THE XATIOXAL FORESTS 153 



Thirdl}', it means that the Forest Service is directl}' interested in 

 the system of differential State Hcenses as a regulator of the tide of 

 hunters. Some well-intentioned sportsmen are advocating a flat license 

 fee, applicable to residents and non-residents alike. They say it is not 

 justice to discriminate between American citizens, especially as regards 

 federally regulated migratory birds and federally owned National For- 

 ests. As a matter of fact, a non-resident license is not only justice, but 

 common sense. It is a surtax on the man who can afiford to travel out 

 of his own State in search of hunting — that is, a surtax on the well-to- 

 do. From the standpoint of the Forest Service, it is also plain self- 

 preservation. A flat license at the present time would turn a flood of 

 hunters into the Forests, under which our game in its present unpro- 

 ductive condition would simply collapse. 



Fourthly, it means that as a fire hazard the National Forest hunter 

 will occupy a position of increasing importance. This, of course, is no 

 reason against developing the production of game, but rather a reason 

 for better fire plans and more effective educational work among 

 hunters. In any State without a live sportsmen's association, it would 

 well repay the Forest Service to go out and organize one for this pur- 

 pose alone. In New Mexico, for instance, the State Game Protective 

 Association, organized largel}- by the Forest Service, will next fall 

 paste on every box of shells sold in the State propaganda for care with 

 fire and observance of the game laws. 



Fifthly, it means that in those few places where game actually inter- 

 feres with live stock, the question of meeting the future growth of 

 demand for hunting must be intelligently considered in applying the 

 principle of highest use. This by no means implies a wholesale exclu- 

 sion of stock ; on the contrary, it will generally mean that reliance will 

 be had on species which do not interfere with stock, the production of 

 which may be expanded without injury to other interests, and the rele- 

 gation of troublesome species, such as elk. to National Parks and other 

 regions where they can do no harm. 



Sixthly, it means that it will be more than ever good business for the 

 Forest Service to develop species on which it has a practical monopoly. 

 These will prove especially attractive to hunters who will come from a 

 distance. The mountain-sheep, the white goat, the ptarmigan, the Co- 

 lumbian blacktail. the wild turkey, the javelina, the fantail. the Crook's 

 deer — all these will be worth ten times their weight in ordinary venison 

 to the hunter from Iowa or Kansas who will come to seek respite from 

 "No hunting, under penalty of the law." 



