B7B 



FOREST AN£> STREAM. 



[jwE i6, im. 



was begun and continued steadily until evening. The close of 

 this event will not be reached until to-morrow. 



THE TARGETS. 



About 5,000 targets were shot, this being the number shot yes 

 terday. Following are the target events of interest: 

 Ninth contest, 25 hluToeks, $5, 38 entriee: 



Parmlee 31 Heikes 22 Sanford..... 25 



Elliott 21 Bingham 18 Young 21 



HamiltOD 23 North... 21 Merrill 18 



Murphy 22 Budd 21 L»ser ...14 



Westfield 23 «rice 31 Gardner 19 



Kleirrnao al JBSmilh. 22 Harris 21 



Booth 20 Eich.... 15 Park 17 



Taylor 32 Fbckinger 14 A W Adams 16 



Reese 10 B White 23 Mosher 20 



McCahou 15 Ott 23 Partington 18 



England 21 Jones 20 Turtle 19 



Willard 23 Schick 20 Buckner 20 



White 24 



First money in ehis shoot, won by Mr. Sanford, was $64.60. Mr 

 Young won 648 45 in second. 



Mr Ktveinman and his Bitgv. 



Tenth contest, 10 hluerocks, unknown angles, 83. 3t entries: 10s 

 div., ineintnau. Heikes. Elliott and Sanford; 9s div., North, Budd, 

 Merrill, Parrnalee, Young, W. Westfield, Allen and Bob Whit* 5 ; 

 8s div.. Harris. J. B.Smith, S. Palmer, Uickey; 7s div,, Jones. 

 Kennedy, T. W. Taylor, Bingham, Hamilton, Mosher, Fortier and 

 Jim Stice. 



i Extra sweep, 15 bluerocks, S3, 39 entries: 15?, div. Westfield, B. 

 White and Kennedy; 14s, div. North, Sanford, Budd, Heike?, El- 

 liott, Boleman and Hamilton; 13s, div. Murphy, Kleinman, Schick, 

 Merrill, Young, Bingham and Partington; 12s. div. Parmalee.Tay- 

 lor, Young, B. Rock, Jones. Mosher, W. H. Hale, Willard, Eber- 

 hart. J. B. Smith, B. C. W T hite. 



Extra sweep, 15 bluerocks, $3, 33 entries: 15s, div. Heikes and 

 Budd; 14.5. div. Merrill Young. J. B. Smith, Westfield, B.White, 

 B. C. White and Park; 13s. div.Sandford, Sohiner, Hamilton, Stice 

 and Beucher; 12s, div. Elliott, Schick, Willard, Wooster and 

 Gardner. 



Extra sweep, 15 hluerocks. $3, 44 entries: 15s, div. Elliott, Bing- 

 ham and B. White; 14s, div. Budd, Merrill, Harris, Park and 

 Heikes; 13*, div. North. Sanford, Parmalee, Turtle, England, Tay- 

 lor and Lewis; 12s, div. Young. Si ice, Jones, J. B. Smith, L. O. Wil- 

 lard. White, Beeves, Buck and Kleinman. 



B. Smith, B. White, Haynes anu Schick div. 9; Cap. Knowles, 

 Hamilton, Ambrose, Eich, Murohy, White, Plattner, Allen, Mer- 

 rill, and C. Reese div. 8; Keller. Ott, G. Kleinman, Peasley, Adams, 

 Franklin and Cairncross div. 7. 



Extra sweep, 15 bluerocks, $3, 36 entries: Elliott, Kleinman, 

 Heikes, Merrill, Sanford, Young, Taylor, Schick, North and West- 

 field div. 15; Bndd, Sties and B. White div. 14; Bingham, Willard, 

 Parmalee, Leser, Kennedy, J. B. Smith and A. Harris div, 13; 

 Murphy and Gardner div. 13. 



THE CONVENTION. 



The convention convened at the Sherman House, 8:40 Tuesday 

 evening. June 7. The following clubs had delegates in attend- 

 ance: Kureka, Garfield, Grand Calumet Heights, Ft. Dearborn, 

 Prairie, Amboy Shooting, H'ghland, Carmen, West Chicago, 

 Evanston, Geneseo Sportsmen's, Lake Co., The Gun Club, Chi- 

 cago Shooting. Duck Island, Douglas, Audubon, Cumberland, 

 Lake George, English Lake, ivlaksawba. No delegates appeared 

 for Canton, Pullman, Petrin, North Eud, Chicago Mud Hen, 

 Evanston Prairie, South Chicago, Blue Island. Kenwood or Cres- 

 cent City Clubs. 



