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Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Title: Bulletin, no. 10
Place of Publication: Harrisburg, Pa.
Copyright Date: [n.d.]

Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg244.9

no. 10, [n.d.]

Game Administration
in Pennsylvania

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Fig. 1. RuFFKD Grouse

iitelln<cnt, handsome, nifted with remarkable rapidity and dexterity <)f fliRht, this
nagni iccnt game bird has long been a favorite among Pennsylvania sportsmen.

Bulletin No. 10

ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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Game Administration
in Pennsylvania

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Bulletin No. 10

ISSl^KD BY THK HOARD OF (iAMK COMMISSIONERS
COMMONWEAUrH OF P1,NNSYIA'AMA

« ■

BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS

ROSS L. LEFFLER, McKeesport
JARED M. B. REIS, New Castle

DR. H. J. DONALDSON, WiUiamsport
ADOLF MULLER, Norristown
FRANCIS H. COFFIN, Scranton

FRANKLIN G. McINTOSH, Franklin
RICHARD E. REITZ, BrookvUle
HARRY C. STACKPOLE, St. Marys

JOHN B. TRUMAN, Executive Secretary, Harrisburg

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Photograph by Department of Forests and Water«.

Fig. 2. PENNSYLVANIA WOODLANDS
The verdant home of thousands of vakiable game birds and animals.

GAME ADMINISTRATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

By Francis H. Coffin

Mtmber of Board of Game CommiMionets of the Gmunonweaith of Pennaylvania

When William Penn founded his colony, the twenty nine mil-
lion acres comprising what is now the Keystone State were almost
entirely covered by a dense forest. Only a few natural meadows
and occasional bare mountain, tops were free from a magnificent
stand of valuable timber. Approximately 125 species of trees
were native to the Commonwealth of which some 25 species were
of timber value. To-day, that splendid primeval growth has van-
ished. Here and there a small stand of virgin pine, hemlock, beach
or oak, may be seen and the intelligent observer sighs regretfully
as he considers the despoliation of this great natural resource by an
imthinking civilization. And yet, in Pennsylvania is working the
leaven of a constructive program, which, if carried through, may
in time restore much of the lost beauty and economic value that
was formerly ours.

In the industrial development of the Commonwealth due to its
vast mineral resources, wastagd of the forest, destruction of game
and fish, and pollution of streams were inevitable, but there is to-day
an awakening in the minds of thinking men and women, and a
growing determination to restore, where it is possible, something
of the grandeur of the original Pennsylvania to its denuded hillsides,
to preserve and propagate our supply of beneficial wild life, to
guard the purity of such of our streams as remain unsullied, and
by control of industrial and municipal wastes to restore other water
ways to a condition of comparative cleanliness.

This movement toward a restoration of the outdoor values of
the Commonwealth is generally referred to under the title of "Con-
servation." This term in its true sense implies a wise use of
natural resources by propagation, protection and sane administra-
tion. It is still possible in this g^eat industrial Commonwealth,
with its dense population, in the course of one afternoon's drive, to
view a stand of virgin pine and hemlock, to see a natural beaver
dam with a possible glimpse of one or more of its busy little citizens,
to see trout twenty inches or more in length in their native stream.

fr% r>fitf»V» cJcrlif r\f ^^r^^r^ tirVtif^-fpf 1«»H H#»er fficf noccJ l->l^r n Klnol' K#»»»*-

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rh«togrii|»h hj DppnrtnH-nt of Fnrests and Watt-rH.

Fig. 2. I'KXXSVIAAXIA WOODT.AXDS
The verdant home ol tliousaiul.s oi valuable game birds and animals.

GAME ADMINISTRATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

By Francis H. Coffin

Member of Board of Game Commissioners of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

When William Penn founded his colony, the twenty nine mil-
lion acres comprising what is now the Keystone State were almost
entirely covered by a dense forest. Only a few natural meadows
and occasional bare mountain tops were free from a magnificent
stand of valuable timber. Approximately 125 species of trees
were native to the Commonwealth of which some 25 species were
of timber value. To-day, that splendid primeval growth has van-
ished. Here and there a small stand of virgin pine, hemlock, beach
or oak, may be seen and the intelligent observer sighs regretfully
as he ccmsiders the despoliation of this great natural resource by an
unthinking civilization. And yet, in Pennsylvania is working the
leaven of a constructive program, which, if carried through, may
in time restore much of the lost beauty and economic value that
was formerly ours.

In the industrial development of the Commonwealth due to its
vast mineral resources, wastage' of the forest, destruction of game
and fish, and pollution of streams were inevitable, but there is to-day
an awakening in the minds of thinking men and women, and a
growing determination to restore, wdiere it is possible, something
of the grandeur of the original Pennsylvania to its denuded hillsides,
to preserve and propagate our supply of beneficial wild life, to
guard the purity of such of our streams as remain unsullied, and
by control of industrial and municipal wastes to restore other water
ways to a condition of comparative cleanliness.

This movement toward a restoration of the outdoor values of
the Commonwealth is generally referred to under the title of "Con-
servation." This term in its true sense implies a wise use of
natural resources by propagation, protection and sane administra-
tion. It is still possible in this great industrial Commonwealth,
with its dense population, in the course of one afternoon's drive, to
view a stand of virgin pine and hemlock, to see a natural beaver
dam with a possible glimpse of one or more of its busy little citizens,
to see trout twenty inches or more in length in their native stream!
to catch sight of wild white-tailed deer, just possibly a black bear,

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Photograph by W. Gard. Conklln.

Fig. 3. PRIMEVAL WOODLAND IN CLARION
COUNTY: COOK FOREST
These magnificent White Pines are among the finest
in eastern North America.

and to hear the croak of the great northern raven, one of the rarest
and shyest of North American birds. That such sights are still to
be had in Pennsylvania is due to the intervention of the several
departments of the State government organized tor the protection
of the wild creatures and the natural resources of the Common-

wealth, backed by the conservation forces of the outdoor-loving men
and women of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Joseph S. Illick, State Forester of Pennsylvania, has defined
a forest as "a complex community of living things," and in speaking
of the Pennsylvania Forest, I shall try always to keep before you
this broad and sweeping visualization. The forest, then, is not only
the trees, but also the shrubs, the wild flowers, the grasses and
mosses. It includes the wild creatures from the tiniest warbler and
chipmunk, to the wild turkey, the deer and the bear. It is the fish
in the streams and the streams themselves, and it is with the ad-
ministration of all these things for the general good of all our people
that we are now concerned.

