horicon ! 1964 - fws
TRANSCRIPT
HORICON ! 1964
J
Division of Wildlife Bcfiiveo
arg&tiye i r ort Routlns Slip
RsfuSa er 1961.
(Silef's Office j MEu-eUSert; ISr. Acterkaacht 9o»**aK-rrf &aryrrjp,--.
Mr, Fermaioli IfegsTl^r ^
WlMlifa; Mr. Ballon ^ Mr. Webster Mr. Sbiles <ie»««s:u-o. •i*R6^Sfc- i^ '»3« 'Ciwt i»rv i MMBMrsSCSSf lChStaM* rr..- rr.—
Rescurcag: Mr. liuaab Mr. Brltt. ti A
X r TOtation: Mr MSae*: IteBoa Qm lb- Goldzsa.n
mmmUEs Mr. cima*ir~ / X
Job Corps s Hr. Heesxi Mr. Quenedke
COVER PHOTO
The Horicon Refuge was up to its eyebrows in geese again this year. A peak population of 100,600 Canadas is about 50,000 too many for this area.
It will be difficult, painful and perhaps inpossible to reverse this trend. \ , ^
Photo by E. Mueller
HORICCN NATIONAL ATLDLIFE REFUGE ROUTE 2, MAYVILLE, WISCONSIN
NARRATIVE REPORT 1964
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
REFUGE PERSOMEL
Wnu D, Carter .............. Refuge Manager
John E, Kurtz . . • Refuge Manager
Harold R. Bushweiler . . , . Refuge Clerk
Frederick J, Marquardt ... Mechanic
Andrew Pachan . • Maintenance Man
TEMPORARY PERSONNEL
Charles W. Frye (5/4 7/2) Laborer
Daniel G. Olson (7/28 to 9/11) . Laborer
Armond Schaumburg (5/18 to 11/18) . Laborer
Keith N. Schwarze (5/4 to 10/2) Laborer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
I. General A. Weather Conditions 1 B. Habitat Conditions 2
1, Water 2 2, Food and Cover 2
II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds ..... 2 B. Upland Game Birds 5 C. Big Game Animals 5 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, etc 6 E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Grows & Ravens . 7 F. Other Birds 7 G. Fish 7 H. Reptiles 8 I. Disease 8
III. Refuge Development & Maintenance A. Physical Development 8 B. Plantings 10 C. Collections & Receipts 13 D. Control of Vegetation 14 E. Planned Burning ........ 14 F. Fires 14
IV. Resource Management A. Grazing ........ 15 B. Haying 15 C. Fur Harvest 15 D, Timber Removal 16 E, Commercial Fishing 16 F, Other Uses , . . , 16
V. Field Investigation or Applied Research A, Progress Report ... 16
VI. Public Relations A. Recreational Uses 19 B. Official Visitors 19 C. Refuge Participation 22 D. Hunting 24 E. Violations 24 F. Safety 25
VII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 25
NR forms - 1, 1A, 1C, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a, 9, 11, 12
I. GENERAL
A. Weather Conditions.
January
Month
.80
Precipitation Normal Snowfall
1.11 0.5"
Max. Temp,
50
Min. Temp,
-4
February .18 1.11 3.0" 52 rs
March 1.86 1.75 12.5" 63 5
April 3.96 2.46 81 18
May 3.22 3.48 85 31
June 1.23 4.21 94 34
July 4.34 2.62 94 50
August 1.78 3.19 96 37
September 4.75 3.85 87 27
October 0.26 2.37 76 18
November 0.92 2.01 1.0" 74 1
December 0.25 1.12 1.5" 39 -10
Annual Totals 23.55 29.28 18,5 Extremes 94 -10
The above weather data were obtained from the U.S. Weather Bureau station at Burnett, Wisconsino
The weather for the entire year could be summarized as "unusual". The temperature was above normal last winter, near normal during the spring and below normal throughout the summer. We experienced frost in the lowlands as late as June 16, then the first fall frost occurred on August 9. This left us with only 53 frost free days in the marsh.
Precipitation was below normal throughout the year. When we did get near normal rainfall it seemed as if it all came at once.
B# Habitat Conditions
1. Water
The 1964 water program authorized a second year of drawdown for the main pool (l-l) and maximum levels for our five sub impoundments,
Drowth conditions made it possible to keep main pool levels low. These same conditions were responsible for undesirably low levels in the subimpoundments.
We feel we have accomplished our objective of re-establishing emergent vegetation in large open areas of the main pool. The 1965 water program recommends reflooding the main pool in annual one half foot increments for the next three years. Subimpoundments will be managed at maximum levels if possible.
2, Food and Cover
Spring waterfowl migrants found "slim pickins" on cultivated land in this area. The absence of fall rains in 1964 permitted an unusual amount of fall plowing. Those areas which were not plowed were utilized by the previous fall migrants.
The absence of cultivated foods plus spring flooding of marsh vegetation provided for much heavier use of refuge natural foods. There were no field flights of ducks and geese because they spent a majority of their time feeding on smartweeds, millets and other emergents.
Cool weather in April retarded alfalfa growth. There was little goose browse from this source until most of the geese had left in late April. Mallard nesting was well underway before new alfalfa growth provided much cover.
Marsh habitat continued to be attractive through June, July and August characterized receding levels and a general deterioration of marsh habitat, A slight recovery occurred in September and October to provide a more attractive marsh than existed in 1963.
A late spring frost and an early fall frost prevented us from producing another record breaking crop of goose food. As it was>there was a larger acreage planted but less corn and more wheat browse produced (see cultivated crop section)•
II. WILDLIFE
A. Migratory Birds
1. Geese
The January 1964 waterfowl inventory showed no geese in this
3.
general area.
The first spring migrant geese arrived on March 2, seven days earlier than last year. A few more moved in on the 12th and 13th but winter returned to hold most of the birds south of here until the last of the month. Only an occassional Snow or Blue goose was observed this spring.
There continues to be a small number of Canadas which spend the summer near state headquarters. Some of these attempted to nest. We heard of one brood.
The first fall migrant Canadas appeared on September 11 a day earlier than 1963. There were small increases until noon of the 25th when one of the largest migrations we?ve seen began. This movement gained momentum all afternoon. By sundown one could observe as many as five flocks at one time arriving from the east. Geese were heard all night of the .24th, By noon of the 25th the movement was over and our Canada goose population had increased from 2,000 to 46,000, This was an unprecedented population for this early in the year,
Canada geese continued to arrive and by the last of September 70,000 were wading through our food supply. The first week of October showed 88,000, The Wisconsin goose season opened October 10 and by the 14th we had our peak population of 100,600, Needless-to-say this many geese, this early, destroyed any hopes we had of containing the flock. The Wisconsin quota of 11,000 birds was killed, and exceeded by 2,066, in llg days of hunting.
