VOLUMFl

NUMBITR e

November

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DEPARThAE

Xjo a U)aterfowl—

by lOilliam CuUen "Bryant

Whither, 'midst falling dew,

While gloiv the heavens with the last steps
of day,
Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue

Thy solitary ivay?

Vainly the foivler's eye

Might mark thy distant flight to do thee
wrong.
As, darkly painted on the crimson sky,

Thy figure floats along.

Seek'st thou the plashy brink

Of tveedy lake, or marge of river tvide,
Or ivhere the rocking billo^vs rise and sink

On the chafed ocean's side?

There is a Power whose care

Teaches thy %vay along that pathless coast —

The desert and illimitable air —
Lone rvandering, but not lost.

All day thy wings have fanned

At that far height, the cold, thin atmosphere,
Yet stoop not weary, to the tuelcome land.

Though the dark night is near.

And soon that toil shall end;

Soon shalt thou find a summer home, and
rest.
And scream among thy felloius; reeds shall bend.

Soon, o'er thy sheltered nest.

Thou'rt gone! the abyss of heaven

Hath swallowed up thy form; yet on 'my
heart

Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given.
And shall not soon depart.

He who, from zone to zone,

Guides through the boundless sky thy certain
flight,
In the long tvay that I must tread alone

Will lead, my steps aright.

l:^'

1 .^)^

MONTANA WILD LIFE

The Official Publication of The State Fish and Game Commission

VOL. I.

HELENA, MONTANA, NOVEMBER, 1928.

NO. 6.

T. N . Marlowe

MONTANA'S
State Fish and
Game C o m -
mission, after being
appealed to by liun-
dreds of farmers,
sportsmen, 1 a n d -
owners and otliers
interested in t li e
wild life of the
state, has finally
agreed to attempt
an experiment and
declare a two-day
open season on
Chinese pheasants.
This is the first
open season on the
multicolored strut-
ters since they were
introduced in Mon-
tana by the Commission several years
ago and the reaction or threatened
slaughter will be watched with keen
interest. The Commission, at its meet-
ing at Malta, near Lake Bowdoin, has
declared a two-day open season on
Chinese pheasants on November 24 and
25, the Saturday and Sunday immedi-
ately preceding Thanksgiving. Hence
hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners that
are now strutting around on long legs
in the hedges and fields will be in the
pot when Turkey day comes.

Here's what the official minutes of
the meeting say of the situation:

The matter of opening certain por-
tions of the state to the hunting of
Chinese pheasants was presented, there
being several petitions. A discussion
ensued as to the number of days, birds,
and time of the open season. Letters
were read from the sportsmen and
clubs in the counties which do not de-
sire an open season on Chinese pheas-
ants. Petitions and letters were then
read from those desiring an open sea-
son on Chinese pheasants.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that we open the season on Chinese
pheasants on the 24th and 25th of No-
vember, 192S, in the following described
territory: All of Big Horn, Yellow-
stone, Broadwater, Lewis and Clark.
Custer and Treasure counties; that por-
tion of Carbon county lying north of
Rock Creek river and east of a line
running due north and south through
the town of Bridger; that portion of
Ravalli county lying north of a line
running due east and west through the
main street of Hamilton; that portion
of Missoula county lying south of a
line running due east and west through

the town of Lolo; and that portion of
Lake county lying south of a line run-
ning due east and west through the
tow^i of Elmo, save and except that
portion of Lake county drained by the
Jocko river and its tributaries, and
save and except all territories set aside
as game preserves within the above de-
scribed area. The bag limit shall be
three male Chinese pheasants per day,
and it shall be unlawful for any one
person to have more than three of said
birds in his possession at any one time."
Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Those attending the Malta meeting
were: T. N. Marlowe, chairman; E. A.
Wilson, G. T. Boyd, W. K. Moore, com-
missioners, and R. H. Hill, secretary.
Others present were Field Assistants
J. W. Schofield and I. H. Treece;
George E. Mushbach; R. E. Bateman;
and Deputy Game Warden Harry Con-
ser.

A petition was read from the citizens
of Powell county asking that a portion
of Powell county, lying south and west
of the Deer Lodge river, be closed to
the hunting and killing of elk during
the 1928 season. A telegram from V. G.
Stambaugh of the Deer Lodge Farms
Company was read protesting such ac-
tion. His, however, was the only pro-
test.

Motion by Mr. Boyd: "I move that
the portion of Powell county lying
south and west of the Deer Lodge river
be closed to the hunting and killing of
elk during the 192S season, as petitioned
for by the resident property owners
and sportsmen of that county." Sec-
onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried.

Mr. Hill read the correspondence
which he had with citizens in the High-
wood mountains district, relative to
making an open season on elk there
this season. This matter had been re-
ferred to Mr. Boyd for investigation.
Mr. Boyd advised that he had conferred
with the Forest Service relative to tire
matter.

Motion by Mr. Boyd: "I move that
that portion of Chouteau, Cascade and
Judith Basin counties within five miles
of the boundaries of the Highwood divi-
sion of the 'Jefferson National Forest,
save and excepting therefrom all game
preserves which might be included in
the above described territory, be opened
to the hunting and killing of one elk
of either sex from the 6th to the 15th
of November, 192S. both dates inclu-
sive." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried.
Mr. Marlowe then read a petition
from the members of the Stevensville

Rod and Gun Club, asking that Ravalli
county, except in the Skalkaho game
preserve, be open to the hunting of elk
for five days.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that Ravalli county be opened to the
hunting and shooting of one elk of
either sex from November 11th to the
15th, 192S, both dates inclusive, as peti-
tioned for by the sportsmen of that
county." Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Car-
ried.

Mr. Hill read a petition and letters
from the citizens of Sanders county re-
questing that the part of Sanders county
previously opened by the Commission to
the hunting of elk be again opened.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
the following described territory in
Sanders county be opened to the shoot-
ing of one elk of either sex from the
11th of November to the 15th of No-
vember, 1928, both dates inclusive: Be-
ginning at the mouth of Thompson
river in Section IS, Township 21 North,
Range 2S West, thence following up
this stream to the mouth of the West
Fork thereof, thence up the West Fork
to Mt. Headley, thence along the Ver-
milion river. Graves creek. Deep creek
divide to the Slide Rock mountain,
which is at the head of Deep creek,
thence down Deep creek to the Clark's
Fork river, thence following the north
bank of the Clark's Fork river to the
mouth of Thompson river, the place of
beginning." Seconded by Mr. Boyd.
Carried.

Mr. Hill then brought up the matter
of the elk herd in the Sun River dis-
trict, which matter had been carried
over from previous meetings. The live-
stock growers of Choteau and Augusta
had made a resolution to petition the
Commission asking that the Sun River
elk herd be reduced to 2,500 head. The
Commission took no action on the mat-
ter, as it is not empowered by law
to do so.

Mr. Hill recommended that the Com-
mission incorporate in its fur farming
rules and regulations some clause lim-
iting the time that foundation stock
must be held before it can be sold.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that the holders of fur farming permits
be required to keep any foundation
stock, captured or enclosed, and the in-
crease therefrom, for a period of at
least two (2) years before said stock
can be disposed of." Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill advised the Commission that,
although a fur farm license had been

MONTANA WILD LIFE

provided by the FisU aud Game I)e-
partmeat, there was really nothing in
the law requiring the same.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe; "I move
that all persons, firms, corporations or
associations engaged in the business of
fur farming or game farming within
the State of Montana, operating under
the provisions of Section 3777 of the
Revised Codes of Montana, be required
to take out a license from the State
Fish and Game Department, for which
a charge of five dollars (?5.00) per
year shall be made. ' Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill read a letter from J. M.
Bresnahan, manager of the Midland Em-
pire Fair, complimenting the Commis-
sion on their fish aud game display at
the fair, and asking ihem if they could
erect a building for future displays of
the Department on the Billings fair
grounds. Mr. Hill read his answer
thereto, wherein he had stated that "as
our exhibit is an attraction to the fair,
it seems to me that it would be no
more than fair that a building be con-
structed for this purpose by the fair
association."

Motion by Mr. Wilson: "I move that
we go on record as supporting the con-
tention of the state game warden rela-
tive to the construction of buildings
for our fair exhibits at any points in
the state." Seconded by Mr. Moore.
Carried.

Mr. Hill read the correspondence he
had had with J. H. Carmichael of
Augusta. Mr. Carmichael had saved an
elk from starvation and had taken care
of it. He desires to ship the elk to
the Everett City Park, Washington, for
display.

Motion by Mr. Wilson: "I move that
we allow Mr. Carmichael's request."
Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe read a letter from C.
E. Miller, curator for the museum at
Hays, Kansas, State Teachers' College,
requesting permit to take a moose from
Montana for his museum.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that, in view of the scarcity of moose
in the State of Montana, and in view
of the closed season on the same, the
request of Mr. Miller be denied." Sec-
onded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Hill advised that it has been a
custom at the camps at Gardiner to
serve elk meat at dinner and make a
charge for the same, which is a viola-
tion. He asked for the sentiment of the
Commission on the matter.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that it is the sense of the Commission
that wherever game of any kind is
served at hunting camps, or other
places, for which a charge is being
made, it is an absolute violation of the
law of the State of Montana, and those
doing so should be prosecuted." Sec-
onded by Mr. Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill read a letter from the at-
torney general relative to th^ construc-
tion of a dam in the bed of a natural
stream for the purpose of creating a
private fish pond. This letter had been
requested by the Commission relative
to the request of P. V. Klinke of For-
tlne for a private pond license. The
attorney general's opinion was that a
"private pond for commercial purposes
cannot be created by damming a natu-
ral stream."

iMoiiou by Mr. Moore: "1 move that
the secretary write Mr. Klinke inform-
ing him of the attorney general's opin-
ion." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe brought up the matter
of expending considerable sums of
money on rearing ponds when the ease-
ments are only procured for a few-
years. Discussion ensued as to the ad-
visability of such expenditures.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move,
in the future wherever easements are
procured for rearing pond sites, that
the easements be procured for a period
of at least ten (10) years before the
rearing ponds are constructed."

