 Missouri Breaks Unit^ Billy Creek Mountain Sheep Recheck. , » . . .Donald Johnson 43 35-R Surveys and Investigations - Big Game (Southwestern Montana) Blacktail Aerial Elk Census and Gravelly-Snowcrest Mountains Elk Herd Relationship ........... J. E, Gaab 46 East Side Madison River Aerial Elk Census ..... .J. E. Gaab 49 35-R Surveys and Investigations - Big Game (Continued) Page First Fleecer Mountain - High Rye Aerial ELK Census. .J. E. Gaab 51 Second Fleecer Mountain - High Rye Aerial Elk .J. E. Gaab 53 Upper Big Hole River Aerial Elk Census o J • E. Gaab 55 Ruby River Aerial Elk Census. • J « E. Gaab 57 Big Hole River Aerial Moose Census . . o J • E. Gaab 59 Scudder Creek Mule Deer Range Investigation . . , . • Jo E. Gaab 61 E. Gaab 63 Ruby River Mule Deer Investigation, . . . . o . . . • Jo E, Gaab 64 38- R Upland Game Bird Survey and Investigation Survival of Game Farm Pheasants Released in the Bitterroot Valley « ........ .Fred L. Hartkorn 67 1950 Pheasant Harvest Findings. . . . . . , . .Fred L. Hartkorn 72 39- R Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations The 1950 Waterfowl Harvest in Montana , , , . . Wynn G. Freeman 78 Winter Banding and Experimental Marking of Water- fowl for Field Identification .......... Richard Smith 95 5-D General Wildlife Restocking Project Antelope Transplanting ~ 1951 .... James McLucas 105 27 -D Game Range Development Sun River Game Range Development. Bob Neal 111 33-D Blackf 00 t-Clearwater Game Range Unit ... Stan Mongrain 112 STATE Montana PROJECT 36~R DATE April 15, 1951 ABSTRACT Lincoln County Deer Management Study 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 exclused. 6. There were more 4i-, 5i or 6^-year old deer killed than in the 2^ or 3i 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. STATE Montana PROJECT 3 6-R DATE April 15, 1950 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR ... • ^ . SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project - Lincoln County Deer Study ■ •■ / 2. Project Personnel- Jack E. Schmautz, Unit Biologist, Wildlife Restoration Division . ,■ Ade Zajanc, Asst. Unit Biologist, Wildlife Restoration Division 3. Report of Progress: ; The 1950 Big Game Season in Fisher-Wolf Creek Area Buck hunting in Lincoln County extended from October 15 to November 15, inclusive, a total of 32 days. A special antlerless deer season was enacted in the lower Fisher-Wolf Creek area, and ran concurrently with the regular season. The 1950 season was the second consecutive antlerless season held in this area. PURPOSE: Past surveys and studies within the Fisher River area have shown that the winter range has been severely over-utilized by deer. As a result of these studies, the Montana Fish and Game Commission authorized the removal of 500 antlerless deer, both white-tailed and mule deer, from this area. These deer were to be removed by hunters during the regular buck season. However, if the antlerless kill appeared to run over the 500 mark, it was emphasized that the area could be closed within a three-day period. This was not necessary, how- ever, because the hunting pressure was not great enough to exceed the proposed take , This report summarizes the results of the special season and the regular buck season in the Fisher-Wolf Creek area. -1- 1 PROCEDURE: Checking Stations Location? Three checking stations were strategically located in the Fisher River area "to intercept all traveled roads going into the special hunting area, '■ ■ ' Per so nnel t The permanent men engaged to operate the checking stations were part-time Forest Service employees, A number of Wildlife students came up from the University at Missoula to help out with the Island Lake checking station. It is felt that the excellent coop- eration received from the sportsmen this year was directly due to the courtesy of the checkers^ The students were very helpful in that they could discuss and explain many of the questions asked ' by the sportsmen. Thus they were instrumental in creating a great deal more interest in our program, and were able to show the sports- men how the slight delay to which the hunters were subjected at the checking station while the checkers gathered statistics would eventually aid the department in gaining facts to properly manage the deer herd in this areao The names of the personnel and sta- tions they operated are listed in Table I, Table I, Station Waylett Checkers Meritt Waters Everett Noel Lo cation NWi, NEi Sec. 26, T 27N, R SOW Island Lake Lee Tom Bleson SWi, SWi, Sec. 31, T 29N, R 36W Wm, Baber (Dan Poole, John McDougal, D, H. Tyler, George Devan, R. L, Carter, Melvin Feinblum, Roger Hungerford, Dwight Stocketad, John Gaffnev, STUDENTS) Brush Creek Wm. Meany, Jr. NW4, NWi, Sec. 34, T 31N, R 26W Measurements : All information regarding the hunters and their kills were re- ported on standard Fish and Game Department checking station cards. Data concerning the kills included species, sex, diame- ter of antler one inch above the burr, weight, length of hind foot, and lower jaws were collected for aging purposes. In addition, the reproductive organs were collected from females -2- whenever possible. Information dealing with the hunter included his name, address, license number, cost of trip and calibre of gun used . ■ ■ Hunter Haps and Instructions: " \ : ■ A map showing the area boundaries, with a write-up, giving the reasons for the antlerless season and including pictures of the location of female reproductive organs in a deer as it appeared to a hunter when dressing the animal, were given to the hunter as he entered the area. These maps and instructions were well received by the hunters and proved to be an excellent public relation effort as well as a help in the collection of data, mainly the reproduction organs. However, this material was not received until after the first week of the season had expired, resulting in a loss of considerable valuable data. - Location of Kill: - - - ■ • As each hunting party checked out, they were asked to locate their kill on a map furnished each checking station. Checking Card Analysis: , .-■ After the season ended, data from the checking station cards were class- ified and analyzed to obtain the information presented in this report. Description of the Area: .„. The area opened to the hunting of antlerless deer included all of the lower Fisher River and its tributaries north of S. Highway No. 2, an area of approximately 232,000 acres. With the exception of a few scattered homesteads, title to the land is held by the Anaconda Copper Mining CoraDany, the J, Neils Lumber Company, Northern Pacific Railroad, State of Montana and the Kootenai National Forest. Vegetation cover varies with the site. Ponderosa pine dominates south slopes with Douglas fir and larch being dominant species on the north slopes. The lower flats and the benches with north exposures are covered with "doghair" stands of lodgepole pine, interspersed with thickets of Douglas fir. The overstory is generally Ponderosa pine and larch. Browse conditions are good to excellent on summer range and poor to very poor on the winter range. Weather Conditions: As a whole, the season was unfavorable for hunting because of mild weather. The rainfall was far above average for that period. Out of the 32 days hunting season, there were 17 days of measurable rainfall and 3 days of trace. On November 1 there was a general snowfall of approximately 3 inches, which probably had no great effect on forcing the deer from their summer range. -3- Results of the Hunting Season: _ ^ r,-? - Two thousand nine hundred and forty-two hunters bagged 579 deer, 5 black bear and 7 bull elk, which represents a hunter success of 19.6 per cent. Most of the deer killed were checked through the Island Lake checking station, followed by Waylett checking- station, ' and Brush Creek check- ing station had the least number o f deer checked. As can be seen in Table II, 324 or 57 per cent of the deer checked out came through the ■ Island Lake checking station. There were 19.6 per cent of the hunters and 22 per cent of the total deer checked through this station during the first week of the season. Table II. Deer killed in Fisher-Wolf Creek Area - 1950 hunting season. White-Tailed Mule Deer % of ^"of Buck Does Fawns Buck Does Fawns Total No. Hunter Station Buck Doe Buck Doe Total Kill Hunters Success Brush Creek 0 26 4 6 1 2 1 1 41 7 ,1 319 12.8 Waylett 30 75 29 27 21 24 6 2 ■ 214 35 .9 1064 20.1 Island Lake 58 121 46 56 20 17 3 3 324 57 .0 1559 26.3 Total 88 222 79 89 42 43 10 6 - 579 100 2942 19.6 % of Kill 15.2 38.3 13,6 15,3 7.2 7.6 1,7 1.0 100 White-tailed deer formed the largest part (82.4 per cent) of the deer harvest in the area, (Table II,) Generally, the mule deer range higher and farther from the roads and are therefore less apt to be seen by the average hunter. It should be nointed out that legal bucks composed 22,4 per cent of the kill and if buck fawns were included, the bucks composed 37.7 per cent of the total kill. Age Composition: Jaws of 25 per cent of the deer killed were collected and later aged according to the Severinghouse method. It was found that the composi- tion of the deer killed ranged from \ year old animals (fawns) to 104 years. (See Figure III.) One of the most important factors revealed in the age analysis was the number of older deer that are surviving. If the fawns are disregarded, we find that almost 60 per cent of the deer killed were 4-^ years or older. The 2\ and 3^ year age groups are at a minority when compared to the 4^, 5-^ or 6i age classes. These facts seem to indicate that the mortality rate of the 2\ and 3-^ age groups was greater than the other groups mentioned. This survival of older deer appears to indicate that in the Wolf Creek- Fisher River herd, the annual increment is not being properly harvested. It is quite probable that starvation and predation may be the factors that are more apt to control the herd rather than the hunter harvest. -4- Figure I. DAILY TEMPERATURES DURING 1950 HUNTING SEASON LINCOLN COUNTY 1,1 1,1 I I I T7 16 1 T9""' 21 1 20 22 24 October I A I I I I -t J I I I I I I ,1 I 26 28 30 31 5 7 9 November 10 12 1- 11 13 15 5- ! s .8( .70 .60 50' m O.40' o .30- .20 ,10 — A'W 'I's'n' 'J '2I '2^^' I ' I 'e' 'ii iiA 'i^ '1'; T 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 October 5 7 9 11 13 15 No vember Figure II. DAILY PRECIPITATION DURING 1950 HUNTING SEASON, LINCOLN COUNTY. -6 ? '-^ r- Auproximat ely the same aerial procedure was used in the Swan as was used in the Blackf oo t-Clearwater area. The white-tailed deer strip set UD in 1943 were again repeated. Findings : On the following page is Table 2 showing the results of the aerial ;.v elk count. , The results of the intensive strip census and winter study of the White-tailed deer showed that the herd is in a static condition. Eighteen strips were walked covering 1,500 acres of winter range. On the 1,500 acres 111 deer were counted. This resulted in one deer for every 13.51 acres on a range of 91,600 acres which was determined by outlining the winter range from the air. The computed total count in the Upper Swan Drainage was 6,785 white-tailed deer. Personnels Lloyd McDowell ■V :.j . . :•. Vern Sylvester i; :' Fred Hartkorn i: ; Don Johnson ..-:{■ '.: ■ Faye Couey ■- ; . -19- Table 2. Swan aerial elk count - January 23, and 24, 1951, Cows & Total Plus Area Bulls Calves Total Estimate Estimate Rumble Creek Spook Ridge Beaver Divide Fry Place Barber Creek (3 mule deer bucks) Clearwater Lake Elbow Lookout Head Elbow Lake Glacier Creek .„,.,. Hole-in-Wall Elk Creek Alder Creek Lion Creek (2 goats) Napa South Lost Creek Bond Creek (6 goats) Bond Creek - North to Echo Lake area--not counted due to bad weather. Totals 15 47 62 13 75 1 16 9 25 1 10 11 4 15 1 14 15 10 25 10 : 10 3 4 7 ■ 10 . 16 16 4 20 1 12 13 7 20 ...J ■ 2 . 3 5 5 5 10 15 2 4 6 9 15 5 45 50 10 60 5 36 41 19 60 45 56 101 49 150 3 24 27 23 50 8 8 7 15 n * 150 150 380 720 THOMPSON FALLS AREA Date? February 14 - 17, 1951 Personnel: Lloyd McDowell Robert Greene Vern Sylvester Faye Couey Fred Hartkorn Ken Thompson Wm. Bergeson Lon Cheney Wynn Freeman Paul Choquette - Pilot Pro cedure : The procedure here was also similar to that used in the Blackfoot- Clearwater and Swan Valley. As the aerial count was made, personnel on foot and in jeeps did reconnaissance work. White-tailed deer census strips set up in 1948 were again repeated. Findings? The results of the aerial count are summarized in Table 3. The intensive strip count made on the Thompson River area resulted in the coverage of 4,360 acres on which 277 deer were actually counted. This gave us 16,7 acres per deer on the winter range; however, the past winter was so mild and the extent of the range so large that practical -20- conclusions to the total number of white-tailed deer in the area were not feasible. Table 3, Cherry Creek aerial census of elk, February 14, 1951. . Cows & Total Plus Area Bulls Calves ' Total Estimate Estimate Cherry Creek and Dry Creek 69 253 322 78 400 Surrounding Area to West 17 73 90 50 140 Swamp Creek area 75 75 Totals 412 203 615 SOUTH FORK OF THE FLATHEAD Date? February 27 to March 13, 1951 Personnel Lloyd McDowell ¥ern Sylvester Fred Hartkorn Wynn Freeman Robert Greene Frank Gummer Ken Thompson Ade Zajanc Jack Schmautz Ray Austin Paul Choquette Pilots Procedure: A follow-up of the winter work of 1948-49 was thought possible by the use of 8 men and two airplanes over a period of 10 to 14 days. Two men were ferried to each major station with a Stinson Voyager and left to cover the area around the station as they saw fit by a prelim- inary flight over the region. A 105 Super Cub plane was used entirely to do the census work. Both planes were equipped with skis and operated from snow-covered air strips in the Primitive Area. Findings t The findings of the aerial count are summarized in Tables 4 and 5. ■ ■ ■ --• ■ ' 5 •- From the reports of ground personnel, it was found that there were 30 to 40 inches of snow in the Basin Creek-Danaher area, an all-time record. The forage in this area was in a deplorable condition and the number of elk, especially calves, was very low when compared to other years . Although the total count for the South Fork of the Flathead elk range was higher than in 1948, the unper portion of the drainage had approximately 300 less elk. The large count in the Spotted Bear area more than made up the difference. = 21- Table 4. Big Prairie aerial census. March 1951. *: Siib-unit Total Danaher 58 Basin Creek 46 Hahn Creek 174 frnyflnn Crflfllf Big Prairie 163 White River loft Holbrook 125 Big Salmon oO Little Salmon 14 Total 767 Table 5 SDotted Bear nT*flfl1c aeTTfll r.firiRiiR March 1951 Sub-unit Total Black Bear 75 Meadow Creek 54 ■ ' '■ Gorge 99 Limestone ) Spotted Bear ) 8 61 Elk Park ) Elk Park to Hun^ ^ry Horse Dam 182 Total 1,271 Comparison of Counts 1951 1949 Spotted Bear 1271 725 Big Prairie 767 1030 Total 2038 1755 Over-all gain 283 Even with the reduced number of elk in the upper area, there is a serious lack of winter forage for the elk now wintering there. Future management should tend to reduce the numbers by added hunting pressure which may help force a migration to the Sun River or Blackfoot Game Ranges . -22- AERIAL MOUNTAIN SHEEP CENSUS Rock Creek Area Mature Rams 8 Small rams, ewes, lambs 21 Total 29 Wildhorse Island Mature Rams 7 Small rams, ewes, lambs 23 Total ■30 RECOMMENDATIONS: Blackf 0 0 t-Clearwater , A ^ a. Regular elk season b. Doe season on deer north of Seeley Lake 2. 3. 