RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 



WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH 



Two of the primary responsibilities of the Bu- 

 reau of Sport Fislieries and Wildlife are the con- 

 servation and management of tJie migratoiy bird 

 resources, of which waterfowl are of paramount 

 impoi'tance; In carrying out these responsibili- 

 ties, continuing research is needed to improve 

 techniques of managing existing habitat, both on 

 breeding areas and on migration and wintering 

 gi'ounds; to develop means of creating new habi- 

 tat; to provide guidelines for habitat acquisition 

 to best fill the year-long requirements of migra- 

 tory birds; to evaluate the effects of regulations 

 and other management measui'es on tlie birds; and 

 to improve imventory techniques. 



Production cycle on the Lov.mna and Redvers 

 areas. — The Lousana and Eedvers areas are located 

 in the aspen-prairie parkland type of Canada. 



Initiated in 1952, investigations have been con- 

 tinued liere for 11 years under the same project 

 leaders. Field work has been conducted from 

 May 1 through July 31 each year, wlien measure- 

 ments were made of the many factors influencing 

 waterfowl production. Studies, fortunately, have 

 been carried on through the excellent production 

 years of the early 1950's and, now, through the 

 drouglit years which began in 1958 and continue 

 to the present. 



Plans are to continue these studies until the 

 drouglit has broken and habitat conditions re- 

 turn to a more nearly normal condition. Then the 

 Bureau will liave compiled vital information on 

 waterfowl habitat and production for an entire 

 weather cycle. 



Missouri Unit ivorks on Manitoha potholes. — 

 Results of a 4-year investigation by the Missouri 

 Unil in the Erickson potliole coimtry of Manitoba 



Indispensable product, young of the year. ( Photo by Ray C. Erickson) 