The matter of testing Dickey Lake,
near Eureka, to determine the kind of
fish that are now in it, aud to figure
out some method of getting rid of the
bull trout that are in the lake, was
brought up. It had been tabled at the
last meeting.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that the game warden or Deputy
O'Claire be authorized to seine Dickey
Lake with any kind of a suitable seine,
for the purpose of ascertaining what
kind of fish are in the lake at the
present time, and for the further pur-
pose of ascertaining what kind of fish
the lake should be stocked with in the
future." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Car-
ried.

Mr. Hill requested that Mr. Schofield
give his report of the inspection of the
proposed rearing pond on the Whitmore
property near Augusta. Mr. Whitmore
had offered the location to the Commis-
sion. Mr. Schofield recommended the
building of a rearing pond on this loca-
tion, and advised that the cost should
not exceed $75.00.

Motion by Mr. Boyd: "I move that
the request of Mr. Schofield for a rear-
ing pond on Mr. Whitmore's property
be allowed, the cost not to exceed
?75.00, and that Mr. Schofield take care
of the matter, securing the necessary
easement, etc." Seconded by Mr. Moore.
Carried.

Mr. Hill asked Mr. Schofield for his
report relative to the petition for the
closing of Sweet Grass creek for two
years. At the last meeting of the Com-
mission Mr. Schofield was authorized to
confer with the members of the Rod
and Gun Club at Big Timber relative
to closing this creek. He advised that
he had been unable to get the necessary
people together, so would like to go
ahead alone on the investigation.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
Mr. Schofield be advised to investigate
the advisability of closing Sweet Grass
creek to fishing, alone, and bring up
the matter at the next meeting of the
Commission." Seconded by Mr. Boyd.
Carried.

Mr. Hill asked Dr. Treece if he had
heard anything further about the clos-
ing of the llgper Fred Burr Lake to
fishing. Dr. Treece advised that he had
heard nothing further from the com-
pany that desired the lake to be closed
and that the construction work on the
lake had been finished, so the matter
was permanently dropped.

A petition from the residents of Lin-
coln county was read requesting an
all-year open fishing season on Bull,
Savage, Schoolhouse and Milner Lakes,
and the closing of Kilbrcnnan and
Cowles Lakes during the fall spawning

season. The matter had been held over
for Dr. Treece's investigation.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: 'I move
that ice fishing be allowed in Bull,
Savage, Schoolhouse and Milner Lakes
in Lincoln county; and that Kilbreunau
aud Cowles Lakes in Lincoln county
to closed to fishing from September 1
to December 1 of each year, in addition
to the regular closed season, for spawn-
taking purposes." Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Cai^ied.

Mr. Hill explained to the Commission
that two game law violators had been
apprehended in Kalispell (Somers and
Broulet) and that the only way a con-
viction could be secured against them
was to bring a witness from a fur
house in St. Louis, where the illegal
furs had beeu sent. Mr. Mushbach, U.
S. game protector, explained that, al-
though the returns from this one case
would not pay for such an expense, if
the violators knew that the Commis-
sion was practicing stringent methods
to secure convictions, they would be
less likely to commit violations.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that all the evidence in this case be
submitted to the county attorney of
Flathead county, and if he thinks the
conviction can be had, we shall secure
the attendance of the witness from St.
Louis." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Car-
ried.

Mr. Hill read a telegram which he
had received from the Judith River Rod
and Gun Club, asking that an extra
warden be appointed aud assigned to
that district during the hunting season
to protect the elk herd on the Judith
river. In view of the fact that the
hunting season is about half over aud
special wardens for such a short time
are rather unsatisfactory, the following
order w'as made:

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
Mr. Hill notify Mr. Weaver of the re-
quest from the Judith River Rod and
Gun Club, and ask him to put in some
time there in the next few days, as we
have not enough funds to put an extra
man in there." Seconded by Mr. Boyd.
Carried.

Mr. Hill advised the Commission that
he had selected and employed, as a
special deputy game warden, subject
to the approval of the Commission,
Captain J. H. Chartrand of Miles City
to take the place left vacant by E. A.
Taylor.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that Mr. Hill's selection be confirmed."
Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill gave the Commission a sta-
tistical report of the finances of the
Department — a comparison of receipts
and disbursements for 1927 and 1928.
He also gave a financial report of the
magazine MONTANA \ ILD LIFE.

Mr. Hill explained the correspondence
he had had relative to the re-creation
of the Stillwater game preserve.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "It appear-
ing to the Commission that lieretofore
a proper petition has been received by
the Fish and Game Commission asking
for the creation of a game preserve in
Flathead county, known as the Still-
water game preserve, and that a proper
hearing, as required by law. has here-
tofore been held in this matter and
thai there has been no protest to same,
but that the minutes of the Commis-

MONTANA WILD LIFE

siou fail to show that the preserve was
proclaimed and created by the Commis-
sion, the Commission at this time does
hereby create and proclaim this pre-
serve, to be known as the Stillwater
game preserve. The legal description
of the above-mentioned preserve is as
follows: Beginning at the meander cor-
ner of the right bank of the Flathead
river between Sections 26 and 35, 29
North. Range 21 West, thence west be-
tween Sections 26 and 3.5, 27 and 34,
28 and 33, in part about one-fourth
miles to the left bank of the Whitefish
river, thence following the Whitefish
river in a southerly direction through
Section 32. Then following the left
bank of the same stream through Sec-
tion 5, southerly and easterly to 2S
North, Range 21 West : thence southerly
through Section 4 to its confluence with
the Stillwater river. Thence following
the left bank of the Stillwater river to
its confluence with the Flathead river
in Section 21, 2S North, Range 21 West;
thence northerly following the right
bank of the Flathead river through Sec-
tions 21 and 16, 15 and 10, 9, 3 and 2,
Township 2S North, Range 21 West, to
place of beginning, all of which is in
Flathead county." Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill presented a petition from
the land owners of the area adjacent
to the Waterloo bird preserve, asking
that this preserve be reclassified. When
the preserve was made, it was declared
unlawful to shoot all game birds on
the preserve, while the original petition
asked that it be unlawful only to shoot
upland game birds.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that the action of the Commission here-
tofore taken in creating the Waterloo
bird preserve, located in Madison
county, be rescinded in this respect:
That the bird preserve be created only
for the purpose of protecting upland
game birds, and that the shooting of
other game birds in this preserve be
permitted. The legal description of the
preserve is: All boundaries north — a
line commencing at Parson's bridge,
following the main road east to the
Parrot canal; south — a line commenc-
ing at the Silver Star bridge, following
the county road east to the Parrot
canal ; east — the Parrot canal ; west —
the Jefferson river." Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill read a letter from E. R.
Swart of Poison asking that the Com-
mission close the portion of South
Crow creek in Lake county flowing
through his property for one year, in
order to save the fish that are in there
now and to increase them.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
we close that portion of South Crow
creek in Lake county which flows
through the property of E. R. Swart
of Poison, description of which is:
South half, southeast quarter of Section
10; north half, northeast quarter of
Section 15, Township 20 North. Range
19. M.M.. from November 1st. 192S.
through December 31st. 1929." Sec-
onded by Mr. Wilson. Carried. The
Commission also asked the secretary to
write Mr. Swart thanking him for his
cooperation and commending him for
same.

Mr. Hill read a petition from the citi-
zens of West Yellowstone, Montana,

asking the Commission to close several
streams in Gallatin county to fishing
indefinitely.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that (he petition from the citizens of
West Yellowstone be allowed, and that
the following streams in Gallatin county
be closed to fishing indefinitely for
spawning and propagating purposes:
Watkins creek from where it flows into
the Hebgen dam to its source; the
South Fork of the Madison river from
where it flows into Hebgen dam to
its source and all its tributaries; Cou-
gar creek from where it flows into
Duck creek to its source; Duck creek
from its source in Gallatin county to
where it flows into the Yellowstone
National Park; Grayling creek, from
where it flows into the Hebgen dam
to where it enters the Yellowstone Na-
tional Park; and Tepee creek from
where it enters the Yellowstone Na-
tional Park to its source, and all its
tributaries." Seconded by Mr. Moore.
Carried.

Mr. Hill read a petition from the
citizens of Golden Valley county wherein
they asked the Commission to close
Swimming Woman creek, in Golden Val-
ley county, to fishing for two years in
view of the fact that the fish life in
those waters is nearly depleted by the
use of explosives and by excessive fish-
ing.

Motion by Mr. Wilson: "I move that
Swimming Woman creek, from its
source to its mouth, and all its tribu-
taries, in Golden Valley county, Mon-
tana, be closed to fishing from Novem-
ber 1st. 1928. to August 1st, 1930."
Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

The letter asking that Delmo Lake
be closed to fishing on account of low
water, was read to the Commission.
The lake, however, is frozen over now.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "t move
that, in view of the lateness in season,
the petitioners be notified that it is
not thought advisable to close Delmo
Lake." Seconded by Mr. Moore. Car-
ried.

Mr. Hill again brought up the two
petitions requesting the closing of Lan-
ders Fork in the Big Blackfoot country.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that no action be taken at this time
relative to closing Landers Fork, and
that the matter be laid on the table."
Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Hill read a request from Deputy
Game Warden Peasley asking that he
be granted a leave of absence, without
pay, effective November 1st.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that the request of Mr. Peasley be
granted, but that he advise us as soon
as possible whether or not he intends
returning at the end of six months."
Seconded by Mr. Moore. Carried.

