NOVEMBER, 1957

DEER BOWHUNT November 15-24

DEER GUNNING November 27-30

QUAIL SEASON OPENS November 21

PHEASANT SEASON November 14-16 Published Monthly Except August Published Monthly Except August By The BY OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Room 118, State Capitol CONSERVATION Oklahoma City, Oklahoma For Hunters, Fishermen, Trappers, Naturalists and Wildlife Conservationists. One dollar fifty cents per year Single copy 1 5 cents Circulation, this issue 13,000 STATE Second class mail privileges authorized at Oklahoma City, Okla.

OKLAHOMA JUANITA MAHAFFEY Editor TOM JESSEE MRS. LULA PROCTOR Staff Writer-Photographer Circulation Manager - :

II *76e 7cmc o£ *i¥&ive&t Page Know Your Department 3 Deer—Miracle Producer of HE MOST VITAL living power in the world is that of reproduction. Big Game Sport 4 T the power of soil and water to generate and nourish plant and The Scaled Quail of animal life. Western Oklahoma 8 The seed of flora and fauna is multiplied many times to provide Longhorns of the Wichitas 10 the volume of food and fiber and the great variety of raw materials Oklahoma Hunting Laws 13 which sustain man from birth to death. Oklahoma's Flag 14 The bulk of our needs are grown as annual crops—grains, fruits, White Bass in the Cotton Patch 15 flesh and fibers. In the few weeks or months from seed to maturity, all Hunt With a Dog! 16 the fertility of soil and water is drawn upon to complete the growth. The Press Says 18 All renewable crops must be harvested as they become mature, as sooner They Work for Wildlife 19 or later they are returned to nature to enrich the soil and water from Arrests for September 20 which they came. Fish Conservation Facts 21 It is with the natural crops of trees and other vegetation, and of Letters to the Editor 22 fish, birds and animals, that man often fails to use the knowledge and Christmas Gift Offer 23 experience gained in the production of domestic crops. It is in such Thanksgiving Prayer 24 practice, or lack of it, we have the best illustration of loss or waste when VOL. XIII No. 11 crops are not harvested or used. Trees are a long-time crop, 25 to 150 years may be the span COVER from seed to maturity. But when a tree has reached its maximum Happy Bow Hunter . . . Photo by Wallace Hughes growth, it should be cut and used. Over-age uncut trees occupy land which could be growing another crop of faster growing trees and thus make better use of land.

COMMISSIONERS On different trees we have fruit, nuts, cones and seeds—all of which are the natural means of perpetuating each species. Man takes George Schultz, Medford Chairman James W. McMahan, Okemah Vice-Chairman some fruits and nuts for his use, a crop of foodstuffs. Other seeds germi­ Maurice Finklea, Warner Secretary nate and start future tree crops. Some trees have a bark which has human Louis Burtschi, Chickasha Member value. Some trees are tapped for the sap in the spring. Others yield pine Georgs I. Knapp, Jr., Tulsa Member resins from which a great variety of products can be made. Raymond Lucas, Howe Member Dan Tankersley, Oklahoma City _ Member Thus while the tree may be a many-year crop, its fruits, nuts, L.A.W. Vincent, Arnett Member cones, bark, and sap are annual or short-time crops. If these are not used they are not wasted in the sense that there has been a cost to grow, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF but there is the loss of things that could make our lives the richer for Clarence Burch Director having them. Mutt Standefer Field Services In the field, the forest and the water a large amount of wildlife is, Coble Gambill Fiscal or can be, produced for only the costs of practicing conservation. Fur, John E. King _... Fisheries Cloyse Bond .Information & Education skins, feathers, meat and minor special products are crops of things Claude Goin Enforcement which men need or prize. Many kinds of wildlife are annual crops, Buell Atkins .—Game Management & Federal Aid while some are taken or used only at certain seasons of a year. Orville Curtis __ Asst. Supvsr. Big Game Jerome Sykora Asst. Supvsr. Migratory One might say that there is a special benefit to man in the act of Game Birds taking or harvesting. Picking wild fruits and nuts is a recreation for H. G. Williamson Asst. Supvsr. Upland Game many people. Hunting and fishing certainly are the finest types of George Wint Supt. Game Farm recreation, the cost of which is returned in the thrill of the chase, not & Research Coordinator always in the value of the bag. Permission to reprint is granted provided proper credit is given. Oklahoma pictures and contributions Conservation of soil and water resources is rewarding, therefore, are welcome and will be published when possible. not only in human necessities which may be harvested, but in the crops Address communications to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma City, Okta. of specialties to be gathered and recreational opportunities for mind and body. Thus we have not only the daily meat and bread of living, but the spice and cake of pleasures from the abundance of nature. Member of For the small price of constant stewardship of the natural resources, International Council of there can be, and surely must be, such annual and periodic crops to Industrial Editors harvest . . . Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, by Alfred L. Nelson, Editor. gether to further our overall wildlife conservation program, to provide more good hunting and fishing for no everyone. WE CAN ALL HELP A TftcwtAlcf, yttcteaye friom SPORTSMEN, remember the land you hunt on is usually the farmer's Clarence Burch, Director home. Respect him and his premises as such. Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation FARMER, the sportsman is not a bad fellow. He will help you finan­ cially, with labor and otherwise, to IHI-H-IIIIM-IIHIIIIIIIIMMMIIIimilllllMMIIIIMIII-lllllllll propagate more wildlife. RANGER, BIOLOGIST, CONSERVA­ WILDLIFE ON FARM AND RANCH way. Even though the farmer would TIONIST, you can help with the plan, HAVE YOU ever had the privilege like to do more to protect and pro­ by educating and informing, by pass­ of seeing and hearing a Bobwhite pagate wildlife, his immediate living ing on the proper information to the cock sitting on a fence post, whistling problems must come first, and make community, to school groups, 4-H or calling to his mate at sun-up on a decisions difficult. and FFA members. nice spring morning? Or watching a This is nothing more than co­ mother quail with her brood of A BOOST FOR CONSERVATION operation among all those directly or indirectly interested in the conserva­ young birds feeding around an old HOWEVER, the agricultural con­ tion of wildlife. feed lot? Maybe you've seen a nest of servation program and the conserva­ young squirrels out for the first time? tion reserve program of the federal COURTESY TO HUNTERS Or ridden up on a doe with two government have given the farmer EMP'OYEES OF the State Depart­ young fawns in the back pasture and and rancher a boost in his overall ment of Wildlife Conservation have watched them bounce off into the conservation planning. And I believe been asked to forego hunting on any woods? This is just part of the daily the man who does not own an acre of opening day of the several game activities of wildlife to the man on land has just as much at stake and seasons this year. The directive came the farm. But that's not all. should have the same interest in the as a result of policy established at the overall conservation program as the October meeting of your Wildlife WILDLIFE HAS SAME NEEDS AS MAN man who owns and operates the land Conservation Commission. We have WILDLIFE IS no different than which will preserve for future pos­ no objection to our rangers and other man or domestic animals, for the terity life itself, including wildlife. employees hunting on their regular basic needs are food, water and shel­ days off, just so it isn't on the first ter. The plan for wildlife on the A NATURAL day of a season. But it's just good public relations and courtesy to the farm is simple. Just plain conserva­ THE SOIL BANK plan of the con­ license-buying sportsman for our men tion with a little predator control. servation program is a natural for to be on duty and helping police and The conservation of soil and water wildlife conservation and propaga­ get the other hunters off to a good will eventually benefit all phases of tion. The three, five and 10-year start on opening day, rather than tak­ wildlife with food and cover. How­ agreements of conservation on certain ing part in the sport themselves. ever, remember — the farmer is al­ lands not only saves the soil and its ways concentrating on crops and fertility, but makes ideal habitat for domestic livestock because these are wildlife in furnishing food and cover. his livelihood. He is hard pressed for income and it is necessary at times to PREDATOR CONTROL, TOO Changing Your farm or graze every acre possible to LET US NOT overlook predator Mailing Address? meet his ever-increasing demands. If control whereby farmer and sports­ he's beset by drouth, not for one year, man alike can cooperate in the control but for three or four, then a number of certain birds, foxes, house cats, Notify Oklahoma Wildlife at of our conservation practices fall by skunks, coyotes, and others, with a once. Give both old and the wayside. little assistance from all. Farmers and new addresses. To the other extreme, floods are sportsmen must have a mutual under­ just as destructive, but in a different standing how they may work to­

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 DEER—Jtitech

JEW ANIMALS on our North American continent increase some amazing facts and figures, plus a hope that our own * more rapidly than deer. It is unlikely that even the whitetail herds can thrive from here on out with the same buffalo was more popular for food and raiment than the miracle growth that has been attained elsewhere. fine-antlered whitetail in the early days. Certainly not Deer Were Nearly Gone Once even the beaver surpassed the fleet-footed deer as an historic Whitetailed deer originally roamed nearly our entire medium of exchange in the early economy of our country. state, but by the beginning of this century, as a result of For the skins were valuable for serviceable frontier gar­ changes in land use and over-hunting, these animals were ments and shoes, as was the meat for eating. restricted largely to the southeastern mountainous section. Miraculously, deer have survived even to the point of By 1916 deer were so scarce over Oklahoma that hunting problem populations in many parts of our country, was closed statewide. The entire population probably through every change man has wrought upon the land. dwindled to 500, our game researchers tell us. In every state, Oklahoma included, one big factor affecting Not until 1933 was any legal season declared. Ex­ the build-up of deer herds, was the cutting of timber. The cepting five years (including World War II years), a short second growth vegetation in cut-over timberlands provides season annually has been held, for buck deer only. The a just-right environment usually for the whitetail tribe season was restricted to a few counties in the southeast to thrive and grow fat. It is the old law of nature replac­ corner of the state until 1955 when deer hunting was ing, where she is given a chance, one resource with another. legalized statewide. A few years ago at Talihina, Oklahoma, a big white- Every county in Oklahoma now has some deer, tail buck deer wandered into town and, in the resulting through last season, kills were made in only 39 of our confusion, broke through a plate glass front of the local 77 counties. ice cream parlor. A bit out of the ordinary, yes. But every Deer Potentials Are Great few days, somewhere across the country, similar deer in­ For nearly two decades now, our game biologists have cidents are recorded. foretold the scope of our deer potentials here in Oklahoma. Deer have proved themselves the most resourceful of In their "Survey of the Game and Furbearing Animals of all our wildlife species. They can live at the very edges Oklahoma" (published 1944, data collected 1938-43), of towns and cities, given just a bit of woodland and Duck and Fletcher stated: "The whitetail deer is a wild­ proper environment. In the thick midsummer tourist traffic life resource representing a real potential worth to the of Colorado Springs, Colorado, not long ago, we had to people of the state. Probably no other game species is in a slow our car on an August evening to avoid hitting two position to react so readily to good treatment . . . the big bucks as they crossed the concrete in front of us. range for expansion is large . . . Average maximum densities between 10 and 20 deer per square mile, varying How Are Deer Doing In Oklahoma? with local conditions, appear reasonable with a total re­ Late this month some 25,000 Oklahoma hunters will gional average of 12 to 13 deer per square mile . . . This be in the field with rifles and shotguns in search of deer. would figure a conservative population of somewhere near Earlier, the bow hunters, perhaps 1,000 strong this season, 70,000 deer in the oak-pine and oak-hickory game types will stalk the whitetails in a special area of eastern Okla­ alone." homa designated for this picturesque sport. Comparison of deer distributions in 1950 by James Deer hunting in this state has accelerated in recent S. Lindzey (The White-Tailed Deer in Oklahoma) with years with our program of restoration built around refuges, the Duck-Fletcher investigations of 1938-43, indicated a restocking, better laws and stricter enforcement of them, notable increase in occupied range. Deer trapping and trans­ plus education of the public to both esthetic and economic planting, along with natural increase, plus the establish­ values of the deer. ment of refuges under federal-aid, had much to do with Our deer populations and hunting history follow this. pretty well the pattern in many other states, except that What To Expect This Deer Season deer herds in Oklahoma, generally speaking, have not built Based on last year's data, here is what the Oklahoma up as fast. A recent survey of the 47 other states gives us hunter may expect if he goes after deer this month in our

