HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFS REFUGE WAUPUN, WISCONSIN
NARRATIVE REPORT JANUARY-APRIL 1951
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RSFUGS PHRSOMSL
Lloyd F, Gunther Refuge Manager
Harry E, Stiles Refuge Manager
Harold R, Bushweiler Refuge Clerk
V'/illiam F, Luehring Maintenance Man
Jennes A, Paulson Supervising Automotive Mechanic
Gust W, Berndt Operator Construction Equipment
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v TABLE OF CONTENTS
I — GENERAL Page A - Weather Condtions 1 B - Water Levels 1 C - Fires 1
II - WILDLIFE A - Migratory Birds 1 1 - Population and Behavior 1 2 - Food and Cover 2 B - Upland Game ...... 3 1 - Population and Behavior 3 2 - Food and Cover 3 C - Big Game Animals 3 D - Fur Animals, Predators and Other Mammals .... 4 E - Predaceous Birds 5 F - Fish 5
III REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE A - Physical Development 5 Equipment Building 6 Transfers of Equipment and Supplies 6 Details •.o...... 7 Miscellaneous 7 B - Plantings ...... 8 1 - Cultivated Crops ...o... 8 2 Gra ss ...... 8 C - Receipt of Seed and Nursery Stock ••.••••• 8 D - Distribution 8
IV - ECONOMIC USE OF THE REFUGE A - Grazing o...... 8 B - V/oodcutting 9 C - Fur Harvest ...... 9
V - FIELD INVESTIGATION Canada Geese 10 Banding Returns 10
VI - PUBLIC RELATIONS A - Recreational Uses 11 B- Visitors 11 C - Refuge Participation 12 F - Violations 12
Photographs, Analysis of Share Trapping Forms NR 1, la, 2, 8a I. GENERAL
A, Weather Conditions1 " 1 ' 1 1 11 - *
The following table has been prepared from data secured from the Wisconsin Conservation Department weather station at the Ho3>- icon Marsh Wildlife Area located near the city of Horicon at the south end of the Horicon Marsh,
Maximum Minimum Rain Snow Temperatures Temperatures January , 0 15.0 40 -30 February .92 1.0 46 -25 March 2.00 5.0 52 0 April 4.1? 0 76 ii 7.05 21.0 76 -30
The weather during the report period will long be remembered for its severity. It was perhaps the longest and coldest winter most local residents can recall. Periods when the mercury stayed below zero for 3 or 4 consecutive days occurred several times,
April was cold and wet with more than the normal amount of precipitation,
B, Water Levels
Water levels have been extremely high with a maximum of 76.56 being reached in late March and early April, This was ,20 higher than the highest reached a year ago. At the close of this period water was still high being well above 76.00 elevation,
C. Fires
We have had no fires of any kind to report. The cold winter and wet spring has precluded the possibility of fires in the field. We had hoped to do a little controlled early spring burning to make up for what we could not accomplish last December, but weather conditions would not permit it,
II. WILDLIFE
A, Migratory Birds
1, Population and Behavior, The early return of Canada geese to the refuge this year did not, by any means, bear out the prospect of an early spring, A flock of about 50 geese were ob served over the refuge on February 26, This is the earliest arr (2)
ival date for thds species since the refuge was established. Cold weather, ice and snow cover delayed the population build up about two weeks later than in 1950. On March 22 there were less than 1000 geese on the refuge compared with a population of 15,000 for that date a year ago. The peak concentration, however, was reached on about the same date, (April 14)> in the same numbers, (2B,000), as in 1950. The over all use of the refuge com puted in "goose days" was believed to be about 2/3 of what it was in 1950.
Exceptionally high water in the potato lake area during this period was favorable to a good concentration of diving ducks during March and early April, Canvasback, scaup, redhead and ring neck ducks were well represented. Mallards, pintails, shoveller, blue- winged teal, and baldpates were well dispersed throughout the refuge and present in about the same numbers as last year. Black ducks were definitely less common than in 1950. One Suropeon widgeon was observed on April 28 along new highway 49 in the company of three male baldpates. This is the first record for this species on the refuge.
The swan population on the refuge was much lower than last year. The largest count for this species was 65 all on potato lake, A year ago the count was 500,
Coots were some of the last arrivals this spring, but, they have pretty much taken over the marsh now and will form a sub stantial part of our waterfowl population until the geese and ducks return in the fall.
No significant flights of shorebirds were in evidence except for a good flight of yellowlegs during April. A flock of 23 were observed on one occasion, Killdeer, least and solitary sandpipers and a few sanderlings make up most of the shorebird migration. Up land plover are common and wilson snipe were observed in nuptial flight over several areas of the refuge.
