106 WILD LIFE CONSERVATION 



forests around that city. Accordingly they went 

 to the Adirondacks, procured seven female and six 

 male white-tailed deer, took them to a forest six 

 miles from Rutland and set them free. 



Those deer took kindly to their new home, per- 

 sisted and proceeded to stock the state. None were 

 killed, save a few that were shot contrary to law, 

 for twenty-two years. 



In 1897, it was decided that Vermont's deer had 

 become sufficiently numerous and well established 

 so that deer-hunting might then begin; but on bucks 

 only. In that year 150 head were killed, and during 

 the next three years, about the same number were 

 taken annually. In 1901, 211 were killed; in 1902, 

 561; in 1905, 791; in 1907, 1,600; in 1908, 2,208, 

 and in 1909, the grand total was 5,261. For the 

 year last mentioned, 1909, the average weight of the 

 deer killed was 155 pounds each, which for some 

 reason was far below all preceding years, and sug- 

 gests an error. The total weight of venison taken 

 was 716,358 pounds. Computed at the lowest 

 reasonable valuation, twelve cents per pound, the 

 total value for 1909 would be $85,962. 



At this point another factor presents itself for 

 consideration, and that is the damage inflicted by 

 deer upon farm crops. Fortunately for our pur- 

 pose, Vermont has furnished the answer to that 

 question, even before it is asked. 



In Vermont, the deer that now roam all over the 

 state frequently visit farms and gardens and feed 



