American Big Game in its Haunts 



deer were being killed by the wagonloadi The 

 same is true of the pronghorn antelope in the 

 Laramie Plains district. The most forceful argu- 

 ment against this form of destruction is that it is 

 extremely short-lived and benefits comparatively 

 few people. This argument is now enforced by 

 law and by public sentiment in Maine and New 

 York, where the wild animals, both deer and 

 moose, are actually increasing in number. 



Granted, therefore, that we have both National 

 and State sentiment, and that National legislation 

 by co-operation with the States, if properly under- 

 stood, would receive popular support, the carrying 

 out of this legislation and making it fully effective 

 will be a difficult matter. 



It can be done, and, in my judgment, by two 

 measures. The first is entirely familiar to you: 

 certain or all of the forest reserves must be made 

 animal preserves ; the forest rangers must be made 

 game wardens, or special wardens must be ap- 

 pointed. This is not so difficult, because the 

 necessary machinery is already at hand, and only 

 requires adaptation to this new purpose. It can 

 probably be carried through by patience and good 

 judgment. Second, the matter of the preservation 

 of the winter supply of food and protection of ani- 

 mals while enjoying this supply is the most difficult 



370 



