THIRTY-SECOND BIENNIAL REPORT 21 



The 1931 fire season proved a disastrous one for California's 

 timbered areas and in the emergency many of our wardens were 

 detailed for temporary duty in the forests to assist the State Depart- 

 ment of Forestry in their important work. The greater portion of 

 our men who work in forest areas carry with them during the fire 

 season as part of their regular equipment portable knapsack pumps 

 which have proven very satisfactory in controlling small fires. 



A recent decision by the Attorney General to the effect that game 

 wardens as such were not authorized by law to use sirens or red lights 

 on their automobiles has handicapped our work to a considerable extent, 

 particularly in cases where violators are killing game for commercial 

 purposes. It is dangerous to attempt to halt automobiles without the 

 use of a siren or red lights, and it is recommended that the present 

 statute covering the use of sirens, be changed to include game wardens 

 in addition to those already privileged. 



For a long time sportsmen have looked upon fish and game laws 

 as something to make hunting and fishing more difficult, and the game 

 warden an officer to be outwitted if possible. As a matter of fact the 

 game warden is the friend of the sportsman, and since he moves about 

 a great deal over his territory he knows game conditions and is glad 

 to give sportsmen such information. While the conservation of game 

 is the warden's main interest, his duties are manifold. He plants fish, 

 rescues them in times of low waters where necessary, feeds deer and 

 quail during severe weather conditions and exterminates predatory 

 animals in his territory. In desert areas many of our men have 

 developed small water supplies to assist bird life. 



Our wardens are instructed to remember that all law enforcement 

 should be with good judgment and that there is a great difference 

 between technical and intentional violations. Arrests for technical 

 offenses only breed a spirit of discontent and make wilful violators 

 instead of friends for conservation. As one of our most successful 

 wardens, long in the service, has said, "The hardest thing is to know 

 when NOT to make an arrest." 



Volunteer wardens have rendered valuable assistance, both directly 

 and indirectly. A separate report on their activities is submitted by 

 the captain in charge. 



