The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-09-20
NAMES NEW GAME LAW.
Non-Resident Hunters Required to Pay
Tax Of SIS This Fall.

Tax Of S1S This FAll.
KINEo, Me-, Sept 19.-The opening Of
the fall hunting season In northern Maine
is this year awaited with special interest
owing to the fact that the new law, which
imposes a tax Of SIS on all non-resi-
dent hunters, goes into effect. Some
Of those who have business interests
here predict a decrease in business owing
to the new law.
The fact remains. however, that Maine
needed some such law. There has been
discussion over the form it should take,
but there has been general agreement
that Names appropriation for the use
of the Commission OF Inland Fisheries
and Game, $4,000. is barely sufficient to
provide for the fish propagating indus
tries, to say nothing OF furnishing needed
warden service; and all those who are
familiar with Maine realize that the future
Of the State Is largely dependent upon
the protection Of its big game.
The money to furnish this protection
was not forthcoming from any other source.
Therefore hunters tax was regarded as
a necessity. To be sure, the new law
may keep out certain class Of visitors.
The question to be considered is not the
immediate results, but the future. It
seems possible to protect the fish and
game of Maine so that they will provide
sport for an indefinite period, and this
is what the law aims to do.
Names need Of game protection is
recognized by all who are familiar with
the wilderness conditions. Not only does
the game need projections against many
OF Names residents and along the Can
adian border, bu. in the past some Of her
visitors have required constant watching
The killing Of moose and deer has gone
on not only in summer, but in winter, and
witt, the small force Of wardens at its dis
posal the State has been practically power
less to stop this,
The discoveries OF the two new wardens
assigned TO the Canadian border in antici-
PAT ion Of the increased revenue expected
from the new law are not surprising TO
those who know what has been taking
place there. and the finding Of The remains
one of the proofs that may be found in
many districts to show what havoc the
hide hunter has wrought. Pete Fontaine.
the notorious poacher who was shot last
year by Game Warden Templeton, was only
one Of many poachers; yet it is known
that he sold thirteen moose 70 one lumber
camp for meat in single winter.
Maine has failed in the past to realize
that she needed most of all protection
against herself. She has looked afar of for
poechers when they were close at hand; she
has attributed much killing of game to visi-
tors when it has been done by residents.
AS plain business proposition, the fish
and game Of Maine are among her greatest
industries Over a thousand guides de-
rive living from them and hundreds Of
hotels and sporting camps are dependent
upon them for a revenue. In addition to
all this there are supply dealers and hun
dretls, II not thousands, of other people
who seldom see dollar that does not come
directly or indirectly from visitors, And
roads derive and the service IL Ia possible to
give all parts of the State because Of it
The new law provides that it shall be -un-
lawful for any person not bona fide resi-
dent OF the State and actually domiciled
therein 10 pursue. lake or kill any bull
moose or deer at any time without having
first procured license therefor
1t further provides that "aV money re-
ceived for such licenses shall he forthwith
paid TO the State Treasurer and then e1-
pended by the commissioners in the pro-
lection OF moose and deer, under the d.
rection Of the Governor and Council; pro-
vided, however, that the Commissioners
Of Inland Fisheries and Game shall have
authority TO ADJUST and pay ont of the funds
received for such licenses. for actual DANA &c
done growing crops by deer: provided,
further, that the Governor and Council
shall have authority to allow the Commits
sioners Of Inland Fisheries and Game. out Of
the funds received for such licenses and
fines. such compensation az they may deem
Just and fair for additional work required
of them in carrying out the provisions OF