Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-10-27
ARpREY LAW AND SPORT,

Unless they are in:erfered with by
the operation of the Ardrey law, the
sportsmen Of York county, are going
20 have the best shooting this year
that they have had for years, and
most Of the sportsmen with whom
the reporter has talked, seem to be
of opinion that the Ardrey law Is just
what they want. 1t will, they think,
give the birds the best protection they
have ever had and at the same time
ensure to all thorough going sports
men the privilege Of doing as much
shooting as they might care to indulge
in. The sportsmen are banking on the
liberality and breadth Of the average
land owner.
Mr.. w. 8. Neil, game warden for
York county, Is one Of the most en-
thusiastic sportsmen In all this section
and also one of the most thorough
going. He recognizes that the partridge
is useful bird, and that 1t should not
be slaughtered; but he believes also
spor. sman as for any other purpose,
and he insists that whatever danger
of determination 1t may be In Is not
from the sportsman. The sportsman
the man who shoots only over a dog,
and on the wing, contributes to the In
crease rather than the decrease OF the
partridge In his opinion, and 1t Is only
the pot-hunter, the fellow who Kills
for market, who begins to slaughter
the birds before they are fully feather
ed, and who shoots them for market,
on the ground or any other way, who
Is a dangerous enemy Of the bird.
Speaking Of the matter day or two
ago, Mr. Neil said
why have noticed 1t for years
every sportsman has seen 1t that way,
that where the birds are shot into to
a reasonable extent-not too much
they increase instead Of decrease,
This, Of course, Is provided other con-
ditions are equal-that there Is enough
for the birds to eat and plenty OF COW
er. Shooting makes the birds wild.
more on the alert to take care OF
themselves and more difficult prey TO
hawks and other natural enemies. !
have known of cases were coveys were
left undisturbed through the whole
season. Hawks maybe, would get
among them and kill a few-there
would be more cocks than hens left.
The next season there would be no dis
position to pair of, and the increase
would hardly be up to what had been
lost. On the other hand I have seen
covey Of twenty or so birds, shot
down to five or six and the next sea-
son there would be a half dozen coveys
In the same territory. / don't think
there Is a sportsman Of experience any
where, who will deny that reasonable
amount Of shooting tends to an In
crease In the number Of coveys the
next season instead Of a decrease"
What do you think CT the Ardrey
law" the reporter asked.
why" replied Mr.. Nell, 1T has my
full approval. I think 1t is the best
trespass law that has ever been en-.
acted. It gives the landowner rull
power to protect his lands from pot
hunters and others. He can keep any
body off, without the necessity OF
posting, and he can give privileges to
his friends and acquaintances as ne
sees proper. The law Is good one. I!
don't think many real sportsmen VIII
suffer a great deal on account OF II.
There are some people who do not
think partridges should be shot at all.
They are now in a position to nave
their way about the matter. There
are many OtnerS VINO LOOK dl lhe "a.
ter Just as I do and who, II properly
approached, will gladly give their
friends and acqua!ntances permission
to do a reasonable amount Of shoot
ing. I don't think there Is going to
be any trouble about that"
While on the subject Mr.. Nell was
asked II he had any information up TO
this time Of violation Of the closed
season. He replied:
II have heard rumors Of violations
of the law, but I have not been able
to get any definite information YET. l
have taken occasion to let 1t be known
and I will be glad II you will publish
the fact, that If anybody will give me
definite information as to a violation
of the game law, will prosecute the
matter for all am worth, even II the
guilty party should happen to be the
best personal friend have"