History

February 20: Colorado A & M College, Ft. Collins, Colorado. As Part of the Foresters’ Days Program, Lee Yeager, Regional Representative, Region IV, called a meeting at 2:00 p.m. to discuss The Wildlife Society and its objectives. After remarks on Society news and activities, discussion was opened on the question “Should we organize a Section or other formal body of Wildlife Society members for all or a part of Region IV?” Taking part in this discussion were Lee Yeager, J. V. K. Wagar, Art Eustis, Dr. Sooter, Dr. E. Kalmbach, Johnson Neff, Ralph Hill, Jim Grasse, Reed Fautin, John Scott, Richard Beidleman, Harold Steinhoff, and C. E. Till. Smoky Till moved that “we form a definite organization for Region IV with a President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer to perfect the organization.” Twenty-three voted for and 1 voted against this motion. Society members thus formally approved the Central Mountains and Plains Section. Harold Steinhoff was acting Secretary.

October 28: Lee Yeager, Region IV Representative, in an annual report to TWS members in the region, mentioned that “Region IV is too big…we are in the process of organizing a Section composed of the Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming membership,” and that “other Sections in the region might be beneficial to the Society and our profession.” During the fall of the year, an election of officers was held.

1955     [TOP]

January 26: One hundred six (106) votes were counted for the election of officers and the results were reported to the Regional Representative.

February 1: The first officers of the “Central Mountains and Plains Section of The Wildlife Society” were announced. They included: President, Wayne Sandfort; Vice-President, C. E. “Smoky” Till; and Secretary/Treasurer, Jack R. Grieb.

February 19: Colorado A & M College, Ft. Collins, Colorado. The CMPS (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming) met in conjunction with the Foresters’ Days Program. Victor B. Scheffer believed that CMPS should work to promote better public understanding of what good wildlife management is. To accomplish this, he advanced the idea that the Section sponsors the writing of a manual for use by anyone working in the wildlife field.

February 22: Eighteen members paid the $0.50 dues.

March 20: A formal petition was sent to The Wildlife Society for approval of a Charter for the Central Mountains and Plains Section.

April 25: Denver, Colorado. A brief business meeting was held in conjunction with a Colorado big game meeting. Lee Yeager announced, “CMPS has been accepted by The Wildlife Society and is now official.” During this first official business meeting, Gilbert N. Hunter, Colorado, recommended that the Section sponsor an annual convention “for the purpose of giving papers and carrying on other Section business”. President Sandfort appointed Gil Hunter chairman of a committee to study this proposal. He also appointed a Research Council Committee including Ralph Hill, C. E. Till, Harold Steinhoff and Paul Gilbert to stimulate coordinated research and management of all resources related to forest, range, watershed, wetlands, and water associated therewith.

This committee was to work with The Wildlife Society, Society of American Foresters, and the American Society for Range Management. It was suggested that the Presidents of each Society appoint 2-3 men from his organization to work on this joint project. A committee composed of Claude White, Vic Scheffer, Con Tolman, Howard Tanner, and Art Eustis presented a preliminary plan for a publication of “Principles of Wildlife Management” with each of the following 4 Sections to reflect the standards and creed of The Wildlife Society. This publication was to be used both as a policy guide for the Section and an information pamphlet for public distribution. It was primarily intended to present the ideals of modern wildlife management: administration, research, education, and management. Lee Yeager reported on his committee of 1. He asked that he be permitted to submit a Constitution and Bylaws to the membership and that these be voted upon by the members at the next meeting. By the date of this meeting, 39 members had paid $0.50 in dues; total expenditures were $14.19, with an operating balance of $5.81 (Someone donated an extra $0.50).

1956     [TOP]

February 25: Colorado A & M College, Ft. Collins, Colorado. Business meeting in conjunction with Foresters’ Days. Eighteen paid members; Treasurer’s report (balance of $2.22).

April 26: Denver, Colorado. Primarily a business meeting associated with the Colorado big game management meeting wherein Colorado hunting seasons were discussed.

August 13–14: 1st CMPS Summer Conference. Cameron Pass 4-H Camp, Gould, Colorado.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee Yeager, Colorado.
President: Ralph Hill, Colorado
Vice-President: Harold W. Steinhoff, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Jack R. Grieb, Colorado
Board: Past President: Wayne W. Sandfort
Colorado: Lawrence E. Riordan
Kansas: Marvin Schwilling
Nebraska: Harvey Miller
Wyoming: Reed Fautin
Program: J. V. K. Wagar, Colorado
Transactions: H. Steinhoff, R. Fautin, and L. Yeager
Total Members: 85. Colorado - 62, Wyoming – 10, Nebraska – 8, Kansas – 2, and others – 3
Dues: $1.00/year

Board Business: This was the first year for a CMPS Executive Board and the President appointed to the Board 1 member from each State plus the Past-President. The full text of each paper presented was printed in an 8½” x 11” Transactions. Twenty-nine individual session papers on current national and western wildlife problems were presented by outstanding national authorities. Six papers were given in fish technical sessions, 5 in small game technical sessions, and 6 on big game. Three papers on field men, sportsmen, and the press in wildlife conservation were also presented. An evening panel discussion by Thomas L. Kimball, A. F. C. “Pete” Green, and other administrators on “How Wildlife Managers Should be Recruited, Trained, and Advanced” closed out the technical sessions. The Treasurer started a bank account for the Section. Membership cards were purchased and issued — to act as paid receipts and to identify members. A committee was appointed to work with the parent Society. Transactions cost $2.00 for nonmembers and $0.50 for members with one free copy to be sent to a college or university library in each state. Colorado A & M Forestry School; Zoology Department at Kansas State University; University of Wyoming, and University of Nebraska received copies.

1957     [TOP]

February 22: Colorado A & M College, Ft. Collins, Colorado. At this annual business meeting in conjunction with Foresters’ Days and the Colorado Beaver Research Council, the Section asked if South Dakota TWS members present were interested in affiliating. It was decided to study this proposal further. It was found beneficial to amend Article 1, Section 4 and Article 4, Section 1 of the bylaws to conform to parent Society bylaws. At this joint session of The Wildlife Society, Society of American Foresters, and the American Society for Range Management, a panel presented papers on “Multiple Use in Wildlife Management.” A lively discussion followed. The status of college students in TWS was brought up and it was decided that wildlife students and the Society would both benefit if a reduced membership rate was established and if student chapters ere formed. A resolution passed for the President to make this known to the parent Society.

February 25: Wildlife policy committee at work. President Steinhoff wrote to the Executive Secretary of TWS, Daniel L. Leedy, “…be it then resolved, that CMPS of The Wildlife Society recommends a student membership be established at a reduced rate and that consideration be given to the establishment of student chapters.”

April 23: Ninety (90) members reported by mail ballot and Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws were passed unanimously.

April 29: Denver, Colorado. Dinner meeting after Colorado Game and Fish big game management meeting. Illustrated program by Don Spencer, Colorado, “Game Range Improvement and Reforestation Through Chemical Aids.”

June 20: Little Hills Experiment Station near Meeker, Colorado. Following the 37th Western Association of Game and Fish Commissioners meeting at Glenwood Springs, the Section put on a tour of Colorado’s big game range experimental pastures and also had a display at the meeting. During the summer, the first letterhead stationery and envelopes were printed. Also written and distributed were “Instructions for Preparing Manuscripts for CMPS, TWS.”

August 26–28: 2nd CMPS Summer Conference. Chadron State Park, Chadron, Nebraska.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee E. Yeager
President: Harold W. Steinhoff, Colorado
Vice-President: Robert M. Ballou, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Harvey W. Miller, Nebraska
Board: Past President: Ralph Hill, Colorado
Colorado Jack Grieb
Kansas: Oliver Gasswint
Nebraska: Phil Agee
Wyoming Charles Ward
Program: Lee. E. Yeager, Colorado
Transactions: Harvey W. Miller and Dr. E. R. Kalmbach
Special Events: Buffalo barbeque put on by Nebraska members.
Field Trips: (1) Pine Ridge Area; (2) Shell Lake Area; (3) Fort Niobrara Big Game Refuge; and (4) Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.
Dues: $1.00/year

Board Business: Lee Yeager reported on TWS and that National Council had set standards for Section transactions. The question, “Do we want to publish?” brought considerable discussion. A motion to publish transactions passed unanimously with cost of transactions to be $0.50 for members, $2.00 for nonmembers. Motion passed also to have Colorado A & M publish these whenever possible due to low cost and good quality. A 6” x 9” format was chosen. Full text of papers were then printed — 1 on range and habitat improvement through chemical aids; 3 on big game; 20 on game birds, and waterfowl; 4 on fisheries, research, and management; and 4 dealing with the theme of the conference — “Fish, Wildlife, Soil, and Water of the CMPS Region.

1958     [TOP]

February 22: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado. Annual business meeting and programs as part of Foresters’ Days. The suggested student membership rates for TWS were again discussed and the regional representative advised he would continue to urge the parent Society to adopt a special student rate. There was discussion on the lack of inter-agency coordination, and a committee to work on this was appointed. The Publication Committee reported they were processing the papers on the 5 principal fields of wildlife management. A board was appointed to review work that had been accomplished so far and the board was instructed to make recommendations as to whether or not to continue work on the publication, “Principles of Wildlife Management.” The Fish and Wildlife Technical Session of Foresters’ Days on “Wildlife and Range Analysis” brought considerable discussion. The 6 papers were on effects of sub-alpine timber cutting on wildlife, trends in fisheries education, a review of literature on the use of aerial photos in big game management, and aerial photo use in determining waterfowl habitat.

May 27: Denver, Colorado. A brief business meeting following the Colorado Game and Fish game management meeting. Lee Yeager reported on the success of the Section and what the parent Society had been doing during recent months. Walt Larson, a Colorado big game hunter and conservationist, gave an interesting and informative slide lecture on New Zealand game animals; game management problems were emphasized.