Conservation matters in Pennsylvania are officially handled by
three departments: the Board of Game Commissioners, the Board
of Fish Commissioners, and the Department of Forests and Waters.
I shall endeavor here to present in brief some of the functions and
activities of the Game Commission.

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF GAME

COMMISSIONERS

The spirit of hunting seems to wake a thrill in the breast of every
male American, boy or man. We like to imagine ourselves as our
hardy ancestors, clad in buckskin and dependent on our long rifles
for our daily food. Even those who have never killed a buck, or
shot a grouse, and who would not have the slightest practical idea
as to how to make themselves fairly comfortable in the woods, find
a vicarious excitement in reading in the newspapers or magazines
of hunting experiences, or in listening to the "tall stories" of their
friends. Hunting, therefore, has an almost universal appeal. Prop-
erly supervised by wise conservation measures, and inspired by
sportsmanlike ideals, it is one of the most useful and wholesome
recreations, and should be perpetuated and made possible for suc-
ceeding generations of American citizens.

Pennsylvania years ago was a "shot out" state. While there was
still an abundance of small game, the big game, deer and bear, was
almost exterminated. This was due to an almost total lack of pro-
tective laws and of public education as to the benefit and value of
the wild life of the Commonwealth.

In contrast with this depletion of wild life of the Commonwealth
at that period, the legal kill of the two years 1924-1925 was
17,000 buck deer, about 2,000 does and 1,400 black bears. The legal
kill of 1926 was 12,500 bucks, 1,200 does, and 650 bears. In 1925, cub
bears were protected by law. The annual value of fur taken in

rimtdKrnph l.y W. (Inrd. Cunklin,

Fig. 3. PRIMEVAL WOODLAND IN CLARION
COUNTY: COOK FOREST
These magnificent White Pines are among the finest
in eastern North America.

and to hear the croak of the great northern raven, one of the rarest
and shyest of North American l)irds. That such sights are still to
be had in Pennsylvania is due to the intervention of the several
departments of the Siaic ^overnniciil «iii;.im/.«.»i »or tiic protection
of the wild creatures and the natural resources of the Comtnon-

wealth, backed by the conservation forces of the outdoor-loving men
and women of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Joseph S. Illick, State Forester of Pennsylvania, has defined
a forest as "a complex coinmunity of living things," and in speaking
of the Pennsylvania Forest, I shall try always to keep before you
this broad and sweeping visualization. The forest, then, is not only
the trees, but also the shrubs, the wild flowers, the grasses and
mosses. It includes the wild creatures from the tiniest warbler and
chipmunk, to the wild turkey, the deer and the bear. It is the fish
in the streams and the streams themselves, and it is w^ith the ad-
ministration of all these things for the general good of all our people
that we are now concerned.

Conservation matters in Pennsylvania are officially handled by
three departments: the Board of Game Coiumissioners, the Board
of Fish Commissioners, and the Department of Forests and Waters.
I shall endeavor here to present in brief some of the functions and
activities of the Game Commission.

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF GAME

COMMISSIONERS

The spirit of hunting seems to wake a thrill in the breast of every
male American, boy or man. We like to imagine ourselves as our
hardy ancestors, clad in buckskin and dependent on our long rifles
for our daily food. Even those w^ho have never killed a buck, or
shot a grouse, and who would not have the slightest practical idea
as to how to make themselves fairly comfortable in the woods, find
a vicarious excitement in reading in the newspapers or magazines
of hunting experiences, or in listening to the "tall stories" of their
friends. Hunting, therefore, has an almost universal appeal. Prop-
erly supervised by wise conservation measures, and inspired by
sportsmanlike ideals, it is one of the most useful and wholesome
recreations, and should be perpetuated and made possible for suc-
ceeding generations of American citizens.

In contrast with this depletion of wild life of the Commonwealth
at that period, the legal kill of the tw^o years 1924-1925 was
17,000 buck deer, about 2,000 does and 1,400 black bears. The legal
kill of 1926 was 12,500 bucks, 1,200 does, and 650 bears. In 1925, cub
bears were protected by law. The annual value of fur taken in

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Pennsylvania is estimated at from two and one-half to three million
dollars. The total weight of game killed in Pennsylvania is esti-
mated at about 5,000 tons of meat, and it is estimated that the

Photograph by Game Protector B. H. Nelson.

Fig. 4. WHITE-TAILED DEER. FEEDING IN AN OPEN FIELD

Deer were nearly exterminated thirty years ago; today they are one of

our most abundant animals.

sportsmen's goods industry does a business in the Commonwealth
of from fifteen to twenty million dollars annually, in ammunition,
arms, hunting clothing and camping equipment.

The reason for this restoration of game is the administrative
work of the Pennsylvania Game Commission since the year 1895.
In that year, sportsmen and conservationists" were successful in
having legislation passed authorizing the creation of the State Board
of Game Commissioners. The Game Commission began its labors
with a first appropriation of $800 in 1897; in 1913 the hunters' license
system was established, granting full control of the license funds to
the Board of Game Commissioners; and the disbursements in the
last fiscal year were over $700,000.

The organization of the Board consists of eight commissioners
serving without salary, appointed by the Governor, each Commis-
sioner having personal supervision over that portion of the Com-
monwealth allotted to him by the Board ; and an executive secretary
and office staflF, and four administrative bureaus, each headed by

a bureau chief.

The Bureau of Protection has charge of field work in enforcing
the game laws and its force comprises 9 supervisors, 64 county pro-
tectors, and 8 assistant county protectors. Appointments to this

service are made by competitive examination, which is duly adver-
tised, and the applicants are subjected to a very thorough examina-
tion on ten different subjects, and the appointment is made by a
selection from the three highest papers, physical qualifications, of
course, being taken into consideration.

As a result of this examination we are getting an unusually high
type of officer in the service. A conference of the field force of the
Board brings together some of the best practical field naturalists in
the state, and the discussions of problems relative to the habits of
the wild creatures would prove of value to any gathering of
scientists.

The Bureau of Refuges and Lands supervises the administration
and extension of the game refuge and public shooting grounds sys-
tem of the Commonwealth, which is the central idea of the whole

Photograph by 0. 8. Bradford.

