THIRTY-EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT 25 



Four new projects were begun during 1942-44, bringing to nine the total 

 number of projects on which work was done during the period covered 

 by this report. Three of these projects came under the heading of 

 surveys and investigations, foui- were development projects, and two 

 involved the acquisition of lands. 



Following is an account of the wildlife restoration work accom- 

 plished under each of the three project categories. 



Surveys and Investigations 



A five-year study of California's fur resources. Project 5-R, first 

 undertaken early in the spring of 1941, was continued through this 

 biennium. Particular emphasis was placed on the accumulation and 

 analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to Califor- 

 nia 's annual fur crop. Although the shortage of manpower necessitated 

 the discontinuance of intensive studies of the biology and management 

 requirements of all of the various kinds of fur bearers in the State, it 

 was possible to give some attention to two of the most important species, 

 the beaver and the muskrat. The experimental planting of beaver has 

 been generally so successful that plans are being made for an intensive 

 beaver management program in the immediate future. 



The investigation of methods that can be used in connection with 

 valley quail management, Project 6-R, is another five-year study that 

 was continued during the biennium. The general survey of the study 

 area, California's south coast counties, was concluded early in this investi- 

 gation and during the past two years emphasis was placed on the appli- 

 cation of specific management tools such as water development, predator 

 control, artificial feeding, and the like. The results of some of these 

 studies have already been published and at the close of the biennium the 

 manuscript of a well illustrated handbook entitled "How to Increase 

 Valle.y Quail in California" was nearing completion. This promises to 

 be an important contribution to game management literature. 



Arguments, pro and con, over a winter deer season in the south 

 coast and southern regions of the State in ]943 and minor though none- 

 theless heated contentions over the proper season for taking antelope 

 have emphasized the lack of technical knowledge of the condition of the 

 meat of big game at various times of the year. As a result, a scientific 

 study of deer and antelope meat, Project 15-R, was begun early in 1944. 

 So far, the investigation has been confined to deer from the north coast, 

 Marin County, and the south coast, Ventura and Santa Barbara Coun- 

 ties. The study is being conducted in cooperation with the Department 

 of Home Economics of the University of California. The university is 

 responsible for the analyses of the meat samples and the division for the 

 collection of specimens and recording of field data. Samj^les of the 

 stomach contents of all deer taken are being analyzed by the U. S. Fish 

 and Wildlife Service. 



Development Projects 



The restoration of sagehen habitat in Lassen and Modoc Counties 

 through the development of springs and the creation of fenced meadows, 

 Project 1-D, was begun in 1940 and Avas terminated during the fal] of 

 1942. Nineteen units were completed, some of them in cooperation with 

 the Division of Grazing, the A. A. A., or private landowners who con- 

 tributed money, labor, or materials. 



