The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1894-11-28
TIME TO KILL BIRDS.
Proposed Laws to Establish New
Close Season.

Close Season.
Mr.. Seth r. Hammer, Of Salem, says
the Oregonian, has framed a proposed
law to be enacted by the coming state
legislature for the better protection of
game birds. In letter to the Salem
Statesman, he says that something
should be done ito protect the birds
from wanton slaughter" and that with
zone more season Of bird murder, none
will be left" He believes that sports
men will endorse his bill. Hunters
will condemn it," he claims, ''paTticu-
larly those from Portland who killed
birds the past seasons and placed them
in freezers for many weeks before the
season for market opened"
Mr. BarTem's bill provides that II
shall be unlawful for any person in the
counties of Lane. Linn, Marion, Polk
and Yamhill, between the 18th day OF
December and the 18th day of Septem-
Der of the following year, to take, kill
injure or destroy, or have in possess
sion except for breeding purposes, oi
sell or offer for sale, any native grouse
native pheasant, native or valley quail,
or bobwhite quail. 1t provides, now
ever, that the close season for native
and valley quail shall be from Febru-
ary l to September Is only.
There Is further provision In Ham
mer's bill that none of these birds
while alive can be offered for sale, or
held for sale, except for breeding pur-
poses at any time. Then it makes 1t
unlawful to hunt the birds on Sunday,
or to hunt at any time with any kind
of "a dog, or dogs. These last two pro-
visions particularly will meet with the
average sportsman's opposition. AS a
provisions of this proposed act, MIR.
Hammer suggests a fine of from s70 to
$500 for each bird killed, or iinprison-
ment for three months, or both fine
ard Imprisonment
DR.. Franklin Cauthorn, president of
the Multnomhh Rod and Gun Club in
speaking yesterday of Hammers PRO-
posed law, said it was most ridiculous
to even imagine that it would receive
the Endorsement of the genuine sports
man. He says it is not based on reason
able propositions. 1.-THE sportsmen of
this CITY," said the doctor, ARE the
best friends the game birds ever have,
and their aim at all times has been to
protect them from wanton slaughter.
The srortsmen of this city have been
ebert to the fact that there must be
some changes in the present law, and
mean to formulate a bill to be presented
at the coming session of the legislature.
"At recent meeting Of the North
west SportSmens Association the mat
ter of legislation was referred to a
special committee, of which Mr.. L. I.
Barin, of this CITY, is chairman. The
committee held a meeting not long since
and several prominent citizens were
present, including Judge o. N. Denny,
and Judge Bellinger. Amendments to
the present game law were discussed,
and it was suggested that the open sea-
son should be extended from August
Is to November Is, instead Of from
August to November Is, as at present.
1t was believed that something should
be done to regulate the slaughter Of
birds for the market season, which
now extends from Ostober 10 to Novem-
ber 49, Just how this will be accom-
plished is not decided yet. Birds are
NOW killed any time during the open
season, and kept by cold storage for
the market season. Birds can be pre-
served for an unlimited time in this
manner, and it offers advantages to
the hunter that must be obviated in
some way.
The sportsman of this city does not
hunt birds for market, and this Is
known by any reasonable person. We
are not responsible for pot hunters,
and will be the first to adopt measures
that will destroy their indiscriminate
slaughter Of game"