GAME commission BRIM

Vol. V PORTLAND, OREGON, MAY, 1950 No. 5

SUPERVISORY MANAGE- Prodacipl Ofrepal MENT DISTRICTS Concurrent with recent expansions in several activities of the Oregon Game Commission's program, theestablish- cry9ame eito ment of district headquarters throughout the state is underway. By ROBERT U. MACE, Chief Biologist Two district headquarters have so far Annual crops of deer, , and antelope are produced and harvested in been established, one in La Grande and Oregon and immeasurable values are attached to such harvests. The Ore- one in Bend. The La Grande office is to provide administrative facilities for the gon Game Commission is charged with maintaining the big game resource northeastern part of the state in connec- for the citizens of the state. Big game production is a business and must tion with all aspects of the Game Com- be managed on sound business principles. mission's field operations, both for fish- eries and game. The area covered from Value of Big Game Crops Of primary importance is a determi- the La Grande office includes Wallowa, Hunting in Oregon is big business. Ap- nation of the trend in big game popula- Union, Baker, Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, proximately 170,000 deer hunters and tions. It is necessary to know whether Wheeler and parts of Grant, Sherman 25,000 elk hunters participate each year game herds are increasing or decreasing and Jefferson counties. The administra- in harvesting big game crops. Although in order to practice proper management. tive area of the Bend district embraces the value of the meat computed on the The percentages of males, females, and Central Oregon, consisting of the Des- basis of butcher shop prices represents a young in each big game herd indicate the chutes and Klamath drainages, and in- sizable figure, this is but a portion of the rate of annual production and the effects cluding the counties of Klamath, Des- total economic worth of the crop. Each of harvests. A measurement of mortality by weather, predators, malnutrition, crip- chutes, Crook, Jefferson, Wasco and parts sportsman. expends considerable money of , Sherman and Hood River. in the purchase of equipment, transpor- pling and other factors also is essential. tation, food, and accessories essential for Of equal importance to information on It is expected that three additional dis- big game hunting. This wealth is dis- (Continued on Page 4) (Continued on Page 8) tributed throughout the state and con- tributes directly or indirectly to the wel- fare of the entire population. In evaluating big game crops, recre- ational worth must be considered. Al- though no dollars and cents price tag can be placed on recreation, it is of utmost value. Few sportsmen would be willing to part with the privilege of hunting at any price. Recreation derived from big game hunting promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of Ore- gon's citizens. Information A continuous supply of reliable infor- mation is essential for the proper admin- istration and production of big game crops. In order to serve as a basis for regulation and management, such infor- mation must be secured on a state-wide basis. The Game Commission maintains a staff of trained personnel stationed throughout Oregon for the purpose of observing and recording conditions af- fecting all big game herds, as well as other game and fish species. Information is secured systematically each year and compared with past conditions to deter- mine the status of the crops. A well managed program based on facts is essential to insure perpetual production of big game crops. Page 2 MAY, 1950

* THIS AND THAT Oregon State Game WINTER PHEASANT Disappointing to thousands of dippers Commission Bulletin FEEDING EXPERIMENT and sight-seers was the non-appearance Published Monthly by the of the spring smelt run in the Sandy riv- OREGON STATE GAME COMMISSION In the September 1949 issue of this er. This has happened nine times during 1634 S. W. Alder Street P. 0. Box 4136 bulletin, an article was published describ- the past 30 years, 1947 being the last Portland 8, Oregon ing the results of a winter pheasant feed- year in which no run occurred. Not MIRIAM KAUTTU ing study conducted at the Corvallis enough is known about the smelt to ac- Editor Game Farm using kale and waste seeds count for the irregularity of their ap- from cleaning plants instead of the usual pearances but it has been suggested that Members of Commission wheat and pellet ration. It was found in if stream conditions are not right in the Carl C. Hill, Chairman Days Creek that test that pheasants could be held tributaries, the fish might be remaining Donald Mitchell Taft over on that ration satisfactorily even Delbert Gildersleeve Baker under the most rigid weather conditions. in the main Columbia to spawn. J. H. Van Winkle Oregon City * * It developed, however, that the kale did * Loyde S. Blakley Bend not last long enough to warrant the ex- Archers shot 59 deer and one elk dur- Administrative Staff pensive procedure of planting it on each ing the 1949 hunting season according to C. A. Lockwood ... . State Game Director successive year. This process, although final tabulation of the returns from the P. W. Schneider ... Asst. State Game Dir. effective in producing excellent birds, 788 archers issued permits, of whom 657 F. B. Wire Secretary raised the cost of the operation above actually went hunting. The Tillamook F. C. Baker Controller that of the usual method of feeding birds; Burn archery area furnished 45 deer, the George Kernan Engineer whereas, by feeding waste seed alone Mt. Emily Reserve 8 deer and 1 elk, and H. R. Mangold .. Chief, Supply & Property savings of from 50 to 75 percent of the Canyon Creek Reserve 6 deer. C. B. Walsh Chief, Information and Education winter feeding cost could be made in * Stuart J. Couper Assistant Chief comparing costs with the regular ration Slightly more than 5,000 mature pheas- C, J. Campbell Chief, Basin used. ants were included in the spring release Investigations The same 100x100-foot plot was seed- completed by the end of March. The John McKean Chief of Operations, ed to a grass turf in the summer of 1949 Game Division birds were liberated as breeding stock A. V. Meyers Federal Aid and was used to re-run the experiment in sections of the state having a high R. U. Mace Big Game this winter using the same number of reproductive potential. C. E. Kebbe