In general the waterfowl migration was of shorter duration this year than in other years. On May 1, fewer than 100 Canada geese were still on the refuge and relatively few mallards, bald pates, shovellers and blue wing teal can be seen. Blue and snow geese were rare visitors this period.
2. Food and Cover. The Canada geese were well dispersed through out the refuge this spring, A good supply of standing corn and buckwheat was held over for the spring migration, but less than 505C was utilized by the geese. The feeding behavior of the geese (3)
was very erratic and it was impossible to predict when or where to set up the trapping nets for a shot. The heavy snow cover allowed considerable sprouting of grasses in the low areas and as soon as the drifts melted, an excellent pasture was available to the arr iving geese. These succulent shoots were taken in preference to the corn and buckwheat on the highlands. This feeding practice was in direct contrast with that of last spring when the geese concen trated on the buckwheat and corn,
Acquatics were plentiful and more than adequate for the water fowl present,
B, Upland Game
1, Population and Behavior. Despite the most severe winter in 13 years, the pheasants came through well. During January and February only the standing corn was available to pheasants and some feeding was done by refuge personnel. About 12 birds were killed by cars along highway 49. Some of these were examined and found to be in excellent flesh. The cock-hen ratio of about 50- 50 on the refuge points to the desirability of some means of a pheasant harvest or trapping and transfer program. Agricultural land adjoining the refuge is used chiefly for dairying and does not lend itself well to pheasant management, hence, the refuge does not serve to furnish a harvestable surplus of pheasants on these lands to any large extent,
Hungarian partridge are pretty well scattered along the peri phery of the refuge and suffered some loss during the winter. A good breeding stock remains however. There numbers are decidaly up over last year,
2. Food and Coyer. The corn and buckwheat food patches were ade quate in most areas of the refuge. During a severe cold spell of 5 days duration, when the temperature remained below zero, the heavy willow and cattail edge along the north end of the refuge afforded excellent cover for both pheasants and Hungarian partridge andnone were observed outside these areas. Several bushels of corn and buckwheat were distributed during January and February for pheasants and Hungarian partridge,
C. Big Game Animals
As indicated in our previous report the winter aerial in ventory of deer indicated the refuge population at 209 animals. During the period a total of 4 have been found dead on the refuge. Autopsy performed on one by the state pathologist revealed death caused by internal bleeding, probably caused by being struck by an automobile, A second was believed to have died from being chased by dogs and the other two causes of death were undetermined. Stiles released one deer caught in a barbed wire fence near the west dike road. The deer was one of a herd of six that ran out of a cornfield as Stiles was driving by. In jumping over a five- strand barbed wire fence, the deer came down in it and was hanging from the top wire, hind legs off the ground with the wire beneath its flanks. When released it showed no ill effects from the ordeal and ran off to join the herd.
As snow melted and marsh filled with water the deer crowded near the outer perimeter. During April they were very conspicuous and were the main source of attraction to the many refuge visitors. The largest single herd could be seen from highway 49 where from 15 to 30 animals could be viewed at one time.
Food has been plentiful in the form of willows, aspen, dogwood, etc. A supplement of standing corn was also heavily utilized during the winter months. In this latter respect there is competition be tween deer and geese. Fortunately this year there was plenty for both, A few depredation complaints were heard of deer eating and breaking down corn shocks on lands near the refuge. This problem is becoming real and a plan to reduce the herd seems imperative. The latter subject will be treated in separate correspondence,
D. Fur Animals, Predators and Other Mammals
Muskrats are the principal fur bearers on the area. The number trapped and general status is discussed under fur harvest of Sec, IV "iikjonomic Use of the Refuge",
Mink. Although fewer mink were taken this year, the deep snow made for a light harvest. This spring we picked up a total of 6 dead mink with no external injuries or visible indication as to' cause of death. It is the general feeling that some disease is present. One was given to the state pathologist but was too ripe for autopsy.
Raccoon. These animals after a long winter of hibernation are still plentiful but appear to be poor and diseased. Several dead coon ^ve been found. One farmer adjoining the marsh reported having caught two that were extremely thin and weak, Gunther and Stiles caught one that was too weak to climb a tree. This one and another dead one were turned over to the state pathologist for autopsy. The pathologist has not yet made his report of findings but at time we gave him these specimens stated that this would be a season of very low productivity for coon. Perhaps this disease (5)
will serve a useful purpose in curbing our overpopulation of these animals•
Oppossum are up somewhat over a year ago.