Mr. Hill presented the minutes of the
Game Conference which he attended re-
cently at Livingston to the Commission.

Mr. Hill read the letter and resolu-
tion from the Hamilton Sportsmen's
Club, which had been held over from
the last meeting, relative to the control
of the distribution of poisoned bait on
public ranges and elsewhere in the
State of Montana. Discussion followed
as to the laws of Montana concerning
poison.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that we write the Hamilton Sportsmen's

Club, telling them we are in favor of
the resolution, and will do everything
we reasonably can to see that the mat-
ter is brought up to the legislature at
the next session." Seconded by Mr.
Moore. Carried.

Mr. Schofield asked the Commission
if he might authorize the repair of his
Dodge car. It was decided that the
matter should be tabled until the next
meeting of the Commission.

Dr. Treece presented a request for
authorization to purchase materials for
an addition to the residence at the Sta-
tion creek hatchery, the cost of which
would be $382.73. The house as it
now is is an adequate residence.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
the expenditure be authorized and that
the addition to the house at Station
Creek be built." Seconded by Mr. Boyd.
Carried.

The chairman called on Mr. Schofield
for any matter which he might have
for the attention of the Commission.
Mr. Schofield suggested that they make
a combination garage and workshop at
the Great Falls hatchery, as the garage
which is there now is not large enough
for the truck. The cost of this build-
ing would be $290.00, the work being
done by the hatchery employees.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that this building at the Great Falls
hatchery, a combination workshop and
garage, be authorized, to be superin-
tended by Mr. Schofield." Seconded by
Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Schofield also asked that he be
authorized to purchase a culvert pipe
to replace tlie flum at the Great Falls
hatchery, to carry the water to the
ponds, the flume being inadequate.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
Mr. Schofield and Mr. Boyd be in-
structed to purchase this culvert and
install same at the Great Falls hatch-
ery." Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Car-
ried.

Mr. Wilson brought up the matter
of different shooting clubs getting
leases on the Reynolds sloughs, and not
allowing other organizations and sports-
men to use them. It was his expres-
sion that it would be commendable if
the Commission could buy some public
shooting grounds on the Reynolds
sloughs.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that Mr. Wilson be authorized to in-
vestigate these matters whenever pos-
sible and find out what shooting privi-
leges and club-house sites could be ob-
tained." Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Car-
ried.

Dr. Treece advised the Commission
that a hailstorm had ruined the roof
of the Ronan hatchery, it being merely
a rubberized roof.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that Dr. Treece be authorized to repair
the roof, even to the extent of putting
on a new roof, at the hatchery at Ro-
nan." Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.
Chairman Marlowe suggested that the
Commission hire a man to plant eyed
eggs in the isolated places to where
the regular fish messengers cannot go.
He suggested that they get a man who
had studied, or would study, such work.
Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that Mr. Schofield and Dr. Treece be
authorized to select a man from each
of their forces for the purpose of hav-

MONTANA WILD LIFE

ing him become expert iu the planting
of eyed eggs in the isolated fishing
waters of the state, and that these men
become proficient enough to carry on
this work next spring." Seconded by
Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe advised that Deputy
Game Warden Morgan had requested
the closing of McCabe creek, in Powell
county, tributary to Dick creek, to fish-
ing tor an indefinite period.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that we close McCabe creek in Powell
county, tributary to Dick creek, to fish-
ing for an indefinite period, the order
to be effective November 1, 192S." Sec-
onded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe advised that the citizens
of Missoula county desired the closing
to fishing for bass several clear water
lakes in that county, to-wit: Inez. Alva,
Salmon. Seeley, Placid and Rainy.

Motion by Mr. Marlowe: "I move
that the clear water lakes, to-wit: Inez.
Alva. Salmon, Seeley. Placid and Rainy,
in Missoula county, be closed to fishing
for bass for a period of three years,
beginning November 1. 1928, and ending
November 1. 19.'!1." Seconded by Mr.
Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe read a letter from the
Benson Pheasant Farm, giving quota-
tions on Mongolian pheasants, but noth-
ing was done about the matter.

Mr. Marlowe advised that the pur-
chase of a pump at the Missoula hatch-
ery would be necessary.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
Mr. Marlowe be instructed to purchase
the necessary equipment for a pump
at Missoula, without too great expense."
Seconded by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

Mr. Marlowe read a letter from the
U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, wherein they
advised that hereafter when they re-
ceive applications for brook trout from
citizens of Montana they will submit
applications to our department for our
departmental approval before filling the
applications.

Mr. Marlowe advised that he had con-
ferred with Austin B. Middleton, war-
den of the state penitentiary, relative
to buying dies and having the state
prison make signs for this department
for posting. The matter was tabled
until the next meeting, when the Com-
mission should hear from Mr. Middle-
ton relative to costs, etc.

Mr. Marlowe presented a lease, free
of charge, from the Anaconda Copper
Mining Company for grounds for graz-
ing purposes in Powell and Missoula
counties.

Mr. Marlowe advised the Commission
that there is a man on Post creek who
has built two excellent rearing ponds.
He wishes to take small fish tor the
state and raise them, to bo divided
evenly between him and our department
when grown. He will feed them and
care for them until thev are large
enough to plant. Mr. Marlowe sug-
gested that the department take 100, onn
natives from the Station Creek hatch-
ery and put them in his ponds, and
when they are grown plant them in
Flathead Lake.

Motion by Mr. Moore: "I move that
we go ahead with this experiment, as
suggested by Mr. Marlowe." Seconded
by Mr. Boyd. Carried.

M

M. D. Chatfield

ONTANA'S
State Fish and
Game Com-
misson has demon-
trated without ques-
tion to sportsmen
of th,fe Treasure
State, the wisdom
o f comparatively
slight expenditures
in planting artificial
duck food in the
pot holes and lakes
of communities fre-
quented by migra-
tory water fowl.
Duck hunters of the
state have enjoyed
the best shooting in
years because of
the growing duck
food and the fact that ample water
during the spring and summer seasons
have fortunately kept these ponds filled.
In addition to the wark of the State
Commission, further possibilities along
duck propogation lines, are open to
wild life enthusiasts of Montana by
making possible the creation of arti-
ficial duck factories — the establishing
of small artificial ponds where the
back water from irrigation ditches and
spring freshets may be stored.

Montana is on the natural line of
flight of migratory water fowl from
the Caudian north over the Bear River
marshes in Utah on their way south-
ward wheu the shooting season opens.
If sufficient food and ponds are avail-
able ducks in flight will spend some
time in the state. In any event, with
these ponds and food provided, the
native ducks hatched and raised within
the state, will linger longer.

M. D. Chatfield. well known Helena
sportsman, has demonstrated the pos-
sibilities of creating these ponds. His
example may well be followed by
other land owners whose property is
so located that surplus irrigation
waters may be impounded during the
spring and the ponds supplied with
duck food.

The Cedar Hollow farm owned by
Mr. Chatfield. is about 15 miles from
Helena, on the line of flight between
Lake Helena and Lake Hauser. Here
he has gone to considerable expense
in building artificial dykes and planting
duck food. The result is that he now
has three splendid ponds which have
become prolific producers as "duck
factories".

But let Mr. Chatfield tell the story
of how the duck ponds were formed:
"In 1919" said Mr. Chatfield, "We
attempted an experiment. We planted
a sample of sago pond weed, wild celery
and wapato. (Duck Potato). The
material which we had planted was
inspected in 1920 by representatives of
the United States Biological Survey,
who reported a remarkable growth.
"In 1920 we built one dam 250 feet
long, which gave us about one acre
and a long narrow pond, also 500 feet
which provided another pond covering

about four acres. In addition we had
a round pond. All of these were heavily
planted with Sago Pond Weed, Leafy
Pond Weed. Marsh Grass, Water Pepper,
Star Grass, Duck Potato and Wild
Celery.

"All of these duck foods grew so
well that the following year another
dam was constructed 700 feet long
forming a lake 800 feet long with an
average width of 100 feet. Seed from
the first two ponds was carried ashore
by waves and was used to plant the
third pond, with the result that tons
of duck food are now to be found in
all the ponds.

"Nature did her part. What was
originally a shore lined with iris, the
bulbs of which had been dormant
because of lack of moisture, were
replaced by cat tails, bullrushes and
other foods which make for cover
for young ducks to hide from Hawks
and other natural enemies.

"So inviting have the lakes become
that ducks of all kinds nest in the
sagebrush around the ponds. Even
red heads, canvas backs and butter
balls, which ordinarily nest further
north, find these lakes a place in
which to raise their family. Rails,
Coots, Snipe, Avocet and the now rare
Cinnamon Teal, are among the tenants
of the feeding grounds.

"I can not say too much in recom-
mending to anyone who wishes to
plant duck and fish food, that they
secure advice from Clyde B. Terrell
of the Terrell Aquatic Farm at Oshkosh,
Wisconsin.

"A check of 38 ducks killed one
morning showed 32 canvasbacks, the
necks of which were full of sago pond
weed tubers. I choked one drake and
made him spit out 15. I figured I had
killed the overhead pond expense on
that one shot for I had paid 9 cents
apiece for the seeds on that kind of
tuber two years before.

"It is almost impossible to chase
ducks from the Cedar Hollow preserve.
They fly from one pond to another and
start feeding. The top feeders arc
small footed ducks. They stand on
their heads, while the deep feeders are
on the bottom pulling loose the tender
shoots and (ubers while Mr. Bald Pat'-
and Mr. Butter Ball wait for the deli-
cate morsels to come to the surface.
I believe that is why Mr. Ruddy or Mr.
Butter Ball is always so fat. He lia.s
Mr. Canvas Back, Mr. Red Head, and
Mr. Blue Bill waiting table for him.
I have seen eight canvasbacks set their
wings and hit water without making a
cifcle and before I could step from
the blind they were all under the water
feeding.

