NATIONAL BISON RANGE
Moiese, Montana
Annual Narrative Report Calendar Year 1977
National Wildlife Refuge System Fish and Wildlife-Service U.S. Department of the Interior NATIONAL BISON RANGE Molese, Montana
Annual Narrative Report Calendar Year 1977
National Wildlife Refuge System •Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Department of the Interior PERSONNEL
Permanent, Full Time
*Marvin R. Kaschke, Refuge Manager GS-12 **Robert C. Brown, Refuge Manager GS-12 Milton K. Haderlie, Assistant Manager GS- 9 Gary A. Hagedorn, Assistant Manager GS- 9 ***Robin Magaddino, Refuge Manager Trainee GS- 5 Susan I. McCollum, General Clerk GS- 5 Victor B. May, Maintenanceman Foreman WS- 6 Grant Hogge, Engineering Equipment Mechanic WG-10 Ernest Kraft, Maintenanceman WG- 9
Permanent, Subject to Furlough
Edward G. Krantz, Maintenanceman WG- 7 Robert L. Middlemist, Maintenanceman WG- 7 William J. Lampshire, Maintenanceman WG- 7
*Transferred to Sheldon-Hart Mountain Refuge 6/19/77 **Entered on duty 7/3/77 ***Entered on duty 9/11/77
REVIEW AND APPROVALS
s ys Submitted By Date Area Office Date
Refuge Regional Office Date NATIONAL BISON RAN3E WSOIESE, MONTANA 59824
Complex Office h.
PROPOSED PLAN
MATIONAL BISON RANGE
Moi«s«, Montana P ••;: .r TABLE Of COlfTEKTS I I- qgWOAL Page A. Introduction 1 B. Climatic and Habitat Conditions 1 C. Land Acquisition 2 D. System Status 2
H. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINIENANCE
A. Construction 3 B. Maintenance . 4 C. Wildfire. 4
m. RAfilTAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands 4 B. Grasslands. 4 C. Wetlands 7 D. Forestlands 7 E. Other Habitat 7 F. Wilderness and Special Areas 9 G. Easements for Waterfowl Management 9 ft IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and Threatened Species 9 E, Migratory Birds 9 C. Marcnals and Non-Migratory Bird? and Others * • • • • 10
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation 15 B. Recreation 15 C. Enforcement 15
VI- OTHER ITEMS §. . A. Field Investigations 15 B. Cooperative Programs 18 C. Items of Interest . . 18 D. Safety 19 r
I4, I, GENERAL
A. Introduction
One of four big game refuges with the primary responsibility of preserving a representive herd of American bison, the National Bison Range contains 18,541 acres and maintains a fine herd of 300- 400 bison. The Range also administers three small waterfowl refuges and a growing wetland management district.
The year 1977 has been one of "change" - a change in refuge managers, an extreme change in the weather, and plans were made that will change the headquarters layout under the BLHP program.
B. Climate and Habitat Conditions
With the Range being located at the southern end of the Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana, weather patterns are expected to change somewhat, but this year's changes were unusual, even the old timers agreed.
Following the extremely mild and dry winter experienced throughout this part of the country, below normal precipitation continued into spring and summer. April, May, and June normally are the wet spring months but no measurable amount of precipitation was received in April which averages just over an inch of moisture. Fortunately for the range, normal rainfall of 1.5 inches fell in May to provide the first good rain since summer of 1976. By August the rangelands were again brown from lack of moisture, with the annual precipitation 3.5 inches below the 25 year mean of 8.82 inches for January through August. September rainfall almost doubled the 25 year mean of 1.04, again bringing some relief from the dry, dusty conditions. Dryer than normal conditions returned until December which produced the wettest December since before 1950 with almost 2.5 inches of moisture, most in the form of snow. Thus, the extreme changes in precipita tion for 1977, the driest April and wettest December since before 1950.