President Abner Price, the best president this Association ever 

 had, and the one who has gained more dignity and respect for the 

 Association than ic ever had in the matters of its real purposes, 

 was in the chair aud addressed the mettiag with characteris- 

 tic modesty, as follows: 



"Gentlemen of the Convention— As president of the Illinois 

 State Sportsmen's Association, it is a pleasure to welcome you to 

 the eighteenth annual convention and tournament. It has been 

 the practice of my predecesors to address you upon similar occa- 

 sions, and it seems fitting that. I should make a few remarks. As 

 there will be a large amount of Important business requiring your 

 earnest attention this evening, I will occupy your time but for a 

 little while. I will not go back to the early settlement of our 

 State to give you a historical sketch of the abundance of game 

 birds and animals that then inhabited our prairies, forests, lakes, 

 rivers and marshes. Nor will I attempt to eulogize the merits of 

 some noble sportsmen of the past or present, but will confine my- 

 self to matters most concerning this Association. 



"When I assumed the office with which it was your pleasure to 

 honor me last June, I had a strong desire to carry out the objects 

 for which this Association was formed, i. c . the protection of the 

 game birds and fish of our State. In making a survey of the 

 work before me, the same obstacle presented itself that Presi- 

 dents Donald and Rowe explained to you in their addresses. An 

 incompetent, inactive and useless game warden seemed to hold 

 the key to the fort. After a full discussion of the matter, it was 

 decided to appoint a committee to visit the Governor of the State, 

 and ask for the removal of Mr. Brusewitz and the appointment 

 of Mr, Portree. Chairman Low. Mr, Organ and Dr. Rowe waited 

 upon the Governor at the Sherman House, in our city, and our 

 case was ahh and fully represented. The Governor replied that 

 on his return from his vacation he would give the matter his 

 earnest consideration and requested the committee to forward 

 their charges. Chairman Low forwarded the charges and peti- 

 tion signed by many sportsmen, which resulted in the removal of 

 Mr. Brusewitz and the appointment of Mr. M. R. Bortree. I con- 

 gratulate the Association upon the appointment of that gentle- 

 men. Mr. Bortree is deeply interested in the preservation of our 

 game birds. 



"Near the middle of last July I received a communication from 

 an active and prominent sportsman requesting me to call at his 

 place of business. I responded immediately, and was informed 

 that he, in company with a number of gentlemen, had dined at 

 one of our prominent restaurants and was served with young 

 prairie chickens. I was asked what course I would pursue in the 

 matter. I informed the gentleman that I would prosecute any 

 and all violators of the game laws. A number of gentlemen pres- 

 ent deemed it advisable ro call a meeting of the sportsmen; the 

 meeting was called and responded to by a few of the ardent 

 sportsmen. It was thought advisable to visit the hotels and res- 

 taurants. We formed ourselves into committees of two, We 

 found that prairie chickens and young wild ducks were being 

 served by a number of first-slass hotels and restaurants. This in- 

 vestigation was kept up until we had some thirty cases. I at once 

 consulted the law committee, and was advised to bring suits one 

 at a time until all the offenders had been brought to justice. 

 Twentv-six suits were commenced, all of which were won by the 

 Association except one, that being lost by limitation of time. 

 Great and good results were attained from these orosecutions; it 

 has had a wholesome effect, and resulted in stopping the sale of 



game m our city out of season and establishing a healthy regard 

 for the law— the. net proceeds of the various suits appearing in 

 the secretary's report. The sportsmen of Chicago deserve great 

 credit for the interest taken in these prosecutions. It has been 

 said by some that our game laws are weak and ineffective and 

 that we could not win; but, gentlemen, we have demonstrated the 

 tact that our game laws are strong enough, and all that, is needed 

 is euergy and push aud the hearty cooperation of each and every 

 individual who claims to be in fact what he is in name— a sports 

 man, 



"A precedent has been established hy these prosecutions, and if 

 followed up by this Association it will be of lasting benefit to the 

 whole people of the State. Gentlemen, the time has come when, 

 if you wish to save the little game we have left in this State, you 

 must rise in your strength and act. United action of all sports- 

 men of th<> State is needed to save our game birds. And, gentle- 

 men, while our attention is engaged in the preservation of the 

 game birds we must not forget the bean tiful little songsters that 

 are constantly being destroyed for their plumage, and used for 

 the decoration of ladies' hats. These little birds are protected by 

 the laws of our State, and should receive a share of your attention. 