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 Ptoduce/i ej Btq-^ame Sfwfrt

state: About one in every 13 hunters will bag a legal deer. Last year there were 25,540 hunters, including 24,643 resident gunners, 202 non-resident gunners, 661 resident bow hunters, and 34 non-resident bow hunters. A total of 1,922 legal bucks were checked in. This number was 578 higher than the previous year's total, and the largest kill in Oklahoma ever recorded. About 47 per cent of the deer were in the \Vi-i-Vi year age class; better than one-third were from 2J4-4J/J years old, while about 16 per cent fell in the 4^2-years- or-older classification. Deer killed in the sparsely wooded sections weighed more than those from heavily timbered areas. The largest whitetail deer taken in our 1956 season weighed 188 pounds hog-dressed, and was downed in the vicinity of Horse Creek arm of Grand Lake in Delaware County. Oklahoma's herds have not approached maximum range- Where Is The Best Hunting? carrying capacity as yet to afford "either-sex" or "any Want to know where you will be most likely to get deer" harvesting, say our biologists. your deer? The largest number last season—313—came The Comanche County herd, however (Wichita from McCurtain County—one deer for each 5.9 square Refuge and Fort Sill military reservation) is a good ex­ miles in this, our second largest county. The county lies in ample of deer increase in well managed and protected areas. the southeast corner of the state. For about 15 years this herd has offered stock for live- In total deer kills by counties, the figures ran down­ trapping and transplanting, with no damage to base herd ward from McCurtain's 313 in this order: Pushmataha, numbers. And Fort Sill has an annual open season besides. 236; Atoka, 220; Cherokee, 217; Pittsburg, 133; Co­ manche, 118; and Delaware, 108. How Do Our License Fees Compare? Actually, however, Cherokee County, wherein is In 30 states where the resident deer hunting license located two of our big deer refuges, averaged out the best fees were listed, the hunters, we learned, are paying from hunting per square mile. One deer for each 3.6 square $1 to $7.50 plus, in most instances, their regular hunting miles was the take there. Cimarron County, at the far west license for all types of hunting. The average is $4.36. In end of the panhandle, continued as a surprise package for Oklahoma this year the resident deer hunter will pay a $5 hunters. There the state's only mule deer herd is located fee plus his regular (small game) hunting license. About in the Black Mesa region bordering Colorado and New a dozen states permit deer hunting on regular annual li­ Mexico. Thirty-nine deer were taken there in the 1956 cense, no special permit required for deer alone. This season, and if the number of hunters were known county- usually does not permit any accurate count of deer hunters. by-county, we venture a guess that this was the best hunter Non-resident deer hunting fees run from Kentucky's success ratio in the state. $10 to $75 in Idaho, and three states (by coincidence, the "I" States—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa) do not permit non­ How Do We Compare With Other States? residents to hunt deer. These three are still in process, as In our survey of deer hunting in other states, we is Oklahoma, of restoring their deer herds to maximum gathered some interesting data, just by way of comparing range-carrying capacity. Oklahoma has a minimum of $15 what is happening and what may occur in the future to our for non-resident deer hunters, with fees otherwise reciprocal Oklahoma deer herds and hunting. We received replies from if the hunter comes from a state that charges more. all but four of the 47 states contacted. Only 10 states still have hunting seasons for buck What About Bow Hunting? deer only, and in some of these the wildlife managers are All states reporting in the survey now have bow notably opposed to this regulation. Misguided public senti­ hunting. More and more the archery enthusiast is being ment has held on to the old buck law. Particularly where given special consideration such as longer seasons, cheaper deer have become over-populated, the buck law can and licenses, and special hunt areas where deer are thickly popu­ does stand in the way of good management. Once the lated. The wildlife administrators realize that here is a herd growth gets a genuinely good start, deer of either grand and growing sport which affords considerable extra sex should be harvested regularly, say the wildlife experts. (Please turn the page)

OKLAHOXMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 DEW (Continued from page 5)

1924 some 1,200 deer were obtained from other states and from dealers within the state, for stocking. Range conditions at the turn of the century were ideal for the almost unbelievable growth that the herd was to make. The buck law passed in 1907 merely speeded the inevitable. The forests had been newly cut and the mount­ revenue in game department coffers, with no noticeable ains were covered with brush which provided the deer depletion to the overall deer herd. with a maximum of food and cover. Browse was of highest Michigan leads all the states in number of bow hunt­ quality and unlimited in quantity. The herd skyrocketed ers. Last season there were 41,890 who hunted "Injun within a few years from a mere handful to nearly a style" in this super-quality deer hunting state of the Great million animals! By 1925 there was the serious problem Lakes region. Bow hunt areas there were open for various of too many deer! periods up to 76 days. In 33 states that gave us accurate bow-hunter figures there were 186,- 577 bow-hunters licensed to take DEER HUNTING IN OTHER STATES IN 1956 deer—an average of 5,654 per state. In 27 states from which we were able Legal Deer No. Gunning No. State Kill 1956 Licenses Bowhunters to obtain accurate gunner counts, there were 3,829,709 deer hunters or Oregon 124,000 Unknown 4,000 an average of 141,841 gunners per Utah 122,585 142,703 3,196 state. California 110,949 448,700 Unknown Montana 100,000 129,000 1,500 Amazing Legal Deer Kills Texas 90,000 Unknown Unknown In Many States Colorado 85,138 112,596 1,700 The legal kill of deer throughout Michigan 76,539 449,562 41,890 our country is nothing short of a- New York 72,315 443,937 24,943 stounding. In 38 states a total of Idaho 71,000 114,019 2,000 1,399,163 deer were harvested in Minnesota 69,875 194,461 8,899 1956 seasons, for an average of 36,- Washington 61,800 206,900 Unknown 820 per state. Some few states are able Pennsylvania 41,921 Unknown 26,234 to keep fairly accurate tabulations on Maine 40,290 169,657 423 number of deer which die from causes Wyoming 40,000 66,830 975 other than the hunter's gun — auto­ Wisconsin 36,829 284,645 25,000 mobiles, trains, starvation, dogs, New Mexico 36,000 72,000 500 poachers, etc. New York state lost Nevada 32,200 45,000 1,400 61,929 deer to starvation and other North Dakota 29,211 38,000 2,848 lesser factors during the year 1956. Arizona 23,000 63,000 400 South Dakota estimated her loss of Virginia 21,000 Unknown Unknown deer dead from these causes (other West Virginia 18,244 110,000 Several Thousand than legal hunting) equalled the legal South Dakota 16,808 27,197 500 kill of 16,808. New Hampshire 10,937 90,857 1,281 No story of deer restoration and Vermont 9,707 70,000 4,000 harvest would be complete without Florida 9,700 Unknown 400 citing Pennsylvania's experience with Arkansas 8,249 Unknown Unknown her whitetail herds. During the late Missouri 7,900 49,108 2,075 1800's and early 1900's the white- New Jersey 6,070 70,000 1,286 tail had been nearly extirpated from Massachusetts 4,416 Unknown 5,000 the state. Today deer are found in all Ohio 4,200 Unknown 1,000 67 counties and, unless an unusually Maryland 4,084 Unknown 2,000 fine specimen is killed, even the next- Mississippi 4,000 Unknown 100 door neighbor may not be interested Georgia 4,000 Unknown 80 15,000 enough to ask to see it. Tennessee 2,580 400 Kentucky 750 7,200 496 Pennsylvania deer refuges were Rhode Island 2 No gunning season 248 started in 1905 and from 1906 to

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 This pyramiding of Pennsylvania deer numbers can you consider the tremendous boost that this and all types best be demonstrated by viewing annual kill figures. In of hunting gives to the general economy of any state or 1915 the legal kill of buck deer was 1,287.-In 1940, the any region where game is abundant . . . well, it's readily peak year, over 186,000 deer fell before the hunters' guns, apparent that deer are indeed a great asset. Remember, the and this figure did not include other thousands killed by hunters spends plenty of money on hotels, food, gas, guns, motorists. ammunition, camp equipment, outdoor clothing, and a This tremendous herd created management problems hundred and one other items useful to him when he sets never encountered before by professional wildlife men, and out in holiday mood, establishes camp in the autumn a great amount of research was necessary before the under­ woods, and sallies forth after a hunk of venison. lying causes of these problems could be determined and counteractive measures could be suggested. Give us another few years here in Oklahoma on our deer program, good management, stout laws and law en­ It Levels Off forcement, a sympathetic public, fewer poachers and loose- In 1956 Pennsylvania's legal deer kill had leveled off running dogs, and we, too, may have deer "running out to 41,921 in a two-weeks season (equal length for gunners our ears" in the manner of Michigan, Pennsylvania and and archers). The entire state is open for deer hunting. others of our sister states. And benefiting from their man­ Male deer with spikes less than 3-inches were considered agement experiences, we should be able to dodge many of illegal in last season's hunt. Farmer-landowners are per­ mitted to hunt without license on their own premises, the problems when that day comes. while one license covers all types of game, both small and Meantime, boys and girls, good hunting to you this big game. November 27-30 if you go gunning for Oklahoma deer; The accompanying table gives you some idea of the and happy stalking if you take part in the more picturesque bigness of deer hunting in many of the other states. When archery hunt November 15-24!

