Pigeon Harvest at LaCrosse and Sparta

Some idea of the pigeons to be found in this section may be had from the fact that one man, twelve miles south of LaCrosse, has with a net this season taken over thirty thousand, all of which have been sold in this city. He has two thousand on hand for the shooting match tomorrow. Another man in Sparta, seventy-eight miles from here, has caught and sold over eighteen hundred dollars' worth this season. The price they bring — four dollars a hundred by the quantity — makes pigeon catching rather profitable. It is fun for the men, but very bad for the pigeons. — LaCrosse Democrat.

July 8, 1864. Pigeons. Fremont Journal 12(27): 3, new series.

Skirmishes All-day After Suffering Pigeons in Wisconsin

Our village is vocal, after a fashion, with the noise of firearms. Morning, noon, and night the report of guns warns us that somebody or thing has gone the way of all flesh, and is en route for that receptacle of defunct fowls — the pot. The suffering party here are the pigeons, which are quite plenty in the woods, and form a tempting invitation to all sportsmen which is not slighted. So far we have been unfortunate; we have got no gun — turned ours over to the government — and nobody, as yet, has remembered the editor by leaving him some of their spoil. If anyone was to offer us some pigeons we of course would accept them, not that we wanted them, but merely as an act of courtesy.

September 21, 1865. Skirmishing. Door County Advocate 4(19): 3.

Milwaukee Market Over-stocked with Wild Pigeons

The Milwaukee Wisconsin says the market is over-stocked with wild pigeons, and the birds can be had in any quantity almost for the asking.

May 19, 1867. [Milwaukee market over-stocked with wild pigeons.] Columbia Daily Phoenix 3(151): 2.

Sportsmens Harvest - Professional Pigeon Catchers at Wisconsin Roost

Scores of our sportsmen are having rare fun, bringing down pigeons, a few miles east of town, where a pigeon roost is in full blast. Several professional "pigeon catchers" from other States are on the ground, with all of the appliances for entrapping the unsuspecting birds. Several barrels have already been shipped to eastern markets.

April 21, 1871. Sportsmen's harvest. Sparta Eagle 10(39): 3.

Pigeons Spoiling Crop Fields in Wisconsin

The Wood County (Wis.) Reporter says: "Farmers are complaining bitterly of the damage done by the millions of pigeons which have made headquarters at or near Friendship, and make marauding expeditions every morning with the regularity and certainty of a Sherman bummer. Fields of wheat are being completely spoiled, and all grain sowed is as good as lost to the husbandman. — Hundreds of flocks may be seen every morning flying to the northwest to feed on the acorns of the oak forests in the western portion of the county, and returning with the approach of night."

The Waupaca County (Wis.) Republican says that the pigeons are spoiling the wheat fields. They dig up wheat by the acre.

May 24, 1871. The pigeons. Madison Observer 50(2571): 2.

Great Pigeon Roost at Kilbourn City in Wisconsin

The great pigeon roost at the West this year is in Wisconsin. A paper at Kilbourn city says that for three weeks pigeons have been flying in flocks which no man could number. On Saturday, April 22d, for above two hours before nightfall, they flew in one continuous flock from south to north, darkening the air and astonishing the people by the sound of their wings. — Hotels are full of trappers and hunters, coopers are busy making barrels, and men, women and children are active in packing the birds or filling the barrels. They are shipped to Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. From 10,000 to 30,000 birds are forwarded daily.

May 30, 1871. [Great pigeon roost at Kilbourn City, Wisconsin.] St. Lawrence Republican and Ogdensburg Weekly Journal 41(28): 2. Abbreviated version on June 1, 1871 in Edgefield Advertiser 32(23): 2.

Enormous Pigeon Roost in Wisconsin Woods

Correspondence of the N.Y. Evening Post.

The propensity of wild pigeons to congregate in multitudes at given seasons is well known, and many tremendous stories have been told of them, the details of which were thought to make a heavy draft on public credulity. We have now, however, authentic information from a gentleman of the highest reputation, who passed last week in the section of Wisconsin we are about to describe, of a "roost" as enormous in extent that it throws all the older accounts into the shade.

Commencing near Kilbourne City, the breeding ground extends northward nine townships in length, and probably more, with a variable width of from ten to twenty miles. The forests within these limits are made up exclusively of oak and evergreens, of a variety of species. It is a sandy district, embracing perhaps the poorest soil in the State, and apparently destitute of food for even moderate flocks of birds. Yet almost continually, over the whole area, every tree and shrub is so loaded with nests as to be past computation in numbers. On single pines from eighty to one hundred were counted, when the job had to be given up as impracticable.