Habitat conditions were very dry and new vegetative growth was quite limited, but ample forage was available due to the abundant carry over of grass from last year. Again, the efforts of sound range management paid off. The range never really "greened" up this year. With the record precipitation in December continuing on into the new year, the drought has been broken. Snowfall Precipitation Temperature 25 year Inches 1977 Average Max. Min. '
January 11.25 .76 .99 54 -11 February T .02 : .57 64 9 March 4.00 .70 .69 66 11 April .00 1.04 89 14 May 1.56 1.58 84 23 June .74 2.11 94 37 July .93 .92 97 38 August .59 .92 98 37 September 1.93 1.04 89 29 October .45 .94 71 19 November 2.50 .44 .81 60 - 7 December 30.00 2.44 .82 53 -10 Total 47.25 10.56 12.43
C. Land Acquisition
No fee title or easement land acquisitions were made this year, nor forseen in the immediate future for the Range. The wetland program is described under the Wetland District narrative.
D. Systems Status
1. Objectives
Generally speaking, the primary objectives of the Bison Range are being met. Developments, excluding the new visitor center- office planned under BLHP have been completed and the refuge is basically on a maintenance program. Certainly minor changes or developments will occur to improve ongoing programs but with the new visitor center-office and scheduled rehabilitation of existing facilities, the Range can be considered fully developed.
As indicated in the funding chart below, the Bison Range complex is nearing a balance between the three major programs MB, MNB, and I&R. Several objectives and developments planned under PPBE for migratory birds and interpretation and recreation will be accomplished with BLHP funds and will put these two programs close to the objective level, particularly the I&R program.
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2. Funding (Includes waterfowl units)
Fund Source 1975 1976 1977 1978
59.0 64.0 12101 135.0 158.0 1220/ 95.0 97.0 1240 42.6 44.0 53.0 76.0 6820 8.0 10.0 9.1 10.0 Sub Total 185.0 212.0 216.1 247.0
Special 6.0 1.0 Rehab/Const. 58.0 16.0
Totals TgTTo 21370 27471 263.0
Personnel presently assigned to NBR complex total eight permanent full time and three permanent part-time employees. Beginning in 1977 there were only seven permanent full time positions but with BLHP one new position, refuge manager trainee, was added in September and one more position, outdoor recreation planner, will be added in 1978. These two positions were covered largely by the increase in 1240 funds.
II. CONSTRUCTION AMD MAINTENANCE
A. Construction
Approximately one mile of standard four barbed wire stock fence was constructed to enclose two quarter corners in Section 3, T 18N, R 20W, that extended beyond the existing boundary fence. This land has been overgrazed by a neighbors cattle for several decades and will be deferred from all grazing until it reverts back to native species of grasses, and range class of good to excellent.
Construction of one-half mile of interior fence in the southeast corner of the lower south pasture will prohibit bison grazing of approximately 80 acres. The bison have a tendancy to concentrate in this area and overgrazing results. This small section will be deferred until class condition Improves.
A forty foot section of the large warehouse was partitioned off to be used as a heavy equipment shop. This will facilitate the main tenance and repair of equipment too large to enter the existing automotive shop.
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Three springs in the Triskey drainage were developed and piped in series to six 350 gallon concrete tanks extending for a distance of 3,300 feet. The three gallon minimum flow in a drought year should insure an adequate supply and improve the grazing pattern of the animals, particularly the bison. This project was not AWP'ed but done for emergency drought relief.
B. Maintenance
Equipment maintenance included replacement of final drive on the #12 motor grader. Eight man days went into the job with over $1,500 worth of parts salvaged from an old Job Corp grader; over hauled automatic transmission on 1968 Ford station wagon ($220); rebuilt transmission and differential on 1966 CMC dump truck ($1,420); replaced radiator core and reground valves on Dodge pickup ($300).
Costs are given to reaffirm the drain on a tight O&M budget in keeping old, wornout equipment operating. The Range was overdue on the replacement of eight vehicles, fortunately BLHP funds in FY-77 and FY-78 will provide replacement of seven of these.