Our comments in the September-December narrative (1963) reflected some optimism. We had just completed the longest goose season (35g days) experienced since the quota system began. We have now returned to reality. We have now returned to face the problem, as we see it, "too many geese or too little habitat". We have now returned to our original thinking that the goose problems at Horicon cannot be "regulated" away.
The difference in the 1963 and 1964 season can be explained, in part. This year an unusual number of geese arrived unusually early (see following graph). These birds made serious inroads on the mediocre refuge food supply. They had ample time to establish "off refuge" feeding flights. Gun pressure was not applied until October 10, And, a large number of immature birds in the flock increased their vulnerability to the gun.
The Canada goose season in the Horicon Refuge quota zone closed October 21. There were 85,000 geese on the refuge and only about 25 of the corn on adjacent private land had been harvested. The resulting crop depredation potential was a "beaut".
Much to our surprise, this problem did not materialize. The corn harvest moved into high gear as the season closed. The weather
N O . 3 4 1 - 1 0 D I E T Z G E N G R A P H P A P E R ( 1 E U G E N E D I E T Z G E N C O . I D X I D F y ^ ' N C H u. s. A.
An unprecedented early goose migration seriously depleted refuge food supplies before the waterfowl season opened. The above corn strip adjacent to headquarters was cleaned out by October 1.
Later the food and population pressure caused the geese to become quite tame. They moved into the Refuge Managers garden (below) and picked bluegrass on the lawn no more than 501 from two rather disturbed dogs in a pen.
9/30/64 Carter - top 11/18/64 Carter - bottom
4
cooperated and the pickers managed to stay ahead of foraging geese. In many instances geese did not have an opportunity to clean up waste corn before the fields were plowed.
The second and third weeks of November showed an increase in the goose population with 97,450 here on the 17th. These birds were soon forced to fly beyond the quota zone for food. These flights provided considerable hunting opportunity for the duration of the 70 day goose season,
A majority of our geese departed the first week in December but about 500 remain at the end of the year.
2. Ducks
The mid-winter waterfowl inventory showed about 200 mallards wintering on spring holes near Burnett and Fox Lake,
Variable weather conditions in March caused a sporadic duck migration. By March 25 most of the species common to the area were here but cold weather on the 28th and 29th forced most of the birds out again.
The final breakup in early April caused minor flooding of newly established emergent vegetation on the refuge. This new habitat was probably responsible for unusually large populations of spring migrants. With the exception of shovelers and canvasbacks all species showad an increase in spring use. Pintails and greenwings were unusually abundant with peak populations of 20,000 and 2,500 respectively.
Our waterfowl nesting populations showed decreases without exception. Mallard breeding pairs dropped from 1,060 in 1963 to 267 while bluewings dropped from 2,780 pairs to 1,015. Some of this apparent decrease can be attributed to differences in visibility. Vegetation was much more dense this year.
A poor breeding population plus poor visibility made brood observations rare. Production surveys showed an apparent decrease of about 38^ in duck production.
Poor habitat conditions were probably responsible for a decrease in the number of moulters too. Wood ducks were especially scarce and our wood duck banding program suffered accordingly.
Cool weather the second week of August stimulated some migration in this area. Bluewing, pintail and baldpate numbers increased. Some marsh improvement occurred with early September rain and our duck population returned to about 28,000 or near normal for this time of the year.
The remainder of the fall migration was a gradual one without major population increases. Most of our ducks left with freeze up the third week of November.
5
3. Swans
Whistling swan use increased 73/^ in 1964, We recorded 6,12$ use days this year and 3 542 in 1963.
Our swan use is usually during spring migration but this year we
had 12$ birds from late October through mid-November#
4. Other Water Birds
We didn't have enough water to attract many coot but wading birds found our low water levels attractive. Great blue herons and common egrets showed increases as they took advantage of the large supply of small bullheads. Black-crowned night herons and little green herons were abundant,
B, Upland Game Birds
Pheasant crow counts shov/ed a small increase in the spring breeding population. In 1963 we estimated a breeding population of 600 compared with 70$ this year.
State upland game biologists have suggested the lack of rain combined with an early alfalfa harvest substantially reduced pheasant nesting success. Our few brood observations certainly don't disagree with this.
Refuge pheasants are not subjected to heavy gun pressure along our boundary. Most of these birds moved to the marsh interior where there was a bumper crop of millet and smartweed.
Grey partridge observations were more common. This species is far from plentiful and receives hardly any hunting pressure.
C. Big Game Animals
Spring breakup forced our deer herd from the marsh and it became apparent the time was near for a harvest. Assistant Manager Kurtz observed 90 deer during an hour trip through the refuge. The Wisconsin Conservation Department paid a 178.00 deer damage complaint to a small orchard owner adjacent to the refuge.
Deer damage to refuge corn fields during the summer prompted our recommending a special shotgun hunt for the fall. The special season was authorized and a managed hunt was conducted in cooperation with the state. See photos on following pages.
The managed hunt removed 213 deer. Bow hunters removed an estimated 20 animals during the regular December bow season. We consider these removals adequate in reducing the deer population to a more desirable level.
The 1964 refuge managed gun deer hunt was on a first come-first served basis. The two day season was on Nov, 30 and Dec, 1 (the first two days after the regular stats season).
The car above was the first in line at the east side check station. These four fellows waited 49 hours for the first permits.
In spite of the bitterly cold weather (5 degrees) there were more hunters than permits.
Photo by F, Pechman
Tha west side check station (above) was the favorite of anxious hunters. Some of the best deer habitat is on this side.
A part of "sweatin it out" was brewing up coffee or cooking some other form of "camp" delicacy.
Photo by F. Pechman
After waiting for more than 24 hours in the bitter cold some of the boys started a touch football game for exercise.
State employees issued permits and arm bands. This part of the hunt was similar to the annual managed goose hunt.
Photos by F. Pechman
1
The first man in with a deer could have carried it in his game bag. As far as he was concerned it was a 200 pounder.
There were 213 satisfied "customers". We attempted to put as much quality into the hunt as possible. Hunters were required to park at the refuge boundary and walk in. We refused to haul out any deer bagged. Hunters were evenly distributed by assigning mandatory parking spots.
Photos by F. Pechman
6.
The table below shows the results of the managed deer hunt.
1964 Managed Deer Hunt
Hite No. Hunters November 30 322 December 1 333
Total 655
Adult Doe 60 Adult Buck 69 Doe Fawn 36 Buck Fawn 1+8
213
D. Fur AnimalsQ Predators, Rodents & Other Mammals
1. Muskrats
The second year of drowth plus drawdown has reduced the rat' population to insignificance.
It is interesting to note that 10 years ago $5>5C1 muskrats were harvested on the refuge. These were the days when tremendous muskrat populations had resulted from reflooding the refuge in 1951.
We are anticipating a similar response to our reflooding after two years of drawdown,
2. Mink
Mink sign is common throughout most of the refuge. Accurate population estimates are impossible but we believe mink are more plentiful now than they have been for the past five years.
