TREMmUEXU NARRATIVE REPORTS JANUARY - DECEMBER I946

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ROUTING SUP DIVISIQN OF UIDUFE REFUGES DATE; Februnry 26^1947.

m, SALTER

m. KRUiIMES

3/xl,

IvUSS BA.UM

SECTION OF OPERATIONS:

Mr, Ball ^

SECTION OF HARITiiT IMPRO^CEIvIENT:

Miss Cook- 3̂ /,

SECTION OF LAND MANAGEMENT:

Mr, Kent

MS luiuCTit^. lF^.

SECTION OF STRUCTURES; STE: .jOGRAP HERS

REMARKS:

TREMPF.ATiKAII NATTONAT. WTT.DT.TlTR RKFTIGK

NARRATIVE REPORT

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 1S46>

Return to

3^^

TREMPEALEAU RATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE NARRATIVE REPORT

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, 1946

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i. GENERAL

Weather:

Temperatures were above normal in October, November, and December, while September was slightly below normal. Highest temperature was 83° in September; lowest -22° in late December. December had record high readings.

Precipitation was normal, with a total of 8.97". This was 1.38" less than in 1945.

The period had no destructive storms. September was the wettest since 1938, while December was the hottest and driest.

The following table (Winona statistics) gives comparative weather data:

Temperature Precipitation Month Year Max. Min. Mean Normal Total Normal

1945 99 28 64.68 2.55 September 1946 83 34 59.91 62.5 4.55 3.76

1945 82 28 49.77 0.31 October 1946 81 26 53.24 49.6 2.40 2.49

1945 67 14 34.85 5.52 November 1946 62 11 35.80 35.1 1.94 1.61

1945 45 -12 16.51 1.34 December 1946 50 -22 24.95 21.5 0.83 1.11

1945 10.35 Total 8.97 8.97

Water Conditions:

Water was low in the few small ponds on the area, in direct proportion to a fall drawdown in Pool 6.

II. WILDLIFE

Migratory Birds: 1. Populations and Behavior:

There were only a few birds in the area at the beginning of the period. These were mostly woodies. Mallards and a few blacks moved in in early September. By the end of September a few pintail

*p?

baldpate, and bluewings occurred, the Hatter leaving in early October. Refuge^iirds increased with hunting pressure on adjacent areas. Ap­proximately 3,000 birds used the area at peak concentration, with mallards being most common. Other species, in order of abundance, were pintail, blacks, baldpate, and woodies.

2. Food and Cover;

Food and cover were essentially unchanged. The limited hab­itat makes the area attractive only as sanctuary during hunting seasons.

Upland Game Birds:

(a) Pheasants;

About 10 pheasants used the refuge this period.

(b) Quail;

Quail have increased to 175 birds, compared to 100 a year ago.

(o) Ruffed Grouse;

One ruffed grouse was seen on the refuge in December.

Big Game Animals:

In accordance with the Wisconsin State seasons, a bow and arrow season was held on the Refuge from September 28 - November 11; and a gun season (shotguns with slugs) from November 23 - December 1. Only three deer''were taken during the bow and arrow season, while 64 ̂were killed in the gun season. Approximately 250 hunters used the Refuge on opening day of the gun season, and most of the deer killed were taken before noon of that day. Only six deer were left on the Refuge at the end of the period.

Fur Animals;

(a) Muskrats;

The muskrat population remains static,, with only a few animals present because of limited habitat.

(b) Mink;

Mink are fewer than last year because some were taken along the river during the State season.

(c) Beaver:

Two colonies of beaver are found along the Trempealeau River.

(d) Raccoonj

Raccoon increased somewhat during the summer, but the popu­lation is still low.

Plantings:

4. Cultivated Crops;

Two share-cropping permits were in effect during the seaso: One permit was issued for cropping 12J- acres of corn and 12 acres of soybeans. The government's share of 4|- acres of corn and 4 acres of soybeans was left standing. One permit was issued for 5 acres of watermelons, for which the sum of $25.00 was remitted.

Deer hunting was the only hunting permitted on the refuge, when both a bow and arrow season and a gun season were held.