Although sections of the corrals needed replacement, funds were insufficient so only the worst sections were repaired prior to the buffalo roundup.
III. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
A. Croplands
Thirty-five acres of tame meadow were irrigated, fertilized and hayed. Hay production was 18 tons, down from previous years, primarily due to the drought. The hay is fed to our horses and a few elk and buffalo which are kept in an exhibition pasture during the winter.
B. Grasslands
Use of a deferred-rotation grazing system and proper stocking rates has enabled the range conditon to continue to improve. Condition of the range is detetmined by Parker 3-step transects in each pasture and range site and condition classification measured by SCS range specialists. Parker 3-step transects are measured each year in the pastures being utilized during the July-September period. This permits reading all transects every four years. The range site and condition classification is made on the entire range at four year intervals. Results of both of these surveys indicate continued improvement in range condition.
-4- Overgrazed portion of the range previously outside of boundary fence. Range recovery will be recorded for next 3-5 years. NBR-38 RM
Area to the right of the fence is^previously unfenced portion of the range utilized by adjoining landowners cattle. NBR-37 RM Net primary production of a rough fescue, Festuca scabrella, stand. U S I B P. - Bison Site, National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana. Oven dry weights.
Species 1970 1971 1972 1973 1975 1976 1977 Ave.
lbs/a
Rough fescue 1242 1714 1428 1415 1945 2590q 7454 1583 Idaho fescue 90 152 87 53 37 Bluebunch wheatgrass 26 21 5 ? ? Other grasses 79 124 224 23 11 3
Subtotal 1437 1838 1652 1611 2048 2646 782 1715
Lupine 365 542 428 182 272 239 38 Yarrow 62 q 19 C 8 Other forbs 297 595 334 154 225 223 70
Subtotal 724 1136 762 355 497 462 116 579
Total Herbage 2161 2974 2414 1966 2542 3108 898 2294 • Precipitation - inches"^ 13.1 13.9 11.5 8.8 12.1 14.0 7.2 11
^Crop year Sept. 1 - Aug. 31 (From - Ecological Studies of Primary ^Includes Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass Productivity qf the Fescue Grasslands- ^Includes bluebunch wheatgrass Bison Site Grassland Biome — U.S. -Includes all grasses other than rough fescue International Biological Program Includes yarrow by Mel Morris) RANGE CONDITION CLASS OF THE NATIONAL BISON RANGE
Condition 1964 1969 1973 1977 Class Acres % Acres % Acres % Acres 5S •
Excellent 570 3 1,759 10 2,971 17 14,206 83
good 7,320 42 13,853 78 11,548 67 2,064 12 •
Fair 9,500 54 2,013 12 2,741 16 893 5
Poor 235 1 T T "• 0 0
AUM,,S
Change From Change From Change From Pasture 1940 1964 1969 Previous Survey 1973 Previous Survey 1977 Previous Survey
West Horse Pasture 65 65 0 65 0 65 0 Lower West Range 559 518 592 + 74 532 - 60 690 +159
Southwest Range 456 224 226 + 2 482 +256 596 +114
Lower South Range 352 388 461 + 73 407 - 54 472 + 65 Alexander Basin Range 495 840 1,024 +184 636 -388 640 + 4
Northside Range 397 390 390 0 765 +375 805 + 40
Upper West Range 421 671 764 + 93 428 -336" 529 +101
Upper North Range 513 418 430 + 12 695 +265 813 +118
Upper South Range 335 538 584 + 46 468 -116 566 + 98
Sheep Pasture 148 318 374 + 59 326 - 48 257 - 69
Totals 3,676 4,367 4,910 +543 4,804 -106 5,433 +629 In addition to the two range surveys, clippings were made in an exclosure on a rough fescue site. As would be expected for a year of record drought, the results of the clippings indicated low forage production. Even with low forage production the range was able to provide the needed AUM's and come through the year still in good condition.