3. Raccoon
Coons are too abundant. During the summer raccoons caused continuous trouble on the duck banding sites. As many as six coons were observed on the corn bait.
Student Assistant Anderson tackled the problem with steel traps and removed 22 animals from two trap sites.
The dummy nest study (covered later in this report) indicated coons may be an important factor in our duck production. Recommendations are being prepared to further evaluate a control program,
4. Opossum
Mild winters the past "two years have apparently helped the possum population. Observations have been more common with an estimate of about 100 animals on the refuge.
7.
5. Fox
The fox population is at a high level. There are fox tracks all over the refuge and fox sightings are common. Perhaps this increase in population can be attributed to the lack of any control measure during the past two years. Prior to this, ex-maintenanceman Luehring annually removed 15-25 adults and pups during spring denning time,
6. Skunks
Refuge personnel have recorded fewer observations of skunks this year. We have no indication that disease is responsible but rabies has been reported in other parts of the state,
7. Other Mammals
We are pleased to report we still have at least one otter. Last years observation was the first in many years. The one or two we have now are using the 1-8 and 1-9 areas as was the case last year.
Our small beaver colony left with last years drawdown. No fresh sign has been observed since.
E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Crows and Ravens
Hawks were more abundant last winter than during the past few years, Roughlegs, redtails and short-eared owls were commonly seen on the burned area north of the main dike.
A golden eagle and a duck hawk were observed in May, Three unidentified eagles were reported during the goose season,
A few Snowy Owls moved into the refuge in early December,
F. Other Birds
There were only two species in the unusual category this year. A cattle egret spent a few days with us in June and a small group (17) of little blue herons were here in July.
G. Fish
Fishing on this refuge has just about come to a halt, at least for the time being.
Drowth and drawdowns have restricted fish habitat and winter kills have been substantial. The advantages of these winter kills are apparent as the reduction in carp increases aquatic vegetation.
Fortunately there is no great loss to mourn in this area. There are many local lakes which provide a much better fishery.
B.
H. Reptiles
A turtle trapping permit was issued to a local trapper during late July and August. He removed 299 snapping turtles weighing a total of 5,382 pounds. The largest was 43 pounds. Several other snappers were caught by the refuge staff throughout the spring and summer,
I. Disease
During April, the Wisconsin Conservation Department and refuge staff cooperated in a search of local lakes and water areas for sick and dead waterfowl. The state waterfowl biologist reported only a few birds were dying in this area. Most of these were lead poisoned birds. We suspect that many of these birds picked up the lead in other areas and died here on their migration.
Two swans remained on the refuge late in the spring. Possibly one or both had been weakened by lead poisoning.
A dead fox and a dead coon were found, but both were beyond the examination stage.
Nasal swabs were taken from 100 ducks during the Dewline banding by Keith Carlson, University of Wisconsin Ph.D. student. He is making a survey of Wisconsin mammals and birds for "staph" infections. As yet we have received no report on his findings.
Blood samples were taken from 229 mallards during the Dewline banding program by Judy Bradshaw, Ph.D. student, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, She is looking for a variety of blood parasites, particularly malarial parasites in wild birds. She hopes to be able to find some correlation between the incidence of blood parasites in wild fowl with domestic fowl.
Other veterinarian students assisted her with her studies, A foreign exchange student was looking for ectoparasites. He claimed that our ducks were relatively free of lice, I think they all crawled onto me before he looked at them.
We have not received any report of their findings to date.
III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
A. Physical Development
1. F~22 West Dike
An important feature of the refuge Master Plan is the separation of marshland from cropland. This development project began last January.
The University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Science, was interested in blood parasites in wild waterfowl. We furnished them with 229 mallards.
Ten ccJs of blood was removed from each bird without any apparent ill effects.
Photos by D. Tvedt, WCD
A foreign exchange student, in the class was interested in ecto parasites.
Photo by D. Tvedt, WCD
9.
S.C.S. engineers assisted us with dike specifications and S&M funds were used to contract for a 3/4 cubic yard dragline at |11.75 per hour.
The contractor began working on January 23rd but heavy frost stopped work after five days. He fabricated a ripper for his D-6 crawler and was able to resume work on March 2, Work continued at about 200 .Lineal feet per day until April 6 when thawing and water became a problem. There were 7300 feet of dike completed by this date. The dragline was removed from the marsh but returned on June 17 to complete the remaining 600 feet by July 2.
This dike required about 23,250 cubic yards of material which cost about $.17 per cubic yard.
2. F-22 East Diversion Ditch Outlet
S&M funds were used to purchase two 43" x 27" x 50* aluminum pipe arches.
A backhoe was hired to cut through the Old Marsh Road to provide an outlet for this diversion ditch. In June refuge personnel placed the culverts and assisted with the backfill.
The completion of this project permits the diversion of upland run off from our farm area into the main impoundment,
3. F-22 Lateral Ditches
Refuge personnel assisted S.C.S. engineers surveying and staking these two ditches in June, Their construction was programed for F.Y, 1965.
These lateral ditches were to empty into the east-west ditch along the Old Marsh Road, Before the lateral ditches could be dug it was necessary to clean out this ditch.
The West Dike dragline contractor was moved to this site and began the cleanout job. The material in this ditch was so soupy it was necessary to remove the top layer first then return for the remaining peat and clay. Clean out was completed in August.
Dragline contra.cts for the construction of the two laterals were awarded in August, Ed Mielke of Bristol, Wisconsin and Mayville Construction Company of Mayville, Wisconsin were the low bidders, Mr. Mielke received 400 hours of rental at $10,00 per hour and Mayville Construction Go. received 400 hours of rental at $10,25 per hour.
Ideal working conditions prevailed and both laterals were completed by December 26, This project required more time than we estimated but we are certainly pleased with the quality and cost of the work. We have estimated one ditch cost about $.14 per cubic yard and the other $.12 per cubic yard.
The construction of F-22 dike went rather smoothly till spring breakup. The contractor attempted to doze up a small dike but found his dozer wouldn't operate in 4^ feet of water.
The dike was completed in July. It now awaits a structure for the left foreground.
Photos by Carter
\
It was necessary to clean out the Old Marsh Road ditch before F-22 lateral ditch construction could begin. The material in this ditch was like gravy until Mechanic Marquardt built this ll1 vertical lift pump to dry out the area.
The soup was cast on the south side of the Old Marsh Road, A local contractor was hired to spread the spoil. He found the material was still soupy in spots.
Photos by Carter
One of the two lateral ditches built on F-22. Note there-is a fairly even layer of about 5* of peat over clay.
This "little grand canyon" was 91 deep, 1 to lg side slope, 6 foot bottom and averaged about 6 C.Y. per lineal foot.
These laterals will permit putting water on or taking water off F-22, Prior to now the area has been too wet to farm and too dry for a marsh.
