77 



like, in the case of wild rice, the seed matures up and down the 

 stem over a long period of time, so there is no way of telling as to 

 maturity. 



Mr. Manning. Correct. 



Mr. Vento. This is not all ripe at the same time. See, we do 

 know a little bit about this. 



Mr. Chairman, I just want to add — I have to go, but I just want 

 to say that I appreciate them bringing forth these particular ques- 

 tions. These are not easy questions. But I do think that the bottom 

 line is that whether you happen to be a State senator, representa- 

 tive or whatever it is that we are subject to the same laws as ev- 

 erybody else. 



The Chairman. And nobody is arguing that point, but this law 

 is a rotten law, and v/e are going to change this law. It is that sim- 

 ple. 



Mr. Vento. Or the regulation. 



The Chairman. You just said a law; I am mimicking you; but 

 this regulation. 



Mr. Vento. I do not want to confuse you. 



The Chairman. This regulation has been put into place, and as 

 I say, this is not the first time this has happened, and we will look 

 at these cases individually, but this is going to change. I have told 

 the Fish and Wildlife Service; they have got an opportunity; if they 

 do not do it, I am going to do it. It is the wrong way to do this. 



And by the way: may I suggest one thing? Scientists — and you 

 are a biologist — will show you that it makes no difference whether 

 the milo is cut in the field or not cut in the field. The fact is that 

 the mallard duck will do better in an uncut field. But if it is cut, 

 you can be cited for baiting. Now, I mean, wait a minute, guys; 

 there is something wrong. This law is not clear, and it is up to the 

 agency. 



Mr. Vento. If we spend as much time as those scientists do in 

 terms of making that determination, we will see where we come 

 out. I mean, I am just not so certain because there is a difference 

 of opinion here that we need to come down on the side of those fac- 

 tors that make it more difficult to administer and implement laws 

 regarding baiting. 



The Chairman. No, I know you have to go, but even the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service says it has to be changed. Now, Mr. Streeter does 

 not want to change it; some other people do not want to change it; 

 they like this hammer. 



Mr. Vento. I do not know that they said they did not want to 

 change it. I think that it does complicate the ability to enforce the 

 law. I mean, this case in Illinois is not one — I mean, this is 50 

 yards around the entire line. This is not just an accident that it 

 is occurring there. 



The Chairman. Well, anyway, this gentleman is in charge of en- 

 forcing the law, and he knows a little more about it, I think, than 

 the gentleman, although he is a congressman, knows about it, and 

 I think we ought to listen to these people and their advice. 



Mr. Vento. I appreciate it. 



The Chairman. All right; I have no further questions. Does any- 

 one have any comment? I did not see you come in. I am sorry. The 

 gentlelady from Idaho, please. 



