Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-08-29

A NATIoAL NPoRTsMEN's Con.
vEN1loN. The following circular
explains itself. 1t shows so clearly
that there should be some concerted
movement among sportsmen who
desire to stay the wantOn destruc.
ton of animals, fish and fowl, that
we make no comments upon it save
to say, that we hope the association
will be formed and that it will &C.
complish the noble objects for which
it is organized:
OswEGo, August l, 1874,
| The formation of n National
Sportsmen's Association at this time
is attracting the attention not only
of persons devoted to the taking OF
animals, fish, and fowl, for profit,
but also Of sportsmen and others
who are DESTROYS of preventing the
wanton destruction of creatures u.s.
ed for the food or comfort of man.
When the primitive emigrants
first arrived in this coutry, they
found the forests, seas, and streams
swarming with animal life, the re-
suit of centuries of undisturbed so.
curity. From that day the destruc-
ton Of these creatures began, first
for the preservation of life and for
raiment; next as articles of sale
and commerce, or to be used in the
arts of civilized life; again, as popu-
lation increased. the destruction in
creased for purposes of sport.
This unrestricted slaughter has
at length resulted in the total exter-
mination in this country of some
varieties of animals and birds, or
driving them so far away from popu
lated districts that isolated speci.
mems are now only rarely found in
the remotest wildernesses. The
Beaver, which was once so freely
found in Pennsylvania, no longer
exists. The Deer, which were once
so plentiful in various sections of
the country, are becoming rare, and
various other animals, birds, and
fish are now the subjects of legisla-
tive enactments. So great impor-
lance is attached to tho preservation
of fish, that many States have not
only restricted the time of fishing,
but have passed laws and have made
appropriations and appointed emf
nent citizens as commissioners for
the purpose Of restoring streams and
lakes which the cupidity Of man
has almost depopulated.
While in the general sense it is to
the interest of society that this in
discriminate slaughter be stopped,
on no one class Of men does the du-
ty of guiding public sentiment, in.
stigating harmonious international
laws and attention to a proper re-
gard for the same. devolve so much
as on the ;,porteman.
The amateur who delights in hunt
ing and fishing-not for gain, but
for healthful recreation-for recu-
peration-for eXercise-iS of all
men the one who appreciates the
Importance of the law. The states
man who sees the importance of
cheap food and raiment for the peo-
pie. whose interests are his charge,
will use his endeavors to provide
laws, that future generations may
not be deprived of the blessings
which this generation is so wanton-
ly destroying.
In this view, the preservation of
the fur seal in Alaska, the bison of
the plains, the fish in our rivers and
streams, and the crustacea ON our
coasts, is of momeutons Importance.
With view of procuring a con.
centratOn of interest and effort, it is
now deemed desirable to form . Ma
tional organization, that the action
Of sportsmen may be harmonious
and uniform in all districts of our
common country and for this pur-
pose a movement has besu inaugu.
rated by the "New York State Asso-
citation for the Protection of Fish
and Came" in preliminary meeting
at Niagara Falls OH September 8,
1874, to take such action as may
then seem advisable.
A. G. NATION.
Chairman of N. Y. State Committee.