Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-20
RECKLESS SLAUGHTER OF GAME.
Birds and Animals Killed by Mercenary
Hunters and Trappers.

Muskogee correspondence Kansas City Journal.
The mercenary hunter and trapper who
has been responsible for the extinction Of
valuable animals and birds in older sections
of the United States is now plying his trade
In Indian territory. In spite of the strict
game laws in force.
The Indian agent has discovered that
quail trappers are making a systematic
campaign against this class of birds by
trapping them and sending them out of the
territory. While waiting for a train at
Crowder City the other day Agent Schoen-
felt noticed a commotion in several boxes
and upon investigation found that they
were filed with live quail. which We're
billed to Anthony. Kan He ordered them
relea sed and at least $3.50 full grown birds
flew away toward the neighborlng heias-
Last year the agent discovered 1000 llYe
quail at PauIs alley which were about 10
be shipped to New Zealand to a firm that
is trying TO establish these birds in that
country.
The professional quail trapper is probably
the greatest enemy of the true sportsman
Of Indian territory. He stretches large
net In the tall grass and then drives the
birds along the ground until they are With
in its reach, when the ends are closed IN
upon them and they are prisoners IN It's
meshcs.
The Indian policemen. through the in
structions of the Indian agent, nave been
releasing a large NUMBER Oh guam Ills Sttli
which have been caught in this way, and
wherever the trappers can be found hey
are being arrested. In order to make the
Indian policemen more vigilant. they are
allowed to keep any game that they coz
fscate which has been killed by hunters.
When they coniscate live game 1t is always
released.
one Of the great menaces to the game Of
Indian territory is the professional trapper
of fur bearing animals, who travels over
the country plying his trade at different
seasons in the sections, of the country Where
he will get best results. In certain portions
OF the Blue river thousands or beavers
build their dams These animals are eaSi-
ly trapped and the professional trappei
catches them by the hundreds II allowed "a
work unhindered. The Indian police are
instructed TO keep close watch on these
streams and to arrest all persons who at
tempt 10 trap or kill the beaver.
Indian territory also has many other fur
bearing animals which would make rict
prizes for the trapper II he were allowed tc
hunt them unrestrained.
The Indian agent is having his usua
trouble with hunters OF deer this season
II man wishes to Kill deer or two fol
his own use there Is no objection. Blu
there are men in the territory who attenp
to make their livelihood By hunting dee
and selling them TO butchers in and out o.
the territory. The great and increasing de
mand for venison I'm railroad eating houses
and in butcher shops all over this section
of the country makes the traffic In venisoI
profitable. The Indian police are instructed
10 make the rounds of the butcher shop'
in each town In the territory at regular In
tervals and TO Confiscate any veniSon ol
quail that they may find for sale IN tnes'
places. This is done very frequently In mos
territory towns but seldom becomes known
10 the general public. as no arrests are
made and the butcher from whom th'
meat is taken keeps his own counsel.