Our informant, Cl. Henry Herndow, gives some curious details of his experience on this breeding ground, and of the habits of the pigeons when aggregated in such multitudes. The nesting place is not, as would naturally be supposed, selected for any abundance of food, for the pigeon can readily pass in an hour from fifty to a hundred miles, so that the range is really across the entire State, and the multitude is no innumerable that they have carried wide-spread destruction among the grain fields. The male attends the young during the middle of the day, the female returning toward evening to take charge. Only one egg was anywhere found in a nest. The incubation lasts about two weeks, and the young in a short time after are ruthlessly thrust out to take care of themselves, and develop so rapidly that few days suffice to give them full maturity.

Probably the sex changes alternately with each brood, as the process of hatching goes on continuously. Millions of the young perish, but it makes no appreciable difference in the number. The woods are alive with wolves, foxes and all the species of native carnivores, who feed to repletion without making any sensible reduction of the aggregate. Scores of hunters catch their thousands daily in nets — and bands of Indians are busy in drying and preparing other thousands as a supply for next winter's use. But all the shooting, netting, knocking from the trees with poles, and every form of destructive agency fails to make any sensible impression.

The scene in the night time is described as most remarkable. Innumerable flocks get benighted while off feeding, and, as they return, the roar of their wings through the forest is overwhelming. They pile upon each other literally in heaps, breaking the overburdened brambles, and precipitating multitudes from their perches upon the ground. The wild wings and the chatterings that fill the air as late as midnight, is truly appalling, while the odor arising from the countless dead and the droppings produce a stench almost intolerable.

The "flock," if that term is comprehensive enough, is moving northward, and will probably reach Lake Superior in June, when the "season" will close by return South, which generally takes place by way of Michigan. They probably actually make a great circuit, like the buffalo, from North to South and return. Any one curious to see this spectacle should take the cars to Kilbourne City, and follow up the east side of the Wisconsin river. The thousands sent to market are caught at points far distant from the herding grounds, so that the real locality is not generally known.

June 7, 1871. An enormous pigeon roost. A sight worth seeing in the Wisconsin Woods. Nashville Union and American 860: 3.

Numbers of Wild Pigeons Nesting in Wisconsin

From the Hudson (Wis.) Star and Times.

In company with Geo. Martin, we went out on a pigeon shooting expedition Friday and Saturday of last week, visiting the "pigeon roost," near Beldenville in Pierce county, about 12 miles above River Falls. In about four hours shooting we bagged a full buggy load of pigeons, 184 in number.

We had often heard of "pigeon roosts," (which is the place where they congregate to build their nests and raise their young,) but had never seen one before. The stories we have heard, have evidently exaggerated the truth. We had often heard that the pigeons where they nested would be in such great numbers, and would build their nests so thickly upon the trees as to break off large limbs. There is nothing like this out at Beldenville. We should judge there was an average of a dozen nests to each tree. The roost is said to cover an area of not less than 15 to 20 square miles, and as the trees are very thick, it will be seen that there must be a great many of the birds. When we left the nests were generally built, and perhaps a few of them contained eggs.

The birds are in countless numbers. You can hear them for a mile, the noise sounding like a heavy wind roaring through the woods. As they were all old birds, of course they were rather wild, and kept on the tops of tall trees, just about difficult enough to get to give zest to the sport of shooting them.

Any of our readers who wish "fun alive," in the shooting line, and like ourselves are desirous of

May 26, 1875. The pigeons. How and where they are nesting - the numbers. Eau Claire Daily Free Press 3(122): 1.

Enormous Pigeon Roost in Jackson County

The following account of one of the enormous Pigeon Roosts of the West, is from the Miner's Express, published at Dubuque, Wisconsin:

"A Mr. McDowell came to our office yesterday, and told us that there is an immense Pigeon Roost in the forks of the Musquoketa in Jackson county, such as has never been seen in this country before — it is three miles long, and half a mile in width. There can be no estimate made of their numbers. Their roosting places are about a mile distant from their nests and feeding places, being three in number, and each one covering a section of land! and in passing to and fro, they darken the air with their numbers, and break down young trees with their weight, and hundreds are killed by getting entangled in the falling limbs and branches. The people kill them with clubs, and the noise is so loud that when a gun is fired amongst them, the report cannot be heard — and a person can stand in one place and shoot all day, the birds returning as soon as you can load. They are building their nests, and the people are much alarmed, lest they may destroy their crops."

May 31, 1843. A pigeon roost. Jeffersonian Republican 4(11): 2. Also May 17, 1843 in the New York Daily Tribune; May 27, 1843 in the Sunbury, Penn. newspaper.

Sporting Gentlemen at Pigeon Congregation by Black River Falls

A sporting gentleman from this cit has been this week at the so-called "pigeon roost," twenty-three miles southeast of Black River Falls, on the old Tomah road, where, at this season of the year, the pigeons congregate in vast numbers and become the prey of regiments of sportsmen, who are now slaughtering them. In some cases, individuals have killed as many there as ninety-five in one day; but an observer states that upon careful calculation he discovers that the average number of shots ordinarily required to kill one pigeon is seven or eight. "Spotters" frequent this favorite shooting ground, and all persons shooting or netting within the prescribed limits are quite certain to be arrested. Six are now in durance vile, under fines of $50 each, for one of these offences.

