82 THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 



CHANGES IN WASHINGTON GAME LAWS 



BY 



L. H. DARWIN 



Chief Game Warden of Washington 



There seems to be considerable confusion as to whether the 

 trout season will open in Washington April first or May first 

 this year. This arises by reason of the fact that the last legis- 

 lature passed a law opening the trout season on April first, instead 

 of May first. 



The law passed by the last legislature does not contain an 

 emergency clause and, therefore, it does not become effective 

 until June 10. For that reason, the\ trout season will open May 

 first this year instead of April first ; but, in 1916, the trout season 

 will open April first. 



The new law also changes the season for bass, and makes it 

 open at the same time as that for trout. Under the present law, 

 the bass season does not open until July 15. As the new law 

 becomes effective on June 10, this year it will be lawful to fish 

 for bass commencing June 10 instead of having to wait un:ii 

 July 15. 



There is a provision in the new law which makes it unlawful 

 for county game wardens to hunt while on duty. 



CALIFORNIA QUAIL AT McMINNVILLE. 



Mr. F. W. Masterson of McMinnville reports that the Cali- 

 fornia quail which have been liberated in that locality are doing 

 well. "They seem to be better rustlers than the bob-whites, for 

 they will feed over a hundred acres while the bob-whites feed 

 over ten acres. They generally fly farther than the bob-whites. 



"I think the worst enemy the quail have is the wild house 

 cat," continues Mr. Masterson. "I have seen places where a 

 number of bob-whites have been eaten in brier patches. While 

 cats are valuable mousers, I think the sportsmen and farmers' 

 boys would do well to start a crusade, for I think if they were 

 thinned out there would be an increase of quail. I am very sure 

 a large number of young pheasants fall victims to the field cat 

 also. These creatures are far more destructive than foxes." 



