260 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



the spring alarming reports as to the excessive losses of elk in both 

 the northern (Yellowstone) and the southern (Jackson Hole) herds 

 gained circulation, but careful investigation on the ground by em- 

 ployees of the National Park Service, Forest Service, and Biological 

 Survey proved these statements to be unwarranted. 



From the investigations and counts conducted by our representa- 

 tives, together with other reliable information at hand, it is prob- 

 able that not more than 1,500 elk died because of snow and lack of 

 food in the 240 square miles which constitute the principal winter 

 elk range in the Jackson Hole region. Of this number, approxi- 

 mately 70 per cent were calves, 25 per cent cows, and 5 per cent bulls. 

 Including the snowbound animals illegally killed by tusk hunters and 

 poachers, 2,000 elk are regarded as a close approximation of the total 

 mortality in the region. The great number of deaths along the 

 roads, at feeding places, and at river crossings gave the impressions 

 earlier in the season which Avere responsible for overestimating the 

 losses. 



The total number of elk fed at the Jackson Hole refuge was 

 approximately 6,000. Feeding began on January 15, and the hay 

 was practically exhausted by April 5. Of the 900 elk which died 

 on the feeding grounds tiiis winter, 794 Averc calves. About 250 

 calves came from the foothills to the feeding grounds in the latter 

 part of February and nearly all perished. Experience has proved 

 that it IS almost impossible to save young elk by feeding hay after 

 they have reached a seriously emaciated condition, and chances for 

 succoring them are greatly lessened- where fed with a great band 

 in which older and stronger animals predominate. Experiments will 

 be conducted in fencing off feeding lots where the smaller animals 

 may be fed without interference from the larger and stronger elk, 

 in order to lessen losses in the calf crop. 



During the year, 588 rods of fencing have been constructed, pro- 

 tecting about 800 acres of grazing land for the elk. Additional 

 equipment has been purchased, including a team of horses, haying 

 machinery, and other agricultural implements required to insure, a 

 larger yield of hay from the reservation through the extension of 

 the irrigation system and the plowing and seeding of certain areas 

 to tame grasses. 



In addition to 660 tons of hay harvested on the refuge and fed to 

 the animals, about 400 tons were purchased and fed by the Wyoming 

 State officials. 



Niobrara Reservation, Nebraska. — The small herd of buffalo on 

 this reservation is increasing steadily, as evidenced by 4 calves born 

 this year, making a total of 18 animals in the herd. The 34 elk 

 wintered without losses, but no report on the calf crop has been 

 received. Lack of range faciJities in the present small inclosure pre- 

 cludes bringing additional animals to the reservation. 



SuLLYS Hill Game Preserve, North Dakota. — With the com- 

 pletion of the six miles of 88-inch woven-w^ire fence on Sullys Hill, 

 this game preserve was made ready for stocking early in the year. 

 Contracts have been let for the construction of a 5-room frame cot- 

 tage as headquarters, together with a frame barn, and these improve- 

 ments were nearly completed at the close of the fiscal year. 



