refuge pbck jericd 1957 - fws

BRANCIi OF VraDUFK REFUGES NARRATIVE HEPCRTS

MR. SALISR

MR. GKIFFrra

•Tpe rations

7yp£~

X-ajid Kanagemsnt

DR. KOBXEI

Habitat ImprovsiBnt

ERo ERICKSON ____ mo STILES

Me KUBICHEK

Stenographers

REFUGE fr. PBCK JERICD 1957

Q&eb yv <2.0. izlS/sj

FORT PECK GAME RANGE Narrative Report

May - August, 1957

Frederic T» Staunton

Eugene Ao Stroops

Dallas C. Carlson

Harold Jones

John R. Macqueen

PERSONNEL

Refuge Manager

Ass1t• Refuge Manager

Refuge Clerk

Foreman, Mixed Gang

Maintenan ceman

TEMPORARY PERSONNEL

Erma A. Liebetrau

I^ynes Kilby

Dale L. Sandstrom

Daniel G. Cimrhakl

Clerk-Typist

Laborer

Laborer

Laborer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

I« General A • Weather Conditions 1 B. Water Conditions 2 C» Fires 3

II„ Wildlife A• Migratory Birds U B• Upland Birds • • • 6 C• Big Game Animals 7 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents & Other Mammals•. 9 E. Predaceous Birds, Including Crows and Magpies.... 10 F. Fish 10

III. Refuge Development and Maintenance A. Physical Development 10 B* Plantings 12 C. Collections l)j. D. Receipt of Seed and Nursery Stock Ik

IV. Economic Use of Refuge A. Grazing 1U B. Haying lU C« Fur Harvest lit D. Timber Removal 1L E. Other Uses H

V. Field Investigations and Applied Research Ao Bird Banding ..••a... 1^

VI» Public Relations A. Recreational Uses •••• 1$ B. Refuge Visitors 15 C. Refuge Participations ••••••••• 16 D. Hunting •••••• 16 E. Fishing 16 F• Violations ...•• 17

VII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 18 B. NR Forms Not Applicable This Period 18 C. Composition of Report 18 D. Photographs ....IB

Easement Refuges Report Follows

FORT PECK GAME RANGE Lewistown, Montana

NARRATIVE REPORT May - August, 1957

I * General

A* Weather Conditions

The follovdng tables show the precipitation and temperatures for corresponding periods in 1956 and 1957.

1957

Precip. Max. Temp. Min. Temp.

May

ON C

O

• 86 39

June 2.1)3 90 hh

July 1.15 102 5ii

August 99 Mi

h.9h 102 39

1956

Precip. Max. Temp. Min. Temp

May 1.U6 87 2h

June 1.29 98 h9

July 2.38 100 16

August 1.65 95 39

6.78 100 2U

Although we did not receive as much moisture this year as we did in 1956, the heaviest rains came during the month of June and gave the much needed boost in making a successful crop for the ranchers• The rain received during the month of July was at widely separated locations• We must point out too that drought conditions still existed on some areas and particularly on a few of the river bottoms. For example. Tracts 15

!•

and 3U received very little rainfall during the period, thus resulting in crop failures#

Temperatures were normal for this period.

E. Water Conditions

The Fort Peck reservoir was higher at the end of the report period than during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The majority of stock water reservoirs were dry at the end of the report period.

Following is a tabulation of gauge readings at the Fort Peck outlet,

FORT PECK RESEP-VOIR LEVELS

19H 1956 1957

May 1 220h.l!8 2172.02 2177.06

May 15 220U.39 2173.22 2177.143

June 1 220)4.18 2175.90 2179.00

June 15 2205.73 2179.39 2180.91

July 1 2205.28 2160.87 2l81i.30

July 15 2203.08 2180.U6 2185.lU

August 1 2199.62 2179.00 2185.20

August 15 2196.2). 2178.20 2185.09

August 31 2192»3h 2176.96 2l8[i.81i

Weir Crest Elevation 222lu93

C« Fires

The June rain produced greatly improved forage condition this year and by the end of July, this growth had cured resulting in an extremely hazardous condition for lightning fires.

One fire consisting of 320 acres occurred on Knox Ridge near Two Calf Creek on the. Fort Peck Game Range on July 29. The blaze, caused by lightning, was brought under control July 30 with "mop-up" continuing through August 1.

A total of 955 man hours contributed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and private individuals was expended in fighting the fire, with overall costs set at $1,180.00

This fire occurred in a heavy timbered area.

Another fire named Jack-in-the-Box, and also caused by lightning on August 19, burned an area adjacent to the Game Range on and near the Power Plant Ferry road. It burned an area of approximately 10li9 acres.

The Fish and Wildlife Service dispatched four men and a HD-7 tractor to the fire to assist the Bureau of Land Management in suppression. In addition, we provided the only communication via radio between the scene of the activity and the Bureau of Land Management office in Lewis town.

A crew of 37 Indians from the Crow reservation assisted in fighting the fire, bringing the total number of men fighting the blaze to nearly 100,

The fire, difficult to control because of its size was brought under control on August 21 but not declared officially out until August 31.

Bureau of land Management cost figures in suppressing the Jack-in-the-Box fire were $lli,172,27.

II, Wildlife

kc Migratory Birds

!• Population and Behavior

Spring migration of waterfowl through this portion of the State was light. Not as many ducks were observed on the reservoir, the river, or on stock water reservoirs on or in the vicinity of the Game Range, The fact that there was very little run off from melting snow and water levels in reservoirs were for the most part very low, may have had some effect on local migration patterns. We received no information from the Fort Peck Station on waterfowl migration this period as no personnel were stationed there from May 8 through the end of the report period. Reports from the Sioary Ann Station indicate that a moderate nuraber of ducks stopped briefly on the river during migration. Mallards and a smaller number of pintails, gadwalls and baldpates were observed working over the old stubble in some of the food plots that had been completely utilized ty waterfowl and other game during the fall and winter months. Diving ducks with the exception of golden-eye were only observed on a few occasions In the river, but from reports received from outside sources they appeared in normal numbers on the reservoir proper. Golden-eye were more numerous during migration than in the past two seasons but fewer local nesters were observed later in the period. There was no flooding of nests by river over flow although the water levels fluctuated from 18" to 3* each 2k hour period depending on the load on the hydroelectric generators up-stream. This action on waterlevels first occurred in the season of 1956, after the Canyon Ferry Power KLant began operation. Since the fluctuation occurs with such regularity the birds appear to seek nesting locations at higher elevations. Another important factor that in past years has at times had a disastrous effect on nesting was the June floods, locally called the second flood. These have not occurred since the closures were made on the two new upstream dams.