Fig. 5. A WILDERNESS VISTA: CLINTON COUNTY
In this region the first Game Refuge was established, in 1905.

Pennsylvania system of game administration, and which has pre-
served |nd propagated our supply of big game. There are 36 large
refuges each with a resident refuge keeper, and 67 smaller refuges
known as "auxiliary refuges." The General Assembly of 1927
increased the resident hunters' license fee from $1.25 to $2 with
the proviso that the additional revenue be expended by the Board
for the purchase and maintenance of refuge areas, and public shoot-

Pennsylvania is estimated at from two and one-half to three million
dollars. The total weight of game killed in Pennsylvania is esti-
mated at about 5,000 tons of meat, and it is estimated that the

Photograph by Game Protector E. H. Nelson.

Fig. 4. WHITE-TAILED DEER, FEEDING IN AN OPEN FIELD

Deer were nearly exterminated thirty years ago; today they are one of

our most abundant animals.

sportsmen's goods industry does a business in the Commonwealth
of from fifteen to twenty million dollars annually, in ammunition,
arms, hunting clothing and carnping equipment.

The reason for this restoration of game is the administrative
work of the Pennsylvania Game Commission since the year 1895.
In that year, sportsmen and conservationists* were successful in
having legislation passed authorizing the creation of the State Board
of Game Commissioners. The Game Commission began its labors
with a first appropriation of $800 in 1897; in 1913 the hunters' license
system was established, granting full control of the license funds to
the Board of Game Commissioners; and the disbursements in the
last fiscal year were over $700,000.

The organization of the Board consists of eight commissioners
serving without salary, appointed by the Governor, each Commis-
sioner having personal supervision over that portion of the Com-
monwealth allotted to him by the Board; and an executive secretary
and office staff, and four administrative bureaus, each headed by

a bureau chief.

The Bureau of Protection has charge of field work in enforcing
the game laws and its force comprises 9 supervisors, 64 county pro-
tectors, and 8 assistant county protectors. Appointments to this

The Bureau of Refuges and Lands supervises the administration
and extension of the game refuge and public shooting grounds sys-
tem of the Commonwealth, w^hich is the central idea of the whole

Photograph by C. S. Bradford.

Fig. 5. A WILDERNESS VISTA: CLINTON COUNTY
In this region tlic first Game Refuge was established, in 1905.

I'ennsylvania system of game administration, and which has pre-
served ^nd propagated our supply of big game. There are 36 large
refuges each with a resident refuge keeper, and 67 smaller refuges
known as "auxiliary refuges." The General Asscm])ly of 1927
increased the resident hunters' license fee from $1.25 to $2 with
the proviso that the additional revenue be exi»ciidcd bv ilic Board
for the purchase and maintenance of refuge areas, and public shoot-

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

ing grounds. With additional funds under its control the Board
should now be able greatly to extend the refuge system throughout
the Commonwealth, with consequent benefit to the game supply.

The Bureau of Vermin Control handles the trapping activities
throughout the Commonwealth and pays bounties on such animals
as are classed as "vermin," or, more properly, as game destroyers.

FiR. 6. A SEASON'S CATCH OF GAME DESTROYERS: FOXES

AND WEASELS

Predatory animals are carefully controlled in Pennsylvania by Refuge
Keepers, Game Protectors, and interested sportsmen.

Bounties are paid annually on about 450 wild cats, 11,000 foxes (red
and gray), and 25,000 weasels. These animals are the only ones on
which bounties are paid.

The Bureau of Research and Information conducts biological re-
searches, delivers lectures to organizations on request, makes motion
pictures of the wild animal life of the Commonwealth, and prepares
and issues bulletins of interest to sportsmen and scientists. There
is an increasing demand for accurate information as to the wild life
of the Commonwealth from sportsmen's associations, service clubs,
nature study societies and Boy and Girl Scout organizations, which
the commission has been greatly pleased to recognize, and some 300
lectures were delivered during the past year.

The Board is non-partisan in its composition and non-political
in its function and all employes are strictly cautioned to refrain
from political activities of any kind.

Appointments to the field force are on a civil service basis and not
governed by political pressure or influence. Tenure of service for

a good man is thus assured, and he can devote himself strictly to
the work to which he is assigned without fear or favor.

PROBLEMS OF GAME ADMINISTRATION

I have outlined above the plan of organization and the functions
of the several divisions of the Board of Game Commissioners, and
we will now consider some of the problems confronting the Board
in their endeavor to propagate and increase the beneficial wild life of
the Commonwealth.

The average citizen who considers the work of game administra-
tion at all, is apt to think that the most serious thing the Board has
to deal with is the illegal hunter or law violator. The game warden,
or as we term our field man, the "game protector," was formerly
considered as an obnoxious and pestiferous individual, who went
snooping around the woods making trouble for the hunter who acci-
dentally or thoughtlessly exceeded his bag limit, or who in some
other relatively harmless way infringed the stringent laws
of the Commonwealth. This point of view happily no longer pre-
vails among our Pennsylvania hunters, who have learned to know
their game protectors as fellow sportsmen, and as men working at
all times to protect and foster the best interests of sport for the

Pbotograph bj Deck Lane.
Fig. 7. AMONG THE ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS OF THE

* V v^ v_^ i--* o . A i>ji.A V i^iv x>^\*vj.

Over four hundred established Beaver colonies now exist in Pennsylvania.

ing grounds. With additional funds under its control the Board
should now be able greatly to extend the refuge system throughout
the Commonwealth, with consequent benefit to the game supply.

The Bureau of Vermin Control handles the trapping activities
throughout the Commonwealth and pays bounties on such animals
as are classed as "vermin," or, more properly, as game destroyers.

■ (
p
i

Fig. 6.

A SEASON'S CATCH OF GAME DESTROYERS: FOXES

AND WEASELS

Predatory animals are carefully controlled in Pennsylvania by Refuge
Keepers, Game Protectors, and interested sportsmen.

Bounties are paid annually on about 450 wild cats, 11,000 foxes (red
and gray), and 25,000 w^easels. These animals are the only ones on
which bounties are paid.

The Board is non-partisan in its composition and non-political
in its function and all employes are strictly cautioned to refrain
from political activities of any kind.

Appointments to the field force are on a civil service basis and not
governed by political pressure or influence. Tenure of service for

a good man is thus assured, and he can devote himself strictly to
the work to which he is assigned without fear or favor.