August 24–26: 3rd CMPS Summer Conference. Camp Lakeside, Scott County State Park, Kansas.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee Yeager
President: Jack Grieb, Colorado
Vice-President: George W. Reynolds,
Secretary-Treasurer: Harvey W. Miller, Nebraska
Board: Past President: Harold W. Steinhoff
Colorado Dick Denney
Kansas Dave Coleman
Nebraska Howard L. Wiegars
Wyoming Don Johnson
Program: Phil Agee
Transactions: Keith G. Hay
Special Events: Watermelon feed put on by Kansa members.
Field Trips: Chalk Bluffs — a fossil rich area.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: During this business meeting, the status of South Dakota was discussed and President Grieb formally invited that State to become a CMPS member. A committee was appointed to develop standards for professional and non-professional awards for outstanding contributions in the field of wildlife conservation within the Section area. The Wildlife Standards Committee continued to work on a series of papers stating the principles and objectives of this Section toward various phases of management. Members discussed taking stands on vital issues in wildlife management, however, no action was taken. A Transactions Committee was appointed to study costs of printing, etc., and were to recommend printing full texts or abstracts. The 91 members and guests listened to 4 general subject papers – 1 on big game, 5 on small game and waterfowl, and 4 on fisheries. There were 4 field demonstrations including the use of Avertin, handling prairie chickens, the cannon net technique for capturing waterfowl, and the dart gun for capturing deer. A few papers were missing in the last full text Transactions covering 83 pages. The 6” x 9” Transaction’s cover showed a deer, pheasant, bass, and beaver. (Cost: Nonmembers--$2.00; Members $0.50). Ninety-one attended the conference.

1959     [TOP]

February 21: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. During the business meeting, by unanimous action, E. R. Kalmbach was awarded an honorary lifetime membership in CMPS. South Dakota requested to be included in the Section and efforts continued toward this affiliation. Reorganization of TWS was discussed. Lee Yeager advised that Council has taken student membership proposals under advisement. The Section asked Dr. Yeager to continue to stress this proposal. A standing wildlife research committee was discussed and appointed and it was decided to take this up again in the fall. Members present voted to discontinue the Section’s wildlife standards papers, “Principles of Wildlife Management,” since methods used and ideas in game management were changing so fast that once the publication came out, it would be outdated. The American Fisheries Society members in this region were invited to join the Section at Pingree Park for a joint meeting. The committee for Standardization of Abstracts and Transactions moved to use abstracts rather than full papers.

May 18: Denver, Colorado. Banquet meeting in conjunction with the Colorado Game and Fish big game management meeting. Short business meeting followed by lecture and slide talk by Jack Putnam of Denver Museum of Natural History. He presented the highlights of the museum’s 1958-59 winter Antarctic collection trip.

August 24-26: 4th CMPS Summer Conference. Pingree Park, Forestry School Summer Camp, Colorado.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee E. Yeager
President: Harvey W. Miller, Nebraska
Vice-President: David C. Coleman, Kansas
Secretary-Treasurer: Glenn E. Rogers, Colorado
(Although Harvey Miller was elected president, Dave Coleman is shown as president in the transactions due to Harvey’s resignation on May 21 and his June move to Wisconsin.)
Board: Past President: Jack Grieb
Colorado: Jerry Besser
Kansas: Otto Tiemeier
Nebraska: John Mathisen
Wyoming: Don Johnson
Program: Ted Baker, Wyoming
Transactions: Larry E. Riordan, Colorado
Special Events: Slide Show - “Wildlife in the S. C. S. Plan”, an archery demonstration, and a range techniques demonstration.
Field Trip: To a 700 acre burn, led by Harold Steinhoff.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: Awards Standards Committee prepared and distributed awards standards and moved that nominations for 1960 and in the future should come from the membership and were to be for achievements in conservation. The guide for abstract preparation compiled by the Transactions Committee was distributed to all members. The papers within the 1959 Transactions were somewhat briefer than actually presented at the meeting. Also, a number of presentations were not included, as the authors apparently did not send them to the Abstracting Committee. Included are 4 general papers, 5 on big, game, papers from a range techniques and developments panel, write-up of 2 fisheries demonstrations, 1 on trapping, and 3 on small game. Transactions were $2.00 for nonmembers and $0.50 for members. Ninety-seven persons attended this conference.

1960     [TOP]

February 20: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. CMPS assisted in presenting 4 papers and discussion on “Wildlife Training Needs at the College Level.” During the business meeting, Lee Yeager reported that 3 Sections, including CMPS, had requested a student membership grade with reduced dues and that this was on the agenda for the regional representative to present our desires on this subject. The members accepted the deer-pheasant-bass-beaver cover designed by Keith Hay and used in 1959 as the annual standard Transactions cover. Members were asked to submit nominations for achievement awards. Dr. Yeager reported on reorganization and improvements in TWS. CMPS supported this reorganization as outlined in a letter from Jack Berryman, vice-president of TWS.

May 30: Denver, Colorado. A dinner meeting following the annual Colorado Game and Fish big game management meeting. CMPS, under Program Chairman Harold Steinhoff, arranged for a panel of 9 speakers and a discussion leader from 10 state and federal agencies. Abstracts of these presentations on “Phreatophyte Control and Its Possible Effects on Wildlife” are presented in the 1960 Transactions. No business meeting.

August 29-31: 5th CMPS Summer Conference. University of Wyoming Recreation Camp, Centennial, Wyoming.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee E. Yeager
President: Ted C. Baker, Wyoming
Vice-President: Jerome F. Besser, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Mitchell G. “Red” Sheldon, Colorado
Board: Past President: David Coleman
Colorado: William Rutherford
Kansas: Fred C. Warders
Nebraska: Orty Orr
Wyoming: George Wrakestraw
Program: Jack F. Welch, Colorado
Transactions: Keith G. Hay, Colorado
Special Events: “Status of the Whooping Crane,” wildlife movies, and 4 discussion groups—big game, waterfowl, upland game birds, and fisheries.
Field Trips: (1) Wyoming’s Sybille Big Game Research Station; and (2) The Wildlife Disease Laboratory at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: TWS Vice-President Jack Berryman was honored guest at the conference and brought members up-to-date on national affairs and Society reorganization. Wyoming members proposed letterhead stationery be adopted and this was approved and soon accomplished.
John D. Hart, Assistant Director, Colorado Game and Fish Department was voted to receive the Honor Award Plaque. Dr. Yeager had prepared a statement of objectives for the Section and distributed it to the membership for comments and consideration. An Honor Award Committee was suggested and then appointed.

The main item of discussion was the proposed program and reorganization of TWS. Members again voted to support the parent Society in this reorganization. Approximately 60 members participated in this conference. There were panel discussions on mule deer research, pheasant research needs, Canada goose research, and effects of land management practices on fisheries plus 10 other papers. “Research” was the general conference theme.

1961     [TOP]

February 25: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. Dr. Ron Ryder arranged for a program on “Natural Resources Protection” at which Harry Figge, A. F. C. Green, and several students presented various discussion items. John D. Hart accepted the Honor Plaque awarded in the fall of 1960. A. Loren Ward was awarded a Scroll for his nomination for the 1960 Professional Award. During the business meeting, it was decided to discontinue the Research Advisory Committee. It was also tentatively decided to hold the annual business meeting at the Summer Conference instead of during the Section Meeting on Foresters’ Days as was done in the past.

August 23-25: 6th CMPS Summer Conference, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Nebraska.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee Yeager
President: Bill Bailey, Nebraska
Vice-President: Mitchell G. “Red” Sheldon, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: William Rutherford, Colorado
Board: Past President: Ted C. Baker
Colorado: L. Jack Lyon
Kansas: Roy Schoonover
Nebraska: Phil Agee
Wyoming: John Newman
Program: Orty Orr
Transactions: Keith Hay, Colorado
Special Events: Free evening barbeque sponsored by Nebraska.
Field Trips: Tour of Cook Museum of National History, visits to wild turkey release site, and Nebraska deer range.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: During the business meeting, members present voted to change the annual business meeting from February to August and that Section officers would carry through from August to August. The Section sent a letter supporting a full-time Executive Secretary and a dues increase proposed by the parent Society (TWS membership fees: Pre-1954 - $5.00; 1954-61 - $6.00; 1962 - $10.00).

The status of South Dakota being a member state was still questionable, yet a number of people from that state paid dues to CMPS and participated in meetings. The Executive Board and members are again on record as encouraging State Chapters to be formed. Jack Welch sold 16 memberships in the Section during the year. Honor award specifications were rewritten and it was decided to award Honor Scrolls to Ed Kalmbach and Mr. Anderson. The Abstract Revision Committee was instructed to revise instructions for Transactions. The Board decided that Transactions from previous years were to be sold at actual cost and that new Transactions were to be sold at cost plus $0.25 to members and $0.50 to nonmembers. A committee was appointed to study the Bylaws and possibly get changes in order to present to members in 1962. The Board reported that the Section was in financial difficulties due to excessive printing costs in 1960 and that it might be necessary to make an assessment to make up the deficit (On October 23, a letter was sent to all CMPS members asking for a $2.00 contribution. This special assessment netted $148.50, enabling the Section to remain solvent).

The theme of this Conference was “Environmental Changes”. Panels presented information on (1) wild turkey, and (2) Environmental changes in streams and their influence on fisheries. Brief transaction abstracts included 4 general papers, 4 on small game, and 5 each on fish and big game.

1962     [TOP]

February 24: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. During this annual business meeting, Dr. Lee Yeager reported that TWS Council was working on a Code of Ethics for all wildlife workers as well as revisions of regional boundaries. Harold Steinhoff was appointed Chairman of an Abstract Instruction Revision Committee. Formation of a Colorado Chapter was discussed, however, no action was taken. Dr. Kalmbach, a TWS Charter Member completed a history of TWS. Dr. Yeager accepted a position in Washington, D. C. Dr. R. L. Eng of Montana was elected representative of Region IV.