Fall migration of ducks through this section of Montana has thus far been heavier than usual. The southward movement of birds was noticed first about August 12 and reached a peak about the end of the report period. ?fith the operations work load greater than the present staff can handle and frequent changes and shortages in personnel, it is extremely difficult to collect any information on birds or other forms of wildlife. With the exception of routine checks, new personnel cannot be assigned to such duties as it normally requires at least a year before a new man is able to find his way around even a small portion of the area.

There was a noticeable increase in the number of Canada geese using the area. Once again we were unable to take advantage of this opportunity due to spring farm work and the regular seasonal

k.

maintenance work load. One man was assigned to brood counts for a few days, but beyond this no waterfowl investigations were accomplished/ A total of 63 mated pairs of Canada geese were observed using the Missouri River and adjacent bottoms between the UL Bend and the west end of the Game Range. A total of 19 Canada goose broods were observed and counted by Service personnel and cooperators between Tract 3h and the west end of the area, and 7 broods of Canada geese were observed by cooperators between the mouth of CK Creek and UL Bend. A total of 27 broods for the area west of the UL Bend, We were unable to make any observations on areas east of the UL Bend to Fort Peck, a distance of more than 160 miles of water area, Canada Geese have been known to nest on the reservoir east of this point particularly in the vicinity of Seven Blackfoot Creek and Telegraph Creek,

As of the end of the report period there were 121 captive Canada geese at the Sipary Ann Game Station. During the period 8 were killed by a bobcat and 1 died of natural causes. This is rather a heavy mortality from predation and is the first on record since the geese were brought to the Sipary Ann Game Station two years ago. One pair of captive geese nested in the enclosure, but abandoned the nest presumably because of the disturbance created by other birds or perhaps they were not sufficiently mature (age 2 years) for mating# Two pairs of wild birds were attracted sufficiently to nest in close proximity to the enclosure, both of which successfully brought off broods.

No coots were observed in the area this period. Shore birds including killdeer, willets, phalaropes, and godwits were present in their usual numbers. Mountain and upland plovers were observed but like the season of 195>6, showed some reduction in numbers•

Gulls, cormorants, pelicans, grebes and herons were present in their usual numbers.

The mourning dove population, both during migration and the nesting periods, appears to have undergone no change over that reported in the same period of 1956, The greatest number of birds was observed between August 20 and September 5« The unusually wet season may have reduced production, but if such were the case it was not noticeable. It is believed that most of the doves nesting on the Game Range are ground nesters and for that reason would be more effected by wet weather than tree nesting birds.

Food and Cover

Food is still a serious problem for both migrating and local nesting waterfowl. Production from Service food plots has

5.

not met this critical need although birds in the fall migration have more and better food than soring migrators and summer residents• During the preceding two years crop failures resulted from local drought conditions and the fact that we were not properly staffed, equipped nor financed to undertake this sizable fanning operation. Weather conditions were much more favorable this year for crop production, but we still do not have the manpower or equipment. Cover conditions have never been better, as abundant rainfall resulted in good growth on all plant species from grasses to trees and shrubs.

3« Disease

No evidence of disease was observed,

E. Upland Game Birds

1. Population and Behavior

If wet weather and frequent storms, wind and electrical displays are not conducive to upland game bird production, we would be inclined to rate this period as a decidedly unfavorable season.

Pheasants - Only very few pheasant broods were observed on the area and the size of these broods did not encourage us to believe that production was good. Abundant cover relatively early in the season may have had something to do with the scarcity of birds observed.

Sage Grouse - A total of seven sage grouse broods were observed by personnel this period. The brood size averaged h.85 plus young per brood. This brood size average is very good locally but Tre are at a loss to understand why in view of local weather conditions# Actually the brood sample is too small to indicate a trend or for that matter anything of value in management. There were about 20% less birds using the dance grounds in our spring check of such areas.

Sharntail Grouse - No sharptail grouse broods were observed by any of the local staff this period. In fact, very few birds were seen. Checks on the dance grounds by Service personnel and coopera-tors indicate a general decline in the breeding population.

Hungarian Partridge - Very few partridge broods were observed this period and those mentioned in field notes indicate a possibility of incomplete count, in all but two of the broods seen. Based on a general concensus of opinion of the personnel polled, fewer birds were observed and their status in general is not regarded as favorable.

Chukar Partridge - None of these birds were seen on the Game Range this period.

6»

Merriaras Turkey - As was stated in the January to April narrative, a total of 15 young birds were released at the Sipary Ann Game Station on March 6 of this year. The sex ratio of this plant appears to have been 2 gobblers and 13 hens, all of which were reported as young birds with questionable breeding status# All but 2 hens and 1 gobbler were reported to have remained in the immediate vicinity of the Station. The two exceptions relocated on Tract 629 in the vicinity of the new bridge across the river and about 5 miles up stream from the birds at the Station. At the end of the report period, 5 broods were reported from the total introduction with U2 young. All of the young turkeys are on the wing and all appear to be strong healthy birds. The birds locating near the Station have been fed a small quantity of barley throughout the entire period in an effort to induce them to stay in the locality. They consume only a small amount of this grain although observational reports indicate that they visit the feeding location at frequent intervals.

2. Food and Cover

As was stated earlier in this report, cover conditions were excellent this period. Food for upland game birds has the same status as cover with very good yields from fruiting trees and shrubs. Weeds also made an abundant growth and in the case of pheasants and partridge, weed seeds provide a considerable portion of their winter diet.

3. Disease

There is no evidence of disease among local game bird populations this period.

C. Big Game Animals

1. Population and Behavior

Mule Deer - We had helped to begin our doe-fawn ratios, counts early enough to be able to forecase a trend in production that would be discarded or confirmed by later investigations. Unfortunately we have not been able to undertake this work and can only guess at the results of this season's fawn crop. From the number of females observed with fawns, it appears to be a good productive season.

The distribution or pattern of use for mule deer has changed to a considerable extent since the last report. Favorable weather conditions have resulted in new and increased growth of deer foods in outlying areas. There appears to be a noticeable dispersal of animals within the Game Range to outer or marginal ranges that normally are used only during years of most favorable moisture conditions.

7.

Whitetail Deer - Whitetail fawns have also made a good showing this period. Twins appear to be the rule and those observed had made a good growth. No change has been noted in their behavior or the pattern of use. There is some indication that they also are extending their range by occupying area where low water levels have resulted in new growth of both cottonwood trees and willows. This is particularly true of the area between the U1 Bend and the former back water area of the Missouri River.

Antelope - We have very few reports of antelope on the area this period and the information we have is sketchy. On an airpline flight over a portion of the range south of the Missouri River and west of Armells Creek on June 22, a number of antelope were observed in small bunches numbering from 6 to 18 animals. The observer reported seeing no fawns. On another flight over the same area September 19, not a single antelope was seen. The heavy kills in all counties adjoining the Game Range for the past four or five years have had a considerable effect on the on and off population using the area. The Game Range on south side is not deep enough to offer very much protection. On the north side, west of the UL Bend where the average depth is six to seven miles there are very few antelope except during unusually severe winters when migration occurs. The larger resident population of antelope have always remained south of the river.

