The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-25
CHICKEN DAYS NEAR.
Reign of Terror for the Prairie
Chicken World Will Begin
Next Tuesday.
sportsmen Haunt Gun Stores Get
ting Their Guns and Ammu-
milton Ready.

It might be the beginning of a political
campaign in Breathitt county, Kentucky
the Minneapolis gun stores are now so
crowded with eager men discussing re
pearer'' shells, black edge wads, smokeless
powder, comparing calbres, taking down"
guns taat haven't been put UP or declaring
that she drops too much or too little at the
heel.' And yet no gentleman has even sug-
gested that he might disapprove of any other
gentleman. It's sport, not satisfaction, that
is fought it's chickens, not cousins, that
of dawn.
"As many chickens, SO many hunters" the
grammar would remark And III the album
dance of the prairie chickens turnout the
northwest this season is found an explanation
of the hunting multitude. We're going to
have the biggest chicken year on record. F"
said sporting goods man yesterday on
Nicollet avenue.
The crop of BIRDS" he continued, '"is
specially large in North and South Dakota
and in northern Minnesota. In the southern
counties of this state the weather was too
wet to encourage the chickens that wanted to
keep house,
All the local dealers agree that they have
sold more shotguns recently than last year,
more, in fact, than have been sold the same
time IN any previous year. One or two con-
Germs have also rented numerous weapons
This practice, however is now restricted be-
cause Of practical difficulties in securing
settlement with certain customers after the
close of the season.
Secondhand Guns In Demand.
Secondhand guns are in great demand for
sales outright. Such guns are sought chiefly
by Canadians, especially by Americans that
have recently settled on lands beyond the
border. The Yankee-Canadian prefers to
shoot with the firearms he accustomed
to explode before he lived under the king.
But new shotguns pay heavy duty to
Canadian custom houses; secondhand guns
go free Minneapolis dealers are therefore
burGened with requests for secondhand guns
which may be shipped to former Americans
in Manitoba. These consignees, having cast
aside allegiance to George Washington and
the Ratchet, are ready to make affidavit that
the guns are cherished relics of the demo-
cratic past.
... Dates OF Seasons"
The legal season for killing prairie chicken
snipe, pinnated, white breasted or sharp
tailed grouse, woodcock upland plover and
golden plover, will begin Sept. 1 and close
Oct. 81. Wild ducks, wild geese and other
Aquatic fowl may be destroyed according
to statute between Sept. and Nov. 30. quail
partridge, ruffled grouse or pheasant will
live without legal protection from Oct. Is to
Dec. A.
But innocent boyhood will be pleased to
learn that 1t may throw stones during four
weeks of any month at "blackbirds, crows
English sparrows, sharp-shinned hawks.
COOPER hawks and great horned owls" Small
girls will be equally delighted because both
houses of the Minnesota legislature have de-
cided, with the approval of the governor,
thai no provision of the game laws Shall be
construed 70 prevent the keeping of canaries
CT other song birds domestic pets"
l..