March: North American Wildlife Conference, Denver, Colorado. An informal Council meeting.

July: Another informal CMPS Council meeting.

August 26-28: 7th CMPS Summer Conference. Forestry Camp, Pingree Park, Colorado.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Robert L. Eng, Montana
President: Bill Bailey, Nebraska
Vice-President: Mitchell G. “Red” Sheldon, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: William Rutherford, Colorado
Board: Past-President: Ted Baker (1960 President)
Colorado: Jack Lyon and Dale Jones (Lyon left state.)
Kansas: Roy Schoonover
Nebraska: Phil Agee
Wyoming: John Newman
Program: Dwight R. Smith, Colorado
Transactions: Keith Hay and Wayne Sandfort, Colorado
Special Events: Les Robinette presented an excellent slide talk on “African Wildlife.”
Field Demonstration: (1) Purpose and operation of weather instruments; (2) Use of Japanese mist nets for capturing birds; and (3) Determination of beaver habitat carrying capacity.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: Vice-President Sheldon conducted annual meeting. During both the Board and Member Business Meetings, pros and cons of State Chapters were discussed in great detail. CMPS moved to formally encourage each State in the Section to apply for a Chapter. Kansas members reported that the director of the Kansas Forestry, Fish, and Game Commission felt they should associate with the Midwest Section and that they would have to drop out of CMPS. Kansas’ withdrawal was not formally accepted or acted on as all CMPS members regretted this decision.

South Dakota was accepted as a member by vote of membership on August 28. Awards in the form of a plaque were awarded to Mel O. Steen, Nebraska, for achievement in wildlife administration; Charles R. “Pete” Bryant, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, for achievement in wildlife management; and Cliff A. Moser, Colorado, for achievement in wildlife research. Award instructions were rewritten and presented during this meeting.

The Conference theme was “The Human Side of Wildlife Management” and sub-themes were: (1) potential biological surveys; (2) management of the hunter; (3) habitat improvement; (4) pesticide-wildlife problems and (5) animal damage control. One hundred forty people attended this conference.

1963     [TOP]

February 25: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. Harold Steinhoff reported that C .S. U. and University of Wyoming were interested in starting Student Chapters. Transactions were $2.50 to nonmembers and $1.50 to members.

August 25-27: 8th CMPS Summer Conference. Blue Bell Lodge, Custer State Park, South Dakota.
Regional Representative, Region IV: W. Leslie Robinette, Colorado
President: Mitchell “Red” Sheldon, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Dale R. Bree, Nebraska
Board: Past President: Bill Bailey
Colorado: Bill Rutherford
Nebraska: Karl Menzel
South Dakota: Douglas West
Wyoming: Don Johnson
Program: Ray Hart, South Dakota
Arrangement: Fred Priewert, South Dakota
Transactions: Ray Hart, South Dakota
Special Events: Fred Priewert, South Dakota
Field Demonstration: Radio tracking equipment.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: There were 14 abstracts presented in the Transactions — 4 general, 3 on big game, 2 on fisheries, and 6 on small game. Panel discussions included: (1) Quality wildlife habitat is being reduced each year — why and what can be done and (2) More wildlife.

A short business meeting was called to order by President Sheldon. Reading of the minutes of the August 1962 meeting and financial report were dispensed with.

New officers for the 1963-64 fiscal year were announced: President - Dale Bree, Nebraska; Vice-President - Bob Tully, Colorado; Secretary-Treasurer - Clarence Newton, Nebraska. Dale Bree announced names of those persons who will serve on the Section’s Executive Board for 1963-64: Bill Rutherford, Colorado; Don Johnson, Wyoming; Karl Menzel, Nebraska; and Douglas West, South Dakota.

W. Les Robinette, Region IV Representative, discussed current events in the Society and asked conference delegates to join in a united effort to increase membership.

Availability of Transactions of the 1962 Summer Conference was announced.

Sheldon asked the Nebraska contingent about their plans to host the Summer Conference next year. Bree conveyed the message that Nebraska would be able to host the 1964 meeting.

One Kansas member was present and reported that travel authorization for Forestry, Fish and Game Commission employees was very restrictive.

September 24: University of Wyoming Wildlife Club met to organize into a Society Student Chapter.

December: Formation of Colorado State University Student Chapter, TWS. A Christmas greeting was also sent to all CMPS members.

1964     [TOP]

February 22: Ft. Collins, Colorado, Foresters’ Days. First meeting of the Colorado State University Student Chapter. The Chapter Charter was approved by TWS in December 1963. Approximately 60 people attended the technical session at which 4 papers presented information on big game and turkey distribution and movement. There was a special display of radio telemetry equipment. The Student Chapter took over the wildlife portion of the Foresters’ Days program previously handled by CMPS.

May 29: Nebraska sent out a questionnaire to 32 TWS members asking about the formation of a State Chapter.

August 21-22: 9th CMPS Summer Conference. Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Nebraska.
Regional Representative, Region IV: W. Leslie Robinette, Colorado
President: Dale R. Bree, Nebraska
Vice-President: Robert J. Tully, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Clarence E. Newton, Nebraska
Board: Past President: “Red” Sheldon
Colorado William Rutherford
Nebraska Karl Menzel
South Dakota: Don Johnson
Program: Ken Johnson, Nebraska
Transactions: Larry Morris, Nebraska
Special Events: Evening barbeque.
Field Trips: (1) Fort Robinson State Park; (2) Nebraska’s Pine Ridge Country and Big Game Range; (3) Badlands and Toadstool Parks; and (4) Agate Park and the Fossil Beds of Niobrara River Valley.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: During the summer, members had voted to establish the State Representative Position. Bylaws were then changed to include these men and their duties. Also, letterhead stationery was changed adding South Dakota and deleting Kansas. The Board reduced the price of all 1 year or older Transactions to $0.50 each. It was decided by the Board that a metal plaque was to be given for a Nonprofessional Award and that the Professional Award would be a paper certificate.

Dr. Ed Ostermeyer, a Crawford, Nebraska farmer, received a Nonprofessional Award for his efforts in helping to establish a hunting season on deer and turkey in the Pine Ridge area. He was also recognized for his work in trapping, transplanting, and stocking turkeys and soliciting landowners for conservation work. Generally, he contributed to the overall success in establishing turkeys and obtaining Nebraska’s first turkey season (1962).

Honored guest was Fred Evenden, Executive Secretary, TWS, and he spoke on “What’s Ahead in The Wildlife Society Program”. Twenty-two papers were presented and abstracted; 12 of these were on small game and waterfowl, 1 on fisheries, 6 on big game, and 3 on general topics. Transactions cover was white with a sage grouse drawing, rather than standard green with drawing of bass, beaver, pheasant, and deer.

The University of Wyoming Student Chapter was approved early in 1964. The Section sent out a Christmas letter and greeting in early December.

1965     [TOP]

April 22-23: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado. C. S. U. Student Chapter hosted the Western States Students’ Wildlife Conclave. Dr. A. Starker Leopold spoke on “The Future of Wildlife Management”.

August 8-10: 10th CMPS Summer Conference. University of Wyoming Summer Camp, Centennial, Wyoming.
Regional Representative, Region IV: W. Les Robinette (Left the United States and Charles M. Loveless was appointed Acting Representative)
President: Robert J. Tully, Colorado
Vice-President: Don A. Johnson, Wyoming
Secretary-Treasurer: F. Robert Henderson, South Dakota
Board: Past President: Dale Bree, Nebraska
Colorado: Fred Klenschnitz
Nebraska: Lawrence Blus
South Dakota Keith Evans
Wyoming Allen Morton
Program: Don Johnson, Wyoming
Transactions: Wm. Rutherford and Fred Glover, Colorado
Special Events: Buffalo for evening meal.
Special Films: Dick Denny narrated film on the use of Cap-chur gun for tranquilizing elk, elk tagging, and neck banding by jumping from helicopter. Wyoming Game and Fish presented a new film on goose flock establishment and restoration.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: During the year, the Section sold over 80 Wildlife Society pins. Regional Representative Robinette presented a new charter to CMPS on August 9. The North Dakota Chapter and Kansas State University Student Chapter also received charters from the parent Society. The Nonprofessional Award went to Dr. N. R. Whitney for his work on “Birds of the Black Hills”, co-authored by Dr. O. S. Pettingill, Jr. This award was given to him on October 19 during the Black Hills Audubon Society meeting. The annual Professional Award was awarded to Wilbur Foss, Walter Larsen, Maurice Anderson, and Ray Hart (posthumously) of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks on September 24, “For individual initiative and leadership in adopting the ammonium nitrate blasting technique to create or improve waterfowl habitat”.

The Business Meeting discussion dealt with the aims and values of the Section and what we should and could do for the wildlife profession and ourselves. The Secretary was instructed to contact all Universities in member states and suggest that all those dealing with wildlife be sent to “Wildlife Review” for reporting. Members approved the Bylaws change, adding the State Representatives and their duties. A State Representative could be a Board Member, but did not have to be. One of the Representatives’ duties would be to see that 1 nomination for awards be received from each State. Transactions included: 4 general papers, 6 on big game, 4 on small game, 3 on fisheries, 1 on waterfowl, and an abstract of Dr. Paul Springer’s presentation and film on the black-footed ferret study.

In early December, a Christmas message and greeting was sent to all members.

1966     [TOP]

February 18-19: Huron, South Dakota. Approximately 100 people met to discuss the formation of a state chapter. Fred Evendon reported on TWS. Fifty-six Society members voted to adopt Bylaws and form a South Dakota Chapter. Maurice Anderson was elected the first President.