May 10, 1882. [Sporting gentlemen at pigeon congregation by Black River Falls.] Eau Claire Free Press 10(10~): 4.<.cite>

Large Pigeon Roost Near Kilbourn City in Wisconsin

Pigeons have made a large roost near Kilbourn City, Wis. An item from that place says: "The slaughter of pigeons in this vicinity is fabulous. W.H.H. Cash, the big-eyed mogul for an almighty dollar, is here from New Lisbon. He as four men packing birds in barrels at the freight house and 400 dozen are awaiting the night express for eastern markets. Large amounts of the delicious eating are expected to-night from Plainville. Over twenty pigeon trappers arrived at this station. The harvest has just begun and bids fair to last several days. One man hauled in a wagon load of 160 dozen, and took the cast at 75 cents per dozen — all fruit of one day's labor with a few hands and a net.

June 7, 1882. [Large pigeon roost near Kilbourn City in Wisconsin.] New Ulm Weekly Review 5(28): 2.

Pigeon Slaughter at Kilbourn City

A gentleman on the train last evening states that the wholesale slaughter of young pigeons at Kilbourn City is villainous. Thirteen hundred dozen were buried in a heap on Saturday, the birds having spoiled on the dealers hands, they having captured more than they could take care of.

July 1, 1882. From our state exchanges. Stevens Point Daily Journal 13(8): 1. From the La Crosse Republican and Leader.

Pigeons! Pigeons! Pigeons! - Wisconsin 1863

One day last week we were one of a party to pay a visit to the Pigeon roost in this vicinity. All we saw and did on that occasion would be more than our limits will allow for details. Suffice it it to say, that we never saw the like before. Pigeons by the thousand in front of us, to the right and to the left of us, and by millions all around us. Old ones clouded the air with their countless numbers and the young ones burdened the trees and bushes for miles in circumference. The "squabs" were just in their prime for the gridiron, and hundreds were being captured by the crowds of men, woman and children who made the forest ring with their shouts of merry glee. Strong men shook the saplings, little boys climbed the trees the women filled their aprons with the young birds. All infant pigeons that could not by strength of wing make their way to the highest trees met with a sure and certain fate.

To add to the pleasure of our excursion we met with a company of gentlemen from Carimona, who were encamped close by on the beautiful stream of Bear Creek, fully armed and equipped for capturing pigeons, trout, &c. By invitation we spent the night with these whole-souled good fellows, and never in our lives enjoyed a better time. We ate pigeons cooked in every style, until we "couldn't rest" without divers and sundry "night caps." Take it all together it was a time' long to be remembered, as all may expect who fall into the hands of the Carimona boys. But we must say, that we had pigeons enough too muck of a good thing is too much, and we believe the unanimous verdict of the party was that fat squabs, whiskey, and boiled eggs area mixture, which refuse most decidedly to mingle together.

June 17, 1863. Goodhue Volunteer 7(47): 1. From the Chatfield Democrat.

A Song of Spring - In Two Voices

Being the joint production of the Advocate's sentimental and practical editors.

The days of the summer are rapidly nearing,

The earth warms anew in the sun's fervid light;

The loafers again on the streets are appearing,

And ready, as usual, to drink or to fight.

 

The gales that so late from the northward were blowing

Are now by soft airs from the tropics replaced;

And women their sealskins in camphor are stowing

While lung-pads encircle each delicate waist.

 

Coming again in beneficent summer,

Filling with beauty the earth and the skies;

Coming the lightning-rod man and the drummer,

Bumblebees, hornets, mosquitoes and flies.

 

Now does the maid plant the flowering creeper,

To spread its rich blooms o'er her sleeping-room sash;

Now does the generous boarding-house keeper

Give us a rest from our surfeit of hash.

 

Up on the roof in the sunlight are basking

Doves that coo lovingly each to its mate;

Down in the beer-shop the young man is asking

William to hang up more drinks on the slate.

 

Glad is the heart of each far northern dweller

As Flora trips daintly over the grass;

Soon on the deck of the Goodrich propeller

Printers will ride on their annual pass.

 

Out in the porch the canary is hanging,

And trilling as only canary birds can;

The girl in her chamber her front hair is banging,

And using a lotion for freckles and tan.

 

Poplar, and maple, and basswood, and beech,

Soon will they open their swelling buds,

And the man of the house will give a screech

As he sits down plump in a pail of suds.

 

Soon in the fields will the lassies be seeking

Blossoms that come when the frost-king relents;

Soon in their rear will the old ram be sneaking

To hustle them over the neighboring fence.