Furbearers pheasants and feeding just waste seed. * Frank Stanton .. Improvement Eighty-five hens and 15 cock pheasants Squaw in Jackson county, which W. B. Morse Migratory Birds were weighed and released in the study the Commission heretofore has refused H. J. Rayner Chief of Operations, area on September 16, 1949. These birds Fisheries Division came from the same lot as were put in to stock because of inaccessibility to the R. C. Holloway ... Stream & Lake Mgt. general public without payment of fees, E. W. Goff Hatcheries the regular holding pen. The 100 experi- will now be planted with trout. An agree- G. E. Howell . .Fishways and Screens mental birds were fed on a ration of ment has been reached with the owners Entered as second-class matter September 30, waste seeds from September 16 until Feb- 1947, at the post office at Portland, Oregon, ruary 20, 1950, or a period of 157 days. granting free access to the lakes for pur- under the act of August 24, 1912. poses of fishing. At the present time the Bulletin is circulated During this period temperatures dropped * * free of charge to anyone forwarding a written as low as ten degrees below zero and an request. Two hundred and fifty tagged fish were Permission to reprint is granted provided aggregate of 51.75 inches of snow fell. liberated prior to the opening of the sea- proper credit is given. The birds were weighed when the test son in Mill Creek (Marion county) fish- started; again on January 4, 1950, and ing in which, by legislative act, has been APRIL MEETING OF finally on February 20, 1950, when the set aside for juveniles under 18 years of study was concluded. Each time a repre- GAME COMMISSION sentative sample of birds from the regu- age. Cooperating with the Game Com- The regular quarterly meeting of the lar holding pen was weighed to secure mission in a management program for Oregon State Game Commission was held this stream are the Salem Izaak Walton comparative data. The following table April 21 in Portland. gives the weights for the various dates : League, Salem Lions Club and the Salem Bids were received for construction Fur, Fin and Feather Club (junior sports- projects atsix trout hatcheries, and PHEASANT FEEDING STUDY WEIGHTS man club). The youngsters fishing the awards totalling $110,325.00 were made area are being asked to make reports Weed Seed Reg. Ration as follows : Date Pheasants Pheasants concerning any recovered tags. A map Teller Construction Company, $16,765, of the area with information and ma- Hens CocksHens Cocks for nursery ponds and additional water Weighed Av. Wt., Lbs. Av. Wt., Lbs. terial was prepared and is being distrib- system at Wizard Falls Hatchery. uted through this organization. Sept. 16, 1949 1.85 2.43 1.85 2.43 Robert C. Wilson, $15,500, for a new . * * * Jan. 4, 1950 .2.04 3.01 2.08 3.21 dwelling and hatchery building at Wil- Feb. 20, 1950. 2.02 2.76 2.01 2.75 The stream clearance crew completing lamette Hatchery. From the comparisons above, it can its job on Cedar Creek in Lincoln county Teller Construction Company, $33,759, be seen that from the time the experi- reported it to be one of the most difficult for ten concrete nursery ponds at Fall yet encountered on the coast. The work River Hatchery. ment started until the time of the next has been done in conjunction with the R. and M. Construction Company, weighing in January the birds on both $3,675, for construction of bridge at Hood rations made a substantial increase in Fish Commission. both weight and size. This was expected * * * River Hatchery. Teller Construction Company, $30,678, as they had not yet reached their full Six acres of wheat have been planted for construction of ponds, earth dams growth when placed in the feeding pen in by the Habitat Improvement crew on the and installation of additional water sys- September. The weather up until that reserve area adjacent to McKay reser- tem at Bandon Hatchery. time had been comparatively mild and voir in Umatilla county. This will not be Henry Den-Herder, $9,948, for ponds did not induce heavy feeding among these harvested but will be left for a winter and pipeline at Butte Falls Hatchery. pheasants. food supply for both waterfowl and up- A contribution of $200 was made to the When the last weights were taken at land birds (Continued on Page 8) (Continued on Page 3) MAY, 1950 Page 3

for the federal lands has been requested, the State Land Board has been advised WILDLIFE SITUATION of our plans and needs, and water rights will be applied for when the wildlife lands Warner Valley, located in Lake County become available upon which to file. approximately thirty miles east of Lake- Recent proposals for drainage of Petri view, is one of the sump-type, highly al- Marsh have caused considerable alarm. kaline valleys common to the This marsh differs in composition from country of Southeastern Oregon. Origi- the North Crump Lake Marsh to such an nally, the 170,000-acre valley was one of extent that its loss through reclamation the best waterfowl nesting areas in Ore- would be irreparable. Game interests con- gon and an important link in the Pacific sider Petri Marsh to be indispensable to Flyway system. In its present condition, wildlife, especially so after the North the wildlife values have been reduced but Crump Lake Marsh project is installed. not destroyed. The valley has been more The wildlife program proposed for War- or less isolated from centers of human ner Valley is basically the development population and markets by distance and of waterfowl nesting facilities and the conditions of existing roads. Consequent- maintenance of the habitat as an im- ly, its agriculture has been almost entire- "I can read everything but the top two lines." portant link in the Pacific Flyway. Open ly livestock production, which is fairly hunting areas would be provided for the compatible with wildlife. Recent road level is reached. After the desired level public. However, it is doubtful that a improvements have changed the eco- is reached, the late flood waters would controlled hunting system such as that at nomic aspect of the area in that agricul- be "sumped-off" to one or more of the Summer Lake or Sauvies Island would tural products other than livestock have North to prevent damage be necessary in the near future because become profitable. This is bringing on to nests and water controls. of the size of Warner Valley and its dis- reclamation projects, stream