PROBLEMS OF GAME ADMINISTRATION

The average citizen who considers the work of game administra-
tion at all, is apt to think that the most serious thing the Board has
to deal with is the illegal hunter or law violator. The game w^arden,
or as we term our field man, the "game protector," was formerly
considered as an obnoxious and pestiferous individual, who went
snooping around the woods making trouble for the hunter who acci-
dentally or thoughtlessly exceeded his bag limit, or who in some
other relatively harmless way infringed the stringent law^s
of the Commonwealth. This point of view happily no longer pre-
vails among our Pennsylvania hunters, who have learned to know
their game protectors as fellow sportsmen, and as men working at
all times to protect and foster the best interests of sport for the

Photograph by Deck Lane.

Fig. 7. AMONG THE ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS OF THE

WOODS; A BEAVER DAM

Over four hundred established Beaver colonies now exist in Pennsylvania.

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

average citizen. The truth is that while the police activities of the
game protective force are very important, this phase of their work
is only a small part of it.

Pennsylvania sportsmen are, we believe, the best educated group
of hunters anywhere. As a class, they understand and appreciate
fully the value of the game laws from a conservation viewpoint, and
the hunters, themselves, constitute an unofficial force of wardens
that functions admirably. There are violators, plenty of them, but the
oflFenders when detected are dealt with without fear or favor, and a
persistent violator, even if the game protectors have not as yet been
able to convict him, finds it very difficult to find any companions
who are willing to share with him in his lawless pursuit. The most
serious offenders are those citizens of foreign birth who have not
as yet caught the spirit of sportsmanship which characterizes the
great majority of our Pennsylvania hunters. The organizations of
sportsmen's camps and associations among these people are doing
a splendid work, by educating them to higher standards of sports-
manship, and teaching them by precept and example their duties
as well as their privileges. The Board has increased its severity
as to revocation of hunting licenses for the worst offenders, and
any particular case of flagrant violation of the game laws will
certainly result in the offender's being denied the privilege of hunt-
ing for one or more years. It is a notable fact that only two-tenths
of one per cent of the licensed hunters of Pennsylvania have been
convicted of game law violations during the past two years. Law
enforcement, then, while a most essential part of the work, is not
the most pressing of the problems to be dealt with.

It might be interesting to discuss the various species of game
creatures, and describe their present condition and place in the
wild life census of the state.

The prize trophy and most sought for game animal of the state
is the black bear. This most interesting, and in some respects the
most intelligent, of our wild creatures, I believe is steadily increas-
ing in those parts of the state suitable to its life habits. The bear
prefers the high brushy country with rocky ledges and mountain
top swamps, such as the great central Allegheny ridges which cross
the northern central part of the state, and the Pocono and Pike
County sections. Contrary to general opinion, the bear is not a
dangerous animal. No authentic record has been obtained of a bear
attacking any person of its own volition. When a bear has been
wounded by a hunter, or a mother with cubs is suddenly surprised,
it is probable that safety would suggest proper protective measures,
but no human being need be fearful of unwarranted attack from a
bear while in the Pennsylvania woods. The General Assembly
of 1925 passed a law giving complete protection to cub bears, and

Photograph by John J. Slautterback.

Fig. 8. BOUND FOR THE RUGGED RIDGES: A BLACK BEAR
BEING LIBERATED AMONG THE PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAINS

Pennsylvania was the first state to recognize the bear as a valuable

game animal.

the shortening of the open season, by the commission, has given
additional protection to the species, and we have every reason to
believe that the bear will be increased to a point where they will
continue to afford strenuous and exciting sport for those qualified to
pursue them.

The white-tailed deer, most abundant of our big game animals,
are giving the Board its greatest concern at the present time. The
so-called "Buck Law" passed about twenty years ago, giving pro-
tection to the female deer, and young bucks without antlers, has
resulted in such an astounding reproduction of the species, that in
many sections of the Commonwealth today, deer are an actual
menace to the agriculturist, particularly the apple grower. The
tender twigs of young apple trees seem to be an irresistible delicacy
to these marauders and much damage has been done by them. There
is no effective and accurate way of determining this damage, and
for the Board to attempt to compensate for it by payment from
the game fund is out of the question. Various remedies are being
tried by the Board in the attempt to give relief to the farmers and
a solution will eventually be found. There is no doubt that the
female deer have increased beyond a reasonable limit and drastic

average citizen. The truth is that while the poh'ce activities of the
game protective force are very important, this phase of their work
is only a small part of it.

Pennsylvania sportsmen are, we believe, the best educated group
of hunters anywhere. As a class, they understand and appreciate
fully the value of the game laws from a conservation viewpoint, and
the hunters, themselves, constitute an unofficial force of wardens
that functions admirably. There are violators, plenty of them, but the
offenders when detected are dealt with without fear or favor, and a
persistent violator, even if the game protectors have not as yet been
able to convict him, finds it very difficult to find any companions
who are willing to share with him in his lawless pursuit. The most
serious offenders are those citizens of foreign birth who have not
as yet caught the spirit of sportsmanship which characterizes the
great majority of our Pennsylvania hunters. The organizations of
sportsmen's camps and associations among these people are doing
a splendid work, by educating them to higher standards of sports-
manship, and teaching them by precept and example their duties
as well as their privileges. The Board has increased its severity
as to revocation of hunting licenses for the worst offenders, and
any particular case of flagrant violation of the game laws will
certainly result in the offender's being denied the privilege of hunt-
ing for one or more years. It is a notable fact that only two-tenths
of one per cent of the licensed hunters of Pennsylv^'inia have been
convicted of game law violations during the past two years. Law
enforcement, then, while a most essential part of the work, is not
the most pressing of the i)roblenis to be dealt with.

It might be interesting to discuss the various species of game
creatures, and describe their present condition and place in the
wild life census of the state.

The prize tro])hy and most sought for game animal of the state
is the black bear. This most interesting, and in some respects the
most intelligent, of our wild creatures, I believe is steadily increas-
ing in those parts of the state suitable to its life habits. The bear
prefers the high brushy country with rocky ledges and mountain
top swamps, such as the great central Allegheny ridges which cross
the northern central part of the state, and the Pocono and Pike
County sections. Contrary to general opinion, the bear is not a
dangerous animal. No authentic record has been obtained of a bear
attacking any person of its own volition. When a bear has been
wounded by a hunter, or a mother with cubs is suddenly surprised,
it is probable that safety would suggest proper protective measures,
but no human being need be fearful of unwarranted attack from a
bear while in the Pennsylvania woods. The General Assembly
of 1925 passed a law giving complete protection to cub bears, and

v-» it "^-7%

,1 ' •►■

- T

Photograph by John J. Slautterhaek.

