Report of tf)e Cf)ief Game Protector 

 for tl)e ^ear ljoi 



Hon. D. C. Middleton, Forest, Fish and Game Commissioner: 



SIR. — I hereby submit a summary of the work done by the force of 

 protectors during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1904. It 

 shows the number of prosecutions and the recoveries therefrom, the 

 number of days served in jail on body executions by persons where fines 

 were imposed and no money consideration received, the number of persons 

 acquitted, and the suspended sentences, etc. An accounting is also made 

 of the number of licenses issued under chapter 580 for the taking of birds, 

 their nests and eggs, for scientific purposes; the number of licenses issued 

 for the taking of fish, and the fees received; also the approximate number 

 of pounds of fish caught and the estimated value of the same, and the kinds 

 and value of the illegal devices that were seized and destroyed while being 

 used for the taking of fish. 



In previous years it has seemed advisable to recommend new legisla- 

 tion, but on account of the many valuable amendments enacted by the 

 Legislature of 1904, very little improvement remains to be made. As a 

 rule, the more the game laws are tampered with, the more confusing do 

 they become to the general public. 



Collectors' Certificates 



Prior to the act of May 3, 1904, certificates for the taking of birds, their 

 nests and eggs for scientific purposes, were issued by any natural history 

 society incorporated within the State, or by the Regents of the University. 

 It became apparent that the law was being abused, and that instead of birds 

 being taken for purely scientific purposes, they were being taken, in many 

 instances, by taxidermists to be mounted for ornamental purposes and for 