Photo by Carter
10
A. F-22 Tiling
S.C.S. engineers assisted us with developing specifications for tiling SO acres. This information was sent to the Regional Office in December. We are awaiting bid invitations,
5. F-22 Water Control Structure
Regional Office engineers are working on the design for this structure.
6. Shop Construction
No work on this project. Some change in plans seems evident. We are considering converting storage stalls in the Service building to heated shop area.
?• Maintenance
A review of the past years work accomplishments is gratifying. There were many, many maintenance items which were not done but we are pleased with the progress made by our small staff.
Major work projects during the past year were as follows:
a. Farming 643 acres. b. Building, installation and maintenance of pumping facilities
for farm and construction projects, c. Supervision and assistance with construction program. d. Trapping and banding, e. Managed goose and deer hunts.
The above list is certainly an oversimplification of our annual accomplishments. There were fires, floods, extreme heat, extreme cold, drowth, breakdowns, cheering and jeering. Suffice to say there was hardly a dull moment in 12 months.
B. Plantings
1. Aquatic and Marsh Plants
None
2. Trees and Shrubs
Eleven hard maple seedlings were donated to the refuge by Mr, Marquardt. Seven were planted at headquarters and four at Q-1A,
3. Upland Herbaceous Plants
The east half of F-23 was seeded with bluegrass, timothy, lad-ino and oats. This 10 acres will be added to 0-16.
11.
The southwest edge of F--19 is a thin soil projection into the marsh. This site is a favorite loafing area for geese and has a history of poor cultivated crops. It was withdrawn from crop rotation and seeded to bluegrass, timothy, alfalfa, ladino and oats. The 10 acres of permanent grass will also be used by nesting ducks.
The East Diversion Dike was re-seeded after geese destroyed the initial seeding and the F-22 West Dike was seeded.
4. Cultivated Crops
The table below shows a summary of crops grown on this refuge for the past five years.
Acres of Cropland
Increase Wheat Buck or
Corn hay Grain Browse wheat Millet Other Total Decrease I960 556 513 125 Too wet 34 1228 1961 550 376 327 116 115 24 59 1567 +339 1962 474 517 208 144 129 — 8 1480 - 87 1963 710 503 217 209 117 15 10 1781 +301 1964 785 445 201 308 78 - 9 1826 + 45
An analysis of these data indicates sizable increases in corn and wheat browse acreages. These increases reflect the emphasis on producing additional goose food.
The increased acreage of corn and wheat browse has been accomplished by refuge personnel rather than any change in the permittee farming program. Permittee farming is primarily on a four and five year rotation basis with limited opportunity to increase corn and wheat browse.
Unit F-22 is the primary area of farm acreage expansion by refuge personnel. The Master Plan and the present construction program are directed toward expanding this unit into 900 acres of reasonably safe farm land. The refuge staff is now farming about 390 acres of this unit (an additional 255 acres elsewhere). The map on the following page shows our recent progress on F-22,
Corn acreage in 1964 increased 74-0 acres. Corn production however, decreased by about 3,370 bushels. The decreased production is attributed to early frost (August 9) on the peatland. Deer and drowth damage were also factors.
The acreage planted to wheat browse increased in 1964. In this instance there was a corresponding increase in production too.
The table below shows a comparison between wildlife food available in 1963 and 1964.
Corn
Oats
Buckwheat
Millet
Wheat (browse)
Alfalfa
Pasture
Acres
1963
Estirnated Yield
Available for
Wildlife
446 55 bu/ac 24,530 bu
103 15 bu/ac 1,545 bu
10 15 bu/ac 150 bu
209 lg ton/ac 314 ton
718 1 ton/ac 718 ton
1252 g ton/ac 626 ton
1964 Available Increase
Estimated for or Acres Yield Wildlife Decrease
529 40 bu/ac 21,160 bu -3370 bu
14 SO bu/ac 1,120 bu +1120 bu
50 0 - -1545 bu
_ — - 150 bu
308
646
1272
lg ton/ac
1 ton/ac
g ton/ac
462 ton
646 ton
636 ton
+ 148 ton
- 72 ton
-f 10 ton
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F-22 LEGEND
DITCH
DITCH & DIKE
FARMED PRIOR TO 1962
FARMED SINCE 1962
PLANNED FOR 1965
Scale 4" = 1 Mile
Seventy-five acres of F-22 were plowed with this rig. The owner charges |13.00 per hour for marsh plowing and can plow more than an acre an hour. We can't do the job with our own equipment that cheap.
13.
We have made a serious effort to inventory our goose food resources# This inventory shows on paper what we have known for some time; we are not producing enough feed to "control" the number of geese that have chosen to stop here.
An analysis of our goose food acreage immediately faces several unknowns. We do not know how important alfalfa and red clover is in the goose diet. On this refuge geese eat sprouted oats and spend considerable time in canary grass and bluegrass pastures. What do these foods contribute? How important are natural aquatics? Other variables such as food values, preferences, daily consumption, temperatures and others more usually enter the picture.
In order to evaluate our own goose food program, in a rough sort of way, we have used corn and wheat browse as key species. Corn is our prime factor in holding geese.
An examination of corn production records as they relate to goose use days shows a close relationship. It can be shown, on paper at least, that we can expect to "hold" our average fall migration a pre—determined number of days depending on the number of bushels of corn available. We can also make some rough predictions on the number of additional acres of corn which will be needed to hold our average fall population till any given date.
If the above has any validity and we choose November 1 as a desirable date to hold geese, it will be necessary to add about 200 acres of corn to our present food program. The development of F-22 unit will make this possible.
The graph on the following page shows a relationship between corn production and goose use days,
C. Collections and Receipts
1. Seed or Other Propagules
Two hundred bushels of winter wheat were picked up at the DeSoto Refuge, This seed was planted on the peatland for goose browse.
The local S.C.S. office has provided us with ten pounds of Lespedeza Daurica Schimidae and five pounds of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). These seeds will be planted in experimental plots to determine their adaptability to this area.
About 600 bushels of corn were picked and stored in the refuge crib for banding.
2. Specimens
Several trap killed mallards were given to the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinarian Medicine,
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U. 2. Control of Vegetation
m!,Hi^l0W/0utr0tdUring the past year has been confined to routine roadside and shoreline spraying. Good control is possible on the easy to reach sites,
•pin. . trazine sPrfying of corn was of questionable value this year. The absence of rain to carry the spray to root area is probably responsible. 1 ^
3. Planned Burning
About 700 acres of marsh between the Main Dike and Townline Ditch were burned in February. The purpose of the burn was to remove a dense accumulation of dead vegetation and to open up the shoreline for nesting waterfowl. Some benefits were derived from goose browse in the spring.
Marrow strips of vegetation on the 1-8 and 1-9 shoreline were control burned to make these areas more attractive to nesting waterfowl.
