2 8 BIG GAME SHOOTING IN ALASKA chap. 



mode of applying for permits to ship out trophies of big 

 game. He said that it would greatly facilitate matters if the 

 applicants would state in what districts of Alaska they intend 

 to shoot, as larger permits are issued for certain districts 

 than for others. He also stated that one or two instances had 

 come to his notice where sportsmen had applied for permits 

 through more than one source at the same time, some 

 having even applied to the British Ambassador as well as 

 to the Secretary of Agriculture, and in one case a duplicated 

 application had found its way on to the table at a committee 

 meeting of the Senate, thereby causing some amusement 

 and unnecessary confusion. I may add that all letters are 

 answered with the greatest promptitude and courtesy by the 

 Secretary of Agriculture, so that no doubts need be enter- 

 tained on this subject. It is probable that the existing laws 

 may remain in force for some time to come, as they represent 

 a carefully amended copy of the first game laws of Alaska, 

 originally passed by Congress, June 7, 1902. The latest 

 amendment was passed in August 1903. The authorities 

 at Washington, who were responsible for framing this first 

 Act, admitted to me early in the spring of 1903 that the law 

 was then only in an experimental stage, and that it would be 

 subject to various alterations in due course. 



I was kindly invited to express my views on the Act then 

 in force, and to make any suggestions bearing on the subject 

 which might be of any assistance when framing any further 

 amendments. This I did to the best of my ability. 



The present Act was a wise step, and taken in good time 

 by the authorities for the protection of game in Alaska. But 

 even in its present state it does not cover the whole field, 

 when viewed in the light of a protective measure. It has, 

 indeed, effectively protected the game from extermination 



