70 Reminiscences of 



under the present commissioners who were appointed 

 by the State, and who continue still in office. 



Let us consider the benefits of protecting-game 

 laws in a region where they have been of notable 

 and conspicuous effect — more so, perhaps, than else- 

 where in the United States; in an extensive region 

 where a fair trial has been made, and where an op- 

 position has constantly appeared, though of late 

 much diminished, since the advantages of protec- 

 tion have become more apparent. A large increase 

 of deer is now clearly shown in Maine, as well as 

 moose, now appearing in districts from which they 

 had become almost exterminated. 



Especially in the department of fisheries have the 

 advantages of protection been shown by the pro- 

 hibition of winter fishing, and the limitation of the 

 open season. These fish laws particularly have been 

 in force against much opposition, from the objective 

 element of the State, and this objective disposition 

 is ever present more or less in all restricted districts 

 from the unthinking and often reckless element. 

 Such opposition comes largely from those who in 

 reality have but little at stake. 



The State of Maine can be cited conspicuously as 

 one where efficient game protection has resulted in 

 great gain, for the material benefit, not only for the 

 State in its income derived from licenses, and money 

 expended within its borders by visitors, but for the 

 sportsmen who regularly frequent the lakes and 

 rivers for fishing and the forests for hunting. It is 

 estimated that from ten to fifteen millions of dollars 

 per annum are expended directly and indirectly in 

 the State by visitors who are attracted by the fishing 