F, Fires
Three wild fires occurred in 1964. Considering the extreme fire danger which prevailed, we feel fortunate.
On April 14 a train started a fire one mile west of the refuse. Dry vegetation with a 30-40 M.P.H. wind made this one a "lulu" It was impossible to get near the head of the fire. Bureau and state personnel concentrated their efforts on the south line of the fire while the village of Burnett fire department protected buildings on private land.
Fortunately the fire entered the refuge in a place where it was contained by Townline Ditch on the north and Main Ditch on the east. The south line was suppressed and only 1300 acres of refuge were burned. As it was the fire probably did more good than harm,
permittee accidentally started a fire south of the orl Oc't'o!:;)er 14. Refuge personnel and the permittee suppressed
the fire after burning about 30 acres.
On Sunday October 18 a fire was started by hunters on the state public hunting area adjacent to our south boundary. Conditions were good for a fire with a 15 M.P.H. wind. The public hunting area was loaded with hunters.
Our first concern was for any hunters who might be trapped by the fire. The state aircraft was summoned from Oshkosh to inspect the area and to order all hunters from the marsh. Most hunters had sense enough to leave the area when they saw smoke and there were no problems.
15
State personnel made one attempt of a backfire but was a little to late with their efforts. Suppression efforts were then confined to plowing fire breaks at the marsh edge.
About 2700 acres of marsh burned. Of this 570 acres were on the refuge.
The most peculiar feature of this fire was the publicity it received, The international wire services picked it up and a somewhat inflated story was carried throughout the country. Television stations gave it similar treatment too. In addition, the large crowd of Sunday goose watchers were on hand to jam access roads attempting to get a view of the big fire. Refuge personnel spent more time directing traffic than we did fire fighting.
IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
A. Grazing
Grazing is permitted on 1^,252 acres of marsh and upland. Permits were issued to 17 permittees to graze a maximum of 1,895 AUM!3 from May 15 to September 15, The maximum number of cattle was not to exceed 519 head at any time, A fee of $1.00 per AUM was charged for grazing. Total receipts for 1964 amounted to $1736.07.
The cattle were counted on each unit several times during the summer. All of the permittees had the maximum number or less on their units.
Drowth conditions retarded pasture growth on the uplands and caused some overgrazing. The lowland or marsh portions of the pastures were, in most cases, undergrazed.
One additional grazing unit was established this year near sub-impoundment 1-8. Grazing should improve the shoreline to increase the duck nesting potential. Heavy goose use was noted in this pasture this fall.
Routine fence repair and weed control was completed by the permittees, A new fence was constructed in 3 grazing units. The materials were furnished by the refuge and the permittee did the work.
Several pastures are badly in need of willow control. We are considering aerial spraying these units.
B. Haying
Special use permits were issued to cut 441 acres of marsh hay at $1.00 per acre.
C. Fur Harvest
None this year.
16.
D. Timber Removal
None
E. Commercial Fishing
Wisconsin Conservation Department rough fish removal crew built a new carp trap on the river, but low water has prevented its use,
F. Other Uses
Two bee keeping permits were issued for keeping 89 hives on the refuge,
V. FIELD INVESTIGATION OR APPLIED RESEARCH
A, Progress Report
We have found it difficult, and at times impossible, to compare data gathered by different individuals for the same project. Because of this difficulty Assistant Manager Kurtz has undertaken the task of developing standardized data recording forms for each of our annual investigations. In the future it will be mandatory to use these forms for all data recording.
To date Mr. Kurtz has completed the forms for the pheasant population survey and the waterfowl breeding pair survey. Copies of the standardized forms are attached to this report.
1, Pheasant Population Inventory
Sex ratio observations made during January and February shov/ed four hens for each rooster.
Weekly crow counts were conducted from April 15 through June 1, Two transects with 18 listening stations are used to establish an index of the breeding population. These data are used to calculate the breeding index as follows:
SP = spring breeding population index
C = average of highest number of crows per station
H = hens per cock
18 = number of listening stations
SP = (G + CH)\«, l -
In 1964 the spring breeding population index was 704.7. This was a slight increase in the 1963 population.
17.
Production is estimated by recording all brood observations to establish brood size which is applied to the estimated breeding population.
2. Waterfowl Production Inventory
Pair counts were conducted weekly from April 15 through June 15. The "one shot" air-ground count was conducted again this year on May 10. The ground count showed 252 pairs on the transects. The air count recorded 110 pairs on the same area to indicate a 2.29 air-ground ratio,
A 50 sample of the refuge was counted from the air and counted 349 pairs. Consequently 349 x 50^ = 69B pairs, 698 x 2.29 = 1598 pairs as estimated total breeding population.
Brood counts are conducted on the same transects as pair counts. This years extremely low water had such a drastic effect on transect habitat that we were unable to obtain brood data in the usual way. Only three broods were observed.
3. Hayfield Nesting Survey
The pressure of other activities made it impossible to conduct the usual survey this year.
4. Dummy Nest Program
This refuge was one of several in this region chosen to initiate a dummy nest study. The purpose of the investigation is to determine predator activity in various refuge habitat types.
After a rather late start egg lines were established and the first eggs were placed on June 10, A brief summary of the findings of two sample periods is shown below.
Cover Type
Dike-Island Narrow Grazed Narrow Ungrazed Wide Grazed Wide Ungrazed
Sample Period June 10-July 15 % Ave. Survival
41
kU% 21 40%'
2>k%
Sample Period July 21-August 25 % Ave. Survival"^
45$ 20$ 48$ 22$ 60$ 38$
These data indicate what seems to be a rather high incidence of predator activity. If this is an indication of the fate of waterfowl nests it seems important that we continue the investigation and attempt to measure control methods. Recommendations will be submitted to the Regional Office soon.
18
Some problems were encountered in determining what predator was responsible for the egg destruction. Student Assistant Anderson listed the following as suspects: fox or crow 172, raccoon 103, cattle 11, skunk 10.
Perhaps it should be mentioned here that Student Assistant Anderson was placed in charge of this project and did an outstanding job collecting the data and completing the final report.
5. Ammonium Nitrate Pothole Blasting
Activities of this project have been limited to recording waterfowl use on the 41 holes blasted a year ago. It looks as if the holes adjacent to large permanent water are the most desirable.
Wood Duck Banding
Wood duck banding was a flop this year. The usual concentrations of wood ducks did not appear. Only 82 birds were banded compared to 814 last year.
7. Dewline Banding
During August it looked as if mallard banding was going to flop too. Success picked up in September and we managed to pick up 3,527 before the waterfowl season opened on October 10,
The table below shows the breakdown of our dewline banding efforts.