diversions Warner Valley lands are in three types tance from centers of dense population. and human molestations that are far less of ownership. There are approximately Development of Warner Valley is un- compatible with the maintenance of wild- 55,000 acres of privately owned land, 68,- derway and unless the needs of wild- life resources than the livestock opera- 000 acres of federal land, 34,000 acres of life are recognized and allowed another tions of the past. state land under the jurisdiction of the "Duck Factory" will be closed. Development of this area is inevitable. State Land Board and 12,000 acres of If developments are for agriculture alone lake-bed land regarding which there is a with no consideration for wildlife, a valu- question of ownership. Not all of these Winter Pheasant Feeding able and irreplaceable unit of wildlife lands have sufficient game potential to rs, habitat will be destroyed and a link in warrant much consideration by game in- Experiment the Pacific Flyway system will be weak- terests. The 55,000 acres in private own- (Continued from Page 2) ened. With proper considerations for ership are mostly wild hay meadows and the close of the study 47 days later on habitat development and maintenance, grain lands and are so operated at the February 20, 1950, both groups of birds wildlife values not only can be main- present time that they are not completely were in poorer flesh than they had been tained but improved without material incompatible with game interests. The in January although still in good condi- reduction intheagriculturaloutput. state and federal lands have a fair wild- tion. This is also considered natural, and Throughout North America, reclamation life use at the present time and a very is attributed to the very severe weather interests are draining marshes for agri- high undeveloped potential. conditions that existed during this latter cultural purposes and fish and game in- Plans for the reclamation of the 8,000 - phase of the study period. Most of this terests are converting privately owned acre North Crump Lake Marsh have time temperatures were at freezing or lands back into marshes for wildlife pur- brought about considerable concern by below and part of the time dropped below poses. This is a very opportune time to wildlife interests. The Game Commis- zero. The fact that both groups lost combine the forces of agriculture and sion's investigation of this proposed proj- weight during this time indicated the game into a well coordinated and care- ect has disclosedthat althoughthe common effect of weather influence. fully planned program. project will destroy about 1,800 acres of During both these feeding tests, con- The most important factor affecting fair nesting area and 6,600 acres of ditions were ideal from the research both agriculture and game is water. The brooding area, the diversion of water angle. The past two winters have been water supply has varied from 308,000 from an area of high evaporation loss two of the most severe in the history of acre feet in 1910 to 24,800 acre feet in can be beneficial to wildlife if considera- western Oregon. Under such conditions 1931 with a 26-year mean of 113,000 acre tion for the use of the salvaged water on the experimental ration proved to be feet. This terrific variation creates a very other state and federal lands are includ- highly satisfactory in carrying breeder unstable farming community and pre- ed. Restoration procedures including the pheasants through the winter. No condi- sents a difficult but not impossible prob- use of this water in Petri Marsh, South tions of maladjustment occurred among lem in game habitat development, main- Crump Lake Marsh, and Fischer Lake the birds and only one hen was lost in the tenance and management. area on State lands and in the lake beds experimental pen through predation. The wildlife program for this valley and pothole areas on federal lands in The tests have been carried far enough would be basically stabilization and con- North Warner would then compensate to determine that a substantial saving of trol of water. Under the present condi- for the losses previously mentioned. The money probably amounting to several tions, much of the available water is proposed game management program is thousand dollars annually to the state can wasted on shallow lake beds and alkali in accord with this reclamation program be made by following this practice. This flats through evaporation. Late flood providing adequate restoration facilities procedure would likewise make possible waters cause considerable flooding of are made available. This would require the winter holding of hens for spring re- .7-- nests and many, of the good nesting areas setting aside by executive order certain leases instead of during the fall, there- dry up too early for best protection of federal lands for wildlife use, manage- fore, insuring better reproduction. The the young. Under management, water ment and development of the previously holding cost would be extremely practical. would be diverted from the alkali flats mentioned areas on state lands and the and shallow lake beds to the channels, acquisition of all water above the present A mole can move an object thirty-two deep lakes and potholes until a certain adjudicated rights. The executive order times its own weight. Page 4 MAY, 1950

winter food supplies to maintain them. the public land administrative agency Legislative refuges proved inflexible with concerned. time and the Game Commission author- Big game animals will generally oc- ized hunting in order to harvest surplus cupy habitat which provides essential animals. Temporary closures are more requirements for their livelihood. In cer- effective in management than permanent tain instances where ranges are isolated refuges. Such closures are established on and natural distribution does not occur, ranges where information reveals that trapping and transplanting is an effec- protection is necessary and are subject to tive management procedure to further prompt revision as circumstances re- increase the available crop. Before trans- quire. plants of big game are made, the require- On some ranges predators, particularly ments of the game species and the en- , may jeopardize the crops of big vironmental features of the proposed site game available for harvest. Where com- must be considered. Failure to do so re- petition with the hunter for the crop