4. a. Regular elk season. Extend bull season if kill is low. b. Take 1,000 deer of either sex, starting October 15, 1951, Have checking station north of Seeley Lake and near Swan Lake. Cherry Creek a. October 15 to November 15 season on antlered elk. b. Harvest 300 doe deer in Thompson River Drainage. (Have entire drainage open) South Fork of Flathead a. Elk season September 15 to November 15 on either sex in upper area. b. Buck deer season to conform with above (September 15 to November Submitted by: Lloyd McDowell, Big Game Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division Vern Sylvester, Range Technician Wildlife Restoration Division -23- BIG GAME SURVEY - BITTERROOT UNIT DATES January 26, 27, 28, 29, 1951 PERSONNEI.: Lloyd McDowell Vern Sylvester Don E. Johnson L. E. Brown Clyde Howard" ■ M.J. Watt Wm. Ammerman W. K. Thompson INTRODUCTION? Original work plan for big game census in the Bitterroot Valley called for coordinated survey work with air and ground crews» However, due to high winds and fog it was necessary to delay the aerial work. Thus the ground crews had completed coverage before the work by air had commenced. It was found consistently that air census was far superior to ground census. However, it cannot completely supplement ground work as details of forage use, winter conditions and sex ratios must be determined by the crews working on the range. Table 1. Big game census (ground coverage) - East Fork, Bitterroot Unito Drainage Deer Elk Elk Estimated Tolan - Mink Creek 8 Camp Creek - Tolan 1 Cameron Creek Shirley Mountain 6 Shirlev Mtn. & Cameron Cr. 27 6 4 51 31 50 35 15 75 50 Total East Fork 119 225 Classified elk = 1 cow ; .85 calves and 12/{ bulls. -24- Table 2, Aerial big game' census'' -'.Silterroot Area (East Side). Drainage Deer Elk Girds Cr. to Willow Cr. 84 Skalkaho Ridge 109 Willow Creek to Burnt Fork 37 Burnt Fork to Eight Mile 19 Sleeping Child to Harlan Gulch 150 Rye Creek 63 58 French Basin to Bunch Gulch 27 126 Tolan Creek to Springer 8 Tolan Creek to Camp Creek 24 72 Bunch Gulch to Tepee Creek 43 17 Sula to Rye Creek (East Side) 249 To tal 556 530 Total estimate for East Side Bitterroot - 750 -25- AERIAL SURVEY - SUN RIVER DATE: February 23rd, 1951 '-- r;. PERSONNEL: ' . o--,:- : . Paul Choquette, Pilot - ■ R. F. Cooney, Observer ■ AIRCRAFT: Cub Cruiser FINDINGS: Departure from the Helena airport was at 9:30 a.m. with bright and clear weather and a temperature of approximately 15°. A new snow had fallen a day before the flight. This made track observations important. We flew over the Dearborn area. The first elk observed on the Sun River Unit were 35 scattered in several bunches on the west slope of Haystack Mountaino There were 55 elk in several small groups between Ford and Smith Creeks. No elk were observed in the vicinity of Willow Creek camp. Thirty- four elk were seen outside of Lime Reef. On the Game Range proper, numerous tracks were noticed in the timber under the Sawtooth Reef, but no elk were seen in this area. A fair number could have been in the deep timber in that area. Forty-nine elk were observed over near the Brusgard cabin on the north side. Fifty-two elk, mostly bulls, were noticed on the rough ridge on the north aide-,f,east of the Brusgard cabin. A very large herd of elk was lying in the northeast corner on the open grassy rolling range. These were loosely distributed in one band. It was possible to only make a rough estimate of numbers; however several pictures were made and from these it was determined that 2,500 elk were in the open range area. Forty-three elk were noticed to the south of this big band on the east side of the range. There were also 19 elk in this same area. Just to the south of these was found another medium-sized band of elk. The number was de- termined from pictures which were taken and added to the main herd count. Snow conditions on the range were not at all adverse for elk grazing. Apparently a strong wind had accompanied the recent snow storm so that the prairie portion of the range was covered by only 2 or 3 inches of light snow. Tracks again indicated that the elk were feeding very widely over the entire prairie portion of the range. It was also very obvious that they were utiliz- ing salt which had been placed out in this area. -26- We then flew up over the Gibson Lake. Thirty-eight elk were noticed in lower Hannan Gulch on the east side^ " Twenty-three were seen in a small group on lower Big George, Thirty head were seen on Scattering Springs, and 2 elk on Sheep Ridge « Due to down-draft conditions, the upper portions of these drainages were not covered thoroughly. However, distant observations did not reveal any numbers of tracks. The North Fork was covered as far up as Cabin Greek, No elk were seen and tracks were very scarce. Snow was quite deep. Elk Hill was covered com- pletely with snow--po ssibly sufficiently deep to obscure all evidence of grass. This condition was true of most of the North Fork area. It is possible that between 25 and 50 elk are using this general vicinity, mostly down along the river. Twenty-seven elk were seen on Pretty Prairie, There was no evidence of elk around the West Fork lick. We did not fly far up the West Fork, however. ••. We saw no evidence of elk below Benchmark on the sidehills or bottoms. Snow appeared to be fairly deep in this area. Approximately 10 head of elk were seen on the sidehills above Wood Lake . Fifty-four elk were seen on Ford Plateau, There was a considerable amount of snow on this range. The elk had been feeding along the upper rim. Slightly over 100 head were noticed on Fairview Plateau. Bob Neal men- tioned that he had herded these over there from Ford Plateau only a day or two before our flight. He counted the group as containing 115 elk. SUMMARY? The majority of the Sun River elk herd is now out on the game range, with only scattered bands in outside areas. Area Elk Seen Haystack Mtn. 35 Ford & Smith Creeks 55 Lime Reef 34 North Brusgard '49 NE Brusgard 52 Game Range 2500 Hanno n 38 Big George 23 ' Scattering Springs 30 Sheep Reef '' , "' 2 North Fork . ' 50 (est. ) Pretty Prairie 27 ■ Wood Lake 10 Fai rvi ew 115 To tal 3,020 -27- AERIAL ELK RANGE SURVEY Hound Creek - Elk Horn DATE: February 23rd, 1951 PERSONNEL: Paul Choquette, Pilot R. F. Cooney, Observer FINDINGS: On the return trip from the Sun River inspection, we flew over Craig and thence in a southeasterly direction toward the head of Elkhorn Creek and Hound Creek. We observed the following groups of elk: 7, 22, 51, 48 and 44, all in the general vicinity of the head of Cottonwood Creek--that is, between the head of Cottonwood and the head of Elkhorn Creeks, A total of 172 elk were seen. No evidence of elk was seen at the head of Hound Creek or Elk Ridge. Submitted by: R. F. Cooney, Director Wildlife Restoration Division -28- BIG BELT - BOULDER UNIT Dry Creek Elk Census DATE? March 20, 1951 ■ ' PERSONNEL r Faye M. Couey Ray Austin, Pilot FI-TRPOS-E? Because this elk herd has not been censused for two years, it was felt by all concerned that a count should be made, PROCEDURE: A flie;ht was made from the Helena airport using the department-owned Piper 105 Cub. The area was reached around 8:30 a.m. at which time most of the elk were bedded down. Conditions were good for observation and by follow- ing tracks the elk were routed to their feet and counted quite accurately. Coverage was made of the area between Six-Mile and the North Fork of Deep Creek excepting some of the rolling hills at the head of Deep Creek where ex- treme turbulence prevented adequate observation. FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: All of the elk seen were found on Dry Creek. They were scattered in small groups throughout the lower drainage as far down as the flat country. Of 102 elk seen there are 22 bulls included. Seventeen of these bulls were adults. This sex ratio indicates that the area could stand a limited bull season without decreasing the herd appreciably. This range is not stocked to capacity and until there are objections the herd should be allowed to increase. There have been some complaints from the Hoppe ranch this winter relative to elk damage. The area was covered and no elk seen. However, the timber is quite thick in this vicinity and a f ew tracks indicated that there is a small herd near here. The one haystack was adequately fenced by camouflage wire netting panels which this department supplied. Submitted by: Faye M. Couey, Big Game & Lands Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -29- BIG BELT - BOULDER UNIT Crow Creek Elk Census DATE: March 20, 1951 ^ - ---f^^- " >■ ^ • i- -a- : PERSONNEL r , . ^ Faye M. Couey ' : : Ray Austin, Pilot PURPOSE; Considerable controversy has existed among ranchers, sportsmen and the Forest Service regarding the number of elk in this area. This information is necessary before recommending a season. PROCEPnRE; The department-owned Piper Cub 105 airplane was used to fly this area. Counting began about 7:30 a.m. and conditions were good for observation. All known elk range was covered thoroughly. FINDINGS: At the head of Dry Creek 2 cow elk were seen, Johnny Gulch was covered completely and no elk were seen, A few old tracks were observed, but no doubt those elk moved north towards Crow Creek. On Crow Creek near Eagle Station were seen the following groups: 7 elk (1 spike) 71 elk 95 elk (5 spike) 6 elk Total 179 2 (Dry Creek) 181 elk in this area CONCLUSIONS: This group of elk has been increasing each year for several years. There has been a short bull season for the past three years with not very large kills. No adult bulls were seen on this flight indicating that there are pro- bably a few scattered in the more remote parts of the area. ^30- This herd is wintering entirely on the national forest and no evidence of excessive competition with domestic livestock has reached this office. Because so few bulls were seen on this census, no bull season is re- commended. If the herd is reduced, it should be done using special permits. It is felt that this herd is under its carrying capacity and, until evidence of excessive range use is found, it should be allowed to increase. Submitted by: Faye M. Couey, Big Game & Lands Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division ''•I -31- BIG BELT - BOULDER UNIT Bull Mountains Elk Census DATE: ■ . ,: v-r ^^^or./xr^.r''; --v:: 'J tnm ^ R&d A^-rr^^ -^.r.'; hr^^: .^- ^-Wi^^^^^ March 20, 1951 PERSONNEL: . Faye M. Couey ■ ,:■ sv-'-^ ^;<-;ie:' :! e :' •r:w^- ^ri-A- Ray Austin, Pilot PURPOSE: s.Ur v ^..o-^^ i; \, . ^ ''^^ .V .: ,/ Information relative to elk population in this area was desired in order to determine type and length of season. PROCEDURE: The department-owned Cub 105 airplane left Helena one-half hour before dawn and a comDlete coverage made of the Bull Mountain range south of Boulder. FINDINGS: A swing was made west of Boulder to Galena Gulch where 40 elk were seen, This is a local herd and probably are not Bull Mountain elk. Then a complete coverage of the Bull Mountain range was made and the following elk seen. , Head of Whitetail Creek: 3 Bulls 5 Bulls (3 spikes) 11 Cows and calves 6 elk (4 bulls) 6 bulls (8 mi. north of Whitehall) Swampy Park: 55 elk 2 bulls Brady Cr. (On flats) 50 Hadley Park 35 Hadley Park 13 Total 186 (20 bulls) This coverage, it is felt, was quite accurate as counting conditions -32- were ideal and enough time was spent combing the terrain and following up tracks that very few elk could have been missed. The west side of Whitetail Creek in th^ Dry Range area was not covered due to very rough air in that section. A few elk have been seen there in previous counts, and the area has a reputation for running rather heavy to bulls. CONCLUSIONS: The population of elk on Bull Mountain proper is such that with the coming calf crop there will not be many more than the 200 elk that the ranchers have agreed to carry there. It is recommended that there be no season this year or at most, a few days on branch antlered bulls. If damage occurs on the Boulder River side, a few special permits can be issued for that area. Submitted by: Faye M. Couey, Big Game & Lands Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -33- AERIAL ELK SURVEY Canyon Creek - Lincoln-Dearborn DATE: March 21, 1951 - FERSOMEL: Paul Choquette, Pilot W. K. Thompson, Observer ATRCRAFT: Piper Cub 105 - Department 2-place airplane. CONDITIONS: The crew left Helena airport at 7:05 a.m. and returned at 9:45 a.m. Conditions were not ideal for several reasons: There was SL haze which pre- - vented ideal visability, rather severe turbulence with winds 25-35 m.p.h, reduced effective observations, and melting snow conditions made use of tracks and pawing ineffective as a key to game locations. An additional retarding factor was the probability of animals grazing at night due to bright moonlight. Many deer and elk were bedded by 8:00 a.m. RESULTS : Location of animals is indicated on the attached map and the following tabluation shows the drainages where deer and elk were seen. TABULATION OF GAME SEEN Elk Deer Granite Peak 56 91 Virginia Creek 15 6 Seven-up 19 Horse Fly 4 ■ Flei sher 5 Middle Fork Dearborn 55 Lyons Creek 11 Big Sheep Creek 93 Total 253 102 CONCLUSIONS: Aerial coverage of this area should be in January or February, prefer- -34- ably following a fresh snow. It is known that elk were missed around Granite Peak as 120 were seen there in February. ' Submitted by: W. K. Thompson, Assistant Director Wildlife Restoration Division R 5 W Mule Deer Aerial Survey - Canyon Cr . -Dearborn, March 21, 1951 LITTLE BELT UNIT Winter Range Elk Count and Range Investigation of the Little Belt Mountains DATEr February 1-4, March 12, 1951 PERSONNEL: .' , ■ ■ ^ Faye M. Couey, Big Game and Lands Biologist ' ' ■' ' ■ ' ■ ■ Lloyd McDowell, Unit Biologist ' Larry E. Brown, Junior Biologist Daniel G. Massing, Ranger, 0. S. Forest Service Ray Austin, Pilot, Montana Fish and Game Department ' Waldo G. Vangsness, Deputy Game Warden ' ' ' '" • ' ' Donald E. Johnson, Junior Biologist PURPOSE: . ' ' In addition to the annual elk count in the Little Belt Mountains, a rapid visual range use inspection was made in some of the elk concentration areas. It was also desirable to determine the effect of the new administra- tive closure (Middle Fork of the Judith River) on bIk distribution in the northern part of the mountains. Numbers were particularly checked in the vic- inity of and on the Judith River Elk Acquisition. The actual counts were made according to sub-units. PROCEDURE: The group met at the Judith River Elk Acquisition headquarters on February 1, Very poor flying conditions prevailed. The first four days were taken up with range inspections. Much of the area was covered by jeep pickup, with some walking. An incomplete count was made February 4 with the Depart- ment Piper PA 18 airplane. On March 12 a more complete count was made in a rented Cessna 170 by Vangsness and Johnson. FINDINGS : Sub-Unit 4 (Musselshell Drainage) On this side 309 elk were counted (1950 count, 307). Only 18 bulls were observed. The elk were found in open areas adjoining timber lands. -36- -^Counting conditions were ideal. Sub-unit 2 ( Judith Drainage ) This count, made March 12, found 488 elk wintering on this drainage. Some estimates had to be made as many elk were in the timber. No doubt some were missed. Last year's count found 585 in this area. On and around the acauisition 360 head were counted. An estimate of 50 head was made for the Dry Wolf area in the northern part of this range of mountains. On some of the concentration areas rather heavy range use was encounter- ed. Woodchopper Ridge, Beldon Flats, and Brome Grass Flats showed considerable use which was partly attributed to the fact that hunters had not allowed the elk free distribution on the lower areas. Some of the pressure was relieved at the close of the hunting season at the end of February, Many of these areas are within Forest Service livestock allotments which make them subject to summer and fall range use. CONCLUSIONS r ■ ^ o,- • . It is believed that this count was not Quite as complete as the previous March count due to weather and aircraft rental conditions. The Middle Fork administrative closure appears to have contributed much to the northward distribution of the elk into wintering areas not previously occupied by them. The opening of the old closure to hunting apparently caused the elk to move north into the new closure with some of them drifting further north to new areas (Dry Wolf and vicinity). Certain damage complaints have arisen in this northern area but have been held to a minimum due to efforts of Warden Loberg of Stanford who has supported the ranchers in fencing their hay- sta cks . The acauisition appears to be serving its purpose by relieving exten- sive elk use on private holdings. Last winter 380 elk were on this range, while the last count found 360 in the same area. The range inspection trips indicated the need of future range studies, particularly with regard to utilization, trend and condition. These studies will be initiated during the spring, in cooperation with District Ranger Massing, Using the 1950 March count of 892, plus an estimated 20 per cent calf crop, the 1950 summer herd was approximately 1070 head. The total drain of 173 bulls and 54 cows and calves (Deputies Loberg and Fallang) should have left a calculated winter population of 843 elk. The total count was 797 head. This difference is rather small when it is considered that the annual increase fig- ure is only hypothetical and unproven for this area. The March counts for the last three years have indicated a decreasing number of wintering animals: 969, 892, and 797, respectively, for 1949 through 1951. This seems to indicate the drain has exceeded the increase. -37- RECOMMENDATIONS : In view of the impending range study, it is recommended that the same hunting seasons be adopted in 1951 as prevailed during the 1950 season (reg- ular 30 day bull season plus the extended either-sex season on 100 animals.) These recommendations should be subject to change if the findings of the range investigations prove the need for such change. Submitted by: Donald E. Johnsons, Jr. Biologist March 23, 1951 Wildlife Restoration Division -38- YELLOWSTONE UNIT Pine Ridge Winter Elk Aerial Recheck ' ; ' DATE: February 12, 1951 . ........ PERSONNEL? : ^ ■; j - ■' • ; r,.. ^ Waldo G. Vangsness, Deputy Game Warden Raleigh Shields^, Deputy Game Warden •,• . ... -\ Donald E. Johnson, Junior Biologist ■■■^ ^■:\ '.-': V:rr--'^f.^.>,.:i--.:^:.,, INTRODUCTION: ..r' :-,.f.-:v: ^ ' r,:-: , ■ The Pine Ridge area lies mainly in northern Big Horn County with its northern slopes extending into southern Yellowstone County. This area, con- sisting of approximately 198 square miles, is characterized by scattered yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa). The dominant grass species is western wheat- grass (Agropyron smithii) while buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and choke- cherry (Prunus melanocarpa) are the dominant shrubs (Thompson, W. K. , 1943, Big Game Planning and Wildlife Resource Inventory of Eastern Montana, Wildlife Restoration Division Report). During the 1950 Yellowstone National Park elk reduction program 24 of the trapped elk were transplanted, at sportsmen's expense, in the Pine Ridge. PURPOSE: To determine the total number and distribution of elk within the Pine Ridge area in order to evaluate the success of the transplant. PROCEDURE AND FINDINGS: A Cessna 170 type aircraft was rented from the Johnson Flying Service of Lewistown and piloted by Deputy Vangsness. Flight strips 12 miles long, beginning approximately 2 miles south of Pompey's Pillar, were flown in a northeast direction with reciprocal flights. The width of the strips varied considerably due to the broken terrain. Although fresh snow aided the count, overcast skies imposed a handicap, in that, tracking was made difficult due to lack of shadows. One bunch of 23 elk were encountered just under the northeast point of the ridge on the north side. Only one bull was observed, this being either a yearling or a 2-3 year old. Four calves were positively identified. No other elk were observed although approximately 28 mule deer including 6 very large bucks were seen. -39- CONCLHSIONS: All participants agreed that few elk were missed due to the thorough area coverage. However scattered singles could have escaped count in the timber . The Cessna 170 was too fast an aircraft for desirable counting and sexing on this job, j Snow depth presented no hinderance to elk movements and foraging, con- sequently, it is doubtful if any depredations will occur on local haystacks. It is believed that this herd could be built up to huntable numbers under a permit system if proper management practices were employed. RECOMMENDATIONS: ^ ■ ^ ' Annual winter rechecks should be continued. Also spring ground checks should be made in order to determine the extent of any winter losses as well as range use by the elk. , ■. . •■ • : Submitted by: ^' • ■ ■ ; ' "[': £,:?'.:,.■ - Donald E. Johnson, Junior Biologist . •' - .. -. ■ Wildlife Restoration Division -40- BIG BELT - BOLTLDER UNIT Limestone Hills Deer Count DATE: ■ ■ r:, ^ - January 12, 1951 PERSONNEL t George Engler, U« S. Forest Service . ' Wynn Freeman, Biologist Ken Sears, Deputy Game Warden Faye Couey, Biologist ' ' ~ PURPOSE? Continuity of information is desired on this important mule deer winter range as a basis for management recommendations. PROCEDURE: Coverage was made as in previous years. Two men started near the Hough Cut-off traveling south and two men traveled north from the Dowdy ranch. Travel was on foot, and binoculars were used to classify the deer. FINDINGS; There was just a little snow on the ground and travel conditions were good. Classification Conditions were not ideal as the date was too late. Ideally this should be done shortly after the rut. The bucks were separated from the main herds, making our buck count low. There were 26 adult bucks, 20 yearling bucks, 223 fawns and 334 does counted as classified and 100 unclassified deer seen. Total classified deer was 603. The buck-doe ratio was one buck to 7.2 does, Bucks constituted 7 per cent of the herd, does - 56 per cent, and fawns - 37 per cent. There was a ratio of one doe to .7 fawns. Total area covered was about 3 sections, giving a population of 234 deer per section. Three crippled deer were seen--no doubt hunting season wounds. Tracks were seen of two coyotes. Range conditions are poor. The mountain mahogany which has been used as an index in this area is now heavily hedged with current use. The juniper is fairly heavily used*, in some cases plants are dead. Grass and forb growth 41- was good this past season, but its use by domestic livestock was heavy in this area. The Dowdy ranch hay meadow is still quite an attraction for deer and may account to some extent for the extreme concentration of deer nearby. The area counted is no doubt the most thickly populated portion of the Limestone Hills. However, there are deer in all parts of these hills making a very large over-all population. Several complaints of damage have been registered by local ranchers. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS; ' 1. The Limestone Hills Big Game Closure which was modified for the 1950 hunting season had no appreciable effect on the deer population or distribu- tion. It is accordingly recommended that this closure be abandoned. 2» In order to keep this deer herd from eliminating itself, it is re- commended that there be a special antlerless deer season to be held after the regular buck season. The date, description of area and number of deer to be taken may be decided upon later this coming fall. ' . ' Submitted by: Faye M. Couey, Big Game & Lands Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division -42- MISSOURI BREAKS UNIT Billy Creek Mountain Sheep Recheck DA'TE; January 10 and February 20, 1951 PERSONNEL; Ed DuBeaUj, Decuty Game Warden, Fort Peck P Cliff Wolf, Patrolman, Fort Peck Game Range Larry E. Brown, Junior Biologist Donald E. Johnson, Junior Biologist INTRODUCTION; On November 16, 1947, 16 bighorn sheep from the Tarryall herd of Colorado were released in the Missouri River Breaks on Billy Creek (in north- west Garfield County), The release was made in a pasture consisting of 328 acres, which was fenced under Project 22-D, Fifteen sheep were known to have escaped from the enclosure which con- tained 32 head. This reduced the enclosed herd to 17 in 1949. PURPOSE: Periodic rechecks are necessary to inspect water facilities, fences and observe" numbers, mortality, and wintering conditionSo PROCEDURE; On January 10, Brown and Johnson covered the entire pasture on footo The pasture area was later flown by DuBeau and Wolf on February 20, in a Piper PA 18 aircraft, FINDINGS; Very little snow was present in the area (approximately 1 to 2 inches) with all forage available, except that in the gully bottoms. Seventeen sheep were encountered at the north end of the pasture. Two of these appeared to be mature rams. One dead ram was found among some Doug]as fir near the center of the pasture on a gully slope. Decomposition was too far progressed to determine the cause of death. The estimated time of death was in September or Octobero The estimated age of the ram, by the questionable "annual horn ring method", was 4i years. The findings of DuBeau and V-Zolf were limited to the area outside the pasture vmare counting conditions were apparently very good. The 22 sheep -43- observed were in three bunches of 11, 6, and 5, located northeast of the pas- ture. No sex counts were made, although several rams and lambs were seen. A gap between the hog-wire fence, north of the trash gate, was found and repaired. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 39 mountain sheep were observed during the two counts--17 inside and 22 outside the pasture. It is believed that some were missed, particularly inside the pasture. Foraging conditions were very good with respect to snow cover. Apparently a very desirable herd increase is taking place. RECOMMENDATIONS: Rechecks should be continued. Monthly rechecks during the summer and fall are necessary to check the springs which are known to silt up rapidly. Dynamiting has helped relieve this problem considerably. Spring inspections should be conducted to check forage utilization, springs and lambing success. Periodic fence inspections are necessary until the purpose of the pasture is believed to have been accomplished. Submitted by : Donald E. Johnson, Junior Biologist March 21, 1951 Wildlife Restoration Division -44- STATE Mo ntana PROJECT 35-R DATE: April 15, 1951 ABSTRACT Gallatin Management Unit Ground and aerial census of most important game ranges was accomplished during this quarter. Aircraft census was found to be most economical and accurate , Summary o f Big Game Census Area Elk Counted Blacktail Area 906 Madison (East Side) 420 Fleecer - High Rye 432 Upper Big Hole 271 Ruby River 85 Total 2,114 Area Moo se Counted Big Hole 216 Area Mule Deer Counted Ruby River 1470 Scudder Creek 400 (est,) McKay • 336 Total 2, 206 STATE Montana PROJECT 35-R DATE April 15, 1951 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT Fo r SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: Gallatin Management Unit 2. Personnel: J. E. Gaab , Biologist Norman Wortrpan, Fieldman 3. Report of Progress: ' ' , Field activity consisted primarily of big game census work by air and ground on the several sub-units in the area. Search for ear-tagged calves continued in the Gallatin with considerable success , Reproductive tracts, fetuses and lower jaws were examined or collected from about 1,000 elk. These data will be analyzed as soon as possible. Assistance was given in acquisition areas of the Gallatin and Madison. Individual area reports follow. -45- BLACKTAIL AERIAL ELK CENSUS AND GRAVELLY -SNOWC REST MOUNTAINS ELK HERD RELATIONSHIP DATE: February 20-22, 1951 PERSONNEL: Ray Austin, Pilot Joe E. Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE: To make a total population census of the elk wintering w ithin the Blacktail Creek Drainage and adjacent areas. PROCEDURE: Complete coverage of the area was made after a fresh snow, in the state-owned Piper Super Cub 105 airplane. lo Three hours and fifty-five minutes were required to make complete coverage of the area. 2. Elk were grouped and it was cold enough that they remained in the open during the day. A fresh snow made it quite easy to accomplish an accur- ate census, 3, Pictures were taken from the air of bands not easily counted while circling in the air. The pictures were enlarged and the elk pinpointed, thus providing a check on individual band numbers. 4, Total elk counted are given in Table 1 below. Table 1. Blacktail elk census. FINDINGS: No, of Elk Lo catio n 105 94 110 2 21 28 6 40 Hogback Mountain Slope Jakie Creek Smallhorn Creek Clarks Canyon Cottonwood Creek Head of West Fork of Blacktail Creek Teddy Creek Lower Fork of Blacktail Creek -46- Table L Blacktail elk census (continued). HISTORY: No, of Elk Location 21 In 4 groups on Lower Fork 32 Lower Fork 64 - East Fork Mouth of Indian Creek 43 East Fork below the Mouth of the Canyon 214 East Fork below the Mouth of the Canyon 126 East Fork below the Mouth of the Canyon 906 Total Elk Herd 5. Wintering conditions as could be observed from the air: The snowfall to date has been below normalo The elk were at high elevations and not impeded in any way by snow. 1949 Harvest Blacktail Area ' 600 March 1950 Aerial Census in Blacktail Creek 1322 April 1950 Aerial Census in the Ruby River 159 Auril 1950 Aerial Census in the Gravelly Range 182 Total elk wintering between the Madison and Beaverhead Rivers in 1949-1950 1,663 1950 Harvest in Blacktail Area 491 1950 Harvest in Ruby River 476 1950 Harvest on West Side of Madison River 96 Total Elk Harvest between the Madison and Beaverhead Rivers - 1950 1,063 1951 Aerial Census in the Blacktail Area 906 1951 Aerial Census in the Ruby River 85 *1951 Aerial Census in the West Side of the Madison River 80 Total elk wintering between the Madison and the Beaverhead Rivers in 1950-1951 1,071 CONCLUSIONS: 1, By calculating twenty-eight per cent calf crop (equal to 22 minus per cent annual increase) of the 1,663 elk or 465 calves, a huntable herd of 2,128 animals is indicated„ After a harvest of 1,063 an arithmetical herd indicates that there should be 1,065 animals during the winter of 1950-51. By aerial count and ground observations 1,071 elk are accounted for. Tf'orty-two elk were counted in the Elk Lake area and thirty-two were counted in the West Fork of the Madison River that had been undiscovered in previous years and therefore not included in the above calculations, ♦Estimated from ground observations. ™47. 2. The Blacktail Creek, Ruby and Madison River elk will have to be con- sidered one herd as intermingling occurs and prominent migrations take place. 3. To accomplish desired harvests, seasons will have to be set late and only a portion of the area opened. The accessibility of this range nec- essitates these restrictions. RECOM^rENDATIONS; 1, An either-sex elk season within the Blacktail Creek Drainage for one day, preferably November 15th. 2. Aerial observations be made intermittently from November 1st until migrations have occurred from the Madison River Drainage to Blacktail Creek Drainage. -48- EAST SIDE MADISON RIVER AERIAL ELK CENSUS DATE: c^-or .-i-^. r'" March 24, 1951 ..i ■ . , .. ^ ,. . PERSONNEL r , . . , .,4. ....,.„ , r-'"- • -^^ ^ ^. ^ ■ Charles Manley, Pilot I. L. Todd, Deputy Game Warden, Ennis Joe E. Gaab , Biologist - PURPOSE: To determine the number of elk wintering within this area and to approximate the number of elk that migrated during January from the Gallatin to the Madison. PROCEDURE: A 170 Cessna airplane was used and early morning coverage was made. FINDINGS: Table No . 1 Location No. of Elk Bear Creek to Mill Creek 247 Jourdain Creek 20 Cedar Creek ■ 9 Mill Creek 25 South Indian Creek 42 Wolf Creek 52 Squaw Creek 25 Total 420 CONCLUSIONS: 1, Thirty-seven native elk were counted in the vicinity of Bear Creek last year when it was known that there was not any migration from the Gallatin. It would be reasonable then to conclude that probably 200 to 220 elk migrated in January from the Gallatin into the Madison this winter. 2, From ground observations the only interef erence with private property to date is the use of some private range. The season has been mild and the elk have not caused damage to haystacks. -49- KECOI^NDATIONS: . .. , . . „ : i^-:"^ ' 1. The east side of the Madison River to be open to either sex elk dur- ing; the regular season, October 15 to November 15, 1951, 2. An investigation be made into the possibility and feasibility of an elk range acquisition from Bear Creek to Tollman Creek. Also the necessity for a three and one-half mile elk-proof fence in the same locality to protect private property. -50- FIRST FLEECER MOUNTAIN-HIGH RYE AERIAL ELK CENSUS DATE: February 19 and February 23, 1951 ' }.:.yy-<^ff;n-\ - ,.r PERSONNEL? Ray Austin, Pilot ' , : Joe E. Gaab, Biologist ^vo*; .' v^;:!