"Any farmer who has a location, the
available water and the desire to in-
crease Montana's wild life may accom-
plish just what I have done at this lit-
tle farm close lo Helena. The small
cost of aquatic plants can not help hut
be repaid in labor and money expended

MONTANA WILD LIFE

by watching the ducks come in the fall
of the year.

"Another angle of the situation which
must be considered is that shooting
hours must be short. Time must be
given to visitors to rest and eat. The
ducks must be unmolested at certain
hours if you desire them to thrive and
stay."

During the legislature of 1921 Mr.
Chatfield was a member of the lower
house from Lewis and Clark count.v
and was vice-chairman of the fish and
game committee. He worked diligently
for the passage of House Bills 0 and 14.
H. B. No. 14 created the present com-
mission. H. B. No. 9 made changes In
the game laws which closed the chicken
season tor two years and sponsored
the present commission.

Above his desk hangs a significantly
engraved document which reads as fol-

lows: "Permanent Wild Lite Protec-
tion Fund of America hereby awards
to M. D. Chatfield its certificate of hon-
orable mention for valued service to the
wild life of Montana rendered in the
legislature of 1921 in promoting the
passage of a new game act. Dated New
York, June 15, 1921. Signed by W. T.
Hornaday, W. D. Heyburn and Clark
Williams as trustees."

GARDEN SASS

"That florist surely keeps in touch
with his slogan, 'Say it with flowers'."

"Wliat's his method?"

"Well, I know he has sent a bunch
of forget-me-nots with each bill."

A young women in our town recently
remarked: "If I had my choice
between two evils, I would marry the
one with the most money."

SMILE

Even though your heart be sad,
Try to smile, pretend you're glad.
Troubles won't seem half so bad.

If you smile.
When you're feeling very blue,
No one seems to care for you,
Here's the best thing you can do —

Try to smile.
Life is what you make of it,
Sorrows, joys, of each a bit;
You can make the best of it

With a smile.

THE COURTSHIP

Rastus: "Why don't you take me?"
Viola: "Cause yo' ain't ast me."
"Well, now I asts yo'."
"Well, now yo' has me."

A Montana Sportsman's Duck Factory Near Helena

— IMmtos by Davidson

Upper Left — The comfortable cabin, arranged with all the comforts of home, stands on the hilltop above the trio of duck ponds.

Upper Right — Views of wild ducks, natives of Montana, which are hatched and reared on these ponds, may be seen. They are
carefully preserved by being provided with ample selected food and watched over during the days preceding the hunting season by
a veteran caretaker.

Center — Here's a splendid view of one of the larger ponds, showing the boat, the heavy growth of cat tails, tules. rushes and
surface weeds.

Lower Left — Panoramic view of the three ponds created by artificial means on the Cedar Hollow farm of Mr. Chatfield.

Lower Right — Here's another pond, filled with artificially planted duck food and a natural nesting, resting and breeding area.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

COMMISSIONERS.
Thomas N. Marlowe, Missoula, Chairman.
G. T. Boyd, Great Falls.
Joseph L. Kelly, Anaconda.
W. K. Moore, Billings.
E. A. Wilson, Livingston.

ROBERT H. HILL, Helena

State Fish and Game Warden.

Secretary.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

The Official Publication of the State

Fish and Game Department.
Published Monthly at Helena, Montana.

FLOYD L. SMITH, Editor.

Introductory Subscription Rates

15 Cents per Copy— 50 Cents per Year

Advertising Rates on Application

Copy for advertisements subject to approval of State
Commission and must be in the hands of the editor at the
State Capitol building, Helena, on the 15th of the month
preceding publication date.

VOLUME L

JfOVEMBER, 1928.

NUMBER 6.

DESTRUCTIVE DEYICES

WHILE such restrictions as bag limits, prescribed
methods of taking fish and game, and other
regulations, are not sufficient in themselves to
rehabilitate wild game lite in this country and while
propagation and restoration methods are more effective,
yet certain restrictive regulations are necessary to prevent
wholesale and ruthless slaughter by lawless and un-
principled persons.

The argument is frequently heard, "Why any re-
striction on method of killing fish? Your bag limit
limits the catch. Why not let the fish be taken by any
method?" The answer is: unsportsmanlike and destruc-
tive methods of killing fish and game reduce the supply
so rapidly that bag limits would not prevent rapid
depletion: for instance, dynamiting fish, killing them
with lime or other deleterious chemicals, trapping, netting,
and similar methods have been prohibited by law as
extremely destructive. Use of the spear should be
permitted only for killing such predatory species as carp
and should never be allowed for killing game fish under
anv circumstances.

Sportsman-like methods of taking fish and game will
give the fish and game a chance, which can hardly be
said of gang hooks on artificial baits. A single hook on
a plug gives the fish a decent show. Barbless hooks do
likewise.

.MICHIGAN STUDTI>'(; DUCK MIGRATIONS

THE Conservation Department of Michigan has under-
taken during the past season to trap and band a
large number of wild ducks, particularly black ducks,
for the purpose of ascertaining as far as can be done
facts regarding their migration. The black duck has
displaced the mallard as the important species of interest
to sportsmen in many parts of Michigan. Many of these
ducks breed in Michigan marshes. Other species, such
as blue bills, red heads and canvas backs make occasional
stops in Michigan waters on their semi-annual flight.
Michigan desires to know where the ducks go that are
bred In that state and whether they return after wintering
or summering in some other region.

The work of the Michigan Conservation Commission is
supplementing that of the Bureau of Biological Survey.
Dr. Miles D. Pirnle, Ornithologist, of the Michigan Com-
mission and his staff are carrying out the details of
this work.

THE MONARCH OF THE CRAG

ONE of the finest bits of nature photography that is
strictly Montana is shown on this month's cover of
Montana Wild Life. The actual photograph of the
mountain goat was snapped by Charles L. Sheely of Spokane
Daily Chronicle, while gunning for Montana game with
a camera. Mr. Sheely has for years been a sincere sup-
porter of fish and game conservation and both Mr. and
Mrs. Sheely are lovers of out of door sports. Mr. Sheely
has been intimately associated with the Izaak Walton
League and its success and has had much to do with
increased game conservation in eastern Wasliington and
northern Idaho for many years.

BONDING FOR SPORTS

Montanans always have been united in one respect. They
are strong for protecting our fish and game and main-
taining the name of the state as a paradise for sportsmen.
Yet the expenditure of this state is hardly a marker to
what is proposed in Illinois.

Illinois does not often do things by halves, according
to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. This is illustrated by
the novel proposal upon which the people of that state
recently voted to issue $20,000,000 of bonds for the promo-
tion of fishing and hunting. What Illinois has in mind is
the Pennsylvania plan, by which fishing and hunting in
the Keystone state have been restored to an almost
primitive condition. Deer and bear are more plentiful in
Pennsylvania than in most of the Rocky mountain states.
Fishing is better than in any other state east of the
Mississippi river. Illinois plans to buy hunting and fishing
ground, which will be stocked and opened to the public
under regulations. Illinois asked the people to advance the
$20,000,000, which she proposes to repay out of hunting
and fishing licenses. The legislature has authorized a
vote on the subject.

The American people seem definitely to have set their
faces toward democracy in hunting and fishing. All the
state and national movements have as their primary object
making these sports available to everybody, in opposition
to Europe's policy of confining them to the privileged few.
There has been before congress for some years a bill
wliich would establish public shooting grounds and
sanctuaries. This measure designs chiefly to save marsh
lands which would otherwise be drained, also one of the
purposes of the Illinois bond issue. In Missouri, where the
movement has spread rapidly in the last few years, the
state has purchased only uplands, most of them around
the big springs in the Ozarks. No marsh lands have been
taken over, but some will be when Missouri's horizon in
this matter widens. — (Helena Independent.)

SOME OF 'EM ARR THAT WAY

It seems that a young Montana Sportsman found him-
self stranded in the woods with a gun and only one bullet.
His story runs something like this:

"When I found that my salvation depended upon my
one bullet I decided to use all precaution. Suddenly as
I was walking along the bank of a river. I saw eight
ducks flying in a straight line. Taking careful aim I
fired, the bullet passed through the heads of all the
ducks, killing them instantly. As the ducks fell they broke
a dead limb from a tree; this limb hit a moose on the
head and killed it: the moose in its death throes kicked
a rabbit; the rabbit came sailing through the air, knocked
me into the stream, and I came up with mv pockets full
of fish."

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Heeimae Partridge m Oire^oe

Bt HAROLD CLIFFOKI)

THE meager iuformatiou on the
breeding in captivity of the Euro-
pean Gray or Hungarian part-
ridge, as they are generally called
in this country, has been somewhat
misleading. Some authorites claim it
cannot be done, going so tar as to
say: "Attemps to breed the partridge
in confinement have been a uniform
failure."

An English sportsmen's magaziut-
says: "The partridge cannot be reared
in pens as can pheasants. From the
very habits and nature of these birds,
such treatment is quite impossible.
Their proper food can only be obtained
under natural conditions."

The greatest problem confronting the
partridge breeder is the proper mating
of the breeding stock. This brings up
the question of how to distinguish the
sex. Here again authorities differ.
The idea that a partridge showing a
brown horseshoe on the breast is
a cock is not infallible, as many hens,
especially old ones, will have well
developed horseshoes.

