Science in Conservation During War Times 49 
. ■ SCIENCE IN CONSERVATION DURING 
WAR TIMES 
By L T. Bode, Director 
Missouri Conservation Commission 
Science in Conservation during war time varies little from 
Science in Conservation at any other time, unless it be that dur- 
ing war time emphasis on the necessity for adhering to fact and 
scientific fundamentals is all the more important. 
The viewpoints presented here are the writer's own view- 
points. He is fully aware that both the scientist and other admin- 
istrators may differ with him radically. He believes that closer 
correlation between scientific and administrative work can come 
only through a frank recognition of the problems and even short- 
comings of both. He presents these comments without prejudice 
and for whatever they may be worth toward strengthening the 
conservation program of the State and toward accomplishing 
enduring abundance of wildlife resources. 
The problem of determining proper integration of scientific 
endeavor is probably as new in the wildlife conservation field as 
in any field. Much research has been conducted and volumes of 
scientific facts have been accumulated relating to wildlife. There 
exist, however, important problems concerning the utilization of 
all this material. First, there is so much of it that has been left 
in such abstract form that administrative units are not able to 
apply it; they are not capable of accurately interpreting it for 
practical use. Second, until recently, there has been definite re- 
sistance between the scientist and the administrator. There is no 
reason why these situations should continue. It is only fair to 
state that during recent years the problem of application of scien- 
tific findings and that of resistance are disappearing rapidly. 
A frank facing of the situation on the part of scientist and 
administrator alike will speed intelligent integration of the two 
endeavors. 
There is involved a two-way consideration. The first relates 
to the attitudes, problems, and requirements from the adminis- 
trative standpoint. The second involves attitudes, standards of 
and qualifications for scientific work, and the evaluation of ap- 
plication of scientific work on the part of the scientist. Following 
are some of the elements entering the picture. 
From the Standpoint of the Administrator 
Until recently appointment and background, training and 
experience of the average administrator have rested largely on 
