42 MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



laws and to cooperate in every way with public officers charged with their 

 enforcement. 



Unfortunately, those familiar with the problem have observed a definite 

 disposition on the part of some citizens, and even some officials, to avoid this 

 duty. These few seem to think that the laws do not apply to them and with 

 complete disregard of the rights of others feel no restraint in breaking down 

 the orderly processes of government. 



Good citizens cannot sympathize with the "sportsman" who inexcusably 

 refuses to pay his fair share by first buying a license, who wilfully ignores 

 the closed season laws and deliberately exceeds his bag limit. 



Yet too often such a fellow finds influential and venal sympathizers who, 

 regardless of the detrimental effect their activities in a particular case may 

 have on the general morale, exert every effort to help him avoid his just 

 punishment and defeat the purposes of the law. 



Far too frequently county attorneys succumb to the importunities of their 

 political supporters and either refuse entirely to prosecute the miscreant or 

 assume an attitude of indifference that brings the law into disrepute. Again, 

 it is not uncommon for justices of the peace to take the law into their own 

 hands and often, when the culprit pleads guilty, impose a minimum fine and 

 without any legal authority suspend its payment. 



Such practices are subversive of good government and give basis for the 

 argument that local governments have so badly broken down and disinte- 

 grated that only the strong arm of the federal government has strength enough 

 to cope with the problem. 



Every citizen worthy of the name knows it is his duty to obey every 

 valid law. Every public officer, every peace officer, county attorney and justice 

 of the peace has taken a solemn oath to enforce the fish and game laws 

 honestly and fearlessly. Every sportsman knows that there can be no dis- 

 puting about the duty of the state to regulate and protect fish and game 

 and all are agreed that political considerations do not warrant any deflec- 

 tion from that policy. 



It is in this matter of law enforcement, particularly at this time, that 

 every true sportsman and every active Rod and Gun club can render effective 

 service. Let all frown upon any attempt to evade the law and cooperate whole- 

 heartedly with the game wardens who are simply doing their duty for the 

 benefit of all the people. 