Referring to American Field, Novem-
ber 14, 1925: "All birds with perfect
horseshoes on the breast are not always
cocks. Season of 1927 at the Corvallis
farm a 'cock' bird with a perfect horse-
shoe layed eggs."

The best test is that the cock bird
has more reddish brown color on the
wings.

The male has a more masculine head,
stands erect, is usually larger and
shows more cinnamon in his markings.

Sometimes 85 per cent of the birds
can be distinguished readily, while the
remaining 15 per cent keep the best
of us guessing.

Similarity in plumage precludes a
law protecting the female only of the
species. Such a law would not be
practical, however, as in the wild state
the Hungarian partridge pairs off,
while the pheasant does not. Both the
male and female partridge are most
devoted parents, sharing equally in
incubation and in the brooding and
care of the young. As much has been
incorrectly claimed tor the pheasant:
nature never intended that the gaudy
and conspicuous cock pheasant lacking
in the protective coloration of the cock
partridge should assist in maternal
duties.

The surest way to mate Hungarian
partridges is to let the birds themselves
select their own mates.

This can best be done by holding the
breeding stock all in one flock in the
alleyways (as to the Corvallis farm)
and when the time comes to "choose
partners" usually about the 10th of
.January, all gates to the small pens
should be left open, and the birds
watched quietly for some time. When-
ever a pair are observed oft by them-
selves, shut the gate on them. It,
after they discover they are isolated,
they do not call back and forth with
the main flock, you have a mated pair.

EXPRESS YOUR VIKWS

COLUMNS of MONTANA WILD
LIFE are open to every sports-
man in the state for the ex-
pression of views regarding fish and
game conditions. Publication of an
article does not necessarily mean
that the writer reflects the views
of the Fish and Game Department,
but frank, honest discussion is good
for the cause. Communications and
timely articles, as well as unusual
photographs, will be welcomed. The
other feller may be keenly interested.

An English magazine devoted to game
propagation says: "It is now an ac-
cepted fact that partridge pair for life."

We have an actual proof that this is
not a tact. At the Eugene State Game
Farm this spring a little less than 50
per cent of the 1927 leg banded breeders
went back to their previous season's
mates. A few pair were broken up by
the loss of one or the other during the
winter. Others selected young mates
of the 1927 hatch, and those that did
not mate up within a reasonable time
were "forced mated".

Whether or not the partridge mates
for lite, or prefers a new mate each
season, the fact remains that the addi-
tion of an extra female to a pen of
mated birds creates a family disturb-
ance that invariably ends in one female
killing the other. This is in accordance
with the prevailing idea that with the
Hungarian the female does the courting;
that the female chooses her mate.

As previous stated, the partridge
pair oft shortly after the first of the
year, but they do not commence laying
until about three months later. Unlike
the pheasant in captivity, they are very
secretive in their nesting habits. From
the tact that they completely cover
their nest with grass, leaves and dirt,
their eggs are found with difficulty.
After their nest has been discovered the
hen has been known to lay one or more
eggs in a conspicuous place near the
entrance to the pen. as if to attract
attention away from her hidden nest.

Antelope Feeding on Prairie

The ruse of the brokeu wiug of
some other ground nesting birds to lead
an intruder away from her nest is well
known, but this trick of the Hun is all
her own.

If the breeding stock has been raised
in captivity, are properly mated, and the
breeding pens well secluded, with pro-
per care a fair egg production should
be expected.

The percentage of fertility runs about
the same as with pheasants, but the
young partridge mature quicker, being
practically full grown at eight weeks.
Bantams make the best of foster
mothers, although the partridge will
hatch and rear their own young in
captivity, but owing to their scrappy
disposition this method is not recom-
mended. As an experiment last season
a pair of Hungarians were given nine
pheasant eggs, eight of which were
hatched and seven raised to maturity.

Up to the present time, practically
all Hungarian partridge liberated in
the United States have been wild,
trapped imported from Europe, but the
number available for importation each
year is far short of the demand. To
meet this constantly increasing demand
the artificial propagation of this wonder-
ful game bird, both by state game
departments and bv private game breed-
ers, will be studied and perfected as
times advance, until this country is
able to supply its own needs, as we
are now doing with pheasants. Ad-
ditional argument in favor of propaga-
tion is the fact that the liberation of
imported stock has not in every in-
stance proved successful. But few
dealers still will guarantee true pairs,
and fewer still will guarantee safe
arrival at your express office. It is
quite certain better results will be
obtained when birds raised in captivity
are liberated.

About the only complaint made so
far against the Hun is that often where
small plantings have been made, those
interested in the venture claim that he
does not stay put. Chances are if
the truth was known, he wasn't put
right in the first place. Several reasons
may be advanced as to the probable
cause of the failures. The importer
may have been a ".iobber" and shipped
nut a lot of "bachelor birds" or libera-
tion may have taken place long after
the proper time for mating, or the
shipment divided up into many small
lots without regard to an equal pro-
portion of sex.

From the fact that Chinese pheasants
.■^nd Hungarian partridges live in amity
together in captivity, it is assumed that
they do not quarrel to anv great extent
in the wild state. The theory that the
partridge drives out or kills oft the
pheasants is not borne out by facts. It
has been found that in open season
Hungarians, by diverting the attention
of the hunters, protects the pheasants.

10

MONTANA WILD LIFE

The Nestieg Bnrds of Woody I§l^ed

|{j (iKOKiJK K. .MISIIHAIH. liiited Slates (Jiiiiip Profecfor
With I'hotos hy tlie Aiitlior

w

'OODY ISLAND
is a dot of
land, four or
five acres, perhaps,
in Lake Bowdoiii.
1' h i 1 1 i p s county.
Montana, near
Malta. So far as
islands .e;o, Woody,
ordinarily, has
nothing to c o m -
mend it. It is not
a beauty spot by
the widest stretch
of the imagination.
I know not why it
is called "Woody
Island" unless it is
because it is totally
devoid of wood.
The nearest thins
to wood, visible, are a tew clumps of
greasewood bushes in the center of
the island. Inquir.v in this connection
brought forth that in the dim and dis-
tant past a few stunted trees adorned
the island but that long ago chilly
duck hunters made warming fires of

G. E. Mushbach

them. As it stands today "Woody" is
a decided misnomer.

For about ten months of each year
Woody Island is merely a sandy plot
of land on the south side of the lake,
rank with rushes, marsh grass, grease-
wood and Russian thistle, and but lit-
tle populated by bird or other lite.
For the remainder of each year it is
a hive of industr.v. bustle and excite-
ment bordering on the spectacular.

In the spring, when the migrating
waterfowl drift north from their win-
ter homes in the south, colonies of
white pelicans, great blue herons, and
sea gulls establish themselves on
Woody Island and set up housekeeping.
Then is when business picks up.

Along about May or June thousands
of nests of these birds are distributed
over the few acres contained in this
island — so thick will they be as to make
it difficult to step without treading on
a nest of eggs. In .lune. or after the
hatching process is well under way.
the tiny island is simply teeming with
bird life, and can be likened only to

an ant hill with the young birds scurry-
ing about like the insects.

On June 27-2S, 1927, the writer, in
company with "Daddy" Minugh, then
deputy game warden, visited the island.
On the land all was apparently peace
and quiet as we approached by boat.
While yet several hundred yards off
shore there came to view what ap-
peared to be huge white banks of snow.
As we neared the shore line the snow
banks melted away as if by magic and
the air was suddenly filled with the
flying forms of huge white pelicans.
These giant birds rose some fifty or
sixty feet in the air and soared and
circled, silently with stateliness, above
the island.

Upon landing we proceeded inland.
Immediately the air was filled with
angry birds as the gulls and herons
took to wing. The gulls screamed and
scolded at the top of their voices while
they dashed madly this way and that
not far above our heads. Mingled with
the gulls were the huge floppy herons
contributing to the bedlam with their

Upper Left — Flock of several hundred adult pelicans rising from Lake Bowdoln. Young herons are shown in the foreground.
Lower Left — Another flock of young pelicans on Woody Island refusing to take cover when approached by the photographer.
At Right — Young blue heron "on the peck," presenting his battlefront, defending the old homestead and cussing the photographer.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

11

hoarse croakiugs. The pelicans floated
above us too but uttered no sound.

Several thousand of these three spe-
cies of birds formed a cloud over and
about us and in their various ways did
all in their power to strike terror in
the hearts of the invaders of their
sanctuary. In truth it was just a lit-
tle awesome. Some of the flying
squadron were tar from genteel or
polite in their actions.

As we advanced towards the center
of the island, where the nests were
thickest and the young birds congre-
gated, the excited parent birds con-
tinued their wild gyrations. Gradually
though, apparently realizing the futility
of their attempts to rout the enemy,
the old birds left us. The gulls alighted
on the lake a hundred yards or so oft
shore on the north side, widely scat-
tered.

The pelicans, some 500 or 600, rafted
on the south side from 50 or 60 yards
from shore. In close formation the
great flock of snow-white birds floated
along calmly and with apparent uncon-
cern; occasionally rising in flight, but
after a circle or two coming again to
rest on the water.

The herons after the first maneuver
seemed to feel they had done their
part, and that it was useless, for they
disappeared entirely and only a few
returned while we were on the island.

Now was presented an opportunity
to secure an intimate insight of the
home life of the birds. Varied to a
degree, the young inhabitants displayed
an individuality almost as marked as
among children of the human species.
Some gave but passing notice, paying
little or no attention. Others were
mildly curious. Still others were evi-
dently bewildered and wondering what
it was all about. Groups plainly
frightened, particularly gulls, fled in
wild dismay with futile efforts to use
wings that were not as yet matured
sufficiently to function.

Among the baby herons were those
that presented a fierce battle front, evi-
dently prepared to lay down their lives
for home and country, or at any rate
were making a grand bluff at it.

