Experimental level ditching for muskrat management
Source:
Mathiak, Harold A.. Hine, Ruth L., Editor
Experimental level ditching for muskrat management
(Technical bulletin. (Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources), Number 5)
Game Management Division, Wisconsin Conservation Department, 1953
35 pgs.
In order to determine what level ditch spacings result in the maximum production of muskrats, four series of experimental level ditches were dredged in a "dry marsh" portion of the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area. The benefits to muskrats of level ditches are many. In this portion of the marsh, there often is not enough water to allow muskrats to obtain food throughout the critical winter period. The deep water of the ditches makes it possible for muskrats to obtain food such as submerged aquatics or fish despite thick ice, and the high spoilbanks offer more protection from freeze-outs than the average-size muskrat house. During summer drouth periods when other surface water is not available, the depth of the water in the ditches holds muskrats in a marsh. Furthermore, during flood periods spoilbanks hold muskrates in the ditched area by offering resting sites, feeding places, and shelter.
URL to cite for this work: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/EcoNatRes.DNRBull5
Contents
[Front cover] Experimental level ditching for muskrat management
[Title page] Experimental level ditching for muskrat management, p. [1]
Acknowledgments, p. [2]
Table of contents, p. [3]
[Abstract], pp. [4]-6
Introduction, pp. 7-8
Study area, p. 9
The ditches, pp. 10-14
The muskrat population, pp. 15-24
Other wildlife values, pp. 24-28
Suggested modifications of the ditching design, pp. 28-29
Management principles, pp. 30-33
Literature cited, p. 33
Appendix I: progress of the 1952 trapping season, pp. 34-35 ff.
Top of Page
This material may by protected by copyright law (e.g., Title 17, US Code).| For information on re-use see: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/Copyright