Skunk - a few are present.
Weasel - Seldom seen but a few are present. Trappers took 4*
Fox - continue to hold their own, A total of 12 have been taken during this period. Eleven of these were taken by refuge per- donnel and one by a share trapper.
Rabbits are up again have caused considerable damage to shrubs this winter.
Fox and Gray Squirrels - Very plentiful. Gray squirrels made heavy use of one of our cornfields left standing for spring feeding of geese. Between the squirrels and the deer more than half of this 6 acre field was consumed.
E, Predaceous Birds
Snowy owls were "residents during this period. One of these white owls was seen on the refuge as late as April 28, Red-tailed and rough-legged hawks were very common, seemingly more so than usual. Marsh hawks were with us from March on in moderate numbers, A few sharp-shinned and coopers hawks were noted.
Crows were scarce during the winter but rapidly increased as the waterfowl migration moved in,
F, Fish
Some loss of fish, particularly northern pike, was nbted at the south end of the aarsh. The early freeze up with heavy layer of snow in addition to pollution of Rock River were contributing factors.
Few fishermen were out which is largely due to the cold wet spring,
III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
A, Physical Development
During the period all of the construction equipment was checked over by our mechanic, Mennes A, Paulson and assisted by (6)
Gust W, Berndt. Some of the larger repair items include:
Tournapulls 1 to 5 - replaced grease seals, ball joint, bearings, brake lines, installed new tires, etc,
D-B tractor - major overhaul. New pistons, bearings, rings, seals, liners, etc,
D-7 dozer - installed new track assembly, pan, support, clutch links,
D-7 dozer - replaced bolts, removed preservative with steam cleaner, weld PCU, general servicir^,
D-7 dozer - replaced bolts, guards, built up dozer arm joints, plate assembly, ball joint, etc.
Dodge Pickup - new universal joint installed, repacked wheels, general servicing.
Jeep - clutch adjustment, 2000 mile check, general servicing.
Federal Truck Trailer - take up clutch, clean motor, general servicing, etc,
Welder - overhaul engine, valve job, rings, etc.
Water Pump - clean and repair carburetor, install new bar hitch to trailer,
Hoad Ripper - Built up teeth,
AC Patrol Grader - installed all new tires, cleaned motor, repaired door, steam cleaned, v
International Pickup - repacked wheels, steam cleaned engine, general servicing.
Equipment Building
Put up work benches, cupboards, shelves, battery rack, over head I beam. Moved tools and equipment to new shop. Painted int erior of shop section.
Transfers of Equipment and Supplies
Hauled 2 D-7 tractors w/dozers from Joliet Arsenal, 111. by (7)
Federal truck trailer to refuge.
Hauled 1 D-7 to Rice Lake Refuge.
Hauled 3 stake truck loads of 8' cedar fence posts from Seney to Horicon.
Purchased and hauled 3,000 steel fence posts to refuge.
Hauled 7 reels of cable to Lower Souris Refuge.
Hauled 25 steel corner posts and braces from Lower Souris to Horicon,
Hauled fibre board and track rollers from Crab Orchard to Horicon.
Hauled stake truck load of grain to Seney Refuge,
Hauled load of furniture, tools, etc, to Seney Refuge,
Details
Messrs, Paulson and Berndt inspected surplus heavy equipment at Joliet Arsenal, Illinois. I Messrs, Paulson and Berndt installed pressure plate assembly in D-7 tractor at Spring Lake,
Mr, Paulson spent several days at Mingo Refuge checking over dragline and placing same in operating condition.
Miscellaneous
Made up map board for posting banding data. Made up two bulletin boards. Erected 2 cable gates at bach end of old marsh road. Sold 2 vehicles (Ford panel and Chev, pickup). Sold surplus scrap iron and batteries. Sold 9 sets of buildings on old farm sites. Removed signs from former boundary lines. Bulldozed and levelled foundation walls from Eilbes farm site. Dynamited down 8 silos on old farm sites. Made new roadway leading to residence on former Sterr tract. Graded old marsh road. Gave advice and assistance to state in overhauling their drag line, allowing them use of part of equipment building and tools, etc. (8)
B, Plantings 4 1. Cultivated Crops. A cold, wet, late spring has greatly retarded farming activities. Not a single farm has been worked this period which is very unusual. Normally by this time a good share of the grain and pea crops are in.
Grass. A small quantity of blue grass seed was sown along the shoulders of the new roadway leading to the residence on former Sterr tract.
