CALirORNIA FISH AND GAME 61 



When definitely selected, each "Strip Count Route" should he carefully 

 laid out, marked (hlazed, etc.) and mapped. 



2. Definite area count. Each area should be carefully selected as 

 outlined in Part I and its size determined in accordance with the require- 

 ments of this census. These areas will comprise the Work Areas. Each 

 should be as large as possible, and yet conform with the following require- 

 ments : that, by any devisable means, the man in charge may, alone, 

 count with almost full accuracy within a given time, every deer within 

 its confines. Here, just as in the case of the Strip Count Route, type of 

 country will greatly affect the size of the Work Area. 



C. Census requirements. Workers will arrange to s(>gregate age clas.ses of 

 <leer and record each separately as follows (in each individual seasonal count) : 



1. Number of old (adult) does. 



2. Number of yearling does. 



3. Number of does with single fawn. 



4. Number of does with twin fawns. 



5. Number of fawns. (Deer of the season to be counted as fawns, 

 i.e., April census fawns will be approximately 10 months old. These 

 animals will be recorded as yearlings in the July census, when a new 

 fawn crop will have appeared.) 



6. Number of spike bucks. 



7. Number of forked-horn bucks. (Notes if possible on same that 

 have or lack "eye-guard" or "brow-tine.") 



8. Number of bucks, three-pointei-s or better. (Notes wanted on 

 exceptionally large bucks, ones with malformed or deformed antlers, etc.) 



9. Special data as follows are desired for bucks only in the censuses 

 indicated : 



a. January census: Number of bucks with shed antlers. 



b. April census : Number of bucks still carrying antlers. 



c. September census : Number of bucks in "velvet." 



At the end of each census report, each worker should provide a 

 statement of remarks upon the particular count in which especial 

 emphasis should be given to the following points : 



10. Weather at census taking time, clear or cloudy, rain or snow 

 falling, depth of snow on ground. Brief statement of the weather at 

 this point for the previous ten days. Temperature. Wind velocity and 

 direction. 



11. General condition of the herd, noting all exceptional cases such 

 as unusually poor animals, condition and color of pelage (coat) and 

 antlers, visibly diseased or injured animals. Each of the latter cases 

 should be recorded in some detail. 



III. Predatory animals. 



The following methods for studying these animals and their effect upon deer 

 are suggested for the use of the game wardens only. D. D. McLean is preparing 

 more comprehensive methods for the use of the trappers on the game refuges. 



A. Secure estimated number of predators (mountain lion, bear, coyote, bob- 

 cat, possibly golden eagle) occurring on Work Areas monthly. In reports indicate 

 whicn of tlH'sc animals and quantity thereof appear to be resident on the area, 

 and which are only visitors and approximate extent of visit of each. This infor- 

 mation to be secured by : 



1. Observation of the predators in life. 



2. Observation of tracks, especially in snow. 



B. Effect of predatory animals upon deer. 



1. By observation determine if harassment by predatory animals 

 drives deer from their feeding, resting or watering places or disturbs 

 them and to what extent in (a) feeding, (b) watering, (c) resting. 



2. By observation of deer kills use every method possible (tracks, 

 evidence, etc.) to ascertain the cause of each kill. In monthly reports 

 list all kills found on Work Areas, also ones definitely attributable to 



