w — — ——

NATIONAL BISON NAF.PATIVE RLPONTS 'I

' 1 : -7̂ T̂'̂ rT ''

/

JANTJARY-DECBlfflB R 1948

ROUTING SLIP BRANCH OF UILJLIFE PtEFUGES DATE: 3/21 1949

MR. SALYER

MR. KRUMMES

MISS BAUM

I?

SECTION OF HABITAT IMPROVEMENT:

m.-GfKwn *

-DR. BOURN

SECTION OF OPERATIONS J

Mft. feALT __

MRS«£GML__

SECTION OF STRUCTURES;

MR. TAYLOR

MR. JOHNSTON

SECTION OF LAND MANAGEI.IENT:

ACKSRNNECHT

STENOGRAPHERS;

NARRATIVE REPORT

REFUGE;

PERIOD;

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 1948

—

446^4

N A T I O N A L B I S O N R A N G E

Refuge Narrative Report

September 1 to December 31> 1948

P E R S O N N E L

George E. Mushbach, Superintendent of Refuges

Clarence G, Young, Refuge Manager

Victor B, May, Refuge Maintenance Man (Equipment)

Daniel S. Willey, Refuge Maintenance Man (General)

Leon C. Snyder, Refuge Manager (Bird Refuges)

Robert V. Bruce, Clerk

Temporary

Ray Clawson, Carpenter (w.a.e.)

INDEX

Page

I. GENERAL

A* Weather Conditions 1 B. Water Conditions 1 C. Fires 2

II. WILDLIFE

A. Migratory Birds 1. Populations and Behavior 2 2. Food and Cover 2

B. Upland Game Birds 1. Populations and Behavior 3 2. Food and Cover 3

C. Big-Game Animals 1. Populations and Behavior. 3 2, Food and Cover 6

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents & Other Coyotes — — 6 Bobcats — 6

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A, Physical Development 7

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses 9 Refuge Visitors 9 G. Refuge Participation 10

VII. OTHER ITEMS

A. Items of Interest 10 B. Photographs 10

1.

N A T I O N A L B I S O N R A N G E

Refuge Narrative Report

September 1 to December 1948

I. GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions

m* Maximum Minimum

Snowfall Precipitation Temperatures Temperatures

September .04 93 ' 28 October .35 72 14 November 5" .61 $7 18 December 1^ 1.08 44 -12

20 2.08

mi

September 1.78 90 28 October 2.36 80 28 November 7" 2.49 59 20 December 1.11 50 15

14" 7.74

The total of 2.08 inches of rainfall for the period represents a decline just slightly under half of that indi­cated by the 35-year mean. While but very little precipitation was recorded during the early fall months, this did not impair range conditions to any marked degree since moisture content remained excessive throughout most of the growing season. Snowfall has not been heavy and at the close of December measures about 5 inches over the low country.

Temperatures, until mid-December, ranged at normal levels. On December 17, however, a cold wave moved in and to the end of the month brought 11 days of sub-zero temperatures with a mirHmnm of 12 degrees below zero.

B. Water Conditions

Due the continued sub-zero temperatures during late December, a great bulk of ice formed on both the Jocko River and Mission Creek. In some sections these streams were com­pletely frozen over. Under certain conditions an ice mass such as this could well become disastrous to our bridges and, in particular, the water gates.

2

At the close of the period, ice is still heavily forming* To examine this large body of ice, again raises the question as to the feasibility of constructing water gates on these streams. A separate and detailed report is being prepared in this connection. Work on the installation of new gates is now underway.

Moisture content during the early fall was insufficient to further any fall growth of range vegetation. This was not too important, however, as during the early summer a very rank stand of forage had developed.

C. Fires

Although there was a lack of fall rains, the fire hazard did not develop to a critical stage. This was chiefly the result of mild fall temperatures. The lookout fireman on Hi-Point was taken down in early September.

No fires occurred on refuge lands or to any buildings.

