Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-06-19

There are two methods which we
can use to protect our native birds.
First We may acquaint the people with
the real value Of the birds to them.
and second, we can by the enactment
and enforcement Of laws compel those
persons who will not otherwise leave
them unmolested to cease their de-
struction Of our Wild life.
OF these two methods the former is
much to be preferred. Its results are
much more permanent and lasting than
those Of the latter. Much Of this edu-
cational work is now carried on in the
schools over the country. This Is a
point where the nature study work
touches q practical side and We can
teach not only bird protection for
economic reasons but conservation OF
all our natural resources. AS people
come 60 realize more and more the
value Of the birds to them we will have
more Of this kind Of work and Will ac-
complish more. There is chance here
for parents to teach their boys not to
harm the birds or destroy the eggs and
see that they follow their teachings.
* WhMe the educational work is 60
ing on some legislative and police work
Wfll be necessary II we expect to have
and birds left to protect In this re-
spect Iowa is far behind those states
which are progressive. Some Of the
things we should have to put us in
the ranks Of those who are alive to the
situation are as follows:
1.Real enforcement of existing laws
2-PTohtbition Of the use Of auto.
matte and pump guns.
3-Reduction of the daily bag limit
On most Of the game birds.
"a closed season on quail and
prairie chicken for at least five years.
5-A law absolutely prohibiting
aliens from securing licenses.
"a state law prohibiting spring
shooting.
IA remodeling OF our entire warden
system on the lines Of the system now
in force in Wisconsin.
The first subject, the enforcement Of
existing laws. is one of vital import
ance. The game laws of Iowa are more
or less Of Joke over much Of the state
This is due to three things, first;
lax interest in their enforcement by
the people, second: the system OF
warden appointment and, third. the
class OF men secured in the past for
wardens.
II is a pretty definitely determined
fact that public officials do not as
rule effectively enforce any law I'M
less there 10 q demand on the part OF
the public for its enforcement. To
chs extent the people are to blame
but there are signs Of an awakening OF
public sentiment in this respect as
more and more people become inter
ested In the birds. Some Of the men
who have been appointed deputies have
been ignorant Of their duties and laws
they were expected to enforce. In four
or five years tramping over various
sections Of the state have met only
ono deputy who seemed to be trying
to enforce the laws and that one Is
tho present Marshall county deputy
warden. Others say the Same thing
in regard to their experiences. ! have
little present knowledge OF the present
deputy force but it is not unreason-
able to expect that it will be little
different than under the old system.
Our wardens should be educational
officers as well as police officers, and
should spend some OF their time In
awakening public sentiment in favor OF
bird and game protection. In addi-
ton we should have at the head Of the
department a man or men who are
In favor of the proper conservation OF
the game birds of the state. From his
own published interviews In the Sioux
City Journal our present state warden
Mr.. Hinshaw Is not in favor Of such