 

Soon will the paths in the woodland be winning

Lovers to stroll 'mid their favorite haunts;

Soon will the boy up the fruit tree be shimming,

A brindle dog's teeth in the seat of his pants.

 

Soon from the clover the bees will be sipping

The banquet of honey that nature has spread;

Soon in kid boots will our damsels be tripping,

And kicking their overshoes under the bed.

 

Field and garden and valley and wood

Are slowly revealing their hidden riches;

And the shingle is put where it does most good

To the careless boy who soils his breeches.

 

Hark! In the forest the partridge is drumming;

Hark to the robin's delightful soprano!

Hark, Miss Angeline Scraggs is thrumming

That same old tune on her cracked piano.

 

Throw open the window! my spirit is yearning

To breathe the rich odor of rosemary shoots;

Shut it again! for the neighbors are burning

Ham-rinds and cabbage-stalks, rubbers and boots.

 

Rejoice, O my son! for the winter has fled;

No more shall its storms bring discomfort or harm;

No more shall the maid wear her stockings in bed,

Or rush down at morn with her clothes on her arm.

 

Rejoice! for the beautiful season is here

When the vernal sun shines and the yellow bird twitters;

When the doctors advise us to brace p with beer,

And tone up our systems with Hostetter's bitters.

May 12, 1881. Door County Advocate 20(2): 3.

Remarkable Flight of Shorebirds in Wisconsin

On Thursday last, during a severe southeast storm, a number of birds, new in this part of the country, were discovered on the farms in this vicinity, and on Friday immense numbers of large flocks were observed passing over the city from the northeast to the southwest — and the flight continued nearly two days and nights. — The width of the flight was "as far as heard from," is at least sixty miles. We heard from a shrewd Yankee estimate the number, taking the number that flew over his house as a basis at, a 'leetle more than ten thousand million.' A few were brought in by the sportsmen, and are believed to be the black breasted plover. These flocks were arranged in straight lines like wild geese, and they emitted a noise like a whistle. Their weight will average five ounces; shape live a dove, but with long curved wings — head and bill like a pigeon, with an oval white ring with an edging of black around the eye — feathers on the back, black, tinged with a yellowish green on the breast, brown and white — long brown legs with but three toes — crops filled with grasshoppers and other insects. Who can tell what they are and where they come from?

Remarkable flight of birds. September 27, 1852. Kenosha Democrat 2(15): 1. From the Kenosha Journal. A couple of misspellings corrected.

[These are possibly golden-plover, rather than the Grey Plover.]

Duck Shooting About Caw Caw Island - 1868

Correspondence of the Milwaukee News.

Club House - Caw Caw Island, Sept. 24th, 1868.

Under the general head of field sports, there is no phase of its varied and exciting amusement which combines so much of zest and exposure, with a skillful handling of the gun, as what is understood by sportsmen as water fowl shooting.

Duck shooting stands at the head of this rare list, and requires the best guns, and the most skillful judgment for its successful accomplishment. The advice of the French cook as to preparing a fowl for dinner, applies with most pertinent force to the sportsman -- especially with a teal down the wind at ninety miles per hour -- "first get your duck."

If there is a place in the wide world where good shooting will bag 20 to 40 brace of duck in a day, that place is Lake Horicon, an artificial reservoir of some sixteen by four miles dimensions, in the middle of which is situated "Caw Caw Island." The Caw Caw sporting blub-house, erected upon this island the most ample accommodations for their convenience, including the best "sportsmen's ranche" -- boats, dog-houses and general shooting outfit I have ever found at any camp.

Three years ago I was a visitor to the "Caw Caws' upon invitation of its whole souled president, Wm. Young, esq., of Milwaukee, and with a repetition of the same compliment, I am again a guest to testify to the agreeable fact that absence has not dulled the edge of hospitality.

The bogs and marshes which surround this lake furnish most excellent and abundant feed for the waterfowl which breed in its water. Up to this date the club have shot 2,000 ducks, everyone being a native, the flight of northern ducks not having yet set in. Every known species and all varieties of duck are bred here and their number is legion. I have seen them rise in their flight a morning and fairly blacken the sky, stretching away in straggling lines for miles along the shore. Over five thousand ducks were shot last year and sent in by the club to their friends. All of these were killed by single flying shots, no unfair means, such as swivel guns or batteries being permitted.

Not a luck shot by this club or any of its quests [word not legible] said the members being all gentlemen of character and means, pursue their sport and scorn the posthumous motive of pride.

No lord is allowed to spoil, no mere being taken than can be used. The game is being brought in is hung up, the "lagged" and directed to the persons intended for. Then by a [words not legible] at early hours in the morning, displayed from the club house staff, the indispensable [word not legible] is heralded to be in readiness with his term on arrival of the boats, which, after a two mile row, land us within half a mile of the "Crossing," where the Milwaukee & St. Paul cars take all on board at 9 a.m., for the former place, the game to be delivered on arrival by express.

