Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-28
Maine Fishing
Reports Better Than
For Some Years Past

VI lSIlSllSS
and Game Willis E. Parsons in an
interview Wednesday, declared that
from reports gathered the fishing in
Maine this season has been better
than for some years.
These reports began to come in
early from reliable sources. at kezar
IN Oxford county and Sebago in
Cumberland county. and have been
followed by others just as favorable
from the Rangeley Lakes, Grand
Lake Stream, the Belgrade Chain.
Moosehead, Fish River chain of
lakes, Sebec Lake and many smaller
lakes and ponds of the State" con-
tinued Commissioner Parsons.
THE conditions this year seem
quite remarkable in view of the fact
that there are twice as many who
now fish the waters of the State as
there were few years ago. More
than twice as many visitors from
out of the state are with us during
the summer months than formerly,
and 1t is estimated that over 100000
people from abroad came into Maine
last year. The number who fish are
increasing in the same proportion.
various causes have contributed
to the good fishing. the wholesome
laws passed in regard to both hunt
ing and fishing. in recent years, a
better observance Of these laws than
formerly and more interest in the
proper enforcement of the laws by
the citizens of the State since the
department has been wholly elimi-
mated from politics. The people of
the State are realizing more than
ever the real value of this great as
set If it can be properly conserved.
another and important reason
for the good fishing is the work of
the state hatcheries. and extra care
that is being taken in stocking those
ponds and streams that are fished
the most. The automobiles have
revolutionized fishing in this State
as well as hunting. and when they
center upon some pond or stream
from 2miles around. it is hard work
to keep that pond or stream proper
ly stocked. If left wholly to the de-
partment, it might be more difficult
but we now have the hearty CO.
operation Of the sportsmen,s clubs
and fish and game associations in
nearly every locality where there
are big fishing interests.
II am always grateful for such CO.
operation, and even welcome con-
structive criticism as something
beneficial and often leading to better
conditions for which we are all
striving.
1.-THE legislature wisely provided
for changes in the law for fishing. on
petition of at least % per cent of the
legal voters Of the town in which
the waters are situated after due no.
tlce and hearing, so that if ponds are
being abused or fished out a Inns
can be placed on the number to be
taken daily that will save the fish
Ing. or the pond can be closed for a
term not exceeding four years.
"The fish and game associations
are Of great assistance in watching
these ponds and streams, and since
the people of the State have become
more interested many good citizens
and men of standing in their COM
munities are willing to take a
warden's commission without con-
slant employment, or depending
wholly for their fees upon such as
they recover from prosecutions, the
prime object being to protect certain
waters in which they and their
neighbors are interested. The Of
ficers of many of these associations
hold wardens' commissions and back
in the wilderness are able to speak
with authority, as has happened to
my knowledge in several instances
this year.
"Are we getting too many local
laws? That is something that we
try to guard against and keep them
in given localities as uniform as
possible. but until we are able to
have more wardens with the enor-
nous influx of visitors, some as
sistance must be rendered besides
that received from the hatcheries, in
way of, added restrictions. or closed
waters for short terms. Twenty-fi five
per cent of the men or women over
Il years of age in town, backed up
often by sportsmen's association,
or practically the whole community,
make pretty safe basis for a hear
ing. If a change in the law is
deemed for the best interest of the
State. it is made. knowing that too
1t Is any easy matter indeed for any
one wishing to fish those waters to
find out what the restrictions are, if
any.
MAINE people are courteous, and
not only welcome the visitors, but
are willing to give all informa ton
desired. Forty thousand law books
are published, including special laws
arranged by counties, so that even
the boys with alder pole and Irvine
string have no difficulty in finding
legitimate place to fish in our 25OO
ponds and over 5000 rivers and
streams.
What about more warden serv-
ice: That cannot be increased over
the state generally, only Temporarily