Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-06-12

-
use. may soon be made to re-
III turn an indirect revenue as a
feeding ground for domestic
American elk. white tailed deer.
red deer, fallow deer, roebuck or
other members OF The deer fam
lily. This condition is contingent
upon the passage OF a bill by tae
Maryland state legislature authorizing
the raising and selling of these deer
In enclosed preserves by the owners
of tracts of forest land.
The idea is to raise deer for the
market, and as there is fine feeding
and plenty of it on the cut-over for
est lands of the state. much of which
may readily be enclosed with wire
fences. and as the flesh is good eating
and good prices may be commanded
for it. there is every indication that,
If the bill passes the legislature. the
project will prove successful.
The plan originated with Mr. vii.
liam NJ Ellicott of Baltimore who has
hunted big game in the United States.
Mexico and Canada and who has been
interested in learning of conditions in
Europe where the markets are well
supplied with venison and other game
from private preserves and breeding
establishments. He is enthusiastically
In favor of the plan and is doing what
he can to secure the passage of the
bill
Mr.. Ellicott in talking of the pro-
posed law said: AT first sight this
seems to be matter of only ordinary
interest. but when 1t is realized that
the deer as a wild animal has become
practically extinct in Maryland and
that only occasionally is venison seen
in our markets. and this at almost
prohibitive prices, 1t viii be clear that
a great benefit may be conferred upon
the community and that an industry
of commercial Importance. heretofore
unknown in the state, may be estab-
lished if 1t becomes a law.
The deprivation of the public in
the matter of venison as part of the
regular dietary is altogether unneces-
sary and unreasonable While wild
game should be amply protected and
means provided for its propagation, it
has been amply proved that large
population cannot be kept supplied
from that source. and 1t is reasonable
and proper that states where it exists
should prohibit its export and sale. as
is the case now in all the eastern
states.
The Business Would Be Profitable.
The sale of game bred and main
tanned in Enclosures from stock which
has been legitimetely acquired is to-
tally different matter and should be
TO the fullest extent
Both official and unofficial reports
go to show that several varieties of
deer can be proftably raised; that
they require less care and subsist
upon rougher food than any of the do
nestle animals except the goat and
that their value for food purposes
ranks with the best beef and mutton
breeding stock can be had at pres
ent at very low prices-$l5 to SIS for
deer and $40 to SIS for elk (WapitD
as opportunity affords According to
bulletin No. 800, OF the Unit
ed States department OF agriculture.
the most available source of supply
is the surplus from private herds.
geological gardens and parks.
The toughest waste lands with a
plentiful growth of underbrush. weeds,
etc, and running water are best suited
to the enterprise. Deer prefer TO brouse
on scrub growth and to eat the coars-
est weeds rather than the best OF hay.
When pasture is limited they do well
on corn. oats, wild hay and alfalfa.
So rapidly do white-tailed deer, the
common variety. increase that pre-.
serves soon become overstocked I'M
less their numbers are diminished
from time to tins 4 herd OF 10 head
which increases TO o in ten years is
one not uncommon instance. The
does usually produce twins annually
after the second year. when they have
their first fauns.
The Rate Of increase.
"On our preserve ia Pennsylvania,
where 80. deer were liberated ten
years ago. there are said to be nearly
! 600 head In many cases the fences
have ad to be taken down to let
them escape owing TO shortage Of
food.
1T is probable that the wapiti. or
Rocky Mountain. elk, is best suited to
breeding for market.
A mature elk VIII weigh from 600
10 1000 pounds. and the proportion Of