100 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



Modoc and I'liimas. Tlie remnant whieli survived were fed by our war- 

 dens. Happily tliey have now increased in their former numbers. 



Valley Quail. 



L'erlaiuation is diminishing the area where quail find food and shelter 

 and consequently they are perhaps decreasing, except in lor-alities where 

 they are protected at all times by the vineyardist or orehardist, or where 

 they are not subjected to intensive hunting. However, this grand bird 

 is reported by our district wardens as being fairly numerous. 



Doves. 



After the United States Dei)ai'tnu'iit of Agriculture assumed control 

 of migratory birds and established an open season for shooting doves 

 commencing September 1, dove shooters predicted it would practically 

 bar them from shooting this bird. However, this has not proven true. 

 Doves were noticeably plentiful in the Northern District on Sep- 

 tember 1. IMany limit bags were made on fully grown, strong flying 

 birds. If this season prevails for a few years, allowing doves to rear 

 their full quota of young, they will be as abundant in September and 

 October as they are in July and August. 



Grouse, Sage hens. 



These birds likewdse have benefitted by the minimum of snowfall for 

 the last few years, and are reported fairly numerous in some districts. 

 In Lassen and Modoc Counties, sage hens are notably abundant. It is 

 to be regretted that the California law on these birds does not conform 

 with the Oregon and Nevada laws, which place the open season from 

 July 15 to August 15. By this date the birds become so strong with 

 sage, Avhich renders them not fit for table use, that California residents 

 feel they are disr-riminated against and consequently blame the Com- 

 mission. 



Ducks, Geese. 



The last three or four years of drought in California have been of in- 

 estimable benefit to wild waterfowl, inasnuu-li as the lack of water in 

 the usually overflowed areas of the great San Joaquin and Sacramento 

 valleys has driven these birds to the extreme southern portion of the 

 United States and Mexico, where water conditions were more favorable 

 and where these birds are immune from the great army of California 

 hunters. 



Fur-bearing Mammals. 



The business of trapping fur-bearing mammals has grown by leaps 

 and bounds in this district. The law protecting them until the furs are 



