Morris tribune., 1913-08-22
Only Two Zones.


orally recognized.
Only Two Zones.
More than fifty separate seasons for
migratory birds were provided under
statutes in force In 1912. This multi
pncity of regulations or zones to suit
special localities has apparently had
anything. but beneficial effect on the
abundance of game. The effort to pro
vide special seasons for each Md of
game in each locality merely makes a
chain Of open seasons for migratory
birds and allows the continued destruc-
ton Of such birds from the beginning
Of the first season to the close Of the
last 1t is believed that better results
will follow the adoption Of the fewest
possible number of zones and so regu-
latfng the seasons in each as to include
the time when such species Is in the
best condition or at the maximum Of
abundance during the autumn.
For this reason the country has been
divided into two zones as nearly equal
as possible, one to include the states
in which migratory game birds breed
or would breed if given reasonable pro-
lection. the other the states in which
comparatively few species breed, but
in which many winter Within these
zones the seasons are fixed for the
principal natural groups-waterfowls
rail, shore birds and woodcock In no
case does the zone boundary cross
state line. and except in very rare
cases the seasons are uniform through
out the states Deviation from this
rule leads ultimately to the recognition
Of a multiplicity of local seasons.
which had done so much to retard game
protection.
Seasons In Zone.
Apparently few changes have been
made in existing hunting seasons in
zone No. except in the elimination Of
spring shooting. and about half Of the
states in this zone now close the sea-
son on water fowl by the middle Of
December or the first of January. In
most states in this zone the hunting
season begins on some date in Septem-
ber and these dates have generally
been followed in the regulations. In
two or three cases in which states
have several different seasons for diff
ferent counties it has been necessary
to effect compromise either by adopt
ing one season or the dates which most
nearly conform with the seasons in
adjoining states. A slight change in
| few of the state laws would make it
| possible to eliminate most of the eX-
ceptions and apparent inequalities in
| the seasons.
| In most cases the close seasons in
zone No. end on the same dates as
the seasons under the state laws, but
eliminate spring shooting after Jan
! Is. This avoids confusion in the open
ing Of the hunting season and pro-
vides shooting in the autumn or early
winter, when the birds are in the best
| condition. In four states-Maryland
Virginia, North Carolina and South
Carolina-the seasons for water fowl
do not open until Nov. 1, and the sea-
son is consequently extended to Feb. J..
The difference Of fifteen days in the
length of the season in these states as
compared with the seasons elsewhere
is more than Offset by the fact that the
birds are present practically through
| out the open season. whereas in the
northern zone and in some states in
the southern zone they are present
only part Of the time
Provides For Hearings.
The object of hearings is to afford
persons interested an opportunity to
present evidence showing the neces-
sity for readjustment Of some of the
seasons so as to adapt them better to
local conditions and to submit new
data regarding local abundance of
birds and times of migration. The de-
paFtment already has ample informa-
ton regarding the seasons provided
under existing laws and the changes
which have been made from time to
time. The desire to have the hunting
seasons as long as possible is natural,
but as such seasons have heretofore
been too long the question is merely
one of adjustment within certain max
imum limits
Consequently, if the birds are to be
restored, some curtaiIment Of the sea
son in each state is essential. In such
an effort general welfare should take
precedence over private interests