The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-04
BIRD COMMISSIONERS
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS

The commissioners OF birds in a commu-
nication TO tho governor yesterday made
many recommendations.
Tho commissioners state that the num-
ber of quail and partridges in Rhode Is
land II alarmingly low and that immedl-
ate action is necessary TO prevent further
decrease and 10 give the birds opportun-
ity to increase. The only remedy which
the commissioners can suggest is a close
season. for one year at least and IL the
birds have not at the end OF the two
breeding seasons which such close period
provides increased I'm numbers sufficient
TO warrant the hunting OF them TO some
extent. then tho close season should be
extended for such further period as seems
proper TO bring them back TO their usual
numbers.
The report says in part:
A close season on rabbits would do vast
ly more good than harm. for the relent-
less pursuit OF these productive little game
aniplals has already caused serious re-
duction in their numbers. and close
season on birds will increase the number
Of rabbit hunters so that a still further
drain would be made upon them.
This pernicious law providing bounty
for hawks owls and crows ought TO be
repealed. It has been proven scientiical-
ly by the examination or the stomachs OF
such birds. as well as by the observation
~ many bird students. that they do vast
~ more good than harm TO the agricul-
turist. 1f II cannot be repealed alto
gether II certainly should be modified so
as to prevent anyone from going beyond
the limits Of his own land 10 shoot. at
least I'm the close season.
The reprehensible practice OF shooting
migratory birds. particularly shore birds
and water fowl. while on their way TO
their breeding ground in the far North.
ought to be stopped.
IL is desirable that we not only have
a Uniform close and open season on the
gam ebirds and animals throughout the
state. but that we do also what lies In
our power to bring about uniformity OF
the close and open season with the states
adjoining us.
To this end we recommend the short
ening of the open season for shooting
black duck and wood duck To the period
between the 31st day OF August and the
first day OF March next following. This
I'm itself, without reference to the ques-
ton OF uniformity OF laws, Is good
measure. for many black ducks have nests
and eggs during March. when. under our
present law. they may be taken.
We also urge that tho shooting season
on quail, partridge. woodcock. rabbits and
squirrels hereafter open Oct is and clos,
Dec. 10. next following. instead OF open
ing on Nov. ] and closing Dec. 81. as at
present.
The commissioners make the following
recommendations in brief:
]. That law prohibiting the shoot
| ing OF partridges. quail, woodcock rab.
bits and gray squirrels prior To the J5tl
day OF October. 1909 be enacted
| 2. That ELL residents be required TO pro
cure license before being allowed I,
hunt In this state. and TO pay therefor :
sum not exceeding one dollar for the II
cense and Is cents for registration. tn
fund so created to be applied 10 the ,is
of the commissioner or birds To be en
ployed In the enforcement OF laws reIat
ing to birds.
3. That law be enacted shortenin,
the season on. black duck and wood duo
from the time provided by the present Law
to the period between the sist day O
August and the 1st day OF March. subse
iQuently.
| 4. That n law be enacted providing 70
"A close season on all shore birds fron
the 1st day OF January TO the 1st day O
August In each year, and such law &
enumerate what species may be killed an,
protect all others
.. That law be enacted amending th
deer and non-resden. hunters licens
laws as suggested
The report is signed by ]. II. Flanaean
chairman. Providence county: A. on
Taylor. Newport county: T.. r. Lewis
Washington county: w. III. Thayer. Bris
tol county. and W. Gordon Reed. "a. Ken
county.