The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-03-14
GAME PRESERVES AND PROTECTION
Paper Read Before the Perian Chautauqua Circle
Regarding This Vital Subject
Bv Mr.. E. E. f..

E. E. T.. I'll
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protect both wisely and we'll. The
theory that wild game is not and
can not be made the property OF
the individual, but that it belongs
to the state, which has the power
to regulate it's use and preserva-
ton, is now recognized almost
everywhere, and the recognition
of this principle has greatly aided
the cause of game protection.
As the supply of native game
birds diminishes there appears to
be a growing tendency among
sportsmen to import birds from
foreign countries for restocking
covers. European cartridges, will
low and hazel grouse, and several
kinds of pheasants have already
been experimental with. 1t is yet
too soon to decide as to the ulti-
mate welcome of most of these
efforts, but in the West, especially
in Oregon and Washington, the in
PRODUCTION of pheasants has been
successful. and in certain localities
two species of these superb game
birds are very numerous. In parts
of the Atlantic states also they
have been successfully raised.
Should it prove, as now appears
probable, that along with pleas
ants and other foreign game birds,
diseases have been introduced
which threaten the safety of our
own native game birds, sportsmen
may conclude that by the importa-
ton of foreign species they have
lost more than they have gained.
As most birds, including ducks and
geese, are migratory and. do not
breed in the states through which
they pass in spring and fall, many
now advocate measures placing all
migratory birds under federal con-
troll. The present diversity of
state laws and the wide differences
in the dates of their open and close
seasons are the chief arguments
for delegating the care of migrants
to central authority. That the
effect of such a measure would be
to improve existing conditions and
extend the lease of life to many
species of duck and shore birds
now fast approaching extinction
can hardly be doubted.
BIG-GAME REFUGEES
The use of government reserva-
tions for the preservation of wild
animals in danger of extinction is
practical form of protection which
cannot be too highly commended.
The experiment on a large scale
was first tried in Yellowstone
Park, and the results there have
been most encouraging. Despite
some poaching, elk, antelope, and
the mountain sheep have steadily
increased in numbers, while buffalo
also have thriven wonderfully.
The high price paid for elk's teeth
is constant temptation to lawless
hunters to kill these superb ami
mails, but it is a pleasure to note
that the cooperation of private
parties with the Government au-
thorities in efforts to perpetuate
our game animals are not wanting.
An instance in point is, Mr..
Miller and Mr.. Lux in 1905, offer
ed their herd of elk, on the Button
Willow Ranch, in California, to
the Government. And in the
same year the Government took
some twenty of these animals and
successfully transferred them to
the Sequoia National Park, in Tu-
lare County, where they promise
and are, forming the nucleus of a
large herd of this fine species.
The New York Geological Soci-
ETY. is now, and always has been,
actively interested in the preser-
walton of our big game. Through
it's generous cooperation, the
Wichita Game Preserve in Okla
homa has become the permanent
home of a herd of buffalo. The