^-t„i ; ■:iyii PURPOSE: , ' " The area shown on the 1950-51 hunter map as area No, 37 was opened last season for the first time to branch antlered bulls from October 15 to October 17, 1950, both dates inclusive. That action was taken following a range inspection ride during April, 1950. This aerial census was made to locate wintering areas and total population. PROCEDURE: The state-owned Piper Super Cub 105 airplane was used to make both flights over the area for a total of three hours and thirty minutes. Two flights were necessary because of air turbulence during the first flight. FINDINGS: 1, Table 1 shows the location and number of elk counted. Table 1. Location of Elk No. of Elk Charcoal Basin 110 Morton Creek 92 Morton Creek 45 German Gulch 7 Lower Beefstraight Creek 4 Beef*t^aight Creek 10 Beaver Creek 22 Gregson Creek 6 Willow Creek 17 Total Elk 313 2. Twenty-two elk were counted in Cattle and Trusty Gulches west of Vipond Park. 3. Wintering conditions were excellent. 4. Elk were in the vicinity of salt grounds established by the National Forest to obtain distribution. -51- CONCLUSIONS: 1. This census was not considered too successful as ground and air conditions weren't to the best advantage, 2. Evidence observed from previous inspections and information gained from local laymen indicate that this herd of elk are preyed upon quite heavily by poachers. RECOMMENDATIONS; That another aerial coverage be made when better censusing conditions can be had. -52- SECOND FLEECER MOUNTAIN-HIGH RYE AERIAL ELK CENSUS DATE? _ - . , . , , ^ March 21, 1951 ■ ' PERSONNEL: • . r I--:, ',1^^. \, ..vrr'- ,^ Vl''-...'.Z~''y,i'hl^'.':y^^^ ...... Charles Manley, Pilot, Yellowstone Scenic Airways Forest Ranger Williams, Deerlodge National Forest Joe E, Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE; This second coverage was made to get a more accurate elk census. PROCEDURE: A 170 Cessna plane was used. The Butte Airport was used as a base so that earlier morning coverage could be made, A fresh snow was to advantage. FINDINGS: 1. Table 1 shows the location of elk and number counted. Table 1. Location of Elk No. of Elk Willow Creek 71 Horton Creek-High Rye Area 186 " Fleecer Mountain Ranger Station 8 Sunday Gulch 25 Charcoal Basin 142 Total Elk Herd 432 2, Jerry Creek was covered during the flight but no elk were observed and no sign indicated that there were elk present. CONCLUSIONS: 1. This flight proved most successful. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. That areas No. 35 and 37 on the 1950-51 hunter map be consolidated into one with the following description: Beginning at the confluence of Jerry Creek with the Bighole River, thence up Jerry Creek, thence up Flume Creek to Burnt Mountain, thence in a westerly and northerly direction along -53- the Continental Divide to the Mill Creek-Deep Creek road, thence along the Mill Creek road to its junction with Highway 10-A, thence in a southeasterly direction to the junction of Highway 10-A and 10-S to Rocker, Montana, thence south along Highway No. 91 to Divide, Montana, thence in a westerly direction up the Big Hole River to the point of beginning. 2, The above described area open to the harvest of branch antlered bulls from October 15 until the proposed 100 either sex season closes in the Upper Big Hole or to close November 15th. -54- UPPER BIG HOLE RIVER AERIAL ELK CENSUS DATE: March 23, 1951 PERSONNEL; Charles Manley, Pilot Bill Schultz, Deputy Game Warden .noa^e'^ -r^ Joe E. Gaab , Biologist :^ ''io .in. yr'.n? ' .^vr-'-u'v.r s :^,ss:H^ PURPOSE: To make complete coverage of the area considered as Big Hole Elk wintering habitat. PROCEDURE: A 170 Cessna airplane was used. Break of day coverage after a fresh snow and without turbulence facilitated desired condition. FINDINGS: Table 1. Location of Elk No. of Elk Southwest of Divide, Montana 14 Canyon Creek 22 East of Lower Quartz Hill Gulch 59 Warm Spring Creek 27 Steel Creek 7 Squaw Creek 33 Toomey Creek 11 Pony Creek 22 Stanley Creek 7 Bear Creek 6 Bryant Creek 5 Wise River 13 Pintlar Creek 24 Total Elk 250 CONCLUSIONS: 1. The 432 elk counted in the Fleecer Mountain-High Rye plus the 250 counted during this coverage makes up a total of 682 in the Big Hole Elk Herd. 2. To protect antlerless elk from being harvested in excess, the season -55- must remain early in the Upper Big Hole River where the elk will be dispersed and checking stations can be so placed to most accurately determine the har- vest. 3. A continued branch-antlered bull season following an either-sex sea- son is still necessary to drift elk away from unprotected haystacks and allev- ' iate private property damage. RECOMMENDATIONS : 1. That areas No » 34 and 36 on the 1950-51 hunter map remain the same for the 1951-52 hunting season. 2. That a two-man crew consisting of one Wildlife Restoration Fieldman and one special Deputy Game Warden be equipped with a horse outfit to accom- - plish a two-fold purpose; namely, additional law enforcement, and the location of elk during the hunting season and the effect of hunter activity on elk migrations ... -56- RUBY RIVER AERIAL ELK CENSUS DATE: March 20, 1951 ' ^"'''''"^ * ^ ''-^ PERSONNEL: Charles Manley, Pilot William Do.rris, Deputy Game Warden, Twin Bridges I. L. Todd, Deputy Game Warden, Ennis Joe E. Gaab, Biologist PURPOSE: ' ■ ■ ; , To accomplish a complete coverage of the Ruby River Drainage to deter- mine the number of elk wintering there.. PROCEDURE: ' A 170 Cessna airplane was used. FINDINGS: 1, Eighty-five elk were counted: Warm Spring Creek 78 Cottonwood Creek 4 Clovis Gulch 3 Total 85 2, Last year (1950) one hundred and fifty-nine elk were counted within the Ruby River Drainage: Idaho Creek 12 N. Fork Warm Spring Cr. 2 Middle Fork of Warm Spring Creek 15 S. Fork Warm Spring Cr. 8 Short Creek 14 East Cottonwood Creek 22 Tributary Creek 86 Total 159 3, A heavy harvest of these native elk and also on Blacktail Creek elk migrating from the Gravelly range was accomplished during a three-day either- sex season, October 15 through October 17, 1950. -57- 4. Elk were expected on Idaho Creek, but were not observed during this flight. RECOMMTrNDATIONS: . , 1, Closed elk season on the Ruby River Drainage. -58- BIG HOLE RIVER AERIAL MOOSE CENSUS DATE: fl'ebruary 19-20, 1951 PERSONNEL: Ray Austin, Pilot Joe E. Haab, Biologist PURPOSE: Several attempts have been made, from the ground, to census the moose in the Big Hole Basin, an area of roughly 3,000 square miles. For several years haystack damage claims have been sent to the main office. For a number of years there have been special permits on twenty mature bulls. This sea- son has been set conservatively awaiting a census method that would indicate an inventory. On February 1, 1951, a preliminary flight was made to count the moose causing damage at the Tom Schultz Ranch and determine whether or not an aerial census would be feasible. During the investigation it was de- cided to cover the entire area for the very necessary census. PROCEDURE: ' -.j. , , . J - ■ :■< ^ , /■ 4 ^ 1. The areas counted were just the willow bottoms. 2. Narrow sparse bottoms were flown at about 200 feet until either a moose was spotted or sign was observed. That immediate area was then flown at just above willow height and then back at about 200 feet again. Moose, particularly calves, lying down under brush were spooked up and on their feet and easily counted. ■ ■ " ■ " - -'- -^'^ •. ' 3. Narrow dense bottoms were flown at just above willow height and back at about 200 feet. 4. All wide willow bottoms were flown about 50 feet above the willows in strips of about 200 yards. 5. The state-owned Piper Super Cub 105 was flown a total of eight hours. FINDINGS: 1. Two hundred and sixteen moose were counted within the Big Hole River Drainage above the confluence of the Wise River. 2. Sexing at this time of year is impossible; however, if it is found later that the moose move into the willow bottoms when the males still have their antlers, sexing could be accomplished. 3. Ey spending more time to determine calves, the herd's annual increase -59- could be determined, 4b Observers felt that two-thirds of the moose were inhabiting the willow bottoms. The remaining population being at higher elevations in iso- lated areas of alpine fir and Engelmann spruce. CONCLITSIONS: 1, This method of counting proved very satisfactory in this area, A definite trend year after year can be established by using this method if two-thirds of the total population is used consistently and the number of special mature bull permits remain constant in the same defined area, 2» The total moose population for the entire Big Hole River Drainage above the confluence of Wise River is about three hundred and twenty-four. 3. Using an annual increase of 20 per cent the herd will reproduce 32 males each year, ■ ' r 4. If the herd is to be kept static a harvest of 20 bulls should hold the population constant. Leaving 12 males out of each year's calf crou should provide adequate breeding stocks RECOMMENDATIONS ; r-r^: lo A future moose harvest of 20 mature bulls in the same defined area as the 1950 season. 2o An annual census be made by the same method until sex ratio and annual increase figures are established, 3, To relieve damage to haystacks, a program at building permanent panels for ranchers that receive damage would perpetuate a herd of three hun- dred and fifty to four hundred moosOo Three years fencing of ten haystacks would practically solve all interf erence „ -60- SCUDDER CREEK MULE DEER RANGE INVESTIGATION DATE: February 20, 1951 - March 17, 1951 PERSONNEL t T, .^J, , T " ' Ray Austin, Pilot , .. , , Orville Lewis, Deputy Game Warden, Dillon J. E. Gaab, Biologist . / \, PURPOSE: ' Previous investigations have indicated that there would be excessive forage use if deer persistently concentrated in this relatively small area.. These investigations were made to determine the distribution of deer this winter, LOCATION? Scudder Creek is a tributary to Grasshopper Creek, North of Bannack, Montana in Beaverhead County. PROCEDURE: ^ ' " An aerial inspection was made February 20, incidental to the Big Hole moose survey, to determine the concentration at that time. On March 17 an inspection was made on foot to estimate the deer population and to determine forage utilization. FINDINGS: A, February 20, 1951 1„ The aerial inspection easily gave the observers an indication of a heavy concentration of deer and that a ground inspection was nec- essary. B. March 17, 1951 1. Four hundred deer is a conservative estimate of the number of deer in the critical area. 2. Utilization on the two predominant forage species, namely: Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus parvitolius) and juniper ( Juniperus scopulorum) is excessive, 3. Condition of the deer is poor. With few exceptions all of the deer appear emaciated and have dull pelage. Selection of food is limited. Domestic sheep use the area in early spring and late fall. 61- therefore competition is expected^ A quite heavy loss of deer can be expected this spring unless most favorable weather conditions are had, CONCLUSIONS? 1. Recommendations for a reduction of either sex of deer was not made last year due to lack of information concerning the distribution of the deer into adjacent areas when the forage became low. The present winter is open in this area and the mobility of the deer is not restricted. Although a very high per cent of available forage has been taken, the deer do not move into the adjacent areas, .... 2, Without having made observations in the area at the time when domes- tic sheep are ranging there, little should be said about the competition be- tween winter deer use and early spring and late fall domestic sheep use. However, before a clear picture of forage utilization can be made, further investigations will be necessary, 3e Range use is excessive and heavy winter losses of deer are contem- plated. Therefore the following recommendations are necessary. RECOMMENDATIONS t 1. Following the regular 1951 deer season an either-sex season to harvest an additional two hundred deer is recommended. To the best advantage, that can be most effectively accomplished by issuing weekly 50 special permits valid for one week, and continuing for four weeks, between Farley and Dyce Creeks , 2, Investigations should be made when the domestic sheep are ranging in the area, 3o Weights and measurements should be made and lower jaws collected during the special season for comparative information with those made and collected from herds in different environments. -62" MacKAY RANCH MULE DEER CENSUS DATE? February 12, 1951 AREA: Described as MacKay Ranch special antlerless deer season (1950) between the East and West Rosebud Rivers in Stillwater and Carbon Counties. PURPOSE: To determine total deer population and haystack damage, PROCEDURE: A 140-Cessna airplane was chartered at Livingston, Montana. Total flight time was two hourSo Ideal conditions were advantageous, fresh snow and no wind. Deer in cover were flushed and counted, FINDINGS: lo Three hundred and thirty-six deer were counted, 2. Some damage on one haystack. 3. Two golden eagles seen on deer carcasses, 4. Ranch personnel have counted eight dead deer lost as cripples since the 1950 hunt, 5o Wintering conditions were excellent. 6, Some buck deer seen with antlers. -63- RUBY RIVER MULE DEER im^ESTIGATION PATE: March 20 - 26, 1951 PERSONNEL? Frank Gummer, Field Assistant Maurice Wesen, Field Assistant Jim Reed, Field Assistant • ' ■ Norman Wortman, Field Assistant . : : William Dorris, Deputy Game Warden Joe E, Gaab , Biologist PURPOSE: / The last census of mule deer in this area was made in March of 1949. During the winter of 1949-1950 counting conditions were not favorable. After continuous either-sex seasons a count was necessary to determine the trend in the total population. - . . , . „ . ... . , . ,. . PROCEDURE; ' . . [ - - : ■ The concentration area has been broken into five units and these units counted consistently in the same manner. Men on foot flushing and sweeping each unit in the later hours of daylight being careful not to duplicate any animals to acquire a total census of the unit was the manner in which this count was conducted. The Vigilante Ranger Station was used as a headquarters during this inspection, FINDINGS: Table 1, Mule deer census • Mature Fawns Unci as si f ied Total Unit No, 1 5 2 48 55 Unit No . 2 116 50 260 426 Unit No. 3 150 60 318 528 Unit No . 4 39 16 , 119 174 Unit No. 5 73 40 174 287 Total 383 168 919 1470 -64- Table 2„ Nule deer census (March, 1949) Unit_ No 1 2 3 4 5 Total Number Counted 47 350 1550 32 280 2,259 Table 3. Year of Mule Deer Census 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 No o Counted 1724 2104 2259 1470 Table 4, Total Harvest in 1948 Total Harvest in 1949 Total Harvest in 1950 653 582 5 66 1„ Table No. 1 and 2 indicate that sample counting must include quite a large territory to locate shifting co ncentratio ns » 2, The population trend is toward reduction, 3„ Counting conditions were not most desirable, however adequate. Cover- age was made by extending the upper limits of each unit to include all of the area inhabited by the deer, 4„ Browse use throughout these units has been excessive in past years and still is, in some areas. Two mild winters plus a reduction in the deer popula- tion has reduced over-grazing in some areaSo The general browse utilization picture, however, is still to excess and would be much more so in a tough winter, 5. Four deer carcasses were observed, the kills attributed to coyotes „ One animal harbored an excessive number of larvae of the deer nose botfly. 6, Three buck deer were observed still carrying antlers. = 65 J^ONCLUSIONS; 1, The either-sex seasons in the past are having effect in reducing Dopulations a,nd lessening forage utilization. 