Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Utah)

Lee Rue Allen began working at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in 1935. He talks of his employment there for sixty-one years, and his first assignment involving a Civilian Conservation Corp project. Mr. Allen discusses who surveyed and planned the refuge, the types of equipment used in the management, and upkeep of the refuge and hunting regulations in and around the refuge. The interview took place on July 17, 1972.

Lloyd Gunther worked for over thirty years at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. He discusses the history of the refuge, as well as the history of the Malad and Bear Rivers. Gunther also discusses the restoration of fresh water marshes, plant life and bird species at the refuge, and bird migration patterns. The interview took place on July 6, 1972.

Clarence Hewlett worked at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge from 1950 to 1953 as a mechanic. He discusses tourist damage to the refuge, illegal hunting, and other violations of refuge laws. Hewlett also discusses the need to protect the refuge from future damage and to preserve the natural habitat of the birds. The interview took place on July 10, 1972.

Wayne Jensen discusses his work at the Bear River Research Station near Brigham City, Utah, investigating wildlife and waterfowl diseases. The interview took place on July 14, 1972.

Einar J. Larsen shares his memories and experiences of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, both before and after it was established. The interview took place on July 26, 1972.

Malcolm McDonald, a wildlife research biologist with a specialization in parasitology, discusses his studies of parasites and waterfowl populations. The interview took place on July 14, 1972.

Gwenith Rader discusses her father's ownership of the Bear River Duck Club. Her father, Vince Davis, was named the "best duck shot in the world" in The History of the Pioneers of Utah. Rader also explains the process of picking ducks and the different species. The Bear River Duck Club was sold by Vince Davis in 1900 and became the Bear River Club Company. The interview took place on July 12, 1972.

Robert Smoot discusses the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and its effect on his crops. Smoot opens his farm land to private hunters but makes note of the difficulties in regulating hunters in the surrounding areas. The interview took place on July 20, 1972.

Leo Young discusses his work with the Civilian Conservation Corp at the Bear River Bird Refuge beginning in 1929. Young also discusses the plant and animal habitats at the refuge, the presence of botulism in duck species, and water and hunting rights on and around the refuge. The interview took place on July 22, 1972.