FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 23 1 



Mr. William Humes, Harrisville, Lewis County, N. Y. (Lumberman arid an 

 Experienced Hunter.) — As far as my knowledge goes, which is quite extensive as to 

 this matter, the deer in this territory are increasing very rapidly. 



The reason for so many deer dying, in my judgment, based largely on personal 

 observation, is, that in certain other localities as well as in this the deer are so 

 numerous that there is not sufficient food for them. 



In my opinion the open season should be from September 1st to October 20th ; 

 and that floating should be prohibited entirely. Hounding should be allowed only 

 from September 20th to October 5th. 



Mr. H. A. Maxam, North River, Warren County, N. Y (Guide and Hotetkecpcr.) — ■ 

 The cause of the decrease of deer during the last two years is evident, and I would 

 recommend that the killing of does should be prohibited by law ; if not altogether, 

 then at least for a period of two years. 



In my judgment, floating and night-hunting is also one of the chief causes for the 

 decrease of the deer. I would suggest that this kind of hunting be altogether 

 forbidden by law. 



In addition to this, an increase of deer might be brought about by shortening the 

 deer killing season. For instance, limiting the hunting season to the period between 

 September 20th and October 31st, inclusive. 



Mr. Orriu Harris, Paradox, Essex County, N. Y. (Postmaster.) — I think that deer 

 should not be killed before the 15th day of September in any way. The only way 

 to preserve deer in this section is to have the jack or still-hunting and hounding 

 all commence together and stop together. In that way the people will be satisfied 

 with a reasonable time for hunting, — say the two months from September 15th to 

 November 15th. The hunters are very much dissatisfied with the law as it now 

 is, and I think that some of them break over the law some. A deer at this season — in 

 November — is worth four times what it is on the first day of September. There are 

 many threats of breaking the law. 



Mr. Edti'in Courtney, Sagcville, Hamilton County, N. Y. (Postmaster and an 

 Experienced Guide.) — Would recommend doing away with all night-hunting, under a 

 heavy penalty for violation. 



Think if hounding period was extended later in the season, less deer would be 

 killed and better satisfaction given to all sportsmen ; for the venison could be kept in 

 better condition, and less killed to be used in camps. Half of the carcasses are now 

 thrown away because the meat spoils before it can be used up, and another is killed to 

 replace it, but with same results. 



