Procedures 
All personnel assigned to the study were notified of the information 
required and how it was to be collected. Specific responsibilities for — 
collecting data on each phase of the study were assigned. 
Data pertaining to numbers and distribution of the crane population 
were obtained through coordinated biweekly ground counts at major roost- 
ing areas in eastern New Mexico and western Texas. These counts were 
initiated in late November 1960 and continued through February 1961. 
Information relating to the racial composition of the flocks and 
possible techniques for sexing and aging dranes in the field was accum- 
lated by all personnel. In addition to extensive field checks by New 
Mexico and Bureau personnel, three checking stations located at Portales, 
Roswell, and Dexter, New Mexico, were operated throughout the season. 
Advance publicity on the season by the New Mexico Department through 
such media as newspapers, radio, television, and N. M. Department news 
releases specified the need for all information available. Hunters 
were asked to bring all bagged birds to the checking stations where data 
relating to age, sex, weight, measurements, and hunting informtion were 
recorded on special forms. Standard measurements were taken with a steel 
tape and weights with a spring scales. Sex was determined by dissection 
and examination of the sex organs. Age was determined by extent and 
coloration of feathers on the head. Birds of th year had feathers 
remaining on the crown, which in adults is bare red skin. In addition 
young birds had brown colored feathers on ths back of the head; in adults 
these feathers are gray. 
The effect of hunting on flock size, behavior, and distribution of 
cranes was measured by daily ground and aerial observations in the hunt- 
ing area, observation of hunting effort, and by actual hunting experience. 
Advance planning resulted in a coordinated program carried out by 
State and Federal personnel to collect and evaluate hunt data, with no 
duplication of effort. 
Results | 
(a) Populations: The major wintering grounds of the lesser sandhill 
crane extend from the Pecos Valley in eastern New Mexico eastward into 
the high plains of northwest Texas (Figure 1). While largest con- 
centrations of the birds are usually found on or near the Muleshoe National 
Wildlife Refuge, Bailey County, Texas, and the Bitter Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge in Chaves County, New Mexico, other sizable populations are scattered 
throughout the area. Winter requirements of the cranes are apparently well 
met in this region by an abundance of food and adequate roosting sites. 
