Vo!. 25, No. 8 
Page 4 
Not enough information is available yet to determine precisely which factors 
stimulate spring movements. Hormone changes related to pregnancy and antler 
growth are probably involved, but vegetation phenology and hormonal responses 
to increasing photoperiod may also be important. Aggressive behavior, particularly 
between does and their yearling offspring, may also have a strong influence on 
whether or not an individual deer disperses. 
C ooperative Waterfowl Research - W-88-R F.C. Bell rose, S.P. Havera, 
G.A. Perkins, H.K. Archer 
Waterfowl hunting has historically been a popular sport in Illinois. Through 
the years the sport has been affected by changes in wetland habitat and game laws 
and by decreasing numbers of waterfowl. A 1939 hunter questionnaire from the 
Havana Lab files revealed some interesting information about hunting styles in 
that era. 
The 125 hunters that were questioned averaged 44 years of age (range: 25-76) 
and had been duck hunting for an average of 21 years (range: 1-65 years). When 
asked what types of shooting they did, 55% mentioned marsh shooting; 31 %, river; 
13%, dry-land; 4%, pond; and less than 2% for each category of lake, creek, 
slough, and timber. Seventy percent of the hunters used decoys to attract*ducks 
and 15% were assisted by professional "pushers" or guides who rowed or poled 
boats for hunting. Sixteen percent pass shot flying ducks and 14% jump shot 
ducks as they flushed from bodies of water. 
The favorite brands of shotguns of the hunters questioned were Winchester, 
33%; Remington, 32%; and Browning, 15%. Other brands reported included L. C. 
Smith, Savage, LeFever, Springfield, Stevens, Ithaca, Colt, Parker, and Ranger. 
The majority (43%) preferred double-barreled shotguns. Most chose 12 gauges. 
Sportsmen questioned used from 4 shells to 2 cases of shells (1,000) during the 
entire 1939 hunting season, which extended from 22 October to 5 December. That 
season compared in length to our current 50-day season, although Illinois now 
has 3 hunting zones with varied season dates. They reported killing from 1 to 
515 ducks per man during the 1939 season for an average of 40 ducks per hunter. 
The daily limit in 1939 was 10 ducks, with no wood ducks and 3 canvasbacks 
allowed; today the 100-point system is used. Two dozen hunters reported shooting 
gease, coots, and snipe with an average kill per hunter of 9 geese, 11 coots, 
and 15 snipe. 
According to the questionnaire, dogs were not widely used for duck hunting 
in 1939. Only 14% of the hunters mentioned dogs when questioned about their 
hunting methods. Spaniels of the American, springer, water, and cocker varieties 
were the most popular hunting dogs (62% of those reporting), followed by Irish 
setters (25%) and Labrador retrievers (20%). In recent years, the Labrador 
retriever has increased in favor with duck hunters. 
Even though the art of waterfowling has changed considerably over the past 
40 years, the enthusiasm of the hunters has not. 