Fig. 8. BOUND FOR THE RUGGED RIDGES: A BLACK BEAR
BEING LIBERATED AMONG THE PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAINS

Pennsylvania was the first state to recognize the bear as a valuable

game animal.

the shortening of the open season, by the commission, has given
additional protection to the species, and we have every reason tcj
believe that the bear will be increased to a point where they will
continue to afford strenuous and exciting sport for those qualified to
pursue them.

The white-tailed deer, inost abundant of our big game animals,
are giving the Board its greatest concern at the present time. The
so-called "Buck Law" passed about twenty years ago, giving pro-
tection t«i the female deer, and young bucks without antlers, has
resulted in such an astounding reproduction of the species, that in
many sections of the Commonwealth today, deer are an actual
menace to the agriculturist, particularly the apple grower. The
tender twigs of young apple trees seem to be an irresistible delicacy
to these marauders and much damage has been done by them. There
is no effective and accurate way of determining this damage, and
for the Board to attempt to compensate for it by paytnent from
the game fund is out of the question. Various remedies are being
tried by the Board in the attempt to give relief to the farmers and
a solution will eventually be found. There is no doubt that the
female deer have increased bevond a reasonable limit and drastic

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

measures must be applied to their reduction. Nature has its own
severe methods of dealing with over-population, and it is not beyond
the bounds of probability that serious epidemics may develop within
our deer herds and deplete them, perhaps to extermination, unless
an artificial "thinning out" process is resorted to. With this in
mind, the commission decided to appoint certain expert hunters liv-
ing in the aflfected districts, as deputies, who were to work through-
out those sections where damage was most severe, and by shooting
out the principal offenders among the mature does, hoped not only
to prevent the depredations, but to restore a better biological con-
dition in the herd itself by a reduction of the herd and a balancing
of the sexes. This measure has to some extent been successful. The
commission also grants to farmers, in sections where damage is
severe, on due application, the right to shoot the animals when on
their cultivated lands, regardless of sex or season, and utilize the
carcass for food if so desired. Eight foot high, stout wire fencing
is also provided free of charge by the commission to those farmers
and orchardists who will agree to erect the fence at their own
expense. These fences are actually "deer proof" and when in place
furnish absolute protection and permanent insurance to growing
crops and orchards.

The largest big game animal in Pennsylvania is the elk, and it is
probably not generally known that a few of these stately creatures

Photograph by George Mlksch Sutton.

Fig. 9. A DEPOSED MONARCH RETURNS: WAPITI, OR ELK

TiiOugu *>apiti were extcrriiiiiaica jii ^clJJ^^>ivanIa half a century ago they

arc now holding their own in Elk County.

♦I

are legally killed by hunters in Pennsylvania each season. Elk were
restocked in Pennsylvania from 1913 to 1916 and since 1923 when
open hunting was permitted, the legal kill was as follows : 1923—23
elk, 1924—10 elk, 1925—6 elk, and 1926-9 elk. Only male animals
with four or more points to the antler may be legally killed. Propa-
gation among these animals has not been very extensive, but during
the summer of 1926, a number of calves were noted and it is possible
they may have started to breed successfully. It does not seem wise
to the Board at this time to do any further stocking of these animals,
as they are great travelers and the range is limited ; also their
depredations on growing crops are very severe. At present, they
seem to be limited to the most rugged and inaccessible sections of
the Commonwealth where it is to be hoped they will remain.

It seems fairly certain that under the Pennsylvania game refuge
system, as now developed and extended throughout the Common-
wealth, the supply of large game can be adequately maintained,
unless some unforeseen calamity such as an epidemic disease, or a
similar catastrophe develops. The status of the small game, how-
ever, is not so satisfactory, particularly the game birds.

Taking up the several species, let us first consider the ruffed
grouse, sometimes, though wrongly so, called the native pheasant.
This splendid little fellow is prized by every hunter, as the king of
American game birds. Swift on the wing, with a dodging, eccentric
flight, it requires a keen eye and a steady hand to bring down the
much-prized quarry. The grouse is an inhabitant of the hard-wood
ridges, and the dense hemlock growth along the streams, where its
favorite food of beech-nuts, acorns, wild grapes and thorn-apples
can be obtained, and shelter from the winter storms can be had.
The grouse is a hardy creature under normal conditions, but it has
many natural enemies, in addition to the toll taken by the sports-
men. The grouse lays a large clutch of eggs, but being a ground
nesting bird, the nests are frequently broken up by animal enemies,
such as skunks, weasels, snakes and foxes, and the adult birds caught
and destroyed by wild cats, horned owls, foxes, domestic cats run-
ning at large, and other game-destroying creatures.

In the fall and winter of 1926, Pennsylvania was invaded by an
army of goshawks coming down from the North. This invasion
was probably due to a scarcity of small game in northern Quebec
and Ontario, but whatever the cause, great damage was done to our
grouse population by this ruthless killer among birds. Over 600
specimens of goshawks were killed in various parts of Pennsylvania
that winter, according to our records, and many of these records
show that considerable damage to the local grmiQe supply had been
done by the individual goshawk before he was killed.

measures must be applied to their reduction. Nature has its own
severe methods of dealing with over-population, and it is not beyond
the bounds of probability that serious epidemics may develop within
our deer herds and deplete them, perhaps to extermination, unless
an artificial "thinning out" process is resorted to. With this in
mind, the commission decided to appoint certain expert hunters liv-
ing in the affected districts, as deputies, who were to work through-
out those sections where damage was most severe, and by shooting
out the principal offenders among the mature does, hoped not only
to prevent the depredations, but to restore a better biological con-
dition in the herd itself by a reduction of the herd and a balancing
of the sexes. This measure has to some extent been successful. The
commission also grants to farmers, in sections where damage is
severe, on due application, the right to shoot the animals when on
their cultivated lands, regardless of sex or season, and utilize the
carcass for food if so desired. Eight foot high, stout wire fencing
is also provided free of charge by the commission to those farmers
and orchardists who will agree to erect the fence at their own
expense. These fences are actually "deer proof" and when in place
furnish absolute protection and permanent insurance to growing
crops and orchards.

