Introduction, Review of Present Conditions and 

 Recommendations for the Future. 



By Mr. F. C. WALCOTT. 



October 26, 1921. 



You have asked me to ascertain the facts concerning 

 the protection and propagation of fish and game in the 

 State of Connecticut, in so far as they relate to the existing 

 Fish and Game Commission and to suggest ways and 

 means of improving present conditions. 



I have the honor to report the results of a preliminary 

 investigation. 



It has taken more time than I supposed it would to com- 

 plete even a preliminary survey of the Fish and Game 

 situation in Connecticut. But the fact that you have re- 

 quested such a study has been the cause of genuine re- 

 joicing among the Eastern conservationists for it is the 

 first time, so far as I can ascertain, that a Governor of any 

 state has requested the conservationist to set forth the 

 facts and oif er suggestions. 



It is on account of your desire to get the facts impartial- 

 ly that those of us particularly interested in game and 

 fish propagation and protection are anxious to submit a 

 report which will sound an alarm and at the same time be 

 constructive. 



The first step in the investigation was to compare the 

 results obtained by the Connecticut Commission with the 

 Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey 

 Commissions. This comparative table and the accompany- 

 ing chart compiled from data furnished by the respective 

 State Commissions, shows quite clearly the relative im- 

 portance of the Connecticut activities in the rearing and 

 killing of game in terms of an arbitrary unit of 1,000 of 

 population. These figures indicate that Connecticut 

 receives and spends less money in proportion to its popula- 

 tion than any of her neighboring states, consequently 

 raises fewer game birds and at a greater cost per bird. 

 The deer have been practically exterminated from the 

 State because of a continuous open season passed by the 

 legislature five years ago. 



A study of the present game laws of the State show 

 that if the 27,000 sportsmen who obtained hunting licenses 

 last season had been sufficiently assiduous to kill even half 

 as much game as the law allows they would probably have 

 exterminated the last remnant of game in the State. 



There is a large amount of literature upon the subject 

 of propagation and protection of both fresh and salt 