February: Ft. Collins, Colorado. Colorado State University Student Chapter meeting.

August 14-16: 11th CMPS Summer Conference. Colorado State University Science Camp, Pingree Park, Colorado.
Regional Representative, Region IV: Dr. Paul Springer, South Dakota.
Regional Representative, Region VII: Dr. Harold Steinhoff, Colorado.
(TWS regional boundaries were changed during the year. Region IV (Great Plains) included Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan. Region VII (Inter-Mountain) included Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.)
President: Robert B. Dahlgren, South Dakota
Vice-President: Lowell McEwen, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Dwight R. Smith, Colorado
Board: Past President: Robert Tully
Colorado: Fred Klenschnitz
Nebraska: Lawrence Blus
South Dakota: Keith Evans
Wyoming: Allen Morton
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Ralph Hill
Nebraska: Ken Johnson
South Dakota: Paul Springer
Wyoming: Kenneth Diem
Program: Howard Wiegars, Colorado
Transactions: Howard Wiegars, Colorado
Special Events: Dr. Horace F. Quick, University of Colorado, narrated an excellent film on “Uganda Elephant Study”.
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: Fred Evenden, Executive Secretary, TWS, spoke on “Your Society”. Edwin Kalmbach of Boulder, Colorado, (honorary member of TWS from Colorado) and former Director, Denver Research Lab, USF&WS reminisced about the early days of the Biological Survey.

The Game, Fish, and Parks Department held a staff meeting in conjunction with the Conference. There were 17 papers presented on a variety of subjects and all were abstracted in the Transactions (9 general papers, 4 on big game, 2 on small game, and 2 on waterfowl). Approximately 38 door and special prizes were donated by various sporting goods companies and stores and were given out to those 91 persons registered.

Bob Tully received prizes for enlisting the most CMPS members during the year and for attending 10 of the past 11 conferences.

During the Annual Business Meeting, members discussed Bylaws. It was decided that no major revisions were necessary. Nebraska reported they were attempting to form a State Chapter. It was suggested that each organization in each State develop a bulletin board and display concerning Society functions and items of professional accomplishment. A motion passed authorizing the President to appoint a “Blue Ribbon” Committee, 1 member from each State, to select an appropriate candidate for each of the award categories and that these would be presented at the Annual Meeting. Recipients of the Professional and Nonprofessional Awards for achievements in their wildlife work were Dean Medin and Andy Christianson, both of Colorado.

1967     [TOP]

August 20-22: 12th CMPS Summer Conference. School of Mines Campus, Rapid City, South Dakota. Regional Representative, Region IV: Dr. Harold Steinhoff, Colorado
Regional Representative, Region VII: Dr. Paul Springer, South Dakota
President: Charles Loveless, Colorado
Vice-President: Dale Jones, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Keith Evans, South Dakota
Board: Past President: Robert Dahlgren
Colorado: Ray Boyd
Nebraska: Karl Menzel
South Dakota: Doug West
Wyoming: Don Johnson
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Ralph Hill
Nebraska: Carl Wolfe
South Dakota: F. Robert Henderson
Wyoming: James June
Program: Don Progulske, South Dakota
Transactions: Don Progulske, South Dakota
Special Events: Lyle Petersen, South Dakota
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: President Charles Loveless called the meeting to order at Surbeck Center, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Campus, Rapid City, South Dakota. Fifty-eight members attended. Mr. Loveless reminded the Section that last year’s Merit Awards went to Dean Medin and A. J. Christianson, both of Colorado. Mr. Ralph Hill helped with arrangements for presenting the awards at the Annual Governor’s Conservation Banquet in Denver, Colorado. The event received good publicity.

President Loveless reported on the Board Meeting held on November 3, 1966 at the Manitou Experimental Forest in Colorado. The following were in attendance: Charles Loveless, Keith Evans, Harold Steinhoff, and Larry Riorden. Suggestions for Committee Chairmen and members of the Committees were made and the matter of Section boundaries was discussed at length. Loveless acknowledged attendance to the 12th Annual Summer Conference of the following people: Fred Evenden, Executive Secretary, The Wildlife Society; Ed Komarek, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, Florida; Ed Kozicky, Director of Conservation, Division of Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation, East Alton, Illinois: Harold Steinhoff, Regional Representative from Region VII; and Paul Springer, Regional Representative from Region IV. The following States and Provinces were represented at the meeting: Manitoba, Canada, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Guests were present from Florida, Illinois, Washington, D. C., and Wisconsin.

Bob Tully announced that a History of the Section was available, free of charge. Fred Evenden announced that this was the second Section to complete a history and congratulated the group. Paul Springer, filling in for Ted Baker on the Awards Committee, announced that only 2 nominations for awards had been made and the Awards Committee felt this did not represent sufficient nominations for a fair award presentation. Recommendations for the activities of the Awards Committee and a standard nomination form were presented.

Ray Boyd, chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate of nominations for office: President – Maurice E. Anderson, Lowell McEwen, Harold Swope, Howard Wiegars; Vice-President — F. Robert Henderson, Robert J. Tully; Secretary-Treasurer — Lyle Petersen. Nominations were opened from the floor. Bob Tully nominated Ray Boyd for the office of Secretary-Treasurer. The Section was reminded that the Bylaws state that officers must be elected by mail ballot. President Loveless stated that he would arrange for mailing of the ballots, tabulating the results, and announcing the new officers as soon as possible. Bob Dahlgren moved that nomination forms for merit awards be mailed to all members to give everyone an opportunity to nominate a deserving person for an award. A motion was also made and passed to amend the bylaws so as to provide for election of a President-Elect and a Secretary-Treasurer each year. Under this system, a President, President-Elect, and Secretary-Treasurer would be elected the first year. The next year only a President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer would be elected, as the President-Elect automatically becomes President. This motion passed.

The new President was charged with the duty of selecting a Committee to revise the Section Bylaws and that the Committee’s actions should include the following activities: (1) Refer to the parent Society’s model Bylaws and conform wherever possible; (2) Change Article IV to conform with the President-Elect system as passed in previous motion; (3) Reprint the revised Bylaws and include on each copy the date of revision. A Publicity Committee was established as a standing committee. Nebraska was chosen as the meeting site for 1968. Bob Tully suggested that we actively invite fisheries biologists and conservation officers to join the Section, and that we spell out the accomplishments and advantages of the Section.

1968     [TOP]

August 25-27: 13th CMPS Summer Conference. State 4-H Camp, Halsey, Nebraska
Regional Representative, Region IV: Dr. Paul F. Springer, South Dakota.
Regional Representative, Region VII: Dr. Harold W. Steinhoff, Colorado.
President: Harold M. Swope, Colorado
Vice-President: Robert J. Tully, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Raymond J Boyd, Colorado
Past President: Charles M. Loveless, Colorado
Chapter Representatives:
Nebraska: C. Phillip Agee
Colorado: Ralph Hill
South Dakota: Robert B. Dahlgren
Wyoming: Rex M. Corsi
Program: Carl Wolfe, Nebraska
Arrangements: Lee E. Yeager, Nebraska
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: Several mandates were given the 1968 Section Executive Board by the 1967 membership. These were: (a) Changing the area of organization to include all of Regions IV and VII, with invitations to join the Sections going to all potential members; (b) Replacing the office of Vice-President with a President-Elect who would serve as vice-president for 1 year, then automatically become President; (c) Appointing Board Representatives to replace State Representatives and defining the duties of these new positions; and (d) Establishing a systems for improving the Section’s public relations efforts. To implement these directives, it was necessary to change the Section Constitution and revisions were approved by the membership. Lists of duties and responsibilities of all Section officers were compiled to guide future elections.

Robert Dahlgren, Brookings, South Dakota, and Mildred Hedrick, Englewood, Colorado, were presented the Professional and Nonprofessional Section Awards for outstanding accomplishments in the fields of natural resource conservation.

1969     [TOP]

August 24-27: 14th CMPS Summer Conference. Fremont County Youth Camp, Lander, Wyoming
Regional Representative, Region IV: Dr. Paul F. Springer, South Dakota
Regional Representative, Region VII: Dr. Harold W. Steinhoff, Colorado
President: Dr. Raymond L. Linder, South Dakota
President-Elect: Raymond J. Boyd, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Dr. Donald Progulske, South Dakota
Past President: Harold M. Swope, Colorado
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Don Horak
Kansas: R. E. McWhorter
Nebraska: Larry Witt
South Dakota: Lyle Petersen
Wyoming: Neal Blair
Program: Mac Black, Wyoming
Arrangements: Bill Crump, Wyoming
Publicity: Neal Blair, Wyoming
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: This summer meeting was held in the Wind River Mountains near Lander, Wyoming. Edward Kozicky, President of The Wildlife Society, presented an interesting discussion entitled, “The Wildlife Society and You”. The program included 17 technical papers on August 25 and 26. A steak fry on the shores of Worthern Reservoir was enjoyed by the members and many families. An interesting and educational field trip was taken through Red Canyon and South Pass the afternoon of the 26th. Most discussion at the Business Meeting centered around the necessity of broadening the membership of The Wildlife Society and becoming involved and active in environmental problems. Another action of the membership was to award a plaque to each outgoing president for recognition of his services. Recipients of the annual awards were Carl G. Trautman, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and H. F. McClellan, Mobridge, South Dakota.