Federal Duck Stamp Sales Decline in '57 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP sales in fiscal year 1957 dipped below the previous year's all-time high, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an­ nounced. And Oklahoma sales fol­ lowed the trend with a decline of more than 7,200 from the previous year. The Oklahoma sales in the year ended June 30, 1957 (which would cover the 1956 duck season) totaled 44,399, whereas in the 1955 season the figure was 52, 573. Nationwide a total of 2,332,014 stamps of the 1956-57 issue was sold. This was 37,926 less than the pre­ vious year's total of 2,369,940. Sales of duck stamps provide the best available index to the number and location of waterfowl hunters throughout the country. Oklahoma's sales placed this state 18th from top of the list among the 48 states and fourth from the top among the 10 states of the Central Flyway. Sold for $2 at post offices, the proceeds from duck stamps help fi­ nance the federal government's water­ fowl refuge and law enforcement programs. Every individual who has attained the age of 16 years who hunts migratory waterfowl is requir­ ed to have on his person a stamp of current issue with his signature across the face. -From Wildlife in North Carolina.

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 7 The SCALED QUAIL of western Oklahoma

ANY PEOPLE in Oklahoma think of the Bobwhite or more. When disturbed at their assembly sites, they will M as the only species of quail inhabiting the state. run to the nearest cover uttering their alarm call note, They are unaware of the presence of a second species, the kuck yur! kuck yur! This running habit of scaled quail scaled or blue quail that occurs throughout Cimarron is particularly exasperating to sportsmen hunting these County as well as in scattered locations in 1 6 other western birds. Yet when persistently pursued, or when pressed, Oklahoma counties. they will fly, providing tricky wing shooting. Western Oklahoma is on the eastern periphery of the Bobwhites and blue quail sometimes mingle as mem­ scaled quail range which includes much of New Mexico, bers of the same covey. Although occasionally reported in Arizona, west Texas, northern Mexico, and extreme the literature, no evidence of hybridization was found in southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas. the wild during this study. George Wint, superintendent In order to learn more about the way of life of this of the Oklahoma state game farm, has successfully crossed little known game bird, the Oklahoma Cooperative Wild­ bobwhite and blue quail in captivity. When mated these life Research Unit under the leadership of Dr. Adolph M. hybrids produced infertile eggs. It is improbable, therefore, Stebler is completing a three-year research study centered that a population of hybrids would become established in in Cimarron County. Major emphasis in this study was the wild. placed on determining habitat use, population composition, Thrive On Dry Weather reproduction, and space needs of blue quail. Blue quail thrive in southwestern United States in Heavier Than Bobwhite areas of five to 20 inches of annual rainfall. Despite some In size, the blue quail range from 7 to 8.5 ounces, of the driest weather on record, blue quail populations or an ounce heavier on the average than bobwhites. The seem to have maintained their numbers during the 1954 male is usually slightly heavier than the female. The sexes to 1956 drought period. These birds, therefore, have much are similar in appearance except for a slight difference in tolerance for drought. Blue quail are noted for their ability plumage coloration on the throat and head. The distinctive to thrive in areas often many miles from available water white crest or topknot on the heads of both sexes gives sources. The present study also has suggested that a de­ rise to two other colloquial names, "cottontop" or "top­ ficiency of water did not seem to be a factor limiting knot" quail. In the fall, winter and spring, full grown blue quail numbers. quail of the year can be distinguished from adults hatched The bluish-gray coloration blends in well with the in previous years by the mottled pattern of the feather sagebrush-and-soapweed-grasslands characteristic of much on the upper surface of their wings. of the blue quail habitat in western Oklahoma. Because Blue quail display a greater tendency to congregate than do bobwhites. This behavior is most noticeable in •Oklahoma Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit . . . Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the winter when they often gather into coveys of 100 and the Wildlife Management Institute cooperating.

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 of this, hunting dogs are a valuable aid in finding and retrieving crippled and dead quail. Food Habits Aid Farmers More than 800 blue quail crops were collected from hunters during the 1954-1955, and the 1955-1956 hunt­ ing seasons. These have been analyzed to learn what material these birds use as food. Weed seeds, grain, leafy material, as well as insects, form the bulk of the blue quail diet during the late fall and early winter seasons. In particular, these birds like the seeds of Russian thistle, careless weed, maize, doveweed, wild alfalfa, and sun­ flower. Many of these seeds are used for food by both blue and bobwhite quail. While attempting to learn something definite con­ FEMALE BLUE QUAIL (left) with faint gray streaks on throat. Male cerning blue quail nesting habits, 50 blue quail nests were with uniform light brown unstreaked throat. examined. Most of these nests were located in piles of dead Russian thistles better known as "tumbleweeds". The nests are usually so well hidden that they are difficult to locate. Blue quail nests are often constructed in unusual situations. One nest, for example, was found three feet above the ground in a sorghum shock. Another was placed in the nest of a bantam hen in a haypile only 50 feet from farm buildings. An average of 12.7 eggs was found in the 39 com­ pleted blue quail nests examined. Incubation requires about three weeks with the nesting season from April to Septem­ ber. Male blue quail, like male bobwhites, were seen to assist sometimes with incubation and care of the young. Pheasant eggs were found in two blue quail nests, which failed to bring off a brood. Predators No Problem Predatory animals are often considered to be de­ WING AT LEFT is from an adult blue quail. Wing at right with structive to game bird populations. No blue quail remains mottled coverts indicates a bird of the year.

BLUE QUAIL sexed, aged, weighed, banded and ready for release for future study. If you kill a leg-banded bird this season, be sure to report where, when, and number of band. were found in the examination of coyote, bobcat, skunk, and house cat stomachs, and regurgitated great horned owl 1 pellets. Predation does not seem to be an important factor influencing blue quail populations. A total of 1167 scaled and 47 bobwhite quail have been trapped, banded, and released on seven study areas V! • in Cimarron County during the course of this project. Oklahoma sportsmen have been helpful by returning 30 leg bands recovered from these quail during the past two hunting seasons. These birds were recovered at an average distance of two miles from the site where they were band­ ed. The extreme quail movement from these band recover­ ies was 6Y2 miles.

Hunters, Please Turn in Bands! Many of these banded quail, although approaching old age, are still living in western Oklahoma. The con­ tinued cooperation of sportsmen and landowners in return­ ing recovered leg bands is needed to aid in reaching a clearer understanding of blue quail movements, population turn­ over, and longevity. Study of banded and color-marked blue quail showed that during the winter period, the covey restricts its activi­ ties to an area of about 60 acres. This is regarded as the winter homestead area. Included in this winter homestead in the case of 10 coveys studied, were congregation sites (Please turn to page 12)

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 LONGHORMS

the Wick ByJ^RTHUR F. HALLORAN Wildlife Management. Biologist * U.S. Ptsh & Wildlife Service

-U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Photo by E. P. Haddon

HE SHORT-COUPLED, red-spotted longhorn bull was est and rockiest reaches of the range. These are the descen­ T on the fight. He wanted a battle and he was mad. dants of the world renowned Texas longhorns that helped Heavy wire-wesh, buffalo-proof fence blocked him. A build the West. deep chested red bull on the other side pawed, threw dust, Thirty years ago the longhorn breed was all but and challenged. gone. The story of their comeback in the Wichita Mount­ The Mexican-bred red and white peppered one was ains of southwestern Oklahoma has been told many times. not to be stopped. Long after the hot sun dropped behind The August 7, 1927 number of the San Antonio the Wichitas he hooked and ripped the fence with his Light tells how Will C. Barnes and John H. Hatton of forward-set, thick-based horns. The two met and the the U. S. Forest Service looked over 50,000 head of cattle fence took a beating. to find typical longhorns. Finally, 27 head were assembled As an early summer sun cast long shadows on the in the Texas brush country and shipped to what was then grass covered ranges, the bull broke through. Another known as the "Wichita National Forest in Comanche bull-stout fence was in tatters. County. There a man who had long wanted the breed Antagonist and challenger crashed and hooked, each saved, watched over them and carefully selected the best. seeking the advantage with his deadly jet-tipped horns. This man was Earl Drummond, the well known Forest The red longhorn was larger, but the spotted one was of Ranger of the Wichitas. the hardy longhorn type known as a "Cholla beast", from Even after the range changed hands and came under the burning deserts of northwestern Mexico. His mother the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service of the had dodged through creosote bushes and had lived and U. S. Department of the Interior, this hard-riding ranger raised a calf where Herefords falter and die. Such a breed kept his title and watched his longhorns. Now retired, survives on "dust and prickly pear". Only the tough ones Earl worked for years with "Heck" Shrader and passed on live. Such was the blood of the spotted bull. He hooked his know-how. Heck learned well and today this seasoned and he raked. He drew blood. He drove in for a fast kill— range man can spot each critter on the range and tell you to lay the entrails of his opponent on the ground. The of his mammy and his pappy and also of his grandpappy. bigger bull knew when he was licked. He wheeled and Each year now a few longhorns are sold at auction. ran. Big men push into the Comanche country from the far Slowly turning from the dusty battleground, the red- reaches of the "West to bid for these cow-critters. Some peppered victor climbed into the rock and timber-covered roll in with grass-marked Cadillacs while others bring hills. He will be a hard one to find. This is the longhorn the ranch pickup and trailer to haul away their prizes. breed—rugged and fast and ready to fight. What better decoration for the front pasture than a big The cows are swivel-hipped, long-legged, and rangy. blue, line-backed, slab-sided Texas longhorn? And some When they decide to travel they move easily into the high- day, when that longhorned brush runner goes to his

10 OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 195 7 reward, is there a better way to set off a big ranch fire­ place filled with crackling mesquite, than a longhorn steer head over the mantel? To those who wish to remember the longhorn, let me recommend J. Frank Dobie's book, The Longhorns. This book is the last word. Dobie traces the type from the black Spanish-type bulls with the horns "set forward to kill", through the line-backed blacks (zorrillas ot pole­ cats) , to the sabinas (red and white peppered), the golond- rinas (swallowed-colored), and the grullas (sandhill crane colored). He tells of the trails and the wiles of these wild cattle with the coarse brown hairs around their ears and their "mealy-noses". This wild western stock not only could prosper where others would die, but they were regular breeders. On the Wichita, calf crops of 87 to 97 per cent are the rule. To many the great curving horns of the steers, which far surpass the horns of either cows or bulls, are the crowning glory of the race. Much good talk has been made about the greatest horn lengths. Some of the horns have long graceful sweeps of the oxbow type. Others are of the twisted corkscrew type. Favorites among horn fanciers are the light colored horns —Lawton Constitution Photo by Bill Dixon with jet tips. LONGHORN SKULL provided rustic atmosphere at recent annual auction of longhorn cattle at Wichita Refuge. Bidders from Oklahoma, To measure along the natural twist of these horns Texas, Arkansas, Kansas and Illinois paid $10,172.50 for 74 while they are still being carried by a wild-eyed steer can surplus animals. be quite a chore. At times it is easier to get the "pole measurement", or tip-to-tip. Getting even this one can be young fortune, especially if the colors on the hide outline fun. I will never forget the time I leaned far over a heavy the shape of the map of Texas! corral and tried to lay a rule on a set of horns. It was The biggest Wichita steer measured had a tip-to-tip cold and the horns were coated with ice. Every time I of six feet, two inches. Doubtless there are bigger ones, touched a tip, that beast shook its head and the work had but this is certainly well above average. to be started again. Heck Shrader, a helper, and myself all Another point of interest is the way these cuerno- had to remember too that if a horn hooked that heavy largos, as the Mexicans call them, can squeeze through fence and unravelled—well, we would be in the soup. a barely opened gate. They turn their heads in such a way They take up to 14 or 15 years to grow that way! that the horns are vertical, get these through, and force Frank Dobie tells of a longhorn steer with a tip-to-tip the gate wider with shoulder and hips for complete passage. measurement of over eight feet, seven inches. This was On good grass these animals really prosper. Three truly a champion. Such heads were a rarity even in the range bulls arrived on the Wichita several years ago. They old days. If one is ever found again, it will be worth a (Please turn the page)

