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REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



Winter Feeding of Game. 



According to statements of old residents, the winter of 1915-16 was 

 perhaps the most severe ever experienced in the northern counties and 

 consequently very destructive to bird and animal life, especially to 

 mountain quail. While undoubtedly a large number of deer and moun- 

 tain quail died from exposure or became the prey of predatory animals, 

 the number reported was no doubt exaggerated. In Trinity, Modoc, 

 Shasta, Plumas, El Dorado, Tehama, in fact, in all the mountain region, 

 these birds were fed and cared for during the heavy snowfall last 

 winter. 



As soon as this district office was notified prompt action was taken by 

 President Newbert to remedy the condition. Quantities of grain and 



Fig. 85. Valley quail being fed during January snowstorm by Superintendent of Streets 

 Edgar Thomas at Yreka, Siskiyou County, California. 



hay were purchased by our deputies in the different districts. These 

 men, being adepts in the use of snowshoes and skis, saved thousands of 

 birds and animals by their prompt action. The small sum of $134.32 

 was spent by this office in the purchase of feed, but this sum does not 

 represent the entire amount expended for this purpose. The game 

 protective organizations in various counties acted quickly and in many 

 instances relieved the situation before arrangements could be made by 

 our deputies to purchase feed or reach the locality where game was in 

 distress. 



Deputy Kay 'Connor of Nevada County fed eleven bunches of quail 

 and many deer. Deputy Cady of Susanville fed several hundred moun- 

 tain quail and deer. He also killed over forty sharp-shinned hawks 



