20 REPORT OF BOARD OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONERS. 



The elk pay absolutely no attention to the ordinary cattle fence. We saw them 

 go over both barbed-wire and rail fences with the greatest ease. The elk prefer, 

 however, to crowd through if they can, as we observed in several cases. 



The problem presenting itself for immediate action on the part of every one inter- 

 ested, is that of securing a permanent range. Everything points towards the rapid 

 subdividing of the large land holdings into farms. No single owner can then stand 

 the ravages of the elk. It is not for a moment to be supposed that any one advocates 

 the unlimited protection of elk under the present conditions of rapid settlement of 

 the California valleys. It is, however, consistent with the highest ideals of con- 

 servation that at least a representation of the animal be preserved in as nearly their 

 native surroundings for all time. The steps leading to this consummation must be 

 taken at once, while there is yet the opportunity of securing adequate areas of land 

 in their native domain. 



Nothing is more certain than that only failure can attend any attempt to move 

 the elk from the limits of their native range. This was abundantly proven by the 

 disastrous results of the "drive" of 1904 when the attempt was made to remove 

 the entire herd to the Sequoia National Park. 



The following suggestion has been made, as receiving favorable consideration by 

 several persons qualified to judge, who are intimately interested in the problem : 

 That three sections of land be acquired, one of these to be located in the bed of the 

 valley between Buena Vista and Tulare lakes, the other two to lie to the westward. 

 up into the elk hills. The first designated section should be of first class land 

 (which is now valued in that vicinity at $100 an acre — $64,000 for the section). 

 This section of arable land would have to be purchased or donated, but it is prob- 

 able that the adjacent two sections of desert land could be secured under some sort 

 of lease from the Federal Government. 



The three square miles thus indicated would have to be completely fenced to keep 

 the elk from doing depredations to the surrounding country. A special elk-proof 

 fence would have to be constructed, and at a cost of $800 to $900 per mile. Such a 

 fence would have to be at least seven feet high, and of such materials that elk could 

 not break through. Of the arable section of land, at least 250 acres should be 

 grown to alfalfa. This in connection with the native forage on the uplands would 

 support about 500 elk. 



It is suggested that further increase of elk could doubtless be disposed of from 

 year to year for eating, or for stocking elsewhere. Such sale might establish the 

 means of permanent support, to defray the salary of a man continually in charge, 

 and the extra labor necessary in haying time. 



The above brief outline for the establishment of a refuge for the dwarf elk I 

 believe to be not only feasible but immediately necessary if we are to expect the 

 preservation of this, one of the most interesting species of native game animal in 

 California. It seems to me that the State Board of Fish and Game Commissioners 

 could carry out the necessary details with much less difficulty than at the outset 

 might be anticipated. Successful accomplishment would bring everlasting commen- 

 dation for the far sightedness of this undertaking. 



Respectfully submitted and recommended. 



(Signed) J. GRINNELL, 



Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 



University of California. 



Besides the "tule" elk, another variety is found in very small num- 

 bers in the more humid parts of the State, in Humboldt and Del Norte 

 counties. On account of the nature of the country, which is covered 

 with timber and brush where this species range, it is difficult to accur- 

 ately estimate their numbers. There are several small bands, number- 

 ing from six to twelve animals. It is safe to say that they do not total 

 over 200 individuals. The people living in that part of the State are 

 cooperatiim' in ensuring these animals absolute protection, and it is to 

 be hoped that they may be saved. 



The antelope is more extensively distributed. A few are still found 

 in the desert region bordering on the Colorado River in the extreme 

 southeastern part of the State ; some are also found in Antelope Valley, 



