greatly decreased, which, in some instances,' has not yet "been restored, 

 fortunately, this occurred in only a very few instances, and in most 

 States game resources were adequately maintained through the war period. 



"As in most wars, a food shortage existed during the last ^vorld ^var. 

 It resulted in a strong demand for lioeralization of game laws so that 

 wildlife could "be immediately utilized in large quantities. Evidence is 

 not lacking to indicate that the movements ipere encouraged "by persons 

 desiring to profit by the commercial sale of game and also "by those 

 wishing to carry on unlimited hunting and fishing. The matter was pre- 

 sented to the United States ITood Administration, and after careful in- 

 vestigation and study the adjninistration came to the conclusion that 

 since wildlife conservation laws had "been needed in peace and had oper- 

 ated to maintain from year to year a more a"bundant food sunply, it was 

 even more important that the restrictions should "be continued and ade- 

 quately enforced in war time so as to provide a continuing source of food. 



Furs are important to the war effort as they are used to provide 

 parts of clothing for soldiers who have to fight in the colder climates 

 and for the clothing of aviators. Luring the first "vvorld "v^ar, civilian 

 and military dems.nds for furs "brought about a decrease in a few species 

 of fur-"bearing animals in several localities, and a few States permitted 

 the taking of larger n'um"bers of fur animals which reduced the "breeding 

 stock in some instances to such an extent that the animals have made lit- 

 tle recovery. The raw fur "business in this country represents an indus- 

 try valued at a"bout $60,000,000 annually. Although furs sho-old "be uti- 

 lized, their use should "be reasonable and not so extensive as to prevent 

 maximum a!nnual production. 



During World War I, wildlife suffered in the vicinity of military 

 training caraps, and there is evidence that the sane thing is occurring 

 now. This indicates that we may expect a very noticeable increase in 

 hunters when the war is over, as m^Jiy young men for the jirst time are 

 learning the use of firearms and the recreational possibilities of hunt- 

 ing. As stated previously, the aumber of hunters and sport fishermen 

 increased nearly 30 percent immediately following the last World ^ar. 

 The probability of a similar increase after the present war is a good 

 reason for conserving our game wisely a-nd in sufficient numbers so that 

 men who risked their lives in the war may be able to enjoy hunting and 

 fishing when they come back. 



It is difficult to determine accurately what will happen to wild- 

 life as a result of the present war by drawing conclusions from the ef- 

 fects of the last one. From all sides we hear that this war is different, 

 and, indeed, it is different in several respects. It covers more terri- 

 tory and influences directly the activities of m.ore of our people. More 

 materials and food are needed. Personal transportation is restricted. 

 We will have a larger army and a larger nav:/ than in 1917 and 1918. 

 Also, our nation's population is larger. Nevertheless, history tends to 

 repeat itself, and it is probable that we can profit much in wildlife 

 administration by using the experience gained in the last war. 



i 



