Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-11-12
Game Conservation.

Montgomery county sportsmen are with
out doubt interested in game conservation.
that is, they are interested in having good
quail shooting in, the years yet to come.
Maybe many do not realize it, but game
is diminishing, not only in this section,
but everywhere, and, unless Bob White
especially receives some protection, he will
soon 90 the route of the Buffalo and the
wild pigeon. which once existed in count
less numbers. That protection is needed
has for sometime been recognized by the
game authorities all over the country, and
to this end game refugees have been es-
tablished in nearly all the States where
wild life can breed unmolested. Further,
game farms have been established where
game is bred under artificial conditions
and with much success.
Maryland has its game farm and four
preserves. During 1920, 1878 Bob White
quail were imported from Mexico and
planted in the covers of the State; 2,326
Chinese ringneck pheasants, raised at the
State game farm, were also planted. This
will give some idea of how seriously this
question is regarded, and what is being
DONE
In line with the game conservation
movement the National Capital Field Trial
Club has secured the right to propagate
quail on the land owned by the Bradley
Hills Incorporated Company, extending
| from Wisconsin Avenue to Great Falls,
Montgomery county, Md. In addition,
many privately owned tracts which adjoin
the company's holdings have been secured
for the same purpose.
The idea is to make this area a bird
refuge, where quail can breed unmolested.
Hunting, trapping or the destruction of
quail in any way is not permitted at any
time. The land is posted, and this is an
appeal to sportsmen to cooperate with
time to serve as an official notice that
trespass will be prosecuted. The land is
patroled.
During severe weather, such, for instance.
as was experienced during the winter of
1917 and during the sleet spell last winter.
quail suffer for lack of food. The National
Capital Field Trial Club feed the quail on
this refuge during the winter and has
been doing so for several years past Dur
| ing 1917 the snow had to be removed at
the feeding places so the grain could be
scattered on the ground. By protecting
and feeding the birds stock for breeding
purposes is insured and in this way the
supply is kept up to stock areas which are
shot over.
Each fall the National Capital Field
Trial Club holds its trials or bird dog con-
tests, but even during these contests quail
are not shot or destroyed.
In view of the diminishing numbers of
Bob White, due to intensive farming. with
! its lack of cover and food. sportsmen and bird
dog lovers are asked to spread the propa-
ganda of moderation among the shooters.
Point out to them that if we are to have
quail in sufficient numbers to make it
worth while to hunt, a covey should not
be followed until every bird is shot. Some
should be left for seed. The supply being
limited, the shooter should be satisfied
with a smaller bag. To make the sport
more keen and give the birds a chance,
lay aside the IL guage gun and shoot %.
If the birds pitch in thick high briers, don I
wade in them up to your chin, but put 1t
down that the birds have simply been
wise, and 60 on and fine another covey.
IN other words, hunt for sport, like the fox
hunter, and not for meat-the meat days
are over, and unless we use good Judgment
the sport will soon be lost
VIM. G. DAVIS.
Secretary-Treasurer,
National Capital Field Trial Club.