NATIONAL BISON RANGE

NINEPIPE REFUGE

PABLO REFUGE

NORTHWEST MONTANA WPk

Refuge Narrative Report

Fiscal Year 197A

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTEL J Oa

Fish and Wildlife Service Moiese, Montana

N A T I O N A L B I S O N R A N G E

Refuge Narrative Report Fiscal Year 1974

PERSONNEL

PERMANENT

Marvin R. Kaschke, Refuge Manager Milton K. Haderlie, Assistant Refuge Manager Gary A. Hagedom, Assistant Refuge Manager in charge Northwest Montana Wetlands (E.O.C. 4/17/74)

Ted E. Kramer, Public Use Specialist (B-O.D. 6/9/74) Victor B, May, Refuge Maintenanceraan Foreman Grant Hogge, Ehgineering Equipment Mechanic Ernest W. Kraft, Maintenanceman Susan I. McCollum, Clerk-Typist Edward G. Krantz, Maintenanceman, WAE Robert L. Middlemist, Maintenanceman, WAE William J. Lampshire, Maintenanceman, WAE

TEMPORARY

Calendar Year 1973

Richard Sjostrom, Biological-Aid Robert McVey, Biological-Aid Susan Larsson, TWork-Study Gail Evans, Work-Study Dean McVey, Work-Study Dora Roush, NYC Allan Savik, NYC Alfred McLeod, NYC Dennis Dumont, NYC Mark Campbell, NYC Richard McLeod, NYC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

p^e

I • GENEIiAL

A. VJeather Conditions 1 B. Habitat Conditions

1. Water 1 2. Food and Cover 2

II. WILDLIFE —————- #

A. Migratory Birds 1. Waterfowl 2 2. Other Water Birds 3 3. Shorebirds 3 4. Mourning Doves 3

B. Upland Game Birds 3 C. Big Game Animals

1. Buffalo 4 2. Elk 7 3. Mule Deer 7 4. 'White-tailed Deer 8 $. Bighorn Sheep 8 6. Antelope 8 7. Rocky Mountain Goat 9 8. Longhorn Steers 9 9. Black Bear 9

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents ana Other Mammals 9 E. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Ravens, Magpies 10 F. Other Birds 10 G. Fish 10 H. Reptiles and Amphibians 11 I. Disease H

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTSN^KCE

A. Physical Development 1J B. Plantings

1. Aquatic and Marsh Plants 12 2. Trees and Shrubs 12 3. Upland Herbaceous Plants 12 4. Cultivated Crops 12

C. Collections and Receipts 12 D. Control of Vegetation 3 2 E. Planned Burning 12 1. Fir^s 12

TABIZ OF CONTENTS

Page

IV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A. Surplus Buffalo, Antelope, and Deer Disposal 1. Live Disposal of Bison 13 2. Donation Live Buffalo 13 3. Donation of Meat 13

B. Proceeds of Sales 13

V. FIELD INVESTIGATION OR APPLIED RESEARCH

A. Range Condition and Trend - Refuge Personnel .... 11 B. Social Behavior in Bison, NBR -1 - Lott 11 C. A Study of the Abundance and Distribution of Rodents

in Relation to Vegetative Types on the National Bison Range, NBR-11 - Morris 11

D. A Study of Primary Productivity of a Rough Fescue Grassland in Western Montana, NBR-12 - Morris... 11

E. Hormonal Controls of Horn Growth and Casting in the Pronghorn, NBR-15 - C^Gara 11

F. Reproduction in the Mountain Goat, NBR-18 - 0TGara 11 G. Refuge Management Modeling, NBR-19 - Gross & Roelle 17 H. Social Behavior of Bighorn Sheep, NTBR-20 - Jenni.. 17

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses 17 B. Refuge Visitors 17 C. Refuge Participation 17a D. Hunting 17 E. Fishing 17 F. Violations 19 G. SAFETY 19

VII. OTHER ITEMS

A. Items of Interest 19

Signature Page 20

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

Narrative Reoort

Fiscal Year 1U

July ], 1973 to June 30, 1974

I. GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions

Weather records maintained at headquarters shewed below ave^are

precipitation for the fiscal year (we think). THo r,aS4 twenty-two

year's data are computed on a calendar year. Above averac® precipi­

tation was recorded in November, December, January, an- March, with

al] remaining months showing below average. P-S'-al -ear hotaJs in­

clude 37.B011 of snowfall, 10.54" precipitat or, a or in

July, and a -32° recorded in January.

The 1Q73 annual precipitation total was 9.BJ,: comnared to

our 22 year average of 13.30",

P. Habi tat Mprdi tions

1. Water

All spring, well, and minor stream flows (8° total) were

measured and water right filings comnlo^e;. T^i s "-r r «f »»+

to record fow shoul d provide a base '"or fut u-® -o.-nna^at - vo

moasurement s.

Ground water was extremely low durhr-• J"!'• an - hu

causinr many springs and small streams tr si or

Snow rack in the mountains was a^-'14 avera-'e. '-'owev^r,

due to bel ow normal summer precipi ta- "o", i T; v/at.er

th-coughout the valley was exhausted by Tid-Hu -u^t , "'v s i-

about three weeks h.^fore normal.

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National Bison Range

Temperature and Precipitation Calendar Year 1974

Snowfall Precipitation Temperature Max. Min.

9 3 January 1.25 58 -32

February 3.00 .27 55 15

March 13-00 1.15 65 -5

April • 76 79 22

May • 42 78 23

June .97 95 30

July 1.29 96 40

August 1.13 96 39

September • 50 89 25

October .11 82 18

November .15 61 14

December T •3^ 55 4 (extremes)

Totals 17.25 95 -32 t.OZ

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2. Food and Cover

Accordinr to SCS range condition classiticat;on (seo bention IV) and Parker three-step transects most of the range coni ino^d in good and excellent condition. Due to the drought, nas4n^es grazed in the summer showed moderately heavy to haa\r\r use. University and SCS range personnel suggested the heavier han desired use for a year or two will not drastjcalJy affect future range condition. In spite of drought conditions jtrass production was nearly normal, but regrowth was nearly non-existant.

Major browse species such as chokecherry, serv;ceberry, snowberry, and mockorange, showed very light use. Plants are generally in excellent condition as judged -y leader growth, vigor, and no hedging appearance. Asoen, especially it! the head­quarters and picnic areas, require a^er nroof fencing for protection and re-establishment. Several plots have b^er enceo witt excel1ent results. The oroblem generally stems fror t many hano raised deer and some from mowing in the picnic area.

Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir continue t') increase in f-e timbered areas and surrounding grasslands. Fire ecology histori­cally regulated these stands. Our preserP fire corProl obviously has changed these conditions. However fire zoning ana no control is extremely difficult on this relatively sma-Li area.