2. A speedier reduction in population would be desirable. Weather con- ditions allowed only 376 antlerless deer to be harvested when 500 were to be allowed during a month's open season, October 15 through November 15, last year. The summer dispersal of deer is quite extensive and during open falls such as last year's, only the most ardent hunters are successful, such as it should be. During an average season a reduction of 500 antlerless deer could probably be haa without extending the time. 3« At present the competition between domestic stock, primarily sheep, and deer has not been determined on this range. To properly administer this range, this information would be of pertinent value. RECOMMENDATIONS; That 500 antlerless deer be harvested during the 1951 hunting season in addition to the antlered deer taken during the regular season, October 15 through November 15, in the same described area as indicated on the 1950-51 hunter map as Area No. 3, Madison County. That browse utilization studies be made to determine competition between domestic sheeD and mule deer. -66- STATE Mo ntana PROJECT 38-R DATE April lb, 1951 ABSTRACT Upland Game Bird Survey and Investigation 1. Pheasant aging and hatching date studies. On the opening day of the 1950 pheasant season, the Flathead checking station intercepted 1,530 cocks of which a semi-selective sample of 167 birds were aged by using the Kimball age gauge method and the depth of the bursa of Fabricius. The age gauge was 94 per cent accurate with the greatest error found in aging adult and large immature birds. Nine hundred and sixty-seven imm.ature cocks from the Flathead Valley, 78 from the Bitterroot Valley and 76 from the Fairfield Bench were aged to the nearest week by primary wing feather development, indicating that the peak of the hatch occurred in mid-June in the Flathead and Bitterroot Valleys, and in early July in the Fairfield Bench area with some late hatching occurring in August and September. Ninety-five known age Flathead Valley juveniles weighed an average of 2.53 pounds; most birds over 15 weeks had gained the bulk of their expected body weight. 2. Survival study of game farm pheasants. Nine hundred and ninety-five game farm cock pheasants of four age class- es were banded, weighed and released in typical Bitterroot Valley pheasant habitat. To date 286, or approximately 29 per cent of these birds have been accounted for: Ninety were found dead prior to the hunting season; 179 were shot by hunters; and 17 were live-trapped after January 1, 1951. Recommenda- tions are: No releases of less than 10-week old pheasants; presence of dis- ease in game farm birds should be determined prior to release and sick or weak birds should not be released among wild populations; vegetative cover should be provided in game farm pens and runways; and future studies should be conducted in areas where more rigid contacts can be exerted. STATE Montana PRO JECT 38-R DATE April 15, 1950 QUARTE.RLY PROGRESS REPORT For SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: Upland Game Bird Survey and Investigation 2. Project Personnel: Wm. R. Bergeson, Game Bird Biologist Robert J. Greene, Assistant Game Bird Biologist Fred L. Hartkorn, Field Biologist 3. Report of Progress: Survival of Game Farm Pheasants Released in the The chief purpose of this project is to determine optimum age at which game farm pheasants may be released for maximum survival. Nine hundred ninety- five game farm cock pheasants of four age classes were banded, weighed and released simultaneously in typical pheasant habitat in the Bitterroot Valley. By November 5, a total of 90 had been found dead mainly in the youngest age and lightest weight groups. By January 1, 1951 a total of 123 bands had been returned by hunters. The older, heavier birds werfe bagged in largest propor- tions. Details of this aspect of the study were reported in the Montana Quarterly Reports of July - September and October - December, 1950. (Also note Tables 1, 2 and 3). Bitterroot Valley DATE: January, February, and March, 1951 INTRODUCTION AND PAST PROGRESS: QUARTERLY PROGRESS: -67- Pro cedur e : Pheasants were live-trapped whenever adverse weather made trapping pro- fitable, which was limited to 12 days. Portable steel frame 4' x 4' x 2' traps were used with barley as bait. Results^ A total of 91 pheasants were trapped, within a three-mile radius of the point of release. Of these, 54 were henSj, 20 unhanded cocks and 17 banded cocks. Of the banded birds, 4 were from the 12=week old group, 8 from the 11- week group, 5 from the 9=week old group and none from the 8=week old group. By weight classes, 7 per cent of the 28=-36 oZo group were trapped, 4 per cent of the 23-27 oz, group, 1 per cent of the 18 = 22 oz<, group, 1 bird in the 13- 17 oz, class and no birds from the 6-12 oz. class, (NoteTables 1 and 2), Farm operators in the vicinity report seeing about the same number of cock pheasants this winter as they noted the past several winters, which in- dicates there are probably not many of the cocks released in that area still present. This was substantiated by the fact that more wild cocks than banded cocks were caught in the area. During January, 16 additional bands were recovered from hunters who reported bagging the birds during the season in November, but forgot to mail them in sooner. These band numbers are included in the birds shot column of Tables 1 and 2, DISCUSSION Am PRESENT CONCLUSIONS; In light of the fact that the primary purpose of this study was to provide information regarding game farm birds that would increase the effic- iency and general value of the game farm program, let us appaise present findings with a view toward possible application in the 1951 season. Although it would be desirable to have accounted for a larger per cent of the birds released, the data we do have represent a good sample of each group as shown in Table 1, columns 9 and 10 which shows that 30 per cent of two age groups and 28 per cent of the other two age groups are accounted for. Based on present data it indicated that birds in the youngest age class 8-week old birds, and lightest weight class, 6-12 oz,, survived in lowest proportion of the birds released, as these groups were found dead in greatest percentage, and recovered by hunters and live-trapping in lowest percentage of all groups (NoteTables 1 and 2), By age class, 20 per cent of the 8-week olds were found dead, compared to only 6 per cent of the 9-week olds, and 5 per cent for each of the 11 and 12-week groups. By weight class, 23 per cent of the 6-12 oz, class were found dead compared with 12 per cent of the 13-17 oz, class, and 6, 4, and 2 per cent respectively for the 18-22, 23-27, and 28-36 oz, classes. On the other hand, only 9 per cent of the 8-week class were reported shot and none were trapped, while 19 per cent of the 9-week, and 22 per cent of each of the 11 and 12-veek groups were reported shot. Also, 2 per cent of the 9-week -68- class, 2 per cent of the 11-week class and 3 per cent of the 12-week class were live-trapped. The same trend was observed by weight groups, „,.. , r Inversely, findings to date indicate that the older, 11 and 12 -week, , or heavier, 23-36 oz,, classes of birds survived in greatest proportion, as a lower percentage of these weight and age classes was found dead and a higher percentage was reported shot or live-trapped than the younger, lighter class- es. Note Tables 1 and 2. Considering birds reported shot and live-trapped as surviving to the opening of the hunting season, it is indicated that in pro- portion to weight groups, at least 7 per cent of the 6-12 oz. group survived, 15 per cent of the 13-17 oz. group, 23 per cent of the 18-22 oz. group, and 27 per cent of each of the 23-27 and 28-36 oz. groups survived. Part of the 8-week old class, 136 birds, were from pens with dense cover and part, 114 birds, were from pens with little or no cover. The birds from pens with dense cover apparently survived better than birds from pens with a lack of cover. Only 12 per cent of the birds from pens with cover were found dead compared t o 30 per cent of those from pens lacking cover. Hunters re- ported shooting 11 per cent of the birds from cover and 7 per cent from pens without cover. Dead pheasants found were autopsied and some were found to have ulcer- ative enteritis, others were anemic, and some showed lack of vitamin A in the diet by excess urate deposits in the kidneys. In that ulcerative enter- itis is a communicable disease, it would seem wise to stop releasing birds with this disease to keeD it from spreading to the wild pheasant population and dead birds found at the game farms should be autopsied to determine pre- sence of disease. To date, 29 per cent of the released birds have been accounted for. Where are or what happened to the other 71 per cent? Based on several in- stances where people living near the release site reported that their dogs had brought home dead banded pheasants from which the bands were lost subse- quently, it would seem reasonable to assume that many pheasants died that were not found or reported found. Probably illegal kill accounted for a few. It is doubtful that all hunters who bagged banded pheasants turned in the bands. Some banded cocks are still alive as evidenced by trapping returns; however, in past studies less than one per cent of the banded birds were reported killed by hunters the second hunting season after release, SUMMARY : A total of 995 male pheasants of four age groups were banded, weighed, and released in typical pheasant habitat in the Bitterroot Valley on August 25, 1950, in an effort to determine optimum age for release of game farm pheasants . The birds were under observation in the field the month following re- lease and occasional observation thereafter. From time of release to the open- ing of the hunting season, 90 of the banded birds were found dead, of which most were from the youngest and lightest groups. Details of this iDhase of the study were reported in Montana's P-R Quarterly for the period July - September and October - December, -69- To date, 179 banded birds have been reported shot. By age class the 11 and 12-week old birds were recovered in greatest number; 22 per cent of these two groups being reported shot, compared to 19 per cent of the 9-week old group and 9 per cent of the 8-week old class. By weight, 21 per cent of the 28-36 oz. group, 23 per cent of the 23-27 oz. group, 21 per cent of the 18-22 oZo group, 14 per cent of the 13-17 oz. group, and 7 per cent of the 6-12 oz, group have been reported shot. A total of 91 pheasants were trapped near the release site of which 17 were banded cocks. By age, 5 of these cocks were 9 weeks old, 8 were 11 weeks old^ and 4 were 12 weeks old at time of release. They had all weighed over 16 oz. at time of release. None of the 8-week old birds or birds from the lightest weight class were recovered. To date, 286 or approximately 29 per cent of the released birds have been accounted for; 90 were found dead, 179 were reported shot, and 17 were live-trapped after January 1st. Future plans are to make occasional field checks of release area and check hunters in that area during the 1951 pheasant season in an effort to account for more of the banded cocks. RECOMMENDATIONS; Based on findings to date, it is recommended that? 1, Game farm pheasants be held until at least 10 weeks of age to obtain best survival. 2. Sick or weak appearing birds should not be released in order to minimize the possibility of spreading disease to wild pheasant populations; further, an effort should be made to determine presence of diseases in game farm birds prior to release. 3. Vegetative cover be provided in holding pens and runways at the game farms. 4. Future projects of this type should be conducted in an area where more positive control over hunters and hunting is possible in order to insure maximum return of bands. Submitted by: Fred L. Hartkorn, Field Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division March 23, 1951 -70 Table 1. Recovery of hatchery-raised pheasants released in the Bitterroot Valley by age class. Age Class Number Birds Class Number in Found Dead /o Found Dead No. Shot t Shot Total Number % Acctd Trapped Trapped For % Acctd For 8 weeks 250 51 20 23 9 0 0 74 30 9 weeks 249 16 6 47 19 5 2 68 28 11 weeks 374 17 5 82 22 8 2 107 28 12 weeks 122 6 5 27 22 4 3 37 30 Totals 995 90 9 179 18 17 2 286 29 ■ Table 2. Recovery of hatchery-raised pheasants Valley by weight class. released in the Bitterroot Weight Clas s No . No . in Found Class Dead i Found Dead No . Shot t Shot No . t Trapped Trapped No. Shot or Trapped t Shot or Trapped 6-12 oz. 118 27 23 8 7 0 0 8 7 13-17 oz. 311 36 12 46 14 1 0 47 15 18-22 oz. 299 18 6 64 21 4 1 68 23 23-27 oz. 209 8 4 49 23 8 4 57 27 28-36 oz. 58 1 2 12 21 4 7 16 27 Totals 995 90 9 179 18 17 2 196 20 Table 3. Recovery of pheasants of the same age group but from pens with cover and pens without co ver--8-week group. 136 released from pens with dense 114 released from pens with little or CO ver no cover 17 found dead 34 found dead \2t found dead 30^ found dead ... 1 5 shot 8 shot \\t shot it shot -71- 1950 PHEASANT HARVEST FINDINGS DATE: November 5 to 12, 1950 " " PERSONNEL; E. L. Cheatum, Leader, Montana Coop. Wildlife Research Unit • ' ' P. L. Wright, Asst. Leader, Montana Coop. Wildlife Research Unit Wra. R. Bergeson, Game Bird Biologist ■ " ' ■ Robert Greene, Assistant Game Bird Biologist Gerald Salinas, Assistant Waterfowl Biologist -.i • Fred Hartkorn, Field Biologist John Dudiack, Student, Montana State University PURPOSE: 1. To determine the accuracy of the Kimball-ring spur length method of aging pheasants during the hunting season in Montana. 2. To determine the hatching dates of young pheasants in the hunter's bag . PROCEDURE: Pheasant hunter bags were checked at voluntary checking stations located on the principal roads leading out of the main hunting areas. Birds were aged by the Kimball spur gauge method, 25/32-inch diameter metal ring with a slot cut out to slip over the leg of the bird being studied. If the ring could be passed over the leg and spur when held with the slot at right angles to the spur, the bird would be considered immature--a bird hatched in 1950. If the ring would not Dass over the leg and spur when tested as above, the bird would be considered an adult-~hatched before 1950. As a check on- this method of aging. Dr. E. L. Cheatum and Dr. P. L. Wright, staff members of the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at Montana State University, checked 167 birds at the Flathead checking station on November 5, 1950, using both the Kimball ring method and the depth of the bursa of Fabricius to deter- mine the age of each bird. To determine hatching dates of immature cocks checked, the outer sheathed primary wing feather was measured and the feather length table published by the South Dakota Game Department was used to obtain the age in weeks of each bird. -72- Ninety-five immature birds that had been aged by wing feather develop- m_ent were carefully weighed at the Flathead checking station on November 5, 1950. