The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1912-04-10
Cannot GET
GAME PROTECTION

Bismarck 4ribune: What is the
reason that Burleigh county can not
be afforded protection for wild game
when such protection becomes nee
essary? What is the matter with the
state game board and the game ward
n that they can not >hearken to a
call for aid, when that aid becomes
Imperative? Is the game board ap-
pointed to enforce precautionary
measures for the protection Of wild
game, or is it rust a piece of political
machinery? Are the game funds to
be used in protecting game, or is the
license money collected as a mere
source of revenue to be juggled back
into the general funds of the state?
these are some of the questions which
ore paramount in the minds of Bis
nlarck and Burleigh county sports
men.
The recent flood drove scores Of
deer out of the underbrush along the
river to the prairie land, where they
were without protection. Well au-
thenticated rumors have been heard
that three of the deer have already
been shot. Where is the game ward
en-? What use is the state game fund
being put to?
Friday morning H. w. Richholt, E.
E. Jones, and a large number Of other
local sportsmen, members Of the Bis
marck u club learned that deer
were being slaughtered. The animals
were driven from their homes, and
terror stricken were fleeing in all di-
rnrtTpnr no-,n IUnr1o- MI oon -
Fargo was communicated with and
asked for a patrol who might remain
here until the flood subsidized and the
deer might return to their accustomed
haunts. He stated that there was no
money in the fund. The state audi
tors Office informed the inquirer that
there was a balance of about $4,000
IN the game fund. 80
The local nimrods were then -e-
ferred to T. D. Casey of Dickinson,
secretary of the state board. Mr..
Casey stated a meeting of the board
would have to be called. He was in
formed that immediate action was
Imperative, and thereon promised 10
call up the local men Immediately.
Up to Tuesday morning nothing fur
Their was heard from him.
There is a deputy warden at Bis
marck, Fred Carstens. Mr.. Carstens,
however, is not upon a salary, and the
only money he has received in similar
cases has been paid him by Bismarck
hunters themselves, who sought 20
protect game, and secured his assis-
lance.
Two years ago, when there was a
food, the Bismarck gun club paid the
expenses of a patro. and looked after
the protection of ga me in this vicinity
Of their own accord. This year, they
feel that The state should do it's duty,
that the game board should be on the
Job, and that the game wardens should
perform their official functions.
The state is, or should be, able to
furnish this protection. Last year
approximately $22, 900 were turned in
to the state game fund. What use
is this money being put to? In 1911
Burleigh county raised 1892 by the
sale Of bunting permits. OF this
amount $S29.S0 was turned over to
the state. Why can not the county
secure protection when it needs it7
The other slope countries are similar
ly situated. They gay in large sums
to the game funds, yet when they
Iced protection for game. that pro-
lection is lacking. Is tbs game board
merely an honorary political body, or
is it a body that is supposed to per-
form It's public duties when called uE-
en-? Why are they not doing tbs
work they are paid for? Why is the
slope country neglected by the game
protection officials? Is it political
jobbery that this aid is lacking? The
slope pays its share into the game
funds and wants protection wnen
necessary, Local lovers of hunting
want to know why they can't get this
protection when they pay their money
for it.