The largest big game animal in Pennsylvania is the elk, and it is
probably not generally known that a few of these statelv creatures

Photograph by George Miksch Sutton.

Fig. 9. A DErOSED MONARCH RETURNS: WAPITI, OR ELK

iiiwi-ij^.i t\ a^i^t ,,^,is. i^.it^. ..liniit^u iij J. cjujc^ > J > ctiJirt uan ct cciiiury ago they

are now holding their own in Elk County.

are legally killed by hunters in Pennsylvania each season. Elk were
restocked in Pennsylvania from 1913 to 1916 and since 1923 when
open hunting was permitted, the legal kill was as follows : 1923—23
elk, 1924-10 elk, 1925—6 elk, and 1926-9 elk. Only male animals
with four or more points to the antler may be legally killed. Propa-
gation among these animals has not been very extensive, but during
the summer of 1926, a number of calves were noted and it is possible
they may have started to breed successfully. It does not seem wise
to the Board at this time to do any further stocking of these animals,
as they are great travelers and the range is limited ; also their
depredations on growing crops are very severe. At present, they
seem to be limited to the most rugged and inaccessible sections of
the Commonwealth where it is to be hoped they will remain.

Taking up the several species, let us first consider the ruflfed
grouse, sometimes, though wrongly so, called the native pheasant.
This splendid little fellow is prized by every hunter, as the king of
American game birds. Swift on the wing, with a dodging, eccentric
flight, it requires a keen eye and a steady hand to bring down the
much-prized quarry. The grouse is an inhabitant of the hard-wood
ridges, and the dense hemlock growth along the streams, where its
favorite food of beech-nuts, acorns, wild grapes and thorn-apples
can be obtained, and shelter from the winter storms can be had.
The grouse is a hardy creature under normal conditions, but it has
many natural enemies, in addition to the toll taken by the sports-
men. The grouse lays a large clutch of eggs, but being a ground
nesting bird, the nests are frequently broken up by animal enemies,
such as skunks, weasels, snakes and foxes, and the adult birds caught
and destroyed by wild cats, horned owls, foxes, domestic cats run-
ning at large, and other game-destroying creatures.

In the fall and winter of 1926, Pennsylvania was invaded by an
army of goshawks coming down frf)m the North. This invasion
was probably due to a scarcity of small game in northern Quebec
and Ontario, but whatever the cause, great damage was done to our
grouse population by this ruthless killer among birds. Over 600
specimens of goshawks were killed in various parts of Pennsylvania
that winter, according to our records, and many of these records
show that considerable damage to the local grouse supply had been
done by the individual goshawk before he was killed.

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Fig. 10.

Photograph by Ralph B. Simpson.

NEST OF RUFFED GROUSE

One reason that game birds persist in spite of their many natural enemies

is that they lay large sets of eggs.

Dr. Allen of Cornell, who has been conducting a scientific study
of the grouse for the past several years, has already discovered some
16 different forms of intestinal and fungus disease to which the
species is subject. In consideration of all these facts, and due also
to the reports of our field men and interested sports-men which show
a really alarming scarcity of grouse, the commission is endeavoring
to throw every possible protection around this splendid game bird,
and every decent sportsman in the Commonwealth should refrain
from trying to make a "limit bag," even if he should be fortunate
enough to have the opportunity. We must remember that the
grouse once gone cannot be restocked, as can quail, ring-neck
pheasants and other game birds, for no successful means have as
yet been found for rearing him in captivity, and there is no market

creature of the wild, and must be given every encouragement, if

he is to be saved as an ornament and a delight in our Pennsylvania
forest.

The wild turkey is an inhabitant of some of our southern and
central counties, where high, well-timbered ranges oflfer suitable
conditions for the life habits of this magnificent bird. A closed
season on turkey in 1926 and encouraging reports from our trained
observers gave us reason to hope that the species is at least holding
its own, and a short open season was permitted in the fall of 1927.
In my opinion, however, we will have to extend our refuge areas
considerably, in those sections where turkey are found, in order to
provide adequate sanctuaries during the hunting season, if we are
to protect this bird permanently. The loss of the great stand of
chestnut timber all over Pennsylvania, due to the "chestnut blight,"
destroyed our best food supply for turkey, and grouse as well, and
in my opinion is one of the contributing factors to the depletion of
the supply of both these birds.

The bob-white quail, save in northeastern Pennsylvania, is fairly
plentiful. The original Pennsylvania stock of quail has probably
almost entirely disappeared, but due to heavy importations, and
stocking by the Board of Game Commissioners, of the Mexican
bob-white, the bird has been re-established in many sections of the
Commonwealth. Every encouragement should be given to this little

Photograph by Game Protector W. L. Wright.

Fig. 11. BOB-WHITES AT A FEEDING STATION

The winter feeding of game has been an important feature of Pennsylvania's

wild-life conservation program.

fine game-bird, he is one of the most useful creatures from a pest-

Photograph by Ralph B. Simpson.

Fig. 10. NEST OF RUFFED GROUSE

One reason that game birds persist in spite of their many natural enemies

is that they lay large sets of eggs.

Dr. Allen of Cornell, who has been conducting a scientific study
of the grouse for the past several years, has already discovered some
16 different forms of intestinal and fungus disease to which the
species is subject. In consideration of all these facts, and due also
to the reports of our field men and interested sportsmen which show
a really alarming scarcity of grouse, the commission is endeavoring
to throw every possible protection around this splendid game bird,
and every decent sportsman in the Commonwealth should refrain
from trying to make a "limit bag," even if he should be fortunate
enough to have the opportunity. We must remember that the
grouse once gone cannot be restocked, as can quail, ring-neck
pheasants and other game birds, for no successful means have as
yet been found for rearing him in captivity, and there is no market
where a supply is constantly availnl^le The grouse is truly a
creature of the wild, and must be given every encouragement, if

he is to be saved as an ornament and a delight in our Pennsylvania
forest.