Noxious weeds received a boost from the abundant moisture of 1976. Several areas which had only low amounts of goatweed for the past few years had significant amounts in 1977 in spite of dry conditions.
Use of biological control showed mixed results for the year. The Chrysolina beetle (used to control goatweed) population was very low and had very little effect. The weevil (Cardus nutans) re leased on musk thistle has expanded greatly from the release sites and was effective in reducing the thistle in some of the denser stands.
Chemical control was used on the more heavily infested areas of noxious weeds. Following is a summary of the year's chemical control.
Species Chemical Treated Area Acres Used Method Control
Goatweed As per map 696 2-4D Amine (3 Aerial 70% 2 lbs. acid equ./ac Knapweed Roadsides 10 2-4D - Banvel Ground 80% & boundary 2 lbs. acid equ./ac Yellow Ravalli Hill 20 11 11 Tl fl Ground 80% Toadflax
Musk & Cana- Roadside & 126 Ground 80% dian Thistle horse pasture
C. Wetlands
Nothing to report.
D. Forestlands
Forest entomologists from the U.S. Forest Service and Montana State Forest Department checked the Range for indications of insect damage. No unusual or heavy insect damage was found. There was premature needle shedding by ponderosa pine due to the drought condition.
E. Other Habitat
Nothing to report.
-7- 1977 Goatweed Eradica-tion Project
Total Acres Sprayed - 696
lOPOSFC f 4'
NATIONAL BISON RANGE • Moifs*, Montano
2. F. Wilderness and Special Areas
Nothing to report.
G. Easements for Waterfowl Management
Nothing to report. IV. WILDLIFE
A. Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Nothing to report.
B. Migratory Birds
1. Waterfowl
Canada geese were present on the Range each month of the year. This was the second year in a row that they did not move down stream off of the refuge following nesting.
The peak spring population of 48 occurred in March. The peak normally occurs in May with about 60 birds. Mild weather may have contributed to the lower and earlier peak. The fall peak of 36 occurred in late December. This is two months late and only about half of the normal fall peak.
Four known nests with a total of 31 eggs were all successful, with 27 eggs hatching. Two additional broods totaling 8 birds were later observed bringing total production to 33.
Duck use days and production were greatly influenced by the drought. All but one of the potholes in the Ravalli Hill area were dry throughout the year. These ponds normally account for at least half of the production and much of the spring and summer use. Highest number of ducks occurred in late December when most water areas throughout the valley were frozen and the birds moved to open water on Mission Creek.
2. Marsh and Water Birds
Great blue herons were present along Mission Creek and the Jocko River throughout the year in small numbers.
3. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species
Use of the Range by this group of birds was much reduced this year due primarily to the dry conditions.
-9- 4. Raptors
A pair, of golden eagles nested successfully producing two young to flight stage.
5. Other Migratory Birds
Nothing to report.
Mammals and Non-Migratory Birds and Others
1. Game Mammals
a. Bison
In spite of the drought the bison appeared in good condition throughout the year. During roundup each fall all calves and a sample of the other age classes are weighed. This year calves averaged about 80 pounds lighter than other years and the adult animals were from 100-200 pounds lighter. This lower weight is probably a result of the dry range conditions.
Eighty-three calves were produced this year, 45 bulls and 38 heifers. This was a 93% reproductive success. A 22 year summary of calf production is given in the following table.
During the roundup calves were branded with a "7" on the upper right hip. No calves were vaccinated this year, our herd is considered disease free.
Seventy-three animals were sold this year. A total of 88 bids were received with 33 being successful. The highest price paid was $801 for a 10+ bull and the lowest price paid was $431 for a long yearling bull. Overall average for all animals was $632, compared to last year's average of $567.
Animals known to have died during the year included a new born calf, two 3 year old cows, one 7 year old bull, one 3 year old bull, and one yearling bull.