11. WILDLIFE

Migratory Birds

1. 'Waterfowl

Canada geese were present each montd with • r e exce; t,.L>r v" .June. As has been the oat tern in other ••ears, f.a lowir-* ' at ching flight!ess birds move oown Mission Creek f . • '- Flathead Hiver where they stay until attaining t.he ability t.-, •'ly.

The pea1' number of birds occurred - 1 ec-m: "r- w-en Vv. we^0 present. Winter use declined from t hat "e v r--'"-: r^-'ious years. The main factor contributing to the in*» was -ne cessation of a feeding program. Mnue^ 1 h • s 'eeo :'>•• a.'or ' ice rree Mission Creek was done w^er otver •/aT er ar"ar- ' ' " 0 valiey become frozen.

The first brood was seen in the e; k ex^jti1 >•: ; an4 ••'• >v April IF. A total of 1^ young were nrodu -e-, one J e: s ' l-an 1 tst year.

Total duck use for the year was down. The rreatest uecline occurred durlnp the winter period and was mostly aue to the discontinuance of the winter feeding program, opring use also declined, especially on Ravalli Ponds. The previous year's low precipitation had greatly reduced pond size ana quantlly of foou.

Duck-proauction was estimated at: mallards 37, blue-wmgea teal 3, pintail 14, and redhead 2.

2. Other Water Birds

Great blue heron utilize Mission Creek ana the Jocko fiiver as feeding areas. These areas are used throughout the year but in greatest number during spring ana summer. Use days for the year were up slightly totaling 1,420.

3. Shorebirds

Common snipe were present during spring ana summer periods. Total use days for the year (2,346) more than uouble the previous year. The greatest increase came from higher than usual use during July through September.

Killdeer were present every quarter. The gx*eatest use was uuring summer and spring periods. They were common along the auto Lour road which is frequently selected ao a nesting oite.

4. Mourning Doves

Some nesting by this species occurs on the .an^e but no estimate of production was maae. Peak numbers oii e present during late summer and early fall along Hie scuts ana east bounaaries.

B. Upland Game Birds

hi chard son blue grouse were seen frequently at hgh«»»- eievauions. The species was occasionally seen by visitor*., atong the t.uu* roaa at High Point. Five broods were observed wuth an average of 4.4 young/brood. Total production for Cf 73 wao c.. Lima tea Lu oe 3'}.

Only one observation of ruffed giouse wa- i.tj. uuring the year. This was of a single inuiviaual near Looper Ponu .y. ril lo.

Efforts were continued to re-estaolish Columouan shai*puali grouse. *ilith all known populations in the Uniteu Ota^.e; it very

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low levels we decided to try Canada. They are also experiencing a decline in the species. The British Columbia Fish ana Wildlife Branch felt a cooperative effort to help the species wouio ce bene­ficial and agreed to let us have a few birds.

Through the efforts of a private individual a group of birus were located and pre-baited. After clearence with the dtate Depart­ment, Agriculture Department, Customs, Canadian finbass^ in Washington Canadian Department of Recreation and Conservation, ana our Regional ana Washington offices we were given the go-aheau to capture the birds.

A funnel trap was placed at the pre-baitea site on the 18th of March, and 13 birds were captured. We were permittea to have 8 birds These birds were taken to the Montana Fish ana Game bira farm at Warm Springs. It was planned to hold these birus at the game farm and artifically propogate enough birds for a successful release.

One of the birds died from an unknown cause in april. Then in May a small mammal (mink or weasel) got in the pen and killed all but three of the remaining birds. All of the deau birds were males.

Ring-neckea pheasant numbers were low thi-oughout t.ne year. The population in the valley cont^inues to be low.

Chuckar partridge broods averaged 6 young in CY lv73• Tnis species was frequently seen in Elk and Triskey Creek drainages. In general their numbers continue to decline. No biras were observed during the 197A portion of the year.

Gray partridge numbers increased slightly over last year with a peak of 1,500. This is down considerably from tne high year 1971, when the peak was 2,800. Average brooa size was 7-4.

C. Rig Game Animals

1. Buffalo

The deferred-rotation grazing system was followed as out­lined with one exception. Because of extremely low precipitation during the spring and summer, springs in the upper south pasture went dry in late July and early August. Hera number one was in the pasture during this period. To provide a water source for them gates were opened into the lower south pasture, A .75 inch rain storm on the 10th of August started springs flowing again and the herd was confined in the proper pasture.

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First calves of the year were seen on April 17, 1973. On April 20, two dead calves were found in the exhibition herd being held at the slaughter house. One was small and apparently aborted, the other appeared to have been up prior to its death. During roundup in October 1973* d9 calves were recorded with a sex ratio of 41 males and 48 females, k calf was bom after the roundup and was first seen December 23, when it was estimated to be from one to two months old. A summary of reporductive success for the past 18 years is presented below.

C» Tear Breeding Af^e Cows -^Calves Bom Reproductive Success

*Does not include known premature and still births.

The annual roundup was held October 1-6. All animals except five in the exhibition herd, and three bulls and one cow left on the range were worked through the corrals. Because one live sale cow the previous year tested suspect for brucellosis, all animals in 1973 had to be tested. Each animal was run through the squeeze chute and a blood sample taken. Again one cow tested

INITIAL BISON RKPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS 1956-1973 (18 Tear Average - 88.9/0

1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973

88 104 104 102 97 111 121 105 124 109 97 105 107 107 96 94 97 97

81 87 99 92 76 103 101 96 120 102 82 89 91 102 69 88 89 91

92^ 84 95£ 90^ 78^ 93* 84* 91* 97* 94* 85* 85* 85* 95* 72* 94* 92* 94*

suspect. All field vetinarians agreed that it was a reaction from the shot given the cow when she was a calf. The "expert" from Wiashington, D. C. disagreed. He stopped shipment of all live sale animals. This distrubed the buyers. We had to mjlk the cow twice, take blood saiaples several times and eventually kill the cow and take samples from all known glands and anything suspected of being a gland. After all this the results were "inconclusive". Our last live sale animals were finally loaded out for Texas on December 19•

During the roundup all calves were branded with a "3" on the upper right hip and tattooed with a "V-3" inside the left ear. All heifer calves were vaccinated for pasteurella and brucellosis.

Following roundup the herd structure was as indicated in the following table.

Age Grouo K^le Female Total Animal Units

Calf 41 4S 89 27.6 1 24 24 48 31.2 2 18 18 36 30.4 3 12 16 28 28.0 4 10 12 22 24.8 5 6 8 14 16.8 6 8 9 17 21.7 7 6 8 14 16.8 8 6 5 11 14.7 9 5 6 11 14.5 10 7 5 12 16.9 11 3 3 6 7.8 12 - 1 1 1.0 13 2 1 3 4.2 14 2 2 4 5.0 15 - - -

16 - 1 1 1.0 17 — - _

18 — — —

19 - 1 1 .9 20 - 1 1 .9 21 - 1 1 •9

150 170 320 265.1

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Known losses daring the /ear were three. An 11 year old cow was found dead on August 26. A post aortum examination only revealed a severe throat infection. In January 1974* a blind yearling bull fell into a trench being dug to bury the power line between headquarters and the corrals, ^ay 28 a dead yearling heifer was found9 cause of death not determined.