C, Receipt of Seed and Nursery Stock
After being unable to purchase nursery stock from the Forest Service, we were fortunate to receive free gratis 600 red pine, 350 jack pine, 250 multiflora rose and 200 ash transplants from the Wisconsin Conservation Department, This is another example of the splendid helpful cooperation we receive from the state. Most of this nursery stock has already been set out. We have a promise of getting more in May.
As a matter of record and general interest we are happy to report that the multiflora rose plantings set out last year have survived the winter and are now budding out. This was from stock received from Crab Orchard Refuge,
D, Distribution
The following amounts of the various grains were transferred this period.
March 8 Buckwheat 60 bu. Necedah Refuge March 19 Buckv/heat 3 bu. Rice Lake Refuge March 19 Barley 2 bu. Rice Lake Reufge April 30 Oats 51 bu. Seney Refuge April 30 Wheat 39 bu. Seney Refuge April 30 Barley 60 bu. Seney Refuge
IV. ECONOMIC USE OF THE REFUGE
A, Grazing
A few permits have been issued to date although the grazing season does not begin until May 15. The pastures are late this year due to late cold spring. Some of the pasture land is also under water due to heavy runoff and high water on the marsh. (9)
Bo v'/ood Gutting f Although there are some 10 woodcutting permits in force only 2 or 3 individuals have actually taken wood this period. The severe winter and wet spring has been the reason for such little activity,
C. Fur Harvest
The past trapping although extending from November 1 to Feb ruary 15 proved to be somewhat disappointing insofar as removing the desired number of muskrats was concerned. Due to a very early freeze up, deep snow and the most severe winter in years, only 7,610 muskrats were taken.
A total of 2? trapping permits were issued. Several were new trappers to the area and a few stayed with us for only a day or two. As a result some trapping units were barely touched so far as removals were concerned. The early freeze up caught most of our trappers unprepared. When the heavy snow came, many pulled up their traps and waited for better weather which never came. All trappers remarked that this season was the worst trapping weather they could recall. As a result .only about half the expected take resulted.
We accepted all applicants this year and had none for replace ment for those that quit. The state area draws heavily from the local trappers and betv/een the state and federal areas there are not enough local trappers to go around - at least this was our ex perience this season. On the state area they harvested about 17 to IB,000 muskrats and had expected to take 3$>000. They exper ienced much the same trouble and dissappointments as we.
As a result of the light harvest there will be a large carry over into the next season. At the dose of this period muskrats were plentiful over the marsh. Some strayed into the city of Waupun where we were called to remove 4 from the State prison and one from the city hospital grounds.
Analysis of share trapping is shown on separate pages at the end of this report. Where local trappers sold individually to fur buyers they received less for their furs than the Govt., but when sold collectively as a group they received considerably more.
The mink catch was also below expectations with only B1 having been taken.
The coon harvest was also low due to early freeze up and hib ernation of these animals. (10)
The following table gives a comparative tabulation of the annual catch of the various fur animals.
Season Muskrat Mink Weasel Raccoon Fox Skunk Oppo 1942-3 1608 169 10 8 5 10 1 1943-4 7395 55 0 0 0 0 0 1944-5 7425 180 3 41 0 5 3 1945-6 9413 308 9 2 4 0 0 1946-7 7691 223 1 44 10 0 26 1947-a 3966 160 3 8 14 3 10 1946-9 (Closed) 177 15 21 6 11 0 1949-50 5155 96 0 32 3 4 0 1950-51 7628 81 4 25 1 2 4
V. FIELD INVESTIGATION
Canada Geese
Forty of the crippled Canada geese picked up last fall were successfully broughtback to health and cared for through the winter. These geese were transferred to Rice Lake Refuge this period.
No trapping of geese was accomplished this period although we had hoped to do considerable banding and some wing clipping. When the main flight arrived, it was when we had high water and heavy rains. The geese were spread everywhere and were not concentrated within the refuge as normally. Farmers were not working their fields due to wet conditions and there was much feeding outside the refuge. The least disturbance in one area would shift the feeding elsewhere. Food was abundant everywhere and they made light use of the fields where we had hoped to do the trapping.
Banding Returns
Returns from Canada geese banded at Horicon have been coming in. Most of these are being taken in the Horseshoe Lake area. One report came in from as far south as Shelby, Mississippi. More returns are needed before moch generalization can be made. Banding has only been carried on for one year. Returns are being plotted on a map board that was made up this period.
