The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-01-04


legislature will convene in very
few weeks now, naturally there is
more or less discussion at this time
among guides hunters, and others as
to what changes will probably be
asked for or recommended in the in
land fish and game laws.
Injuries at the Department of In
land Fisheries and Game CLEANS the
reply that so far as the Department
is concerned only very few recon-
mendations for changes will be ask
ed for by the Department, namely:
First: The enactment of a resident
license law of at least 81 for fishing
and hunting combined, with minors
under sixteen years exempt. In the
adjoining state of New Hampshire
the resident license is 81, and in Yer
mont SIPS, while in New Brunswick
it is 81.
This will bring a substantial reve-
nue.. in addition to the regular ap-
propriation which is so much needed.
The tax payers bear their part I'M
complainingly, and it is believed the
resident sportsmen will gladly pay a
small license that they know is to
lHpTOfe uonhuB anu huhtlh6 NOhui-
tons.
Second: That all the earning OF
the Fish and Game Department be
used for the propagation of fish and
protection of game, instead Of $4,000,
as now, going TO the State Treasury
from which we receive no benefits.
Third: That separate appropria-
ton be provided to pay the bounty
on bob cats and lynx instead of TAX
ing 1t from the fish and game appro-
priation. More than $4,000, has al
| ready been taken from fish, and game
| to pay such bounties since January
. !, 1921, which was sadly needed for
other purposes. The bob cats and
| lynx must be exterminated II we save
| the deer.
Fourth: Amend the general deer law
so that open season in the northern
counties will not begin until October
18th.
OF course without doubt many 9th
er propositions will be advanced and
from all sections covering other de-
sired changes In the laws. but at this
time no one can possibly tell just
what form these bills will take.
The Department of Inland Fisher
| les and Game is receiving these days
many very interesting letters from
guides, camp owners, and interested
sportsmen giving their views as to
conditions in their respective sections
and recommendation for changes
from the writer's standpoint. BY
courtesy of the Department we are
permitted to publish few of these
interesting communications.
A Plea for the Protection of the
American Black Bear in the Forests
Of the State of Maine.
1t has been my privilege for the
past year to be resident of Maine
and while here have traversed forest
land in sections where numbering had
been carried on in former years and
had left its usual ruthless mark on
our once noble forests.
1t was pleasure to note in ex-
petitions of this kind the really plen-
tiful signs of deer and the abundance
Of our proud handsome game bird,
the grouse, in all sections proved that
sensible laws, well enforced, have ac-
complished the desired result in real
ly increasing both of the above men
toned and very desirable game.
The almost total absence of signs
of our noblest game of all, the game
that furnished the winters meat in
many a log cabin of our settler fore
fathers of the long ago. the bear"
OF Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.
the mischief loving but really timid
old bruin. hunted to the verge of ex-
tinction. prize upon his poor old
head. an outlaw to be killed on sight,
classed as "varmint" on the stat
ute books of his state, where, or
where was he?
The State of Pennsylvania learned
her lesson few years ago by protect
ing her few bears that mad escaped
the dogs and thoughtless slaughter
Her forests had become depleted of
practically all game but by proper
sensible laws she saved what was left,
and her report for the fall of 1921
showed plenty Of deer and over 800
bears killed in open season in far
seeing Pennsylvania.
Is it not a certainty that a true
sportsman coming to Maine would feel
lar more proud in shooting a fine
o.SSSJ bidSh Dtuf, 1T W lildht q optCH-
aid game rug for his den, and an OBJ
Iect of delightful "reminiscences when
when the evening pipe is lighted, than
Oh his usuaI quota of deer?
My talks with many sportsmen, both
resident and nonresident certainly
point to the fact that the scarcity of
me bear Is rapidly becoming a ques-
ion to be brought to the attention of
the proper authorities.
The bounty now offered for the ex-
JUNCTION of the few bears left in Maine,
VIII undoubtedly be upheld by a few
81 our legislators from agricultural
ustricts, and his destructiveness to
saeep and hogs pointed out. 1t seems
airiy reasonable nevertheless that
Win the increase in nonresident IL
.ense fees that will certainly follow
natural increase in our bear popu-