2. Hk

Before calving the elk population was 60 animals. Thirteen calves were added during the year. The cow in the exhibition pasture had her calf on September 27*

Composition of the herd in October was: branch antelered bulls 16, spikes 8, cows 36, calves 13. Apparently all animals survived the winter as 73 animals were recorded for the annual big game count on March 2.

The first calf observation in 1974 was on Kay 19* On June 27 sixteen calves were observed.

Three cows and their offspring were moved from the exhibi­tion herd in 1972. They remained seperate from the rest of the herd spending about half of their time in Elk Creek drainage where they had been released, and the remainder near Ravalli Ponds where they are easily observed from U.S. Highway 93•

A decision was made in 1972 to allow an increase in the size of the elk herd. Previous objective level was 50 and the new objective was set at 75* The larger number of animals present during the year resulted in many more observations by the visiting public. To reduce production and subsequent harvest, the bull portion of the population will be increased from present 60^ F:4056 M population to 50:50 sex ratio.

During the big game count a bull elk was observed entangled in some telephone line. Doctor O'Gara of the Co-Op Unit in Missoula tranqoilised the animal and the wire was removed.

3. Mule Deer

Following the big game count in February 1973 the population was estimated to be 160. Fall counts indicated a population of 204 animals with the following composition: Adult male 61, yearling male 3» adult female 77» yearling female 19, fawns 44-

With the objectiTe level for mule deer at 200 no harvest was accomplished during the ye«r except for twD adult females taken in conjunction with a field autopsy class conducted by the University of Montana.

Three known natural losses occurred during the year, an adult doe in December, a fawn in January, and an adult buck in April.

One fawn was brought to the Range by Montana Fish and Game personnel for bottle raising in 1974•

4* White-tailed Deer

The population for this species remained below the objective level of 200 in spite of no direct control in 1973 and very limited control in 1971 and 1972. The estimated fall popula­tion total was 158 with the following composition: adult male 48, yearling male 14» adult female 62, yearling female 14, fawn 20.

Known natural losses for the year were; an adult doe in August and one in October, a fawn in October, one adult killed by coyotes in December, and an adult buck in January.

5- Bighorn Sheep

Lambs produced in 1973 totaled seven. Three of these lived to be yearlings. There were nine lambs produced in the spring of 1974 and all were still alive by the end of the fiscal year.

Forty-one sheep were recorded following the big game count on March 2, 1974• The total at the end of the period was 50 with the following composition: yearling male 1, males two years and older 18, yearling females 2, females two years and older 20, lambs 9.

Several bighorn rams spent the summer period within sight of the tour road in the Triskey Creek drainage. This provided an opportunity for many of our visitors to see their first bighorn sheep.

6. Antelope

The number of antelope fawns surviving to September was 12. High fawn mortality continues to be a concern. Last year only eight of an estimated 70 fawns survived to September.

Coyote predation la suspected as one of the major mortality factors. The first fawn observation in 1974 was made on May 25. Initial fawn production was not determined but is suspected to be approximately the same as the year before as determined by past productivity studies. the aid of the period only 17 fawns remained.

Two bucks were collected on November 14, 1973 as part of a horn growth study and for the field autopsy class from the University of Montana.

7. Rocky Mountain Goat

A minimum of 18 goats were present at the beginning of the year. This included 6 kids. By the end of August only 3 kids remained, these three survived through the remainder of the year.

No goats were collected for the research project during the year.

This species is difficult to census and classify. Following the March 2, 1974 big game count goat numbers were estimated at 14.

8. Longhorn Steers

The two fat ones continue their leisurely existance as exhibition animals.

9. Black Bear

Bear were seen by Range personnel on three occasions during the year. Observations included three adults and three cubs. An adult was seen near Blk Pass on July 3> 1973 > another adult was observed on Looper Ridge on August 8, 1973. On May 2, 1974 an adult sow with three young cubs was observed at High Point. The protective sow sent some eager photographers on a hasty retreat to the safety of their vehicle. Average number of bears using the range during the year was estimated at five-six.

D. Fur Animals. Predators. Rodents and Other Mammals

Coyote is the species of major concern in this category. Coyote observations were lower this year than during the past two years. The number of young produced in CY 1973 was estimated at 14, but a

die-off of undetermined cause in early spring 1974 reduced the popu­lation considerably. Three carcasses were found with an unknown total loss. By the end of the fiscal year the population was esti­mated at 18 animals as compared to 38 the year before. We are continuing close observation of populations in an effort to assess its effect on other species.

Three bobcat observations were recorded by Range personnel during the year. In early fall one individual was seen several times on Headquarters Ridge by visitors taking the auto tour.

Badger, skunk, weasel, and mink observations were infrequent.

Muskrats and beaver were active along Mission Creek and the small ponds along the wildlife foot trail.

E. Hawks. Eagles. Owls. Ravens. Magpies

A pair of golden eagles nested on the west side of the range. Two eggs were produced. One young bird was raised to flight. The fate of the other egg or young was not determined. Golden eagles were present throughout the year.

Bald eagles were observed along the Jocko River and Mission Creek during November, December, and January. Although sightings were frequent no more than two individuals appeared to be present at one time.

Marsh hawk and American kestrel were common during the summer periods, ^arsh hawks were also present during the winter periods, and with the open winter were frequently observed hunting small rodents.

Single prairie falcons were observed on two occasions in November.

F. Other Birds

No unusual observations were recorded in this category.

G. Fish

Lower than average water levels in the Jocko River had an apparent adverse effect on the fish. Fishing success was considered fair. Few limits of large trout were reported. Past channelization and poor land management is undoubtedly having detrimental effects on the stream. Unfortunately no one is monitoring stream conditions.

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H. Reptiles and Amphibians

Painted turtles were last observed in late October. They were comnon in the ponds in the elk exhibition pasture and along the wildlife foot trail.

Western rattlesnakes were frequently seen along the tour road by visitors. None were seen in the picnic and headquarters areas this year.

I. Disease

As mentioned in the Big Game section, all buffalo one year and older were run through the squeeze chute at roundup time and a blood sample drawn for testing. Two hundred twenty-five samples were tested for anaplosmosis. All were negative.

Three hundred seven samples were tested for brucellosis, 305 were negative and twD were suspect. One of the suspect animals was a yearling female and everyone agreed it was a reaction to the vaccine. The second was a vaccinated six year old cow.

The 307 samples were also tested for leptospirosis. Results were 161 positive and 146 negative. At this time the Veterinary Service cannot tell us exactly what effects the high incidence of positive reactors will have on the population.