"Your association needs strengthening; you must increase its 

 membership. Game protective clubs should be encouraged 

 throughout, the State. In localities where clubs cannot be formed, 

 I would suggest the admission of individual members. This As- 

 sociation should be represented in every county of the State, in 

 order to thoroughly carry out the work for which your associa- 

 tion was formed. I ask you to consider this matter well, and do 

 not let the responsibility of so weighty a matter rest upon the 

 shoulders of an interested few, btitlet the honor and credit be 

 equally divided by the many. 



"1 have not deemed it expedient to refer to matters relating to 

 fish and fish violations feeling that you would, through the proper 

 channel, be fully entertained on that, subject. The local organiza- 

 tions have heen very active, and have accomplished great good in 

 their field and deserve the thanks of all faithful followers of 

 Izaak Walton. 



"A very recent construction of the law, relating to a favorite 

 game bird, and which no doubt will, or does, cause considerable 

 diversity of opinion as to whether that bPd is a water fowl or 

 runner, compels nee to say that with the limited knowledge at my 

 command I am prepared to bow to the higher authorities as to its 

 final classification. I refer to the Wilson snipe. 



"In conclusion, I desire to return to my executive committee 

 my earnest than Ks for their labors in behalf of this Association, 

 their duties having been cheerfully assumed, and perfectly ex- 

 ecuted. To the law commbtee, the thanks of the Association for 

 their untiring effort, and for the successful prosecution of the 

 numerous game cases is due, and should be made manifest in 

 language tnat I am unable to employ. To the other officers" and 

 committees, I return my sincere thanks for their faithful ser- 

 vices. 



"In memoriam, with feeling of regret I refer to the great loss 

 that this Association has sustained in the death of an old and 

 true friend, an earnest advocate and defender of our game laws, 

 and one who will always be missed hy his co-workers and by this 

 Association in particular. The absent one is the Honorable John 

 Lyle King. 



"And to you, gentlemen of the Association, for your patience 

 and respectful attention. I desire to attest my appreciation." 



Hearty applause interrupted the address and followed its close. 

 Mr. Price is very much approved of by the shooters of this sec- 

 tion. 



Toe treasurers report showed 8210.45 on hand. The board of 

 directors declined to interfere with the earlier action of the Asso- 

 ciation withholding the Smith cup winnings from Mr. H. Bab- 

 cock, whose credentials were found deficient three years ago. 

 The law committee bad little to report beyond suggestions. The 

 chairman named certain individuals whom he thought entitled 

 to special credit for work in the game cases last summer. 



The committee on amendments to the constitution, composed 

 of Messrs. Fel'on, Donald. Mu*sey, Harbangb, and Cairncross, 

 submitted somi changes of minor interest with exception of two 

 clauses. The first of these proposed striking out tho words "May 

 or June" for the holding of the annual tournament, and leaving 

 the date open for fall, preferably for October or November. The 

 second amendment proposed to change the number of birds shot 

 at in the Board of Trade badge shoot from 10 ro 15 birds per man. 

 The reading of the proposed changes took time and caused run- 

 ning comment. Before the discussion had closed a scene tran- 

 spired which should have discounted a backwoods camp-meeting 

 for enthusiastic disorder. In his confusion Col. Felton moved 

 the adoption of Irs own report, and an eager sportsman seconding 

 this, the motion carried at once, probably quite on a misunder- 

 standing. Then, strange to say, discussion arose on the separate 

 clauses above mentioned, the result in brief being that the meet- 

 ing resolved to retain the old conditions of the badge shoot, 10 

 birds, 810, and also to retain the soring date for the tournament. 