II. WILDLIFE

A. Migratory Birds

1. Populations and Behavior

The fall concentration of waterfowl on Mission Creek reached its peak about December 1 aid at this time the estimate was placed at upwards of 15,000 birds. Of this number about 95 percent were mallards with a scattered few of Golden-eyes, Pin­tails and American mergansers. 3y late December, migration was completed and there remained about 250 birds. With the excep­tion of a few Golden-eyes, all were mallards. As is usually the case with the non-migrants approximately 95 percent were male birds.

2. Food and Cover

In view of the continued sub-zero temperatures, we made repeated investigations on Mission Creek and adjacent areas to check on food conditions. Toward the latter part of Decenijer, the ducks were found to be having a difficult time in securing food so we started feeding to a limited degree. At this time, however, no dead birds were found but some appeared to be weak. Feeding was stepped up as conditions grew worse and by January 1, considerable grain was being distributed.

This operation was carried on by personnel from the Bison Range and the Refuge Manager at Ninepipe. Feeding at this time included only points where fairly large concentrations were present over the Flathead valley.

3.

B. Upland Game Birda

!• Populations and Behavior

The increase listed in numbers of ring-necked pheasant broods produced on the Bison Range during the past nesting season was further substantiated by the large nunber of adult birds present throughout the fall. This would also indicate a high percent of survival. A wide variation in age groups was observed, which it is believed was caused by renesting after the original clutches were destroyed by floods.

Hungarian partridges also appear to have increased somewhat and likewise there is evidence of a successful pro­duction within this group.

Only a few grouse were seen during roundup operations and it is quite evident that there has been but little rise or fall in their numbers. At no time has this population been significant on the Bison Range, Over a yearly period, we normally see a few blue grouse in the high sections and a small number of ruffed grouse along Mission Creek and the Jocko River, but always in only a very limited number.

2. Food and Cover

For the most part food and cover was provided in an abundance for upland game birds. However, toward late December conditions became more acute although pheasants did not encounter the difficulty as did the ducks. The snow depth averaged only about five inches and since it was not crusted they were able to secure sufficient food. We found no evidence of upland birds who appeared to be starving up to December 31*

C. Big Game Animals

1. Populations and Behavior

Buffalo

On October 26 the annual roundup of buffalo commenced. The entire herd was gathered and worked through the corrals. At this time an accurate count by sex and age groups was ob­tained. 1$7 calves were vaccinated for Bangfs disease. Thirteen calves were not vaccinated as they were too young. The operation was completed on October 29.

The total calf crop as worked through the chutes, numbered 170 head—91 bulls and 79 heifers. Actually, 175 calves were born but five died on the range during the summer. The cause of death in three cases was undertemined, one was drowned by flood waters and another stillborn.

k»

Following is the herd tally prior to the disposal program as of October 29, 1948:

Bulls, over one year 136 Cows, over one year 322 Calves, heifer 79 Calves, bull 91

Total 628

A buffalo calf bom the past season has aroused the interest of refuge personnel. We first observed this little "buckskin11 when he was not more than a few days old. At that time he appeared to be quite crippled and upon close examina­tion, with the use of field glasses, it was noted that the tail was growing from his left side in the upper region of the thigh.

During the vaccination operation, he was held in the squeeze and thoroughly examined by the veterinary. It developed that it was a hermaphrodite and the tail does actually rest on the animal1s left side, not being attached to the spine but grows from a mass of loose flesh. He com­pared favorably to other calves in size, and while he runs at a very uneven and irregular gait, he can travel without too much difficulty and manages to keep up to the others. Apparently the hind leg is stiff at the knee joint.

The annual disposal was carried out to the extent of 1$6 animals. Of these 105 were butchered and 51 sold alive. The remaining 19 head will be delivered during the coming period if pending live sales are completed. This will take care of the authorized disposal of 175 head, or very near that number.

The demand for live buffalo was greater than is usually the case, and apparently the idea of raising buffalo for coma ereial purposes is developing.

