4 THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 



Of what profit is this to Oregon? Tourists spend a large 

 amount of money in railroad and stage fares, at hotels and farm 

 houses, in the employment of guides, hiring horses, purchasing 

 equipment, supplies and numerous other items. This money goes 

 directly into the pockets of our citizens. Fishing and hunting 

 thus becomes a business proposition to the farmer, the fruit- 

 grower, the timberman and every other land owner in the state 

 by attracting the class of travelers who have money to spend and 

 money to invest. 



The records, which are not quite complete for 1914, show 

 that 58,813 of our residents angled in our streams and lakes 

 during the past year. The number of our people who actually 

 engage in this outdoor sport rapidly increases each year. During 

 the past year, there was an increase of 6443 anglers over the 

 previous year. Out of the total population in Oregon at the 

 present time of 790,000 people, from 85,000 to 90,000 of these 

 residents take an active part in either hunting or fishing some 

 time during the year. This shows we are an outdoor people and 

 it is the duty of the state to furnish this recreation. 



From an economic and business standpoint, the game and 

 other wild creatures of the state are worth $5,000,000 annually. 

 This is not placing a high estimate on these resources. 

 During the past year, the Fish and Game Commission has ex- 

 pended $130,000 to protect and develop our game resources. This 

 is an expenditure of two per cent a year on the investment. The 

 expenditure is necessary if we are to increase the value of the 

 resources. The money spent is paid in entirely by those who 

 hunt and angle. Every effort has been made to spend this money 

 economically and to get value received for each dollar. It can 

 only be spent on duly authorized warrants, signed by three of 

 the Commissioners, passed upon by the Secretary of State, and 

 checks drawn by the Secretary of State and paid by the State 

 Treasurer. 