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT

VI. PUBLIC RELA.T IONS

Hunting;

February 21, 1947

FEB 2 4 13,;:

3-1750 Form NR-1 WATERFOWL (Nov. 1945) Tremp«al«au September Deoember, $

Refuge Months of to 194

(1) Species

(2) First Seen

(3) Peak Concentration Last

(4) Seen

(5) Young Produced

(6) Total

* Common Name Number Date Numbe r Date Number Date

Broods Seen

Estimated Total

Estimated for Period

I. Swans: Whistling swan

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II. Geese: Canada goose Cackling goose Brant White-fronted goose Snow goose Blue goose

.—•Zd be*

III. Ducks: Mallard Black duck Gadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Wood duck Red head Ring-necked duck Canvas-back Scaup Golden-eye Buffle-head Ruddy duck

• - • : > " ' ' - '

1200 60 60 660 400 40 600

600

11/9 10/80 10/80 lo/is 10/to 114* 10/5

lo/k

.inemevc

600 4

100 600

18

4

nA» 11/18

ll/lo 11/18

' ' t p

10A

U/4

:noi

6,000 80 66 400 600 40 200

«ot

IV. Coot:

1 r i f e r r f s s * tr f r r D

(over)

Total Production

Geese

Ducks

Coots

SUMMARIES • smq-TI a3TAW

Total waterfowl usage during period.

Peak waterfowl numbers.,

Areas used by concentrations

6,000

0,000

' I

Principal nesting areas this season.

Reported by.

(1) Species:

INSTRUCTIONS

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.

I v * ' i •- -A ̂ ̂ \ j r r n f r A • 1 QHuBf'' Wm I DlJSxi, The first refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period, and the number seen. This column does not apply to resident species.

( 2 )

(3)

(4)

(5)

First Seen:

Peak Concentra- The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time, tion:

Last Seen:

Young Produced:

(6) Total:

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period.

I j j 1 j h&ff | { 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.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the nature of the migrational movement. j

Note; Only columns applicable to the reporting period should be used. It is desirable that the Summaries receive careful attention since these data are necessarily based on an analysis of the rest of the form.

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

Refuge. Tr«peal«ftu

( 1 ) Species

Common Name

I. Water and Marsh Birds:

( 2 ) First Seen

Number Date

II. Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns:

MIGRATORY BIRDS (other than waterfowl)

Months of -SttptaaibT to.D#ograbT„ 194.^..

(3) Peak Numbers

(4) Last Seen

(5) Production

(6) Total

Number Date Number Date Number Colonies

Total # Nests

Total Young;

Estimated Number

K ' .• .• f < ' j

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1 '

1 •

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(over)

III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove White-winged dove

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

( 2 )

residenti

resident!

.i£L

X2/M

J9IO0

.161

29

200

Reported by.

(1) Species:

(2) First Seen:

(3) Peak Numbers

(4) Last Seen:

(5) Production:

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 (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.

( 6 ) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. •J i

Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS 1613

Refuge tTmaomlmxL Ifonths of Sepfber to VmombT , 194|_

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> (!> ^ 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 in Es

timated

Total

Percentage Hunting

For Re­

stocking

For

Research

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.^

Pheasanta

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INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES:

(2) DENSITY:

Use correct common name.

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.

U) SEX RATIO:

(5) REMOVALS:

(6) TOTAL:

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.

(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

Form NR-3 BIG GAME

Hefuge Trgmnaalaaa Tear 194«

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% (1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

(4) Removals

(5) Losses

(6) Introductions

(7) Estimated Total Refuge

Population as of Dfec. 31

(8) Sex Ratio

Common Name Cover types, total Acreage of Habitat Number •H

-P

w

1 c

s-4 u o 0+^ n

X) H O CO

x: 0 u rt (0

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c 0 •H

1

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<D m cd 0) to

f-i ID O <D -P (0 C CO

v. , 0) 'i 5s:

Source r'

(7) Estimated Total Refuge

Population as of Dfec. 31 Percentage

tkmr 69* U 67 «

161

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-3 - BIG GAME

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name; i.e.. Mule deer, black-tailed deer, nhite-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.) exclusive of fenced herds. Detailed data may be omitted for species occuring 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 Midlife 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:

(4) REMOVALS:

(5) LOSSES:

Estimated total number of young produced on refuge.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year.

(6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured.

(7) TOTAL REFUGE POPULATION:

(8) SEX RATION:

Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge as of December 31,

Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals.

161S

\Form MR-5 DISEASE 1616

Refuge_ Tear 194*

Botulism ^Lead Poisoning or other Disease

^Period of outbreak

Period of heaviest losses^

Losses: Actual Count Estimated

(a) Waterfowl (b) Shorebirds -(c) Other

Number Hospitalized No. Recovered % Recovered

(a) Waterfowl (b) Shorebirds (c) Other

Areas affected (location and approximate acreage)

Water conditions (average depth of water in sickness areas9 reflooding of exposed flats,etc,

