PUBLIC DOCUMENT -- No. IV). 17 



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COMMISSIONERS ON FISHERIES AND GAME. 



William C. Adams, 



George H. Graham, Season Of 1916 and 1917. 



Arthur L. Millett, 



Commissioners. 



V 



To the Sportsmen: 



The season is at hand during which the shooting of most of the game birds and animals of the 

 State is lawful. Before you start on your fall hunting trips, we wish you to consider the following 

 propositions: 



THE LANDOWNER AND THE SPORTSMAN. 



Title to the wild life is vested in the State or the Nation (depending on the species), but 

 whether or not you will be permitted to hunt on most of the land in the State rests with the 

 landowners. Your hunter's license does not give you the right to go on any man's land against 

 his wish. It is, therefore, squarely up to you to decide whether your actions will encourage the 

 landowners to refrain from posting, or whether, by reason of acts of vandalism and thoughtless- 

 ness (to say nothing of negligence on your part), the landowners in self -protection will be com- 

 pelled to keep you off. 



If your record is good, what will you do this year to force guilty persons to understand that 

 they are threatening the existence of your sport? We believe the landowners will meet you more 

 than half way, and will not go to the expense of posting, and suffer the loss of time patrolling, 

 unless you drive them to it. 



It is up to the 75,000 hunters in the State to act as field agents for the landowners, to assist in 

 prosecuting any violations of property rights, and to see to it that the country isjeft in better 

 condition than they found it. 



WILD LIFE FUTURE OF THE SPORT. 



It is elementary that the destruction of more wild life each year than comes into existence 

 means rapid and complete extermination. Your slogan should be, put back two for every 

 one taken. To do this kill vermin, feed the birds in the winter, observe reasonable bag limits, 

 and assist in artificial propagation. If you are in doubt as to what to do, write to us. 



Every sportsman should be equally interested in preserving the insectivorous birds. They 

 are of untold value to the land. This is one positive way to help the man over whose land you 

 hunt each year. 



GAME LAWS AND DEPUTIES. 



The game laws were enacted for your benefit, and restrict the taking of wild life to make pos- 

 sible your slogan of putting back two for every one taken out (and this applied equally to birds, 

 quadrupeds and fish). Their violation means a greater loss. to you than to others because this 

 is your sport. 



The deputy is working for your interest. His district covers about 415 square miles. If he 

 covers a square mile to-day, it may take him over a year to get around to it again. He is your 

 servant, but will appreciate your help. His interests should be your interests. He has dedicated 

 his life to assist in establishing the improved conditions of sport which you desire. A good many 

 hunters think that violating the fish and game laws and getting away with it is part of the game. 

 The more you think this over, we believe the less willing you will be to subscribe to this doctrine. 



FIELD DEPORTMENT. 



Don't shoot until you clearly see your game, and not even then unless you have your partner 

 located. Stop if some building is in line with your shot. The only safe gun is the one apart in 

 your case. You can't be too careful with it at any other time. Give your partner a few of the 

 shots. Don't try for a "hundred per cent."; the man never lived who could do it day in and 

 day out. Give your dog a square deal, and if you have neglected him for eleven months, don't 

 expect him to be a finished hunter and going strong at the end of the first day. 



FOREST FIRES. 



Every square mile burned over means a great loss to the landowner who from now on you 

 are going to protect. It means less shooting ground for you and less breeding ground for game. 

 Report a fire to the nearest town forest w-arden. Help fight it. Break your match in two before 

 you throw it aw-ay. 



THINK THIS OVER. 



When you gather in camp on the "night before," or compare notes at the end of the.8 

 the above propositions sink in. Our desire is to make the good old Commonwealthyfib: 

 more attractive to live in every year, and among other things to increase and perpJij 

 sport. We shall always be glad to hear from you on the problems involved, an$ we 

 good luck and wholesome recreation when you go hunting. 



Commissioners on Fisheri 



V 