is sults in a waste of time and money. of importance, predator control is justi- Trapping and transplanting is appli- fied. Predation is heaviest among the cable in the case of native big game young animals from the time of birth un- forms and those which are not currently til the end of the first winter. In the case present in the state when a study of con- of antelope, observations re- ditions reveals that success can be antici- vealed that coyotes were partially re- pated. Favorable conditions for trapping sponsible for low fawn survival during are limited, the procedure is expensive A protected plant and an exposed plant demon- the early 1940's, necessitating a closed and the venture is precarious and diffi- strate clearly the extent of forage utilization on season in 1946. control programs cult at best. deer summer range. were subsequently initiated on antelope On some ranges of the state, big game ranges,particularly on the fawning animals are not compatible with other grounds. The effectiveness of these con- economic interests, particularly agricul- PRODUCING OREGON'S trols was substantiated by increased ture. Successful production of big game fawn survivals. Increased antelope crops in such areas should be based upon rec- BIG GAME CROPS permitted an open season during 1949 ognition and control of game damage so (Continued from Page 1) when 929 antelope hunters harvested 586 that conflicts are reduced to a minimum. mature bucks. Each damage situation must be handled the animals themselves is factual data In the production of big game, mineral as an individual problem. Control is ex- on food, water, cover, and other environ- requirements must be considered. Al- (Continued on Page 6) mental features upon which the big game though natural salt licks are present on herds are dependent for survival. Ade- some ranges, such sources are many quate food at all seasons of the year is times inadequate. The greatest demand ABOUT THE AUTHOR probably the most important single fac- for salt and other minerals exists in the Long-legged Bob tor controlling the annual crop. early spring during the period when the Mace (see picture Producing Big Game Crops for Harvest animals consume largequantitiesof page 6), chief bi- In producing big game crops many green forage. Spring salting programs ologist in charge practicesare employed.Allpossible are carried out in all districts where in- of big game for measures to perpetuate sustained annual formation reveals that a need exists. Due the Oregon State harvests are investigated but many have to the inaccessibility of spring ranges, Game Commission, proved impractical or unsound. It is im- airplanes are used to distribute salt. Be- has no trouble cov- portant to discuss the reasons why vari- fore this work is conducted, plans are ering elk and deer ous management procedures are or are prepared in order to insure proper distri- ranges when the not effective. bution and prevent interference with es- course of his du- Hunting regulations are easily applied tablished salting programs carried out ties calls him into and prove valuable in producing big by livestock men. In addition to furnish- the field. Mace, a game. By closing the season, it is pos- ing a necessary requirement in the diet, graduate of Med- sible to protect vulnerable breeding herds salting is utilized to influence an earlier ford High School where the removal of any animals is in- migration of big game from problem and of the Fish and Game Management advisable. Big game species are polyga- wintering areas and to effect a more course at Oregon State College, is well mous, one male being sufficient for sev- equitable distribution of the animals. equipped by training and experience for eral females, and surpluses of males are Availability and proper distribution of his job. Prior to his graduation in 1942, produced. Such surpluses can be harvest- water sources are important environ- he was hired by the Grazing Service to ed under appropriate regulations, thus mental factors to consider in the produc- do range survey work at Burns. After he protecting the females without materi- tion of big game. Development of water, finished college, he joined the Soil Con- ally affecting production. By protecting in conjunction with salting, is employed servation Service as a junior range con- spikes, or yearlings, hunting regulations to encourage better distribution of big servationist in New Mexico. serve to insure the preservation of ade- game on summer and fall ranges. This Three of the war years were spent with quate males for future breeding pur- is particularly true in the more arid sec- the Navy and upon his discharge in 1946, poses. tions of southeastern Oregon where water he began work with the Oregon Game Refuges and closed areas are similar is a limiting factor. Pronghorn antelope Commission. His first assignment was on in effect to hunting restrictions on sea- and, to a lesser degree, , are the interstate deer study project and sons and bag limits. The major refuges the species most affected. Water devel- later, because of his range experience, he in Oregon were .established by the Legis- opments are mainly in the form of earth was brought into the Portland headquar- lature during a period when big game reservoirs constructed to trap excess run- ters to help in the big game section. In numbers were low. Such refuges were ef- off water and retain it for big game use January, 1948, he was appointed to his fective in protecting game herds, particu- throughout the dry summer months. De- present position, which brings him face larly mule deer, to the extent that popu- velopments are constructed on a coopera- to face with the complex problems of big lations increased beyond the ability of tive basis by the Game Commission and game management. MAY, 1950 Page 5 MOUNTAIN GOATS COME TO OREGON

Fourteen local rancher buckaroos assisted Oregon game men with the Goats were transported to head of Wallowa Lake and released on the trapping and loading of goats. east slope of Chief Joseph Mountain. (Photo byL.D. Bailey, U. S. Forest Service)

The six goats trapped during March in the Chopaka Mountains of Washington state near the Canadian border and hauled to Wallowa county constitute the first known introduction of this species in Oregon. There is no evidence indicating that the animals ever existed in this state. The Game Commission plans additional transplants next year.