Mallard A M A F I M I F Total
August 1 23 9 15 40 September 160 730 704 1007 2601 October 105 279 217 259 878
Total 266 1050 930 1281 3527
Black August 0 0 1 0 1 September 11 19 23 40 93 October 7 16 12 13 Unk-2 50
Total 18 35 36 53 2 144
Other Pintail 2 2 1 1 6 Baldpate 1 0 1 0 2 MallardxBlack 2 0 0 0 2
Total 5 2 2 1 10
We averaged 161 ducks per shot not including repeats. The best catch was 420 in one shot and the worst was 3» Net traps were 40' x 601 knotless nylon, Thornsberry cannons were used.
(
An aimnoniuin nitrate blasted pothole. This one was blasted in December 1963 and was full of water on March 12, 1964.
A pair of bluewings consistently used this one.
Photo by Frank Martin 3/12/64
-
Refuge Manager Carter, Clerk Bushweiler, and Ass't. Mgr. Kurtz removing mallards from a 40f x 60* knotless nylon 2" mesh net.
Crates are used to minimize injury to the struggling birds. Catches of this size are best handled by four men, 'Here Clerk Bushweiler, Ass't, Mgr. Kurtz, Mechanic Marquardt and laborer Schaumburg.
We are changing to l-J" mesh with curtains on side so birds won't tangle and can be driven from net into crates.
•
L. to rt. ME laborer Schaumburg, Assft, Mgr. Kurtz, and Refuge Manager Carter. These "sunrise boys" became intimate with the wee hours during dewline banding.
With the word that dewline banding is here to stay we have begun a critical examination of our banding operation. Vile must adopt methods which will permit us to band more birds with less time and manpower.
Photo by D. Tvedt, WCD
-
Goose banding was more of the same except cooler temperatures.
We hope to run these birds from the net to the crates too.
Photos by Carter
'
19.
Some attempts were ms.de to pre-bait bluewings. Poor water conditions and relatively few birds seemed to hamper this attempt.
8, Canada Goose Banding
A small post season sample of Canadas were banded. The following table summarizes the results.
A M A F I M I F Total October 35 33 10 20 November 173 155 113 89 530
208 188 123 109 628
Even though a large concentration of Canadas remained in the area after the hunting season, we had a difficult time trapping them,
9. Vegetative Transects
This annual examination shows the dramatic effect of the drawdown program. Open water areas are now blessed with liberal populations of roundstem bullrush, smartweed and water plantain.
VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS
A, Recreational Uses
An llg day goose season was responsible for a drop in recreational use. In 1963 we estimated 271,000 use days while this year 207,000 were recorded.
The spring waterfowl migration brought out the first birders of the season. Most of our roads are closed during this time but free use permits are issued to those wanting to walk in.
The last few weeks of school brought several school tours. These were followed by the summer vacation travelers.
The opening of a new school year in September brought more school tours and as the fall migration arrived speaking engagements were common. The wildlife spectacular on State Highway 49 attracted sufficient crowds for the usual weekend traffic jams,
B, Official Visitors
1/1/64 Kenneth Cottom, Indiana businessman - discuss refuges etc. 1/1/64 Willard Blocksom, M " " " " 1/1/64 Paul Haas, " " " " " I/6/64 James Bell, WCD, mid winter waterfowl census 1/7/64 James Bell, WCD, goose hunting report 1/7/64 Donald Weichman,ASC, recreational use on refuge
A majority of our recreational use is of this type, October and November are the big months.
20
1/7/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, development of peatland 1/7/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, development of peatland 1/7/64 Paul Johnson, SCS, development of peatland 1/9/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, survey and stake ditch 1/9/64 Paul Johnson, SCS, survey and stake ditch 1/13/64 Gordon Jensen, R.O., appraise possible land acquisition 2/3/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, check ditch and dike 3/6/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, peatland development 3/9/64 Paul Johnson, SCS, peatland development 3/9/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, peatland development 3/9/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, peatland development 3/11/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, visit 3/12/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, visit 3/12/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, run levels between OMR & Hwy# 49 3/12/64 Al Taber, SCS, run levels on peatland 3/13/64 John Keener, WCD, visit 3/13/64 Wayne Truax, WCD, visit 3/13/64 James Bell, WCD, visit 3/13/64 Kent Kleppinger, WCD, visit 3/l$/64 John Blavacek, Lake Mills Hatchery, visit 3/1S/64 Dennis Raveling, Southern Illinois University, visit 3/18/64 Wendell Crews, Southern Illinois University, visit 3/19/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, spring migration enforcement 3/19/64 John Waters, USGMA, spring migration enforcement 3/23/64 Dan Olson, student, student assistant position 3/31/64 Mel Lange, WCD, visit 4/1/64 Keuth Carlson, Univ. of Wis,, collect nasal swabs 4/3/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, pick up refuge leaflets 4/6/64 Pat Burhans, WCD, pick up road signs 4/6/64 Ken Larkin, WCD, pick up road signs 4/6/64 Dr. Jacob Shapiro, Oshkosh State College, tour w/70 students 4/8/64 Dan Trainer, Univ. of Wis., visit 4/8/64 Richard Hunt, WCD, pick up geese 4/B/64 Wm, Jenkins, Chester Town Board, discuss road closing 4/8/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, visit 4/14/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, culvert installation 4/21/64 Robert Ericksen, USGS, locate wells for ground water measurement 4/23/64 Larry Keith, 'WCD, visit 4/23/64 Mel Lange, WCD, visit 4/23/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, goose depredations 4/24/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, goose depredations 4/27/64 Dick Thompson, So. Fla, Refuges, visit 4/28/64 Mel Lange, WCD, discuss deer population 4/28/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, F-22 tiling 4/28/64 Paul Johnson, SCS, F-22 tiling 5/6/64 Wm. Green, Biologist BSFW, pair counts 5/9/64 Clair Rollings, R.O., S&M inspection 5/9/64 Elroy Lumb, C.O., S&M inspection 5/11/64 Frank Martin, R.O., production survey and inspection 5/11/64 John Winship, R.O., production survey 5/11/64 Wm. Green, Biologist BSFW, production survey
21.