We had somewhat of a shock or surprise when a return came in of a goose we had pinioned last spring that was shot last fall near Horseshoe Lake, Illinois, We had thought the geese we had pinioned by burning off the end of one wing with hot iron would be incapable of flight. This one certainly had us fooled. We can only say that we did not cut enough of the wing off at least on this particular bird. (11)
VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS
A0 Recreational Uses
Large goose concentrations this spring again received wide publicity by the press and attracted large numbers of visitors to the area. Although waterfowl was the main attraction, there were times when deer stole the show. With higher water levels, deer were crowded out where they could be easily viewed. One herd consisting of 20 to 30 head could be seen regularly from State Highway 49 where it crosses the marsh. During the month of April a minimum of 10,000 people visited the refuge to observe the marsh and fannal life present.
There were some special groups such as schools, clubs, etc. One chartered bus was by students of Milwaukee State Teachers College,
New highway 49 was extremely popular. At times cars were so congested it was difficult to get through the traffic across the marsh. Side roads too were popular. The old marsh road finally was closed off when cars began getting stuck,
B, Visitors
Jan. 9 Charles Horner usaiA Meeting-goose problems Jan, IS Wayne Truax WCD Joint paper for NA Wildlife Conference Jan, 27 Lawrence Jahn WCD Paper on C. geese Jan, 28 Wayne Truax WCD Plans for wildlife group liar. 5 D,H, Leedy, et al Wash. Office Tour of refuge Mar, 8 F.C. Gillett Reg. Ref. Brief visit Supervisor Mar. 19 Lester Dundas Ref, Mgr. Pick up 40 Canada geese Rice Lake Mar, 20 Mr. King MM Mingo Pick up cable Mar, 20 Bryan Keating scs SCS practices Mar, 28 Mr. Bennett MM Necdah Deliver property Apr, 1 Wm, Ell.ebrock USGMA Visit Apr. 23 Wayne Truax WCD Mutual problems Apr, 24 Elmer Gotz WCD Deer problems Apr, 25 Mr, Bachbauer County Agent Visit Apr, 26 Kenneth Flakas State Path Sick coon, dead deer ologist (12)
C, Refuse Participation
Jan, 9 - Gunther and Stiles met with state officials on dis cussion of goose hunting problems around Horicon Refuge, Jan. 16- Mr, Gunther was gnest speaker at weekly meeting of Waupun Rotary Club, Talk was on Horicon Refuge. Feb. 12- Mr. Gunther showed films "Know Tour Hawks" and "Wildlife of Aleutian Islands" to Waupun grade school. Feb. 13- Messrs. Gunther and Stiles attended Dodge County Alliance meeting at Juneau, Mr, Gunther was guest speaker, also showed films "Know Your Hawks", 'Wild- Life of Aleutian Islands", and "Alaska Sportsfishing", Mar. 3 - A distinguished group headed by Daniel H. Leedy from the Washington office and leaders of the various Wild life Research Units made a chartered trip from ffiiJL- ¥ Gave refuge news items to local papers - also Dept. news re leases, many of which werepublished, F, Violations Several reports were heard of night shining of deer but each investigation ended in a dry run. No known shots were fired al though it was quite evident there were a few would be poachers afield. No reports of waterfowl poaching were heard this spring for (13) which we are pleased to report. Several individuals have dumped garbage on the refuge along new highway 49. One bag of refuse was found to contain envelopes, bills, etc. giving evidence of party involved. These were turned over to State Highway Patrol who investigated and had responsible person make cleanup. Respectfully submitted. Refuge Manager Approved; MAY 9 1991 Date Lima Dragline mired down in deep peat even with 24 ft, mats. . ~- f J Pondering what to do about it. With help from 2 cats and "good luck" machine gets back to new dike fill. at field of buckwheat left unharvested. April, 1951 Blowing down concrete silos as part of old building site cleanup, Above photo shows silo being blown down and lower the way it had disintegrated after falling. w This was one