101 



protection of migratory birds, had a series of maps prepared, 

 collected much special information, and after numerous con- 

 ferences recommended the regulations contained in Circular 

 No. 92. These regulations differ from the ordinary restric- 

 tions under State laws, since they take into consideration the 

 entire range of the species and the condition of the birds at all 

 times of the year and not merely the local conditions when a 

 certain species is most abundant in some particular State or 

 region. 



BASIS OF THE REGULATIONS 



In carrying out the statutory requirement of "due regard to 

 the zones of temperature, breeding habits, times and line of 

 migratory flight," the following are some of the more important 

 principles on which the regulations have been based : 



To limit the list of migratory game birds to species properly 

 so called and to eliminate species too small to be considered 

 legitimate game or too rare to be longer hunted for sport or 

 profit. This list has been made to conform as closely as pos- 

 sible with the statutory definitions of game. 



To prevent spring shooting. 



To protect migratory birds between sunset and sunrise. 



To provide protected flight lines along at least three of the 

 great navigable rivers. 



To make the seasons approximately equal in length in 

 different parts of the country. 



To limit the hunting seasons to a maximum of three or 

 three and one-half months. 



To regulate these seasons according to latitude and times of 

 migration and to adjust them so that there may be reasonable 

 opportunity of securing 30 days' shooting of any species at a 

 given place. 



To provide separate seasons for waterfowl, rail, shore birds, 

 and woodcock. The woodcock seasons are made to conform 

 as nearly as possible with the seasons for upland game under 

 State laws, so that there may be no opportunity in close sea- 

 sons to hunt quail or grouse under the guise of shooting wood- 

 cock. 



To curtail hunting at the end instead of the beginning of the 



