The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-06-05
TO PROTECT FISH.


gained ground locally that the game
laws should be looked into a little
more carefully in this section, as
there have been several violations
within the past few days, SO it is re-
ported on reliable authority. And
this is not the only section that needs
attention. Fish and game hogs are
becoming exceptionally numerous,
and an irreparable injury is being
done the game interests of the state.
1t is up to the warden or deputy to
get busy, as there appears to be
plenty of evidence. And along the
line of general violation the last is
sue of the Rigby Star has the follow
ing to say:
RICH under the nose, figuratively
of the state game warden the law
relating to constructing and main
tanning dams In streams over which
the fish cannot pass, is being violated
in this county continuously without
protest, sa far as we know, from the
state game warden.
The fish and game law passed by
the last legislature has the follow
ing to say on this subject:
1T shall be unlawful for any
person or persons, association or
associations, corporation or cor
poratiOns, or any person whose
ever, to maintain a dam in any
stream in this state, unless
proper fish way is maintained
and kept therein at all seasons
of the year, at the awner's ex-
pense, of sufficient kind and ca
pacity to allow the fish of such
stream free and uninterrupted
passage up and down the stream
which fish way must be con-
structed according to plans and
specifications that will be furn-
. ished by the state game warden
upon application"
1t is further made the duty of the
state game warden to open up any
such dam not provided with fish ways
as required by law.
Heavy penalties are provided for
violation of the above provision.
The Anderson dam in the south
fork of the Snake river, sixteen miles
east of Rigby, prevents fish going up
to spawn, and is violation of the law
1t has existed for several years with
no attempt, so far as we know, to
compel the owners of the said canal
and dam to put in fish way. Last
year the Wood Livestock company
constructed a reservoir on Camas
creek, stream noted in this part of
the state for it's abundance of fish.
AS an outlet to this dam long con-
duit made of cement, etc., three or
four feet in diameter, has been con-
structed, for hundred yards or
more, through which the water
rushes like stream out of firenoz-
zle, with terrific force, and through
which it is absolutely impossible for
fish going up stream to pass. Par
ties visiting the place this spring say
the stream is alive with fish below
this obstruction where they are COM
PEELED to stop on account of 1t, and
are thereby prevented from going up
the stream to spawn, and while con-
gested below this dam the fish are
caught by thousands by INSCRIPTIONS
persons, who never think of stopping
at the 20 pound limit fixed by law,
as long as the fish bite we'll.
We do not know how many more
fragrant violators of the law exist in
this part of the state, besides the two
but doubt not there are
other instances. These two, in two
OF the best fishing streams, go to
show that no attention Is paid to the
laws requirements, by private par
ties, or game officials either.
1t is time the people arose and
prosecuted the game officials or the
parties maintaining the unlawful
dams complained Of. II the people
will not do It, the fishing or gun
clubs should take the initiative in
this important matter. Eastern Ida
hos fine fishing should be main
tanned, to the pride of all our people.