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Vol. 4, No. 1 
Page 3 
until it reaches a low point in July at which time average testis weights are 
approximately half their maximum weight. 
Studies made by following individual, captive, adult males indicate that 
most males are sexually inactive for a period of 2 to 4 months. This period 
usually comes from June through October; however, because of individual variation, 
a few sexually active males may be found in any month of the year. 
Thus, in the raccoon, as in many other species, the female determines the 
actual time of mating. The male’s period of sexual activity begins earlier and 
ends later than it does in the female. April 16 was the average date of birth of 
18 raccoon litters (gestation period 63 days) conceived in the wild. These were 
all from central or northern Illinois. The earliest litter was born March 9 and 
the latest June 10. Five litters were born in March, eleven in April and one 
each in May and June. 
W-61-R-4 J. Ellis, W. Anderson 
During December, I960, 300 wild pheasants (50 cocks, 250 hens) were 
captured in Livingston County and transported to the Neoga area where they were 
released for purposes of augmenting present population levels. Ten per cent of 
the 50 cocks were adults, and 36.8 per cent of the 250 hens were adults. 
Fluoroscopic examination of these wild pheasants revealed that lead shot 
was present in 15 (30.0 per cent) of the 50 cocks and 7 (2.8 per cent) of the 
250 hens. The mortality of hens resulting from hunting was calculated by using 
harvest data obtained on the Sibley area during the I960 hunting season (see 
following equation). This was possible because all the birds were captured 
within 5 miles of the Sibley area and because population levels and hunting 
pressure were similar on this area. 
(X) Per cent of hens killed _ Per cent of hens with shot 
Per cent of cocks harvested Per cent of cocks with shot 
then X_ = 2.8 X - 4.8 
52.0 30.0 
These calculations indicated that 4.8 per cent of the hens were shot by hunters 
during the I960 pheasant hunting season. 