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A. Physical Development

Water - developed one spring and poured two concrete tanks in Elk Creek near Sheep Pasture fence in the Upper South Pasture, installed two new concrete tanks and a collection box above Indian Springs, and measured all water flows (88 locations) in springs and small streams. Fencing - constructed l/3 mile stock fence along the Jocko River bordering Cole Ranch, installed 47" woven wire on contour fence from Turkey Women to ridge east of Telephone Draw. Power line - dug ditch A1 deep from headquarters to slaughterhouse, layed #2 aluminum concentric neutral bedded with sand 6" below and above. Road - put 2" oil mat on exhibition pasture tour road, July 1973• Miscellaneous - insulated attic and installed storm windows on shop, constructed loading ramp, repaired and lengthened office drain field, reshaped bank and seeded along exhibition tour, rebuilt loading chute, painted corral.s with stain and penta, and reduced size of holding pens.

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B. Plantings

f > !• Aquatic and Marsh Planta

None.

2* Trees and Shrubs /

Two small exclosures were constructed in the headquarters area for protection of aspen.

3. Upland Herbaceous Plants

A small cutbank was reshaped and reseeded along our ex­hibition tour road.

4. Cultivated Crops

Approximately 25 tons of hay were harvested from the ex­hibition pasture and small meadows along the entrance road. The hay is used for exhibition animals and refuge horses.

C. Collections and Receipts

None.

D. Control of Vegetation

A total of 714 acres of goatweed were sprayed by helicopter using a mixture of 2 lbs. acid equivelant 2,4-D.per acre. The attached map shows the treated area. Results were excellent (esti­mated 80-90^).

A few dense stands of Canadian thistle were sprayed along road­sides and in the picnic area. Ground equipment was used and results were fair.

E. Planned Burning

None.

F. Fires

One fire started by a sagging power line during the evening of June 14, 1974, burned about two acres of grassland in Mission Creek. Montana Power quickly maintained the power line right-of-way after being notified of the fire.

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«-> July 1973

714 Acres

P R O P O S E D P L A N

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

Moils*, Montana

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IV. HES0UEC8 MANACBMENT

A. Surplus Buffalo. Antelope, and Deer Diaposal

1. Live Disposal of Bison

A record number of bidders (146) submitted bids for 78 live bison sold by competitive, sealed bid. Highest price paid was $1,003.00 for a 3 year old bull and the lowest successful bid was $333.97 for a long-yearling bull. The overall average was $499.22 compared to 1972 average of $365.00. This is the highest average received since the live sales started in 1965. Bids were distributed during the national "beef shortage" scare which probably explains both the increased number of bidders and higher prices.

2. Donation Live Buffalo

One 4 year old buffalo bull was donated to the State of Nebraska in May of 1974.

3. Donation of Meat

Two buffalo were slaughtered for humane reasons, one with a bad hip socket, the other a suspect (but clean) cow collected to check for brucellosis. Two antelope and two mule deer were harvested for demonstrations of field dressing and autopsy for university classes. The meat was donated to local schools for a cost of handling fee of 15^ per pound. Total received was $235.50.

B. Proceeds of Sales

Total receipts from sales of other items during the fiscal year included.

Store Concession $ 838.65 Horse pasture and hay 72.00 Northwest Montana WPA Hay Permit 288.00 Antlers (deer & elk) 26.25 Buffalo head for mount 1 120.00 Buffalo cow hide 1 80.00 Buffalo calf hide 1 40.00 Deer hide 1 10.00 Antelope hides 2 40.00 Buffalo, antelope & deer meat 235.50 Buffalo live sale 38,939.02

$W),689. U2

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Buffalo Buyers and Animals Purchased

A. Hauled to Slaughterhouse

1. Ames, F.X. Mattawa, WA 1 yrlg bull 1 3-yr. cow

2. Ammon, Paul Vashon, WA 1 2-yr. bull 3. Brown, Thomas Ronan, MT 1 3-yr. bull 4- Brown, Atichard Whitefish, MT 1 yrlg. heifer 5. Buffalo Park Bar Revalli, MT 1 7-yr. bull 6. Curtis, Roy Vaughn, MT 1 5-yr. bull 7. Elliot, Gary Whitefish, MT 1 yrlg. bull 8. Govin, Naomi Grand Coulee, WA 1 7-yr. bull 9 - Hedman, Bichard Billings, MT 1 2-yr. bull 10. Hilbun, Robert Whitefish, MT 1 yrlg. bull 11. Hill, Edna Trout Creek, MT 1 10+ bull 12. KinPs Meats Rollins, MT 1 10+ bull 13. Kincheloe, Wade Melstone, MT 1 10+ cow

1 8 yr. bull 14. Levengood, Chris Somers, MT 1 3-yr. bull 15. Mahaffey, Charles Kirkland, WA 2 yrlg. bulls 16. McCauley, David Dillon, MT 1 3-yr. cow 17. Mutz, Ralph Missoula, MT 2 yrlg. bulls 18. Peterson, Loren Cour d Alene, ID 1 6-yr. bull 19. Sharkey, Harold Missoula, MT 4 yrlg. bulls 20. Smith, Buckley Wolf Point, MT 1 yrlg. bull 21. Sutherland, W.C. Thompson Falls, MT 1 4-yr. bull 22. Thompson Falls Lions Thompson Falls, MT 1 9-yr. bull 23. Wise, Doug Kalispell, MT 1 10+ cow 24. Eastport Community Club Eastport. Id 1 yrlg. bull

B. Animals Went for Restocking

1. Brown, Mike Royal City, WA

2. Burnett, James Luther, MT

3. Czerwinski, Michael, Hamilton, MT 1. Heath, Gordon. Paso Robles, CA

*5. Spaulding, Philip, 6. Waters, Louis

West Tisbury, MA Houstin, Texas

*Went to Waters

1 2-yr. bull 3 2-yr. cows 1 4-yr. bull 1 5-yr. bull 1 6-yr. bull 1 7-yr. bull 1 yrlg. bull 1 yrlg. bull 1 2-yr. bull 1 3-yr. bull 2 5-yr. cows 1 yrlg. bull 13 yrlg. heif( 3 2-yr. heif( 1 3-yr. cow 3 4-yr. cows 2 7-yr. cows 4 8-yr. cows 3 10+ cows 1 2-yr. bull 1 3-yr. bull 1 9-yr. bull

V. FIELD INYBSTIGATION OR APPLIBD RESEARCH

A. Range Condition and Trend - Refuge Personnel

During 1973 Parker three-step transects were read in Upper South and Upper West pastures. These transects indicated a level­ing off of the range condition following several years of improvement.