of 8 silos blown down this period. M / v. ANALYSIS OF SHAKE THAPPINC NOV. 1 TO FEB. 05, 1951 GCVSRNMENT1S SHARE TRAPPER'S SHARE UNIT TOTAL FURS TAKEN GROSS NAME SOLDev>T fs rr\/\TO: NO. RETURNS RATS MINK COON OTH. RATS iam COON OTH BATS MINI[ COO?1 OTH. Arnold Collien 15 260 2 130 1 130 1 Cohen Bros. Oshkosh T-4936 117 rats $234.00 1 mink 20.00 Frank Burkhardt Kekoskee 13 rats 26.00 280.00 Arthur Collien 27 234 117 317 Frank Burkhardt T-49A4 Kekoskee 117 rats 200,00 Hilary Slsingor 13 15S 79 79 Sears & Roebuck T-4941 79 rats 188.50 Srwin Fischer U 593 7 301 3 292 4 Joe Cohen 225 rats 462.50 T-4933 Oshkosh 1 mirk 30.00 Master Furriers Madison 67 rats 214.40 3 mink 66.00 A1 Franke <3t W# 24 404 2 202 1 202 1 Ben Cohen 202 rats 496.10 Scrouth Oshkosh 1 mink 15.00 T-4.948 511.16 Rudolph Fcucht 9 297 1 154 143 1 Ben Cohen 143 rats 300.30 T-4931 Oshkosh 1 mink 35.0° 335.30 Douglas Hern 12 43 22 21 Frank Singer 21 rats 36.45 T-7S51 Peeksklll N.Y, George Krana 3 253 4 1 126 2 127 2 1 Si Gorowitz 2 mink 53.32 T-4929 skunk skunl Oshkosh 127 rais 233.00 ^,32 \ UNIT TOTAL FUfc) TAKE QOVgf^aEHT'3 SHARE TRAPPEP * 3 SHARE GROSS NAME SOLD TO 1 m. RETURNS RATS HIKK GOON OTH. RATS MINK COON OTH, RATS LINK COON OTH. KLemrae Bros, 17,19,20 1302 20 11 pes4651 10 6 ) i wea 551 10 4 pod Edwin dllraan 651 rats 1302.00 T-^943 wea 2 .ea Brillion 10 mink 274.00 1 ck 5 coon 15.00 6 poss 2.36 2 weas^/ .64 l5^!oo H, & E. Leiioan 207 103 L04 Truesdoll Furs 85 rats 174.60 TWf932 Berlin Levfis V/ainer 19 rets Edwin Lohiiur 10 458 229 229 Edwin ilillman 203 rats 351.00 T-4936 Brill Ion Frank Burkhardt 26 ra^s 57.00 Kekoskee 408.00 Edward Leclaier 30 104 52 52 Harry Cohen 52 rats 112.70 T-7852 Oshkosh Elmer Link 18 283 144 H* Harry Gorowitz 37 rats 65.25 T-4946 Oslikosh abraham Fur Co. 107 rats 142.00 Green Bay 207.25 Donald Luehring 23 64 32 32 Harry Cohen 32 rats 64.00 T-4950~ Oshkosh W. Miller & H, 7 146 73 73 Mrs. Dubon 61 rats 84.00 Knoll T-4935 Beaver Dam Frank Burkhardt 12 rats 18.00 V. Q0VB8HHENTfS SHARE TRAPPER* S SHARE UNIT TOTAL FUK3 TAKEN GROSS NAME SOLD TO: NO. RETURNS RATS MINK COON OTH. HATS umi GOOl OTH. HATS MINKa; GOOJ OTH Clarence Neitzel 26 322 159 163 Cohen Pros. 124 rats26C,40 T-4926 Oshkosh Master Furriers 33 rats 77.00 Madison 2 miak 50.00 Sears Roebuck 6 rats 10.08 1 mink 16.00 413.48 Herbert Koitzel 21 293 14 1 posp 14S 145 1 pos Ben Cohen 145 rats 304.50 T-4947 1 fox 1 Toj Oshkosh Master Furriers 7 mink 170.00 Madison 474.50 V^m, Neitzel 25 234 120 114 Frank Burkhardt Hi;, rats 200.20 T-4945 Kekoskee 2 mink 48.00 •248.20 H, Peterson & 250 123 125 Harry Gorowitz 96 rats 157.00 B. Morierity Oshkosh T-4928 Si Gorowitz 29 rats 58.00 Oshkosh 215.00 Arthur Pieper 22 174 S? 87 Si Gorowitz 37 rats 150.00 T-4949 Oshkosh 1 mink 24.00 T74IOO Lawrence Fdese 12 233 3 5 lsktm3Ll23 no IskujikBen Coehn 110 rats 231.00 T-4940 Oshkosh 2 mink 50.00 Frank. Burkhardt 3 coon 7.00 1 skunk 288.25 TOTAL FUH: TAKEN pOVERNHENT4 3 SHARE (TRAPPER4 S SHARE GROSS UNIT SOLD TO: mm m. RETURNS RATS am (X)0N ( THER UTS aNK (100N Ioth. Rats iiNS DON OTH.| [Frank Hu^khaMt '51 106.00 Elmer Schaumborg a 152 75 %- Ben Cohen 25 rats 44*50 T-4930 Oshkosh I5o3(T Ben Cohen 148 rats 310.80 Harold Schlesingei 13 370 .89 Oshkosh 2 wink 53.00 T-4942 Master Furriers 32 rats Madison Not Sold Schouten Bros. 1 36 18 18 T^927 Sam Cohen 93 rats 195.30 John Van Saane U 217 09 .08 Master Furreirs 15 rats 48.00 T-4937 Madison 243.36 Joe Cohen 128 rats 258.10 Delmer Weenihk ita,29,l6 305 152 .53 Oshkosh 2 mink 60.00 T-4939 Sears Roebuck 20 rats 26.70 3 coon 7.2? 