Condition of vegetation and invertebrate life_

Kind of disease

Species affected^

Number Affected Species

Number Recovered_

Number lost

Source of infection^

Water conditions

Food conditions

Remarks

Actual Count Estimated

Remarks

Refuge Trwapealeau Year 194 _§

\ %

Species Relative Abundance

Sport Fishing Commercial Fishing Restocking Number re­moved for Restocking

%

Species Relative Abundance

Man days Fishing

Number Taken

No. of Permits

Pounds Taken

Number Stocked Area Stocked

Number re­moved for Restocking

to*

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REMARKS:

vForm NR-7 PLANTINGS (Marsh - Aquatic - Upland)

Refuge Trwyl—a Year

Species

Location of Area Planted

'Rate of Seeding or

Planting

Amount Planted

(Acres or Yards of Shoreline)

Amount & Nature of Propagules

Date of Plant­ing Survival

Cause, of Loss Remarks

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TOTAL ACREAGE PLANTED: Marsh and aquatic Hedgerows, cover patches_ Food strips, food patches Forest plantings

161

Form NR-8 (Revised)

CULTIVATED CROPS

Refuge. Xrfl&pa&ltt&tt Year 194-e...

1. Permittee

(If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre

Permittee's Share

Government's Share or Return Permittee (If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre

Permittee's Share Harvested Unharvested Compensatory

Services, or Cash Revenue

Permittee (If farmed by refuge personnel, so indicate)

Permit No.

Unit or Loca­tion

Crops Grown

Ave. Yield per Acre Acres

Bu.Har­vested Acres Bu. Acres Bu.

Compensatory Services, or Cash Revenue

*u Hash imi 9mm I* 4| •cjhccm U 4

Richard Lipincki X3814 9 catcnoclon i

*

tts.oo

Summary of Crops Grown: Crop Acreage Permittee's Share Government's Share Total Revenue Acres Bushels Harvested Unharvested

Acres Bu. Acres Bu. $.mM.

DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS

Cultivated Crops Report Form NR-8 should be .prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops harvested or utilized during the calendar year and sub­mitted with the December 31 refuge report.

Pe!rmittee - List each permittee separately. If lands of the refuge are farmed iby refuge personnel or hired labor, this should be indicated in the Per­mittee column.

Permit No. - List the number of the Special Use Permit issued to the in­dividual.

Use or Location - The Unit No. or name specified in the Economic Use Plan should be listed in this column.

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Crops Grown - A separate line of the form should be used for each crop grown by each permittee or by refuge personnel. This is important, since if each crop grown by each operator is not specifically enumerated, the report will be of no value for statistical purposes.

Average Yield per Acre - It is important that the average yield per acre of each crop grown by each operator should be shown.

Permittee's Share - Only the number of acres harvested or utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. It is requested that all crops harvested be reduced to bushels wherever possible, or, as in the case with the harvesting of seed such as that of sweet clover, alfalfa, bromegrass, etc., the total harvested crop in pounds may be shown. Timothy, alfalfa, or other hay harvested by the permittee should be shown on Form NR~10 and should not be shown in the Permittee's Share column.

Government's Share or Return - Harvested - Show the number of bushels har­vested for the Government and the acreage from which this share is harvested, both for grain raised by refuge personnel and by permittees. Unharvested - show the exact number of acres of crops allowed to remain unharvested as food and cover for wildlife. An estimate of the number of bushels of grain that is avail­able for the wildlife in such unharvested crops should be shown in the Bushels column.

Compensatory Services, or Cash Revenue ~ Show other services received by the Government in cooperative farming activities, the number of acres of food strips planted for wildlife, the amount of wildlife crops not otherwise reported that are planted by cooperators for the Service, or the cultivation of wildlife plantations. If the permit is on a fee basis, the total cash revenue received by the Service.

Form NR-9 GOLLECxxONS AND RECEIPTS OF PLANTING STu^K (Seeds^ rootstocks, trees, shrubs) 1620

Refuge frmvmXmxL Year 194#

Species

Collections

Amount Date or Period or Collection

Method Unit Cost

Receipts

Amount Source

Total Amounts on Hand

Amount Surplus

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'Form NR-10 HAYING AND GRAZING

Refuge Year 194,,

Permittee Permit No, Unit or Location

Actual Acreage Utilized

Animal Use Months

Tons of Hay Har­vested

Period of Use From - To Rate

Total Income Remarks

Totals: Acreage grazed^

Acreage cut for hay_

Animal use months

Tons of hay cut

Total income Grazing

Total income Haying_

1621

Form NR-11 TIMBER REMOVAL

Refuge Year.

Permittee Permit No, Unit or Location Acreage

No, of Units Expressed in B.F,, ties, etc.

Rate of

Charge Total

Income

Reservations and/or Diameter

Limits Species Cut

• oords of firmed eat free deid end down •so t4.se

(Total acreage cut over Total income_ t4.SQ

No, of units removed B. F,_ Cords_ Ties

Method of slash disposal

1622

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