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION; Age by Spur Length ; One of the 167 birds aged by both spur lengths and depth of the bursa of Fabricius, 121 were considered immature and 46 adults, using the Kimball ring to gauge spur lengths, and based on deuth of the bursa 128 were considered immature and 39 adult. Of the 121 birds aged as immature by the spur length method, 120 were found to be immature and 1 adult based on depth of the bursa. Of the 46 birds aged as adult by use of the spur gauge, 38 were considered adult and 8 immature by depth of bursa. An effort was made to examine by both methods all adult and extra large immature birds, but due to excessive numbers of hunters checked it was not possible to accomplish this to a large degree. However, the 157 birds checked are considered to be a semi-selective sample of the 1,530 cocks checked at the Flathead checking station the open- ing day (Note Table l). Based on this 167 bird sample, where 9 errors were found in age of birds based on the spur length in relation to the Kimball ring as checked by the depth of the bursa of Fabricius, it is indicated that the Kimball ring method is 94 per cent accurate when applied to Flathead Valley pheasants. Greatest error would come in aging the adult and large immature birds where 8 of the 46 birds indicated to be adult by use of the Kimball gauge were found to be immature upon examination of the bursa. This would account for a 17 per cent error in birds judged to be adult. An error of less than one per cent was noted in the birds considered immature by the Kimball age gauge since one of the 121 birds aged as immature by the age gauge was found to be adult by bursa examination. The significance of this error is shown when we consi- der the adult-immature ratio of pheasants checked out of the Flathead Valley during the 1950 season, since a ratio of 5,5 immature birds per adult was ob- served using the spur length age gauge, but when adjustments for error were made, this ratio would be 6,6 immature cocks per adult. Determination of Hatching Dates: In the Flathead Valley a total of 967 immature birds were further aged by primary wing feather development, (Note Table 2). Based on these birds it is indicated that the peak of the hatching in 1950 in this area took place in mid- June o Fifty- nine per cent of the birds were hatched in June, 35 per cent in July, 6 per cent in August, and-<^l per cent in September. In the Bitterroot Valley a total of 78 immature cocks were aged by primary wing feather development (note Table 3). Based on the age of these birds it is indicated that the peak of the hatch occurred in mid-June also and that 69 per cent of the birds were hatched before July 1, 28 per cent hatched in July, and 3 per cent hatched in August, On the Fairfield Bench only first primary wing feathers were collected with a result that birds younger than 18 weeks could not be aged (note Table -73- 4), Based on these birds it is indicated that 51 per cent had hatched by- July 1 and 49 uer cent hatched after that date with the peak of the hatch probably occurring in early July, . - It was the opinion of many game workers that the pheasant hatch was very late in 1950 and based on the age of road kills and birds caught in the fields, it was indicated that approximately 50 per cent of the birds would not be old enough to be "colored up" so as to distinguish males from females by the opening of the hunting season. Therefore, it is the opinion of this ob- server that true indication of hatching dates for 1950 is not given by the young cocks checked in hunters' bags because many of the youngest cocks en- countered in the field were passed by as hens by the hunters. Another suggest- ed possibility for the absence of very young birds in the hunters' bag is that they were too young to survive early snowy cold weather which occurred for a few days in both September and October and had perished before the hunting season. Weights; A total of 95 immature cocks were weighed and their exact age deter- mined. (Note Table 5). Based on these birds it would seem that the immature cocks have gained most of their body weight by the time they are 15 weeks old. The average weight of these birds was found to be 2.53 pounds with considerable range in weights in each age class, indicating that individual birds of even the same brood might differ in rate of maturity. Past studies have shown the average adult cock to weigh about three pounds and the average immature cock 2,75 pounds at the time of the hunting season in this area. STTMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Of a total of 167 pheasants aged both by means of the spur length age gauge and depth of the bursa of Fabricius, nine birds were found to be incor- rectly aged by the spur length, assuming depth of bursa provided correct age. Eight of 46 birds aged as adult by spur gauge were found to be immature based on bursa depth. One of 121 birds aged as immature was considered an adult based on bursa depth (Note Table l). Based on these findings it is indicated that the 25/32 inch diameter gauge used at present to age pheasants by spur length is only 94 per cent accur- ate with a trend to class some immature birds as adult and an occasional adult as an immature. Using primary wing feather development to further age the juvenile cocks to weeks of age, it is indicated that: (l) The peak of the 1950 hatch occurred in mid-June in the Flathead and Bitterroot Valleys and in early July in the Fairfield Bench area, (2) Some late hatching occurred in August and September. (Note Tables 2, 3, and 4). Based on frequent observations in late August and September of road killed juveniles and broods that were only two to three weeks old, it is the opinion of this observer that a true indication of hatching dates is not given by the juvenile birds checked in the hunters' bag. This could be accounted for by: (l) Very young cocks not being "colored up" sufficiently for the hunter -74- "to identify them as cocks and thus pass them up as hens since hunting was limited to cocks, or (2) many very late hatched birds perished during cold snowy weather in September and October and prior to the season. A total of ninety-five known age juvenile cocks were weighed and it was found that most birds over 15 weeks old had gained most of their expected body weight. The average weight of these birds was 2o53 pounds. (Note Table 5), RECO MMENM TIP NS t - . '- . ', - Further accuracy checks of the spur length age gauge should be made in other pheasant producing areas of Montana as well as the Flathead Valley. Possibilities of modifying the present age gauge diameter to obtain greater accuracy in aging Montana pheasants should be investigated. Juvenile pheasants in the hunters' bag should be further aged in future years to? (l) Gain comparative information regarding the early pheasant hatchj, (2) provide a check for other nesting studies carried on during the spring and summer season^ and (3) provide reference information if studies to determine minimum breeding age are conducted as anticipated. r. •■ ; : •„ • Submitted by? Fred Lo Hartkorn, Field Biologist Wildlife Restoration Division March 22, 1951 75 = Table 1, Pheasants aged by spur length and Bursa of Fabricius depth. Age Based on Kimball Spur Length Gauge Age Based on Bursa Depth 46 Adults 38 Adult, 8 Immature 121 Immature 120 Immature, 1 Adult Table 2, Age of juvenil e pheasants taken November 5, 1950, in Flathead Valley. Appro ximate Percentage Age m Hatchin ig Date Hatched per Weeks Number (Week Ending) Weekly Period 22 128 June 10 13^ 21 170 June 17 18 L -, „ r -9/^ Hatched in June 20 151 June 29 It) 19 119 July 1 18 136 July 8 17 65 July 15 g V 3b/o Hatched m July 16 89 July 22 15 51 July 29 14 45 Aug . 5 13 10 Aug„ 12 J > 6% Hatched in Aug. 12 1 Aug, 19 11 1 Aug, 26 oJ 10 1 Sept . 2 0 ^1% Hatched in Sept. Total 967 100 -76- Table 3, Age of juvenile pheasants taken November 5^ 1950, in Bitterroot Valley, Approximate Percentage jri g C -L Li i_LCt U'WiiJ-Xipi Ij'CAr Hatched per Wp a It *^ /V CJ O Ji. o y VV O C li. JJJXlvJ. X lip, / Weekly Period 23 3 June 3 22 15 June 1 0 18 / 21 20 June 17 26 y 69% Hatched in June 0 June icv ' 1 19 .12 . July 1 15; 18 10 July 8 12^ 17 : 5 July 15 i 16 2 July 22 28^ Hatched in July 15 4 July 29 14 2 Aug , 5 3 3% Hatched in August 100 Table 4. ' ■ — - Age of juvenile pheasants taken November 5 , 1950, on Fairfield Bench Appro ximate Per centa ge Age in Hatching Date Hatched per Weeks Number (Week Ending) Weekly Period 23 2 June 3 22 7 June 10 9 / 21 9 June 17 12 > 51^ Hatched in June 20 June 24 12 I 19 July 1 - 15 ) 18 11 July 8 15 49^ after July 1 -18 After July 9 34 75 100 Table 5. Immature cock pheasant weights. Age Number Weighed Average Weight 14 3 2„04 15 3 2„61 16 4 2o46 17 8 2,46 18 17 2,47 19 13 2,59 20 12 2.61 21 24 2,56 22 11 2, 61 95 2„53 =77 = STATE Montana PROJECT 39 -R DATE April 15, 1951 ABSTRACT Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations Waterfowl Season 1, A split season totaling 36 days was chosen by the Montana Fish and Game Commission for 1950. 3. There was a decrease in hunters checked and also the duck stamp sales in 1950. 4. The average number of birds bagged per day per hunter increased in 1950. 5. Species composition remained essentially the same during three years of comparable bag checks. 6. The average number of days in the field, during the first half of the season for each hunter, decreased in 1950. 7. The total bag of birds during the first half of the 1950 season de- creased from the 1949 total. 1. One hundred and eighty-three mallards were banded with Federal Fish and Wildlife Service bands from January 19 to March 10, 1951, No other species of waterfowl were caught in the trap, 2. Five mallards, representing 6.8 per cent of the ducks banded at the same location in 1950, were trapped again in 1951, Two mallard drakes that had been banded in March 1949, at Toston, were retrapped during this operation. 3. Thirty-eight individuals were retrapped a total of 78 times. Forty- seven per cent of the retrapped ducks repeated twice or more. 2. The regular voluntary checking stations were again operated. 8. There were fewer juvenile mallards in the bag in 1950 than in 1949. Waterfowl Banding 4, One hundred and ninety-seven plastic tags were attached to mallards during the two -mo nth period. 5. The marking experiments utilized four types of plastic tag material. They were: Window drapes, "koroseal" and two types of table covering material. 6. From the returns on 32 per cent of the tags, 20.6 per cent of the ducks had retained their tags for one or more weeks. 7. Only one tag, a Type D, remained on at the end of three weeks. 8. Types A and C did not remain attached for even one day on the ducks retrappedo 9. The 22mm skin clips were apparently too small to hold the tags securely. 10. Four lost tags were found in the area within 300 yards of the trap. 11. Three tagged ducks were identified during field observations. 12. The tags could be identified at 300 yards with 8-power glasses or at 75 yards with the unaided eye. 13. The sex ratio of all ducks banded was 300 males to 100 females. The sex ratio of retrapped ducks was 510 males to 100 females. 14. There were considerable more drakes banded the last half of the pro- ject than the first half. STATE Montana PROJECT 39 -R DATE April 15, 1951 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT For SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1, Title of Project: Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations 2, Project Personnel? Wynn G. Freeman, Waterfowl Biologist Gerald Salinas, Assistant Waterfowl Biologist 3, Report of Progress: The 1950 Waterfowl Harvest in Montana A split season totaling 36 days was chosen by the Fish and Game Commission as the 1950 waterfowl hunting season in Montana. The first period began on October 6 and the second period began on November 17. This season provided the same number of days for hunting as did the 1949 waterfowl season. The regular voluntary checking stations were again operated in the same locations and during the same days of the week. These stations have been run for three years and are providing good information on the hunting trend. Postal cards, personal interviews, and additional hunter checks were also used to better determine hunter success. The number of hunters checked through our voluntary checking stations during the 1950 hunting season was 1,909. This was a decrease of 274 from the number of hunters checked in 1949. The state-wide sale of duck stamps also showed a decrease from 32,117 in 1949 to 30,858 in 1950. The average number of birds taken per trip to the field increased from 1,4 in 1949 to 1.9 in 1950 (Table l). This increase was a general increase throughout the season with the most improvement occurring during the second half. During the first half of the season, two checking stations showed a minor decrease of one-tenth bird per hunter per day (Table l). -78- The i^reat Falls checking station (Table 2) showed considerable increase in birds bagged per trip to the field during both halves of the split season. The 1950 season was considered the best of the three seasons on which we have comparable data. The storms which occurred during the closing days of the first half of the season and throughout the second half of the season drove most of the birds south. However, in compensation, the storms concentrated the remain- ing birds and this resulted in excellent shooting. The species composition at Great Falls remained unchanged with mallards again contributing the greater portion of the bag. During the second half of the season, mallards made up 97,4 per cent of the total bag. From the number of band returns, it was determined that we were shooting the resident winter population. The species again making up the bulk of the bag were mallards, pintails, baldpates, gadwalls, shovellers, and green-winged teal. The Flathead checking station (Table 3) also showed an increase in the number of birds per trip to the field during both halves of the split season. The 1950 season in this area was considered the best of the three seasons on which we have comparable data. The species composition of the bag remained unchanged with mallards, baldpates, green-winged teal, and pintails making up the bulk of the bag. However, the usual percentage of the bag contributed by baldpates and green-winged teal was made during the first half of the season instead of the usual distribution through both halves (Table 3). The inclement weather drove all but the most hardy birds south at the close of the first half of the hunting season^ The Bitterroot checking station (Table 4) shows more consistency than any of the checking stations in the average number of birds per trip to the field. There was, however, an increase in hunter success in 1950 which was attributed entirely to the second half of the season. The warm water areas in the Bitterroot Valley provide an ideal situation for the concentration of birds when inclement weather freezes other resting areas. The species composition of the bag remained unchanged with mallards, green-winged teal, baldpates, and wood ducks making up the greater portion. Mallards again contributed over 90 per cent of the total bag during the second period. The combined information from all checking stations indicates that the number of birds per trip to the field has risen from 1.29 birds in 1948 to 1.91 birds per day in 1950 (Table 5). Although this system of checking stations does not give complete information on the state-wide kill, enough land area or habitat type is sampled to provide reliable trend information. There has been considerable variation within the parts of the season as to how much of the bag was contributed by an individual species. However, year to year comparisons of the combined total contribution of individual species varies only slightly (Figure l). This poses the probability that when these data have been gathered for several hunting seasons, the species composition of the bag will be known, within specified percentage limits, and yearly bag checks of these areas for species composition will not be required. The pheasant season, which was opened between the two halves of the waterfowl season, again afforded an excellent opportunity to obtain information CO ncerni'r^.g ":he first half of the waterfowl season. The questions asked of the = 79- pheasant hunters were as follows: 1. Did you buy a duck stamp! 2. Did you hunt ducks or geese during the first half of the season? 3. How many ducks did you bag? 4. How many times did you go hunting? A comparison of these data with similar data taken in 1949 (Table 6) shows that although the number of birds taken per day increased, the average number of days in the field and consequent- ly the total bag for the first half of the 1950 season was reduced. The gather- ing of information pertaining to the average number of trips to the field during the second half of the season has not been completed. Sex and age ratios on mallards were gathered during the first half of the season (Table 7) and sex ratios were gathered during the second period. The sex ratio increased from a 1;1 ratio during the first half of the season to a ratio of two males to one female during the second period. In all cases, the ratios indicated fewer juveniles in the bag in 1950 than were in 1949, The U. S, Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a postal card survey of waterfowl hunting in Montana for information on the 1950 hunting season. The results of this survey showed a similar, but exaggerated, picture to that ob- tained from the checking stations. There was a 59,5 per cent return on the cards sent out to the hunters. The number of days the hunter went to the field was calculated as 5.9 for the season. The number of birds bagged per hunter was 12,8 for the season and the number of birds bagged per day was 2.2. The postal card information indicated a larger kill than was indicated by actual bag checks. 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Cd o © © 1 cd P> © rH © o o •H o i-H :-H 'tS bO > ■4-1 IS «(-! T3 O +:> X) -H rH SH O o rH «t-l in •H O 9 9 cd Cd Cd cd • H o © •H cd o O =3 • • O o o •H C5 PQ PL, o OQ IS ft; u C/3 CD CQ CD o t/J o PQ -85- Table 6. Information on the first half of the waterfowl hunting season obtained from hunter interviews. Area of Check No . 