24 



CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 



some time at the lick. A screen of tree brandies prevented photographs 

 being taken. After these deer had left we moved our location, taking 

 up a station directly across from the lick. We were in plain sight and 

 but thirtj'-two yards away. During a wait of a little over two hours we 

 were rewarded by seeing a dozen deer come to the lick. Several of the 

 animals saw us, and at each click of the camera the head was raised 

 and the ears pointed forward, and yet there was no sign of fright. The 

 climax came Avhen at 10.15 in the morning two bucks and two does came 

 to the lick, and spent five or ten minutes there. (See fig. 24.) 









Fig. 23. Deer startled by the click of the camera at "Big Ivick" on the Hayfork River in 

 Trinity Game Refuge. Photograph by II. C. Bryant. 



The antlers of the bucks at this time of the year were from four to 

 six inches in length, the knob at the end just beginning to indicate a 

 branching. Bucks were most in evidence at this lick, only three or 

 four does being seen. 



Probably nowhere in the state is it possible to find so many deer, or 

 find them so tame, as in this Trinity refuge. Evidently the refuge 

 forms a great game farm where the animals increase in numbers and 

 then spread out to surrounding localities, furnishing food and sport 

 for all those who wish. 



Natural conditions are of the best. Artificial means may, however, 

 improve the annual crop. Deer in this breeding area, although safe 

 from attack by man, are still subject to attack by many predatory 

 animals. Some Avork is being done by the United States Department 