Elk - We have received more reports on elk from personnel and cooperators this period than in any previous season. These reports concern mainly numbers and distribution. There appears to have been a good calf crop although we have no figures to support this statement as no calf counts were made. The largest numbers seen in what may be turned new area were the 21 head counted on Tract 31 A directly across the river from the Farm Camp. Others have been seen on Tracts 7, 12, 15?, 19 and 20. Elk have also been observed on Knox ridge in the Sand Creek area and near Devil Creek. No complaints of depredations have been received this period at the headquarters office in Lewistown, but we understand that the District Office of the State in Glasgow has received some from R. K. Whittmayer, a rancher in South Valley County,

Bighorn Sheep - We have little to report this period on bighorn sheep as none have been reported seen by either State or Federal personnel. A local rancher reported seeing a ram on several occasions just inside the Game Range boundary on Armells Creek. No sheep have ever been seen in this area before.

2, Food and Cover

Ranges for all species of big game occurring on the area have shown considerable improvement this period. Favorable

moisture conditions and temperatures have resulted in an unusually good growth on all desirable plant species. Fruit bearing trees and shrubs produced an excellent crop as there were no late frosts. Stock water reservoirs filled quite early and this improvement in water conditions resulted in a much better pattern of livestock use. Range improvements also had considerable effect on big game species, deer in particular. Local droughts for the seasons of 19$$ and 1956 had concentrated a large part of the mule deer population within watering distance of the river or reservoir. In some areas this action resulted in over utilization of the more desirable species of brouse and at the same time placed considerable pressure on domestic crops being grown within the area for waterfowl and livestock.

3. Disease

No diseased or sick game animals were observed or reported during the period.

D« Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Other Mammals.

Predators - Coyotes are obviously on the increase over the entire area. Personnel report hearing them at night and quite frequently seeing them in all parts of the Game Range. Tracks are common along the river bank and around the stock water reservoirs. Evidence of predation on the fawns of deer and antelope have seldom been observed although these predators must account for a number of the young of both species.

The bobcat population continues high throughout the entire area. Y/hile we have found little evidence of predation on big game animals we are confident that some predation occurs. We have had two instances this period when bobcats have killed captive geese in the goose pasture at the Sipary Ann Game Station. It has been necessary to maintain a constant control campaign in the vicinity of the station in order to protect these pinioned0birds. Bobcats find a 6* woven wire fence topped with a 2 ft, U5 arm of barbed wire no obstacle. Two cats have a record of not only going over tlds fence, but also carrying a large Canada goose at the same time.

Rodents - There appears to have been little change in the population status of any of the rodent family since our January to April report. The jackrabbit population is unquestionably lower than in past years. This decline is credited to the present market price for jackrabbit pelts. The only other rodent with a known declining population is the porcupine. This latter species is being effectively controlled by the bobcat. The status of the species of rabbits and hares as well as gophers and mice appear unchanged.

9.

Predaceous Birds, Including Crows and Magpies

No bald or golden eagles were reported on the area this period. Rough-leg hawks were numerous although not believed in excess of the number reported for the same period last year. The status of other birds of prey appears unchanged. Magpies appear to be on the increase although we have no factual trend date to support this statement. Crows are uncommon on the area except during migration and normal migration does not occur until mid or late October,

F, Fish

No plantings were reported to this office by the State Fish and Game Department this period.

Ill, Refuge Development & Maintenance

A, Physical Development

1, Construction

Fencing - Construction of the 6 ft, woven wire fence for the Rocky Mountain Sheep enclosure was started during this period, A contract was let by the Montana Fish and Game Department for the driving of the posts. The successful bidder was Lamport and Thomson of Billings, Montana, They began work on this project on July 15>th by setting the corner posts and then proceeded to drive the line posts. Completion date for this portion of the project is expected to be the first week in September,

The Montana Fish and Game Department fencing crew started to stretch the wire on August 6th and a tentative completion date has been set for the last of September,

Our portion of the project, clearing the regetation and leveling for the fence was started last period and was finished on August 2nd , Clearing the fence line of vegetation was done with a dozer and leveling was accomplished by the use of a pull type grader.

Upon completion of this project there will be approximately 2000 acres enclosed in a six foot woven wire fence with two strands of barbed wire on top.

Approximately l.U miles of three wire stock fence was built on tract 1? during mid-July, A part of this tract was planted into barley this spring and the existing fence was not adequate to protect this crop from range cattle grazing in the immediate area.

10,

Excavation has been completed for the underground gasoline storage tank at the Sipaiy Ann Station, but due to difficulties in acquiring an anpropriate tank, no further work has been done on this much needed item*

2, Refuge Maintenance and Repair

Buildings - The comer of the Service Building which was damaged last fall was repaired by a local masonary contractor. The broken cement blocks were replaced and new blocks laid up and the damaged portion painted. Cracked mortar joints on the remainder of the Service Building and Residence were re-pointed painted.

Cleaning of approximately 2 miles of irrigation ditch between the artesian well and the reservoir at Miller Lake was accomplished by refuge personnel and equipment during August. (See Easement Area section for further detail),

3. Equipment Maintenance and Repair

A preventative maintenance prograin is carried on at this station with 5000 mile and safety inspections being made on the Dodge Power Wagon and Universal Military Jeep.

Major repairs were made on the following equipments

19^0 Jeep Pickup - Major motor overhaul.

1955 Jeep Pickup - Motor tune up, repair front wheel locking hubs.

HD-7 Crawler Tractor - Replacement of water pump, flexible gas lines, and cable on wench operated dozer.

Universal Military Jeep - Installation of a half-cab.

Kohler Light Plant (3000 Watt) - Repaired governor and replaced rings.

A John Deere four bottom mold board plow was acquired from Govemment surplus. It will be used in farming operations on the south side of the river and will eliminate movement of the disc plow from the operations on the north side of the river. Before, plowing had to be held up until the disc plow was available and this operation could not proceed at the most favorable season of the year,

A six foot John Deere mower was transferred from Red Rocks Refuge to be used on the south side of the river.

11.

P, Plantings

1, Aquatic and Marsh

None

2 0 Trees or shrubs

None

3, Upland Herbaceous plants

None

Lo Cultivated Crops

Refuge Plantings - The following is a listing of the tracts which are at present planted to cereal crops.

Tract 3h hO acres barley

Tract 19k 16 acres barlej^

Tract 17 18 acres barley

Tract 6 h acres barley

Tract 9 23 Acres barley

Tract 6Ii6 28 acres barley

Tract 616 5 acres buckwheat

Tract 6h6 2 acres millet

Total Cultivated Crop - 136 acres.

