1.65 in 1953 preceded a partridge decline in 1955? and we hope history does 

 not repeat itself in this respect. It should be noted also, that the I960 

 ratio of juvenile to adult female is 6.^5? about one-half the figure for this 

 ratio during the past three years. The 10 year average is 8.^-7. 



A good nesting season in 1961 is required if Huns are to maintain good 

 densities. Adverse weather for the second consecutive year during the 

 critical summer period could lower the 196I fall population drastically, 



Luther Marsh Harvest and Utilization, I960. 



An estimate of the total harvest and utilization of Luther Marsh is 

 made to better understand the migratory bird population and the value of the 

 area to wildfowl hunters. 



The i960 season for migratory birds opened October 1st, I96O and extended 

 to November 30th, I960, when the marsh became frozen. The estimate of harvest 

 and utilization is based on a count of cars, both morning and evening, with a 

 complete check of all hunters at one of five checking stations each evening. 

 The evening check being rotated between all of the five stations. 



The information is continuous for the period of October 1st, to ^ 

 November 30th, I960, with the exception of the week of October 31st, to 

 November 5th, when sufficient staff was not available for the full week. The 

 week of November 7th to November 12th, does not appear to be complete from 

 a standpoint of harvest statistics. The morning and evening count of cars 

 has been made but from the average daily kill of the previous and preceding 

 week it would appear that accurate harvest statistics are lacking for this 

 period. 



All projections of harvest and utilization will be minimum as many hunting 

 parties only hunted a few hours and were not present when car counts were 

 made. The period of October 31st to November 12th has harvest statistics for 

 only three days, which further reduce harvest estimates. 



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