236 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



Mr. Warren Humes, Harrisvillc, Lewis County, N. N. (Famous Hunter and Proprie- 

 tor of the Humes Preserve.) — That the deer are rapidly decreasing in this locality is 

 positively shown by the fact that although this year there were twice as many hunters 

 and dogs as last they only killed about one-half the number of deer. The smaller size, 

 and more does than bucks, also goes to show that the deer are diminishing. Regarding 

 the deer that were found dead : it is the opinion of all old hunters and woodsmen that 

 the direct cause can be traced to the evil of hounding. It is estimated that of the total 

 number of deer driven to water by dogs, the hunter kills one-third on the spot ; one- 

 third are shot and wounded so that they may die of their injuries; and the other third 

 escape in a heated condition, part of which contract disease and die the following winter, 

 because they are not able to procure food enough in their poor and enfeebled state. 

 I am told by reliable guides that in territories where deer are not hunted with dogs, 

 few or none have been found dead. The twelve dead deer that I reported were all 

 found in the country most frequented by hounds. In my opinion, if the present laws 

 remain, the deer will be exterminated in this locality within two years. The open 

 season for killing should not begin before October 1st, and should be allowed to run 

 through October and November to December 1st, or two months. That is time 

 enough. 



It is very important that does and fawns should not be killed at anytime; for 

 upon them depends the propagation of the species. 



Hounding should be forbidden entirely, as that manner of hunting is most 

 destructive and detrimental to the increase and growth of Adirondack deer. 



Mr. G. H. Rison, Morchouscville, Hamilton County, N. Y. (Custodian of Morehouse 

 Lake Club.) — It is reported by some of our townsmen that several deer were shot at 

 floating at night, and they were not found until they were spoiled. I for one am 

 against floating or night-hunting. 



In my estimation more deer are killed in the lumbering section, by lumbermen, in 

 and out of season, than by all the other deer hunters that try to live up to the laws. 

 Some lumbering camps hire men to do nothing but kill deer for the camp in or out of 

 season. 



This fall only three were killed at Morehouse Lake, about half the number of last 

 year. I am in hopes that something can be done to stop illegal deer killing. If that 

 is stopped, and all are made to live up to the law, we can have plenty of deer in the 

 Adirondack's. Otherwise the deer will not last long. 



Mr. 0. A. Cowles, Cedar River, Hamilton County, N. V. (Hotel Proprietor.) — The 

 open season begins too early, for this reason; the 10th of September is very warm 

 and if a deer is killed at that time it is of no use to the sportsman. It will spoil 

 before he can sret it out of the woods. 



