The Wrangell sentinel., 1926-11-25
Reindeer Suggested Replace MalamuteS;
 Entirely Feasible

lem which e0nHQn1S the man Wno annually journeys 10 the hills This problem is embraced in the maintenance of dogs throughout the summer when they are of no use.
 It is believed that reindeer can be made to serve as draught ani= maIs at less cost than dogs and at the same time go far toward solving the question of fresh meat. Instead of hauling out several hundred pounds of dog feed the prospeetor would carry only such feed as is necessary to maintain his deer on the trail and restore the poundage lost through work, after which the animals could be slaughtered and utilized for food for man.
 eThe matter is entirely feasi- ble. said ". G. Culver, investiga- for for the Alaska Railroad, form erly with the Bureau of Education, and an expert on reindeer. their moods. fdiosynerasies and virtues.
 Contrary to the popular belief, says MT. Culver, "the reindeer may be taught to eat almost any thing, provided you start him in his fawn stage Among the dain- ties he likes is a good-sized slap jack. rolled oats. rotten apples and sweet hay. If he gets taste of these early in life, he becomes as familiar as the proverbial burro, and like the burro. will hang around the tent for a week to get chance to raid the table and steal your stack of sourdough flap jacks, a slab of bacon or your eaddy of tobacco"
 And the stronger the tobacco the better he likes it. amended J. F. shultz. who is also an experi- eneed deer man, and who is taking herd of animals from Broad Pass to Kansas City.
 T have seen deer show diserimi- nation with respect to tobacco when offered a chew of several kinds. Like mankind, he wants kick in his chewing. and will not accept substitute once he finds a brand that suits his palate"
 For genuine stubborpess," con- tinued Culver. "the reindeer has all other aniamls discounted. Com bine the characteristics of a mule with that of a sullen steer, plus penchant for fighting back, and you have the reindeer. When he says he will not go, you might as well prepare to camp until his mood changes, or go to camp with out him. If he is properly broke, he is the most faithful animal alive, and will follow you like dog and do your bidding willingly
 Methods of breaking have much to do with the utilitarian values of the reindeer. Take him as lawn. coddle him a little and gain his confidence, put halter on him from time to time and lead him about, and he readily becomes bri- de wise. He is very ticklish along the spinal column, and at first re- sents being packed. First put gunny sack across his back and cinch it on, and let him run around awhile. Later put some sand into the sack to make a little pack and he learns to pack.
 "The stubborn deer is the result of the method employed by many Eskimos in breaking. They catch two or three year old deer, tie him up and starye him until he is weak, and then begin forcing him to obey. This creates resentment few deer ever forget, and he will repay it by refusing to travel just when you want him to hurry. If you try to force him, he will turn and use hoofs and horns to the best advantage.
 With properly broken deer, the idea of using him where dogs are now used by prospectors is entirely feasible. and there would be a ma terial saving in cost of feed and none of the annoyance occasioned by having a string Of dogs to care for during the summer. The deer will pack as we'll as pull heavy loads. but like the dog. he must have confidence in his master and be given good treatment An chorage Times.