1970     [TOP]

August 16-19: 15th CMPS Summer Conference. Pingree Park, Colorado
Region Representative, Region IV: Dr. Paul F. Springer, North Dakota
Region Representative, Region VII: Wayne W. Sandfort, Colorado.
President: Raymond J. Boyd, Colorado
President-Elect: Carl W. Wolfe, Nebraska
Secretary-Treasurer: James C. Cruse, Colorado
Past President: Dr. Raymond L. Linder, South Dakota
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Harvey Donoho
Kansas: M. Gary Hesket
Nebraska: Wilbur Dasenbrock
South Dakota: Tom Kuck
Wyoming: Roger Wilson
Program: Clait Braun, Colorado
Arrangements: Don Horak, Colorado
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: The 15th Annual Summer Conference was well attended, with a total of 24 papers given at the technical and general sessions. One interesting item came up during this year in that CMPS was asked to submit a resolution to the Colorado State Board of Agriculture asking for reinstatement of the budget request for the Wildlife Extension Program at Colorado State University. The money was eventually returned to the budget and the program is going strong.

1971     [TOP]

August 22-25: 16th CMPS Summer Conference. Bob Marshall Camp, Custer, South Dakota
Regional Representative, Region IV: Dr. Paul F. Springer, North Dakota
Regional Representative, Region VII: Wayne W. Sandfort, Colorado
President: Carl Wolfe, Nebraska
President-Elect: Art Richardson, South Dakota
Secretary-Treasurer: Jack Sinn, Nebraska
Past President: Raymond J. Boyd, Colorado
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dr. Ron Ryder
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Wilbur Dasenbrock
South Dakota: Tom Kuck
Wyoming: Roger Wilson
Program: Tom Kuck, South Dakota
Arrangements: Don Forte berry, South Dakota
Dues: $1.00

Board Business: CMPS sponsored the 1st Sectional Workshop during 1971. The Canada Goose Workshop at Jamestown, North Dakota, provided a method of needed information exchange on captive and wild flocks. Forrest Lee, USF&WS and Bud Dasenbrock, Nebraska Game and Parks, served as coordinators for the session. The general format of the Summer Conference was changed to recognize information, education, law enforcement, and habitat management. This change provided a broader spectrum of interest for those working in the wildlife field. The Section was proud to serve as the vehicle for presenting the American Motors Corporation Award to Ralph Hill at the Annual Summer Conference in the Black Hills. The Professional Award, given annually by the Section, was presented to William Bailey of Nebraska and the Nonprofessional Award to Dr. James Shaeffer of South Dakota.

1972     [TOP]

August 20-23: 17th CMPS Summer Conference. Halsey 4-H Camp, Halsey, Nebraska
Regional Representative, Section IV: Wayne Sandfort, Colorado
President: Art Richardson, South Dakota
President-Elect: Neal Blair, Wyoming
Secretary-Treasurer: Lyle Petersen, South Dakota
Past President: Carl W. Wolfe, Jr., Nebraska
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Robert J. Tully
Kansas: Steven Capel
Nebraska: William L. Baxter
South Dakota: Tom Kuck
Wyoming: Roger W. Wilson
Program: William L. Baxter, Nebraska
Arrangements: Larry Witt, Nebraska
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: The CMPS Bylaws were revised to conform to TWS Bylaws. Annual dues were increased from $1.00 to $2.00. CMPS sponsored the 1st Prairie Deer Workshop in Rapid City. Eight states and 3 Canadian provinces were represented with approximately 60-75 people in attendance. The reception was good with suggestions for another workshop in 3 years. CMPS and the Society for Range Management co-sponsored a Foothills Shrub Ecology and Management Symposium, Bates Hole Area, Casper, Wyoming. There were approximately 40 in attendance on a 1-day field trip through deer and elk winter range.

1973     [TOP]

August 12-15: 18th CMPS Summer Conference. Univ. Wyoming Science Camp, Centennial, Wyoming
Regional Representative, Region IV: Wayne W. Sandfort, Colorado
President: Neal Blair, Wyoming
President-Elect: Bob McWhorter, Kansas
Secretary-Treasurer: Rex S. ZoBell, Wyoming
Past President: Art Richardson, South Dakota
Board Members: Roger Wilson (WY), Ray Linder (SD)
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dick Denney
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Joe Hyland
South Dakota: Ron Fowler
North Dakota: Robert Fields
Utah: Dr. John Nagel
Wyoming: George Dern
Manitoba: Eugene Bossenmaier
Saskatchewan: Dr. George Mitchell
Meeting Chairman: Roger Wilson, Wyoming
Program: Tim Britt, Wyoming
Arrangements: Al Morton, Wyoming
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: President Neal Blair conducted the Business Meeting held August 15th. In Old Business, it was reported that Gil Hunter was nominated for the Wild Horse Board. Workshops sponsored by CMPS were the Turkey Workshop held at Chadron, Nebraska, May 12, and the Shrub Ecology Workshop held in Pinedale, Wyoming, May 21-22, 1973.

The Wildlife Society’s new field director, John Spinks, attended. He emphasized the need for better communications between the membership and the Washington office and lauded The Wildlife Society Bulletin for being management oriented.

Floyd Blunt, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, was recipient of the Section’s Professional Award while Bob Milek, also from Wyoming and a free-lance outdoor writer, outfitter, and wildlifer, received the Nonprofessional Award.

1974     [TOP]

August 18-21: 19th CMPS Summer Conference. Lake Metigoshe Lutheran Camp, Bottineau, North Dakota
Regional Representative, Region IV: Lee Queal, Kansas
President: Bob McWhorter, Kansas
President-Elect: Dick Denney, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Steve Capel, Kansas
Past President: Neal Blair, Wyoming
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: A. F. C. (Pete) Greene
Kansas: Marvin Schwilling
Nebraska: Karl Menzel
South Dakota: Art Richardson
North Dakota: Leo Kirsch
Utah: Jim Kimball
Wyoming: Tim Britt
Manitoba: A. Brian Ransom
Program: Bob Fowler, North Dakota
Arrangements: Bob Fields, North Dakota
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: The Business Meeting was called to order by President McWhorter on August 20. Old business included the recognition of 2 new Wildlife Society Chapters in Manitoba and Wyoming.

The Professional Award of the Section went to Richard D. Wettersten, Director of the Kansas Forestry, Fish, and Game Commission, while the Nonprofessional Award recipient was Ernest Zahn, Velva, North Dakota.

Section Representative Lee Queal reviewed his recent activities as representative and strongly encouraged more input to him from field personnel and State Chapters to assist in guiding his actions at Council Meetings.

Executive Director Fred Evenden summarized the diverse activities of the Society, including the building fund, publications, and professional certification.

National legislation for which support was urged included the amended Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the BLM Organic Act, and a strip-mine reclamation bill (if no major changes were made in committee).

Eight resolutions and public statements were presented to the membership and included: (1) Fences on Public Lands: (2) Sale of Public Lands: (3) Rights and Responsibilities: (4) National Land Use for Grain Production; (5) Management of Furbearers; (6) Forest and Rangeland Management; (7) Conservation of Natural Resources and Energy; and (8) Wetlands Acquisition. Only the Fences on Public Land resolution gained sufficient support to be adopted by the membership and be dispersed for use. A motion was passed that the Section go on record as being opposed to the transfer of public lands to private ownership until such time as the State Fish and Game Departments were involved and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had determined that such transfers have no negative impacts on wildlife.

1975     [TOP]

August 17-19: 20th CMPS Summer Conference. YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado
Regional Representative, Region IV: Ray Linder, South Dakota
President: Dick Denney, Colorado
President-Elect: Roger Wilson, Wyoming
Secretary-Treasurer: Dick Kerr, Colorado
Past President: Bob McWhorter, Kansas
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Harold Swope
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Dick Gersik
South Dakota: Art Richardson
North Dakota: George Enyeart
Utah: Mitchell Sheldon
Wyoming: Charles Gibson
Manitoba: Bob Jones
Saskatchewan: Joe Hnatiuk
Program: John Schmidt, Colorado
Arrangements: Clait Braun, Colorado
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: The business meeting was conducted by President-Elect Roger Wilson because Dick Denney could not attend due to pressing and urgent business.

The Professional Award was received by Allen E. Anderson, researcher for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Nonprofessional Award was presented to Carl E. Strutz of Jamestown, North Dakota, for his contributions to the establishment of greater Canada geese.

The Section sponsored the Grasslands Workshop held in Kansas and the Shrub Ecology Workshop held in Jackson, Wyoming, during 1975. The Section voted to provide limited financial support to a Hungarian Partridge Workshop to be held in North Dakota in 1976.

Old Business included a report by Council Representative Ray Linder on the Council action to support the “Threatened Species” classification for the grizzly bear. Dissatisfaction was expressed in the Council’s procedures relative to the grizzly bear action, but not with Ray Linder’s representation of the Section.

Concern for lack of communication within the Section was expressed by the Utah representative. Complaints were reported concerning the lack of information as to whom rejected Wildlife Society Bulletin articles and why articles were rejected. A motion to donate $100.00 to the TWS Building Fund failed to pass.

Field trips took wildlifers to elk summer range, alpine and ptarmigan habitat, and to the peregrine falcon facilities at Ft. Collins.

1976     [TOP]

August 5-8: 21st CMPS Summer Conference. Rock Springs Ranch, Junction City, Kansas
Regional Representative, Region IV: Ray Linder, South Dakota
President: Roger Wilson, Wyoming
President-Elect: Clair Huff, Utah
Secretary-Treasurer: Tim Britt, Wyoming
Past President: Dick Denney, Colorado
Board Members: L. Kirsch (ND), R. Oetting (MB)
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dr. Dale Hein
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Dick Gersik
South Dakota: Art Richardson
North Dakota: Larry Kruckenberg
Utah: “Red” Sheldon
Wyoming: Charles Gibson
Manitoba: Brian Ranson
Saskatchewan: Joseph Hnatiuk
Program: Steve Capel, Kansas
Arrangements: Bob McWhorter, Kansas
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: During the business meeting, a contribution of $50 was voted for the Paul L. Errington Memorial at Volga, South Dakota. An Ad Hoc Committee was appointed with Clait Braun as Chairman to develop guidelines for handling Section resolutions and public statements. The committee must submit its report to the Executive Board by January 31, 1977.