There was an abundance of moisture during the spring and this delayed all farming operations. During the early part of the growing season there was sufficient moisture and this made germination of all seed possible. But from the first of July throughout the summer, no moisture was present and this caused a very poor yield of all cereal crops. The only exception is the acreage at Tract 6I).6 which we were able to irrigate later in the season «

We again suffered loss of grain at Tracts 1? and 3h from invading range cattle before we were able to build new fence on Tract 1? and repair existing fence on Tract 3lu

12.

In addition to the above listed plantings on Tracts 3h and 6h6, there is an additional 70 acres on these areas which is summer fallow.

Due to early spring rains which delayed farming operations, fewer acres are in crop this year than in previous years®

Share Cropping ~ Below is a listing of areas farmed by permitees on a share-crop basis® A rotation plan is practiced in these areas alternating between summer fallow and plainting every other year.

Tract No.

18 and 20

636

15 (R26E)

15 (R25E)

101 & 103

16

93, 9h & 95

23 & 2ii

28 & 28a

60 acres Millet 111 acres alfalfa & barley 16 acres oats & barley

10 acres barley

29 acres summer fallow

50 acres barley 53 acres summer fallow

hO acres summer fallow

25 acres barley




Government Share

25$ of harvested crop

97, 97a, 98 100, lOh, 105 65 acres barley 107 & 110 50 acres summer fallow

Lot 6, Sec. h, T 26n, R IjlE, 28 acres summer fallow Lots 3 & k, Sec. h, T 26N, R hi E. 35 acres summer fallow

100 %

100%

25$ of harvested crop

100

100

100$

lOOjg

100

100$

25$ Of harvested crop

13

C. Collections

1, Seed and other propagules

None

2, Specimens

None

D» Receipt of Seed and Nursery Stock

None

IV# Economic Use of Refuge

Ac Grazing

Handled by the Bureau of Land Management

B. Haying

The Service harvested the first cutting of alfalfa for hay at the Sipary Ann Game Station# The baling operations were contracted locally and 1U58 bales were received#

From the small acreages at Fort Peck under agreement with Victor Archambeault, the Service received as its one-eighth share, 300 bales. This is the last year of a Special Use Permit which will completely amortize the irrigation improvements performed by Mr# Archambeault on the small tract prior to the Services' acquisition# The acreage will continue to be leased to Mr. Archambeault but on a yearly basis and under a different division#

C# Fur Harvest

None

D# Timber Removal

None

1U.

V« Field Investigations and Applied Research

A • Bird Banding

No birds were banded this period nor any banding returns received®

VI• Public Relations

A. Recreational Use

The visiting of the Fort Pect Project by tourists from the forty-eight states, as well as Canada, was the major attraction within the Fort Peck Game Range. Recreational areas and camp sites were used heavily by the traveling public®

B. Refuge Visitors

5/1/57 - Mr. Thomas C. Horn, Refuge Manager, Tulelake Refuge - Regional transport

5/2/57 - Refuge Manager, Elmo G. Adams, Medicine lake Refuge - enroute to Medicine Lake from. Bear River.

5/2/57 ~ Messrs. Walter Everin, Assistant State Fish and Game Director, and Wynn Freeman, Assistant Wildlife Restoration Coordinator, Helena, -Discus sheep pasture.

5/2/57 - Mr. Rex Zobell, Range Manager, BIM, - sheep pasture

5/9/57 - Mr. Gene Grand, District Agent, Predator and Rodent Control Branch, F.W.S., Billings, -predatory animal control on Game Range,

5/10/57-Mr, Faye Gouey, Wildlife Coordinator, State Fish and Game Dept. Helena, - sheep pasture

5/11/57 - Mr. Charles D,Ewart, Motorola Radio Engineer, Great Falls, courtesy call.

5/23/57 - Messrs. H. F. Josephson, R. H. Piper and Charles Johnston, Corps of Engineers, Riverdale, North Dakota and Fort Peck, Montana - mutual problems.

15.

6/6/57 ~ Mr. Ed Skibbey, i'ish and Game Commissioner, Lewistown, - courtesy call.

6/16/57 - Mr. Kenneth F. MacDonald, Regional Refuge Supervisor, LU lands hearings.

6/lb/^l - Mr. Ed Seylor, Mammal control Supervisor, Predator and Rodent Branch, Havre, - control operations on Game Range.

7/U!./57 - Mr. W. N. Anderson, Assistant Regional Refuge Supervisor, refuge inspection.

7/26/57 - Mr. Ashton Bram, Game Management Agent, Helena, instructions in law enforcement.

8/13/57 ~ Mr. Robert Gensch, Missouri River Basins, Billings, - information on use of stock water reservoir by waterfowl.

C* Refuge Participation

Manager Staunton attended weekly meetings of the local Kiwanis Club.

5AU/l?7 - Refuge Manager, Staunton, attended meeting of Valley County Sportsmens Association.

6/11 - Mr. Staunton attended LU lands hearings in 15/57 Billings, Terry and Malta, with Mr. MacDonald.

8/1/57- Manager, Staunton, worked at Fergus County fair.

8/11/57- Clerk Carlson attended the annual "Fish Fry" of the Lewistown Rod and Gun Club.

D. Hunting

None

E. Fishing

Fishing success in the reservoir proper ranged from fair to good during this report period. A number of good catches of trout, pipe and perch were reported in the vicinity of the dam with excellent catches of catfish reported at the mouth of the Musselshell River and on the Missouri river above the back water.

16.

The Sanger pike fishing below the outlet tunnels at the Power House was unbelievably good for a period of about ^0 days from May 1 through June 18, but it tappered off to the normal take for that location. Other species not mentioned in this report may be considered as having been present or taken in their usual numbers.

F. Violations

The following violators on the Fort Peck Game Range were apprehended by State Game Warden Peter F. Quiring, Fort Peck, Montana: Since these were States cases and handled by Mr. Quiring himself, we do not have information as to whether or not the State Game Warden reported the cases to the Game Management agent, nor in some instances, do we have the dates of the violations.

1. Gary E, Gordon, Fort Peck, Montana, June 10, 1957> Possession of over limit of game fish.

2. James Loyd Grove, Nashua, Montana, June 9, 1957, Operating boat without a life jacket or life preserver.

3. James A. Heikens, Nashua, Montana, June 9, 1957, Using boat without a life jacket or life preserver.

li, Georgianne Patterson, Glasgow, Montana, June U, 1957, Fishing without a valid 1957 license

5. Edward H. Lengsdrof, Fort Peck, Montana, June U, 1957, Operating Boat without a life jacket or life preserver.

6. Kenneth V. Rounds, Nashua, Montana, June h, 1957, Operating boat without a life jacket or life preserver.

7. Kenneth Houseman, Great Falls, Montana, June U, 1957, Operating boat without a life jacket or life preserver.

8. Norman Beaudry, Glasgow, Montana, May 13, 1957, Possession of over legal limit of game fish.

9. Clarence L0 Rasmusan, Glasgow, Montana, May 16, 1957, Possession of over legal limit of game fish.

10. George Bauer, Glasgow, Montana, May 19, 1957, Possession of over limit of game fish.

17.