At this stage of the game Mr. Low, of Chicago, arose. He said 

 that the convention did not know what it was doing in thus 

 adopting an amended constitution off-hand. There should be 

 full and deliberate consideration before these changes were 

 allowed. He moved to table the motion with the instruction to 

 the secretary to send out to all the members printed slips show- 

 ing the proposed changes, so that each man could know exactly 

 what he w«s doing, the matter to be taken up at the next con- 

 vention. Of course a motion to table could not carry such a 

 rider clause, and was not entitled to discussion, but the discus- 

 sion would not quell and went bravely on in spite of Mr. Don- 

 ald's well-taken point of order. In the final shake-up it was dis- 

 covered that the motion had been tabled, but the chair rul»d 

 Mr. Low's rider out of order. Mr. Low with heat appealed from 

 the. decision of the chair, but an ominous silence met his wait for 

 a second and the rui ng stood. Everybody now seemed to realize 

 that things were not quite right, and it was promptly moved to 

 reconsider the motion to table. This carried and the report was 

 taken up. It was moved that the report of the committee be 

 adopted, and this also carred. Total result, not technically, but 

 as per sense of the meeting, no change of importance, date un- 

 changed, and conditions of badge shoot left as previously exist- 

 ing. 



ONE HUNDRED YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES. 



But this was not all. The crowning act of enactive wisdom was 

 yet to follow. This appeared when there came up for action the 

 report of the committee appointed on revision of the shooting 

 rules. This committee, Messrs. Organ, Felton and Eich, sub- 

 mitted the draft which they bad prepared last winter, these being 

 the rules which were wired to Forest and Stream a week in ad- 

 vance of any other publication. Therc is no necessity for republi- 

 cation, for the rules were adopted, clause by clause, with the ex- 

 ception of Rule 6, relating to the handicap on guns. This clause 

 as submitted reads as follows: 



"Rude 6. The standard gun shall be a 12-bore, weighing not 

 less than seven pounds and not exceeding eight pounds. Guns of 

 less caliber shall receive a handicap allowance of one-half yard 

 for each size bore lesB than the standard bore, provided the 

 weight of such gun shall not exceed seven pounds. Ten-gauge 

 guns shall he penalized two yards by handicap. Any gun exceed- 

 ing eight, pounds shall be classed at the handicap distance of a 10- 

 bore. No gun of larger caliber than a 10 bore shall be used. Any 

 gnn weighing less than seven pounds and exceeding six pounds 

 shall receive a handicap allowance of one yard in excess of that 

 given for reason of its gauge. Guns weighing less than six pounds, 

 two yards allowance. 



Dr. N. Rowe, editor of the American Field, arose at this point 

 and made a ringing and silver tongued grand stand speech. He 

 was opposed to putting the 10-gauge at 33yds. Such a handicap 

 practically barred that arm. It said to the poor shooter who 

 could afford only one gun, "Go home, stay away, we do not want 

 you at our tournaments." He could not sanction this most un- 

 righteous act. This called out heavy 10-bore applause. 



Col. Felton offered a substitute in the handicap of the old rules, 

 retaining the 10-gauge at 80yds., hut striking out the 3yds. credit 

 for guns under 71bs. This was really not. a bad solution of the 

 difficulty, but it was not taken up. It seemed, however, to give 

 Dr. Rowe an inspiration, for he arose and said: 



"Mr. President, I move to strike out the wordR 'standard gun' 

 from elouse 6 now before us, and to change said clause to so read 

 that no gun over 10-gauge shall be used, and that ail guns, tens, 

 twelves and all others shall stand at 30yds." 



This motion was put and actually carried. In a few moments 

 gentlemen began to i hink, ana soon it became realized what had 

 actually been done. To accommodate those who had objected to 

 a 33yds. score instead of a, 80yds., the Association had passed a 

 rule which will make it fairly the laughing stock of the country 

 and put it upon record as deliberately assuming a position a hun- 

 dred years behind the times. This is conservatism gone daft, and 

 not the progress we have a right to expect from this organiza- 

 tion. 



It may be very well to strike out the word "standard" as adjec- 

 tive for either 10 or 12-gauge gun, and it may be wrong to put the 

 10-gauge at 33yds., but that does not make or unmake the actual 

 standard of the day. and it does not destroy the necessity for 

 handicaps say between a 10 and a 16 gauge gun. To-day the prac- 

 tically standard gauge is the twelve. It is the privilege of the 

 Illinois Association to wrap the cloak of its wisdom about it, and 

 withdraw from the common run of life if it so choose, but that is 



about all the credit it can claim for enterprise on this head, and 

 the live shooting public will only shrug its shoulders and pass on. 

 What is especially singular is the rapid change of front evinced 

 by the proposer of this motion. The deadly parallel column of 

 hie own paper, as well as his constant utterance, will show that 

 he has long preached the 12-gauge for the standard. This rapid 

 acrobatic flop in opinion is clever as a feat per sc, but cannot 

 escape the imputation of being a bit of demagoguery marked 

 neither by wisdom nor by ability. 



