The Washington times., 1895-04-01
Local SpOrtsmen Will Form an
Association to Preserve Them.
GAME is NOW ALMOST EXTINCT
The Gunner for the Market and the Cold
Storage System Is the Enemy of Good
Field Sport = appointment of Game
Warden is Desired-The Law affect at
Present-shOrter 0pon Season Suggested.

The organization of game protective asso-
Citations throughout the United States should
stimulate the sportsmen of this city and
vicinity to action in the same direction.
Until recent years q visit TO almost any
OF the neighboring countiesof Maryland and
Virginia assured good sport TO the gunner,
but the greed of the market has resulted in
the almost entire extinction OF game birds
in this vicinity. Sections which formerly
abounded In quail are now destitute of birds,
for with the opportunity offered by the cold
storage system consideration or respect for
an nopen or close season for game has sceased
with the worthy who shoots to supply the
demand OF the market.
COLD STORAGE EVILS.
A banquet was given iu this city as late as
July in which quail, evidently cold storage
birds, formed one ofthe features of fthemenu
II the extensive killing during the season
for the purpose OF cold storage was the only
cause OF complaint, the evil would be bad
enough, but with the ready avenue offered
for the sale of game by our markets. the
gunDerfor money hasbcen frequently known
10 kill birds during the breeding season and
even the nestitself.
With such destruction the future Of game
birds is doomed.
SPORTSMEN TO SECURE RELEGISLATIoN.
Members of the Capital City Gun Club,
appreciating the gravity of the situation,
have been for some time discussing the ad-
visibility OF an effort Ia secure additional
legislation respecting our game laws, in
Guiding the appointment of game warden
with full power 10 inspect all premises
wherein game might be Illegally stored and
tosecure the abridgment of the open season.
That beneficial results would follow such
law can not be denied, but ii is apparent
TO all who are familiar with the trouble
and delay attendant upon Congressional
action that considerable time must elapse
before sIeh change can be effected.
Pending legislation. some determined effort
should be made to secure the rigid en,
forcement OF our present law, which APP
pears very comprehensive.
THE LAW AS 1T NOW STANDS.
The act of Congress. approved June 10,
1878, makes ii unlawful for any person
to kill or expose for sale or have in either
his or her possession, either dead or alive,
within the District of Columbia. any quail
between February / and November / OF
any year. under a penalty Of 50 for each
bird so killed or in possession.
The provisions OF this act are also ex-
tended To cover woodcock, pheasant,
prairie chicken, Snipe, plover. wild geese,
brandt, ortolan, and reed birds. the open
season differing, OF course, for the re-
spectiye classes of birds.
Recognizing that the law is at present
more honored in its breach than in its
observance" number OF gentlemen OF
this city are now preparing 10 organize
game protective association for the
District, with the belief that such an or
ganiZation could effect change in the
present condition OF affairs.
FRIENDS OF THE BIRDS.
BY working in harmony with similar
association snow existing in Virginia and
Maryland such an association could ac-
complish material results in the direction
OF that much to-be-des ired object-the
preservation of the remnants OF game in
this section of the country, and its efforts
should receive the assistance of all true
Sportsmen.
Messrs. W. NJ Metcalf, w. n. 0fley,
John Davidson, James NJ. Green, Blair Lee,
Samuel w Stinemetz, Edwar dDerrlck
Will F. Roberts and H. c. Birge are ac-
lively at work in the matter, and at an
early day VIII call meeting for general
interchange Of views upon the subject
and for the purpose of organization