The demand for butchered buffalo increased again this year and approximately 425 requests were received. Of this number it was possible to fill 157 orders from the 90 head made available to the field station, so about 268 applicants were not supplied. In addition to the allotment to the Bison Range, 10 head were reserved for regional office disposal— 5 head for special requests and 5 head for disposal to Fish and Wildlife Service personnel. The regional office disposed of three animals from the five special purpose allotment and four and one-half animals of the five for Service personnel, which went to 22 persons at one-quarter for eachl

We were able to dispose of animals from those not sold by the regicnal office, but time did not permit the contacting of other applicants so the number sold was one short of the total allotted for butchering.

The joint disposal by the regional and field offices was a new method of procedure and resulted in some confusion in handling.

The buffalo, up to the end of the period, have continued in fair flesh and do not appear to have fallen off due to the sub-zero weather. No known losses have occurred which could be listed as responsible to winter kill.

ELK

It is believed that we lost a number of elk, possibly 10 to 20, during the flood stage last spring. They were either washed to the outside under the flood gates in attempting to ford the Jocko river or escaped where fences were washed out by the flood waters. We are quite certain that we do not now have the 113 head as shown on the monthly animal census. Accurate information on this situation will be secured when roundup operations are in progress during the coining period.

The elk appear to be wintering in fair shape and no known losses have occurred. If the severe weather continues, however, losses can be expected.

piraR

By late Decenter, both whitetailed and mule deer were beginning to show effects of the extreme cold. They have dropped off in flesh to a certain degree, although no excessive losses have occurred. Each year during the winter months we lose a certain number regardless of weather ccnditions. Losses in the past have varied but little during either severe or mild winter seasons. The headquarters deer were fed hay and grain, but these animals are generally in a poorer flesh condition than animals on the main range. No feeding of deer was required for the range herd,

MOUNTAIN SHEEP

On November 1 we corralled five sheep and got them into the sheep pasture. In this group were 2 ewes, 1-2 year ram, 1 long yearling lamb and 1 lamb born this past season. How­ever, they remained here only a short time and escaped to the main range. This would have been an excellent pasture for the sheep and we have previously attempted to drive them into this enclosure. It is not so large but when we could observe them

quite closely. Evidently they escaped through a hole in the fence made by the buffalo, as we had checked this fence system soon after capturipg the animals.

We are certain that we have 9 head of sheep and it is very likely there are more. It is hoped we will be able to gather more infonaation on this group during the coming deer roundup.

Food and Cover

Forage over most of the range was provided in a heavy stand. The Alexander basin pasture became short by late fall as it was necessary to hold the entire herd in this area most of the sunmer until fences damaged by the flood on the south boundary were repaired. After the roundup the herd was turned back into the south and west pastures and are now held out of the Alexander basin area.

Usually fall rains along with mild temperatures bring about some growth of range vegetation, but this year due a very dry season new growths did not develop. This made only a slight difference in the overall range condition, since there was already a dense stand.

Snow has at no time remained at any depth and the animals, especially the buffalo, have had no trouble in getting down to feed.

Fur Animals. Predators. Rodents and other Mammals.

Coyote

Since conducting the 1080 poison campaign last winter for coyotes, but little evidence of their using the refhge has been found. We see an occasional animal and have found where they made a few deer kills, but on a considerably smaller scale than is usually the case during this season. At any rate the damage so far has been light and the inroad on big-game from this source is not significant at this time.

Bobcats

Bobcats appear to be more numerous this season than the normal small concentration for past years. Four animals have been trapped. Two were taken by refuge personnel and two by the trapper from the Predator and Rodent Control Division. Although there is much sign and several have been seen, we have found no evidence of damage from this source, but undoubtedly they are responsible for an inroad on the upland game bird population.