SOME OF THE Wichita Refuge longhorn steers pictured here are about twenty years old and represent the finest of their breed. Their colors are varied and no two are patterned alike. -U. S. Fish & Wildlife Servics Photo by Haddon. dreds of thousands of visitors each year. LOMGHORMS-(co-w) For a taste of the past, then, load up the family, pack had not been long out of Mexico. In one year one of the a picnic lunch, and visit the Wichita—Longhorn Capital of the World. boys weighed as much as three of them had when they first landed. A prize Wichita steer born in 1928 weighed 2045 BLU E QU Al [.-(Continued from page 9) pounds 10 years later. Another 10-year-old, weighed in the middle of a hot summer, topped out at 1965. comprised of shrubs, trees, or such man-made structures as The longhorns of the Wichitas are grass-fed. In more provided overhead protection and shelter. In the summer than 20 years no concentrates have been fed to these cattle, these loitering places provide much needed shade during unless, of course, they were sick or aged. Age records the mid-day heat. indicate that steers, become infirm at 16 or 17 years. One This particular use of habitat by blue quail helped Wichita steer lived to the age of 20 years. Wichita cows to satisfy one of the aims of the present research study, live to 17 years or more. These figures are from animals which was to suggest suitable practices to maintain and kept on the refuge. Complete records of the many animals increase populations of this colorful bird. One simple sold are not on hand. management technique worthy of trial, is the placement of some type of cover for quail such as brush piles, pole brush Animals that have been sold are scattered from here shelters, board and post piles, junk or car bodies in gullies, to there. Longhorns have been shipped to 18 of the 48 fence corners, blowouts, and other waste areas. Provision states, ranging from Oregon to Florida. A current story of additional cover should tend to allow for a more uni­ tells of a big yellow steer last seen in Europe. It seems the form distribution of blue quail and more complete use of rodeo people who took him over there found it too hard to potential blue quail range. buck the returning red tape, so they left him. If you come to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Blues Are Friendly With Man Refuge to see the longhorns, remember that they are not After one becomes acquainted with this trim, alert, tame. Don't tempt fate by walking up to them on the black-eyed bird, whether by observations with binoculars, or with shotgun and bird dog, or by casual observation, open range. It may be a long run to the nearest tree! he cannot help but admire the hardiness of this species of The animals rest in the middle of the hot summer days quail that allows it to adapt itself to so rigorous an en­ and during midday are often hard to locate as they are vironment. bedded down in the shade. Also commendable is the success that this bird enjoys These animals are kept to preserve, together with the in close proximity to man's activities, where it will come buffalo, a bit of living history in a land they so much to feed, water, loiter, and sometimes nest. Certainly the helped to open to settlement. They are only one of the lively scaled quail adds much of animated interest to the features of this National Wildlife Refuge that hosts hun­ western Oklahoma Panhandle landscape. • UPPER: "Do you take this man — ?"

' y>m* •••;• (We've been waiting thirty years for the rotund little lady in the bridal veil to say do", but each time we have occasion to pass by the wedding party, she's still standing there, looking sort of pre­ arranged.

Humph! It's about time. I think Photos by Tom

COMEDY ON THE ROCKS

MANY TIMES when gathering material for Oklahoma Wildlife we come across some oddity of nature such as this little drama of the rocks which strikes our funny bone. But maybe it isn't funny at all. Could be this photographer just "has rocks in his head"! Tuskahoma Lake Construction Under Way 1957 OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE LAWS—SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS 1958 WORK ON A NEW recreation lake Daily Bag Possession between Tuskahoma and Clayton Species Open Season (Inclusive) Limit Limit (Pushmataha County) has been in full swing since late September. The Badger Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Unlimited Unlimited lake will be named, by choice of local Bobcat No closed season Unlimited Unlimited citizens, Nanih Wayah, from the Coot Oct. 19-Jan. 1 10 10 Choctaw Indian language. Contract Coyote No closed season Unlimited Unlimited was let September 4 by the Oklahoma department of wildlife conservation, Deer bow-hunt Nov. 15-24) Write for spec- 1 buck 1 buck Deer gunning and engineers estimate cost of the Nov. 27-30/ ia| regulations 1 buck 1 buck project at $109,000. The lake will Dove Sept. 1 -Oct. 20 10 10 be two miles northwest of Tuska­ Duck Oct. 19-Jan. 1 5* 10 homa on the north side of U. S. Fox Dec. 1-Jan. 31** Unlimited Unlimited highway 271. This is about 20 miles down U. S. 271 from Talihina. The Geese Oct. 19-Dec. 17 6f 6t contract calls for an earthen dam with Jacksnipe concrete spillway and a boundary (Wilson's snipe) Dec. 3-Jan. 1 8 8 fence encompassing 240 acres of land, Merganser while the water surface itself will be (Amer. & Red-brst.) Oct. 19-Jan. 1 5* 10 131 acres. Mink Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Unlimited Unlimited Muskrat Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Unlimited Unlimited Opossum Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Unlimited Unlimited Anti-Commercial Fishing Law Pheasant Nov. 14-16 2 males 6 at close Ruled Unconstitutional Quail Nov. 21-Jan. Iff 10ft 20ft THE STATE Attorney General has Rabbit No closed season Unlimited Unlimited declared unconstitutional the second Raccoon Dec. 1-Jan. 31** Unlimited Unlimited of two laws passed by the legislature Rails, Gallinulcs Oct. 1-Dec. 9 early this year that would have ban­ 15 15 ned commercial fishing. House Bill Skunk Dec. 1-Jan. 31 Unlimited Unlimited 528, which sought to prohibit com­ Squirrel May 15-Jan. 1 6 12 mercial fishing in Lake Texoma, was Woodcock Nov. 23-Jan. 1 4 8 ruled to be a local law, in violation "Duck bag may include not more than 1 .May not include in the alternative more of the state constitution. Earlier the han (a) 2 wood duck and 1 hooded merganser. Bag * Canada geese or its subspecies; Attorney General had knocked out a •• •_ • . -• j D J i_ . • or ib) I Canada goose or its subspecies and limits shown on American and Red-breasted . ... , . . 9 r . 1 white-fronted goose, similar bill which sought to prohibit merganser are in addition to other ducks. tfOnly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, commercial fishing on Lake Wister in May be chased for sport year round. Christmas and New Years Day. a portion of LeFlore County.

ing days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, plus Christmas A Bag of Coturnix and New Years Day) as follows: November 21, 23, 26, 28, 30; December 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, This Season? 25, 26, 28, 31; and January 1, 1958. OKLAHOMA QUAIL hunters may enjoy a new kind of Bag limits are 10 per day (in the aggregate of Co­ quail during the annual season which opens on November turnix, Bobwhite and Scaled Quail), not more than two 21. The Coturnix or stubble quail, raised and distributed days' limit (20) in possession; not more than 50 quail for in large numbers this year by the state game farm and the season. Oklahoma sportsman clubs, has been stocked in practically One drawback of the Coturnix is its size, since each every county of the state. Studies are being made in this provides only about two ounces of food. The meat is state and the many others that have stocked Coturnix the slightly darker, not as dry as Bobwhite, and both breast past two years, to find out if this exotic Asiatic bird is to and leg meat are excellent. The bird is reluctant to flush become a full time citizen of the United States. Oklahoma ahead of dogs. When flushed in stubble, however, the hunters are urged to report all Coturnix quail killed during Coturnix will occasionally fly at a height of only two the 1957 season. or three feet—an undesirable characteristic when shooting Hunting regulations and bag limits on Coturnix are over dogs. In sapling timber these birds present a challeng­ the same as on Bobwhite. There will be 20 staggered shoot­ ing target similar to Woodcock.

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 13 brown; the small crosses are tan, slightly darker than that of the shield, and the Calumet has a red bowl, and pale yellow ivory stem with a red feather tassel-attached. The olive branch is gray green, and the word "Oklahoma" is pure white. The design of the State Flag is symbolic. The blue field signifies loyalty and devotion. The shield implies defensive or protective warfare. The small tan crosses are the Indian's graphic sign for stars, and indicate lofty ideals or a purpose for high endeavor. The important symbols, however, are the Calumet and the olive branch. These override the shield, the symbol of war, and bespeak a pre­ dominate love of peace by a united people.

"THE LIVING BIRD" ADDED TO FILM LIBRARY

A NEW MOVIE covering the biology of the bird has FIFTIETH BIETHDAY been added to the Oklahoma Department of Conservation's free film lending library. Entitled "The Living Bird", the CLIMAXING ALL the many grand celebrations held film is more than a nature study film covering the nesting over our State these past 10 months in honor of Okla­ habits of a few colorful birds—it is geared to develop homa's 50th year of statehood, the 16th day of November understandings of the bird as a living creature. marks the actual birthday. On this date in 1907 the two great Indian and Oklahoma Territories merged into one Flight powers, the senses of sight, smell and hearing and became the 46th State of the Union. in birds are examined, and the adaptations of bills to the types of food eaten are demonstrated. Also illustrated by It is fitting this month that we pay tribute to our rare and difficult to obtain pictures is the courtship of State flag, a sketch of which is presented above. birds. Nest building, hatching, the power of song, and The center of the Oklahoma State flag shows an some of the strange habits of certain birds are presented Osage warrior's buckskin shield, decorated with pendant in this 16mm color sound film which runs for 13 minutes. eagle feathers. Across the face of the shield runs the red About 75 film subjects are available for showings to man's Calumet, or pipe of peace, crossed with the white schools, churches, clubs, sportsmen and conservation groups man's peace symbol, the olive branch. in Oklahoma. Requests should be made 10 days to two The field of the flag is the blue of Oklahoma skies; weeks in advance of the date to be shown. Write the De­ the shield is light tan, with white feathers, tipped with partment of Conservation, State Capitol, Oklahoma City.

NO SKILLET BIG ENOUGH!

WITH ADMIRATION in her eyes but mis­ givings about the too-small skillet, Mrs. Howard Cook, El Reno, looks over the 8V2- pound black bass her husband is holding in the picture at left.

