Show Hardware Ranch Sleighs Running To See Elk Herd Herd- Snow has fallen the elk arE in and the sleighs are running at the Ranch for any anyone I one who would likE to visit this popular showplace of wild elk operated by the Division of ofFish ofFish Fish and Game in Cache County THOUSANDS OF visitors are expected to see the Hardware Ranch this winter not only to see the elk but to hear about the ranch and howit aids in the management of the Cache elk herd Purchased by the Fish and Game Division in 1946 the ranch provides a place to hold part of the Cache elk herd back in the interior of the area away from the critical winter range along the wasatch front IN ADDITION to providing a place to winter the elk the Hardware an excellent site for trapping operations so the Fish and Game Division can conduct studies on where this elk herd spends its winters and summers and the migration pat pat- patterns terns they follow Hardware Ranch is located east of Hyrum in Cache County about 17 miles up Blacksmith Fork Canyon There is no charge for the sleigh rides but butI I I a midweek visit is recommended I mended because of the large crowds on weekends I WINTER PHEASANT COUNT Snow cover now blankets most of the agricultural lands in Utah signaling the start of the season postseason pheasant sex ratio counts conducted by field field- men of the Division of Fish and Game Heavy winter snows drive the birds to areas with cover and nearby feeding areas making the birds easier to observe as they feed during early morning hours SEASON POSTSEASON counts are conducted in January and Feb each year to determine the number of hens per cock after the hunting season A ratio of one male for ten fl fe- fe females males is considered adequate for effective breeding in the spring although the statewide ratio has usually been between one m male le per three to five hens So far this winter Division of ofFish ofFish Fish and Game officers report po apparent lack of winter food or cover in most areas of the state |