28 Thikd Annual Report of the 



of special game protectors, so that a non-competitive examination 

 is prerequisite to their appointment. It is believed that this will 

 effect a substantial reform, and that the work of the special pro- 

 tectors — heretofore, in the main, not satisfactory — will show 

 a decided increase in efficiency. The Commission has recently 

 dispensed with the services of some 150 special protectors who 

 had exhibited but slight interest in the protective work, or fitness 

 therefor. 



Until that time comes when each citizen is instinctively a game 

 protector — which can be only when the gospel of conservation 

 has been carried by its apostles to the uttermost parts of the 

 earth — the work of the protective field force must be judged by 

 arrests, convictions, and recoveries. That is to say, while the 

 ideal is no violations, the practice must be sure punishment for 

 violators. Judged by this test, the work of the regular game pro- 

 tectors for the past fiscal year is satisfactory; they handled 2,622 

 cases in 1913, as against 1,695 in 1912, and 1,485 in 1911. Suc- 

 cessful prosecutions were 2,333 in 1913, as against 1,499 in 1912 

 and 1,321 in 1911. 



It is undeniably true that a majority of violators of the laws 

 for the protection of fish and game are not punished; are not 

 arrested, even. When the magnitude of the territory to be covered 

 is considered, the impossibility of adequately protecting a State 

 like New York, with a force of 125 men, is apparent. We there- 

 fore respectfully renew the recommendation for an increase of the 

 protective field force. 



The game conditions in the State generally are good. This is 

 true as to deer, woodcock, pheasant, grouse, duck, beaver, and 

 in general, encouraging improvement is shown all along the line. 

 This in itself bespeaks good work on the part of the department 

 and its protective force. 



The So-Called Buck Law 



In the case of the deer there is another factor worthy of con- 

 sideration. The law which restricts the taking of deer to those 

 having horns not less than three inches in length has now been in 

 operation in this State for two seasons. While strongly sup- 



