The diamond drill., 1922-02-10


bucks killed was not so great as in
previous years. although IL was q
favorable period for hunting. and the
lesseh number is attributable to the
scarcity OF deer, this following sever
al seasons when their slaughter had
been particularly heavy. Had the old
law been maintained II would have re-
quired very few years to shoot away
practically all the deer OF this penIn-
sula. The kill was running above
10000 annually. Time was when
there were killed. yearly. In Michigan
more than $4,000 deer. OF which by
far the greater number were in the
lower part OF the state. Where years
ago, deer were numerous in the south
ern peninsula. there now are none, all
4 though in the northern portion OF the
lower peninsula deer are now increas-
ing rapidly where they have been well
protected and where hunting has not
been engaged in for several years.
Forty years ago there was no limit
TO the kill OF deer in the upper PENN
sula and great numbers were taken
for their saddles and hides only, the
rest OF the carcass being discarded.
Pothunters took them in pitfalls into
which animals were led by brush fen
ces that sometimes were mile or
more in length. Then the limit was
set at four deer and gradually II has
been lessened until only one is per-
mitted. this being a male, the horns
of which must be at least three inches
in length. So We have finally come
To sane view concerning the conser.
walton and protection OF this fine game
the very finest now TO be found In the
forests OF the United States. and Il Il
important that the present laws be
enforced that the deer may gain In
numbers and be a never-ending source
OF pleasure TO the people OF this penin
sula as well as TO those who come her,
TO enjoy seeing them. And the time II
not so far distant when seeing then
will be considered a greater satisfac
tion than killing them.
THE deer. like the FISH, are val
liable asset to the people of the PENN
sula. they being natural attraction
as well as desirable as food. You al
well recall every spot where you hav,
seen deer as you travel over tn
fine roads OF this north country. Yol
never fan TO point il out when yol
come to Il. The visitor who lack
) such an opportunity in his place OF
residence appreciates such sight
, much more than We who are mor
familiar with them
THE buck law, II observed vii
save human life as we'll ms deer 70
the reason that the hunter waitin
plainly TO see what attracts his atten
i ton. will not FIRE al a man unless hi
brain Is badly clouded with the potio
that multiplies and distorts things /
his sight
Some one has asked how abou
the maintenance OF the herd If TN
!. bucks only ace killed. Generally eac
!, doe drops two fawns every spring, an
: occasionally three. and Il fair TO est
mate that one-half OF these are buck
: Deer are polygamous, so the famil
will multiply rapidly under the ne
!. plan.
. with reference TO the partridge th
! Northern Michigan Specimens assoc
!. iatIon with the aid OF its associat
!. members. will agree upon some pla
!. that will have for it's object the cor
: servation of this fine game bird. an
: press the same upon the attention {
t. Nhe state legislature and conservatio
: department. II may be necessary
: have an occasional closed season. an
/: there ought to be more rigid regula
Z tion as regards the hunting OF thes
!. birds from automobiles. There ar
{ now trials being made in many place
: throughout the northern peninsula
\ the raising and releasing OF pheasant
I and with fair chance that these bird
J. may finally succeed here.
z AN importation OF go reindeer froI
: Norway has been made by the stat'
: and the most OF the herd will be plac
Z ed in the upper peninsula where the
\ will be looked after by men who hay
Z accompanied them from Norway thf
!. they may be protected and place
Z where the feed is best suited TO the
!. needs. This experiment will be watch
!. ed with great interest by all upper ps
Z ninsula sportsmen. II Is OF intere'
Z to state that herd OF 700 OF the3e an
Z mails has been brought over with thos
|: mentioned to be placed in norther
Z Canada. Some OF these reindeer wi
!. be placed on Batiin Island under Oh
Z care OF native Laplanders. this effoi
7 having been directed by Vilhjarmu
Z Stefansson.
|. "An addition To our former list {
Z game birds is the pinnated grouse, be
\ ter known as the prairie chicken. thi
J. has come into this peninsula durin
= the last FIVE years in considerable nui