Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-08
Forenoon Discussions

The forenoon session was called to
order in the State museum by the
retiring president. Mr.. Hill.
An interesting line of discussion
was opened by Charles z. Southland
of Groton. Mass, who stated that be-
ing a nonresident of the State he
could afford to say just what he
thought He declared that he is a
great believer in the association.
'The State of Maine possesses the
greatest opportunity for the protec-
ton of its 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
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. NJ. II. French of
Bangor declared that there should
he thousands of members and that
it is easy to get members when the
purpose Of the organization is point
ed out. He said that he would per-
sonally pledge % new members this
year.
Mr.. Southland spoke of the need of
a 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 $1SO,0OO. 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
nua1 fish and game fec. it will not
hold the position that it 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 its 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
the passage of law providing that
no guns should be carried into the
woods of the State in closed season.
J. J.. Howard of Ridlonville 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 committee TO draw up q
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 go
ing back to giving the right of any
one 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 AMI hatch
cries consisting of James DeRocher
of Orland. William G.. Hill OF Port
land, Leslie w. Somers of Bangor,
Willis +. Parsons of Dover-Foxcroft
and Paul K. Brown of Northeast
Carry was selected.
The legislative committee will be
appointed by the new president.