The range condition survey was also read in 1973. This survey is made in cooperation with SCS technicians who assisted with the 1964 and 1969 surveys. Results of the three surveys are compared in the table on the following page. Some of the changes in AUM's for individual pastures are partially the result of fence changes. It was also discovered that some of the range in the Mission Creek pasture had been overrated in 1969. Approximately 6^ of the refuge rated at good condition in 1969 should have been rated fair. However, this change was not made in the figures in the table.

B. Social Behavior in Bison. NBR-A - Doctor Dale Lott

Doctor Lott prepared an instructional film entitled "Aggressive ^Behavior in Adult Male Bison".

C. A Study of the Abundance and Distribution of Rodents in Relation to Vegetative Types on the National Bison Range. NBR-11 - Professor Melvin Morris

Study inactive this year.

D. A Study of Primary Productivity of a Rough Fescue (Festuca scobrella) Grassland in Western Montana. NBR-12 - Professor Melvin Morris

\

Professor Morris is in the process of analyzing all data for publication. He presented a brief summary of his initial findings during the Intermountain Chapter of the Range Society's visit to the refuge. Some of his data is summarized in the table on page 16.

B. Hormonal Controls of Horn Growth and Casting in the Pronghom (Antilocapra americana). NBR-15 - Doctor Bart O'Gara

Study inactive during the year.

F. Reproduction in the Mountain Goat. NBR-18 - Doctor Bart O'Gara

Because of the low population no collections were made this year.

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RANOB OOMDRION CLASS OF THE NATIONAL BISON

W6*. 1>67. And 1973 RANGE

Range Condition 196* 1969 1973 Class Acres Percent Acres Percent Acres Percent

Excellent 570 3 1,759 10 2.971 17

Good 7,320 *2 13,853 78 11.5*9 67

Fair 9,500 5* 2,013 12 2.7*1 16

Poor 235 1 T T -

AUM's

Pasture - 1964 1969 Change From

Previous Survey 1973

Change Froa Previous Survey

Vest Horse Pasture 65 65 0 65 0

Lover Vest Range 518 592 + 7* 532 - 60 '

Southwest Range 22k 226 • 2 *82 •256

Lover South Range 388 *61 + 73 *0? - 5*

Alexander Basin Range 8*0 1,02* •IS* 636 -388

Northside Range 390 390 0 765 •375

Upper West Range 671 76* + 93 *28 -336

Upper North Range *18 *30 + 12 695 •265

Upper outh Range 538 58* • *6 *68 -116

Sheep Pasture -.22* * H - *8

Totals *.367 *,910 +5*3 *.80* -106

-15-

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

Herbage Production, Rough Fescue Habitat

U.S. IBP, Grassland Biome, Bison Site

Crop Year* Oven dry wt., lbs/acre

1971 1972 1973

1714 1428 1415

152

21

124 224 23

(1838) (1652) (1611)

LupiHe 365 542 423 182

1970

Rough fescue 1242

Idaho fescue 90

Bluebunch W.G. 26

Other Grasses 79

Subtotal (1438)

Yarrow 62

2162 2974 2414

Precipitation,(in. )** 13.1 13.9 115

•Crop year includes new fall growth of previous year. "Crop year September-August.

19

Other forbs 297 595 334 154

Subtotal (724) (1136) (762) (355)

1966

8.8

Data Summary tentative Mel Morris 7/25/73

-16-

I G- Refuge Mariagenant Modeling. NBR-19 - Doctor Jack Gross and James

Roelle

''"N Mr* Roelle continued analysis of existing data with emphasis on the antelope population. A program was presented at the North American Wildlife Conference in Denver.

H* Social Behavior of Bighorn Sheep. NBR-2Q - Donald A. Jenni

Study inactive this year.

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses

Public use decreased nearly 18^ in the past two fiscal years from 120,932 to 98,884 actual visits. The line graph on the following page shows changes in public use occurring during the past seven years. Our nation1s economic situation and gas shortage scare surely is re­flected in the number of visitors using the National Bison Range.

The 19-mile self-guided auto tour drew 37,441 of the 98,884 visitors in FY 74> or about 40^. The picnic area and display pasture tour accounted for most of the public use when the self-guided tour route was closed.

B. Refuge Visitors

Visitors were recorded from all 50 states and 34 foreign coun­tries^ School group use was quite heavy through the spring months, approximately 1,100 students used the range for environmental education in April, May, and une. An estimated 2,350 visitors viewed the annual roundup activities in October.

The National Bison Range co-hosted the Inter Mountain Section of the Society for Range Management. About 200 ranchers, professors, and professional range managers spent July 28, 1973, touring the range and discussing range management.

C. Refuge Participation

See page 17a.

D. Hunting

No hunting permitted on the Bison Range.

E. Fishing ^

Fishing at the public access on the Jocko River was enjoyed by 298 visitors throughout the summer.

c. REFUGE PARTICIPATION

NATIONAL BISON RANGE. MOICSE. MONTANA 59824

PROGRAMS PRESENTED SPORTSMAN CLUBS SCHOOLS-ON SITE SCHOOLS-OFF SITE YOUTH GROUPS PROFESSIONAL-, AND

SCIENTIFIC TELEVISION ^ RADIO SERVICE CLUBS

Tb-ta-L

ACTIVITIES ATTENDED SCHOOLS SPORTSMEN CLUBS SERVICE CLUBS STATE/FEDERAL GOVT PROFESSIONAL AND

SCIENTIFIC

II

17 16

Tata.L n

II IZ

I +-

*

1 j.: i a-

^ 0

C'w-

f-f-

I

I

k»

—4.—i—;—

... i :

- i

• i 1

T /7A.

Visitors

PUBLIC USE

National Bison Range

Fiscal Year

030,000 120,000 110,000 100,000

90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000

65141 78324 84454 95172 120932 106918 98595 Year 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

PUBLIC USE

National Bison Range

Calendar Year

Visitors

120,000 110,000 100,000

90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000

Year 69000 79374 91732 111200 113371 99951 97316

68 69 70 71 72 73 74

-18-

F, Violations

No violators were apprehended during FY 1974•

^ G. SAFETY

Scheduled SAFETY meetings during the year covered the following topics.

Pesticides Logic and SAFETY - equipment Heavy summer traffic Drugs, by Glen Frame, Lake County Sheriff's Office Forest fire suppression and SAFETY Standard First Aid, by Glen Noble, Lake County Chapter Red Cross Defensive driving Fires in shop and homes SAFETY - children under 18 and the law in regard to what they can and cannot do in certain jobs Motor vehicle accidents and SAFETY

One lost time accident occurred during the year due to an in­jured heel, resulting in 48 hours of lost time.

VII OTHER ITEMS

A. Items of Interest

Hearings were held February 23> 1973> at Poison, Montana, con­cerning the Fish and Wildlife Service's recommendation of No Wilder­ness within the Bison Range. The proposal received favorable support and was adopted.