3?2.05 Two Jays Packing 78 rats 165.90 I'.C, Zimmeman 156 78 78 Oshkosh 1 mink 20.00 T-4$34 185.90 5 pos TOTALS '553 79 125 > pos 3799 38 13 I wea 3754 41 12 f wea 2 "v.ag 2 sk 2 sk H i'ox 1 fax FUR S^MARI Govnrnment's Share (Ho, Shipped) Ave, 3^80 muskrc-t « 17486.53 $1.93 36 mink P 1025.50 26.99 12 raccoon fi 42.00 3.50 2 weassl • sic .30 *•*554. <3 Trappers ^hare (No, Sold) Ave, 3730 muskrat © $7498.02 $2.01 39 «ink @ 964.32 25.24 11 raccoon © 29.25 2.66 4 oppossum @ 2.36 .59 2 weasel © .64 *32 1 skunk @ .25 .25 S514.64 Notei KL^rme Bros, sold muskrat carcasses to mink ranch for a total of $63.65 - fef $.05 per carcass. Kft-TERFOWL Refuge H°rlcc"1 ^"8* Uonths 0f January 1 to May X w 51 Jt (1) , (2) (3) , (A) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Concentration last Seen Young Produced Total Broods Estimated Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Number Date Seen Total for Period I. Swans: 2 65 3-10 Whistling swan 3-31 41 II. Geese; 48 2-26 20,000 Canada goose 4-14 00 5-3 34,000 Cackling goose Brant White-fronted goose Snow goose 9 3-26 30 4—16 9 4-28 40 Blue goose 40 3-26 150 /r>l6 10 4-28 200 III. Ducks; 2 800 Mallard 3-23 4—16 500 4-28 1000 Black duck 2 3-23 200 4-16 50 4-28 350 Gadrall 4 4-13 60 4—20 AO 4-26 200 Baldpate 20 4-5 1000 4-20 400 4-28 2000 Pintail 11 3-27 800 4-16 100 4-28 1000 Green-winged teal 50 4-14 50 000 Blue-Twinged teal 1 3-27 4-20 450 5-3 1000 Cinnamon teal Shoveller 5 4-4 250 4-20 150 4-28 300 Wood duck 9 4—2 60 4—16 10 4-23 100 Redhead 7 4-3 100 4-5 2 Ring-necked duck 4-4 100 4-5 6 4-28 120 Canvas-back 12 4-3 500 4-5 60 4-8 600 Scaup 30 4-2 TOO 4—8 100 4-28 900 Golden-eye 1 3-27 30 4-8 14 4-28 AD Buffle-head 5 3-30 20 4-8 20 Ruddv duck;, 1 4-16 20 4-18 2 4-24 30 mer^on'A or^inamp 8 3-21 40 4-3 a 4-5 100 Hooded * 6 3-21 25 4-3 5 4-5 AO 1 IV. Coot; 3-27 500 4-30 500 5-3 1200 3-1750 (July 1946) (over) Form NR-1 SUMMARIES Total Productions Geese Total waterfowl usage during period Ducks Peak waterfowl numbers 3^300 Coots Areas used by concentrations^.^, Dltoh90 and Luu". ai'ea, Principal nesting areas this season_ Reported by ytllooi i, of ago or INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces* Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period, and the number seen. This column does not apply to resident species. (3) Peak Concentra The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time. tions (4.) Last Seen; The last refuge pectod for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period. (5) Young Produced: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on repre sentative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted. (6) Totals Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the nature of the migrational movement. • „ Note: Only columns applicable to the reporting period should be used. It is desirable that ^he Summaries receive careful attention since these data are necessarily based on an analysis of the rest of the form. 2338 3-1751 Form NR-1A MTaKMOPY i?lRDS (Nov.1945) r than waterfowl) Refuge Horioon Refuge Months of Januaj*^ to iteJL J^QL. T (2) 0) (4) (5) (6) Species First Soen ; Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number i "Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number 1 Date Number j Date Number Date Colonies! Nests Young Number I. Water and Marsh Birds: American %ret 1 4-20 6 4-30 2 5-3 6 Great blue heron 3 3-27 100 4-30 16 5-3 120 Pied billed grebe 1 4—20 100 4-30 20 5-3 150 American bttfcm 1 4-20 20 4-26 3 5-4 40 Double crested corraorant Too 4—26 1 4-26 750 II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns : Herring gull 4 a-ia 20 3-27 6 4-5 40 Yellow legs 17 4-14 50 4-16 2 4-26 60 Wilson snipe 5 4-24 50 4-25 2 4-28 75 Kil l deer 4 4-11 100 4-16 12 4-26 150 Upland plover 1. 4-24 AD 4-26 2 5-2 50 :* (over) ""Ti) (JZ (11 "(il 75)- M III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove X—28 60 4-16 5-3 xoo White-winged dove IV. Predaceous Birds; eagle 3-29 Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow 2 1-3 800 3-16 1000 Snowy owl 2 1-9 4 2-1 4-28 6 Reported by Harry £» Stiles, RefufeQ INSTRUCTIONS (l) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid genpral terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed cn form, other scocies occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be pdded in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species cf local and National