REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS 7 



one to be used as a meeting room for the Board, a separate room for the 

 stenographer, to be used also for files, stationery supplies, etc., and a 

 third for the use of deputies, and to receive those having business with 

 the office. When a change is made from our present quarters we shall 

 endeavor to carry out this plan. 



We are pleased to report satisfactory results from the amendments 

 that were introduced at the last session of the Legislature, and which 

 became laws with your approval. The amendment that reduced the 

 bag limit on doves from fifty to twenty-five and placed them on the 

 non-sale list has met with universal approval. 



The entire family of shore birds (LimirnJae) were added to the non- 

 sale list. This restriction, with the establishment of a close season of 

 eight months (making an open season that runs concurrent with the 

 duck law), is working very satisfactorily; in fact, we see no reason for 

 change in seasons, except as to doves. In many states of the Union 

 the dove is not allowed to be killed at any time, and it is unquestionably 

 a fact that, under the present law, which permits their killing on the 

 1st of July, thousands of nestlings and breeding birds are cruelly 

 destroyed. There is a strong sentiment, notably in the southern section 

 of the State, that the dove be protected at all times; in other words, 

 added to the list of non-game birds. Undoubtedly the long open season, 

 the excessive bag limit, and sale in the markets were responsible for the 

 large decrease in their numbers. The recommendation we offer now is, 

 that the date of the open season be changed from July 1st to July 15th, 

 and extend to October 15th — making a season of three months. Con- 

 sidering the subject from a humane standpoint, and the fact that the 

 dove is really a friend of the horticulturist, as it lives largely on the 

 seed of noxious weeds, are in our opinion sufficient reasons why a shorter 

 season and greater protection should be given this bird. 



With respect to the present deer law, we find that in those sections of 

 the State where the conditions are at all favorable, deer have shown a 

 decided increase. In the southern portion, where forest fires have 

 denuded the mountains and where the increase in population has been 

 extraordinary, deer are very scarce; in fact, almost exterminated. 

 Some urge that a close season for a term of years be established. With 

 that contention we do not agree, as the present restrictions are. in our 

 judgment, ample. It is not reasonable to expect that in the more 

 densely settled counties game can show an increase. Civilization and 

 wild game can not increase in an equal ratio; in fact, the converse is 

 true: the greater the increase in population, in that same ratio will 

 there be shown a decrease of wild game. 



In some quarters there is a desire to divide the State into fish and 

 game districts. Other states that have tried the experiment have gone 

 back to a general State law. The Federal Department of Game Preser- 