Reports again have reached us that a mountain lion was seen inside the refuge at the Ravalli hill and was chasing mule deer. We have repeatedly investigated these reports but in each instance have failed to find any cougar sign. On one occasion there was about four inches of new snow, which had fallen just prior to the time the animal was supposed to have been seen, but we could not find cougar tracks. It is quite possible they were seeing either coyotes or more likely a bobcat.

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Physical Development

On October 4 work started under our flood repair program. It was not until about mid-October that employ­ment of a full crew was completed. Regular refuge personnel have assisted with this work whenever routine refhge jobs would permit. Weather conditions have not been altogether favorable, but work was performed whenever possible as already time is limited to complete the many jobs contem­plated under this program. The following accomplishments are listed:

The oil mat from the entrance at Moiese to Bison Range headquarters was completed with the exception of an oil seal coat. The latter will be accomplished during the coming spring, A large portion of expenses were offset by credit for work of our personnel and equipment on the Indian Service road oiling job under a cooperative program.

Che 2^ mile section of road was graded and re-aligned to eliminate numerous unneccessary switchbacks, improve the drainage system and to reduce the danger of future floods. This could almost be ciassed as new construction. Some work remains to be done on this section, mainly graveling, but it is about 75 percent complete.

Another section of approximately 16 miles of refuge road was repaired. Work here consisted of thorough grading, ditching and the installation of culverts. The job is about 75 percent complete. Particular attention has been given the drainage system under the present program. Drainage facilities heretofore over our entire refuge road system have been very inadequate and resulted in considerable repair work each spring, and even throughout the summer if rain storms were at all heavy. So far we have installed 878 lineal feet of culvert ranging in size from 15 to 36 inches.

Construction of a foot bridge over Mission Creek near the Young residence was completed, to replace one washed out by floods. Each pier consists of four piling driven to a

substantial footing. Two lO11 stringers were used with plank decking. In size it is about $ x 40 feet. This will also be used by riding stock as it connects two pastures.

To prevent further floodii^ of the headquarters area, 11001 x 40* of channel change was made. During this operation 1470 cubic yards of earth was hauled to low sections and placed for diking along Mission Creek. It was also necessary for us to clear about two acres of brush before starting work on the actual changes. Channel work is well over half com­pleted.

Approximately 650 cubic yards of rock was hauled and placed as rip-rap along the banks of Mission Creek in the headquarters area. This was done to prevent further flood damage.

Gravel in the amount of 480 cubic yards was hauled and placed in connection with the installation of culverts. Four gravel pits were opened and a stock pile containing approxi­mately 2,000 cubic yards is now available and can be reached at anytime.

Weather conditions did not permit work on water gate construction. Piling was driven for Gate #8 on Mission Creek, however, and eight pole flood gate panels were constructed and given several coats of oil.

Many time consuming jobs were required preparatory to actual operations connected with the flood job. Three trips were made after equipment, necessitating travel to the Bear River Refuge, Jackson Elk Refuge and the Malheur Refuge. 1100 logs were hauled from the woods to the Bison Range head­quarters. These are to be used for bridge stringers and piling. Most all of our 19 pieces of automotive and heavy equipment required repair work of some nature since operations started. The R-5 Caterpillar was given a complete and major overhaul with the installation of new tracks. Unloading of equipment and supplies consumed 25 man-days alone. There will be no surplus of funds under our Project FWS-13 allotment and it wiU require prudent management to complete the contemplated work with what funds now remain. The bulk of materials required for flood repair have been contacted for and delivered.

Under our regular maintenance allotment a painter was hired and considerable painting accomplished. The exterior of the clerk's residence was completely painted and shingle stain applied to the roof. This was badly needed. The interior of the Superintendent's residence was painted, for the first time in ten years. The barn, which is badly in need of paint, was partially sanded but due weather conditions work was abandoned. It is planned to repaint all of the refuge buildings as fast as funds permit.

9.