After the goats had been driven into the trap, they still had to be brought down the steep mountain- side to the nearest road about one mile away. The kid in the picture on the left managed very nicely riding horseback. The mature goat ontheright,however, demon- stratesthesliding,pulling and hauling involved withthe older animals. Page 6 MAY, 1950

An intimate knowledge of the causes of winter game losses aids the A deer-proof fence is a practical solution to eliminate the problem game manager in planning future crops. of high value agricultural crop damage.

of nutritional requirements is necessary comes serious only if use is continued PRODUCING OREGON'S in determining the adequacy of big game throughout the late summer and fall. On BIG GAME CROPS diets. Food shortages are most critical the other hand, deer feed mainly upon (Continued from Page 4) during the winter months, particularly the shrub species and serious conflicts tremely difficult where agricultureis in eastern Oregon. Here successful pro- with domestic livestock are limited to practiced on, or adjacent to, natural deer, duction of mule deer is dependent upon the use of green grass and weeds for a elk, and antelope ranges where continu- the availability of an ample supply of short period during the early spring be- ous conflicts can be anticipated as long shrubs which furnish needed protein. In fore migration to high summer ranges. as crop production is continued. Success- addition to supplying protein, shrubs re- It is evident, therefore, that most efficient ful control necessitates a recognition of main available for use by deer during use of range forage resources can be ob- responsibility by all concerned, including periods when crusted snow conditions tained by permitting proper use by both landowners, sportsmen, and the Game render other classes of forage plants in- game and domestic animals. A limited Commission. accessible. Elk are able to subsist on degree of competition must be accepted Some standardized methods of dam- grass through the winter months and can by all concerned if maximum benefits age control have been developed but can- be produced where quantities of such are to be derived from ranges used by not be applied in all cases. When a few forage is available. big game during the winter and livestock animals are involved, the offenders can Because of deep snows in eastern Ore- during the spring and fall. be removed under permits issued by the gon, deer are forced to concentrate during A great deal of research has been con- Commission pursuant to legislative au- the winter months at lower elevations. ducted in the field of artificially improv- thority. Such removal is effective where Generally, winter ranges are character- ing big game ranges by means of reseed- little possibility exists for an influx of ized by shallow soils and low moisture ing. In order for plants to become estab- additional animals. supplies, resulting in poor forage growth lished, it is necessary that the ground be In the case of high-value crops of lim- conditions. Vegetation isconsequently prepared beforeseeding.The rough, ited acreages where continuing damage sparse, limiting the numbers of livestock steep, and rocky condition of most winter can be expected, the most economical and and big game that can be produced. ranges limits the area which can be tilled effective solution involves the construc- Opinions are expressed in regard to the to an extremely small percentage of the tion of game-proof fences. Provision of possibility of the Game Commission pur- whole. Protection from grazing is essen- adequate fences through cooperation be- chasing all big game winter ranges in tial on reseeded ranges if a stand of grass tween the Commission and concerned eastern Oregon. Such a program might is to be secured. Livestock can be con- landowners will result in controlling dam- be feasible on some areas. However, much trolled by fencing but this is impractical age so that agricultural and big game of the winter range is privately owned in the case of big game. crops can be produced compatibly. and is essential for maintenance of liVe- Reseeding shrubs offers little hope for Where damage occurs on haystacks lo- stock. Purchase for the exclusive use of success since deer use cannot be con- cated adjacent to winter ranges, protec- big game would seriously hamper the trolled and young plants are consumed tion can be afforded by means of lumber livestock industry and affect the eco- before they have an opportunity to be- panels loaned for that purpose by the nomic stability of many communities. In come established. It is quite evident that Commission. addition to being extremely expensive, reseeding operations -are subject to limi- On ranges where big game populations purchase of all such ranges would not tations as long as grazing animals con- exceed available food supplies and dam- materially improve wintering conditions tinue to utilize the range. As a general age cannot be controlled by other meth- for big game. Problems are most appar- rule, natural plant species have demon- ods, populations can be balanced and ent in the case of mule deer which depend strated an adaptability to the environ- damage alleviated by means of controlled upon adequate shrubs for browse during ment on any particular range and will hunting- seasons aimed at removing sur- the winter months. Removal of all live- reseed and prosper if not abused by over- pluses of animals. stock would have little effect upon brow8e grazing. Of primary importance in big game plants which are utilized lightly by these The possibility of providing artificial production are adequate food supplies animals during the spring and early sum- supplements in the form of hay and pro- throughout the entire year. A knowledge mer grazing season and competition be- (Continued on Page MAY, 1950 Page 7