Following the roundup the herd structure was as indicated in the following table.
b. Elk
The big game count of February 26th indicated an elk popu lation of 100. Fifteen calves were added to the population during the year and a bull calf was brought to the Range, by Montana Fish and Game for raising by hand.
-10- BISON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS - 1956-1977 (22 Year Average - 89.15)
Breeding Calves % Reproductive Year Age Cows Born Success
1956 88 81 92
1957 104 87 *84
1958 104 99 95
1959 102 92 90
1960 97 76 78
1961 111 103 93
1962 121 101 84
1963 105 96 91
1964 124 120 97
1965 109 102 94
1966 97 82 85
1967 105 89 85
1968 107 91 85
1969 107 102 95
1970 96 69 72
1971 94 88 94
1972 97 89 92
1973 97 91 94
1974 91 78 86
1975 95 88 93
1976 91, 82 90
1977 89 83 93
-11- BISON HERD STRUCTURE
Age Group Male Female Total Animal Units
Calves 45 37 82 25.4
1 24 24 48 34.2 2 19 17 36 30.5
3 19 17 36 36.6 4 7 6 13 14.9 5 8 8 16 19.6 6 7 8 15 18.7 7 6 10 16 18.7 8 5 7 12 14.8
9 2 6 8 9.3 10 3 2 5 6.9 11 2 4 6 7.0
12 2 3 5 5.9 13 1 1 2 2.6
14 1 1 2 2.6
15 0 1 1 1.0 16 0 1 1 0.9
17 0 0 0 - 18 1 1 2 2.3
19 0 0 0 -
20 0 1 1 0.8 21+ 0 1 1 0.8
Totals 152 156 308 253.5
-12- Removals from the range consisted of 26 animals which were used for research purposes throughout the year, (see Field Investigations).
The estimated population at the end of the year is 90 to 95.
Mule Deer
The early spring population of mule deer was estimated at 220.
One orphan fawn was brought to the Range by Montana Fish and Game.
Removals from the range consisted of 5A animals utilized in a research project (see Field Investigations).
Fall composition counts in September and October indicated 28 fawns/100 does. The total October population was esti mated at 188: 56 adult males, 5 yearling males, 88 adult females, 11 yearling females, and 28 fawns.
White-tailed Deer
The spring population of white-tailed deer was estimated at 175. One fawn was brought to the Range by Montana Fish and Game and raised on a bottle. This orphan service will be phased out in 1978.
Ten animals were removed as part of a research program (see Field Investigations).
Following fall composition counts the total population was estimated at 18A: 35 adult males, 7 yearling males, 80 adult females, 18 yearling females, and 44 fawns.
Bighorn Sheep
The bighorn sheep population remains fairly stable. The spring survey indicated a population of 55. The number of lambs born is not known but 6 survived to early fall. The end of the year population was estimated to be 57.
Several large rams remained near the tour road through much of the summer. A 3-year old ram was removed from the tour road in August after many reports from visitors of a sick bighorn. Autopsy showed a cracked skull was his main pro blem. f. Pronghom
The pronghorn population remained at a near constant level throughout the year. We began the year with an estimated 113 animals and ended with 115.
High fawn mortality continues as one of the main population controlling factors. Fawns surviving to October numbered 10. Research studies under way indicate coyotes and bob cats were major predators.
g. Rocky Mountain Goat
Three kids were born this year. One kid which was separated from its mother during an ear tagging project was brought to headquarters to be hand reared. After a couple of weeks it became sick and died shrotly thereafter. Cause of death was severe lung infection and inhalation pneumonia.
The year end population is estimated at 15.
h. Longhorns
Our two longhorn steers are 15 and 14 years old. At the end of the year the older one is starting to show signs of old age, with weight loss and some difficulty in getting around. These exhibition animals will not be replaced.
i. Black Bear
Bear observations were very limited this year. The popu lation appears to be no more than 2 or 3.