The corrals at the slaughter -house were repaired and a squeeze for use in vaccinating buffalo calves was constructed and installed. This proved to be a great iniprovement over the former arrangement and tended considerably to step up the operation along with much less injury to the animals. Several photographs of the new squeeze are included with this report. Plans for its construction are along the lines of one used at Yellowstone Naticnal Park, but revised by us to meet our parti­cular requirements.

Two large portable feed racks were constructed for use at headquarters. These are mounted on skids and can be moved as desired, A large stock watering tank was installed in the exhibition pasture and is equipped with an electric heater which is necessary during freezing weather.

A large amount of fencing, damaged by floods, were repaired sufficiently to hold in the game on the Jocko side. Temporary flood gates were installed and maintained and required constant attention due ice forming on them and taking them out.

Routine jobs and assistance on the flood repair program took the remainder of time by regular personnel.

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses

A small number of people have visited the refuge during the period. The white buffalo along with another large bull have been held in the exhibition pasture throughout the period. Also five head of elk are in this inclosure.

B. Refuge Visitors

Official Visitors

Mr. Hariy Willis, Service (Survey flood damage)

Dr. F. Bolt Jorgensen, Charlottenlund, Denmark (Wildlife study and inspection of refuge)

Dr. J. H. Slack, Bureau of Animal Industry (Vaccinating buffalo calves)

Messrs. J, P, Diestel and Mr. Bangs, Railway Express Agency(Shipments of buffalo)

Messrs, Hariy Willis and Mr. Taylor, Service (Survey of flood damage)

Messrs. Harris and McConnell, Poison, Montana (Live buffalo for Polio fund)

Mr, Edmund Christopherson (Magazine article)

14 hours

8 "

3 days

2 hours

Ij days

2 hours

10

In addition to the official visitors on the previous page, several hundred visitors were callers at the refuge and office for a variety of purposes, including matters connected with the purchase of live buffalo and buffalo meat, employment, general information etc.

C. Refuge Participation

October 18 Attended noon meeting and luncheon of Federal Business Mai *8 Association in Missoula.

November 19

December 20

Attended meetiJTg on county weed control at Poison. Representatives from Extension Service, U. S, Indian Irrigation Service, Tribal Council, Soil Conservation Service and Weed Control Board were present.

Attended noon meeting and luncheon of Federal Business Men^ Association in Missoula.

VII. OTHFR ITEMS

A. Items of Interest

On October 3> Mr. Daniel S. Willey reported for duty at the National Bison Range as Refuge Maintenance Man, Mr. Willey was transferred from the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Burns, Oregon. This fills the vacancy left by the transfer of Mr, Marlowe to the Soil Conservation Service.

B. Photographs

The photographs on the following pages herein were taken with personally owned equipment, and film purchased from per­sonal funds.

February 28, 194*

Respectfully-submitted,

ACTING

George E. Mushbach Superintendent of Refuges

director

3-1752 Form NR-2 (April 1946)

Refuge_

UPLAND GAME BIRDS

Hatlonal agon Rwgf Jfcnths of Septfinihflr 1 to 31 . 1%^.

1613

(1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

U) Sex Ratio

(5) Removals

(6) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird

TJ

rO O-1 2.2 ZZ rO O

•X3 0) -P B H

Percentage

•H •P

k-a u o

43 o

<0 U CO

tS (S

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.

Franklin Grouse

Blue Grouse

Buffed Grouse

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Ring-necked Pheasant

Hungarian Partridge

2518 A. Pine & Fir

429 A* Juniper Cottonwood k Aspen

1020 A. Grassland & browse

18,541 A. grassland timbered, browse etc*

29

72

28

85

35

15

Heme seen this year,

10

37

1850

500

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name.

(2) DENSITY:

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED:

U) SEX RATIO:

(5) REMOVALS:

(6) TOTAL:

(7) REMARKS:

Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc, other species if available.