One young heron, the sole occupant
of a nest, was particularly belligerent.
This bird was well feathered out and
stood better than two feet in height.
Capable of leaving the nest, which was
only a few feet above the ground, he
refused to budge an inch, and flight
was not to be thought of. I approached
to within four feet of the nest and
took his picture. Extending himself
(he may have been a her) to his full
height, with every feather on neck,
head and body rising on end. the angry
youngster loudly cussed me to the limit
of his heronlsh vocabulary, daring me

to come on, while no hostile movement
in his direction would cause him to
give ground.

There were about fifty nests of the
herons, nearly all containing young
birds. Most of these were of about
the same age, some appearing almost
as large as full grown birds and well
feathered out. A tew nests contained
eggs yet and a tew birds had been
hatched only a short time before.

Nesting conditions of the herons jn
Woody Island are entirely different
from any other heronies under my ob-
servation. In some sections of the
country the great blue heron is re-
ported as building nests on or near
the ground, but the rule in Montana
is for these birds to construct their
nests high up in tall cottonwood trees
(m some river island. On Woody Island
the heron nests are made of rushes
and Russian thistles tied into the tops
of greasewood bushes, the top of the
nest being about 18 inches to two feet
from the ground.

At one heron nest a most interesting
performance was witnessed. One of a
family of three, in the excitement and
confusion resulting from our invasion,
had tumbled from the nest. These were
all large well matured birds. The
gawky, clumsy youngster was strug-
gling on the ground at the foot of the
nest and making frantic efforts to

Left, Above — Here's evidently a mixup of families. Four young pelicans of different ages are shown in a single nest. One has
just been hatched and is attended by a group of nursemaids. Note the unhatched pelican egg on the right of the biggest baby.

Right. Above — Swarms of white pelicans circling Woody Island in Lake Bowdoin with young heron on the nest in the foreground.

Below — Young pelicans on Woody Island posing for a group picture. There were about 75 in this bunch. Young herons are
shown on the nests in the background with their long necks visible. — I'hoto.-.; Ijy the Author.

12

MONTANA WILD LIFE

scramble back from whence he came.
Its efforts were unsuccessful and a
great commotion ensued, shared by the
other occupants of the nest who evi-
denced a lively interest in the predica-
ment of the deposed member of the
family.

One of the birds, a brother or sister.
was particularly exercised and scolded
vociferously as it watched from the
rim of the nest the struggle beneath.
Finally the heron in the nest squattcl
at the edge and with braced feet
reached its long neck over the side and
extended its partly opened beak down
to the fallen relative, inserting it cross-
wise between the beaks of the heron
on the ground, the two beaks heins
thus interlocked. Then commenced the
tug-of-war. Both pulling with all their
might the bird below, aided by the one
above, tried to pull itself up the side
of the nest, the heron in the nest pull-
ing upward persistently and at the
same time struggling to keep from be-
ing dragged from its perilous perch.
Finally a mighty tug boosted the prod-
igal over the side and once again it was
a family reunited.

In the juvenile pelican colony there
was a greater disparity of age than
with the herons and the gulls. Many
were well advanced — great bulky fel-
lows whose bodies seemed almost as
large as that of the average Canada
.goose — clothed in a white woolly down
but without the vestige of a feather.
The young pelicans lumbered clumsily
about in a dumb sort of way, showing
but little fear or excitement. They oc-
cupied the bare sandy stretches of the
island and when approached would
hunch up close together in groups of
from .lO to 7S then waddle off to the
border of the undergrowth and huddle
up like a flock of sheep but makin.g
no attempt to_ penetrate the cover ir
to hide. The " pelicans were very ac-
commodating in this respect, making
excellent subjects for group photog-
raphy.

But little trouble was taken by the
pelicans in nest building. Mostly just
a shallow hollow in the sand, unlined
and without trimming or frills. Some
of the nests contained young just out
of the shells. The newly hatched young
were ugly, grotesque little fellows.
about the size of a fist, as bare as
the palm of a hand, without even so
much as a trace of down, and of an
orange reddish color. In the scorching
June sun that beat down upon their
nakedness it would seem as if they
must burn up.

In one nest was one of these nude
babies, another about twice its size.
a third one a little larger, both in the
downy stage, while on the edge of the
nest and partly in squatted a bulky
youth seemingly on guard and acting
as nursemaid. Evidently a mixup of
families.

Somewhat removed from the other
birds were great flocks of young gulls.
about 2.non all told on the island. Ono
flock of about 1,000 birds fled pell-mell
at our approach and took to the water
Swimming off shore a couple of hun-
dred yards they joined the parent gulls
floating on the outskirts awaiting de-
velopments. Some of the younger gulls
took refuge In the grass and weeds
and hundreds of them could be picked

HAVE YOL' A PIITIRE?

HAVE you an interesting snap-
shot clear enough for reproduc-
tion that will interest other
readers of MONTANA WILD LIFE?
If so, mail it to the editor with a
letter of explanation. Each edition
of the official publication of the
State Fish and Game Department
carries pictures of particular interest
to lovers of denizens of field, forest
and stream in Montana and it is
the desire of the Department to con-
tinue publication of proof of recog-
nition of the state as a sportsman's
playground. If you have a clear
picture of your favorite dog, upland
birds, migratory waterfowl, beaver,
deer, elk, antelope, or other wild life,
won't you mail it to the only out-
door magazine printed in Montana?

up without difficulty. As soon as we
departed from the island these gulls
immediately swam back to their home.

Strewn about the island were the
skeletons of carp. Lake Bowdoin
abounding in these fish. Freshly taken
carp, some weighing one or two pounds,
were also scattered about, having but
recently been despoiled by some of the
bird inhabitants. Some of these carp
were in the heron nests and in one
was a freshly killed water snake no
doubt intended tor the family breakfast
that had been so rudely interrupted.
A careful scrutiny disclosed nothing
but the coarse fishes, none of tht>
game varieties being in evidence.

Should one visit Woody Island dur-
ing the nesting time it would be well
to be provided with a gas mask as the
odor of putrid fish permeated the air
with a perfume sweet no doubt to the
nostrils of a pelican but offensive to
human stomachs.

Apparently all is peace and harmony
among the feathered denizens of Woody
Island as the thousands of birds ap-
peared to get along well together. A
few dead birds, young and old, were

Luncheon in the Pines

observed but no more than should be
expected from such a vast congregation
of the feathered tribe. The island is
a most interesting place to visit for
those who are not too delicately con-
stituted and not troubled with a weak
stomach. It is not recommended, how-
ever, as a picnic ground while the
birds are in possession.

New York Leader for

More Game Protection

"Game preservation and protection is
needed to keep up the wild game life
of Montana to make it attractive to
summer tourists from the eastern cities,"
John Warren Hill of New York said
recently at Superior, after a six weeks'
stay in Montana.

"I believe your fish laws are far
too liberal and that the limits of
catches should be reduced as a pro-
tection measure. A few fish is all
that the average man needs, and a
lower limit would go. I believe, a
long way in protecting game fish."

Mr. Hill with his wife and daughter
are on the return to New York from
their "best outing" in the Blackfoot,
and are coming back to Montana next
year.

"We just stumbled by accident on
western Montana as an outing place a
year ago, came back this year, and
are coming again next."

ON THE FLATHEAD

God made the Garden of Eden,

And threw the pattern away —
But a copper-hued man retrieved the
plan,
And fashioned a land of play.
He took a billion dew-drops

And garnered them in a bowl.
Amid the hills and rushing rills.

He planted the Red Man's soul.
Then he summoned his pale-faced
brothers —
All who uttered the password
"Friend" —
And he said, '"Tis yours — trees, tides
and shores.
'Till Time itself shall end."

— Charles Wayland Towne,

ISOT FIT TO PRI>T?

"John," said the gunman's wife as
her husband returned after a hard day's
work, "I want you • to speak to little
Jackie. He's been fightin' again."

■Yeah'?"

"Yeah. And the little simp leaves his
fingerprints all over the Moriarity kid's
neck;"

Sophisticated Maid (trying to arouse
the interest of an indifferent Yale
senior): "Look out, Johnny, I'm going
to scare you. (Kisses him.) Now Johnny,
you scare me ."

Johnny: "Boo!" — Yale Record.

— Phnto by K. D. Sw.-in.

EXPLAINED

"Why is it that Smith is so lucky at

cards, and so very unlucky when ho

bets on the races," inquired a friend.

"Humph," snorted an acquaintance,

"he can't shuffle the horses."

MONTANA WILD LIFE

13

MONTANA trapshooteis are demou-
strating to their friends througli-
out the nation that they have in-
herited the ability of the old west in
handling a scattergun, and official
averages from national headquarters at
Vandalia, Ohio, show them well up
among the leaders in the season's
shooting. A preliminary checkup shows
that 19 have shot more than 1,000 tar-
gets and that in this field E. W. (Ted)
Renfro of Dell, international flyer
champion^ is the topnotcher with an
average of .9767 on 2450 targets. Guy
F. Egbers of Livingston, one of the
standby members of the Helena club,
is second with a fraction behind. Mr.
Egbers is former president of the Spo-
kane Gun Club and has cast his lot
with Montana. He is associated with
the Northern Pacific at Livingston.
Montana's state game warden, Robert
H. Hill, likewise is mentioned among
the elect, with an average of .9225 on
1550 targets. In the compilation from
headquarters the scores made at the
state fair shoot at Helena have ap-
parently not been computed.