2. Other Mammals
We do not have an accurate estimate of the coyote population on the Range but it appears to be at least 30 animals. With a heavier than average snowfall in November and December the coyotes have had to rely heavily on big game animals for food and evidence of this predation was frequently observed.
3. Resident Birds
One sighting of a pair of chukar partridge was the only obser vation of this species during the year.
Gray partridge were common although not as abundant as in the early 70's when 2,000+ birds were present. The present popu lation is estimated at 300-400.
-14- 4. Other Animal Life
Nothing to report.
V. INTERPRETATION AND RECREATION
A. Information and Interpretation
1. On-Refuge
Visitors numbered 113,173 in 1977, being slightly under the all time high in 1976 of 117,773. Our October roundup con tinues to draw much public interest. This year we had 2,860 people during the three days.
Bus loads of local school kids and classes from universities used the Range for outings and for field studies. The annual Saddle Club ride in May numbered 326 riders and horses.
2. Off-Refuge
During Wildlife Week film presentations were given at the local schools.
Other off-refuge activity included: numerous slide and film presentations to school groups, service and sportsmen's clubs; and personal involvement in community organizations such as Boy Scouts and P.T.A.
B. Recreation
1. Wildlife Oriented
No hunting is permitted on the Range; fishing is permitted on the Jocko River along the south boundary.
Approximately 50,290 persons traveled on the 19-mile wildlife viewing tour during the months of May through October.
2. Non-Wildlife Oriented
Nothing to report.
C. Enforcement
Four persons were cited for driving on roads closed to the public. One was fined $25. One trespasser climbed the boundary fence to get a picture of buffalo, when informed that a public tour was available on the range, he said that he had heard of the tour but had never taken it..
-1 5- A portion of the crowd gathered to watch the buffalo roundup. NBR-19 MKH Much of the summer enforcement involved chasing skinny-dippers out of inviting Mission Creek.
On Sunday, October 30th, a young woman came to the office and re ported to a graduate student that a man had attempted to rape her while she was on the self-guided auto tour. The graduate student reported the incident to Refuge Foretpan May. The gates of the tour road were closed the the man was apprehended by Assistant Manager Haderlie when he came to the exit. He was turned over to the Lake County authorities for prosecution.
VI. OTHER ITEMS
Field Investigations
1. Social Behavior in Bison - NBR-4 - Dale Lott
No field work during 1977. Efforts continue to publish a non technical leaflet on bison behavior for use by the public.
2. Reproduction in Mountain Goat - NBR-18 - Bart O'Gara
No field work during 1977.
3. Pronghorn Ecology and Behavior - NBR-24 - David Kitchen
No field work during 1977. A non-technical leaflet about prong- horn behavior is in preparation. This leaflet will be available to the public to help increase their enviornmental awareness.
4. Niche Separation of Seven North American Ungulates - Determina tion of Food Habits Relationships of National Bison Range Ungulates - NBR26 - Yvette McCullough
The following information was provided by the researcher.
Ungulates on the National Bison Range were studied from May to August 1976 and from January to December 1977. Habitat selec tion and activity patterns were intensively studied by direct observation. Species, sex, age, number in group, activity, behavioral interactions, slope, aspect, elevation and vege tation type were recorded. Patterns of distribution were also evaluated in relation to range condition, distance to cover and water, weather, season and vegetation phenology.
Food habits were studied by collecting rumen samples from white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk which were harvested on a monthly basis. Rumen samples were taken from freshly
-16- killed animals and preserved in ten percent formalin. The Montana State Fish and Game Laboratory in Bozeman separated samples and did volumetric measurements. I identified plants by genus and species where possible, and placed them in categories of browse, grass and forbs.
Fresh pellets were collected monthly from antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, white-tailed deer, mule'deer, and elk. Pellets from har vested animals were also saved for botanical analysis.
