CHAPTER XXVIII. 

 The Passing of the Fur Bearer. 



ELL, boys, I suppose you are well pleased with the bounty 

 law in this state, (Pennsylvania) as it now is? While 

 it is doubtful if I shall ever again be able to follow 

 the trap line, I am nevertheless as much, and perhaps 

 more, interested in the welfare of the trapper, than when I was 

 able to follow a line of traps. 



I am inclined to think that the present bounty law (1907) will 

 not only be a damage to the trapper but also to the state. People 

 who never thought of trapping before are now preparing to trap, 

 and some are already at it, and their cry is, Bounty ! Bounty ! It 

 reminds me of John Chinaman when gold was discovered at Crip- 

 ple Creek, Colorado. All John could say in his rush for gold, was 

 Cripple Creek, Cripple Creek ! Fortunately the greater part of this 

 class of trappers will catch but few of the shyer animals (and 

 the best fur bearers). 



It was the Game Clubs that asked for and received the Bounty 

 Law. Now if the bird hunter will leave his trained bird dog at 

 home, and walk up to the birds he shoots, he will get plenty of 

 exercise, and the game birds will soon be more plentiful but I 

 suppose this would not be sportsmanlike. 



I am well acquainted with a man who is a member of a Game 

 Club; also a game warden. A neighbor of mine who is a good 

 trapper was visiting me a few days ago and he told me of a little 

 matter that took place between the game warden and sportsman 

 in question, and himself. My neighbor said that he was at the 

 place of business of the Game Warden , and he said to my 

 neighbor, "There are three traps you can have for I have no use 

 for them. My dog got in one of them, and I brought the things 

 home with me. I should have thrown them in the river." 



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