258 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



until its extinction was practically assured, while in states in which ade- 

 quate legislation has been enacted, open seasons, too large bag limits and 

 inadequate enforcement of the laws have produced their inevitable effect. 

 Nothing short of a closed season for a term of years will turn the tide 

 and save this noble bird from extinction." 



We will hear some talk to the effect that legislation will not prevent 

 their extermination; that they will inevitably disappear with the develop 

 ment of the country, and the severe winters will reduce them, all of 

 which is likely to be quite true. But it should not (preclude us from 

 making a vigorous effort to prolong their existence, rather than to aid 

 in hastening their going. We must remember too, that the quail was an 

 abundant bird at one time, if we accept the reports of the pioneers, 

 when the winters were certainly no milder than they are now. The 

 only difference is that the bird could maintain itself against the vicis- 

 situdes of nature, but not against nature and man combined. 



Whatever will be Iowa's solution of this question, we each now bear 

 a measure of responsibility. Of all the non-migratory birds not already 

 exterminated within our state boundaries, the quail and the prairie 

 chicken are the nearest to this end, are subjected to the greatest perse- 

 cution, and are receiving the least legal protection. 



Since the last meeting of this organization, a little over a year ago. 

 the state legislature has held its thirty-sixth session. Very little legisla- 

 tion was enacted which effected the game laws. 



The bag limit on quail and prairie chicken was reduced to 15 and 8 

 'birds a day, respectively. This was a step in the right direction, and it 

 indicates a realization on the part of the fish and game department that 

 these species are in need of some special consideration, I do not believe, 

 however, that these bag limits will save the birds from extermination. 

 Nothing but an absolute closed season for a term of years is likely to 

 be of avail. 



It is rather difficult to understand why those who are interested should 

 cling so tenaciously to the small amount of quail and chicken hunting. 



It is argued by the state game warden in his last report that to close 

 the season on quail would reduce the income of the game department 

 by at least $30,000. This assumes that there are 30,000 licenses sold for 

 quaiil and chicken shooting, which would be a third of all the licenses 

 issued in the state. This would be a point difficult to prove or disprove, 

 but it seems to me that the number mentioned must be much over-esti- 

 mated. 



It is quite certain that hunting is going to decrease with the diminu 

 tion of the game. There is no uncertainty as to the diminution of game 

 under the present laws. We must expect, therefore, that the present ar- 

 rangement will gradually bring about a reduction of income from the 

 sale of hunting licenses. The game department is concerned as to 

 whether the income will be sufficient to run the department. 



There are several possible solutions to this problem. First, we may 

 so protect our game, and regulate the killing of it, that it may perpetuate 

 itself indefinitely. Secondly, we may let the native game go its way 

 to extermination, under existing laws, and depend upon imported game. 



