452 ANNUAL EEPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



National Bison Range^ Mont. — By far the most disastrous occur- 

 rence in connection with this refuge was the final extermination of 

 the remnants of the herd of 60 antelope that was on this range early 

 the preceding year. The antelope were killed by predatory animals 

 Avhich came in from the surrounding country during severe winter 

 weather, probably assisted by Indian dogs from the reservation 

 near by. During several years hunters have been detailed to destroy 

 predatory animals in and about this and the other game refuges, 

 and large numbers have been thus killed. The destruction of ante- 

 lope here and at Wind Cave is good evidence of the dijffiiculty of 

 protecting game refuges from the inroads of coyotes or other preda- 

 tory animals, which are able to travel great distances during a single 

 night. Antelope appear to be peculiarly helpless before such danger, 

 the losses of other game animals from this source in the same refuge 

 being negligible. 



The rapid increase of buffalo and elk on this range has about 

 stocked it to capacity, as is shown by indications of deterioration 

 in the range here and there. As a consequence, it has become neces- 

 sary to provide for the disposal of surplus animals. Negotiations 

 looking to this were initiated during the last part of the year. 



The buffalo on the preserve now number 549, including 92 calves 

 of the year. Only three deaths took place in the herd during the 

 year. It is estimated that there are about 400 elk in the herd, in- 

 cluding about 60 of this year's calves. So far as known, only two 

 elk, both young bulls, died during the year. The mule deer, white- 

 tailed deer, and mountain sheep are all doing well. It is esti- 

 mated that from 50 to 60 beavers live along Mission Creek within the 

 reservation. 



The number of game birds on the refuge is estimated to include 

 about 400 sharp-tailed grouse, 50 blue grouse, 50 Hungarian par- 

 tridges, 100 Chinese pheasants, and 200 mallard ducks. During 

 mild weather in the last part of February 12 Chinese pheasants in 

 excellent condition and apparently preparing to mate appeared about 

 the headquarters corral. These introduced birds appear to have 

 become well established on the refuge, and with other game birds 

 will serve to supply a surplus to sportsmen in the country surround- 

 ing the fenced area. 



A number of needed improvements were added during the year, 

 including a reservoir 130 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 4 feet deep; 

 a frame cabin, known as " The substation "; an ice house; four small 

 outbuildings; and three poison and trapping stations for predatory 

 animals. Many old posts in the game fence were replaced or reset, 

 and two floodgates crossing Mission Creek were rebuilt to prevent 

 the animals from escaping. 



Wind Cave Game Preserve^ S. Dak. — Coyotes had reduced the 

 antelope herd on this refuge by early sjoring from 21 to 8 does. 

 By June 30 these were accompanied by an equal number of fawns, 

 making a total of 16. In order to protect them a number of poison- 

 bait stations were established and a vigorous campaign was put in 

 effect and will be continued to destroy the predatory animals in 

 and about the refuge. As in the case of the Bison Range, the sur- 

 rounding country is inhabited by coyotes and other game-killing 

 animals, which frequently travel great distances. Consequently it 

 will be possible to maintain antelope here only with unceasing vigi- 



