THIRTY-SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT 41 



GAME MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 



In 1940, the first year of the game management program, 18 areas 

 were organized and operated witli a total of 70,318 acres. Tliis acreage 

 Avas cnt to 53,447 in 194T witli 21 areas in operation, three more than in 

 the previons year. During tlie first year of the game management pro- 

 gram 7,008 game birds were released on the 18 areas. In 1941 a total of 

 8,750 birds were released on the 21 areas. 



The first year's kill was 2,3G9, while 4,480 were taken in 1941. 



In 1941 with a total release of 8,750 birds, and a kill of 4,480, the 

 records show that 24 per cent of the birds taken were banded birds that 

 were purchased and released by game management operators. During 

 the previous year only a few banded birds were reported by sportsmen. 

 The records of banded birds taken by sportsmen during the regular open 

 season show that many of these birds had traveled many miles from the 

 original point of release. In one particular case two banded birds w^ere 

 taken 18 miles from the area on which they were released six weeks 

 previously. 



Another interesting side light on game management areas shows 

 that of a total of 53,447 acres but 15,893 were cultivated and 37,554 

 uncultivated. Many seem to think that all game managed areas were 

 established on cultivated lands. 



At the end of two years of game management operations, a check on 

 the areas adjacent to these game managed properties shows a decided 

 increase in the number of birds found on these nearby areas. In other 

 w^ords game management areas have helped in a great measure to populate 

 all contiguous territory. 



There has been some opposition to game management areas in certain 

 districts. It is believed that it has been brought about by misconception 

 of the working of the game management law. 



BATTERY BROODERS 



For the first time in the history of California game bird production, 

 battery brooders were tried out at both Chino and Yountville. The 

 results of experiments so far carried on indicate that the battery brooder 

 may play an important part in the future of upland game bird pro- 

 duction. 



With this equipment as an aid in the brooding of birds for the first 

 two weeks, mortality, that usually comes during this period, is reduced 

 materially. It is planned to go on with this type of brooding and try to 

 v/ork out the details that may lead to more universal use of this equip- 

 ment. Individual manpower is multiplied three fold by using battery 

 equipment. "With the labor situation as it is, this is a factor worth con- 

 sidering. The Cost of labor makes up a very large part of production 

 costs, so if this battery system, which is not expensive to install, will help 

 to reduce cost and multiply production three fold, it is worth a thorough 

 trial. 



REARING PENS 



It is more evident as time goes on that the rearing pen program is 

 sound and has the effect of making game bird production and distribution 

 a community project. With added interest because of this fact, the birds 