0 f Hunters No . Days Hunted Ducks Killed Avg. No. Days Hunted Ducks/ Day Ducks / First Half Great Falls 238 568 1396 . 2.4 2.4 ; 5.8 Flathead 699 800 1538 - \ Icl 1.9 2.1 Bitterroo t 57 ■86 16 : ^-^ 0.2 :.i 0.3 Total 1950 994 1,454 2,950 ; 1.5 2.0 3.0 Total 1949 417 lp045 1,904 ■ 2.5 1.8 4.6 ■ f ) i ; I, ; I I- [ 1, I [ -86- f-^ i-< c-> 1 1 •-< — ^ K-3 ■ — ' 1 1 *^ — .* o M ai w •CD oa rH , 1 rrt CO s o CD CD , 1 r-r, 5- 0 -4*3 1 1 CD rH ■to CD CD 1 1 cd r-r- CD CD r-r, *^ >-« ( — % •H 1— J 1 j in -P CO , — 1 ® CD rH •H f:; CD >> r~i «-> 1 — 1 1 . 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Cd -p o o Sh CD cd -P -P 0 aj -P rH -H I— I Pr ; m PQ -P CD M O CO CM CJ) CM 00 CO O CN3 rH rH ^ CO O CM rH rH CO CM O CM CT> O rH CO CM CO CO •P -P o o Eh Eh 00 CO «^ 1^ o CM rH C^3 CO o cr> 10 in CM o a> CO CO LO CO CM CSJ o CO cd QJ C/2 «(-( o cd n3 cd CD -p cd CD u -p o o u u © -p -p •H O PQ O cr> cd cd -P o o -87 - ^ CD ■¥> x> •H Sh -P C O o c ■H O t5D -P -p ^ © 00 © -P o w o CO •H cd E o o o w © © •H © -P d © XI -P o m © •H o © C o o o CO CQ CO a cd CD © © m m CO 03 o in cr> a> i-H i S SB □ o CZ3 (Xi © © © © > o 1 • I— I cd © CQ © 1^ •H -P •H © -P rH oi 03 n3 CD -88- WINTER BANDING AND EXPERIMENTAL MARKING OF WATERFOWL FOR FIELD IDENTIFICATION INTRODTTCTION: " ' - ; ' ' ■ ^ ^ : Marking of upland game birds for field identification has been attempted for a number of years. Taber (1949) used "koroseal" tags with different-colored numerals, which he attached to the back of the neck of a pheasant with a #2 silver-plated safety pin (Figure l). One piece of the tag hung down on either side of the neck and could be distinguished at 300 yards with a 20-power tel- escope . Figure 1. Taber 's "koroseal" . , ,^ pheasant tag. Leopold, Lee, Anderson (1938) and Edminster (1938) and Heydweiller (1935) used dyed chicken feathers attached to the tail feathers of ruffed grouse and pheasants. Sowls (1950) tried this method on waterfowl, but the attempts proved unsuccessful because of the relatively small size of the duck tail fea- thers which afforded attachment for the dyed chicken feathers. Trippensee ( 1941 ) used pyralin tags in a number of colors on ruffed grouse and pheasants. The tags, which were attached to the dorsal side of the tail feathers, were difficult to see at 800 feet with 8-power glasses. In most observations, the tags could be clearly distinguished at about 100 feet with 10-power glasses. Edminster (1938) used nickel-plated catbells on ruffed grouse which could be distinctly heard at 100 feet» He also used a limited amount of tail feather clipping, which proved satisfactory, lasting throughout most of the summer. Sowls (1950) reports that feather imping was attempted at Delta in 1947 but proved unsatisfactory. Moffit (1947) applied aniline dyes on sage grouse but stated that "dyes would probably not be effective on birds without moderately light-colored pelage . " Jones (1950) found that pheasants, rolled in a pan of red rhodamine B- extra and kept overnight to dry before releasing, retained the dye for three months or more. He stated that, "under favorable light conditions and without the aid of binoculars, these pheasants were identified accurately from over a quarter of a mile." Wadkins (1948) sprayed alcohol and acetate base dyes on pheasants with a hand spray. Thirty-three per cent alcohol base rhodamine B-extra faded less and lasted longer than either malachite green, brilliant green or purple batik, -95- but all dyes worked sufficiently well for field identification. Recently Sowls (1950) has conducted marking experiments on waterfowl in relation to renesting studies. He utilized oil paints, enamels and artists paints, but found the faster-drying airplane dope paint to be much more conven- ient and effective for field use. By applying the dope to the dorsal surface of both the proximal ends of the wings and the tail, he was able to obtain 62 color combinations for each sex of each species using three colors--red, yellow and Avhite. He states that these markings were visible in flight up to 500 yards with 8-DOwer glasses and lasted about two months. Salinas (letter) in conducting a similar study at the time of this writ- ing near Ti'ort Missoula, Montana. He earlier used a ""bow-tie" similar to that used by Wint in Oklahoma, but abandoned it later for a more durable "necktie" which he made from red translucent plastic (Figure 2), Four out of 90 mallard hens, tagged with these ribbons, have been observed in the field a week or more after tagging. Salinas stated that the tags can be easily seen with the unaided eye at about 75 yards. ^ ---^ Surgical skin clip fastened ito both ribbon and skin. Tag folded double lor strength ^ / High enough to keep the duck ^ ^° "^^^^^^^^^^^X Stapled getting bill caught under it Figure 2 "Necktie" tag used by Salinas This report covers a research project conducted on the use of plastic markers on waterfowl for possible application in waterfowl population and nest- ing studies. The project, under the direction of Wynn G, Freeman, Waterfowl Biologist for the State of Montana, and under the supervision of Dr. D. C. Ouimby, Professor of Zoology, Montana State College, was carried out on the Manhattan Game Preserve near Bozeman, Montana from January 19 to March 10, 191, Tye type of material and method of attachment used in this project were patterned after Wint ' s (letter) work with pheasants in Oklahoma, in which he used tags made out of Montgomery Ward imitation leather plastic upholstery. The tags (Figure 3), which had numerals heat-sealed on for individual identif- ication, were attached to the feather tract on the back of the neck with a 22mm, surgical skin clip. One of these tags remained on a pheasant for eight months. Figure 3. Wint ' s Pheasant Tag -9 6- MATFRIALS: The four types of plastic material, used in the tagging experiments are described below? Type A - A single layer tag of Montgomery Ward Solid yellow window drapes of 0.07mm. thickness was usede Type B - Bright yellow plastic table cover material of 0.3mm. thickness was used with the solid colored side out and the mottled side in , Type C.- A yellow, translucent "koroseal" of 0.09mm. thickness was used. Both a single-thickness and a three-layered heat-fused tag were used. "Koroseal" can be purchased at most any larger depart- ment store. Type D - Plastic table cover material of 0„28mm, thickness, very similar to Type B, but more lemon-yellow was used. Both Type B and D were purchased at the Hart-Albin Department Store in Billings, Montana. ■ Three different length tags, 3", 5" and 7", were used in the tagging. The length as stated refers to the total length of the tag (Figure 4), The tags were patterned after those of Wint ' s (Figure 3), but the numerals were not used for individual identification. The corners were rounded to prevent tearing or snagging. The hole for the surgical skin clip was punched with a common ticket punch. A 14mm. surgical skin clip was used to attach the tags to the feather tract on the back of the duck's neck in the manner shown in Figure 5 and 6. A pair of surgical forceps was used to fasten the clips after they had been in- serted through the hole. The dimensions of the size tag used most commonly and the clipping position are shown in Figure 4. Figure 4. (A) Dimensions and (B) Clipping position of the 5" plastic duck tag. PROCEDURE: The general study area was surveyed three times weekly. The duck trap was baited during the first two visits. The banding and tagging was done on the second and third visits. The plastic tags were applied by pushing the feathers to one side on the -97- track of the neck and lifting the skin up about ^ inch, then fastening the clip so that the two points met inside the skin and overlapped. The tag was attach- ed at the level of the white ring on the mallard drake's neck and at a corres- ponding level on the hen's neck. Mallards were the only species of waterfowl trapped during the research project. Retrapped ducks that had lost their tags were retagged and the informa- tion recorded. Any sign of infection or skin damage that was noticed was also recordedo All tags and clips still remaining on any ducks were banded with Federal Fish and Wildlife duck bands at the same time that they were tagged. As the ducks were released from the trap after banding and tagging, they were observed with both the naked eye and with 8-power glasses. After all ducks that were in the trap had been tagged and released, a survey was made in the general area to determine if any of the ducks just tagged or from previous taggings could be distinguished. Upon approaching the area and trap each visit, a check of all ducks flushed was made to observe any marked ducks that might be present. In addition, two small spring creeks running alongside the road, usually frequented by scattered pairs and smaller flocks, were carefully watched from the car each trip. Both of these creeks ran w ithin one mile of the trap, OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS; From January 19 to March 11, 1951, one hundred and eighty-three mallards were banded with Federal Fish and Wildlife bands (Table l). Five mallards, representing 6.8 per cent of the ducks banded at the same location in 1950, were trapped again in 1951„ Two mallards, which had both been banded at Toston in March of 1949, were taken in the trap. Table lo Ducks banded and retrapped. No. of indiv- No, of times individual Total Total ducks iduals re- ducks v>/ere retrapped Species Banded Retrapped ' trapped 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 30 15 8 1 1 2 1 1 8' 5 2 2 Totals 183 . 76 38 20 10 3 1 2 1 1 The sex ratio of all ducks banded was approximately 300 males to 100 females. The sex ratio showed a definite variation between the earlier and later periods during the project (Table 2), In the period from January 19 to February 22^, the sex ratio was approximately 200 drakes to 100 hens. In the latter period, February 23 to March 10, the sex ratio jumped to 510 males to 100 females. This increase of drakes may have been due to the arrival of early migrants, a movement in local populations or may possibly be attributed to some other unknown factor. There was a noticeable increase in the number of ducks using the preserve as a resting spot during the latter period and several species pf waterfowl y pintails, baldpates, gadwalls and green-winged teal, were seen Mallard=drakes 137 64 hens 46 12 -98- fhat had not been observed during the mid-winter months Table 2. Sex ratio of waterfowl banded duri ng specific periods. To tal Banded Species Sex Jan, 19 - Feb, 22 Feb. 23 - March 10 Mallard Male 60 77 Female 31 15 Sex Ratio 194^100 513^100 Thirty-eight individuals were retrapped a total of 78 times. Fifty-two and six-tenths oer cent of the retrapped ducks repeated once; 26,3 per cent repeated twice; 7,9 per cent repeated three times; 2o6 per cent repeated four times; 5,3 per cent repeated f^ve times; and 5.2 per cent repeated six or more times. One drake was trapped nine of the eleven times the trap was operated. The sex ratio of retrapped ducks was 550 males to 100 females, considerably . higher than the over-all sex ratio for the total ducks banded (300 males to 100 females). This may suggest that the mallard drake is more susceptible to retraiDping than the hen. One hundred and ninety-seven plastic tags were attached to mallards during the two-month period. Control tagged ducks were not kept in order to determine the durability of the different type tags on captive birds. Returns were obtained on 32 ner cent of the tags attached, but only 20,6 per cent of the ducks retrapped retained their tags for one or more weeks. One tag, a type D, remained on at the end of three weeks (Table 3), Table 3. Tagging statistics. Number of No , o f Length of time tags re- Tags Number of tags re- mained attached Type Material Attached Returns maining 1 wk 2 wks 3 or more wks Type A 3" 1 0 5" 26 10 0 7" 15 7 0 Type B 5" 74 18 6 5 1 Type C 5" 6 3 0 7" 7 2 0 C(3)5" 17 3 0 Type D 5" 51 20 7 6 1 Totals 197 63 13 11 1 1 Types B and D were the only materials used that remained attached for more than one day. Types A and C were apparently of insufficient strength to withstand the buffeting during flight, feeding, etc. The type C "koroseal" -99 was tried with three thicknesses heat-fused together with an iron, but even then did not last more than one day„ Both Type A and C usually tore away leav- ing the clip imbedded in the skin of the neck. The heavier Types B and D fre- quently tore away pulling the clip with theme When either Type B or D tags were still present on trapped birds, the two halves had inevitably fused together and lay on one side or the other of the duck's neck, rather than standing up in their original position as shown in Figures 5 and 6, The cold weather made the tags, especially Type A, noticeably more brittle and may have had some effect on the rapid loss. The 22mm, skin clip proved too small to hold the tag to the skin. All tags fastened with the 22mm. clips had been lost the next day on all retrapped ducks „ One skin wound was quite noticeable where a tag had pulled out taking the clip with it. A few ducks had scars partly or nearly healed when retrapped, but no sign of the previous tagging could be found on most retraps. As far as could be determined from retrapped ducks, the surgical skin clips did not cause any infections or permanent damage, . . Two tags, one A and one were lost in the trap, possibly due to the ducks jumping against the top and sticking their necks through the wire in an attempt to escape. Two other lost tags were recovered in Baker Creek, both v/ithin 300 yards of the duck trap. In observing the ducks as they were released, all four types of tags could usually be distinguished at 75 yards with the naked eye. With 8-power glasses the B and D tags could be distinguished at 250 to 300 yards. Types A and C were more difficult to make out at greater distances. Recognition was facilitated if the duck remained flying low contrasted against the darker under- brush. The tags of all types were difficult to distinguish when the ducks flsA^ up and away from the observer. Sometimes the tags, especially the more flexible Types A and C, immediately flopped over on one side or the other of the duck's neck and could not be distinguished at all when the duck was flying away from the observer. Tags were most readily perceived from a lateral position. The three-inch tags were discarded immediately after the first one had been attached because they did not project far enough out from the feathers on the back of the neck to afford easy identification. The five-inch lengths were used most commonly for the Type A and 0 tags, and were used exclusively for the Type B and D tags (Table 3), The seven-inch tags did not seem to be any more readily identified than the five-inch tags. Only three tagged mallard drakes were seen in the field during the daily surveys. One was seen in flight at about 200 ^rards with 8-power glasses, the other two were seen while the ducks were sitting on the water. One of the tagged drakes was observed while it was sitting on the water just in front of the duck trap at a distance of 120 yards with 8-power glasses. The tag appeared very distinct while the duck was sitting on the water and was noticeable for another 100 yards after the bird had taken flight. The third drake was observed on one of the small creeks running alongside the road. The duck was seen from the car ax about six yards with the naked eye. Its tag was hanging down on one side of its -.leck and couldn't be seen after the duck flushed because the tag =.1-00^^ hung down on the side of the neck opposite the observero None of the tags were identified as to material, but the two tags seen while the ducks were sitting on the water appeared more like Type B or D because of their rigid appearance. The large number of ducks using the area as a resting spot during the last month of the project made field observations difficult. Frequently flocks, appearing as large as 2,000 birds, were flushed at one time making it impossible to observe all ducks for tags„ A correlation of trauping success and weather was apparent „ No ducks were taken in the trap when the ground was free of snow and the weather was warm or mild. The ducks also hesitated to enter the trap when it was entirely free from ice which had condensed on the wire during colder temperatures « SUMMARY; 1 o One hundred and eighty-three mallards were banded with Federal Fish and Wildlife Service bands from January 19 to March 10, 1951, No other species of waterfowl were caught in the trap. , ...... . ... .. 