The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-04-29
Libby
Hatchery Will
Be Enlarged
Plans Include Enlargement
of Plant, States Montana
Fisheries Official.
FAVORS HIGHER FEE
FOR GAME LICENSES

John Schofield, superintendent of
state fisheries, was in Libby Monday
going over the local hatchery and
meeting Libby sportsmen. In con-
versation with the Western News, Mr..
Schofield stated that the state fish and
game commission contemplated a
steady development of the hatchery
here.
Il cannot promise any large expan-
sion in the immediate future said Mr..
Schofield, "but can say that we have
a program of steady development for
the Libby hatchery We are endeavoring
to conduct the business of the state
fish and game department in busi-
ness like manner and we are going to
try to get full value for every dollar
expended. We are not going to jump
into any large scale developments be-
fore we have the money to pay for
them. But can assure you there will
be a steady development of the hatch
cry here as rapidly as the funds will
warrant it.
Mr. Schofield said the department
could accomplish a great deal more if
it had more money. IF the people of
Montana want their fish and game re-
sources maintained and not seriously
depleted, they will have to realize
sooner or later" said Schofield, that
the department must have more money.
Inasmuch as the department is self
sustaining and receives its money from
licenses and similar sources without
any appropriation from the legislature,
the only manner in which our income
can be increased is by charging a
larger fee for hunting and fishing Ii
censes. 1t is a reasonable request and
! believe it is absolutely necessary If
the fish and game of the state are to
be saved from depletion. While we
failed to get the necessary law through
the last legislature. believe public
sentiment will be in favor of 1t within
another two years"
Mr. Schofield advanced another idea
that is probably new one for many.
He said, Every business man should
purchase fishing and hunting licenses
every year, regardless of whether he
fishes or hunts They should do this
for the reason that thereby they are
helping to maintain resource that will
eventually return many dollars to
them. viewing the matter from purely
selfish standpoint With more wild
life to attract the local sportsmen and
the tourists, the man in business will
sell more fishing tackle, guns, and am
munition, more hunting clothes, more
groceries, tourists in greater numbers
will bring added business to hotels
restaurants and tourist camps. Because
of the large return that il brings back
! in purely dollars and cents, every bust
ness man should by all means inves
his small contribution in this grea
business by purchasing hunting anc
| fishing license each year.
With larger numbers of tourists COM
/ ing into the state to fish and hunt
Schofield says stringent measures mus
be taken to conserve wild-life re-
sources. He therefore favors restricting
creel and bag limits below what they
are now and also favors shortening thu
open season in many particulars, While
in Libby Mr. Schofield was shown
around by E. M. Boyes, local sports.
man and one of the prominent sports
men Of the northwestern part Of th'
state.