274: THE IMPORTANCE OF BIRD LIFE 



water-fowl and shorebirds during their spring 

 migration, the open seasons for these birds have 

 been cut virtually in half, with a resulting large in- 

 crease in their numbers and better shooting in the 

 autumn. 



But many States still have a long way to go in 

 shortening seasons for their game-birds, if their 

 sportsmen are to have any shooting twenty years 

 hence. For instance, while most Southern States 

 permit the shooting of wild turkey-gobblers only, 

 the period allowed for killing them extends on an 

 average over four months. The same applies to 

 quail and doves. This prolongation of slaughter 

 can only result in one end, extermination. On 

 the other hand, such States as Tennessee, Texas, 

 and one or two others, all well-stocked with native 

 game-birds, have so shortened their open seasons 

 that the presence of game is assured for all time. 



The second provision of the common code is in 

 one respect universally adhered to by all States. 

 Game-birds can nowhere be taken in any other 

 manner than by the use of a shot-gun or rifle held 

 at arm's-length. The birds are thus assured a 

 chance of escape which was wholly lacking in the 

 days of great punt-guns and many-barreled float- 

 ing batteries. The use of nets, traps, and power- 

 boats is also universally discountenanced. It is 

 unlawful in some States to carry a loaded gun in 

 an automobile, in others it is forbidden to shoot 

 from the highway or to employ a search-light for 