Refuge Manager Kaschke spent a portion of two months on detail at C.M. Russell National Wildlife Range assisting with wilderness planning and administration. The tour was extended and included a three week tour to Washington, D. C. assisting with draft of B.I.S. for wilderness proposal.

Three personnel positions were established at the refuge. Welcomed aboard were the following: Cecil Keisacker, Realty Specialist, reported September 10, 1973; Gary Hagedorn, Assistant Manager in charge of Northwest Montana Wetlands, reported April 17, 1974; Ted Kramer, Recreation Specialist, arrived June 9, 1974

-19-

SIGNATURE PAGE

Submitted by:

(Signature)

Refuge Manager (Title)

(Date)

Approved, Area Manager:

(Signature)

(Date)

Concurrence, Chief, Division of Land Management

(Signature)

(Date)

-20-

• NATIOfftVL BISON RANGE

06-3515-40rNBR

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

WAtERFOWL USE DAYS '

SPECIES NAME

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

BIROS AMERICAN COOT

, WATERFOWL MAINTENANCE

GEGSF CANADA GOOSE

DUCKS CCMMON MERGANSER ^ MALLARD GADWALL AMERICAN WI6E0N GRFEN-WINGEO (CINN.» TEAL 8L UF-W INGED TEAL PINTAIL WOOD DUCK RPCHFAD ' ' • ' CCVMCN GCLDENtYr BUFFLEHEAD

JUL 1973-SEP 1973

OCT 1973-DEC 1973

JAN 1974-MAR 1974

TOTAL SWAN* TOTAL GE.'-SF

# TOTAL CUCKS

TOTAL WATPRFOWL

<i- •• tA-' -IW.

. v «»:

60

.4 - -

v i»^io

150 9,150

0 180 240 900 450 120 0 0 0

0 1 f 410 11,190

12,600

3,060

0 14,400

0 360 0 0 0 0 0

6C0 300

0 3,060 15,660

18,720

1,320

300 20,400

0 0 0 0

1,800 0 0

660 0

0 1,320

23,160

24,480

APR 1974-JUN 1974

% >/•«

12 MONTH TOTAL

1,200

120 9,270

120 0

1,860 480 0 0

420 0 0

0 1,200 12,270

13,470

% •

>Vv?

.... I. 11

: f '

. }. ' ' '

. V

•» .<

60

6,990

570 53, 220

1 2 0 540

2 , 1 0 0 1, 380 2, 250 120 420

1,260 300

'0 6,990 62,280

69,270

\ - f <

vv

NATIONAL BISON RANGE 06-35I5-^0-NBR

SPECIES NAME

NATIONAL W^OLIFE" REFUGE SYSTEM WI.LDLIFE USE REPORT

PRODUCTION AND HARVEST (WATERFOWL ONLY)

FY-7A

***** USE DAYS- J..***** FY-NO. FY-NO. FY-PEAK LINE CODE JUL-SEP 73 OCT-DEC 73 JAN-MAR 74 APR-JUN 74 FY TOTAL PRODUCED HARVESTED POPULATION DATE

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

BIROS AMERICAN COOT

WATERFOWL MAINTENANCE

711 2210 60 60 09/0^

GEESE CANADA GOOSE 732 1720 1410 3060 1320 1200 6990 70 12/01

DUCKS COMMON MERGANSER 733 1290 150 0 300 120 570 0 o , 18 < 03/15 MALLARD . 733 1320 9150 14400 20400 . 9270 53220 O r , 0 600 12/15 6A0WALL 733 1350 0 0 0 120 120 0 0 6 06/15 AMERICAN WIGEON 733 1370 180 360 0 0 540 0 0 ' 15 ' 11/01 GREEN-WINGED (CINN.) TEAL 733 1390 240 0 0 1860 2100 ,0 0 80 04/18 BLUE-WINGED TEAL 733 1400 900 0 0 480 1380 0 0 15 * 07/18 PINTAIL 733 1430 450 0 1800 0 2250 0 v 0 • 85 03/25 WOOD DUCK 733 1440 120 0 0 0 120 0 0 6 09/15 REDHEAD 733 1460 0 0 0 420 ' 420 0 • 0 16 06/1-8 COMMON GOLOENEYE 733 1510 0 600 660 0 1260 0 0 30 12/20 BUFFLEHEAD 733 1530 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 10 10/01

WATERFOWL PRCDUCTION

GEESE CANADA GOOSE 802 1720 18

DUCKS MALLARD BLUE-WINGED TEAL PINTAIL RFOHEAD

803 1320 803 1400 803 1430 803 1460

0 0 Oj 0

37 5

14 2

TOTAL 12660 18720 24480 13470 69330 76

$

NATIONAL bISON RANGE

NATIONAL WILu.iFE REFUGE SYSTEM

AVERAGE MONTHLY WATERFOWL POPULATIONS •• *

06—3 515—AO-NQR %

SPEC IcS NAME" JUL 73 AUG 73 SEP 73 OCT 73 NOV 73 DEC 73 JAN 74 FEB 74 MAR 74 APR 74 MAY 74

SPECIAL RECOGNITION . BIRDS

AMERICAN COOT 0 •O" ,y 'i : . 2 0 0 0 • 0 0 0 0 0

WATERFOWL MAINTENANCE G 0 r. S "

CMNADA GOOSE 12 15 20 25 42 35 5 . 21 IB 26 14

DUCKS COMMON MERGANSER 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 10 4 0 MALLARB 155 100 50 50 30 400 200 180 300 150 52 GnOWALj. 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 AMERICAN WIGEON 0 0 6 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 v. • o r GREEN-RINGED (CINN.) TEAL 4 4 0 0 0 • 0 ' 0 0 0 50 0 HLUE -wINGED•TEAL 12 8 10 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 • 0 6 PINTAIL 5 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 60 0 0 WOuJ DUCK 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (j RFUH^AD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 ' COMMON GCLDENtYE 0 0 0 0 5 15 10 7 5 0 " 0 bUFFLEHSAO 0 0 0 5 5 0 ' 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL SWANS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 • TOTAL GLiESc ' 12 15 20 25 42 35 5 . 21 18 26 14 TOTAL DUCKS 178 112 83 61 46 415 210 187 375 204 64

TOTAL WATERFOWL 190 127 103 86 88 450 215 208 393 230 78 •

JUN 74

0 107

4 . 0 12 10 0 0 8 0 0

0 0

141

141

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

I C6-3 515-£0-NBR 1

SPECIES NAME.

• i.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

PEAK MONTHLY WATERFOWL POPULATIONS

SPECIAL RECOGNITION BIROS

AMERICAN COOT

WATERFOWL MA INTENANCh GELSC

CANADA GOOSE

. DUCKS COMMON MERGANSER MALLARD GADWALL AMERICAN WIGEON

GRtEN-WINGED (C INN. I

bLU : -W lN6ED TEAL

P INTAIL 1

WOOD DUCK KCDHFAO COMMON GOLDENEYE bUFFLFhLAD

TOTAL SWANS TOTAL G^-LSE TOTAL DUCKS

TOTAL WATERFQwL

JUL 73 • AUG 73 SEP 73 k*

i *4; '\ «.

