South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-09-21
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Are migratory birds on the in
crease? Has the Federal Migratory
Bird Law, (recently endorsed by the
treaty between Canada and United
states which prohibits killing of wild
fowl in the spring. materially in
creased the number of available
birds? Answers 10 the above query
viii differ, when viewed from per
sonal angles. Interview a fortunate
member of a well located Duck club.
He Will answer quickly and promptly
IN the affirmative. Explaining that
he has not been out a day. with
out killing his legal limit This man
visits his club once or twice a year,
when he enjoys a few days recrea-
ton hunt. HIS arrival is correctly
timed. by a telegram from the club
caretaker, advising him that the
birds have arrived. On the clubs
sanctuary lake. he sees thousands of
ducks and geese resting and feeding.
on the surface of the water. This re-
fuge lake is the mecca for ducks
from a radius Of 100 miles around
they are forced there, in search of
rest, by the continuous barrage OF
fire and continuing pounding received
from the transient hunters in out
side districts.
The outside, general, open terri
tory shooters, are out for meat, with
chances against their success. OPP
portunities to kill are limited, they
must take every possible chance,
they are hunting unpOsted territory,
where game is scarce and every
chance or scratch shot offered is &C
cepted. AS consequent result,
birds are driven to the sanctuaries,
where they receive club protection,
as shooting in the zone of quiet and
rest is positively tabooed. Member
ship, Ia some OF the best Duck clubs.
have reached a market value OF
81, 500, which does not cover annual
club dues, (necessitated for care
keeper and contingent overhead ex-
pense) or payment of board, punter,
accessory and personal expense.
while housed at the club.
If his annual duck club bank
check, was divided by the actual
number of birds killed and retrieved,
the expense of each and every bird.
would make terrapin, look like corn
meal mush a vast acreage is ne
cessary for a good preserve, an eX-
perienced-caretake is a real club as
set, dinnicult 10 secure. He must
be especially wise in duck habits, re-
quisites and peculiarities. diplo-
mat in the handling Of a bunch Of
sportsmen. Well versed in catering
to harassed and timid birds, which
have adopted his haven Of rest as
a home. He must limit the number
of DAYS in each week, that the hunt
ers may go afield enforcing the bag
limit, to the letter. He must use
good Judgment about the batting OF
certain sections of the preserve and
decide whether it is necessary. Per
manent blinds are built on the most
available points and bayous, located
approximately 800 yards apart, in
surfing safety.
A general lottery or chance draw
ing. is held prior TO the day Of the
shoot. at which time members vir-
tuallv locate themselves by the
chance route, in the different blinds,
thus distributing the desirable points
each day.
4 shot is never fired in or while
passing through the lake or sanc-
tuary OF rest The wise hunter ar
irving at his blind, chases out the
assembled birds, refraining from FIR
ing. as they arise and circle, before
heading for the big lake, there TO
remain a short time. they then re-
turn singly, pairs, or in small fl0cks'
Blinds are never located where
shooting would disturb the main
body of the birds. while resting in
the big sanctuary lake.
II is the rational policy to never
burn out the birds" as the club
marshes are not subjected 10 bar
rage fire, the utmost care is taken
TO keep visiting and native birds
with fear eliminated
Duck club sanctuaries are bless
ing 70 the harassed feathered aces
of the air; providing a safe refuge
in a section where they are pound
ed from pillar to post. such vast
of men are devoted To
the sport. lover 100000 having paid
a license 10 shoot in states OF the
middle west) hunting in the unpost-
ed districts. outside, ducks would
never have an opportunity to rest
aside from club sanctuaries, as now
nrovided. where they can meet
converse. holding their duck con
secure from gun fire. Inc
So called kid glove hunter, De
longs to a club with above environ
ments. his liberal bank check to the
treasurer of the club. makes II pos
sible to provide conditions enabling
him 10 bag his limit every DAY.
He will tell you game is interesting
Next week the writer will give you
he version Of the rough neck or
rubber boot hunter who pulls them
7r,,-, occasionally with scratch