5/12/64 Richard Hunt, WCD, production survey 5/12/64 Gerald Martz, VCD, production survey 5/20/64 James Bell, WCD, permit for tour 5/20/64 Don Danielson, Milwaukee Museum, permit for tour 5/22/64 James Sullivan, Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter, visit 5/22/64 John Zimmerman, Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter, visit 5/28/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, dove trapping 6/I/64 Ed Trecker, Jr., R.O., visit 6/6/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, visit 6/8/64 Gordon Jensen, R.O., land acquisition 6/IO/64 W. J. Lloyd, SCS, grazing survey 6/IO/64 Lorenz Bredemeier, SCS, grazing survey 6/I6/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, visit 6/I6/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, stake ditches 6/17/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, hunting regulations 6/17/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, stake ditches 6/19/64 John Wilbrecht, Union Slough, visit 6/19/64 Bernard Meyer, Switzerland, visit 6/23/64 Robert Smith, WCD, visit 6/23/64 Mr. Olson, U.S. Forest Service-Washington, D.C., visit 7/2/64 Paul Johnson, SCS, ditch specifications 7/10/64 Harlan Armson, SCS, pick up plans 8/19/64 Wm. Green, Biologist BSFW, vegetative transects 8/21/64 Mr. & Mrs. John Carlsen, Wetlands Acquisition, visit 9/2/64 Ron Wahlin, R.O., surveys for building & pump instsllation 9/24/64 Wm. Green, Biologist BSFW, goose management 9/24/64 Herb Dill, R.O., goose management 9/24/64 Frank Martin, R.O., goose management and survey of quarters 9/28/64 Harold Mathiak, WCD, visit 9/28/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, depredation complaint IO/4/64 Mel Lange, WCD, waterfowl regulations IO/6/64 Dean Tvedt, WCD photographer, photograph duck banding IO/6/64 Al Boss, former Student Assistant, visit IO/6/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, waterfowl hunting 10/6/64 Herb Duncan, USGMA, waterfowl hunting 10/10/64 Ro s e Weg ner, R. 0., vi s it 10/10/64 Asta K. Meyer, R.O., visit 10/10/64 Audrey Bergh, R.O., visit 10/10/64 Margaret Ghristensen, R.O,, visit 10/13/64 Henry Hansen, C.O., visit 11/2/64 Arne Belsaas, Norway, visit II/3/64 Jack Williams, Norfolk, England, visit and tour 11/3/64 Mel Lange, WCD, visit and tour 11/3/64 Dean Tvedt, WCD photographer, movies of goose banding II/4/64 Harold Mathiak, WCD, measure "anfo" potholes 11/18/64 Barnie Wanie, WCD, discuss fish management 11/24/64 Gilbert Lea, SCS, peatland development 12/9/64 Kent Kleppinger, WCD, visit 12/9/64 James Bell, WCD, visit 12/9/64 Douglas Gilson. Federal Aid, visit 12/14/64 Mel Lange, WCD, visit 12/14/64 Marshall Stinnett, USGMA, visit
22.
C. Refuse Participation
Jan. 13 ~ Carter and Kurtz attended Ashippun Sportsmens Club meeting. Carter answered questions on goose hunting and Horicon Refuge.
Jan. 20 - Carter, Kurtz and Bushweiler attended wildlife seminar at University of Wisconsin. Dick Hunt presented evaluation of 6 shell limit.
Jan. 2? - Carter served on State Civil Service Commission oral board - interviewed candidates for position on state game farm,
Feb. 12 - Carter attended meeting at Madison with 1/V.C.D. and U.S.G.S. personnel regarding use of stream flow data on Hock River and related problems.
Feb. 25 - Garter attended meeting with W.C.D. and R.O. personnel in Minneapolis regarding goose problems.
Mar. 21 - Garter served as judge for Horicon Science Fair.
Mar. 24 - Carter presented slide program to grades 1 thru 6 at Oakfield School,
Mar. 25 - Kurtz presented slide program to grades 6 thru 8 at Oakfield School,
April 1 - Carter and Kurtz demonstrated goose banding techniques to 70 students from Oshkosh State Teachers College, Also took them on tour of refuge and explained operations,
April 13 - Kurtz attended wildlife seminar at Madison.
April IB - Kurtz presented program to Father & Son Banquet at First Baptist Church in Fond du Lac.
April 24 - Kurtz gave slide program to St, Cloud Hunting and Fishing Club.
May 5 - Carter presented slide program to Idlaupun College Club and husbands.
May 6 - Carter presented slide program to Beaver Dam Lions Club,
May 7 - Carter presented slide program to Fairwater Rod & Gun Club.
May 13 - Carter presented slide program for John Paul Jones School at Van Dyne,
May 14 - Carter presented slide program for rural school on county road H near Lomira,
23
May 21 - Carter was guest at Mayville Rotary for noon meeting,
June 2 - Kurtz conducted Milwaukee 5 and 6 grade class on tour of refcge and local farm.
July 1 - Kurtz took Janesville High School group on tour of refuge and explained operations,
July 2 - Bushweiler took Fond du Lac fifth and sixth grade summer biology class on tour of refuge and explained operations,
July 13-15 - Carter attended Midwest Association Game & Fish Commissioners meeting at Milwaukee,
July 13 - Kurtz conducted three Army officers on tour of refuge and explained operations.
July 23 - Carter presented slide program to Sheboygan IWLA,
Aug, 11 - Kurtz presented slide program to Optomist Club of Neenah, Wisconsin,
Sept. 15 - Garter presented slide program to Leroy Holy Name Society,
Sept. 24 - Carter and Kurtz attended goose management meeting at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area headquarters,
Oct. 31 - Carter spent day with R.W, Poulter and 15 students from Iowa Wesleyan College trapping and banding geese and tour of refuge,
Nov. 2 - Carter toured refuge and explained operations to Dr. Arne Belsaas of Norway.
Nov. 4 - Kurtz conducted students from Stevens Point College on tour of refuge and expalined operations.
Nov. 14 - Carter demonstrated trapping and banding of geese to Mayville Explorer Scouts,
Nov. 14 - Carter conducted Wisconsin Printers Assoc, on bus tour of refuge.
Dec, 5 - Carter presented slide program to annual meeting of Mayville Die & Tool employees,
Dec. 8 - Carter presented slide program to Appleton Rotary Club at Appleton, Wis,
Dec. 1? - Kurtz presented slide program at Fond du Lac Vocational School to 200 students and faculty.
This refuge is similar to many others in that the hoist room also serves as a conference room. Any visiting group over five cannot be accomodated in the poorly designed refuge office.
Refuge Manager Carter spent the day with 15 Iowa Wesleyan College students on October 31- A conducted tour usually begins with orientation at headquarters.
(Below) Management objectives and techniques are explained in the field.
(Above) Oar native area is usually of special interest to plant ecolegists. Note big bluestem in foreground.
We use this spot as an opportunity to plug wilderness areas and the value of wildlife refuges as outdoor laboratories for nature study etc. as opposed to camp grounds, picnic tables and water skiing,
(Below) Ammonium nitrate blasted potholes usually stimulates a flurry of questions.
The highlight of any tour is waterfowl trapping and banding. We are not always able to "pull it off" but try to provide this experience for special groups such as these future teachers of Iowa Wesleyan,
One of the conditions of demonstrating waterfowl net trapping is participation. We understand a little goose manure, properly distributed, causes some sensational stories back on the campus.
Uniforms are usually mandatory for all refuge participation activities. Poor planning caught Refuge Manager Carter with the uniform at the cleaners.
The eighty members of the Appleton Rotary didnft seem to mind.
24.
D. Hunting
It was stated in section II that the 1964 goose season was not what we had hoped for. Our goal of repeating the 35 day 1963 hunting Reason was not accomplished.
Anyone could kill a goose this year. The comment "the geese have gone crazy" was an apt one and frequently heard. Many hunters commented "its too easy". With this we certainly agree.
