GAME AND WILD-FUR PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION 



41 



lands. This frequently induces clean cultivation and the fullest use of 

 arable and pasture lands, sometimes to the detriment of wildlife habitat 

 and soil. (See figs. 5-12.) 



The management and handling of farm crops at times conflicts with 

 the production of game. This is exemplified by the destruction of 

 pheasant nests in alfalfa fields. The ring-necked pheasant shows a de- 

 cided preference for this type of nesting site. Frequently the date of 

 first mowing occurs a week to 10 days before the time the eggs would 

 hatch. The destruction of nests has l:)een known to exceed 50 percent. 

 Many setting hens are killed. 



Fic, ] I i_ — A well-managed woocUot is a good public and [irivate investment. 

 It provides soil protection, an excellent wildlife habitat, and a permanent 

 supply of woodland products. 



Certain species of game birds and animals sometimes damage farm 

 crops; the more abundant they are the more pronounced their depre- 

 dations. Farmers are not likely to encourage these species (figs. 

 3 and 9). \ . . 



The direct or indirect transmission of disease between wild and 

 domestic animals and the competition for forage between livestock and 

 game may also make some farmers dubious as to the value of wildlife. 



Problems In Use 



The public use of private lands for hunting purposes creates some of 

 the most perplexing problems associated with game and wild-fur pro- 

 duction and use. 