The lunker was caught by Cook and his friend George Thompson, also of El Reno, on a recent fishing trip to Hinton lake. Al­ together they caught seven bass, proving that western Oklahoma waters hold some big ones . . . Photo courtesy Harry Schroeder, El Reno Daily Tribune.

14 OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 White Bass in the Cotton Patch

NY FARM BOY over 20 can re­ A member when autumn meant cotton picking time in Oklahoma. ANGLERS OF ALL ages fish for white bass the year around. But times have changed. Farmers have gone in for diversified crops, and the most confirmed black bass fisherman is likely to develop an uncontrollable old cotton patch is covered with 10 twitch in the casting arm when he suddenly finds his boat rocking in 20 acres to 100 feet of water. Acres of white of silver-streaked froth. stuff still blossom over the same land White bass seldom school on the surface during winter months. Flowever, that once produced cotton. Now it's they do provide excellent sport for the live-bait fisherman during the coldest floating on the surface of man-made weather, with good catches being taken on minnows throughout the winter lakes, and every splash marks a white season. The appearance of large schools of threadfin shad in Lake Texoma has bass in exuberant pursuit of a mouth­ led to surface runs continuing later than usual this fall, and we would not be ful of shad. surprised to see sporadic surface runs cropping up during the warm winter There are white bass in the cotton periods often enjoyed on Texoma. patch. Sore backs and calloused knees have given way to wrenched biceps Biologists advise that, due to its tremendous reproductive capacities, the and lacerated fingers as the "pickers" white bass is its own worst enemy. Unless vigorous controls are exercised in the plunge into the churning schools and form of continuous fishing pressure, the white bass could quickly overpopulate rush to sack up a boatload of the mad a body of water and become so stunted as to be a total loss to the sports fisher­ mouthers before they sound. men . . . Tom Jessee. When the white bass are running, no one takes time to string them. With thousands of frenzied fish tak­ ing the spoon on every cast, it's a rare «> fisherman who can calmly string each catch as he takes it off the hook. The white bass has become so plentiful and popular in Oklahoma's lakes that many anglers consider it our number one sports fish. Even the

MANY ANGLERS feel that the white bass (right) is now our number one sport fish.

WHITE BASS (below) churn the surface of Lake Texoma. Bigger Returns When You HUNT WITH A DOG!

LMOST ANYONE who has hunted Pointer ing breeds. Setters make willing, in­ upland game over a well trained dustrious, loyal and affectionate gun- A The pointer is probably the oldest dog will admit to a pleasant experi­ dogs, and are usually considered better breed of dog developed to hunt up­ ence that is not easily forgotten. Sure­ pets and companions than Pointers land game for the gun. Largely be­ ly, a cool, fall day in the field in during the off-season. Setters are cause of this, it is the breed with pursuit of a favorite game bird is re­ probably better water dogs and all which we are most familiar and warding enough with the human around retrievers than are Pointers. usually picture in our minds when the companionship and all, but add a They are said to be slower learners general term hunting dog is used. dog to the hunt and the enjoyment than Pointers but remember their The original cross to produce the is doubled. The eager enthusiasm of lessons well. The long hair of the Pointer is largely unknown, but it a dog along with a couple of good Setter makes burs and other foreign has been used in breeding to develop points and retrieves is the bonus part material a problem, and much addi­ several of our more modern dogs. of a day in the field. tional care is needed to keep the coat The Pointer, developed in England, clean. Color of the English Setter in­ Of course, owning and training a is a medium to heavy dog with a cludes white and black, white, black hunting dog requires some effort and highly developed hunting instinct. It and tan, white and orange, and sacrifice on the part of the sportsman. is a very strong pointer, an accom­ others. Too often one sees a dog in the field plished retriever, and a fast working that contributed nothing but chaos dog that covers an area quickly. The Irish Setter and confustion to the hunt. Very short hair of the Pointer makes it likely the animal has the potential of ideal for hunting in warm climates The Irish Setter, with his solid red being an efficient hunter, but hasn't and eliminates the problem of burs coat, is considered by many to be been given the necessary training and and other foreign material in the coat. our most beautiful sporting dog. This attention to develop this quality. Standard Pointer colors are white and did not come about by accident for Naturally, the fault lies with the liver, white and black, and white and it was bred toward this end with owner who has neglected to take the lemon to orange. trouble to give the dog the guidance he needs. It is a rare dog that won't respond to the efforts of a master to English Setter develop the inherent hunting quali­ The English Setter, commonly re­ ties. ferred to as America's oldest gun-dog, First problem for a potential own­ is a medium sized animal with the er of a hunting dog is, which breed versatility and ability to adapt him­ self to almost any type of hunting. The majority of the English Setters have a preponderance of Llewellin blood which was a well known strain several years back. Any discussion of Irish Setter hunting dogs, especially by oldtimers, usually results in the comparative sacrifice of gun-dog qualities. How­ merits of Pointer and Setter. This is ever, through the efforts of breeders as it should be for they are two of lately, the gun-dog qualities are the best of the well established hunt­ probably improving. The Irish Setter does not have the extreme range of the English Setter or Pointer al­

Pointer though he covers his territory well. He is strong, sturdy, can stand any kind of weather and, being an af­ should I have? The relative merits of fectionate dog, makes an ideal com­ the 20-odd breeds of dogs used for panion afield or in the home. Having hunting upland game have been these qualities, he is more likely to argued for years. Each breed is bound become a one-man dog than any of to have advantages and disadvantages, the other pointing breeds. The same and the individual differences of dogs within a breed only makes the problem more confusing. English Setter * Reprinted from North Dakota Outdoors.

16 OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 addition to being a loyal companion dowed with a mild disposition, the and house dog. The fact that the Short-hair is seldom quarrelsome and Weimaraner Club of America im­ makes an exceedingly pleasant com­ posed rigid breeding and ownership panion. His short coat, colored either regulations made it difficult to obtain liver or liver and white, is no prob­ dogs of this breed and probably re­ lem to keep clean. sulted in increased publicity. At the present time this breed is not at all uncommon. Dubbed the "gray ghost" Labrador Retriever in this country, the Weimaraner is an The Labrador Retriever is the most intelligent dog, quick to learn and popular retriever in the country and willing to obey when he understands its popularity is still growing. The problems of keeping the coat clean what is wanted. The color of the history of this dog is rather obscure, are true of this dog as any of the breed ranges from solid silver-gray to but it is believed to have originated in long-haired breeds. a dark gray, and the coat is slick with Newfoundland. Contrary to the im­ a dense wooly undercoat which gives plication of the name, it did not come warmth to withstand cold weather. from Labrador. The Lab, with its Brittany Spaniel The Weimaraner, a rugged dog short, dense coat, presents no prob­ A relatively new breed to the U. weighing up to 85 pounds, is rapidly lems with burs and other weeds. Un­ S., but a popular dog in France for proving himself as a very efficient doubtedly its hardiness to withstand several centuries, is the Brittany hunter. cold is one of the big reasons for its Spaniel. The Brittany, weighing in popularity in the northern sections of the 30-40 pound class, has a small the country. Besides being an excel­ body, stub tail, relatively long legs lent retriever, many have been known and a coat of flat or wavy long hair. to be accomplished pointers. This Its strong pointing quality is unique may be the manifestation of a pointer among the spaniels, and it has a great cross way back when. Labs, usually ability to find and retrieve dead and intelligent, come in black and yellow crippled birds. The Brittany works colors and make excellent companions the cover thoroughly close to the gun for the hunter. and is well adapted to hunting in dense cover. Comparatively speaking, this breed is probably rather sensitive Golden Retriever and can be spoiled quite easily by German Short-Haired rough handling. It appears as if the Another excellent retriever in the Brittany is gaining in popularity in 60-pound class is the Golden, which many sections of the country. German Short-Haired Pointer is becoming extremely popular in As the name implies, the German Short-haired Pointer, a comparative Weimaraner newcomer to America, originated in Another dog of German origin and Germany. The breed was developed only recently imported into this as an all-purpose dog, and he definite­ ly lives up to this. The Short-hair is ideal for the man who can keep only one dog and wants to hunt a variety of game. He will point game with the best of them and retneve equally well from land or water. He is a rather careful worker, with a business head and lacking the fancy frills. En­ Golden Retriever

some sections of the U. S. This dog has long been recognized for its out­ standing ability to mark fallen game, its good nose and excellent brain for absorbing training. The Golden is a Weimaraner hard worker with a friendly, even disposition making him a loyal and country is the Weimaraner. This dog, trustworthy gun-dog and companion. too, was bred to be an all-around The dense, golden coat gives him the hunter which would point, retrieve, ability to withstand extreme tem­ trail and work all kinds of cover, in Labrador Retriever peratures.

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 17 Fishing Center of Nation PONCA CITY NEWS—If the fish will con­ tinue to cooperate, Oklahoma may get nation­ wide acclaim as one of the outstanding fishing spots of the United States. Nearly 40 members of the American Travel Writers Association visited Fort Gibson Lake (Oct. 8) and were given an opportunity to try their hand at doing a bit of "Fifth Avenue style angling" from the rocking chairs of the Snug Harbor Indoor fishing dock. The travel writers, representing the leading vacation and travel publications and newspapers of the United St~tes, held a one-day convention at Western Kills Lodge.

Marred Hunting Season ADA EVENING NEWS—The hunting season will be marred by unthoughtful or careless or downright mean hunters trespassing. No real sportsman will go on land without permission. He will not shoot where or when there is 7^ /^e<*4 Say* . . . danger of hitting livestock. In thickly popula­ ted areas he will not use a rifle at all.