The wild turkey is an inhabitant of some of our southern and
central counties, where high, well-timbered ranges ofifer suitable
conditions for the life habits of this magnificent bird. A closed
season on turkey in 1926 and encouraging reports from our trained
observers gave us reason to hope that the species is at least holding
its own, and a short open season was permitted in the fall of 1927.
In my opinion, however, we will have to extend our refuge areas
considerably, in those sections where turkey are found, in order to
provide adequate sanctuaries during the hunting season, if we are
to protect this bird permanently. The loss of the great stand of
chestnut timber all over Pennsylvania, due to the "chestnut blight,"
destroyed our best food supply for turkey, and grouse as well, and
in my opinion is one of the contributing factors to the depletion of
the supply of both these birds.

Photograph l).v Game Trotector W. L. Wright.

Fig. 11. BOB-WHITES AT A FEEDING STATION

The winter feeding of game has been an important feature of Pennsylvania's

wild-life conservation program.

chap both by spo»-^="ien and farmers, for in addition to being a
fine game-bird, he is one of the most useful creatures from a pest-

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

destroying point of view. Potato bugs and other crop-eating insects
in summer, and weed seeds in winter, are his "dish" and the sight
of his little crested head and the sound of his mellow whistle, are a
never ending joy to the nature lover.

The game birds described above are all what the ornithologists
call "permanent residents"; that is, they are native to our Pennsyl-
vania fields and forests and do not migrate during the winter or
summer months. Another class of game birds are the migrants,
which are seen only in transit as they pass through the Common-
wealth. In this classification should be grouped the ducks, geese
and brant, the shore-birds or waders and the woodcock. These birds
being migratory come under the scope of the federal game laws, as
well as thosfe of our own Commonwealth.

Under federal protection the ducks have increased greatly, owing
largely to the prohibition of spring shooting, and while we in Penn-
sylvania have comparatively little duck shooting, owing to lack of
large water areas suitable for feeding grounds, nevertheless some
ducks may be taken along our rivers and in the ponds and lakes of
our northeastern counties. The best ducking grounds in Pennsyl-
vania are probably in the vicinity of Erie and around Conneaut lake
near the Ohio line.

The woodcock, which is one of our most highly-prized game birds,
occurs in Pennsylvania chiefly as a migrant, although breeding birds
are frequently found in the low lands along our streams. This
species in the opinion of many conservationists is depleted to a very
dangerous point and should be given an entirely closed season under
the federal game laws, of from three to five years. The bird is
subject to the same enemy attacks as the grouse, but unlike the
grouse lays a very small clutch of eggs, usually only four in number.
The slaughter of woodcock in the Southern states during the winter
months has been simply disgraceful, and the protecting arm of the
federal government should intervene, to give this valuable species
a chance for rehabilitation.

The third class of game birds may be described as "imports" — that
is, species which are not native to Pennsylvania, but which have
been introduced to our coverts. The most familiar of these is
the ring-neck or English pheasant. The male l>ird is one of the
handsomest and most brilliantly colored birds to be seen anywhere.
1 shall never forget the sight I once had, of a cock-pheasant standing
in new-fallen snow, with the morning sun shining upon his gorgeous
plumage.

These birds have been heavily stocked by the Board of Game
Commissioners in suitable areas throughout the Commonwealth and
are showing a gratifying increase in number. In one Pennsylvania
county the ring-neck kill last fall was estimated at from 15 to 18

Photograph by Game Protector Joseph P. Kennedy*

Fig. 12. AN UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP: RING-
NECKED PHEASANT AND GAME PROTECTOR

Occasionally a wild bird which has been fed or cared
for regularly becomes remarkably tame.

thousand cocks and the game protector for that county informs me
that there is no apparent diminution of the birds. Female ring-
necks are protected under our game law, and as they can readily be
distinguished from the male bird, the hunter should find no difficulty
in obeying the law. The commission is now engaged in a special
study of the propagation of pheasants and this year will establish

destroying point of view. Potato bugs and other crop-eating insects
in summer, and weed seeds in winter, are his "dish" and the sight
of his Httle crested head and the sound of his mellow whistle, are a
never ending joy to the nature lover.

The third class of game birds may be described as "imports" — that
is, species which are not native to Pennsylvania, but which have
been introduced to our coverts. The most familiar of these is
the ring-neck or English pheasant. The male bird is one of the
handsomest and most brilliantly colored birds to be seen anywhere.
1 shall never forget the sight I once had, of a cock-pheasant standing
in new-fallen snow, with the morning sun shining upon his gorgeous
plumage.

4 »

Pbotograph by Game Protector Joseph P. Kennedy.

Fig. 12. AN UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP: RING-
NECKED PHEASANT AND GAME PROTECTOR

Occasionally a wild bird which has been fed or cared
for regularly becomes remarkably tame.

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

hatching and propagating plants at thirty-two of the thirty-six
State Refuges under the care of a special field officer assigned to
study and promote this work. Each plant will be under the per-
sonal charge of the refuge keeper where it is located, and excellent
results should follow. Splendid cooperation has been given the
Board of Game Commissioners by some of our sister states, par-
ticularly New York, and we have had full access to their records and
experience in this work.

The most recent "import" and a bird to which we are looking with
great hopes of successful propagation, is the Hungarian or gray
partridge. The Board of Game Commissioners in the past
three years has imported and released about 7,000 of these sturdy
little creatures, and we are receiving very encouraging reports as to
their having bred and raised coveys, in every section where they
have been stocked. This bird is about twice the size of a bob-white
quail, and somewhat resembles hi<m in shape and markings, although
lighter in coloration. He is very hardy, resists extreme cold weather
much better than the quail, and the hen bird lays a large clutch of
eggs, 15 to 20 not being unusual, so we are very sanguine as to the
future of this fine game bird. The Board expects to continue the
planting of this species until the birds are thoroughly established,
but in the meantime it must be remembered that the Hungarian
partridge is under absolute protection at all times.

SMALL GAME ANIMALS

The universal game animal in Pennsylvania is the rabbit, of which
we have two species, the common gray rabbit or "cotton-tail," and
the varying hare, "snowshoe" or "swamp rabbit." This latter variety
limits his habitat usually to elevations of 1,500 feet or more, and
is found in or around such high mountain swamp areas as are found
throughout the northern part of the Commonwealth. He is a hand-
some fellow, brownish gray in summer, changing his coat to white
in winter (hence his name Varying Hare), and also has the peculiar
property in winter of growing stiff bristles between his toes, which
act as a pad or snowshoe and enable him to traverse the heavy
snows of his habitat.

