68 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 



composed of the practical, sensible fanner or workman. In no sense 

 are they preserve clubs. The members usually fish in jiublic waters 

 and hunt in most cases upon the public lands. They are always ready 

 and willing to do their full share of the work of hauling fish to stock 

 the streams in their vicinity, and by their interest and example encour- 

 age a more general observance of the law. 



To H. T. Payne, one of our regular deputies, has been assigned the 

 work of assisting these organizations in carrying out their aims, which 

 has kept him constantly traveling throughout the length and breadth of 

 the State. 



GAME WARDENS. 



Many Boards of Supervisors consider the appointment of a game 

 warden a waste of money, a useless expenditure of county funds, and 

 the conclusion is not surprising, considering the service that is often 

 rendered. On the other hand, the i)roper sort of material for a good 

 officer can not be found for the small salary attached to the office 

 under the provisions of the present County Fish and Game \\'arden 

 Act. 



In our oi)inion that Act should be amended in several important 

 particulars. First, the compensation should be sufficient to induce 

 good men to seek the office. Second, the Boards of Supervisors should 

 have the right to appoint a warden at any time and for as long a period 

 not to exceed two years, as in tlicir judgment good services could be 

 rendered. In many counties we believe this would result in men being 

 appointed for shorter terms, with liberal compensation during the 

 seasons of the year such services are most needed. If the fitness of' the 

 individual is considered and political influence is made "a secondary 

 matter, the chances are largely in favor of finding a competent and 

 faithful officer. 



We further believe that the appointment of game wardens should be 

 mandatory and not optional, and if the present restrictions are removed 

 and more discretion vested in the Boards of Supervisors, excellent 

 results would follow. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The only recommendation calling for an additional appropriation is 

 made in the interest of game, to permit us to increase our force of regu- 

 lar deputies by four. The amount necessary is the modest sum of 

 $5,000 per annum, or $10,000 for two years, which would make a total 

 of $12,500, the same amount tliat is allowed for the support and mainte- 

 nance of hatcheries. 



We would recommend the following amendments to the game laws: 

 Amend Section 626'^ by including ''any swan or any imported quail." 



