The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-12-26
Let's Go Hunting
FARMERS LOSE
LANDS DUE TO
DRAINAGE ERROR
Crops Spoiled by Failure of
Attempt to Run Irriga- .
toin Lines.
BY LEFTY LEE
Times Hunting Editor

Times Hunting Editor
About nine or ten years ago, the
writer and a party Of friends went
on a fishing trip to one Of our
favorite spots, south of MOnrovia
On our arrival. we found that
dredging gang had been busy and
the spots where We had been taking
some fine strings Of bass, crappie
and catfish from, we're mere pud-
dies, drying up fast At that time
the farmers of this section wanted
more land to cultivate and when the
dredging salesman came along with
his glib story, they decided that this
would be a wonderful way to in
crease their crops.
Last season while travelling
through this same section, the
writer found that a dense willow
growth had filled the area dreged
and there was just a mere trickle Of
water running in the dredge ditch.
The sad part Of the mistake made
by the people in this section was
clear, when one passed mile after
mile of stunted corn that was being
scared rapidly because of the lack
of rain and of course, the loss OF
moisture, because of the drainage
system.
This error has been made in many
parts of the state and now with
the depression curtailing the need
of farm products, it course means
far less revenue for the farmer. He
is being driven to the wall by drain
age assessments.
Now that the mistake is realized,
the farmer is bitter and hundreds
of farms are idle because they can
not produce, the farmer vacating
because he could not pay the taxes,
assessments and interest on mort
cages. The entire state now can
see the error and the one ray OF
sunshine. peering through, is the
made work movement, that is using
thousands of men to put the low
lands and marshes back into their
natural state. This means the ex-
penditure of millions of dollars by
the federal and state governments,
but that is the price we are called
upon to pay for the grave mistakes
made and it will prove cheap, if the
results obtained, bring the natural
resources back to normal.
Detective Chief Fred Simon will
be well up in the running when II
comes to looking for the person who
has had the happiest Christmas.
The chief is an ardent fisherman
and members of his department and
the Em-Roe Sporting Goods store
presented him with a complete fish
ing kit. from rods to hooks. Not to
be outdone, the manufacturers OF a
certain boat, presented the chief
with one of their latest models,
which means that JOY reigns SUI
preme at the Simon home. Con-
gratulations chief, and, may you
bring in the champion bass next
season.
Wardens Pritchett and White, as
sisted by Dan Wilson, Luther Stone,
Jesse NIcIntire and Floyd White, are
credited with saving 5000 game fish,
consisting Of bass, crappie and blue
gills, when they seined the Apple
gath pond, that was drying, up and
placed the fish in Long pond. Seven
hundred pound of carp and buffalo
were removed from the pond at the
same time and turned over to needy
persons.
Plans are being drawn for a state
wide crow-killing contest, by the
fish and game division of the state
conservation department. The con-
test will be staged on a county basis
and substantial prizes awarded the
winners. There is also possibility
that a second and third prize will be
awarded in each county. The de-
partment suggests that, while ar
rangementS are being completed,
that the conservation clubs start to
organize for crow hunts this winter.
During this time of the year the
birds are congregated in roosts and
offer the best chance for night
hunting. Save your crow feet or
beaks, because they will be valuable
later.
The conservation department also
announces that it is building several
lakes in southern Indiana. These
artificial lakes are made in strip
coal mine land and when they are
stocked. will furnish some fine fish
ing for the residents in this part of
the state. The lakes now under way
are in Warrick, Dubois and Wander
burg counties.
Don't forget to secure your men,
bership in the Marion County Fish
and Game Association. The annual
dues have been reduced to 81, which
means that every one now can en-
roll and help an organization that
deserves the support Of all sports
men.