The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-02-14

greatest opportunity for the protec-
ton of it's fish and game" he assert
ed. He said that he has gathered
data from the fish and game depart
ments of the western, northern and
eastern states except New Hamp-
shire, and that he found that Maine
! far exceeds in every way the assets
Of other states in fish and game.
The time has come when we can
no longer afford to be dilatory in
/ framing good fishing laws. We can
start in doing some real constructive
work on conservation lines. The vast
majority of the fishermen combine
j selfishness with conservation. They
say that they believe in conservation
/ for the other fellow, not for them
/ selves. We must educate the peo-
/ pie, the fishermen and the legislators
that Maine has something worth
while to protect"
Speaking concerning membership
/ in the Association, M. H. French of
Bangor declared that there should be
thousands of members and that
1t is easy to get members when the
purpose of the organization is point
ed out. He said that he would per-
sonally pledge 25 new members this
year.
Mr.. Southland spoke of the need of
fishing and license fee for residents
of the state on the basis of 81 per
year, He pointed out that the State
of California gathered 100000 from
fishing fees of residents, that Oregon
collected over $4,000, and Washing
ton territory over $1S0,000. He stated
that years ago they did not believe it,
but in recent years the western
states have outstripped the eastern
states 10 to one in conservation sup
port and in the support of the fish
and game departments.
Until Maine reaches the decision
that its residents must pay an an
| nual fish and game fee 1t will not
hold the position that 1t ought to-"
he said He asserted that the people
who enjoy the fishing and hunting
privileges in the state should be the
ones to support the Department of
Inland Fisheries and Game.
Hon. Matthew Morrill, of Gray
stated that Names best assets now
are it's fish and game and water
power resources and he asked how
the commissioner can give proper
warden protection without funds.
ILLEGAL KILLING OF DEER
81 believe there are thousands of
deer killed illegally each year in
the state" asserted Mr.. Wass from
Washington county He advocated
t1,A ~ InY. In. hot
no guns should be carried into the
woods of the state in closed season.
j. l.. Howard of Ridionvile spoke
in behalf of a move to secure the
repeal of the Federal law protecting
blue heron, stating that birds Of that
species are gluttons, killing and eat
ing thousands of trout.
Mr. Southland said that he had
seen every year in Kennebago
stream large fish weighing three to
four pounds that had been speared by
the heron. Mr.. Southland and w. II.
Rowe of West Buxton were APP
pointed a committee to draw up
resolution on this matter.
The fact that every year hounds
are found chasing deer in the woods
was mentioned by Merton French
of Bangor, but he said that by going
back to giving the right of anyone
to kill dogs was opening a wide door.
Others expressed the opinion that
the Legislature should be asked to
repeal the law combining the right
to kill dogs. to officials.
A committee on ranges and hatch
cries consisting of James DeRocher
of Orland, William G. Hill of Port
land. Leslie w. Somers of Bangor,
Willis +. Parsons of Dover-Fxcroft
and Paul r. Brown Of Northeast
Carry was selected.
The legislative committee will be
appointed by the new president
AFTERNOON SESSION
Appeal for new resident hunting
and fishing license law.
George C. Orr of Portland. for
mer president of the association.
started proceedings of the afternoon
session by an appeal TO tho public
for support and interest in things
that all the fish and game associa-
lions stand for and In the general
welfare of fish and game. He de-
plored the attitude of the agricul-
tural sections toward nearly every
measure that the sportsmen offered
as a means to protect and conserve
the states game supply.
almost without exception" said
Mr.. Orr, "the measures introduced
by the Maine Sportsmen Fish and
Game Association are for further
protection. either shortening of
the hunting season, lesseIng of
the bag limit or more conservative
rulings as to fishing in lake and
stream, and a license law that will
assist In the functioning of the Fish
and Game department; conservative
laws these, every one of them, ema-
mating principally from the men in
the cities with no motives but the
preservation Of our wild life; and 10,
and behold, when these measures
reach hearing in the legislature
and country districts that are with