Include data on

Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period,

•*

Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons

Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey, include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

Also

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

3-1753 Nation " Bison liaBp GAME 1948 Form NR-3 (June 1945) Refuge Calendar Year

(1) Species

(2) | Density

(3) Young

Produced

W

Removals B (5)

Its (6)

Introductions

(7) Estimated

Total Refuge Pouulatlon

(8) Sex

Ratio

Common Name

Buffalo

Cover types, total Acreage of Hatitat

15#121 A. bunch grass.

Number

' i

t>0 a •H +»

1

i a

^ o o a

?

IH O CO

sl t* CO

C 0 •H

1 u A,

O

a -H

15 §

ns S? o 1 * 1 a oB •H O

a>

SZ5

Source At period

of Greatest use

As of Dec. 31

Elk

Mule Deer

Whit etailed Dei

Mountain Sheep

fescues, Diuegrass etc,

2,518 A, Pine & fir 309 A, Juniper AO A, Cottonwood 61 A. Browse

n • |

r « i i i

i

i i i

170

}

35

151

38

a

1

f

I

t

t

1

1

49

1

10

7

. 1

7

26

118

1

»

>

I •

1

1

e

7

•

j

628

113

481

83

12

472

113

481

83

12

153 B 319 C

Unknown

w

m

n

Remarks:

-jti r T

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-3 - BIG GAME

(l) SPECIES; Use correct common name; i.e., Mule deer, "black:-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate suh-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

(?) DENSITY: Detailed data may "be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to "be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur­nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildxife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

: : | ! | f ! ' ' . 1 "O YOUNG PRODUCED; Estimated total number of young produced on refuge.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year.

Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured.

Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as cf Dec. yi.

(U) REMOVALS:

(5) LOSSES:

(6) INTRODUCTIONS:

(7) TOTAL RE5UGE POPULATION:

(g) SEX RATIO: Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. mooe

3-1570 NR-8a

REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

RftfKgji Months of.

(1)

VARIETY

Wheat

Oats

Barley & Oats (Mixed)

( 2 ) ON HAND

BEGINNING OF PERIOD

100

100

25

(3) RECEIVED DURING PERIOD

6a

(4)

TOTAL

100

168

25

(5) GRAIN DISPOSED OF

TRANS­FERRED SEEDED FED

118

25

TOTAL

( 6 ) ON HAND END OF PERIOD

100

50

0

(7) PROPOSED USE

SEED FEED SURP

(8) Indicate shipping or collection points lialb.9.\^.MtliM^. Wildlife

(9) Grain is stored at .Sis

(10) Remarks

NR-8a REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

This report should cover all grain on hand, received, or disposed of, during the period covered by this narrative report.

Report all grain in bushels. For the purpose of this report the following approximate weights of grain shall be considered equivalent to a bushel: Corn (shelled)—55 lbs.. Corn (ear)—70 lbs.. Wheat—-60 lbs.. Barley—50 lbs.. Rye—55 lbs., Oats—30 lbs., Soy Beans—60 lbs.. Millet—50 lbs., Cowpeas—60 lbs., and Mixed—50 lbs. In computing volume of granaries, multiply the cubic contents (cu. ft.) by 0.8 bushels.

(1) List each type of grain separately: Corn, wheat, proso millet, etc. Include only domestic grains; aquatic and other seeds will be listed on NR-9.

(3) Report all grain received during period from all sources, such as transfer, share-cropping, or harvest from food patches.

(4) A total of Columns 2 and 3.

(6) Column 4 less Column 5.

(7) This is a proposed breakdown by varieties of grain listed in Column 6.

(8) Nearest railroad station for shipping and receiving.

(9) Where stored on refuge: "Headquarters grainary", etc.

(10) Indicate here the source of grain shipped in, destination of grain transferred, data on condition of grain, unusual uses proposed.

Form NR-8 (Revised)

CULTIVATED CROPS

Refuge Year 194.8

Permittee (If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or

Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre

Permittee's Share

Government's Share or Return Permittee (If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or

Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre

Permittee's Share Harvested Unharvested Compensatory

Services, or Cash Revenue

Permittee (If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or

Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre Acres

Bu.Har­vested Acres Bu. Acres Bu.