Dr. Douglas L. Gilbert, Colorado, was recipient of the Section’s Outstanding Professional Award. No award for the outstanding nonprofessional contributing to wildlife was presented by the Section in 1976.

A special plaque was presented to Leo Kirsch, North Dakota, for his long service and contributions to the Section.

During the year, the Canvasback Workshop was sponsored by the Section and the North Dakota Chapter. The meeting Chairman was Dr. David Trauger and was held April 6 and 7 at Jamestown, North Dakota.

1977     [TOP]

August 14-17: 22nd CMPS Summer Conference. Flaming Gorge Lodge, Dutch John, Utah
Regional Representative, Region IV: Ray Linder, South Dakota
President: Clair Huff, Utah
President-Elect: Clait Braun, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Joyce Gebhart, Utah
Past President: Roger Wilson, Wyoming
Board members: L. Kirsch (ND), R. Oetting (MB), R. Fowler (SD), W. Peabody (KS)
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dale Hein
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Dick Gersik
North Dakota: Larry Kruckenberg
South Dakota: Art Richardson
Utah: Michael Wolfe
Wyoming: Dave Lockman
Manitoba: Robert E. Jones
Saskatchewan: Joseph M. Hnatiuk
Program: Herb Troester, Utah
Arrangements: Dave Peterson, Jim Zumbo, John Comb, Allen Shippe, Clair Huff, Utah
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: Accommodations were provided at the Flaming Gorge Lodge and adjacent campground facilities of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Special events included an informal campfire gathering and presentation of the history of the Flaming Gorge area; mountain men, and muzzleloader program of history, authentic weapons and dress; field trips to Flaming Gorge Dam and surrounding area, Clay Basin, and Antelope Flats. Opportunities were provided for rubber raft flat trips down the Green River.

The CMPS Executive Council met on the 14th and discussed the parent Society membership reorganization, Bylaws changes, Certification status, building fund, Field Director, and general operations of the Section and parent Society. During the Business Meeting of the Section, it was the consensus of those at the Conference that the proposed membership classification of “Nonvoting” was too negative and charged the Section Representative to recommend “Associate Member” to TWS Council.

To reduce the apparent misunderstandings about Certification, it was suggested the Section prepare a 1 page explanation to answer questions in the minds of many members.

During the year, CMPS President Huff represented the Section at the 42nd North America Wildlife Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he attended the TWS Council meeting. Huff also attended the Colorado Chapter meeting held in February and initiated preparation of operation guidelines to aid Section Officers in accomplishing their duties.

During the year, the first woman officer of the Section, Joyce Gebhart, ably handled the duties of Secretary-Treasurer.

Recipients of the Section awards were Charles Schroeder, North Dakota, for outstanding professionalism, and Lois Webster, Colorado, for outstanding citizen contributions to wildlife.

Perdix I was sponsored by the Section and held in Minot, North Dakota, with Jerry Kobriger, Program Chairman. Two hundred dollars was contributed by the Section toward expenses of this workshop.

1978     [TOP]

August 27-30: 23rd CMPS Summer Conference. Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming, Manitoba
Regional Representative, Region IV: Harvey Miller, Colorado
President: Clait Braun, Colorado
President-Elect: George Enyeart, North Dakota
Secretary-Treasurer: Del Benson, Colorado
Past President: Clair Huff, Utah
Board Members: L. Kirsch (ND), R. Oetting (MB), R. Fowler (SD), W. Peabody (KS)
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dick Pillmore
Kansas Steve Capel
Nebraska: Ben Schole
North Dakota: Wilbur Boldt
South Dakota: W. Alan Wentz
Utah: Rodney John
Wyoming: Dave Lockman
Manitoba: Robert E. Jones
Saskatchewan: Joseph M. Hnatiuk
Program: Merlin Shoesmith, Manitoba
Arrangements: Barry Briscoe, Bill Dolan, Bruce Batt, Manitoba
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: The Business Meeting was conducted by President Clait Braun. The membership voted unanimously to support TWS Building Fund. It was also agreed to co-sponsor a Bison Workshop to be held in Kansas during 1979.

It was announced that Proceedings of both the Canvasback and Perdix I Workshops held in North Dakota and sponsored by the Section are available.

Dr. Gustav Swanson, Professor and Department Head Emeritus from Colorado State University was presented in absentia the Professional Award for 1978. Dr. Ray Linder, out-going Section Representative to the Wildlife Society Council was given a special award in recognition of his service on our behalf.

1979     [TOP]

August 19-22: 24th CMPS Summer Conference. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Regional Representative, Region IV: Harvey Miller, Colorado
President: George Enyeart, North Dakota
President-Elect: Merlin Shoesmith, Manitoba
Secretary-Treasurer: David Trauger, North Dakota
Past President: Clait Braun, Colorado
Board Members: Ronald Fowler (SD), William C. Peabody (KS), Barry Briscoe (MB), Steve Capel (KS)
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Dick Pillmore
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Ben Schole
North Dakota: Wilbur Boldt
South Dakota: Dr. W. Alan Wentz
Utah: Rodney John
Wyoming: Dave Lockman
Manitoba: Robert El Jones
Saskatchewan: John H. Hnatiuk
Program and Arrangements: Al Wentz, John Ratti, Ray Linder, Con Hillman, Les Flake, Nic Grkovic, and Warren Jackson, South Dakota.
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: Approximately 75 wildlifers registered for the 4 day Summer Conference held at Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Monument. Vegetation management in short, mixed, and tall-grass prairies was discussed, and different objectives and approaches to management of forests dominated by ponderosa pine were reviewed. Pronghorn and bison were common sights, but mule deer and white-tailed deer are also found in that part of South Dakota.

The excellent technical session included papers on waterfowl and wetlands, upland game bird habitat and management, bison and elk mortality, mule deer and white-tailed deer, and predation by coyotes.

A Bison Management Workshop was held at Salina, Kansas, April 10-12, 1979. The Workshop was co-sponsored by the Kansas-Oklahoma Section of the Society for Range Management, Central Mountains and Plains Section, TWS, Kansas Chapter of TWS, and the Kansas Fish and Game Commission. Proceedings were available from Steve Sorensen, Box 489, Concordia, Kansas 66901 for $2.00

Wildlife Society members are working on the Second Hungarian Partridge Workshop, Perdix II, to be held at the University of Idaho, Moscow, March 18-20, 1980.

Al Lovaas agreed to continue during 1979-80 as Membership Chairman.

Section and Chapter involvement in local wildlife-related environmental issues continues to increase. Communications with Student Chapters at Kansas State and Colorado State Universities were opened up within the Section.

1980     [TOP]

August 17-20: 25th CMPS Summer Conference. Ak-sar-ben Aquarium, Schramm Park, Gretna, Nebraska
Regional Representative, Region IV: Harvey Miller, Colorado
President: Merlin Shoesmith, Manitoba
President-Elect: W. Alan Wentz, South Dakota
Secretary-Treasurer: Barry W. Briscoe, Manitoba, and Barry Verbiwski, Manitoba
Newsletter Editor: Bill Koonz, Manitoba
Past President: George Enyeart, North Dakota
Board Members: Del Benson, Colorado, Jerry Kobriger, North Dakota, Stephen Capel, Kansas, Gene Collins, Manitoba
Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Len Carpenter
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Fred Deines
North Dakota: Jerry Serie
South Dakota: Ray Linder
Utah: Paul Shields
Wyoming: Bob Oakleaf
Manitoba: Robert Jones
Saskatchewan: Joe Hnatiuk
Program: Dr. Ron Johnson, Nebraska
Arrangements: Fred Deines, Ben Schole, Nebraska
Dues: $2.00

Board Business: The 25th Annual Conference theme was “Wildlife in the 1980s: Present Problems and Future Solutions”. More than 75 wildlifers from 7 States and 2 Provinces attended the Nebraska-hosted gathering. The Business Meeting was highlighted by the presentation of the CMPS 1980 Professional Award to Leo M. Kirsch of North Dakota, installation of W. Alan Wentz as President, and the presentation of a plaque and gavel to outgoing President Merlin Shoesmith. Two resolutions were passed by CMPS at the Conference. First, the incoming President shall appoint a Special Projects Committee to immediately address the problem of funding support for the Furbearer Symposium, to determine details involved, establish funds. Further, CMPS will support the printing of the Symposium Proceedings by contributing up to $3,000.00 with the understanding that this money and proportional share of any profits will be reimbursed to CMPS from monies received from sales of the Proceedings. The second resolution passed resolved that CMPS respectfully request that Council of The Wildlife Society immediately issue a statement of support for mourning dove hunting to the South Dakota Chapter for release. Technical papers relating to birds, mammals, habitat, humane organizations, the wildlife profession during the 1980s, trappers as a data source, agriculture and wildlife, and public relations were given. Field trips included the DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, an organic farm, a native seed farm, Fortenelle Forest, and a Missouri River boat trip. A wildlife articles auction conducted during the Conference netted $768.54, which went to TWS Building Fund.

Perdix II was held March 18-20, 1980, at the University of Idaho. Current research information was presented and a continent-wide management/research plan for Hungarian partridge was reviewed and approved.

Bylaws changes approved by CMPS membership included a dues raise to $5.00 per year effective January 1, 1981. The Section Secretary-Treasurer will be appointed by the President, and the President will serve a 2 year term to begin with Al Wentz from August 1980 to August 1982.

Barry Briscoe, Manitoba, Section Treasurer, resigned his position effective May 27, 1980, as he accepted a promotion to Head of Resource Studies in Parks, Canada, and moved to Ottawa. Barry Verbiwski acted as interim Secretary-Treasurer and Bill Koonz assisted as Newsletter Editor.

