The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1940-06-20
SPORTSMEN FAVOR MANY
CHANGES IN GAME LAWS
Twenty-seven Point Program
Given Unanimous Approval At
Federation Meeting On Sunday
RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED

Many changes in the present game
laws and conservation set-up in West
ern Maryland were approved Sunday
afternoon by the Western Maryland
Outdoor Life Federation.
Thirty-two of the forty-fve clubs in
the federation we're represented.
Unanimous approval was given 27-
point program drawn up by the execu-
tive committee and based on sug-
gestions that have been pouring in
from sportsmen and sportsmen's orga-
nizations.
Among the changes proposed were a
three-month trout season starting
May /; siX-year closed season on
bear; legal deer driving; permits
sion for officers to search cars for
suspected illegal game; fine of no
more than $25 for killing illegal deer
if kill reported; statewide dog law;
and $25 fine for turning kittens or
cats loose on the countryside.
The program also expressed dis
favor with courts for suspending sent
ences of persons convicted of game law
violation, and urged more game ward
ems for Western Maryland. To put
through some of the proposed changes
requires legislative action.
Other changes included the follow
ing: The State Game and Inland Fish
Commission should have discretion
airy powers" to regulate opening and
closing dates for hunting, trapping,
persuing, killing and fishing for all
game birds, game animals, and for
ur-bearing animals and fresh water
fishing in Maryland. In event this is
not constitutional, then a blanket sea-
son for the taking of upland game in
Allegany, Garrett and Washington
counties be established, October l to
December Is, on all game animals and
game birds.
That during trout season in July 1t
be legal to take bass from streams
which carry both trout and bass.
The deer season in three Western
counties be from first Monday in De-
cember to and including the Saturday
following
That law allowing property owners
within quarter mile of Deep Greek
waters edge to fish without license be
repealed
That bounties now paid in some
counties by county funds be made
Statewide and that such bounties be
paid from State Game Protection
Fund.
That coon season in three Western
counties be November l to November
80.
That legal training season for all
hunting dogs be September to March
l.
That all stocking of fish and game
be done by paid personnel Of the Game
department or under direct super
vision of regional game warden.
That a drive be inaugurated to
create more respect for game and fish
laws.
That grounding be placed on pro-
tected list and that season be july |
to September 80.
That wild turkey season in Garrett
county be closed for two years.
That provision be made to license
guides in Garrett county.
That the section of the Maryland
Code which prohibits the State Forest
~ Department and the State Game
Department from acquiring additional
land in Garrett county be repealed.
That the opossum be hunted during
coon season with dogs, and during the
rest Of year, to be considered as fur
bearing animals, subject to trapping
regulations.
That boat licenses be restored on
Deep Creek Lake to offset cost of en-
forcing boat regulations.