The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1896-09-18
PROTECT THE FISH AND GAME


AS an indication of the great inter-
est that is being observed throughout
the country relative to the humane pre-
lection of fish and game, it is bat ne
cessary to call upon Secretary Land
.yoigt and look over the files of letters
and literature which have daily accu
mulated on his Gle as secretary of the
St. Francis County Gun and Rod Club
Throughout the whole country peo-
pie are taking "A deep interest in pro-
tecting and propagating fish and game.
and the criminal mod of destroying
Dish by explosions, aud unlawful net
ting or trapping devices, is nearing
tie end.
Eastern Arkansas is not entirely in
the background in this laudable pur-
pose of protection. The Club spoken
of has done its share, and has already
righted multiplicity of wrongs, and is
still digging after others, with no ill.,
tention of Stacking up until it gets
these matters arranged to suit them
The Club now numbers 10 members.
composed of the best element of our
citizens-men of integrity. who will put
forward every effort in their power to
break up the unefarious practices OF
'pot hunters and degraded sports
men" OF the assassin class, who have
nearly depleted our woods and streams
OF game and fish.
The Club is now arranging for the es-
Establishment of similar clubs as far as
the Missouri line, along the valley of
the st. Franc river, where other clubs
will act likewise and speed the good
work northward. Local protection is
not alone the object tive Club is seeking
for. They are reaching for the lake re-
gionS and even into Canadian soil,
where so much destruction of our feath-
cred friends ducks and geesel is being
practiced.
We have before us d copy of new
publicat ion, W eStern Field and Stream,
published 10y Jno. L. Hurkhard, at st.
Paul, Mimi. Such Journals as this
springiDg up is Indicative OF the great
interest now being taken in this mat
ter. and every lover Of country,law and
order should enlist themselves on the
| side OF protection and as a unit work
for the principles which these clubs and
| periodicals are eSpOCSing
The September issue OF the afOre
mentioned publication is noteworthy
as presenting q practicable scheme for
the protection of game and fish of the
| country, which we are inclined TO be-
| lieve offers Il complete solution Of this
much ycXed problem. and its senior
editor, Mr.. ChaS. Hallock. who devised
and formulated the scheme. has also
the fullest Endorsement Of all leading
naturallStS and SportSmen who have
| had an opportunity to examine it,.
Briefly, it contemplateS dividing the
entire territory of the United States.
froms the Atlantic to the Pacific. into
two concessions along the line Of the
fortieth parallel of latitude, or near it,
for each of which there shall be uni
form laws and uniform close time. the
whole To he under the police surveil-
lance of the National Association for
the protection of game and fish, through
its multlfariouS state auXillarle5. . The
close time for the northern concession
will be from January To September /,
and in the southern concession from
February | to September |, during
which 10 shooting shall be allowed on
any kind of game whatever, excepting
that woodcock and shore birds of the
order Limicolae may be shot in August.
| The general close time for all kinds OF
inland fishes, recognized as game fishes
to extend from October to June |. ex-
cepting that fishes of the order Salmoa.
| Idle, including the trouts. may be
caught in April and May. These close
seasons conform very nearly to the dis
| tribution, habitat and breeding seasons
of the various fauna which are sought
to be protected; and where they do not
especial exceptions may be made, il
deemed eXpedient. The laws which are
to dominate will inhere by legislative
enactment, uniform in all The states
\ and cooperative throughout.
Mr.. llallock presents his argument III
Il very logical and convincing manner
and we hope that it will not be long be
fore this salatary code will be in sue
cessful operation.
Think it Over.