There were about six days of the llg day season when it seemed as if geese were reacting to mass hysteria. When this occurred hunters acted in a similar manner. It was an uncomfortable feeling to watch 30 to 40 geese an hour drop on one small area. It is this experience that shakes ones confidence and brings forth the question "have we created this monster"?
After llg days of watching this debauchery it was necessary to spend several days in the alder thickets of northern Wisconsin reflecting on the beauty and solitude of woodcock and grouse habitat.
The managed goose hunt recorded 2901 hunters participating. They bagged 2105 geese. This number represents 16,2 of the total 13,010 bagged and registered.
Details of the 1964 goose season are contained in a special report co-authored with Refuge Management Biologist Green.
Duck hunting in the vicinity of the refuge was poor. Some of the larger lakes in this part of the state reported about average success.
Pheasant hunting was poor while rabbits were more common but still not plentiful.
The managed deer hunt is discussed in the big game section.
The refuge was open for deer bow hunting during the regular state December season. Evidently the "word" of the gun hunters removing 213 deer had spread for the number of hunters on opening weekend was considerably below last year. This years opening weekend car count showed about 1097 hunters while last year over 4,000 were estimated.
There were some cries of all the deer being shot off but this was not the case of course
E, Violations
The following is a summary of the waterfowl hunting violations which occurred in this area during the 1964 goose season. Both state and federal officers participated in these apprehensions.
Kill geese over bait 8
25
Hunting before hours 21 Hunting after hours 3 Over bag limit k Hunt during closed season (before) 1 Hunt in closed area 22 Unplugged gun 6 Hunt in 2:00 PM zone on closed day 4 More than 6 shells in managed goose hunt area 3 Hunting outside blind 7 Failing to register 2
Total 81
F. Safety
The refuge safety program consisted of 6 regular scheduled safety meetings. The following subjects were discussed during these safety meetings.
Safe vehicle operation Grounding blades on equipment Driving speed in courtyard area Use of safety equipment Reviewed "Don'ts" in using farm tractors Proper disposal of aerosol containers Winter driving safety Safe operation of Ford loader
There were two safety movies "Anatomy of an Accident" and "Fire Cause for Alarm" received from the Wisconsin Telephone Company for use at safety meetings.
Non-slip material was purchased and installed onall vehicles and equipment needing it.
This station has had no lost time accidents for 1610 days. Previous safety record was 2546 days.
VII. OTHER ITEMS
A. Items of Interest
With the risk of having this report returned we have tried a different method of including photographs. Some improvement is still possible but we believe a report is more attractive if the with related discussion. Any comments?
Assistant Manager and Mrs. Kurtz came so close to having a new youngster this year we have decided to include the news in this report. A new baby boy Peter John was born New Years Day 1965. Young Pete has a sister Martha,
photographs can be located
26
Credits: Kurtz - IA, IIB-I, IIIB-F, IV and V.
Bushweiler - typing, assembly and VIF.
Carter - IB, IIA, IIIA, VIA-E, VII and edited entire report.
SIGNATURE PAGE
Date; March 2, 1965
Approved, Regional Office:
Date;
(Signature) ££.
Submitted by;
(Signature
\'h D. Carter, Refuge Manager Title
Regional Refuge Supervisor
BUREAU OF SPORT P1SHRRXSS & ViILDLIFE KORICOK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ROUTS Zf UAITULS, .,LSCOi*Sin
Obt
Vti*
Tia« (temp., a icy and wind)
Start „ Finaih
BIRDS SSSN STOP NO.
1*
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
TIME
TOTAL
Raoarka:
CRDVflMGS HEARD OOCKS HENS
PHEASANT GROWING COUNT DATA SHEET
Inatract lona
Arrive at flret stop 40 minutes before sam-ise and fill in pertinent blanks'. At 35 minutes before sunrise take a position at least 1$ feet from vehicle and listen for 2 minutes, counting every crowing hoard. After the 2 minutes return to car and record number of ©rowings. Proceed to the next station as quickly as is safety pose-ible and repeat. Avoid unnecessary delays. Record number of hens and codes ceon while listening and also those seen in driving betsreenljtops.
time at Koricon D^TE APRIL MAY,
4:46 JUNE 4:14
2 4:45 4:U 3 4:43 4:13 4 4:42 4:13 5 4:41 4:12 6 4:39 4:12 7 4:38 4:12 8 4:37 4:11 9 4:35 4:11 10 5:20 . 4:34 4tll 11 5:18 4:33 4:11 12 5:17 fi:32 4:11 13 5:15 4:31 4:10 14 5:13 4:29 4:10 15 5:11 4:28 4:10 16 5:10 4:27 4:10 17 5:08 4:26 4:10 18 5:06 4:25 4:11 19 5:05 4:24 4:11 20 5:03 4:23 4:11 21 5:01 4:22 22 5:00 4:21 23 4:58 4:20 24 4:57 4:20 25 4:55 4:19 26 4:54 4:18 27 4:52 4:17 28 4:51 4:17 29 4:49 4:16 30 4:48 4:15 31 4:15
HORICON HBFUCfE Pheasant Brood Count Data
Tear
Area DiTB HENS TDUNG TOTAL
T
L. Broods are to be eounted from August 1 to Sept. 1, 2« Reeord all lone henb without broods to determine % hatching success.
H0R1C0N REFUGE Pheasant sex ratios
fiel« fsrm
Date _______ Period of Day (All or Ptf) Time Started Time Finished TstaX Minnies SnsiM Depth
Observer __ Weather Starts % Cloud cover^ Direction
Temp wind m)
vvas Deg Used: Tee Wo
Weather at End: % Cloud Cover _ Direction
Temp Mind (UPH)
Pheasants counted by group: ninutes counting in area AREA Cover Type Cocks Hens Unk Total
ninutes counting in area
RVFUG . no'TAI,
Comments
GeneVii Instructionss 1. Conduct eounta during period from Dec. 15 to Mar, 15*
Make counts following snow storm or when snow cover. Observe pheasants with field glasses then flush to insure accuracy. Record each bird or group of birds on a separate line. Make counts 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and/or 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM.
2» 3. 4. 5*
m-mivz fair oourns
Date vtoather -..B—, Obs»jrverfl
HALUHD " 1 1 1
f 1
_—_—
3UCK | " IL "J
M J "
n_ . -. - t™ .:
KITAIL
i>f
GvtD.«'/XL GvtD.«'/XL
BaLOPATK
•COD DUCK •COD DUCK
RUDDY <>
RUDDY |. • ti i - - —
HSDITUD HSDITUD ¥
3CAUF 1
3CAUF II
f T
RINGNBCK I 1\ f
BUFFLSHfiAD h ¥
UNItENTIFIED
GOO? GOO?
GALDINULE GALDINULE
P.E.GERBE
OTHEH . .. OTHEH . ..
-