1981     [TOP]

August 2-4: 26th CMPS Summer Conference. University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
Regional Representative, Region IV: Harvey Miller, Colorado
President: W. Alan Wentz, South Dakota
Vice-President: Del Benson, Colorado]
Secretary-Treasurer: Raymond L. Linder, South Dakota
Past President: Merlin Shoesmith, Manitoba
Board Members: Jerry Kobriger, North Dakota, Del Benson, Colorado, Ben Schole, Nebraska, Barry Verbiwski, Saskatchewan

Chapter Representatives:
Colorado: Len Carpenter
Kansas: Steve Capel
Nebraska: Fred Deines
North Dakota: Jerry Serie
South Dakota: Spencer Vaa
Utah: Paul Shields
Wyoming: Bob Oakleaf
Manitoba: Robert Jones
Saskatchewan: Joseph Hnatiuk
Program and Arrangements: Art Reese and Cathy Purves, Wyoming
Dues: $5.00

Board Business: Del Benson opened the meeting at 8:00 A.M. The resignation of W. Alan Wentz as President, because of his move to Washington, D. C. with the National Wildlife Federation, necessitated Benson’s ascendancy to the presidency. Benson expressed appreciation to Bob Davison for his effort in designing and preparing the new-look Newsletter in 1981.

Since the location of the President has changed from South Dakota to Colorado, Benson appointed Libby Barstow to replace Secretary-Treasurer Linder and Newsletter Editor Davison.

A resolution for extension of the Wetlands Loan Act and continuation of the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program was presented and passed. Benson invited members to have input as to where the resolution should be sent.

A letter was sent by Wentz (as President) to TWS President Bookout in appreciation of support for the mourning dove season in South Dakota.

Davison, Chairman of Nominations and Election Committee, reported that candidates for office were: Len Carpenter and John Lokemoen for President-Elect and Joe Gabig, Con Hillman, Art Reese, and Paul Shields for Executive Board. Len Carpenter, Con Hillman, and Paul Shields were elected.

Benson thanked Bylaws Committee for their fine efforts. Chairman George Enyeart and member Clait Braun were in attendance.

Furbearer Symposium. Chairman Neil Johnson reported that everything was ready for the symposium except for funds. Benson reported action of the Executive Board (from their meeting the previous day) that up to $1,000.00 be taken from CMPS funds to support the Symposium. Members concurred. The CMPS President was also directed to contact Chapter Presidents to help raise funds.

TWS Executive Secretary Richard Denney reported all was going well and they are moved into new quarters. He discussed expansion and organization at the new headquarters and the close proximity of sister organizations. Denney discussed involvement of TWS concerning some proposed Presidential appointments. TWS and many organizations are opposing the potential appointment as Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations all submitted objections to the White House and asked that the nomination not be made to the Senate because of the lack of legal qualifications of the candidate. Denney also discussed problems of pork barrel appointments to federal agencies.

Denney discussed litigation actions and problems with such actions. He also discussed incorporation of Sections and Chapters. The Building Fund now is $210,000.00. This amount is $90,000.00 short of the goal set by Council to be reached by next Council meeting (1982). This goal is self-imposed.

There was considerable discussion concerning many problems in the field of conservation, e.g., new grazing regulations, appointments to key positions, use of 1080, etc. TWS is expressing its concerns and Denney encouraged members to also express their concerns.

Clait Braun, Editor, JWM reported. Braun invited visitors to his office in Ft. Collins. Manuscript submission increased 200 by about 1 June 1981, 300 in all 1980. He discussed the process for manuscripts and thanked referees. He invited anyone interested in refereeing papers to contact him. Dual publication is a problem and its ethics was discussed (and cussed). Braun reported a positive change in attitude of the profession in that hypotheses are being tested much more frequently. Nongame papers are improving and increasing in number. Four rules-of-thumb for JWM papers: (1) Science; (2) Repeatable; (3) Readable and (4) Some Management Implications. He does not agree with expanding the number of pages for JWM. Difference between Bulletin and JWM papers—if paper is “immediately applicable to management” it should be in Bulletin. He reported that more enforcement papers are needed.

The 1982 Conference site will be in North Dakota.

The proposed Workshop, “Management of Public Lands in The Northern Great Plains Region”, was discussed by Enyeart. He is tentatively planning for an on-campus meeting in February-March 1983.

Dave Lockman was called to the podium to present a report on USFS operation. He was introducing his subject when President Benson interrupted to present him a special award from CMPS in recognition of professional ability and dedication.

A highlight of the meeting was a Swift Fox Symposium with 8 papers on swift fox status, distribution, management strategies, ecology, and reintroduction techniques. The regular technical session was composed of 14 papers on a variety of topics ranging from energy development, big game, and raptors to ecology of gray partridge.

1982     [TOP]

August 8-11: 27th CMPS Summer Conference. Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau, North Dakota
Section Representative: Harvey W. Miller, Colorado
President: Del E. Benson, Colorado
Vice-President: Steve Capel, Kansas
Secretary-Treasurer: Libby Barstow, Colorado
President-elect: Len Carpenter, Colorado
Past President: Vacant
Board Members: Ben Schole, Nebraska, Barry Verbiwski, Manitoba, Con Hillman, North Dakota, Paul Shields, Utah
Summer Conference Chairman: Ken Higgins, South Dakota
Program: John Lokemoen, Jerry Kobriger, North Dakota
Arrangements: Fred Giese, Al Aufforth, John Schulz, North Dakota
Dues: $5.00

Board Business: President Del Benson called the annual business meeting to order with forty to fifty members in attendance. Del Benson reported that he, Clait Braun, and Len Carpenter had finished sorting the President’s files and still have to do the Secretary’s files. A permanent file will be set up with the Conservation Library at the Denver Public Library to preserve the Section’s history.

Neil Johnson reported on the Furbearer Symposium held in December 1981 in conjunction with the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference. All but one of the papers are now ready for the printer and as soon as printing bids are received, the Kansas Chapter will set a price on the Proceedings and advertise them. The Indiana Chapter will handle storage and sales. It is anticipated that copies will be available by December. Based on 250 manuscript pages, Johnson thought it could be priced at $5.00-$7.00

Ben Schole, Awards Committee chairman, informed Benson that he had received no nominations.

Harvey Miller, Section Representative, asked members to join him in a tribute to Dick Denney as part of CMPS. Miller reported that Harry Hodgdon was chosen as Executive Director out of 30 applicants and that TWS is now looking for a Field Representative to replace Hodgdon.

Miller stated his concern with the relationship between wildlife and habitat programs on private land when production of wildlife is in competition with what private landowners need to produce.

He encouraged CMPS members to become TWS members. In response to a question, Miller estimated that 22% of Section members are TWS members. The Secretary raised the question of the lag time in processing members’ dues that are sent to TWS to be distributed to Sections and Chapters. President-Elect Len Carpenter and former Secretary Ray Linder agreed that it was a problem. Miller was asked to try to speed up the process. He mentioned that a new computer system is to be used that may solve the problem.

Benson opened a discussion of fund raising to contribute to CMPS projects. He proposed an art sale and show in 1983 with the winning print to be a limited edition with proceeds from sales to be used by the section. After considerable discussion, no decision was reached on an art show.

Benson reported that he had requested funding proposals and had received one. George Enyeart, on behalf of the North Dakota Chapter, requested and received a $200.00 advance from CMPS for a Symposium on Management of Public Lands to be held 14-17 March 1983 at the Kirkwood Motor Inn in Bismarck, North Dakota. There was discussion as to whether proceedings or abstracts should be published. The Chapter’s intention has been to publish proceedings. Clait Braun urged them to publish abstracts so publication in JWM or other peer-review journals would not be precluded. Benson stated that if a profit was made on the Symposium, it should come back to CMPS

Mike Johnson said that the North Dakota Chapter requested and received $200.00 from CMPS for the Goose Symposium. Johnson also received $100.00 for publication of the abstracts and question/answer session of the Goose Symposium.

Colorado was chosen as the 1983 CMPS Annual Meeting site. There was consensus that a place combining camping and motel facilities was good and that it should not be in Denver.

CMPS donated $140.00 to the TWS Building Fund (2 sq. ft.) as a memorial to Dick Denney.

Election results were: Steve Capel, Vice-President and Larry Bidlake and Carl Wolfe as Board Members.

A resolution was adopted stating that profits or losses accruing from the CMPS Annual Meeting will be shared 50:50 between CMPS and the organizing State or Provincial Chapter. There was consensus that the resolution would take effect in 1982 and any profit or loss would be split with the North Dakota Chapter. In addition, profits from any other fundraiser would go entirely to the Section. The technical session was divided into 2 portions, a Breeding Waterfowl Symposium (9 papers) and forest game-enforcement (9 papers). A field trip to J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge was followed by an elk barbeque after which North Dakota successfully defended their volleyball championship. Wendell Cushing followed with a slide talk on polar bears. A second field trip to the International Peace Garden was followed by a fish fry at Lake Metigoshe. The Annual Section Auction completed the evening’s activities.

1983     [TOP]

August 7-10: 28th CMPS Summer Conference. Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado
Section Representative: Harvey W. Miller, Colorado
President: Len Carpenter, Colorado
Vice-President: Steve Capel, Kansas
Secretary-Treasurer: Libby Barstow, Colorado
President-Elect: Vacant
Past President: Del Benson, Colorado
Board Members: Con Hillman, North Dakota, Paul Shields, Utah, Larry Bidlake, Manitoba, Carl Wolfe, Nebraska
Summer Conference Chairman: Richard Hoffman, Colorado
Program: Richard Hoffman, Colorado
Arrangements: Kathy Fagerstone, Jim Houston, Geoff Tischbein, Fred Hall, Colorado
Dues: $5.00

Board Business: Three wildlife papers were presented the first morning on wildlife management in South Africa, bighorn sheep in Colorado, and red fox harvest. The afternoon was filled with a field trip to Curecanti Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument. A bighorn sheep barbeque was followed by a black bear presentation by Tom Beck.