VII» Other Items

Items of Interest

None

NR Forms Not Applicable This Period

NR-3 NR-6 NR-9 m~h NR-7 NE-10 MR-^ NR-8 NR-11

Composition of Report

Section II and Easement Refuges - Refuge Manager Staunton Section III - Assistant Refuge Manager Stroops Section I, IV, VI - Refuge Clerk Carlson

Photographs

Follows NR forms of this report»

I80

3-1750 Form NR-i (Rev. March 19 3)

W A T E R F O W L

REFUGE Fort Peck Game Range MONTHS OF May TO August , 19 5>7

r_)

W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d (i)

Species : : : : : : : : :

1: 2 t 3 i h i 5 i 6 •• 7 i Q s 9 J 10 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: Canada Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks: Mallard Black Gadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye Bufflehead Rudcfcr Other

Coot:

600

500

150 1^0

3500

300

5oo

300 2000

250

5oo

600

200 100

2500

200

700

200 1500

250

50

500

700

300 100 1000

500

1000

500 1000

300

50

500

liiOO

200 300 800

800

500

200 1000 100

Uoo

1500

150 200 500

500

200

500 100

hoo

800

300 100 300

500

300

130

Uoo

500

250 30 200

200

300

200

Uoo

330

250 30

200

200

200

250

UOO

700

250 0

200

200

300

250

Int. Dup. Sec., Wash.. D. C^37quii

3 -mwa Cont. (Fev. March 19 3)

REFUGE Fort Peck Game Range

W A T E R F O W L (Continuation Sheet)

MONTHS OF May TO August 19£L

• • (2) •

•

• • W e e k s 0 f r e p 0 r t i n g p e r i 0 d • •

(1) • •

• • • • • •

• • : : :

Species : 11 : 12 : 13 : lb : 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : Swans: 1 Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: Canada boo boo 300 300 300 300 boo bOO Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks: Mallard 800 800 1000 1200 1500 1800 1800 1800 Black

1500

Gadwall 250 200 200 150 150 100 1100 1100 Baldpate 0 0 0 0 0 200 200 300 Pintail 200 300 boo 200 1000 1200 2500 2000 Green-winged teal

boo 50 50

Blue-winged teal 300 boo boo 500 1000 1200 1200 1200 Cinnamon teal

500 1200 1200

Shoveler 200 300 300 boo boo 500 boo boo Wood

500 boo boo

Redhead Ring-necked •)

Canvasback 300 200 200 200 Scaup 100 100 Goldeneye 200 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Bufflehead

100 100

Ruddy Other

Coot: 0

(ov er)

—U ) —

Estimated waterfowl

i—an— s Production :Broods:£ stimated

days use : seen : total

51,100

131,250

3,850 12,250 12,0l;0

910 6k,bOO

50,I|00

lb,700 b3,b0O 21,000

1,050

0

27

22

5 0 9 0 11

0 0 b

0

270

1600

boo 0

550 0

200

300

0 0 80

Swans

Geese

Ducks

Coots

Total Days Use

355,250

Peak Number : Total Production SUHMAKX

12,000

2,7QQ

Principal feeding areas River bottoms on the extreme

west end of the Game Range,

.2*120 Principal nesting areas River bottoms in back water

area and along shore line of Big Drv,

Reported ty

(1) Species:

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual)

In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance.

(2) Weeks of Reporting Periods

(3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use:

(h) Productions

(5) Total Days Use;

(6) Peak Numbers

(7) Total Productions

Estimated average refuge populations.

Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10 of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted.

A summary of data recorded under (3),

Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period.

A summary of data recorded under (U).

Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953

3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) (other than waterfowl)

Refuge-...EQrb..Eeck..GaiQe.Jlaiige Months of Map. to August 195-7—-

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total

Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Numbe r Date Colonies Nests Young Number

I. Water and Marsh Birds:

Eared Grebe 1100 6/10 iiOO 2500 Western Grebe 30 8/S 100 Pied-billed Grebe 300 8/16 1100 White Pelican iiOO 7/5 1300 Double Crested Comorant 900 8/25 2 350 1500 Great Blue Heron 25>0 6/10 5 120 350

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:

Mountain Plover 20 6/10 35 Killdeer 500 5/20 1200 Western Willett 125 6/25 200 Marbled Godwlt 30 8/25 150 California Gull 150 8/25 350 Ring-billed Chill 1300 8/25 1800 Common Tern 1200 7/5 700

> \ 5

(over)

( 1 )

III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove White-winged dove

IV . Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow Marsh Hawk Sparrow Hawk Rough-legged Hawk

121 (5 )

22^,000

225 35>00

12 200 350 10

6/20

Entire Period

I! tl

5/5 Entire

ti it

14

Period it it

Reported by.

151 ( 6 )

10,000 350,000

:io

300 3500

30 350 350 70

(1 ) Spec ies :

(2 ) F i rs t Seen:

(3 ) Peak Numbers

(4 ) Las t Seen:

(5 ) Produc t ion :

(6 ) To ta l : INT.-DUP. SEC., WASH.. D.C.

INSTRUCTIONS Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. o rder . Avo id genera l te rms as "seagu l l " , " te rn" , e tc . In add i t ion to the b i rds l i s ted on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes)

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes)

IV . Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes)

The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

Es t imated to ta l iber o f the spec ies us ing the uge during the period concerned,

5931?

Explaining Absence of NR Form 1 B

It is doubtful if Form NR-lB will be of any value in analyzing or evaluating the Services1 initial attempt to improve habitat for waterfowl on the Fort Peck Game Range.

We have no doubt but what, in most cases, this form with the information requested, regularly and accurately reported, could provide statistical data of considerable value. We believe that the Fort Peck Game Range provides some unique problems of reporting and investigation that would not only confuse the statistician but defy analysis by anyone.