Natural Oddity Field Trial Scheduled No Free Fishing PURCELL REGISTER — One of nature's NOWATA DAILY STAR—The annual field OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES—The Oklahoma oddities, an albino crow, was seen between trial of the Nowata Sportsman's Club is City council killed a motion that persons over Wayne and Rosedale in recent days. The scheduled for November 10. The club has 65 be allowed to fish free on city lakes. It white crow was in company of two black approved plans drawn up by the Game and was pointed out the free permits would crows flying to a roost late one afternoon. Fish Department to improve habitat on reduce commission revenue $2,500 a year, The roost in a small grove of trees was land leased for its field trials to train bird and the city already is operating on limited filled with the noisy crows as they exchanged dogs. Included will be the planting of multi- budget. news of the day. The pure white crow ar­ flora rose, Korean and Sericea lespedeza. rived, his companions alighted in the trees, but when the white crow came near, it set View On Sunday Hunting off a veritable bedlam of noise. The poor Recommended for Hunters white crow circled away in fright and the LAWTON CONSTITUTION—Most conserva­ NORMAN TRANSCRIPT—Nimrods aching clamor died away, but each time he tried to tionists agree that overshooting is a lesser come back into the roost, he was driven away. to get in a little Oklahoma deer hunting evil of our quail problems. One big point might tune up their aim and stalking skill His color made him an outcast . . . Hunting in question is banning of Sunday hunting. H Fishing by Max. by taking after the wily bobcat. The bobcat We have no laws banning hunting migratory is no sitting duck for hunters. He is fast, wildfowl, squirrel or rabbits, fishing or bull- deceptive and when cornered just plain nasty. frogging on Sunday. This particular law Turnabout Because of his raids on chicken houses, many prevents a great number of our hunters the ALTUS TIMES-DEMOCRAT — Turnabout farmers would just as soon see the cat eli- opportunity of hunting quail, especially those minted. Others say he pays for his sins by in the bird kingdom occurred here recently that work six days a week. It is no wonder when a pet bobwhite quail belonging to killing rodents that prey on crops . . . that this group looks upon quail hunting as Bill Sansing, AP. Johnnie Robertson hatched three chicks from a sport for the wealthy dude. I feel that add­ four bantam eggs. Robertson has often set ing Sunday to the quail shooting days would bantam hens on quail eggs, but this is the Highlight in Sports History not materially damage our quail potential and might save many illegal bags. It would give first time a quail has hatched bantam chicks. FREDERICK PRESS—One of the high­ the Conservation Department's quail program lights in Oklahoma sporting history is re­ added support and perhaps give our lagging Fine Pickin's called in the article, "When 'Teddy' Visited habitat improvement program a shot in the MUSKOGEE TIMES-DEMOCRAT—Hunters in Oklahoma" in the October issue of The arm . . . Charles W. Stratton, Outdoor the Sooner state are going to have fine pick- Progressive Farmer magazine. It is the story Report. in's for the next four months. Currently it's of President Theodore Roosevelt's visit to dove season and then come rails and galli- the Territory in 1905 to join in a wolf hunt nules, woodcock, ducks and coot, geese, deer, in the The Big Pasture Reserve between Run On Duck Blinds quail, jacksnipe, pheasant and into the fur Lawton and Frederick. The wolf hunt is season. All this, plus good hunting conditions but one of the golden memories of old- TULSA WORLD—If anybody wonders about over the rest of the nation is making sporting timers as they look back over 50 years of the popularity of duck hunting, examine these firearms manufacturers happy. A dispatch Oklahoma statehood. figures. There were 1,500 applicants for the from New York says sales by the firearms 376 available sites on Gibson. Naturally some industry are 10 per cent ahead of last year blinds are more popular than others. George . . . Bill Sansing, AP. New Ikes Chapter Shepherd, resident engineer ior Fort Gibson lake, had 400 requests for one blind . . . OSAGE COUNTY NEWS—A good gathering Hunter and Fisherman by John A. Ferguson. Hunter Courtesy Stressed of Osage county sportsmen met in Pawhuska's Duncan hotel (September 19) to organize a DAILY ARDMOREITE — Even the most local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of Committee Man naive sportsman knows that birds require America, with C. H. Carter, president. At one food, water and cover, the same basic wants time a chapter here had 210 members, win­ THE DAILY OKLAHOMAN—Dr. Adolph of man . . . The plan is nothing new. ning high national honors for the work they Stebler, director of the Oklahoma cooperative Sportsmen and landowners generally are well sponsored. It is felt the new organization will wildlife research unit at Oklahoma State Uni­ acquainted with the idea. Plenty of farmers soon have an equally strong set-up, or may versity, has been named a member of the are none too anxious to participate in such a even exceed the older one. It will do much national committee of sponsors of the Theo­ plan, although they recognize its merits. They to develop the many recreational resources dore Roosevelt centennial observance. The might not have to punish their brains to of the country. one-year nationwide observance will begin recall the day a hunter left a gate down and October 27, Roosevelt's 99th birthday. it took three days to round up the cattle; Roosevelt was one of the first public officials or the cow that was shot; or the prairie that Reward Offered to recognize the need for conservation of was fired by a careless smoker. Possibly the first step would be to create a more cordial MCALESTER NEWS-CAPITAL •—Pittsburg wildlife and resources. County Sportsmen Club has put $25 in es­ relationship between landowners and sports­ men. And a good place to start might be a crow for any person giving information Pledges Support leading to the arrest and conviction for kill­ licensing program under which every gunner ing illegal deer in the county. The club has would have to pass a double-tough test, prov­ PRYOR DAILY TIMES — The Oklahoma ing that he is capable of handling a firearm released 600 quail this year on area farms Outdoor Council ended a two day conference and ranches. Part of the birds were trapped in safe manner, and signing a pledge that he at Spavinaw (September 15) with a vote will ask permission before hunting on private at the U. S. Naval ammunition depot, while of confidence for Director of the State Wild­ others came from the state game farm at El land. Bet your boots it would cull out a lot life Conservation Commission, Clarence of deadwood that has been giving sportsmen Reno. A map of the places quail were Burch. The Council pledged support to released can be seen at the Game and Fish —across the board—a dubious reputation . . . Burch's program and named an advisory Johnnie Riddle. office in McAlester. group to work with the commission.

1! OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 across seemingly endless acres of sandsage habitat which harbors the elusive blue quail. Checking his gait only long THEY WORK FOR enough to allow our protesting leg muscles to bring us within yelling distance, Pat plunged ahead. He led us through remote canyons, pointing out hidden valleys WILDLIFE where mule deer browse and bobcats prowl unmolested by man.

AMES L. "PAT" WELDON, 30, was employed by the On and on we went, past the ruins of a crumbling J Department of Wildlife Conservation August 1, adobe house marking the humble start of an early settler 1956. Pat had been elected sheriff of Cimarron County whose sons beat an ever widening path through the old and was serving his second term when he resigned to ac­ dooryard as they ride out from modern ranch homes caring cept appointment as a state game ranger. for their growing herds of cattle. Just as our chair-softened muscles balked at any further exertion, Pat pointed to a It was October 1, 1957, that I first met Ranger cavern up near the canyon rim. We were to climb the Pat Weldon. John King, fisheries division chief, and I rocky jumble and inspect the drawings scratched into the had just completed a long, tiring drive from Woodward cavern walls by Indians who lived there thousands of to Boise City. We stopped at a small cafe at the north years ago. edge of town to work out the next day's plans over a cup of coffee. Sand rocks and sharp pebbles had worn a hole through the sole of my right field boot. For almost an The coffee was still hour I had been picking up cactus spines through the dancing in our cups when we dime-sized opening. A blister the size of a quarter had looked up to see this man formed on my left heel. But when Pat Weldon started up entering. Stooping as if he that slope, I knew we had to follow. were accustomed to having his hat raked off in doorways After a nightmarish climb in which hands were designed for the ordinary frequently called into play to take some of the pressure six-footer, he stepped lightly off my throbbing pedal extremities, we stood in the cavern toward us and stuck out a entrance. There, in the company of our ranger guide, we big hand in friendly greeting. looked out over the rugged beauty which the Basket Even before he pronounced Weavers had enjoyed from this same vantage point his name, the Conservation thousands of years earlier. Department uniform and the Ranger Pat Weldon Late that evening, as we stowed away thick, juicy radiating sun lines crinkling Boise City, Oklahoma steaks and great bowls of tossed salad, prepared by Hope from the corners of deep, blue eyes told us he was a ranger Weldon, we were able to divert Pat's conversation from and an outdoorsman. (Please turn the page) In his left hand Pat carried a plaster cast of a huge animal track, believed to be from a Pat paused for a drink from a clear, cold spring which was flowing mountain lion. The track had been laid down from the rocks when white settlers first crossed "No Man's Land". in the bed of the Cimarron River only a couple Today the spring is an oasis for mule deer and other wildlife of the semi-arid region. of days earlier. Pat's foresight and skill in lift­ ing a near perfect cast of the imprint for future study is typical of his zeal for his work. His infectious enthusiasm soon dispelled all symptoms of highway hypnosis from our sys­ tems. Cups grew cold as we listened to his stories of the wildlife and history of Cimarron County. Pat knows every foot of his district. In a short time he had planned our itinerary for the fol­ lowing day. It proved to be one of the most interesting and informative trips which the State has to offer. Early next morning Pat was waiting for us when we drove up to his gate. Waving to his wife, Hope, and little Tommy Pat, 3, he climb­ ed into the car and we were off on a journey that was to last until well after dark and take us back through history to man's very begin­ nings in Oklahoma. We spent several hours investigating a pro­ posed lake site and discussing procurement pro­ cedure with the landowner. Then Pat guided us

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 195 7 19 CONVICTION RECORD, GAME AND FISH LAW VIOLATIONS, SEPTEMBER, 1957

County County In Which Defendant Address Charged With Am?. Fine, In Which Defendant Charged With Amt. Fine, Arrested Court Costs Arrested Court Costs