Thus almost daily throughout the shooting season the feathered freebooters of Horicon are "Caw Cawed" and sent in as presents to friends in town.

The predominating fowl thus far has been "wood duck" and "red heads"; the latter was never before so abundant in these waters.

About the 1st of October we look for the northern duck, and those migratory visitors which come and go until the lake freezes over -- which is usually about December 1st. I have myself broken ice half an inch in thickness in October, to get in upon some point and been well repaid for the labor.

The "Ranch" or more explicitly -- the club house of the "Caw Caws," is an institution with ample sleeping accommodations for twelve persons -- just the number of its members -- usually not more than half at which are present -- and with "William" as expert (colored) cook, for caterer, there is no lack of comfort and good living. The printed rules of the club greet the visitor at the door, and once within its portals, [words not legible], social intercourse puts every man on his honor.

I observed that the flight of ducks was very unequal -- some days filling the sky from morn till eve -- while on other days, especially those of wind and storm, no ducks were moving. The daily and almost unceasing shooting about Caw Caw, is at a station on the Northwestern railway called Chester. This is a favorite resort for gunners from Chicago. It has a fine hotel, plenty of boats -- and here you get the first flight of ducks and geese as they come down from the north.

"Halloa!" there's a signal at the wharf, "Rye" (which in the only name I have heard given to a useful and kind hearted young man of all-work about camp) has just come in from Mioskey's with supplies. It does seem that no idea of comfort ever escapes the attention of Mr. Young. Here are baskets of peaches, boxes of grapes, tomatoes, fresh potatoes, milk and eggs. There is too much of luxury in this for a 'hunters camp.' I must go back into town where I can get plain fare.

This spot is one that may excite a sportsman envy. It is as far ahead of any ordinary camp as a metropolitan hotel surpasses a "hog and hornining travel" in Indiana.

The generous characteristics of the club may be inferred from a fact which I take pleasure in here giving to the public. Mr. Wm. Young had a favorite dog called Old Bang, who, after a life of service as a valuable retriever, died on the island, and was buried here. The club have erected over his grave a beautiful white marble monument.

It is of appropriate design, bearing upon its facade of sculptured likeness of Old Bang with a duck in his mouth, and his name in relief on top of the stone, the whole design being some thirty inches in height, and over, shadowed by a group of graceful trees.

McMaster.

September 26, 1868. Field sports in Wisconsin. Duck shooting at Caw Caw Island. Daily Milwaukee News 21(332): 4-5. Obvious misspellings have been corrected.

Duck Shooting on Lake Horicon - 1866

Caw-Caw Island, Lake Horicon, Wis., Oct. 25, '66.

With the compliments of my esteemed friend, Wm. Young, esq., of Milwaukee, president of the "Caw-Caw Island Sporting Club," I presented myself at the club house on Monday last, and after a week of the rarest duck shooting it has ever been my good fortune to enjoy — and amid the society of some of the most accomplished gentlemen and sportsmen to be met in any land; I propose to give my eastern friends a brief sketch of this glorious shot gun expedition among the water fowl of Horicon.

Leaving Milwaukee by the morning train, we reached Minnesota Junction (50 miles northwest) in time for dinner. Here as good fortune would have it, the met the indispensable "Micechky," an original Teuten living four miles distant upon the shores of Lake Horicon, opposite to "Caw-Caw Island." After an improvised run away of Micechky dutch ponies, and a "stern chase" of a mile by your correspondent and the dutchman — we overhauled the "nags" and reached the lake. The wind was blowing a gale — but I trussed myself in the dutchman's "dug-out," who after an hour of cautious paddling and pretty constant "bailing out" of the craft, landed me in a very damp condition at Caw-Caw Island. The first object of animated life which met my vision on the island, was a grim and ancient raven, which sat perched upon a stump by the landing in most ominous silence. The portal once passed, I found midway of the island, a well-constructed pine board cabin, with abundance of some paraphernalia scattered about. Within, the scene was different. A cordial greeting by the sportsmen assembled for their evening meal, a blazing light, warm fires, the savory odor of roast duck and fragrant coffee, to a wet, half-famished sportsman this was truly a God-send, and that supper fare of "Delmonico" honors.

I was soon installed with the humors of a guest, and arose the next morning refreshed and ready at sunrise to pull a trigger on the swift-winged teal, and magnificent mallard, which everywhere filled the air in their flight.

Caw-Caw Island is about midway in the lake — which is some four by eighteen miles in dimensions — and this lake being one of artificial origin, is a vast bog upon alive shores, and so shallow that every species of diver can feed upon the wild celery which grows in great abundance beneath its waters.

The club is well supplied with boats, and every sportsmen at liberty to shoot singly, or in company. I found that when the gunners scattered to the west and east bogs, that the ducks were kept in motion, and flying shots were more frequent at all points; but in rough weather the ducks invariably get under the lea of the shores and islands, and lie very close unless put up by the guns.