1. Waterfowl nesting,resting, and feeding areas. GENERAL PROGRAM OF OREGON 2. Public shooting grounds. 3. Big game winter range. Special investigation projects may be under- STATE GAME COMMISSION taken as Federal Aid projects from time to time when it is determined that the designated In the April issue of the Bulletin there was included a statement of general policies research unit is unable to assist. recently adopted by the Oregon Game Commission. An outline of theprogram for carrying out these policies is now presented. GAME FISH RESOURCES X. MANAGEMENT SHALL BE BASED UPON FACTS PROGRAM IV. PUBLIC SHOOTING AREAS SHALL In general regulation shall be accomplished BE MAINTAINED by: The program embodying the general The Commission proposes to enter into co- 1. Competent field staff to maintain continuous policies adopted by the Oregon State operative agreements with landowners or oth- vigilance on all available waters to deter- er agencies for the purpose of providing public mine population trends and composition, Game Commission employs all available access for hunting and fishing whenever con- limiting factors. and general conditions of methods for achieving the highest sus- ditions warrant such action. each fishery of the state. tained use of the game and fisheries of V. BIG GAME SHALL BE MANAGED TO ASSURE 2. Adequate and continuous research directed the state, limited only by the financial re- THE HIGHEST SUSTAINED UTILIZATION at determining additional facts. and the de- To assure continued high level of production velopment and use of techniques applicable sources of the department. of big game in eastern Oregon, the Commission to a practical fishery program. will : 3. Inventory and development of all game fish GAME RESOURCES 1. Cooperate in programs for rehabilitation resources now present to maximum produc- I.MANAGEMENT SHALL BE BASED UPON FACTS and improvement of problem game ranges. tion and the development of any additional The program will utilize the following pro- 2. Lease or purchase critical winter ranges fisheries found possible through investiga- cedures: where competition by other uses are a haz- tion. 1. Field agents to maintain continuous vigi- ard to maintenance of big game herds when 4. The spiny-rayed fisheries shall be devel- lance on all available habitat to determine doing so will not unduly interfere with the oped in those waters adapted to such species population trends, carrying capacities and economy of any particular community, dis- and in a manner in which the salmonoid limiting factors for all game species. trict, or the state. fisheries will not be endangered. 2. The Oregon Cooperative Wildlife Research 3. Effect a more equitable distribution of big 5. Information from other agencies, groups, or Station to design and test techniques for game animals by protecting under-stocked individuals will be received at scheduled measurements and management of Oregon's ranges, salting, developing waters, etc. public hearings and given careful consid- game resources and undertake other basic The Commission recognizes that itis not eration along with factual data secured research problems confronted by the Com- practical to attempt to produce or maintain through the Commission program. mission. big game animals on agricultural lands; how- 6. An aggressive program of survey and devel- 3. Information from other agencies, groups or ever, invasions of agricultural lands can be opment of all waters of the state, including individuals will be received at scheduled frequently expected and the Commission's newly created impoundments, shall be car- public hearings and given careful considera- program will be to control such depredations ried out to utilize every possible unit of tion along with factual data secured through by the following methods: habitat for fishery production. the Commission's programs. 1. Apply mechanical and chemical repellents. XI. MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT COOPERATION SHALL BE MAINTAINED WITH OF HABITAT OTHER AGENCIES AND GROUPS 2. Assist landowners in fencing high-value (See Policy) crops and haystacks where continuous prob- The general pattern of achieving to the high- III. IMPROVEMENT OF HABITAT SHALL BE lem can be expected and removal of animals est degree possible this objective shall, in gen- VIGOROUSLY CARRIED OUT is impractical. eral be: Since wildlife is a product of the soil and the 3. Harvest offending animals by special sea- 1. Continuation and expansion of existing and vegetation that grows thereon. maintenance of sons or permits to complainants. potential activities such as lake rehabilita- optimum game populations is directly depend- 4. Continued search for new methods of con- tion, a fishways and screen program for bar- /0...N ent upon conditions prevailing on the land. trol. riers and diversions. appropriate physical Maintenance or development of suitable habi- VI. UPLAND GAME SHALL BE MANAGED stream improvement. and such other pro- tat is dependent upon land use and is, there- TO ASSURE THE HIGHEST cedures now or potentially available to the fore, under control of the landowner or land- improvement of individual fisheries environ- administering agency. The following procedure will be applied to ment. Improvement of habitat for wildlife is neces- assure maintenance of small game species. a 2. Active encouragement, support, and assist- sarilyalong-rangeprogram.Cooperative fuller utilization of the available habitat and ance to those other agencies primarily con- working agreements with interested