THIRTY-SIXTH BIENNIAL REPORT 31 



REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF GAME CONSERVATION 



By J. S. Hunter, Chief 



The work of the Bureau of Game Conservation in assisting in the 

 management of game in our State has grown year by year with the 

 taking over of new problems the solution of which will add to the game 

 supply and assure posterity of a continuation of the pleasures of field 

 sports for years to come. Conditions, generally, are satisfactory but 

 there are many problems that must be worked out before we can rest 

 on our oars and say our work is finished. 



WATERFOWL 



There is no doubt that the number of ducks has increased during 

 the past several years. This is due to the work of the various inter- 

 ested agencies that have brought about better protection and breeding 

 conditions. The work of the Federal Government through the Fish 

 and Wildlife Service can not be too highly commended nor can the 

 accomplishments of Ducks Unlimited in improving conditions in the 

 north go unmentioned. Our own part in setting aside of sanctuaries 

 where millions of birds have found security during the open season 

 and have been able to survive and go to their northern breeding 

 grounds, must not be overlooked. 



There is, however, work yet to be done. Duck disease, lead poison- 

 ing, and other causes take a great toll which may or may not be pre- 

 vented. We must carry on and make every effort to find a cure for 

 these destructive agencies. Breeding areas in our State must be pro- 

 vided. It is evident there can be no great increase in breeding areas 

 in the wintering localities, but there is a wonderful opportunity to 

 better conditions in the real duck breeding areas in the northeastern 

 part of the State. 



WATERFOWL REFUGES 



Ducks by the millions have been using our waterfowl refuges as 

 loafing and feeding areas. Year by year their numbers are increasing. 

 The first birds arrive in August and increase so that by the end of the 

 season there are thousands upon thousands of birds. Tliose birds have 

 successfully escaped the hunters' shotguns and will continue on to 

 their northern breeding grounds. Were it not for these protected areas 

 the duck situation in California would be in a serious condition. 



It has been possible during the past two years to maintain a satis- 

 factory water area on all the refuges. At Los Banos during the duck 

 season w^e could have used more water, but with the development of 

 the interior valley project, the water situation on this refuge will be 

 more satisfactory. During September, 1939, in Imperial Valley, tor- 

 rential rains flooded the refuge but caused no damage, in the Spring 

 of 1940 flood conditions prevailed in the Sacramento Valley. During 