Seven papers the next morning were followed by a field trip to Crested Butte-Gothic Area and a tour of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. An elk barbeque that evening was followed by the Annual Auction and raffle. Jim Houston gave a presentation on the natural history of the Gunnison area. The Meeting concluded with 6 papers the next morning dealing with mallards, owls, and upland game.

President Len Carpenter called the Annual Business Meeting to order with about 45 members in attendance and a quorum was declared. Carpenter welcomed members and guests, including Tom Franklin, Field Director of the Wildlife Society.

Carpenter pointed out that the Section is in good financial shape and that Past President Del Benson started the fun raising. Money is now available for Chapter projects. President Carpenter gave the following brief summary of 1982-83 activities: TWS Building Fund was completed; the Furbearer Symposium Proceedings were published and are now available; the North Dakota Chapter hosted the symposium on Management of Public Lands, and CMPS received a file copy of the abstracts. The South Dakota State University Student Chapter was approved by CMPS and TWS and will receive its Charter at TWS meeting in Boston in 1984. Six people were nominated for CMPS representative to TWS board. The CMPS Executive Board selected Clait Braun and John Mumma as candidates and Braun was elected. There is a problem knowing who a Chapter’s voting representative on the CMPS Executive Board is at a given time. This has caused delays in transmitting information such as that on the candidates for Representative to TWS. Steve Capel mentioned that the Student Chapters have no voice in the Section and this is also a problem. Barstow reported election results. Out of 285 ballots mailed out, 105 (37%) were returned. Steve Capel was elected President-Elect. Kathleen Fagerstone and Stan Kohn were elected to 2-year terms on the Executive Board. Carpenter stated that the Executive Board would appoint a replacement for Steve Capel as Vice-President, the position he currently holds.

Steve Capel disussed the ramifications of SB 663, introduced by Senator Bill Armstrong of Colorado. It is known as the Sodbuster Bill. Capel read a resolution on “Plowing Fragile Grasslands” adopted by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies as altered to reflect a statement by CMPS. Carpenter will send the resolution to Graham Smith for distribution to congressional delegations. It was suggested that it also be sent to management agencies and other groups (those mentioned were SCS, Extension Services, Soil Conservation Society of America, and National Association of Conservation Districts).

Len Carpenter read a position statement adopted by the Wyoming Chapter and submitted to him by Dave Moody. This statement would be rewritten with CMPS in place of Wyoming Chapter and would be sent to Graham Smith for transmittal.

Len Carpenter discussed the proposal in the May-June Wildlifer for a change in TWS membership structure, including an alternative of mandatory membership in the parent Society, a Section, and a Chapter. Carpenter asked that comments be sent to him, to Chapter Presidents, and to TWS President Dale Jones. Carpenter will respond on behalf of CMPS. Harvey Miller reported on the problems leading TWS board to propose restructuring membership. For instance, the problem caused when an individual makes statements on behalf of TWS but is only a member of a Chapter. Carpenter indicated that it was the responsibility of Chapter Officers to permit or refuse people the right to make statements.

Steve Capel issued an invitation to meet in Kansas in 1984 and the invitation was accepted. Harvey Miller gave the Section Representative’s report. He compared the Representative’s role to that of a “Maytag repairman” and thanked Section members for their help. He mentioned the stiff competition that had taken place for Field Representative and said that he was pleased Tom Franklin had been chosen and was at the CMPS meeting. Miller announced that the TWS Council would meet in Dillon, Colorado, on October 11-12 and that the meeting was open to all members. Agenda items will include private lands and wildlife, grizzly bears, and membership structure.

1984     [TOP]

August 5-8: 29th CMPS Summer Conference. Barton County Community College, Great Bend, Kansas
Section Representative: Clait Braun, Colorado
President: Len Carpenter, Colorado
Vice-President: Harvey Miller, Colorado
Secretary-Treasurer: Libby Barstow, Colorado
President-Elect: Steve Capel, Kansas
Past President: Vacant
Board Members: Larry Bidlake, Manitoba, Carl Wolfe, Nebraska, Stan Kohn, North Dakota, Kathy Fagerstone, Colorado
Summer Conference Chairman: Steve Capel, Kansas
Program: Carol Lange, Kansas
Arrangements: Charlie Swank, Mark Sexson, Kansas
Dues: $5.00

Board Business: The Conference began with a presentation on Birds of The Cheyenne Bottoms by Ed Martinez. This was followed the next morning by a field trip to the Cheyenne Bottoms Waterfowl Management Area. After an afternoon of 5 papers on water and waterfowl, a buffalo barbeque followed at Camp Aldrich. Tom Witty then gave a presentation on Wildlife and The Plains Indian. The next morning field trip took members to the Arkansas River and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. An afternoon session was filled with 3 papers and a business meeting. That evening a steak fry at Camp Aldrich preceded the Annual CMPS Auction. The meeting concluded with 3 papers the following morning on Canada geese, otters, and guard dogs for control of sheep predation.

President Len Carpenter called the Annual Business Meeting of the Central Mountains and Plains Section to order with about 45 members present and a quorum was declared.

President Carpenter reported that the financial status is the best the Section has ever been in. As mentioned at earlier meetings, this is the result of former President Del Benson suggesting a fund-raising event each year. Now that the Section has the money, it should be used. Members should tell the Executive Board if there’s a symposium to be sponsored.

Carpenter sent 50 letters to Governors and members of Congressional Delegations about the Sodbuster Bill. About 20 people responded, mostly positively. He is still pursuing a change in the mineral royalties on which a position statement was adopted at the 1983 annual meeting.

He reported to TWS Council the vote against unified dues structure taken by the CMPS Executive Board on 9 August 1983. A ballot on the dues structure will be in the October Wildlifer, and he urged all members to vote.

A decision was made to reduce the price of the Furbearer Symposium Proceedings from $7.00 to $5.00 in order to expedite sales. About 500 had been sold by May 1984, and CMPS receives a pro-rated share of sales.

Carpenter reported for Graham Smith of Utah, Chairman of the Conservation Affairs Committee. He has been involved in position statements on grizzly bear in Wyoming, Sodbuster Bill, and mineral royalties problem.

Len Carpenter presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Libby Barstow for serving 3 years as Secretary-Treasurer.

Awards Chairman Harvey Miller reported that there were 8 nominees for the Professional Award. The Professional Award was presented to Ray Linder of South Dakota for his outstanding contribution to the wildlife profession through his work at the South Dakota State University Co-op Wildlife Research Unit.

The Citizen’s Award was presented to David Jackman, Jr., Kansas, for his wildlife habitat work on his farm and for his active involvement in improving wildlife management in Kansas.

Barry Verbiwski was elected Vice-President for 2 years. Bill Koonz and Carroll Lange were elected to the Executive Board for 2 years.

Leonard McDaniel reported that he and Bob Wood had audited the Secretary-Treasurer’s books for 1 August 1982 to 6 August 1984 and found no discrepancies.

Capel appointed Bob Wood as Secretary-Treasurer for 1984-1985.

Nebraska and Kansas have developed resolutions on steel shot and TWS has a new position statement. Because CMPS territory covers a lot of the Central Flyway, a CMPS stand could be important. Joe Gabig suggested that CMPS could encourage the other Chapters in the Section to use the TWS statement as a model. Harvey Miller mentioned that the Central Flyway Council, with representation from the States, has supported going to steel shot by 1987, and that TWS’s statement was used as a model by the Midwest Association of Game and Fish Agencies.

Capel may have to poll CMPS members to come up with a position statement on grizzly bear status and management. This is important in CMPS territory. Wyoming people want CMPS and TWS backing.

Clait Braun gave a report as CMPS representative to TWS. He thanked the members for their support and said he needs their help to represent them adequately and actively. The biggest issue is that of unified membership; he urged CMPS members to vote.

Braun read a letter from Jim Bailey at Colorado State University saying that CMPS was too large and too diverse and suggesting a division into Central Mountains (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah) and Plains (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas). After discussion indicated a lack of support for the proposal, Braun recommended that the Executive Board take no action. He and Capel can write to Bailey. Darrell Montei asked whether TWS is looking at Section boundaries. Tom Franklin said there is some restructuring currently going on; it takes TWS Council approval. Capel suggested looking into a different time of year for the CMPS Annual Meeting in order to get more members to attend.

Kent Whaley reported that at its March meeting, the Manitoba Chapter had voted unanimously to invite CMPS to Manitoba for the 1985 annual meeting. The invitation was accepted. Harvey Wittmeier issued an invitation from the South Dakota Chapter to hold the 1986 annual meeting in South Dakota. This invitation was also accepted.

Harvey Miller, on behalf of the North Dakota Chapter, announced the Mallard Symposium to be held in North Dakota 19-23 August 1985. CMPS will be a sponsor, with no monetary contribution.

Terry Riley reported that the South Dakota State University Student Chapter requests CMPS funding for a Student Conclave in the CMPS area and assistance in redrawing conclave boundaries.

1985     [TOP]

August 11-14: 30th CMPS Summer Conference. Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba
Section Representative: Clait Braun, Colorado
President: Steve Capel, Kansas
Vice-President: Barry Verbiwski, Manitoba
Secretary-Treasurer: Robert Wood, Kansas
President-Elect: Vacant
Past President: Len Carpenter, Colorado
Board Members: Stan Kohn, North Dakota, Kathy Fagerstone, Colorado, Bill Koonz, Manitoba, Carroll Lange, Kansas
Summer Conference Chairman: Jack Dubois, Manitoba
Program: Jack Dubois, Manitoba
Arrangements: Rick Baydack, Kent Whaley, Larry Bidlake, Manitoba
Dues: $5.00

Board Business: The business meeting of the 30th Annual Conference of the Central Mountains and Plains Section was called to order by President Steve Capel with 23 membe