This was the case on the afternoon I first towed to the island; and here I want to record a fact: As we pulled our dugout along the western bog the duck commenced rising and settling before us and at a distance of some two miles they had massed into a solid flock, and upon our turning a point all took wing at once filling and blackening the air with their number. Far as the eye could reach their long graceful curved lines of flight extended, and I do believe that in numbers they amounted to millions.

I have seen since the — at a morning flight, flocks extending the whole width of the lake — four miles — sweeping cautiously in one direction for hours. And a noticeable fact is that surely all of these fowls are hatched in the waters of this lake. The northern and migratory ducks had just began to arrive. Of this species, for teal and widgeon, were most numerous, and some highly prized en passent, let me remark, highly prized of is the mallard, the principal fowl of these waters — for teal and widgeon, are vastly as superior in flavor and delicacy. And in this connection, must not omit to mention the great variety of duck which here abound. In the bags of a single day's shooting, it is not infrequent that mallard, red-heads, dusky duck, pin tails, widgeon, blue and green-winged teal, wood duck and butter balls, are all secured. I am informed that a solitary "canvas back" was killed last week by Mr. Bosworth. I need not inform sportsmen what such variety gives to shooting; I have knocked down a dusky duck or a widgeon, in a certain line of flight landing them dead — when a strong winged mallard flying on the same path, has winged away in defiance of my best aim, and five drachma to a ounce of number 4. The difference of speed in the flight of these varieties demand the best judgement in calculation. To shoot a teal, "down the wind" is almost like "shooting at a streak of lightning," as my friend expresses it. They certainly do fly "quicker than thought."

About midway of this lake is the regular flight of wild geese from the northward. Among the seven to eight hundred duck shot thus far by the club only four geese had been captured. I therefore determined to "chance it" for geese. The recent rough weather at the north had set these strong winged monarchs of the skies in motion southward. I took a position on the bogs about two miles south of "Goose Island," and for two hours watched an almost constant flight of the mystic "wa-wa." Sometimes wheeling and screaming as if their leader was lost, in doubt which way to proceed, but always at an immense elevation. Later in the day several flocks of Brandt made their appearance low on the water, but no shots, and I began to despair of getting my goose. Suddenly I heard the cry — that land-piercing scream so unspeakable and so immutable in letters — and my companion of an adjacent bog called out "Mark! Geese!" I had barely time to bring my old avenger to my shoulder when the flapping of wings directly overhead sent my blood like electricity through my veins. I let go my first barrel, and saw my object (a fine goose) waver; quicker than spirits I gave it the other, and deader than Julius Caesar landed a royal geese, at about sixty paces. That was glory enough for one day, so with a fair bag, including a mallard weighing three pounds and a half, with the satisfaction of having shot the first goose, and the only one of that day's shooting.

On reaching camp we found that other guests had arrived, and all hands were assembled to witness the "lay out" of the different bags of game, as the sportsmen came in.

My worthy host, Wm. Young and F.J. Bosworth had shot a match against J.C. Spencer and A.J. Aikens, bringing in the aggregate 54 ducks and one goose, the former gentlemen winning by 9 in the count. The other members of the club, who had shot outside, had done finely, and the spirit of emulation seems to give great zest in their contests. What an institution at each place is a good cook. In the genial face of "John" I recognized one of my former attendees at the Sherman House, Chicago, and when I sat down to his well dished supper I fancied that the Sherman had come to "Caw-Caw."

So frequent and important mention of "Caw-Caw" demands some allusion to the why this name was adopted by this club of ten sportsmen, to designate their association. When they took possession of the Island, it was inhabited by this noisy, caterwauling thing of feathers and claws called "Caw Caw." It was their nesting grounds — their "roost" and I suppose that pandemonium let loose could not have outscreamed these vile bipeds. They actually drove Messrs. Young and Aiken off the island the first night of their arrival, and they were compelled to sleep upon the deck of the scow which brought materials for their club house. A fusillade from stab-and-twist has since exterminated them, and I regretted not being able to see even the taxidermist's ghost of one. I am inclined to believe, however, that they were a species of "shite-poke" — the highly flavored bird which we served at our Iowa camp last September to a braces of Kanucks, who declared them "blasted fine old grub you know."

The shooting at "Caw-Caw" is just at the height of the season. The northern duck are only beginning their flight, and for the month of November the club will have sport which any man might envy. I never wing a thought to that coveted spot, where I enjoyed so much of good shooting and sumptuous living, that I do not wish again to be with the 'Caw-Caw' Islanders — revving my boat from bog to bog, returning to camp larder with feathery denizens of the food; sitting down to those game supper, taking a friendly hand at euchre, and going is alone on the "turn up" — in a horn. But the "onward" motion of life — my life — separates us, for only a season, I hope.