Renfro has been a great deal more
active at the traps this season than
he was last year, and sports a better
average, due no doubt to more prac-
tice, which men in all branches of
sports will agree will do just that
much. Renfro had an average of .9633
last year on only 900 targets o£ 16
yards. Renfro was also leading when
the last figures were released from the
A. T. A. office. When the Butte Gun
Club held its first shoot this year Ren-
fro was very much in evidence for the
reason that he did not miss a single
target in a 100-target event and led
all, three breaks ahead of Nick Beirer,
who shattered 97. In July at the Salt
Lake Gun Club he repeated his per-
formance at the Butte club with an-
other 100 straight. On three occasions
so far this year he has broken 98 of
of the singles out of 100, while on an-
other he hit 172 out of 175 and 123 out
of 125.

Guy F. Egbers of Livingston, who
holds second place, has increased his
average over the last published from
.9583 to .9670, which is an average
worth a lot of consideration. Some of
Egbers' high spots this year was when
he broke 196x200 at the Wyoming state,
97x100 at the Butte Gun Club in July.
195x200 at Helena, and 98x100 at Butte
in April.

W. R. Wilcoxson of Great Falls rests
in the third spot with an average of
.9622 on 2700 targets, having bettered
his figure as compared to last year,
when he had .9478 on 1900 targets.
He shot exceptionally well at the Idaho
state meet, shattering enough targets
to average over 95% on 550 targets.
Although he had a good yearly average
in 1927 of almost 95%, he finished far
down the line in the lOOO-to-2000 divi-
sion. With the exception of the Idaho
state shoot he shot at all of his targets
in Montana.

Otto A. Schulz is another of the
Treasure state experts who was busier
at the traps this year than last as
he has tired at 3500 targets so far this
year with an average of .9572 as com-
pared to 1900 with an average of .9184
last season, having increased his aver-
age a fraction over four points. He
ranks fourth among Montana shooters
to date, while when the averages were
released the last time he ranked four-
teenth among those over the country
in the 2000-to-3000 division with a
.9553 average. His score card reveals
that he has one 99 to his credit and
seven 9S's on the 100-target 16-yard
events. At the Idaho state shoot he
hit 'em in tip-top style, breaking 527
out of 550 for an average of .9581.

N. J. Birrer, who ranks fifth in
standing, has an average of .9556 on
1150 targets, having bettered his aver-
age by almost four points over that of
last year, when he had .9178. Some
of Birrer's best shooting so far was
at the Sheridan Gun Club when he hit
99 out of 100 and at the Butte club
with 97 hits.

Frank G. Knight has tired at about
1250 more targets up to the present
time than all of last season, his aver-
age now being .9520 on 2250 targets

Just Browsin' Around

against 1000 for an average of .9320
in 1927. He was one of the two shoot-
ers from Montana who attended the
Grand American tournament in August,
doing very good on the 16-yarders,
breaking 194x200 on the opening day,
181x200 the second day, and 188 the
third.

Charles L. Flannigan of Great Falls
heads the pros with an average of
.9525 on 175U targets, three more points
than the runnerup, J. R. Converse of
Butte, who has .9217.

The averages of the leading gunners
of the state on 1000 or more 16-yaru
targets to date are as follows:

S.A. Brk. Avg.

E. W. Renfro, Dell 2450 2393 .9767

Guy F. Egbers,

Livingston 1850 1789 .9670

W. R. Wilcoxson,

Great Falls 2700 2598 .9622

0. A. Schulz, Sheridan..3300 3159 .9572
N. J. Birrer, Sheridan. 1150 1099 .9556
Frank G. Knight,

Great Falls 2250 2142 .9520

R. E. Tisdale, Butte 1450 1381 .9524

J. J. Robinson,

Anaconda .... 1900 1797 .9457

Jos. Latimer, Butte 1650 1557 .9436

Lee J. Yealy, Shelby... .1675 1553 .9271
Robt. H. Hill, Helena....l550 1430 .9225

J. A. Poore, Butte ,1500 1380 .9200

E. J. Osborne,

Sheridan 1350 1237 .9162

Reynolds Prosser,

Helena 1000 912 .9120

Chas. C. Goddard,

Butte 1100 1001 .9100

Fred E. Kessler,

Helena 1550 1410 .9096

Art Ellinghouse,

Sheridan 1150 1046 .9095

D. G. Stivers. Butte 1150 1040 .9043

Ed. Walker. Helena 1200 1085 .9041

Professionals:
Chas. L. Flannigan,

Great Falls 1750 1667 .9525

J. R. Converse, Butte....2275 2097 .9217

ELK NEAR RED LODGE

THE HERD of 15 head of elk that
has wintered at the head of Hogan
creek, just above the old William
Johnson ranch near Red Lodge, has
been frequently seen in that vicinity,
according to word taken by John Craw-
ford to the Red Lodge Rod and Gun
Club. The grazing ground of these
monarchs of the forest lies about 12
miles west and slightly north of Red
Lodge on the northern slopes of the
Beartooth Mountains.

— Photo by K, L>. .Swan.

This big antlered beauty was surprised
while hustling to safety along the open
hillside. Mr. Swan of the Forest Service
hunts with his camera, hence the buck is
still at large, awaiting a session with some
other Montana hunter.

HEIR APPAREIVT

George: "Why hasn't daddy got much
hair?"

Mother: "Because he thinks a lot, dar-
ling."

George: "Then why have you got so
much, Mother?"

Mother (pause): "Go on with your
breakfast!"

14

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Iowa Farmers for
Chinese Pheasants

WHILE Montana farmers are argu-
ing over the merits and demerits
of the Chinese pheasant, it might
be well to study results achieved iu
other states. Iowa presents an extreme
example of the crowding out of wild
animal life, where once extremely abun-
dant, by cultivation of the land. W. E.
Albert, state game warden of Iowa,
told the delegates at the National
Game Conference in New York that
even the small percentage of swamp
and rugged laud in that state had
been made use of by farming aud that
there remains practically no wild cover
tor game.

This condition precludes the restora-
tion of the native species to any ex-
tent, such as prairie chicken, ruffed
grouse, or even the local ducks, whose
nesting places have been appropriated
and drained.

At this juncture, says Mr. Albert,
attention was directed to the pheasant,
a foreign immigrant, which was intro-
duced in limited numbers some 14
years ago. The species is now firmly
established, its greatest abundance be-
ing, paradoxically, in the most intensely
cultivated sections of the state. Mr.
Albert explains this by the assumption
that in such sections there are fewer
predatory animals than in the wilder
sections to prey upon the pheasant.

Speaking of the prejudice that ex-
ists in some quarters against the pheas-
ant as a destroyer of farm crops, this
state official says he has found evi-
dence largely on the side of the bird.
Instances are cited of complaints of
pheasants pulling up newly sprouted

( <jrii. Wlu'ii pheasants suspected .)1'
I his Ut'prcdalion were killed their crops
were found filled with cut-worms, the
real corn-destroying culprits, and no
sprouts of corn. Other noxious crop-
destroying insects were identified in
the stomach contents of the birds.

The pheasant does eat some grain,
it is true, when insect life is not ob-
tainable, which the farmers can well
afford to permit in return for the
services rendered during the summer
when insect life is abundant and when
the pheasant prefers the insect food
in preference to anything else.

Mr. Albert also said that he has not
been able to obtain any evidence that
the pheasant crowds out any other
species or is a disturbing factor to
other game birds as quail and Hun-
garian partridge both thrive in suit-
able cover, along with the pheasant.
The latter is most numerous where
the pheasant is most abundant.

WHAT OF THE HORNS?

Editor, Montana Wild Life:

Below is a short article for your
publication, and has reference to the
article, 'What Becomes of Shed Horns?"
appearing in the August issue:

Do only rodents chew shed horns?
I wonder if that lumberjack was so far
wrong iu his cogitations about deer
consuming some of their shed antlers.
In the process of chewing many ani-
mals lick the chewed surfaces, evidently
to secure the small particles loosened
iu the chewing. It is an established
fact that deer, reindeer, elk, buffalo,
and domestic cattle have been seen
chewing shed horns and bones, so we
should include more than rodents in
the list of those animals responsible
for the disappearance of shed horns.
It is reasonable to conclude that all

lierbaci'uus auinaals may be included
in the list.

It takes a goodly supply of mineral
matter to develop bones and horns of
different kinds. Imagine the amount
the deer, elk, and moose must accu-
mulate to produce the antlers brought
forth each year, in addition to the
body fuel required to meet the activi-
ties of the rutt, and the demands of the
average winter season. It is thought
that the minerals required for this
construction are obtained from plants.
Where the plants are deficient ther,-
may be a hunger for them which causes
the animals to chew horns and bones
or seek natural licks containing some
of the minerals.

During recent years a certain amount
of data has been accumulated which
indicates that domestic cows, In order
to produce normal calves, must be fed
rations that contain a reasonable
amount of calcium and phosphorus.
When grain and roughage which are
low in these elements have been fed
under experimental conditions the
breeding results have been very unsat-
isfactory. It has been found advan-
tageous to feed minerals, under given
conditions, to increase the flow of milk
of dairy cows.

It is not unlikely that the shed horns
contain food elements which the ani-
mals feel the need of and which they
have not been able to secure in suffi-
cient quantity from other sources.
SMITH RILEY,
Jackson, Wyoming.

SHOCKING

First Darkey: "Wha fo' yo' name
yo' baby 'Electricity,' Moses?"

Second Darkey: "Well, mah name am
Mose, and mah wife's name am Dinah,
and if Dinahmose don't make electricity,
what does dey make?"

Northern Fur
Company

== Buyers of ==

RAW FURS

Missoula, Montana.

ooooooooo

Members of Montana Raw
Fur Dealers' Association

Kant Sink Em Metal Boats

For Rowing or Outboard Motoring

Write the

WATSON BOAT WORKS

W. 2019 Division St., Spokane, Wash.

MONTANA WILD LIFE

15

SITBSCRIPTION COirBIXATI(»N

American Game Protective

Association,

2273 Woolworth Building.

New York City, N. Y.