significance* Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds, Gulls end Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen; The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned. (3) Peak Numbers The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time. (4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned. (5) Production; Estimated number cf young produced based on observations and actual counts. (6) Tatal; Estimated tota'- number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946) ±1 ei .Refuse Horicon Refuge Months of, January to i>pr11 19^_ (1) (2) (3) (A) (5) (6) (7) Species Density- Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio • Pheasant 5000 A, 3.5 50-50 li»0C Hungarian Partridge 1000 A, 150 • INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name* (2) DENSITY! 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* (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. M SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period* (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey, Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested* * Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used. 1613 For:n NR-U (June 19^5) SMALL MAMMALS Refuse Horicon Hefuge Year ending April (1) (2) (3) (U) (5) Species Density Removals Disposition of lUrs Total xJ Share Trapping © V ^ © Popula «c •d O fH I I CO a © 00 0) u >» % 0) ® XI « o tion Cover Types & Total Acres H s « M «g 0 r-t U Per tt U O Permit & 2 oj © © « -«-> (-» o s s 1 +» »-» © Number (D o ri Coamon Name Acreage of Habitat Animal o »£ o tr* I Muskrat cattail, river bull- .5 7610 3730 3aso 3^80 15,000 rash, billows, burreod 7,000 acres Mink 79 39 36 36 200 Raccoon 23 U 12 12 250 Oppossum I* 4 100 Weasel k 2 20 Skunk 1 1 10 Red Fox 1 u 1 11 15 Gray 'Squirrel abundant Fox Squirrel Abundant Cottontail Abundant Viloodchuck Common • List removals by Predator Animal Hunter REMARKS: ( INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-U - SMSU-L MAMMALS (Include data on all species of importance in the management program; 1. e., 4> muskrats, beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.) (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. Example: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed Jackrabblt, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" by H. E. Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States" by David Starr Jordan.) (2) DENSITY; Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This informa tion 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, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed In midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figure's sub mitted 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. (3) REMOVALS: Indicate the total number under each category removed since April of the previous year, including any taken on the refuge by Service Predatory Animal Hunter. Also show any removals not falling under headingslisted. (U) DISPOSITION OF IUR; On share-trapped furs list the permit number, trapper's share, and refuge share, Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprime- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to institutions or other agencies I should be shown in the column provided. 30 (5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30 REMARKS: Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(8), Introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested. - v/ 116007 ) 3-1570 NR-8a REFUGE GRAIN REPORT. Refuge . Months of thru.^ril 19SI.. (2) (3) (4) (6) (7) ON HAND RECEIVED GRAIN DISPOSED OF ON HAND PROPOSED USE BEGINNING DURING TRANS END OF VARIETY OF PERIOD PERIOD TOTAL FERRED SEEDED FED TOTAL PERIOD SEED FEED SURP. Barley 300 300 62 62 236 238 Oats iao iao 51 51 69 69 Com 150 150 10 ID IAD IAO 1 Buckwheat 100 100 63 12 75 25 25 Wheat 50 50 39 1 AO K) 10 (8) Indicate shipping or collection points uaupun -oi- .Aduconain (9) Grain is stored at fiefuga.Granaries (10) Remarks 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. 1 y