Connecticut western news., 1917-01-18
THE RACc00N LAW
Thousands of Dollars Lost by Killing
 the Animals Before November.


 There is probably no man in tha state more familiar with our native fur bearing animals from the stand point of their usefulness and value f0 mankind than Hiram F. Beebe of Ca naaIf. He is one of the largest dealers in raw furs in the country, his sales for the past few seasons amounting to from slb, 900 to Sl6, 900 year and although the season for buy Ing does not end un- til next May he has already handled more than $l3,O0 worth. SO far. ana feels confident that the amount this season will exceed SEQ, 900.
 Mir. Beebe has n,ade life study Of the fur bearing animals in their nati-e habitat, having trapped them since he was big enough to carry a trap, and late years has given the commercial end of the business great deal oE attention, dealing with some of tho largest concerns in the country.
 In criticism of the law concerning the taking of raccoons, which was enacted at the last session of the legis- lature Chapter l30, Acts of 1915, ] Mr-, Beebe states that it was sad mistake to put the dates for the close season March first to September first, fn- elusive; these dates should read March fifteenth to October thirty-fIst, iu- elusive, which would make the open season in the fall begin on November first. Here are five good reasons which are given for making this change:
 First: Thousands of dollars are lost by those who shoot or trap racoons be- fore November first, and hundreds of immature and unprime skins bring the producers from ten cents to a dollar thaf would, had they been left untir November first or later, have been worth from $2. .50 10 $3 co each.
 Second: In the months of Septemb bCr and October the young are still follow ing their mother, and whole families are frequently treed by the dogs and slaughtered by the hunters, when tho pelts of the youngsters bring practically nothing, and that of the mother, which two months later would bring from $2. 50 to $3.00 is now sacrificed for fifty cents or a dollar at most.
 Third: While the dealers get their profits on the "scabs" as worthless pelsm are ca led, the same as on strictly hrsk grade goods, the consumer frequently finds that what was supposed to be the latter when purchased, proves 6 hum bug, because Of tine scarcity of primo and abundance of unprime raw material thrust upon the market by the greedy hunters, who catch the animals early for fear that the other fellow will Rss them if he don't.
 Fourth: With but one exception Connecticut is the only state in the Union (where these furs are market able, which does not properly protecs raccoons. And why should this stata he back number?
 Fifth: The fact that the New York state laws prohibit the taking of thes@ animals before November first, is re- spons:ble for hunters and trappers from that state coming over into Connections in September and October, robbing ua of our game animals (and incidentally illegally, of course, but none the less true-our birds, too.) The tempta- tions of these poachers would vanish IA our laws conform with theirs.
 MT. Beebe states that what has been said of raccoon is equally true of skunk. and recommends that close season be made on both skunk and raccoon March fifteenth to October thirsy.first fn- elusive, for the good of all concerned and in the interest of the high cost of living.