agencies a maximum of recreation for the public. cerned with problems associated with the and groups are a sound approach to the prob- 1. Continue artificial propagation and release water resources. and such other agencies en- lem, but they are of limited application. The of game birds for the purpose of : gagedinrelatedresourcemanagement Commission can develop plans and procedures a. Stocking depletedcovertsinsuitable which may directly or indirectly affect our which can be demonstrated on relatively small habitat. waters. areas; but on the large. practical scale most b. Salting heavily hunted areas and public 3. Active participation in the development of a improvement must result from the activities shooting grounds. basic water policy for the state which rec- of enlightened landowners. Private landown- c. Introducing new species. ognizes fishery production as one of the im- ers generally cannot be expected to carry on 2. Game birds or animals will not be released portant uses of our waters. wildlife habitat improvement practices unless on private shooting preserves. 4. Maintenance of research directed at devel- there is some economic incentive. 3. Improve characteristics and vigor of pheas- oping additional techniques applicable to 1. Cooperative agreements with responsible ants by procuring breeding stock from na- fish habitat improvement and the testing of conservation or landowning groups is often tive and selectively breeding for presently available tools as to their validity a desirable procedure and they may be en- desired characteristics. in various areas of the state to the end that tered into as opportunity arises. 4. Introduce those exotic species that appear the most economical use of funds shall be 2. Educational information will be dissemi- after thorough investigation to have poten- achieved. nated to the public at every opportunity. tialities and will not conflict with other land XII. FISH PROPAGATION Values other than wildlife habitat will be Uses. (See Policy) emphasized. 5. Trap and transplant valley quail, Hungarian XIII. FISH LIBERATIONS 3. An economic incentive to the landowner is partridge and other native or established the best insurance for the success of a rec- exotics that do not have an equitable dis- The distribution of hatchery reared fish to ommended practice. Examples of such mu- tribution over the available habitat. the various waters of the state shall be made tually beneficial practices which will be 6. Maintain a system of refuges in heavily equitably under the following criteria: encouragedare:plantingoffenceline hunted areas. 1. Type and volume of water in relation to hedges and windbreaks; planting for ero- 7. Design hunting seasons and methods that available species. sion control; developments of springs and will harvest only known surpluses, be most 2. Current population, trend, and composition farm ponds; and fencing of woodlots to pre- compatible with landowners, and provide a of fish present. vent grazing. maximum of recreation without hazard to 3. Angling pressure and accessibility of water. 4. The scope of the Game Commission habitat resources. 4. Natural capacity of each water to support improvement activities shall be: 8. Enter intocooperative agreements with releases made therein. a. To test practices and develop plans for landowners to increase game production XIV.RESEARCH the improvement of wildlife habitat for and provide access for public to hunt. (See Policy) all game species. 9. Increase quantity and productivity of habi- b. To direct attention to the desirability of tat by providing essential requirements of ALLIED ACTIVITIES establishing such practices and, wherever small game where practical. XV. GAME LAW ENFORCEMENT possible,point out any multiple - use 10.Recognizing that high densities of small A continued study of existing and proposed values. game species may cause damage to agricul- game laws is being vigorously pursued for the c. To participate financially in the develop- tural crops, the Game Commission will hold purpose of recommending the repeal of ob- ment of certain cover, food or water im- species at compatible levels by adjusting solescent statutes and the simplification of provement projects on public as well as the annual harvest. present and proposed legislation. private lands when such projects are ap- VII. MIGRATORY BIRDS SHALL BE MANAGED XVI. PUBLIC RELATIONS proved by the Commission. ON THE BASIS OF THE CONTINENTAL Under the program, public relations activ- d. To provide technical assistance in the PACIFIC FLYWAY ities shall embrace the fields of information matter of habitat improvement to anyone (See Policy) and conservation education to the end thata upon reasonable request. substantial contribution will be made by the e. To provide materials, such as plants and VIII.FURBEARERS Game Commission to a better understanding, seeds, under certain limitations, to co- (See Policy) appreciation and utilization of fisheries and operating landowners. IX. PITTMAN ROBERTSON PROJECTS game resources. Among the important methods f. To establish demonstration areas for the The program shall generally proceed as fol- of achieving this, the following will play an purpose of testing practices and demon- lows:In the acquisition, development and important part: strating recommendations to the public. maintenance of : (Continued on Page 8) Oregon State Game Commission Bulletin 1694 S. W. ALDER STREET P. 0. BOX 4136 PORTLAND B. OREGON