2. Five mallards, representing 6o8 per cent of the ducks banded at the same location in 1950, were trapped again in 1951a Two mallard drakes that had been banded in March, 1949, at Toston, were retrapped during this operation, 3, Thirty-eight individuals were retrapped a total of 78 times. Forty- seven per cent of the retrapped ducks repeated twice or morOo 4. One hundred and ninety-seven plastic tags were attached to mallards during the two -mo nth period, 5. The marking experiments utilized four types of plastic tag material. They were: Window drapes, "koroseal" and two types of table covering material, 6, ^rom the returns on 32 per cent of the tags, 20,6 per cent of the ducks had retained their tags for one or more weeks, 7, Only one tag, a Type D, remained on at the end of three weeks. So Types A and C did not remain attached for even one day on the ducks retrapped. 9, The 22mra. skin clips were apparently too small to hold the tags secure- ly. 10, Four lost tags were found in the area within 300 yards of the trap, 11. Three tagged ducks were identified during field observations, 12, The tags could be identified at 300 yards with 8-power glasses or at 75 yards with the unaided eye. 13. The sex ratio of all ducks banded was 300 males to 100 females. The sex ratio of retrapped ducks was 510 males to 100 females. -101 - I 14o There were considerable more drakes banded the last half of the pro- ject than the first half, . - . ■■ LITERATURE CITED Edminster, Frank C , 1938 The marking of ruffed grouse for field identification. Jr. Wildl. Mgto 2(2)?55-57 Heydweiller, M,A. 1934 Tail plumes as a means of marking individual birds. Bird Banding 2(l)?Jan. 45-47 Jones, Gardiner F„ 1950 Observations of color-dyed pheasants. Jr. Wildl. Mgt. 14(l):81-82 Leopold, Aldo , Orville Lee and Harry Anderson 1938 Wisconsin pheasant movement study, 1930-1937 Jr. Wildl. Mgt. 2(l):3-12 Mo f fit, James 1942 Apparatus for marking wild animals with colored dyes. Jr. Wildl. mgt. 6(4):312-318 Sowls, L/le K, 1950 Techniques for waterfowl nesting studies. Trans. 15th No. Am, Wildl, Conf, 478-487 Taber, Richard D» 1949 A new marker for game birds. Jr. Wildl. Mgt. 13( 2) ; 228-231 Trippensee, R. E. 1941 A new type of bird and mammal marker, Jr. Wildl„ Mgt. 5(l):120-124 VfadkinSj, L. A. 1948 Dyeing birds for identification. Jr. Wildl. Mgt. 12( 4) : 388-391 Submitted by: Richard Smith, Student Assistant Wildlife Restoration Division "102- Figure 5. Tagging mallard drakes Figure 6. Tagging mallard hens STATE Mo ntana PROJECT 5-D DATE April 15, 1951 ABSTRACT General Wildlife Restocking During the quarter, 310 antelope were trapped and released in good condi- tion. Two hundred and fifty were captured in Yellowstone Park and 60 were trapped near Roundup. Project personnel were employed during the major portion of this quarter on elk trapping and were paid accordingly out of non-P.R. funds. STATE Mo ntana PROJECT DATE- 5-D April 15, 1951 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT "■ , . ,.• For ^ DEVELOPMENT ' ' ' . ~' " As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: General Wildlife Restocking Project 2. Project Personnel: James McLucas, Foreman James Huggins, Fieldman 3. Report of Progress: . » ^. ANTELOPE RELEASES, WINTER 1951 Trapping Site 3s: Yellowstone Natl . Park - 250, Miller Lake - 60. Date Area Released Do es Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total Jan. 21, 19 51 Poison-Irving Flats 15 4 10 7 36 Feb. 13, 1951 Ennis -Wigwam Cr. 12 9 5 4 30 Feb. 13, 1951 Ennis-St. Joseph Cr . 11 6 1 12 30 Feb. 14, 1951 Ennis-Spring Cr . 5 3 2 8 18 Feb. 14, 19 51 Moiese Range 7 4 4 15 Feb. 15, March 29, 1951 1951 Little Bitterroot Hills Medicine Lake 8 11 7 6 5 10 10 5 30 32 March 29, 1951 Tiger Butte 10 4 Antelope Released Out of State 8 Total for 6 State 28 219 Jan. 21 , 19 51 Theodore Roosevelt Natl. Park, N, Dak. 60% Do es 40^ Bucks 75 Jan. 20, 1951 Feb. 15, 1951 Wind Caves, S. Dak. Toledo Ohio Zoo 12 2 Total Out of State Grand Total 12 4 ~9r 310 -105- Following the perfection of the technique of antelope trapping, Montana has succeeded in catching over 3,500 of this species. As a result, most of the suitable areas have received nreliminary stocking. 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 populations and thus good sources for stocking. In return for the antelope and assistance of ranger personnel on trapping operations, 91 pronghorns were released to the National Park Service for trans- planting in other National Parks. ANTELOPE TRANSPLANTING Winter 1951 TRAPPING SITE; Yellowstone National Park DATES? January 18 - 21, 1951 February 12 - 15, 1951 PROCEDURE' The antelope trap was set up in Yellowstone National Park in January, 1951. It was put into operation January 18 and 19 when 125 antelope were trapped. The following day 87 antelope were loaded into two trucks furnished by Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Wind Caves National Park. The 36 remaining antelope were tagged and loaded into a Montana Fish and Game truck, to be released at Irving Flats, Poison, Montana, Antelope trapping was again resumed on February 12 and 13. At this time 133 antelope were trapped. On the same day, 60 antelope were tagged and loaded to be released at Wigwam Creek, and St. Joseph Creek, Madison County. Thirty- three antelope were loaded the following day. Fifteen of these antelope were tagged and marked with plastic tags for the Moiese Range, and 18 antelope were tagged and loaded to be released at Spring Creek, Madison County. The remaining 30 antelope were tagged and loaded the following day for the Little Bitterroot Hills in Sanders County. This wound up the antelope trapping ODerations in Yellowstone National Park, with a total catch of 258 antelope. Total loss for the trapping . operation was eight antelope, five lost in trapping operations and three in transporta- tion. -106- LITTLE BITTERROOT HILLS Antelope Released Date Released Does Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total February 15, 19 51 8 7 5 10 30 Description of Area: The point of this release lies southwest of Hotsprings in the Little ' '• Bitterroot Hills in Sanders County. n i .v.; .; . The terrain is rolling sagebrush and grass covered hills with small stands of timber near the topsjand river bottom land consisting of the Bitterroot River. The climate is moderate with little snow. The area is used chiefly for grazing with some farming in the river and creek bottoms. IRVING FLATS Antelope Released Date Released Do es Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total January 21, 19 51 15 4 - ■■ - 10 7 Description of Area: ■ , ' The site of this release lies west of Poison on Irving Flats on the east side of the Bitterroot River, Lake County. The physical features vary from river bottom land to rolling grass and sagebrush foothills. ST. JOSEPH'S CREEK Antelope Released Date Released Do es Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total February 13, 1951 11 6 1 1 2 30 Descriptio n o f Area: The site of this release lies 10 miles north of Ennis on St. Joseph's Creek in the Madison Range. The area consists of a number of small benches -107- extending from the Mgdison River to the base of the Madison Mountains. Cover types are grassland and sage. Water points are readily available from creeks in the area. Snow depths rarely exceed one foot and most of the winter there is little to none, with the wind keeping a large part of the area free of snow. Native antelope have not existed here in recent years, but in the early days they were quite abundant, according to the old-time residents. Co nclusio ns ? This should be an excellent experimental plant, as they are fairly well confined to this area which will make it easy to stay in contact with this plant . WIGWAM CREEK AND SPRING CREEK ■ •■ ■ Antelope Released Date Released Does Doe fawns Buck fawns Bucks Total February 13, 1951 12 ■-.^9. 5 4 30 February 14, 1951 5 3 2 8 18 Total 17 12 7 12 48 Description of Area: .;. The site of this plant lies about 15 miles south of Ennis in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. Cover types of the area are grasslands and sage, with it being broken up by creek bottoms in which are cultivated haylands. The main use is grazing, with cattle dominant user. Irrigated hay meadows and fields are found along the Madison River and its tributaries. Reports of old timers still here, and historical data show that there were antelope once present here. Snow conditions are moderate with winds baring most of the foothills. MOIESE BISON RANGE Antelope Released Date Released Does Doe Fawns Buck Fawns Bucks Total February 14, 1951 7 4 4 0 15 -108 Purpo se r These antelope were released on the Moiese National Bison Range. An antelope study was set up for the purpose of aging antelope and gaining other research data. ?ach antelope was tagged and marked with different colored plastic tags, so they could be recognized on the Bison Range in the course of this study. ANTELOPE TRAPPING NEAR ROUNDUP DATE? March 26 - 30, 1951 PERSONNEL: James Reed, Field Assistant Maurice Wesen, Field Assistant Frank Gummer, Field Assistant James McLucas, Field Assistant Jack Owens, Field Assistant Cliff McBratney - Pilot PURPOSE? To restock two new areas, one near Medicine Lake in Sheridan County, and Tiger Butte in Cascade County. PROCEDURE: On March 26 the antelope crew left Helena for Roundup to start antelope trapping. Remarkable time was made in setting up the trap although the crew had had no previous experience. RESULTS: An attempt was made on March 28 to drive some antelope into the trap. Sixty-six head of antelope were successfully driven into the trap in this attempt. The flying time took less than two hours. The antelope had split up in two's and three's and the does were heavy with fawns. The antelope were left in the trap to rest overnight and the next day 33 were loaded for transporting to Medicine Lake and 29 for Tiger Butte. Six antelope were lost in the operation. Four were lost because of injur- ies sustained during the trapping and two were lost during the transporting process. -109- ■ Nineteen females and 13 males were released in very good condition at Medicine Lake Refuge in Sheridan County and 12 females and 16 males were re- leased in good condition at Tiger Butte in Cascade County, CONCLUSIONS? Considerable difficulty was experienced in herding antelope this late in the year as they were in small groups, and does would drop out after running only a short distance., Antelope trapping should not run later than the first week in March, as casualties are greater after this date. Submitted by; James McLucas, Foreman Wildlife Restoration Division -110- STATE Montana PROJECT DATE ABSTRACT Sun River Game Range Development Approximately 2,500 of the Sun River elk wintered on the state game range. Range forage was utilized properly and elk losses on the range were pract- ically non-existent. 27 -D April 15, 1951 STATE Montana PRO JECT 27-D DATE April 15 , 1951 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT For DEVELOPMENT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: Sun River Game Range Development 2. Personnel: Bruce Neal , Unit Manager Bob Neal, Assistant Unit Manager 3. Report of Progress: Work during this quarter was devoted almost entirely to elk herding. This is a non-P.R. function and was paid from regular state game funds. It is ariparent that this activity is becoming less difficult each year as the animals are becoming accustomed to the state winter range area. Approximately 2,500 wintered on the Sun River Game Range. There has been practically no loss to date and all seem to be in excellent condition. Range forage is very good as a substantial portion of the grass was not used . Submitted by: Bob Neal, Asst. Unit Manager Wildlife Restoration Division -111- ■TAT a STATE Montana PROJECT 33-D DATE' April 15, 1951 ABSTRACT Blackf 00 t=Clearwater Game Range Development Thin lines of feed were maintained to attract elk onto the state-owned lands. Herding of trespass stock was necessary to force cattle and horses from the white-tailed deer range in the acquisition area. Old buildings were removed and routine activity occupied the crew throughout the quarter. STATE Montana PROJECT 33-D DATE April 15, 1951 ■ , . QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT ...For DEVELOPMENT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT 1. Title of Project: Blackf oo t-Clearwater Game Range Unit 2. Personnel: Stan Mongrain, Unit Manager Jack Ray, Assistant Unit Manager Al Mullenax, Laborer 3. Report of Progress: A. 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. By locating a bunch of elk and staying behind them and gradually > working them in the direction we wanted them to go, the elk could be pushed over the border onto state-owned land. In some cases several days were required in moving one bunch. As more snow fell, the going became too tough to use saddle horses. A feed line was started using hay and feed pellets. The same method was used in the winter of 1949-50. The route this year ran in a north and east direction from the Blackfoot-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 on- to the ranches. In the first month of maintaining this line, close to 300 elk were herded onto the Blackfoot-Clearwater Range. On the second of January the crew of two men maintaining the line -112- reported a surplus of feed on the line and very little elk sign. It was believed at first that all of the elk in the vicinity had followed the line through, A supply of feed was spread along the line and a daily check made as to any use that should show up. On January 9 the regular check of the feed line showed signs of a large number of elk moving in. The upper half of the feed line was cleaned bare of hay, but the pellets were left. Leaving the pellets was the first indication of a new herd of elk moving in. Elk that are acquainted with the pellets prefer them to other types of feed we have tried. In a few days the elk were eating the pellets and even looking for them. They would dig them out of the snow, following the line its full length. The feed line was shortened a quarter of a mile at a time, grad- ually drawing the elk closer to the Blackf oot-Clearwatsr boundary. A county road had to be crossed before the elk were where they could drift onto the winter range. Numerous attempts to draw the elk across this road proved unsuccessful. The only apparent reason for this seemed to be that the elk were on strange range. The activity along this road scared them backo The elk were held as close in this area as was possible. It is hoped they will return next fall and can be moved onto the state range. Bo Removing Trespass Stock Horses turned out to rustle their winter food drift onto the Blackf oot-Clearwater Range. They not only pick all the available feed, but the pawing through the snow to the grass roots causes the grass to freeze out leaving a permanent scar on the range. Keeping these horses off the range requires a great deal of time. A drift fence is the only solution to this problem. Co Building Removal Buildings at headquarters that were beyond repair and of no use to the Department were removed. Material of any use was salvaged and stored. 'The rest of the buildings were piled and burned. ■ '■■ The result will be a more attractive and cleaner headquarters. '' ' D. Snow Plowing ■ " ' '.-^rr • ^ caterpillar tractor with a dozer was rented by the Department to keep the roads open for the winter. Without snow plow equipment, winter pro- jects cannot be carried on. E. Hay and Grain Distribution ' ■ Hay raised at the Blackf oot-Clearwater Unit was hauled to various -113- Doints in the State. This hay was used for baiting traps and wintering Depart- ment-owned stock. Some grain was taken for waterfowl feeding, A detailed report on the distribution will be presented at a later date . Submitted by: Stan Mongrain, Unit Manager Wildlife Restoration Division -114-