That island of hospitable entertainment I saw dim in distance as I pulled away in a snow storm, on a kind wind and a rough wave to-day at day break; but memory will hang the picture in the gallery of friendship; and it will, with its panorama of whole-souled members enliven many an otherwise wintry hour of bachelor life.

As a matter of general news I can state upon reliable authority that the general species of larger game, such as deer and bear, are very abundant in northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Anywhere from Green Bay westward, of from Grand Haven in Michigan northeast, bear and deer are being killed almost daily. Ruffed grouse in Wisconsin were never before as abundant and some wild turkey have been shot quite near Milwaukee. I do most earnestly recommend to my eastern friends that they visit Milwaukee and try the lakes and timber for duck and deer.

There should be more fraternity among gentlemen who call themselves sportsmen. Some of the best friends I have I have found in camp, and when you again meet them in town the talismanic band of mutual affinity brings you together as children of a common father, brothers of a fraternity which like [words not legible] had [word not legible] and exalted such all of its members are or should be exalted types of manhood. The true sportsmen is a naturalist, an ornithologist and a gentleman. May health and long life protect the knights of the ramrod.

MacMaster.

October 31, 1866. Daily Milwaukee News 19(65): 4-5. Poor copies of the source document were used for this transcription, and there may be errors in determining words accurately when letters were light or covered with smudges. A few obvious misspellings have been corrected.

Legend of Flying Pigeon and the Whip-poor-will

The aboriginal tradition concerning the origin of the well known inhabitant of our forests, whose plaintive cry has induced its cognomen of whip poor will is highly imaginative, and worthy of the ancient mythologists.

Ranchewaine, or the Flying Pigeon of Wisconsin, loved Wai-o-naisa a young chief. The father and kinsmen of the maiden were opposed to her wedding with Wai-o-naisa.

In the beautiful islands of the river, near the home of the Indian maiden, the lovers had frequent stolen interviews.

The young Chief was forced to go out on a war scout against the Sioux. The maiden, disconsolate during his absence, was accustomed to swim nightly to the loved islands, and there wandering among scenes hallowed by his remembrance, call[ing] plaintively on the name of her lover. One night some of her father's people heard her voice, and pursued the sounds. — Whilst fleeing from them, just as her weary limbs were about to fail her, the kind Maniton changed her into a bird, which has ever since borne the name of her lover, and flits continually from bush to bush, repeating in melancholy notes, Wai-o-naisa!

April 9, 1841. An Indian legend. Macon Georgia Telegraph 15(27): 2. From the Philadelphia North American.

Habitat Conservation Project a Tribute to Pioneers of Conservation

Ongoing habitat conservation in the prairie pothole region of southwest Wisconsin continues as a lasting tribute to pioneer conservationists of the region.

Historic farmsteads of John Muir and Aldo Leopold lay within the boundaries of a project that incorporates "Leopold's land ethic and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's ecosystem approach bringing resource agencies, organizations and private landowners together to contribute to the protection of migratory birds and Wisconsin's prairie wetland ecosystems," according to the summary for a federal grant.

This project recently received a $1 million grant from the North American Wetland Conservation Act, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Madison Audubon Society will administer the grant. Partners that will provide an additional $3 million in matching funds include Madison Audubon Society, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Dane County Parks, Natural Heritage Land Trust, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Waukesha County Land Conservancy, private landowners, The Nature Conservancy, and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.

"Benefits produced from the project," said Marsha Cannon, the grants administrator with the Madison Audubon Society, "will increase recruitment of ground nesting migratory birds, provide nesting habitat for wetland-associated bird species, provide foraging and migratory resting habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbird species, and protect rare and endangered plant and animal species."

The Devils Lake State Park restoration involved 35 acres of wetland and 54 acres of upland restoration. Ditches were filled, water re-channeled to create a natural meander, and numerous (9) scrapes completed. Wetland species were seeded in wetland areas; upland seeding completed on surrounding upland areas." "Upland enhancement grant funds and DU Wetland restoration grant funds from the Phase III SCWIPPI NAWCA grant were used to partially fund this project. Partners on this project include Devils Lake State Park (the landowner), along with Pheasants Forever, Friends of Devils Lake State Park, USDA-NRCS, and Sauk County Land Conservation Department. Partners provided additional funding and/or in-kind services." Images courtesy of Trish Vanderhoef.

A variety of habitat types are being acquired, restored or protected, according to the NAWCA grant summary. There will be 616 acres acquired, 43 acres donated for use as wildlife habitat, easements purchased on 130 acres, easements donated on 80 acres, and more than 1,400 acres of bird habitat restored or enhanced. The emphasis is on restoring palustrine emergent wetlands, decreasing wetland types, riparian wetlands, and adjacent uplands.