The common rabbit is familiar to every boy who has been in the
country and affords sport to hundreds of thousands of hunters every
year. Very prolific and well adapted to thrive under adverse condi-
tions, the .rabbit is none the less subject to occasional epidemic
disease, and we frequently receive reports of great scarcity of rabbits
in certain sections where they are usually plentiful. Apparently this
present year is a "good'' rabbit year, as they have been reported
abundant everywhere in the Commonwealth.

PhotoKraph by DiTision Supervigor Frank A. Myen.

Fig. 13. VARYING HARE OR SNOWSHOE RABBIT

This mammal changes his coat during winter to match his
snowy surroundings. He is gray during summer.

The squirrel, too, is a familiar acquaintance to nearly everyone,
and is the favorite game of the country boy, beginning his career
as a sportsman. We have in Pennsylvania four kinds of squirrels,
but only three species. I am, of course, not referring here to the
little ground squirrel or "chipmunk," which is not a game animal at
all, but a friendly and amusing little chap who can readily be tamed
and who becomes a most interesting acquaintance. The squirrels
classed as game are the gray, the black, the red, and the fox squirrel.
The gray and black squirrel are the same species, the difference being
only a matter of color phase. In eastern and southern Pennsylvania
the black squirrel is almost unknown but in north central and locally
in western Pennsylvania the black phase is common and quite often
predominates in many localities. The Red or Pine squirrel is rather
a nuisance as he is a confirmed nest robber, and very destructive to the
eggs and young of valuable birds. For this reason the open season
on this enterprising gentleman is quite long and he may be legally
shot from November 1st to August 15th of the following year.

The fox squirrel is the largest member of the squirrel family, and
is, unfortunately, practically confined in his habitat to the western
part of the Commonwealth. He is a large, handsome, reddish gray
fellow, with a relatively small head, and is an excellent game animal.

The Raccoon is one of the most valuable and interesting forms of
wild life, but unless we watch our step, intercollegiate football will
have signed his death warrant. The demand for raccoon fur to make
coats for our "Flaming Youth" has decimated the ranks of "The little

The most recent "import" and a bird to which we are looking with
great hopes of successful propagation, is the Hungarian or gray
partridge. The Board of Game Commissioners in the past
three years has imported and released about 7,000 of these sturdy
little creatures, and we are receiving very encouraging reports as to
their having bred and raised coveys, in every section where they
have been stocked. This bird is about twice the size of a bob-white
quail, and somewhat resembles him in shape and markings, although
lighter in coloration. He is very hardy, resists extreme cold weather
much better than the quail, and the hen bird lays a large clutch of
eggs, 15 to 20 not being unusual, so we are very sanguine as to the
future of this fine game bird. The Board expects to continue the
planting of this species until the birds are thoroughly established,
but in the meantime it must be remembered that the Hungarian
partridge is under absolute protection at all times.

SMALL GAME ANIMALS

The universal game animal in Pennsylvania is the rabbit, (>i which
we have two species, the common gray rabbit or "cotton-tail," and
the varying hare, **snowsh(^e" or "swamp rabbit." This latter variety
limits his habitat usually to elevations of 1,500 feet or more, and
is found in or around such high mountain swamp areas as are found
throughout the northern part of the Commonwealth. He is a hand-
some fellow, brownish gray in summer, changing his coat to white
in winter (hence his name Varying Hare), and also has the peculiar
property in winter of growing stiflF bristles between his toes, which
act as a pad or snowshoe and enable him to traverse the heavy
snows of his habitat.

The common rabbit is familiar to every boy who ha? been in the
country and affords sport to hundreds of thousands of hunters every
year. Very prolific and well adapted to thrive under adverse condi-
tions, the .rabbit is none the less subject to occasional epidemic
disease, and we frequently receive reports of great scarcity of rabbits
in certain sections where they are usually plentiful. Apparently this
present year is a '*good'' rabbit year, as they have been reported
abundant everywhere in the Commonwealth.

Photograph by Division Supervisor Fraiilc A. Myers.

Fig. 13. VARYING HARE OR SNOWSHOE RABBIT

This mammal changes his coat during winter to match his
snowy surroundings. He is gray during summer.

The Raccoon is one of the most valuable and interesting forms of
wild life, but unless we wMtch our step, intercollegiate football will
have signed his death warrant. The demand for raccoon fur to make
coats for our "Flaming Youth" has decimated the ranks of *'The little

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Photograph by DivlBlon SaperTlsor W. C. Kelly.

Fig. 14. A COMICAL CREATURE VERY POPU-
LAR AMONG PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS-
MEN: RACCOON

Brother of the Bear" as the Indians once called him, and a halt
should be called on intensive trapping and hunting, until the "coon"
has a chance to come back.

I must close, I regret to say, on a note of alarm. Last winter the
supply of natural wild-life food throughout the Commonwealth was
very low. Due to the chestnut blight and to the severe late frosts
of the preceding spring, the crop of nuts, acorns, and wild grapes
was almost entirely a failure. Berries and thorn apples were scarce
and had been consumed by game long before mid-winter. In certain
sections where deer were numerous food which is not ordinarily
eaten until mid-winter had been consumed before Christmas. While

food problems of game are usually less severe during the summer,
there is a possibility of recurrence of food shortage during coming
winters. The Board of Game Commissioners proposes, therefore,
a continuous and intensive campaign of artificial winter feeding in
the hope that we may offset, partially at least, adverse conditions
which prevail during the cold months. To this end we invite the
closest cooperation of all interested. Particularly do we ask the
help of organized sportmen's associations, Boy and Girl Scout troops.

Fig. 15. HOME OF MANY SPECIES OF SMALL GAME: A BRUSH-
LINED FENCE-ROW

Preservation of natural cover is a most important
part of game management.

rural mail carriers, bird clubs, and nature study societies, as well as
individual farmers and sulnirban dwellers. Anyone "hiking" to the
winter woods and fields can have a part in this most useful work.
Even a pocketful of grain (buckwheat or cracked corn) or a few
cobs of corn on the ear, may save the life of a rabbit, grouse or pheas-
ant. Pennsylvania's beneficial wild life, through its custodian and
spokesman, the Board of Game Commissioners, asks your help dur-
ing the coming seasons of hardship.

Scranton, Pennsylvania.
July 25. 1928

END OF NUMBER

' ♦

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Full text of "Bulletin (Pennsylvania Game Commision), no. 10"

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