272 THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 
fall rains improve the hunting in the hills there will no doubt be more 
deer killed. 
The late snows and cold rains in the hills during May and June 
killed many of the young grouse and native pheasants and a very 
large proportion of the birds shot this fall are old ones. As these old 
birds are much harder to get than the young ones, and as they have 
been hunted much-less than usual, it-is hoped that the usual number 
will survive the open season. 
Doves have been very plentiful, but comparatively few hunters 
shoot them. Some refrain from killing them for sentimental reasons, 
and they seem to be too small to look like game to many other 
hunters. 
Some very good duck shooting is anticipated with the opening 
of the season October 1. In the irrigated districts of the west end 
of the county they are quite numerous. On one ranch they ate so 
much alfalfa around some small seepage ponds that the rancher 
asked that the Fish and Game Commission pay for the loss. Upon 
investigation it was found that the rental of these little ponds to 
duck hunters netted the rancher about $200 each year. He was given 
permission to scare the ducks away by shooting. The Fish and Game 
Commission could not see any advantage to be obtained, from a busi- 
ness standpoint, by driving away a $200 crop of ducks to save possibly 
$20 worth of alfalfa. However, the land and ponds belonged to the 
rancher and there were eevee other places where the ducks might 
breed. 
Some fine catches of trout are being made now. There has been 
an exceptionally good flow of water due to the heavy snowfall in 
the mountains last winter and fewer fish than usual have perished 
in dried-up streams. 
Our protected game is making a good increase. There are many 
young elk. The unusual number of fine large elk horns that were 
found by sheepherders this past summer speak well for the number 
of elk and the size of many of these animals. 
The increase in Hungarian partridges is of great interest to both 
rancher and sportsman, as this bird, at the present rate of increase, 
bids fair to take first place in a few years among our upland game 
birds. 
China pheasants and quail have made the usual increase and it is 
thought that we will be given a short open season for the former 
in another year. 
NOTICE TO SPORTSMAN READERS 
The Sportsman introduces a new advertising department with this 
issue. Hereafter any one desiring to advertise anything in the sporting 
line for sale, trade or exchange, can do so at the rate-of three cents per 
word for the first insertion, and two cents per word for each subse- 
quent insertion. Payment must be sent with copy for advertisement. 
This department is added to accommodate sportsmen and dealers who 
desire to advertise the fact that they have something for sale, trade 
or exchange. Try an advertisement in the January issue and be con- 
vinced that the Sportsman is an excellent medium through which to let 
the public know what you want. 