5. Pronghorn Fawn Mortality on the National Bison Range - NBR-27 - Barbara Von Gunten
Field work was conducted on the Range from April to September, 1977. Objectives of the study were: 1) to examine the causes and degree of pronghorn fawn mortality on the NBR. 2) to determine the density of coyotes, and 3) to determine the relative densities of alternative coyote prey.
Thirty pronghorn fawns were radioed between 16 May and A June. Twenty-seven were dead at the end of September, a mortality rate of 90 percent. Nine carcasses were found with enough evidence (wound patterns and hemorrhages) to determine the cause of death: 5 coyote, 3 bobcat, amd 1 eagle. Bits of bone, hair, chewed elastic, and the transmitters were all that was found of 11 fawns. Nine of these fawn remains were found in the vicinity of coyote dens, and the fawns were undoubtedly consumed by coyotes.
Two-thirds of the mortality took place within the first 3 weeks of the fawns' lives. Eleven of the 14 coyote-involved fawn re mains were found on the northeast portion of the Range, where most of the coyotes denned.
Information from seven fawns was lost due to three transmitter failures and four transmitters dropping from the animals too soon. Because of this final fawn survival was determined by searching the entire Bison Range for eartagged fawns.
A scent-post line was run in July and September to obtain an index of coyote population. Small rodents were trapped during three periods in May, July, and September.
6. Biotelemetric Monitoring of Heart Rate in Elk - NBR-28 - James W. Lieb
Initial efforts to implant heart monitors has failed. The first implant resulted in infection in the animal and it died after two weeks. Subsequent implants were attempted with improved surgical methods but the animals died from stress. The researcher then went to a private tame herd where two implants were successfully made. Another attempt will be made to implant monitors on two animals on the Range.
-17- Rocky Mountain Elk Behavior at the National Bison Range - NBR-30 - Kent Llvezey
The following information was provided by the researcher.
A focal herd of 18 elk, whose home range was about 3,000 acres, was selected for observation. Eleven elk could be individually identified fairly consistently by eartags and other characteristics. Of the seven cows in the herd, six were known to calve. Five of the calves were eartagged, two of whom died within a few days of birth.
From 1 April-30 August, bulls older than 1^ years were observed with individuals of the focal herd on only two occasions. From 31 August-11 November (the last field day), bulls were always present in the study area—dividing the herd into as many as three small harems. Photographic and/or descriptive records were kept for as many of the bulls as possible.
I am now writing an ethogram, tabulating occurences of all behaviors recorded, and determining the results of the focal animal and scan sampling quantitative data.
B. Cooperative Programs
We continued to maintain an artesian well pressure recording device for the U.S. Geological Survey. The recorder is located on an old CCC campsite well which now furnishes water to the public in the picnic area.
C. Items of Interest
Following is a list of training received by personnel.
Haderlie Supervision and Group Performance (40 hours) Hagedorn Law Enforcement Training (100 hours) Hogge Mechanical Update (10 hours) OSHA Safety Requirements (3 hours) May Chemical Applicator (40 hours)
In June Manager Marvin Kaschke transferred to the Sheldon-Hart Mountain Refuge complex as manager.
Robert C. Brown transferred from the Regional Office in Denver to the Range as manager in mid-July.
Robin Magaddino reported to the Range in September to fill the refuge manager trainee position. Robin comes from California and has had previous wildlife management experience with the Peace Corp.
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This report was prepared by:
Manager Brown - Section I Assistant Manager Haderlie - Sections III, IV, VI Refuge Manager Trainee Magaddino - Section V Foreman May - Section II Clerk McCollum - Typed and assmebled report.
D. Safety
On July 13th a young man on a motor bike was involved in an acci dent while riding around the exhibition pasture. The brakes on the bike were poor and apparently failed while he was going down a small hill. He tried to stop by dragging his feet. The bike went out of control and left the road.
The accident was observed by another refuge viditor who promptly reported it. The young man was transported to the hospital by refuge vehicle where he was treated for a broken knee.
No lost time accidents occurred on the Range in 1977 in reference to the Station Safety Record.
-19-