OCT 73 .

i

NOV 73 DEC 73 JAN 74 FEB 74 MAR 74 APR 74 MAY 74 JUN 74

0 9: 6 -* 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4- .*• * * •»

16 35 30 50 60 70 17 40 2 5 31 31 0

' » 0 'o 10 0 0 0 0 0 18 4 0 0 155 130 60 ' 75 50 600 450 400 450 240 100 115

0 : o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 . ' 0 12 12 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TEAL t; ' 8 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 80 0 14 X 15 15 12 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 " 6 12 • f

10 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 85 0 0 0 A 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 • < 0 0

' ' 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 16 0 0 0 0 10 30 18 9 8 0 0 ' 0

' f -

0 0 0 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

' P : . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ' ' ' 0 0

* 16 35 30 50 60 70 17 40 Z j 31 31 • 0

192 153 120 97 80 630 468 ,409 561 324 116 163

. . . 208 188 150 147 140 700 485 449 586 355 ^ 147.. 163

I

NATIONAL BISON RANGE

06—3515—40-NBR

TYPE OF BENEFIT

REFUGE RECEIPTS

SURPLUS ANIMALS CONCESSIONS

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

REPORT OF ECONOMIC OUTPUTS - FY 74

( IN DOLLARS)

JUL-SEP 73

0.00 0.00

TOTAL 0.00

OCT-DEC 73

38t939.02 0.00

38*939.02

JAN-MAR 74

0.00 838.65

838.65

APR-JUN 74

<K'.. 0.00 0.00

0.00 .

— — i . t o f l i r e ' 1 3 - v v

CL hSi'i iviTa '.oL-'.jL...

-.i-Cftr.Tc.u

•Weqf an :

.Msift.erran'rcrn. .•»_

"FT • -rem

, Y Discuss

0 Review

> X Action

38*939.02 838.65

39,777.67

':T7r v

u/ r " ^ •/

• A •

• • • • • ^

NATIONAL BISON RANGC 06-3515-40-NBR

ACTIVITY NAME

INTERPRETATION '

WILOL TRAILS-NONMOTOR SELF GUIDED

M lLDL TOUR RT-MOTORIZED 1

SELF GUIDED VISITOR CONTACT STATION

EDUCATION

STUDENTS TEACHERS PROF SERVICES RENDERED

RECREATION-WILDLIFE WILOLANDS

FISHING ' "> COLDWATER *

WILDLIFE OBSERVATION FOOT AUTO

WILOLANDS APPRECIATIQN I [V OTHER ' • ^

NATIONAL WifULIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 7 ' PUBLIC USE REPORT . 7 • ;, .1.

ACT MRS BY MONTH

* ; •

JUL-73 AUG-TS SEP-73 OCT-73 NQV-73 DEC-73 JAN-74 FEB-74 MAR-74 APR-74

I . r •

12 MONTH MAY-74 JUN-74 TOTAL

- »

PHQTUORAPHY

RECREATION NON-WILD,' IF^

•il. v» r

PICNICKING ' .'I,-

TOTAL INTERPRETATION TOTAL EDUCATION TOTAL FISHING 1V i '• TOTAL OTHER W/W RECREATION

TOTaL WILDLIFE ORIENTED , '

TOTAL NON-WILDLIFE CRIENJEO

TOTAL PUBLIC USE

NO. VISITS TO REFUGE

.

- 305 209 29 54 48

17080 115

18121 100

10456 23

3225 • • 3

t 3 1 2

500 ^4 / 550 210

600 300

' H'.V • •

X '

C 1 100 : iso 100 30 j r,- • ';ir'

*1088 3"

m

7;

*1088 3"

