THIRTY-NINTH BIENNIAL REPORT 47 



REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF GAME 

 CONSERVATION 



During the past two years the Bureau of Game Conservation has 

 been concerned with the many problems that continually arise in con- 

 servation work. With some we have gained in knowledge and experience ; 

 with others, we have not yet arrived at the answer. 



Data has been compiled wliich was used as a guide in formulating 

 regulations and bag limits for taking game. A staff of trappers was main- 

 tained to take predatory animals. 



A research staff w^as employed to obtain information for use in the 

 development of policies of operation, as well as to serve as a basis for 

 conservation procedures. The results of this research make it possible 

 to predicate all activities of this bureau on sound biological investiga- 

 tions and reports. 



Many of these findings are put into immediate application by a staff 

 of game management personnel, while other projects require several 

 seasons for conclusion. 



Studies have been made of crop damage by wildlife and the allevia- 

 tion of some of the depredations was attempted. Increasing difficulties of 

 the sportsman to find a j)lace to hunt has been a major consideration 

 during the biennium. 



Pittman-Robertson projects, financed three-fourths by the Federal 

 Government and one-fourth by California, included various surveys and 

 investigations, development projects and land acquisition. Several pro- 

 grams of upland game bird conservation have yielded promising results. 

 The transportation of beaver into new or depleted areas is giving these 

 animals a chance to recover some of tlie habitats in which they once 

 abounded. 



Investigations on the health of the wildlife of the State were con- 

 tinued by the disease laboratory staff". 



ANTELOPE SEASON 



Antelope hunts were continued during the month of September in 

 1944 and 1945, along the same lines as previous hunts, with 500 permits, 

 selected by lottery, being issued to hunters. In 1944, a total of 322 ante- 

 lope was taken, and in 1945, a total of 307. An air survey of the antelope 

 area in the winter of 1945 revealed a lesser number in the herd and a 

 much reduced number of bucks, and, as a result of these findings, no open 

 season was recommended for 1946. 



PREDATOR CONTROL 



During the biennium a grand total of 13,224 coyotes and 5,082 bob- 

 cats were taken by our predatory animal hunters and trappers. Trappers 

 were greatly curtailed in their work by wartime restrictions on the use of 

 automobiles. A summary of the predators taken during the biennium 

 will be found in the appendix, page 136. 