Atoka Woodrow Patterson Pittsburg Hunt'g in refuge . .____$.0 cc LeFlore F. B. Olsen Arkoma Fish'g without lie $10, $7.50 cc Woodrow Patterson Pittsburg Poss'n firearm & spot­ L. B. McCree Tulsa Fish'g without lie. $10, $7.50 cc light in deer area $50, $18.40 cc Rosie Talton Wister Fish'g without lie $10, $7.50 cc Ted Mounger Ft. Worth, Tex. False swearing to A. L. Talton Wister Fish'g without lie $10, $7.50 cc obtain license $25, $10 cc Lincoln R. S. Gray Okla. City Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Loyd Smith Okla. City -Hunt'g without lie. .—$10, $10 cc Everett Potter Chandler Killg. raccoon clsd. sea Jailed J. C. Mason Okla. City Hunt'g without lie $10, $10 cc Elias J. Finnie Shawnee Shootg. from highway $10, $10 cc Beckham G. W. Steckel. Sayre Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Kenneth Coleman Stroud Fish'g without lie. ...._ $10, $10 cc Blaine Wesley Keith Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Logan F. A. Gardom Okla. City Shooting from road .$10, $10 cc Tolbert Biggers Marland Fish'g without lie — $10, $10 cc Jud Gambill- Guthrie Shooting from road $10, $10 cc Henry Johnson. Okla. City Fish'g without lie. _ $10, $10 cc Billy Gann Guthrie... -Shooting from road $10, $10 cc Juanita Burch Seminole — Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Johnnie Evans Guthrie Shooting from road $10, $10 cc Emma Martello Las Vegas, Nev. Fish'g without lie. _ $50, $10 cc Marshall Thos. Herndon ....Powell Netting game fish $25, $10 cc Bryan Caroline Shoemaker.. Enid Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc W. W. Busby Ada Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc D. K. Jernigan Enid Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc S. T. Lanier Davis Fish'g without Me. $10, $10 cc Larry Walters Shawnee. Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Joe J. Loerwald Madill _ Fish'g without lie. ... $10, $10 cc Eddie Mix _. Bennington Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Hubert F. Rick. Ada Hunt'g without lie.— $10, $10 cc Mrs. Clarence AbernathyBennington. Fish'g without lie. $5 cc Jimmie Rose Madill ..Hunt'g without lie. .... $10, $10 cc Mrs. Robt. Harbin Ardmore Fish'g without lie. $5 cc Mayes Ralph Parrish Tulsa Fish'g without lie. $10.. $10 cc Chas. R. Jones. Ardmore Fish'g without lie $10, $10 ec $10, $10 cc C. M. Herrera Okla. City. Fish'g without lie. $1C, $10 cc Mcintosh John Rogers Checotah Fish'g without lie. Jay T. Odom Ada Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc McCurtain Islah Nolen .... —Idabel— Hunt'g squirrel clsd. Lee Haley.... Borger, Tex Fish'g w/imprpr. lie $10, $10 cc season_ ..$10, $10 cc Thelma Haley Borger, Tex. Fish'g w/imprpr. lie $5 cc Lorenze Eastland Idabel Hunt'g squirrel clsd. J. C. White Colbert Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc season ..$10, $10 cc Ralph Juey Durant Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Carl Kapit Idabel Dynamiting fish $96.90, $13.10 cc A. H. Stigler. Achille Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Murray Boy Ray Craford —Chickasha Fishing without lie $10, $10 cc Curtis Meeker Durant Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Paul Hardy Sulphur .Fishing without lie. $10, $10 cc Clyde Smith Durant Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Muskogee Royal W. Rains Muskogee Shooting dove with Lawton E. Dooley _ Cushing Fish'g without lie -$10, $10 cc unplugged gun $25, $10 cc Jack Smith Durant- Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Ralph Chandler Tulsa Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Nowata Frank Magana Dewey Hunt'g w/o perm. .$10, $13.50 cc M. E. Honeysickle Ardmore Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc John Reich— Delaware Hunt'g w/o perm. $10, $12.50 cc Ed Reich Delaware Hunt'g w/o perm. Caddo Anderson-Prichard $10, $12.50 cc Oklahoma Ralph McLain Okla. City Hunt'g w/o perm .$10, $10 cc Pipeline Co.— Cyril Pollution (Case 9488) -$100, $39.75 cc Luther Fitzpatrick Okla. City Hunt'g w/o perm. $10, $10 cc Canadian Earl Lynn Okla. City .Shootg. dove from rd._ $25, $10 cc Albert McLain Okla. City. ..Hunt'g w/o perm Ivan Cullen Okla. City Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc $10, $10 cc Don Smith Okla. City.... Shoot'g from road .$10, $10 cc Ted A. Van Sickle Okla. City Hunt'g dove with Jimmy C. Ray Okla- City. Shootg. from highway unplugged gun $25, $10 cc $10, $10 cc Kent L. Stevens Okla. City_ Hunt'g without Tic ..$10, $10 cc Wm. J. Burkley Okla. City... Hunt'g dove with W. S. White— —Okla. City ...Hunting dove with unplugged gun $25, $10 cc unplugged gun $25, $10 cc Raymond Stewart Enid Shootg. from pub. rd.—$10, $10 cc John Benson Okla. City Hunt'g without lie. ..$10, $10 cc Walter L. Briggs Okla. City Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Peter Andrews Okla. City Fish'g without lie $25, $10 cc Walter R. Land El Reno. Shootg. dove from rd. $25, $10 cc Albert Mirroo Okla. City Fish'g without lie. .$25, $10 cc Jim Loveless, Jr Okla. City Hunt'g without Ik $10, $10 cc Norman Shavar. Okla. City Fish'g without lie. .$25, $10 cc Carter Cecil D. Colson Ringling Hunt'g without lie $10, $5 cc Osage Robt. B. Maddux Wichita, Kans.... Fish'g without lie. _ ..$50. $11.50 cc Everett W. Hickens Ardmore Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc .$25, $5.75 cc W. D. Weaver Pauls Calley. Fish'g without lie. _____ $10, $10 cc Robt. B. Maddux Wichita, Kans.—Illeg. fish netting Jailed 1 nite Phillips Pet. Co Bartlesville Pollution {Case 7788)...$100, $19 cc .$25, $5.75 cc Pan Amer. Oil Co.. Tulsa _ Pollution (Case 7791 -$100, $15 cc Donald D. Phillippi Wichita, Kans....I Meg. fish netting Jailed 1 nite Sinclair Oil Co.. Tulsa. ...Pollution (Case 7777) ....$100, $15 cc .$50, $11.50 cc Cherokee Roy L. O'Neal El Reno Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Donald D. Phillippi Wichita, Kans.. Fish'g without lie Arthur Mathis Proctor Trapping minnows Jas. E. Pendleton Tulsa ..Killing raccoon -$25, $5 cc w/o permission ._ —$25, $10 c closed season Weepy Jr. Males Wynona Hunting dove with .$25, $11.50 cc Choctaw W. H. Treadwell Grant Fish'g without lie.. $10, $10 cc unplugged gun .__ $25, $11.50 cc Cleveland Paul L. Flowers Okla. City Hunt'g. dove with Pawnee Edw. Lee Shawbaker... Eudora, Kans.... Shoot'g dove w/rifle. .$100, $13.55 cc unplugged gun... $25, $8 cc Stanley Brewer Cleveland Pollution (Case 8655). -$10, $11.25 cc Cotton Payne Frank D. Miller Randlett Hunt'g without lie $10, $10 cc Lewir, Househead — Cushing Hunt'g without lie.— ..$10, $11.25 cc Creek Henry Sullivan Sand Springs... Fish'g without lie $10, $6.25 cc Leroy Dunsmore Cushing Hunt'g without lie. -$10, $11.25- ec Delaware Wm. P. Rice Sperry Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc Leon McWhist _ .Cushing Hunt'g without lie. ..$10, $11.25 cc Jas. D. French. Tulsa. Fish'g without lie. _ $10, $10 cc Mike Farris Cushing Hunt'g without lie. .$10, $11.25 cc Lyle Martin Cushing Hunt'g without lie. E. E. Hiebert Anderson, Mo.-Transporting minnows ..$10, $11.25 cc without license $50, $10 cc Eugene Rulenestine Cushing Hunt'g without lie Howard Tanner Cushing Hunting dove with C. W. Martin. Kansas, Okla Transporting minnows .$25, $11.25 cc without license $10, $10 cc unplugged gun Pittsburg Turner T. Cassell Krebs __ Fish'g w/imprpr. Iic„ ...$10, $10 cc Garvin Henry L. Kenneth — Paoli Fish'g without He $10, $10 cc Harold Hollingsworth . McAlester Taking raccoon Robt. L. Burton Norman .Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc closed season _.$25, $10 cc Big Chief Drlg. Co.- Okla. City Pollution (Case 4114).....$100, $8.20 cc Grady Pott. Willard Barrett McLoud Hunt'g without lie -$10 cc Robt. Rollins Chickasha .Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc .$10, $11 cc Pontotoc Deon Stevens _ Ada -Fish'g without lie. Herbert Martin. Chickasha Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc .$10, $10 cc Harry Haynes Beggs Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Rogers Robt. M. McCormick.— -Tulsa Fish'g without lie. .$10, $10 cc Grant Robt. Chopin Enid Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Clarence E. Harvey.. ..Tulsa— Fish'g without lie. Frank L. Cromer Tulsa Fish'g without lie.. .$10, $10 cc Greer L. A. Combs. Mangum Hunt'g without lie. & $10, $10 cc Shooting from road $10, $12.75 cc Stephens Clint Henry Duncan Fish'g without Me.. Ernest King Mangum Shooting from road $10, $13.70 cc J. W. Anderson Duncan Hunting dove Jack Gamble Reed Shooting from road $10, $10 cc unplugged gun .$10, $10 cc E. L. Foster Altus .Shooting from road $10, $10 cc Tulsa Chas. J. Denton Tulsa.— Hunting dove Ralph Wallen Altus Shooting from road $10, $10 cc unplugged gun _ ..$14.40 cc ..$10, $10 cc Jackson A. L. Robinson Durant Sein'g w/o perm — $10, $11.50 cc " Jerry W. Tye Muskogee.— Hunt'g without lie... G. D. Busby— .. Durant Sein'g w/o perm .....$10, $11.50 cc " J. E. Carter Tulsa .Fish'g without lie .$10, $10 cc Arnold Underwood Durant Sein'g w/o perm $10, $11.50 cc WashingtonM. L. Wentworth — Pawhuska .Shooting dove with Kay W. A. Inman..... S. Coffeyville.. Fish'g without lie. - $10, $8 cc unplugged gun ...... $25, $10.25 cc " Preston B. Landrum Pawhuska Shooting dove with Kingfisher An-Son Pet. Co Okla. City. Pollution (Case 3309) ....$400, $44.70 cc unplugged gun ..$25, $10.25 cc Kiowa R. C. Houx Okla. City Trespassing $15, $10 cc " Geo. W. Derrick Pawhuska Shooting dove with I. L. Steward Okla. City Trespassing $15, $10 cc unplugged gun ..$25, $10.25 cc Arthur Mauldin Norman Trespassing $15, $10 cc " Forrest H. Hawkins Bartlesville Hunting dove with C. B. West Norman .Trespassing _ $15, $10 cc unplugged gun .$25, $10.25 cc LeFlore M. J. Mitchell Hartshorne Fish'g without lie $10, $10 cc Woods Arthur Jenkins Enid Hunt'g w/o perm. ___ .$10, $11.25 cc Mrs. M. J. Mitchell Hartshorne Fish'g without lie. $10, $10 cc " John Mathis Aiva Fish'g without lie .$10, $10 cc V. E. Lovell Arkoma Hunt'g without lie. $10, $10 cc " Chas. Purdue Alva Fish'g without lie. ___. $10, $10 cc

THEY WORK FOR WILDLIFE (Cont'd, from page 19)

his work long enough to learn that he spent three years As I rolled into bed that night I touched the blister as Bosun's Mate on supply vessels with the U. S. Navy on my heel with gentle fingers. I was proud of that little in the Pacific theater. He is also a charter member of the blister. It was all I had to show that I had followed an Heel and Toe Square Dance Club of Boise City, and Com­ Oklahoma game ranger through all his paces for one day mander of the local VFW chapter. . . . Tom Jessee.