m 9^54 5073 3470 473

- /. «71 788

^ 60 64 50 100 29 18

• • ... * *r

1

' 7836 6951 3653 250 100 J

12

• * <« ' 17848

1100 100

10943

18800 434 150

9718

10784

100 5123

3437 550

30 3570

•1 32

210

498

•

55

695

50

806

29991 29102 16007 . 7587 740 950 856

7836 6951 3653 250 100 12

37827 36053 19660 7837 840 962 856

21766 19307 10146 69 39 945 1742 1577

18

1164

70 IB

117

5

360

2

ITT

5

•

130

192

122 362

8

492

492

182 322

504

5909

318 1101

3024 13615 21 63

3659

65521 _3i2_

6%S3-1

1684

56

90

5157

,144 7 3730 510 510

v , 1150

717

• . rAr

Z04

i • • >

::r : 10802

3363 1740

90 5157

14779 654 234

6963

504 10350 22630

10350

10314

2263Q

13926

69522 ,5390

704 44845

120461

18802

139263

98848

NATIONAL WJ PUBL

IFl -FUGE SYSTEM USE KEPORT

NATIONAL BISON RANGE VISITS BY MONTH

C6-35I5-A0-NBR

ACTIVITY NAME JUL—73 AUG-73 SEP-73 s

OCT-73 NOV-73 OEC-73 JAN—74 FEB—74 MAR-74 APR-74 MAY-74 JUN-74 12 MONTH

TOTAL

INTEHPPRSTA I ION

WILDL TRAILS-NONMCTOR SiELF GUIDED

rt lLDL TOUP K T-MOTQRIZED ScLF GUIDED

VISITOR CONTACT STATION

871

9760 1383

772

' 10355 1205

406

5975 279

278

1843 31

39

35

70

6

63

20

93

•13

158

52

236

58

422

1728 253

1466

7780 750

4876

3J441 4085

EDUCATION

STUDENTS TEACHERS PROF SERVICES RENDERED

250

200

67

50

550 70 6 .72

2

63

48

. 842

28

48 17

1968 17

328

RECREATION-WILDLIFE WILDLANDS

F ISHING1

COLDWAfFR WILDLIFE OBSERVATION

FCGT AUTO

WILDLANDS APPRECIATION OTH .IR

PHOTOGRAPHY

50

21766

15

75

19307

16

50

10146

10

15

6939

25

945

5

1742

6

1577

3

i

2329 3948

2

5909

30

10314

78

13926

298

2329 96519

2 80

RECKFATION NON-WILDLIFE

PICNICKING 7836 6951 3653 250 100 12 18802

TOTAL INTERPRETATION TOTAL dDUCATION TOTAL FISHING TOTAL JTHtR W/W RECREATION

1201A 450

50 21781

12332 117

75 19323

6660

50 10156

2152 550

15 6964

74 70

950

76

1748

63

1580

106 6

2329

210 74

3950

294 111

5909

2403 870 30

10314

9998 65 78

13926

46402 •2313

298 98930

TOTAL WILDLIFE ORIENTED 34295 31847 16866 9681 1094 1824 1663 2441 4234 6314 13617 24067 147943

TOTAL NON-WILDLIFE CRItNTEO 7836 6951 3653 250 100 12 18802

TOTAL PUBLIC USE 42131 38798 20519 9931 1194 1836 1663 2441 4234 6314 13617 24067 1667A5 1

NO. VISITS TO RtFUGc 21766 19307 10146 6939 945 1742 1577 2329 3948 5909 10314 13926 98848

i

NATIONAL WILDLIFC REFUGE SVSTEM REPORT OF MISCELLANEOUS OUTPUTS

FY-7A

NATIONAL BISON RANGE 06-3 515—40-NBR

TYPE OF OUTPUTS UNITS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

REFUGE ORIENT, UNPUBLSO BY NON-REFUGE P6RSNL EACH

" ECOLOGICAL MONITORING BY REFUGE PERSONNEL PROGRAM

MISCELLANEOUS WILDLIFE OUTPUTS

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY SPECIES DONATED

NO. SPECS EA. ANIMAL

NATIONAL WILDLIFE; RRFUGE SYSTEM LAND USfc INVENTORY REPORT

FY - 74

NATIONAL- ki lSON RANGE 00-j515-4C-N[iR

LAND CLASSIFICATION ACREAGE

I . DETAILED CLASSIFICATIONS

WETLAND TYPES INLAND FRliSH AREAS

OPEN FRESH WATER OTHER WETLANDS

KI VHP S AND STREAMS 119.0

5.0

UPLAND TYPFS CROPLANDS

IRG-GRf EN BROWSE, PERANNL 20.0 GRASSLANDS

NATIVE GRASSLANDS 14,566.0 FORJSTLANDS

CCMMFRCIAL FORESTS 2,600.0 BRUSHLANDS

BRUSH 600.0 OTHER LAND TYPES

ADMINISTRATIVE GENCf.AL 140.3

OTHER ROCKS 490.0

TOTAL ACRES 18,540.3

I I . SUMMARY CLASSIFICATIONS

INLAND FRESH AREAS OTHcR WETLANDS

WETLAND TYPES

5.0 119.0 124.0

CROPLANDS GRASSLANDS FORE STLANDS BRUSHLANDS

20 .0 14,566.0

2,600.0

UPLAND TYPES 600.0

1?,786.0

ADMINISTRATIVE OTHCR

OTHER LAND TYPES

140.3 490.0 630.3

NATION/ . ILD^rE REFUGE SYSTEM WiLOLLFfc USE REPORT

SPECIAL RECOGNITION SPECIES (EXCLUDING WATERFOWL)

0 FY-7 A , . i- 'T ; _

NATIONAL BISON RANGE C6-3515-^C-NBR * :

- ***** —-—USE DAYS——— FY-NO* FY-NO, FY-PFAK -

1 SPECIES NAME LINE CpOE JUL-SEP 73 OCT—DEC 73 JAN-MAR 7A APR -JUN 74 FY TOTAL PRODUCED HARVESTED POPULATION DATE

Q NON-CUTPUT SPECIES .

•TH BIKO-MIG £ RES -

0 GRAY PAKTRICGE 071 2801 0 0 0 0 360000 540 0 1500 07/15 CHUCKAR FART fl IOGE 071 2882 0 0 0 0 40000 40 0 140 07/20 RUFFtP GROUSE' 071 3000 0. 0 0 0 1000 0 ' 0 7 06/15

9 RI NG-NECKbl) PHEASANT 071 3091 0 0 0 0 40000 0 0 200 10/20

9 . MAMMALS ccycTe 072 8260 0 0 0 0 7300 14 0 . 38 07/01 BLACK BEAR 072 8320 0 0 0 0 1730 3 0 7 05/15

9 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK 072 8525 0 0 . 0 0 28314 13 , o 93 - 06/ 01* MULE DEER 072 8530 0 0 0 0 ,70000 44 0 215 07/15 ^HITF-TAILEO DEER 072 85A0 0 0 0 0 41000 20 0 140 . 06/15

9 PRONGHORN 072 8600 0 0 0 0 36500 12 0 112 06/01 MOUNT I AN GOAT 072 8615 0 0 0 0 5000 3 * 0 17 06/15 BIGHORN SHEEP 072 8625 0 0 0 0 10000 7 0 53 06/01

0 LONCHOPN 072 8650 0 0 0 v

0 7 30 0 0 2 , 07/01

A THRfcATENEO SPECIES

RARF

• PRAIRIE FALCON 702 3550 0 io ' ' o 0 20 0 0 I ; u/07

PERIPHERAL 08/01 0 RICHARDSON'S BLUE GROUSE 703 2972 0 0 0 0 6000 33 0* 5 3 ' " 08/01

& SPECIAL RECCGMT ION .

%Jr BIRDS

GREAT BLUE HERON 711 19 AO A50 110 360 500 1420 0 0 11 05/23 COMMON SNIPE 711 2300 1800 0 0 546 2346 10 , 0 20 07/15 KILLUEER 711 2730 15900 350 230 10000 26480 120 0 240 07/01 MOURNING COVE 711 3160 0 0 01 0 " 14000 0 0 120 08/15 MARSH HAWK 711 3310 37 C 200 250 • 660 1480 3 0 14 05/20 RED-TAILED (HARLAN) HAWK 711 3370 50 .0 AO 280 370 0 0 5 05/15 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 711 3A70 0 300 100 0 400 0 0 V 6 10/16 GOLDEN EAGLE 711 3A90 270 200 250 360 1080 2 0 0 05/15 BALD EAGLE 711 3 520 0 80 . 100 0 180 0 . 0 2 11/10 AM. KESTREL (SPARROW HAWK}. 711 3600 16560 A70 0 7200 24230 40 a 200 07/01

® SHORT-EARED OWL . 711 3670 0 80 0 -0- ... . . 80 0 0^ , 2 11/21 GREAT HORNED OWL 711 3750 500 260 400 300 1460 3 0 h 07/15

© ' J

9 NATIONAL BISON RANGE C6-35I5-AC-NBR

% SPECIES NAME

NATIONA'" MILt :e REFUGE SYSTEM K LIK. USE REPORT

SPECIAL RECCTGNITION SPECIES (EXCLUDING WATERFOWL) ' ' '

" FY-74 .

— —USE DAYS -•»••• FY-NO. FY-NO. FY-PFAK LINE CODE JUL-SEP 73 OCT-OEC 73 JAN-MAR 7A APR-JUN 7A FY TOTAL PRODUCED HARVESTED POPULATION DATE

® MAMMALS BISON 712 8610

TOTAL

0

35900

0

2070

0

1730

0

19846

134912

866832

89

996

414 07/01

e

&

*

9

Q