Some of the confusing aspects that most assuredly must be ironed out before the initial data should be furnished are as follows: In past years the waterfowl population data supplied was for the most part obtained from one sample area in the immediate vicinity of Fort Peck, the acreage of which was less than 1^ of the total water area of the Game Range. Information obtained from this sample area was frequently supplemented with data collected without pattern or prior arrangement from other locations on the reservoir proper at the delta of the Musselshell River or on the Missouri river above the backwater and lastly even from stock water reservoirs. Whether or not other parts of the area were used to a greater extent than the so called sample area is open to quention, but we susnect that there are geese and a number of species of diving ducks certainly show a preference for other areas than the area most frequently sampled. During this past report year, we have had someone stationed at Fort, Peck for only the first seven months and during that time we received only one report on waterfowl. This is, of course, a management problem that we hope will be corrected by the assignment of a new observer. The next point we wish to make is that with the normal staff of regular employees and the present work load, it is not possible to assign any of the personnel to waterfowl census or investigations for more than a few days at a time. At least three-fourths of the area could not be sampled regularly because of the distance involved. The only way a complete census could be made in less than a week to ten days would be by air. This also has its drawbacks as the cost would be prohibitive. On a number of occasions in the past, the water area has been flown for beaver caches and the normal time for this operation is nine hours of flying time. Cache counts are no longer made by air because of the excessive cost. On a beaver cache count, only the areas where the habitat indicated a possibility of a colony was sampled which means a large acreage of water area was not examined. Rlying the water area between

Fort Peck and the mouth of the Musselshell river at low altitudes is hazardous. The water elevation is 1,000 to l,ii00 feet below the level of the adjoining high plateau. The air is veiy rough in the breaks area at all seasons of the year and we do not know of a single location where a light plane could land in the bottom, between Fourth Point and the Musselshell River. So much of the Fort Peck Game Range can only be traveled on foot or horseback that these waters can only be sampled occasionally and then only by personnel thoroughly familiar with the trails •

We hope that this explanation will help to point up some of the difficulties in obtaining data on waterfowl populations and we would appreciate some suggestions on how this form may effectively be applied to these unusual local conditions.

3-1752 F o r m N R - 2 U P L A N D G A M E B I R D S 1 6

(Apr i l 1946) Refuse Fort Peck Game Range Months of May to August , 19&7

(1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

U) Sex

Ratio

(5) Removals

(6 ) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird N

um

be

r b

roo

ds

ob

s'v

'd.

Estim

ate

d

To

tal

Percentage Hu

ntin

g

Fo

r R

e

sto

ckin

g

Fo

r R

ese

arc

h

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested.

List introductions here.

Sharptail Grouse Sage Grouse Hungarian Partridge Chukar Partridge Ring-necked Pheasant Marriamfs Turkey

0 7 2 0 8 6

2^0 200 250 0

300 h2

25)00 2000 500 0

2500 57

None observed this period.

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name.

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons.

Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

U) SEX RATIO:

(5) REMOVALS:

(6) TOTAL:

(7) REMARKS:

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613

3-1570 NR-8a

REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

Refuge -.-._Eart-Peck-Ganie_-Range Months of —Majr. through ...Augas-t , 195-7-

(1)

VARIETY*

(2)

ON HAND BEGINNING OF PERIOD

(3)

RECEIVED DURING PERIOD

(4)

TOTAL

(5) GRAIN DISPOSED OF

(6)

ON HAND END OP PERIOD

(7) PROPOSED OR SUITABLE USE*

(1)

VARIETY*

(2)

ON HAND BEGINNING OF PERIOD

(3)

RECEIVED DURING PERIOD

(4)

TOTAL

Transferred Seeded Fed Total

(6)

ON HAND END OP PERIOD Seed Feed Surplus

Wheat 200 200 200

Barley- 108U 108 U 160 lUo 300 781; 781;

Buckwheat 2U 2U 5 19

Millet 23 23 2 21

(8) Indicate shipping or collection points -

(9) Grain is stored at _ Granary- at_,Quar±_exs _N-00 l ln F-O .Pe-ak aiid at Sip_aiy__Ann-_Game_ StatiQrL -—

(10) Remarks —

*See instructions on back. is—eusa-i

NR-8a

REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

This report should cover all grain on hand, received, or disposed of, during the period covered by this narrative report.

Report all grain in bushels. For the purpose of this report the following approximate weights of grain shall be considered equivalent to a bushel: Corn (shelled)—55 lb., corn (ear)—70 lb., wheat— 60 lb., barley—50 lb., rye—55 lb., oats—BO lb., soy beans—60 lb., millet—50 lb., cowpeas—60 lb., and mixed—50 lb. In computing volume of granaries, multiply the cubic contents (cu. ft.) by 0.8 bushels.

(1) List each type of grain separately and specifically, as flint corn, yellow dent corn, square deal hybrid corn, garnet wheat, red May wheat, durum wheat, spring wheat, proso millet, combine milo, new era cowpeas, mikado soy beans, etc. Mere listing as corn, wheat, and soybeans will not suffice, as specific details are necessary in considering transfer of seed supplies to other refuges. Include only domestic grains; aquatic and other seeds will be listed on NR-9.

(8) Report all grain received during period from all sources, such as transfer, share cropping, or harvest from food patches.

(4) A total of columns 2 and 3.

(6) Column 4 less column 5.

(7) This is a proposed break-down by varieties of grain listed in column 6. Indicate if grain is suitable for seeding new crops.

(8) Nearest railroad station for shipping and receiving.

(9) Where stored on refuge: "Headquarters granary," etc.

(10) Indicate here the source of grain shipped in, destination of grain transferred, data on condition of grain, unusual uses proposed.

16—61482-1 U S. G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G O F F I C E

Wild Turkeys at the Sipary Ann Game Station 1957 young.

Trespass use on Tract 1?. These cattle have learned how to open gates and close them behind theme

H/LITSTONE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HALFBREED NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LAKE MASON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Narrative Report

May - August, 1957

I. General

A« Weather Conditions

Above normal precipitation occurred in the locality of easement refuges. The two areas in Musselshell County did not receive as much rainfall as the two areas in Stillwater County where a ten year high precipitation record was broken.

The following is a summary of the weather data obtained from the U. S. Weather Bureau Station at the Billings Airport that correctly reflects the increase in precipitation for that and adjoining counties of Stillwater and Musselshell,

1957

Precip. Max. Temp. Mino Temp.

May 3.39

o -

d-CO

F 35° F

June lull? 91° F 53° F

July 0.25 96° F 70° F

August 1.117 101° F 50° F

Total 9.60 Inches

B. Water Conditions

Hailstone - The water level on this area was estimated to be 100 inches below spill level at the end of the report period. This reflects a drop of 30 inches below that recorded at the beginning of the period. This loss is difficult to explain in view of

^P^atlon that o

below c,n • T ?ai bree - Th y 111 ater

btlt shower? ler baJce - n,. . situa-CQinpany pac.f01710 approvement Jater level in fu.

be low watpr> i ss 0f wst ? 0ver-lea .er I e aoa - leVe1 ter fro» °ve

A' ISe-atorv Elrd 11 ° W11dlif(

1.