20 OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 waters. Few of these three species ex­ ceed three to four feet in length. Their less common relative, the alligator gar, however, reaches six feet or more in length and often exceeds 100 pounds in weight. Assumedly the eggs of all four species are poison. Dr. Moore had his experience with the ripe eggs of a long-nose gar. This information is not intended to frighten you away from gar fish­ ICTURES IN THE papers and his life, for it has since been shown ing, but simply to get the word Pstories in magazines indicate that that gar eggs are deadly poison. Dr. around among fishermen and others many Oklahoma fishermen are find­ Samuel Eddy of the University of that only the flesh, never the eggs, of ing new sport in catching one of our Minnesota fed the eggs, in several gar should be eaten. With the in­ state's long avoided fishes. Gar, espec­ stages of development, to various creased popularity of gar fishing, ially the big alligator gar, have been laboratory animals, finding them to there is a growing chance that some­ popular with a few fishermen in cer­ be highly lethal. one might eat the eggs. So if this tain areas. But lately the sport of There are four species of gar. The warning saves some person from a catching any species of the gar family long-nose, short-nose, and spotted very unpleasant or even tragic experi­ or. hookless lures has become highly gar are all common in Oklahoma ence, it will have served its purpose. rated sport. At several of our larger Oklahoma lakes fishermen are taking gar on a piece of unraveled nylon staging fastened to a spinner. The many teeth of the gar become tangled in the strong nylon strands as the fish strikes and the sport is on! Since gar fishing is becoming so popular, you may be interested in some of the gar fishes' oddities. Most gar taken are simply killed and discarded. Fishermen view this member of the finny tribe as an un­ friendly fellow, and few take time to clean and prepare the fish for eating. Actually gar flesh is very palatable. Those individuals who have eaten gar acclaim it very highly. This writer rates gar above many of our more popular food fishes. Because of this new popularity, however, fisherrnen should be cau­ tioned never to eat the roe or eggs of the gar. While the flesh is fine eating, gar eggs are extremely poisonous. Dr. George Moore, ichthyologist at Okla­ Deffeyes Photo courtesy Hugo Daily News. homa State University, tells of his experience in eating gar eggs that had WINNERS IN A BOUT with the 130-pound alligator gar pictured here were these five to be followed by a month of eating Spencerville men, l-r: Delbert Mallory, Smiley Rabon, M. H. Pitt, Bill Lanier and Guy Harris. only strained foods. And he feels The big fish was caught in August in a tangle net out of the Kiamichi Rver. It measured seven feet, one inch. The gar did a good job of tearing up the net before it was finally subdued most fortunate to have escaped with with several shots from a 30-30 rifle.

NEW TOOL IN ENFORCEMENT COMMON DENOMINATOR NEW TOOLS in the field of law enforcement are LAND, WE KNOW, is our basic resource, our common constantly being introduced and the hearing aid is the denominator of all that is material. However high man latest one to be converted to such work. Some agents in may elevate himself on the stilts of modern living, he Wisconsin are using the devices to track down deer shiners. must at all times be aware that his props have their bot­ They say it gives them hearing ranges up to five miles, and accurately locates the gunfire. Also, it's used on some toms poked into the earth. Man cannot, must not forget lakes to locate fish spearers, with the sound of the spear this, ever . . . Cover On The Land, Michigan Conserva­ striking rocks being caught by the hearing aid. tion Dept.

OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 1957 21 LETTERS SATISFIED DEER HUNTER TO THE Bethany, Oklahoma P. O. Box 116 Bethany, Oklahoma I resent the attack and inference made on the Wildlife EDITOR Conservation Department in your September issue by Mr. Calvin P. Sizemore. Mr. Sizemore states that he is an avid hunter, yet he is unable to get close enough to shoot at a deer, then nits he could not tell the size of the horns if he did see ar before last, while bowhunting in the Greenleaf Lake aj«a, a doSswalked to within twenty feet of me and looked my new red stag over. Last year I passed a forty yard shot at a small budtjlvhose horns were obviously not long enough. I • congratulate the Wildlife Conservation Department for doing an outstanding job in building and protecting our HEi_ deer herd for the sportsmen of our fine state. Happy hunting. Moore, Oklahoma FRED VAUGHN, JR. Route 2 Bcwhunter Sept. 18, 1957 Have a story of heart warming quality that might interest PLANS TO TRAP RABBITS other readers of your magazine. This spring I had two hens Muskogee, Oklahoma and one cock bobwhite quail in a 10'x20' cage. For some reason P. O. Box 1115 the hens died in less than a 24 hour period. There were eight Sept. 10, 1957 or ten eggs in the nest where they had been laying. I paid little This winter I plan to build some wood rabbit gums for attention, except to supply water and feed, until one morning trapping rabbits. Will I have to have other licenses or permits Papa Quail turned up with three baby quail. At this writing than a regular hunting license? he has successfully raised one chick that is now three-fourths JESS S. MORRIS grown and on these cool mornings still hovers under Papa for EDITOR'S NOTE: The Chief of our Enforcement division warmth. informs Mr. Morris that his regular hunting license will suffice HAL C. MCVEY since rabbits are not defined as "game" in the Oklahoma LIKES SEPTEMBER EDITORIAL wildlife code. It is unlawful to trap or snare any game animal Oklahoma City, Okla. game or nongame bird. P. O. Box 331, "GOOD TO HAVE AROUND" State Capitol Sta. Clinton, Okla. Sept. 17, 1957 Sept. 17, 1957 Just want to let you know how much I admire that Enclosed find $1.50 for one year subscription to Oklahoma September issue. From my own editorial if yours in your Wildlife. If my subscription is not up yet, just extend my experience I know how much courage it takes to go out on a limb and call a spade a spade cost-wise to your readership. As renewal. I like the magazine and think it is good to have a matter of fact, I could go on and on about the many fine around the Barber Shop. blows you struck for greater public and legislative understanding O. K. BARBER SHOP of so many things of basic importance in a state publication. 41 0 Frisco Your point re advertising, in particular, is sure hitting that same Gordon Buntley, Mgr. old question that keeps cropping up right on the nose. For what my opinion is worth, you're putting out a heck of a good SUGGESTS BIRD BOOK magazine—and it's getting even better. I like your cover and Tulsa 10, Okla. that Black Mesa article by Tom Jessee—wish we could have 1609 N. College latched onto it first. Aug. 12, 1957 DAVE LOYE, Editor In regard to Mrs. Beckwith's letter in your August issue Oklahoma Today magazine for a book on birds of Oklahoma, I have Vol. I and II of "Introduction to Our Bird Friends" published by Capper Publi­ BEMOANS DOVE SEASON cations. There are black-and-white pictures and descriptions of Hillsdale, Okla. 50 birds in each book. There is also a chart listing when birds Sept. 15, 1957 may be seen and how frequently within 50 mile radius of We have been working hand in hand with the Game Topeka, which isn't too far from Oklahoma. But it will be , Department restocking quail and pheasants. We as a group, feel nice to have a book of birds for the State of Oklahoma. We 4hat our efforts have been very successful each year until dove are all fishermen in our family and enjoy Oklahoma Wildlife. season opens. Then our quail and pheasants seem to vanish. We I send my copies to my brother in Texas. Address for Capper N feel that the so-called sportsmen kill our birds while hunting Publications: 8th and Jackson Sts., Topeka, Kansas, 25-cents dove. We are a group of farmers who would like to leave for each. « jjwfyoungsters not only the soil in good condition, but also our MRS. D. H. COCKRELL "^vildlife. Any suggestions to help us in our efforts will be LIKES NEW NAME greatly appreciated. Calvin, Oklahoma HILLSDALE SPORTSMAN CLUB Sept. 11, 1957 Harvey Wright, President Well now, I like your new name! Glad we retain the EDITOR'S NOTE: Since the dove season is regulated by same editor. Relative to your picture story on toads and frogs the federal government, there is not much the State Depart­ (September issue), I have a deep affection for the toad. Among ment of Wildlife Conservation can do to change the season. my earliest recollections is hearing the toad sing at twilight when W If each member of your club will pledge himself to report a rainstorm was in progress with heavy thunder. We lived in known game law violations to the district ranger, giving names, a pioneer double log house near a beautiful stream in deep _uto license numbers, or other helpful information that will pinery. Why call the green tree toad green, when he changes stand up in prosecuting cases in court, at least some of the color to blend with his environment? I've seen them so numerous violations should cease. in sweetgum flats as to render conservation difficult, but there 6 is no better rain sign than a toad singing in the afternoon orl LIKES INFORMATIVE ARTICLES at dawn. In 1908 it rained every day from May 15 to Rogers, Ark 5. The country became so boggy we were obliged to walk t Sept. 14, 195 7 town three miles away. One warm June morning I started Your magazine gets better all the time. We of the Aikman town. Suddenly I was in a stormy downpour that in 20 minut ousehold like its informative articles. We have read it for a I fancy two inches of rain fell. I took refuge under an oa umber of years and many issues are filed away as reference Though I could tell it was not hail, some objects more gW^"8 year old son. Having lived in Oklahoma most of my than rain kept pelting my parasol. When the rain ceased, t ~ m still interested in the fine work the Wildlife Conserva- were tens of thousands of tiny toads everywhere. The '<-Ltion F Lepartment is doing to improve hunting and fishing in water where they could hatch was half a mile omerr^ka£ass e renew my subscription and may the good I was standing just where an overhead tor: B-_l---_rowrowtt h be even greater in the future for Oklahoma contents of some slough it had robbed of i also your very fine magazine. hatch which it had picked up. I stood for REV. F. CLYDE AIRMAN, Pastor the toads to scatter so I would not crush :_S5£3g-Vi mmanuel Baptist Church DAVID J. ED ... to your Sportsman, Farmer, Teacher, Conservationist Friends with a gift that extends your GOOD WISHES through the entire year, a subscription to OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE STATE CAPITOL OKLAHOMA CITY 5, OKLAHOMA SHOP FROM HOME! (Please Print) Here is a 12-in-l gift that is perfect for your relatives, friends and business asso- Gift For ciates who like to hunt and fish in . ,, OKLAHOMA. AddeSS

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OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE—NOVEMBER, 195 7 23 Return Postage Guaranteed Okla. Dept. of Wildlife Conservation Oklahoma City 5, Okla.

Thanksgiving Prayer of An Outdoor Man

ITH the leafy branches of the forest trees I lift my W arms to pray; with the babbling brooks and singing birds I raise my voice in praise; I thank Thee for the out-of-doors; I thank Thee for the solitude of wild places, the strength of the hills, and the calmness of quiet streams; I thank Thee for old clothes, rough work, and the right to let my beard grow; I thank Thee for the curling smoke of a campfire in the early morning; I thank Thee for steaming coffee, sizzling bacon, and an outdoor appetite; I thank Thee for the swish of my paddle, and the joy of watching fleecy clouds roll by; I thank Thee for the call of a whippOor-will at dusk, across a silent lake; I thank Thee for silvery moonbeams on rippling waters; I thank Thee for the singing of my reel and the bending of my rod as a Big One strikes; I thank Thee for the contentment that comes with the patter of rain on my tent at night; I thank Thee for wild blackberries along an old stump fence; I thank Thee for my dogs, my gun, and the flaming colors of the autumn woods; I thank Thee for wild ducks flying south against a dull grey sky; I thank Thee for the glory and majesty of the stars; I thank Thee for strong winds pulling at my hair roots and for the spray from the lake on my cheeks; I thank Thee for old trails, for rocks, for raging rapids, and for a glimpse of deer drinking in a secluded pool; I thank Thee for the drum of the partridge, for squirrels, trailing arbutus, the aroma of pine needles, sunshine through the leaves; and all the other eternal miracles of the out-of-doors.

,, gwr i -.*••->.. -From "The Flame", employee publication of the Cabot Industries.