Compensatory Services, or Cash Revenue

Refuge Personnel Headquarters i Hay 1 Ten

i

15 15 Ton # 29.5

Summary of Crops Grown: Crop Acreage Permittee's Share Government's Share Total Revenue. Acres Bushels Harvested Unharvested

Acres Bu. Acres Bu.

DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS

Cultivated Crops Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops harvested or utilized during the calendar year and sub­mitted with the December 31 refuge report.

Permittee - List each permittee separately. If lands of the refuge are farmed by refuge personnel or hired labor, this should be indicated in the Per­mittee column.

Permit No. - List the number of the Special Use Permit issued to the in­dividual .

Use or Location - The Unit No. or name specified in the Economic Use Plan should be listed in this column.

Crops Grown - A separate line of the form should be used for each crop grown by each permittee or by refuge personnel. This is important, since if each crop grown by each operator is not specifically enumerated, the report will be of no value for statistical purposes.

Average Yield per Acre - It is important that the average yield per acre of each crop grown by each operator should be shown.

Permittee's Share - Only the number of acres harvested or utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. It is requested that all crops harvested be reduced to bushels wherever possible, or, as in the case with the harvesting of seed such as that of sweet clover, alfalfa, bromegrass, etc., the total harvested crop in pounds may be shown. Timothy, alfalfa, or other hay harvested by the permittee should be shown on Form NR-10 and should not be shown in the Permittee's Share column.

Government's Share or Return - Harvested - Show the number of bushels har­vested for the Government and the acreage from which this share is harvested, both for grain raised by refuge personnel and by permittees. Unharvested - show the exact number of acres of crops allowed to remain unharvested as food and cover for wildlife. An estimate of the number of bushels of grain that is avail­able for the wildlife in such unharvested crops should be shown in the Bushels column.

Compensatory Services, or Cash Revenue - Show other services received by the Government in cooperative farming activities, the number of acres of food strips planted for wildlife, the amount of wildlife crops not otherwise reported that are planted by cooperators for the Service, or the cultivation of wildlife plantations. If the permit is on a fee basis, the total cash revenue received by the Service.

Whitetailed and Mule deer for the headquarters area, to the extent of 25-30, congregate morning and evening for ground feed •which is required due the limited forage at the station.

Part of the herd of yearling buffalo which have been cut out for live disposal. Demand for live buffalo for propagation is increasing.

A new squeeze, designed for buffalo calves, was constructed by our own personnel and placed in operation this past fall for use in vaccinating for Bangs* Chute opened to release animal*

The calf is held firmly but suffers no discomfort—and only-one minor injury resulted among the 157 head put in the

squeeze*

Each calf vaccinated is branded with a numeral denoting that it is a vaccinated animal and the year.

Calves as they ayrear while held ipthe squeeze from the front. The head is held in a stantlon and the danger of injury to the horns is reduced to a minlrmT.

Where formerly many horns were knocked off or injured in the old squeeze, in the new one but one out of 157 head was so injured.

When the squeeze is eased off and the stanjsions open, the young buffalo stands not on the order of hfs going, but goes at once—and how.

Digging a new channel for Mission Creek to eliminate flood damage which has been a frequent occurance*

The Bear River F & H Dragline in use for excavating the channel and loads gravel for road purposes at the same time»

Dump trucks come in tor their loads

Another channel strai^itening job is started at the extreme east side of the Range. A bulldozer was used on this job which will be completed by the dragline.

The same channel looking west from the east boundary. The new bridge will span the channel at a point about where the puddles show.

New Mission Creek channel east of headquarters which will eliminate the periodic flooding in the service building area.

Another view of the new channel further up-stream. The excavation of new channels has been completed but leveling and smoothing banks must await suitable weather conditions. After sloping^ the channel banks will be seeded.