The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-07-05
Maine Fishing Reports Better than
for Some Years Past

Commissioner of Inland Fisheries
and Game Willis E. Parsons in an
interview 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.
1.-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 theSState are with us during
the summer months than formerly
and it 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 gbod 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 we'll as hunting, and when they
center upon some pond or stream
from miles around, it Is hard work
to keep that pond or stream proper
ly stocked. If left wholly to the de-
partment, 1t 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.
Il am always grateful for such CO.
operation, and even welcome con-
structive criticism as something bene-
fetal and often leading to better striv-
ing.
THE legislature wisely provided for
changes In the law for fishing, on
petition of at least 25 per cent of the
legal voters of the town in which
the waters are situated after due no.
tice and hearing, so that If ponds are
being abused or fished out a limit
can be placed on the number to be
taken daily that will save the fish
ing, or the pond can be closed for
term not exceeding four years.
1.-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
ems commission without constant en-
ployment, 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 officers of many of
these associations hold wardens' COM
missions and back in the wilderness
are able to speak with authority. as
has happened to my knowledge in sew
eral 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 pos
sible, but until we are able to have
more wardens with the enormous in
flux of visitors, some assistance must
be rendered besides that received
from the hatcheries, in way of added
restrictions, or closed waters for
short terms. Twenty-Five per cent
of the men or women over u years
of age in a town, backed up often by
sportsmen's association, or practi-
cally the whole community, make a
pretty SdlC DdSlb lOT IL uedIlilB IL
change in the law is deemed for the
best interest of the State, 1t is made,
knowing that too it is any easy mat
ter 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 information
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 a
legitimate place to fish in our $500
ponds and over 5000 rivers and
streams.
What about more warden service
That cannot be increased over the
state generally, only temporarily in
localities where especially needed. In
the interest of economy. all good citi
zens should lend their influence in
the enforcement of the law and they
are doing so much more than former
ly. Fish and game are now the
greatest asset of the people and il
properly conserved may remain 80 4