. 5? "f. r\v-« ^

-U Behavior area of +u^ lstone - «f +,

"^ion was hirru "le numbe^c, ^ acres t+ acre3, at prlncinai n« f er than in lor'f of ducks, n* f attrzcted

- « - - S X S - .

— — . . : : r r »•••"•-» ST""'" „a „,„

Halfbreed - Certainly there are few areas anywhere in the northern states that are as attractive to ducks as this area, A total of 29 broods of ducks were counted on one visit to the area and at least 15 other broods were so mixed up both as to species and size classification that it was impossible to identify or separate them. At the end of the renort period the area population was estimated to be 3,500 ducks and 30 Canada geese. At least seven species were represented in this group.

Miller Lake - Only four broods of ducks were observed on this unit this season. Water levels were extremely low midway in the period and the lake had an estimated surface area of only 15 acres. A few avocets, phalaropes, killdeers and long-billed curlews were observed in the vicinity from time to time.

Lake Mason - This area is dry and no waterfowl were observed in the locality.

2. Food and Cover

Food and cover conditions locally were good at all of the areas except Miller Lake where, as usual, not a spear of cover was allowed to grow because of excessive stocking. Food and cover at Halfbreed were the best we have ever seen on that area. Pond weed beds made an excellent growth which is surprising in view of the number of ducks that were using the area. Cereal crops grown in the vicinity of all of the areas produced unusually high yields.

3. Disease

No sick or dead birds were observed on any of the areas this period.

B. Upland Game Birds

No upland game birds were observed on any of the easement refuges this period. Food and cover conditions for upland game birds was good on all of the areas except Miller Lake where over stocking of cattle effectively remove any palatable plants.

C. Big Game Animals

Antelope were observed on all of the areas from time to time during the period. Lake Mason and Hailstone support the largest number of animals on an on and off basis. Miller Lake

and Hailstone are much too small to provide an effective protection.

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Others

No fur animals were observed on any of the areas this period. Coyotes and bobcats are common in the immediate areas of all of the refuges but very few animals are observed. We do not have any factual information on the rodent population.

E, Predaceous Birds, Including Crows and Magpies

Magpies are common, but not abundant. Crows are seldom seen on the easement refuges except occasionally during migration. Marsh hawks are common, but none were observed this period. No eagles or other species of hawks were seen.

F. Fish

There are no fish in any of the waters impounded on the easement refuges.

III, Refuge Development and Maintenance

A, Physical Development and Maintenance

No maintenance or development was undertaken on either the Hailstone or Halfbreed Refuges this oeriod.

Miller Lake - Maintenance work on the ditch between the Artesian Well and the reservoir was accomplished during this period, A large portion of the existing ditch was filled in due to trampling on the ditch embankment by cattle. A new ditch was made from the existing ditch out into the dried up lake bed.

There was no water reaching the reservoir because of several breaks in the first mile of ditch, therefore the water leve l was very low.

An Everman Ditcher, 80 feet of cable and the D-2 Cat was the available equipment found to be best suited for repairing and cleaning the ditch. Use of the ditcher is not a completely satis factory method of cleaning this ditch, but due to lack of more suitable equipment, it was used.

u.

With a ditcher the spoil bank is deposited too near the lip of the ditch. Then when cattle use the ditch for watering, they push the spoil bank back into the ditch and in that way it gets filled with dirt and rocks.

An operation of this type is only a temporary measure at best and the ditch will again be blocked in a short time. The small flow of water is not sufficient to keep the ditch free of obstructions of this tyoe.

While personnel were in the area, water from the main ditch was diverted into a lateral and the trees in the area were irrigated. Canada thistle around the pump house and along the portion of the ditch which is fenced was sprayed.

A short drift fence, to prevent trampling by cattle,, was constructed parallel to the ditch where the major break through had occurred.

- ' • • — • - -

3-ir!>u Form FR-1 (Rev. March 1953)

REFUGE Miller Lake (Lake Mason)

W A T E R F O W L

MONTHS OF May T0 August 19 57

(2) W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d

(1) Species 1 s 2 10

Svans: Whistling Trumpeter


Ducks: Mallard Black Gadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Bedhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy Other

Coot:

15

30

200

i o

50

100

50

80

75

20

UO

175

150

hO

20

150

200

ho

30

20

150

100

60

10

200

100

60

10

100

150

60

10

100

200

50

Int. Dup, Sec#> Wash-. D- C«779uu

3 -mua V

Cont, NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) W A T E R F O W L

(Continuation Sheet)

REFUGE Miller Lake (Lake Mason) MONTHS OF Mav TO August • 1957

• j • (2) (3) ! (U)

• • W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d : Estimated : Production

(i) • •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• • t : wate rfowl :Broods:E st imated

Species : 11 : 12 : 13 : Hi : 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : days use : seen : total Swans: 1 Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: Canada Cackling Brant -

White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks: Mallard 50 30 30 30 30 5o 150 150 12,U9S 2 30 Black

12,U9S 30

Gadwall 200 150 50 5o 150 150 150 150 12,950 1 20 Baldpate

150 12,950

Pintail 980 0 Green-winged teal

980 0

Blue-winged teal 30 30 30 30 50 5o 5o 5o U,liio 2 35 Cinnamon teal

5o U,liio 35

Shoveler Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup 1,680 0 Goldeneye 280 0 Bufflehead

280 0

Ruddy Other

Coot: iiO 30 30 1,190 0 (over)

Swans

Geese

Ducks

Coots

(5) Total Days Use

32.795

1,190

T?) Peak Number

U2£

llO

m Total Production SUMMARY

Principal feeding areas All of the water area of

Miller Lake and South Willow Creek

85

0

Principal nesting areas

Reported by

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual)

(1) Species:

( 2 )

(3)

(li) Production:

Weeks of Reporting Period:

Estimated Waterfowl Days Use:

(5) Total Days Use:

(6) Peak Number:

(7) Total Production:




Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10 of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted.




Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D, C# 1953

3-i o Form KR-1 (Rev. March 1953)

W A T E R F O W L

REFUGE Hailstone MONTHS OF May TO August 1957

W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d (1)

Species : :

8 : 9 : 10 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter


Ducks: Mallard Black Gadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Bedhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy-Other

Coot:

125

80

200

125

50

200

1^0

50

200

50

200

200

100

100

300

250

200

50

75

20

150

350

300

350

150

125

30

50

200

300

350

150

125

30

50

150

150

I4OO

125

250

30

150

150

200

200

125

25)0

20

150

150

Int. Dup. Sec., Wash.. D. C« 3 7 o u l

3 Cont. NR-1 (Rev,' March 19^3) W A T E R F O W L


REFUGE Hailstone MONTHS OF Mav TO Ammst 5 19 57

• • (2 ) (3 ) s (U) • • W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i 0 d Estimated : Production

( i ) • •

• •

• • •

• • • : : waterfowl :Broods:Estimated

Species : 11 : 12 : 13 : 11: s 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : days use : seen : total Swans: 1 Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: f :• J Canada 7- b,r .Si Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks: Mallard 75 i5o 1^0 150 50 50 50 100 19,1(25 5 60 Black

19,1(25

Gadwall 200 200 75 75 75 5o 200 200 22,085 125 Baldpate

22,085 125

Pintail 20 50 75 10,1465 3 18 Green-winged teal

50 75 10,1465 18

Blue-winged teal 200 100 75 50 5o 5o 50 50 11,550 6 170 Cinnamon teal

50 11,550 170

Shoveler 20 20 50 5o 30 100 100 100 UjSUO 10 Wood

UjSUO

Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup 5,250 Goldeneye

5,250

Bufflehead Ruddy Other

Coot: 150 150 200 200 250 250 250 250 21,700 0 0 (over)

-

Swans

Geese

Ducks

Coots

rp) Total Days Use

7U>115

21 700

rs) n) Peak Number : Total Production SUMMARY

1,000 321

Principal feeding areas The lake and neighboring grain

fields•


Reported by

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7 31 through 753li, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual)


(1) Species:

(2) Weeks of Reporting Period:


(li) Production:

(5) Total Days Use:

(6) Peak Number:




Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 1C$ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted.

A summary of data recorded under (3).


A summary of data recorded under (U),

Interior duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953

Form NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3)

W A T E R F O W L

REFUGE Halfbreed MONTHS OF May TO August « 19 7

s _ W e e k s o f r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d (1) : a • • • : • • • • • • • • • • :

Species : 1 ! 2 : 3 i h t 5 : 6 ; 7 S 8 : 9 ; 10 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: Canada 22 Uo 60 30 5o 50 50 50 50 50 Cackling

50 50

Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks; Mallard Black

350 300 hoo 500 600 350 300 300 300 200

Gadwall

i5o hoo 5oo 700 5oo 5oo 700 700 700

Baldpate 100 i5o 150 100 50 25 20 20 20 20 Pintail 500 600 700 700 5oo 200 100 100 50 50 Green-winged teal

50 50

Blue-winged teal 75 100 200 300 5oo 5oo 5oo 5oo Cinnamon teal

5oo 5oo 5oo 5oo

Shoveler 30 ho 5o 80 120 150 150 Wood

150 150

Bedhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup 300 300 200 500 5oo 1000 100 50 Goldeneye

50

Bufflehead Ruddy 30 Uo 20 10 Other

Coot: 75 100 150 150 100 100 100

Int. Dup. Sec., Wash.. T). C»»17quu

3 Cont, NR-1 (Rev. March 195>3) W A T E R F O W L


REFUGE Halfbreed MONTHS OF Tisy

• • (2) : • • W e e k s 0 f r e p 0 r t i n g p e r i 0 d :

(1) • •

• •

• • ; •

• : : : Species : 11 : 12 : 13 : lU : 15 : 16 : 17 5 18 :

Swans: Whistling Trumpeter

Geese: Canada 50 50 50 50 60 60 60 60 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other

Ducks: Mallard Black

200 200 250 I4OO 1100 1500 1500 1500

Gadwall 700 500 500 500 600 700 800 900 Baldpate 200 200 Pintail 50 100 200 1400 I4OO I4OO 500 500 Green-winged teal

I4OO I4OO 500 500

Blue-winged teal 600 600 700 800 1100 1100 1100 8000 Cinnamon teal

1100 8000

Shoveler 150 75 75 200 200 100 100 Wood

100

Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy Other

Coot: 150 100 50 50 50 150 300 300 (over)

TO August

TTi r

19 1

'•—on— s Production

waterfowl :Broods s E stimated days use : seen : total

6,2104

71,700

69,300 7,035 141,650

65,625

10,6140

20,650

700

32,375

5

11

8

15

30

120

250

150

225

I4O

125

75

Swans

Geese

Ducks

Coots

Total Days Use

6.2Ui

287.300

Peak Number ; Total Production

60

kaoo

300

ido

80

SUMMARY

Principal feeding areas The lake and neighboring

grain fields«


Reported by

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7 31 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual),

(1) Species:

(2) Weeks of Reporting Period:


(h) Production:

(5) Total Days Use:

(6) Peak Number:





Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10# of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted.




Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953

3-1752

Form NR-2 (April 1946)

Refuge

UPLAND GAME BIRDS Lake Mason (Miller Lake) Hailstone & Half breed Months of May

1613

to August , 19S£7_

(1) Species

(2) , Density

(3) Young

Produced

w Sex Ratio

(5) Removals

(6) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird N

umber

broods

obs'v^.

Estimated

Total

Percentage Hunting

For Re

stocking

For

Research

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.

No Ut land gi me bi; 'ds TK ere observed thii 5 per: .od#

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES; Use correct common name.

(2) DENSITY; Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples; spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED; Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

(-4) SEX RATIO; This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

(5) REMOVALS; Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

(6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons.

(7) REMARKS; Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also ' include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613

3-1751 Form NR-1A (Nov. 1945)

Re fuge CSee.-BelQwX

MIGRATORY BIRDS other than waterfowl)

Months of May. .to..—August 195.7...

(l) Species

Common Name

I. Water and Marsh Birds

Miller Lake None Observed

Hailstone Pied-billed Grebe

Halfbreed Pied-billed Grebe

Lake Mason None Observed

II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns:

Miller Lake Long-billed Curlew Phalrope Killdeer Avocet

Hailstone Phalarope Killdeer

Avocet Ring-billed Gull

Halfbreed Killdeer Avocet

Lake Mason Dry

( 2 ) First Seen

Number Date

(3) Peak Numbers

Number

26

19

Date

6/ll

6/11

6 5/7 U5 12/8 30 5/7

7 6/11

28 12/8 19 5/7 12 6/11 17 12/8

26 5/7 22 6/11

over)

(4) Last Seen

Number Date

Production Number

Colonies Total # Nests

Total Young

( 6 ) Total

Estimated Number

5o

5o

12 5o 5o 10

ho 60 15 ho

30

ho

121 131 lil 151 ( 6 )

III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow

Reported by.

(1) Species:

(2) First Seen:

INSTRUCTIONS Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes)

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiforraes, Strigiformes and predaceous

Passeriformes) The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

Estimated total iber of the species using the uge during the period concerned.

(5) Production:

(6) Total; INT.-DUP. SEC.. WASH., D.C. 5931?

Date completed; October 2%, 195)7

Respectfully submitted;

A*** Frederic T, Staunton, Refuge Mgr.

Approved; DEC 4 1957

Regional Office

refuge pbck jericd 1957 - fws

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