Supervisory Management PRODUCING OREGON'S (Continued from Page 1) BIG GAME CROPS tricts will be established in the near fu- (Continued from Page 6) ture. tein concentrates for big game during the The problems and duties of fish and winter months is often raised. Artificial game management, like all natural re- feeding may be justified for short periods source management, has in recent years during severe winters when snow condi- developed into a highly complex series tions prevent utilization of vegetation of operations and functions, and it is the otherwise abundant enough to suppoit purpose of the Commission in establish- the animals. Most programs aimed at ing district facilities to make possible the sustaining big game populations each most efficient and modern methods of winter on ranges where natural forage is handling the sustained use of our fishery inadequate have proven impractical in and wildlife resources. In addition, the Oregon as well as in other western states. predicating of the field program upon res- Hay and other artificial substitutes do ident personnel engaged daily in the not provide the balanced diet essential necessary tasks of management assures for the maintenance of big game. Domes- a much closer and more precise knowl- ticating the animals by means of a bread edge of the status of the resources. line decreases sporting value from the Will Brown, formerly district game standpoint of hunting. The most im- agent at Grants Pass, has been appointed portant argument against artificial feed- district supervisor at La Grande for the ing is that such a program contemplates northeastern district. Brown was with maintenance of big game herds in excess hfte.euette' the Game Commission prior to the war, of natural food supplies. Since artificial The young of big game animals, such as this leaving the department as a reserve of- substitutes cannot adequately provide a antelope kid, are vulnerable to predation by ficer to serve in the Army during the war, balanced diet, over-use of shrubs and coyotes and must be protected. where he participated in several of the other plant species continues unabated. European campaigns and in the Aleu- The eventual result is a destruction of production of big game crops. It is neces- tians. He returned to work with the Ore- plant cover and the acceleration of soil sary to understand the reasons and ob- gon Game Commission in the capacity erosion. Decreases in big game as well as jectives of management as well as the of district game agent at Grants Pass other wildlife species closely parallel the limitations which render certain proced- and has had a wide experience in the field loss of soil and plant cover. ures impractical. Only by recognizing of game management. Brown is a gradu- Production of big game crops on winter facts and planning management on the ate of the Department of Fish and Game ranges where important forage species basis of such facts are we to realize full Management at Oregon State College. are limited is dependent upon balancing returns from Oregon's big game crops. (Ed. Continuing the big game story, a sec- L. M. Mathisen, supervisor for the the number of animals with the available ond article by Mr. Mace entitled "Harvesting Bend District, likewise worked for the food. This can best be accomplished by the Big Game Crop" will be published in the Commission before the war, leaving dur- removing animals in excess of the food June Bulletin). ing the early part to enter the armed supply. Sportsmen are best qualified to service. Upon returning from the service, effect such removals. Failure to grant General Program of O.S.G.C. Mathisen was stationed on the Lower sportsmen the privilege of harvesting (Continued from Page 71 Umpqua in connection with the Umpqua surplus big game crops results in waste- 1. Press releases. 2. Publications and brochures. River program and has had a wide ex- ful losses by malnutrition and other 3. Visual aids. perience in the original stream and lake manifestations of over - grazed ranges. 4. Public contact and talks. 5. Cooperative juvenile education projects. survey program followed by participa- Big game management must anticipate 6. Displays. tion in several of the rehabilitation proj- food shortage problems by granting 7. Radio. 8. Printing mat service. ects subsequent to that time. Mathisen is sportsmen the privilege of removing ani- XVII. POLLUTION CONTROL also a graduate of the Department of mal surpluses, thus beating Nature's (See Policy) XVIII. ORGANIZATION Fish and Game Management at Oregon harvest by malnutrition to the draw. To predicate the management of a natural State College. Big game in Oregon represents an im- resource upon on-the-ground stewardship of species which manifest constantly changing portant resource. The Game Commission conditions it is considered essential to have is charged with administering this re- an administrative organization equipped to April Meeting of Game Comm. conduct the most modern methods of manage- source to the end that harvestable sus- ment. (Continued from Page 2) tained crops are produced. In order to In order to operate in an economic manner, maintain accurate knowledge of the conditions KEEP OREGQN GREEN ASSOCIA- manage the resource on a business-like of the resource, provide a public service and TION as an aid to protection of game basis, all factors affecting big game spe- to exercise the functions of the department withdispatch,administrative headquarters habitat. cies over the state as a whole must be based upon ecological zones of the state shall Representatives of several sportsmen's considered in the light of continuous and be maintained. These shall represent the Com- mission in the respective localities and provide groups were present to discuss the War- reliable information. an administrative vehicle for coordinating the ner Valley situation. Many practices are employed in the various functions in the respective districts.