Benefits for wetland and grassland birds "include breeding habitat for waterfowl species such as Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Ducks and Canada Goose; migratory stop-over habitat for several species of shorebirds, waterfowl, and waterbirds such as Wilson's Phalarope, Greater Yellowlegs, Northern Pintail and Lesser Scaup; foraging and nesting habitat for wetland birds including American Bittern, Black Tern, and Marsh Wren; and nesting habitat for grassland bird species of concern such as Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel and Eastern Meadowlark."

This prairie wetland initiative project area lies within the Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Region Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, according to the NAWCA grant summary.

"Habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement completed under this proposal will help meet habitat and population goals identified" in the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, the grant said. The project also "incorporates wetland and grassland landscapes identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) as critical habitat for grassland birds, which includes Partners in Flight Watch List Species and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 species of management concern."

"The project will also develop critical habitat for the state-threatened Blanding's turtle; establish refugia for state and federally listed plant species such as prairie bush clover and prairie white-fringed orchid, improve surface and ground water quality; reduce flooding; develop economically important recreation areas; and enhance aesthetics," according to the NAWCA summary.

"Madison Audubon Society has been a partner with the Southcentral Wisconsin Prairie Pothole Initiative since it began in September 2000," Cannon said.

Devils Lake channels, October 2007.

Phase I - from September 2000 to September 2003 - was administered by the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo. The Madison Audubon Society agreed to be the grant recipient and administer Phases II, III - from September 2003 to November 2008 - and Phase IV where an agreement is in process.

The anticipated timeframe for Phase IV, Cannon said, is May 2008 - May 2010. Each phase is expected to take at least 2 years, with an additional 1-year "no cost" extension available.

"The first three phases of the project protected, restored and enhanced 13,445 acres," Cannon said in explaining the success that has resulted in a continuation of the conservation initiative. "The project goal for Phase IV is to protect and restore an additional 1,158 acres of wetlands and 1,550 acres of associated uplands, thus bringing the total habitat protected to 16,153 acres.

"Phase IV of the project will provide additional protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and associated grassland habitat within the project area. The project will continue to decrease erosion, increase water storage during rainfall and snowmelt events, improve water quality in lakes, streams, and rivers by removing sediment, contaminants, and pollutants, and provide important habitat for wildlife. These functions have been greatly reduced due to the detriment of wetland and grassland habitat productivity within the project area over the last century. Partners have been working hard for a number of years to protect and restore these habitats and recover these functions.

"Federal funds are crucial in acquiring and restoring habitat because no one funding source can cover the entire cost," Cannon said. "Project partners match the federal NAWCA funds with non-federal funds, and thus greatly increase their ability to provide and protect bird habitat. Because NAWCA funding is available over a multi-year timeframe, partners can plan their acquisition and restoration activities with confidence."

"A large number and diverse group of organizations have come together as partners in this proposal," according to the project summary. Cannon also indicated the value of having a diverse group of project partners.

"Many partners are non-government conservation organizations and are partners of the Phase I, Phase II and Phase III NAWCA grants. Waukesha County Land Conservancy has joined the current proposal as a significant new partner. Private landowner, Wildland L.L.C. is greatly welcomed as an important new partner. Private landowner Fair Meadows returns as a partner from the Phase III grant. Partners have collaborated on many conservation projects in the past and are committed to protecting and restoring wetland and grassland habitat within the proposal area. The large number of dollars partners have committed for new match for this proposal demonstrates this commitment.

Devils Lake ponds.

"Diversity brings strength and flexibility to the Southcentral Wisconsin Prairie Pothole Initiative," Cannon said. "Partners benefit from a combined project since, individually, it would be difficult to prepare a proposal and attract the level of grant funding provided by NAWCA. Centralizing grant administration with the grant recipient, Madison Audubon, reduces administrative costs to all partners. While each partner proposes specific projects and match, there is internal flexibility because it is the partnership as a whole that is accountable for meeting project goals. For example, if unforeseen circumstances prevent one partner from meeting land acquisition or habitat restoration goals, another partner can use the funding so the federal dollars are not lost.

"Development and urban sprawl are significant threats to wetland and grassland habitat, and development also threatens restoration potential on agricultural land within the project area. Four rapidly growing metropolitan areas lie within the project area. Madison and Sun Prairie in Dane County, Janesville in Rock County and the Milwaukee metro area in Waukesha County contribute to development pressure, which spills over into neighboring counties. Unfortunately, development is permanent, and lands that are developed are unlikely to provide habitat for wildlife ever again. Partners feel that opportunities lost to purchase and restore wetlands and grasslands due to a lack of funds are opportunities that are unlikely to present themselves again in the future."

The public will benefit from this project as critical habitat is acquired and conserved in a developing area. By accomplishing projected goals, the grant summary says, the public will realize the many benefits that healthy wetland ecosystems provide. They will also gain additional locales for watching birds, and an "overall better quality of living."