The Delta independent., 1925-01-16
POINTS TO NEED
OF ADEQUATE LAWS
FOR WILD LIFE

The following paper was read last
/ Thursday evening at the annual
meeting of the Delta Fish & Game
Protective association, by Harry H.
French, forest supervisor of the I'm
compahgre National Forest:
Mr.. President and Fellow Sports
men: We have gathered here this
evening on very important occas-
/ ion. 1t is for the purpose of bring
ing together those who are interest
] ed in the perpetuation of our wild
life. Some present may be more in
terested in the "speckled beauties"
than in game animals, and game
birds, while it may be the reverse
with others. However, there is no
difficulty in co-ordinating the two
which in reality can be classed as
one great resource which is essential
! ly necessary in connection with our
enjoyment of additional, unlimited
natural resources in the way of su-
premely scenic attractions in the
mountainous regions of the state.
One of the functions of our local
organization is to devise ways and
means TO improve conditions and pro-
vide for the perpetuation and pro-
lection Of this immeasurable re-
source. namely, the wild life. AS the
| improvement Of our road and trail
system takes place, greater opportun,
| ity is offered TO reach the most re
mote places in the hills and conse-
quent heavier drain on our trout
streams and lakes.
Likewise, the same is true relative
to game animals and game birds. It
is, therefore, essentially necessary
| that proper steps be taken to insure
adequate protection for these re-
sources and that measures be provid-
ed to increase the supply so as to
keep pace with the constant and ever
increasing demands resultant OF our
modern and improved methods, max
/ ing readily available to the public
/ the recreational facilities at their
/ command.
Without doubt, certain changes in
our game laws are needed to bring
about the desired conditions. The
present law does not afford protec-
tion in restocking depleted streams
and lakes Under the existing stat
ute there is no authority for closing
! certain streams or lakes to fishing
until the new stock have reached the
proper size. Some action should be
taken by the local Fish and Game
association throughout the State as
sociation to call matters Of this kind
TO the attention OF our representative,
so that legislative action can be TAX
en- to provide remedial measures as
| certain conditions warrant ThereI
! fore, It seems to me that each mem
{ ber Of our organization should con.
slider his individual responsibility and
lend his cooperation at all times in
/ helping to carry out such a program.
Many suggestions have been made
at recent Fish and Game meetings
having in view certain changes rela-
/ tive to closed seasons. establishment
| OF game refugees. etc. One rather
radical departure that has been suC-
cested. which is receiving consider.
able attention. relates to a Commiss-
| ion form Of administration. eNercls-
at-fN NNAAAAhA va AAAf AAHn anu EtllIN
situation within the state. Ii is not
my purpose in these remarks to in-
fluence this assembly in any name.
relative TO definite action in this re-
spect, but to present some figures Sc
cured from other states, whose re-
sources do not in any sense OF the
word surpass the available natural
resources with respect to fish and
game that We have here in our own
state From these statistics You can
draw your own conclusions:
"All deer were killed off at an early
date in New Jersey. The state was
restocked with deer in 1899. and the
season closed for 10 years. In 1920
nearly $50 deer were legally killed in
/ the state. this being larger than the
average number killed in Colorado
Three non-poltical commissioner.
without pay. conduct the New Jersey
game department
Hunters and fishermen OF Mich.
gan haEged s90O0.oO0 worth of game
in 1921, including $4,000 deer. Near.
ly 5000 arrests We're made and fines
totalled S77032 for two years Six
commissioners without salary con.
duct the Michigan game department
Colorado has nearly double the game
area Of Michigan
'Wisconsin's record is. very similar
10 that of Michigan. That state pro
duced SSOO0OoO worth Of fish and
game in 1921, including $4,000 deer
More than los million fish were
planted in 1921, this being many
times the number planted in Colo.
RADIO Wisconsin's game area is
only half that Of Colorado. and her
fish and game income represents