Herewith find remittance of $1.50
for membership in the Association
including subscription to "AMERI-
CAN GAME" and "MONTANA WILD
LIFE."

Combination
Price

Membership In American
Game Protective Assn.

Subscription to
Game"

'American

$1.50

MONTANA WILD LIFE

If vou are alreadv a subscriber to
"MONTANA WILD LIFE" and wish
to renew for one year from the ex-
piration of your subscription please
mention that fact.

Add 50 cents for Canadian postage:
$1.00 for foreign postage.

Name ....
Address
Date

WILD GEESE

Winging tlieir way from sea to sea,
The wild geese fly in ecstasy;
With even beat they swing along,
Flying like shadows, singing a song.
Cutting the night air, these silver ships.
Pass the full moon, and in the darkness

slip,
Leaving a trail in the unknown night
Of mystery, shadows and haunting

flight

TIGHT

Husband: "I like my wife in clinging
gowns."

Wife: "Yes, the longer they cling the
better you like them."

"COLLY" Strain
Silver Black Foxes

Large, Healthy, Prolific Foxes Born and

Raised in Montana for Many Generations

Our Booklet, "Silver Fox Farming,"

Will Be Mailed to You on Request

Write for It

Beartooth Silver Fox & Fur Farms

Breeders of Better Fur
Red Lodge, Mont.

F.WOKABLE KEPORT.S ON
HUNGARIANS

ANNOUNCEMENT is made by the
Conservation Department of New
York that favorable reports have
been received from various parts of
the state on the result of planting
Hungarian partridges. In the north-
eastern corner of the state the Hun-
garians have been especially success-
ful and have spread over considerable
area and even north into Canada. A
number of young broods have been
seen in various sections. The final
test will come after several years and
after the birds have passed through
the severe winter weather. The reports
so far are encouraging.

KNEW HIS ONIONS

Lady: "I want four pounds of brown
sugar two of boxes of raisins and — "

Grocer: "I'm sorry, lady, but we're
all out of yeast."

A total eclipse of the sun, over in
England is a very rare occurance. Not
long ago a solar eclipse darkened the
"Tight Little Isle." During the darkness
a Scotchman was seen running to the
telegraph office, with the hope that
he could send a Night Letter.

Hunting & Fishing

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FOXES

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Now — Early DotiwymonsatiAfaotcry. We rijarantea,
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CIEAS; BBOS-.FOTB.rm. l?n.ptr»RlHg «lir*TnB,ngA

SERVES SOME PUKl'OSE

First He: "Does Jim keep very late
liours?"

Second He: "Does he? Well, he uses
the setting-up exercise program for a
bed-time story."

THE

Leo. M. Goldberg

Fur and Wool House, Inc.

One of the Largest Direct
Buyers in the Northwest, of
All Kinds of American Raw

FURS

1040 Helena Avenue

Helena - - Montana

Helpful

We show you how to
bring more ducks to your
waters by planting their
favorite foods. Giant Wild
Rice, Wild Celery, etc.
Fall is Nature's sowing
season — a good time to
plant; 10% discount on
orders entered before Sept.
booklet free. Write

TERRELL'S AQUATIC FARM
1070 W. Blk. Oshkosh, Wisconsin

I. S. HEADQUARTERS

Imported Arms, Ammunition & Parts

''Mauser -Luger-Merkel Bros. ■Mannlich«r..Weblev. Scott, «tc.

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16

MONTANA WILD LIFE

Sec. 435>^, P. L. & R.
U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Helena, Montana
Permit No. 27

Moetaea^s Gsunme I§ Worth MilMoes

WHAT is the actual value in dol-
lars and cents of the wild life
of Montana, the fish and birds,
the big game and fui-beariug animals?
It runs into the millions. Wild game
and birds have a money value, which
may be estimated roughly for any par-
ticular state. In New Hampshire, for
example, game and birds return to the
state annually a value at least of $0,-
500,U00, W. C. Henderson, Associate
Chief of the Biological Survey in the
United States Department of Agricul-
ture, told the recent convention of the
New Hampshire division of the Izaak
Walton League of America. Several
New Hampshires might be placed
within the area of Jlontana.

"It is a modern practice to apply the
financial yardstick to almost everything
we desire to appraise," he said. "Birds
and wild game have a direct economic
value to the people of every state,
albeit a value difficult to measure."

For New Hampshire the annual eco-
nomic return of game and birds, esti-
mated at $6,500,000, is arrived at by
adding the following items: valuations
for flesh, fur, and feathers, $400,000;
for insect destroying services of birds,
$1,500,000; for recreational values, in
connection with the general tourist
business, $3,000,000, and for returns due
to game alone, $100,000 from license
lees and $1,500,000 for general expendi-

tures by hunters. These figures omil
reference to values from fish, which
are not within the scope of the Bio-
logical Survey work. The figures are
believed to be conservative.

Valuation of birds as insect destroy-
ers is based on general surveys in the
eastern states, according to Mr. Hen-
derson. In this section the breeding
bird population is estimated to average
about one pair to the acre, with fully
as many migratory birds spending a
shorter time in each locality. Taking
the nominal value of 10 cents a bird
for its services in killing insects, the
total amounts to $1,500,000, which is
conservative because many birds are
worth much more than 10 cents for
such services.

In 1926 New Hampshire issued 52,642
combination licenses to residents and
2,305 to non-residents, bringing a reve-
nue of more than $100,000. These
55,000 hunters put into circulation in
New Hampshire for clothing, weapons,
ammunition, transportation, food, lodg-
ing and personal service more than
$1,500,000. Mr. Henderson's total did
not include approximately $50,000 in
fishing licenses for non-residents and
a proportional sum spent by fishermen.

Mr. Henderson estimates that New
Hampshire has the trade of about 300,-
000 tourists annually who are drawn
in part by the wild life of the state.

and these bring in an average of $100
each, one-tenth of which is credited to
the attiactiveness of wild lite, or $3,-
000,000.

Game birds are, in fact, compara-
tively few and do not contribute greatly
to this total as insect feeders, accord-
ing to Mr. Henderson. The ruffed
grouse is occasionally an offender be-
cause of his habits as an apple-budder.
If these birds prove troublesome the
state fish and^ game commissioner
might well permit orchardists to trap
the birds for shipment to localities
where they are wanted for sport. On
the average the partridge's dietary
wants are as favorable as they are un-
favorable, and most of the insects con-
sumed are injurious. The bob whites
are beneficial. The mergansers or fish
ducks niay kill a few trout, but feed
mainly on coarse fish and eat many
spawn-eating creatures that prey on
trout and other fish.

The shore birds, most of which are
no longer on the game list, are not
harmful and the killdeer and upland
plover are markedly beneficial in their
habits. The mammals such as deer,
hares, rabbits and squirrels may be
slightly narmfui in their food habits,
but are hunted to keep down the num-
bers and their game value more than
counterbalances their depredations.

D

KLEGATKS re-
turning f r o m
the convention
of the State Game
Wardens and (Com-
missioners held at
Seattle report great
interest in the plan
to establish a large
system of wild life
sanctuaries. A mat-
ter of paramount
interest to all pres-
ent was the (|ues-
tion of what stand
the conservation or-
ganizations of the
Vnited States should
take In reference to
the two Game Ref-
uge Bills pending
in the lower house of congress. Dr.
T. Gilbert Pearson, as chairman of the
resolutions committee, after his com-
mittee had given an extended hearing
on the subject, brought forward the
following resolution, which was unani-
mously adopted:

"WHEREAS, in our opinion there ex-
ists a great and urgent need for the
oBtablishmenf and maintenance of a
number of inviolate sanctuaries lor the

Dr. T. G. Pearson

protection of migratory wildfowl and
shore birds; and

■WHEREAS, we believe it to be the
duty of the federal government, in
carrying out its treaty obligations, to
make provision for the creation of such
reservation areas ; and

"WHEREAS, we believe that reserva-
tions of this character should be ac-
quired and financed by congressional
appropriations; therefore be it

"RESOLVED. That the International
Association of Game, Fish, and Con-
servation Commissioners, and the West-
ern Association of State Game Com-
missioners rejjresenting the official
state game departments in twenty-eight
states which are here present and vot-
ing, do hereby jointly endorse in prin-
ciple the provisions of the Norbeck bill
as approved by the United States senate
in May, 1928; and be it further

"KIOSOLVED, That to can-y out the
wishes of this joint convention in the
matters recited above and to represent
them and other organizations interested
in wild bird and animal protection, and
tor the purpose of representing these
several organizations in other congres-
sional efforts that may be undertaken,
looking for the further protection of
our wild mammals and birds, there be
and there is here created the 'National

Committee on Wild Life Legislation'
consisting of eleven members to be se-
lected as follows:

"One to be appointed by each of the
following organizations: International
Association of Game, Fish, and Con-
servation Commissioners ; Western As-
sociation of State Game Commissioners;
The American Forestry Association;
American Game Protective Association;
Izaak Walton League of America; and
the National Association of Audubon
Societies; and that this committee so
created shall have power to add to its
number five additional members se-
lected at large throughout the United
States."

By a resolution of the convention,
the committee was given a hearty vote
of thanks for working out and present-
ing a plan whereby all the national
organizations actively interested in wild
life protection can work together as a
permanent national committee on fed-
eral legislation.

Several members of the committee
have met and a temporary organiza-
tion has been effected, with Dr. T. Gil-
bert Pearson, president of the National
Association of Audubon Societies, as
chairman, and Seth Gordon of the
Izaak Walton League of America, sec-
retary.