The public sizes up these things very rapidly and very accur- 

 ately. The public will see in this only a lack of backbone, and a 

 timidity in standing by a belief or an expression of belief, so soon 

 as that expression meets pronounced opposition. The public will 

 know that the real utterance of the mover of this change is this- 

 "1 was in favor of the m-gauge as a standard, then I was in favor 

 of the 12-gauge as a standard, now I am in favor of both the 10 

 and 12, and also of the 16 and 20-gauges as standard, if that will 

 cover the whole question. I am in favor of anything to be popu- 

 lar with you, gentlemen, and I will change my opinions radically 

 just as often as you say. I want support for my journal of course 

 Ihavedtried quite a while for the support of the city element! 

 and now I am temporarily going after the suffrages of the, country 

 element. Excuse me. gentlemen, it will only be for a few 

 moments; 1 will be, with you shortly, aud will then advocate, the 

 8-gauge as a standard, if you will show me a few 8 -gauge men 

 who are kicking about a horrible injustice. I am after that rac- 

 coon." 



It is hardlv probable that this Tule will be allowed to stand very 

 long, and there was strong talk of a special meeting to change It 

 before next tournament. One tournament would probably be 

 enough, for many of the 12-gauge men will not shoot at 30yds. with 

 a 10 gauge. Unfortunately, however, our next tournament is the 

 great World's Fair touroament, at which this Association should 

 appear at its best, and representative of the best, and most pro- 

 gressive thought and study in shooting matters of this entire 

 country. Under our constitution we must shoot under these 

 rules. 



Are these the rules for to-day? 



Will not a special meeting be necessarv before next June? 



Is not the injustice done to the 12-gauge and all smaller gauges 

 greater than that from which it was sought to save the 10-gauge 

 especially since the 10-gauge was offered its old position at 30yds.', 

 with the 12 at 28? 



But this bright and shining Rule 6 goes, anyhow, and on motion 

 of Col. Felton 2,000 copies of the new rules were ordered seat out 

 not less than 25 to each club. 



Chicago was chosen as the meeting place. Election of officers 

 followed. 



Mr. Organ nominated Mr. Abner Price for re-election, and ap- 

 plause burst out. Mr. Price declioed positively, for business 

 reasons. 



Mr. R. B. Organ, of Chicago, was then nominated, the nomina- 

 tions closed, and one ballot cast for him by the secretary in about 

 one minute. Mr. Organ said he would take anything he could 

 carry off, and he would try to carry off this. 



office of secretary-treasurer which he h«s held so many years. He 

 had to make a speech. Mr. Shepard improves as a secretary every 

 year, grows more amiable a nd easier to monkey with, and yet not 

 less vigilant and efficient. He has a lead-pipe cinch on the secre- 

 tary business out here. 



Resolution of regret were adopted upon the death of the late 

 John Lyle King, and were ordered engrossed and sent to the Bar 

 Association, of Chicago, in which he was so long prominent. 



Resolutions were also passed commending city game warden 

 M. B. Bortree for efficient work, advocating the aid of the Asso- 

 ciation officers, and pledging tho Association for the crsts in 

 any action at law he might bring. The usual votes of thanks 

 followed- At this time a touching and pathetic scene occurred 

 and one which brought tears to many eyes. Mr. Chas. Kern, ex- 

 president, etc., in whoso restaurant, it may be remembered, some 

 illegal prairie chickens were found last summer, arose aud moved 

 a vote of thanks to Mr. Abner Price, for his efficient, work in 

 punishing violators of the game laws. But what Mr. Kern might, 

 have said in support of this motion is lost, for by this time 

 everybody was pretty well adjourned. 



Wednesday, TJHrd Day, June 8. 

 Weather hot and muggy, some rain, the birds not flying very 

 well. The club team shoot was finished late in the afternoon. 

 Score; 



The club team championship, open to teams of four men from 

 any club members of the State Association, 10 live birds, entrance 

 price of birds onlv. First prize, sterling silver cup, donated by 

 the Association, value §100; >-erond prize, cash, $75; third prize, 

 cash, $60; fourth prize, cash, $51); special p?iz«, split- homboo bass 

 rod for nighest team score aside from winniug team, value go: 

 Audubon Club. Geneseo Sportsman's Club. 



J E Price 1120102020 - 6 T Barr S3101212H2— 9 



J J Klemmer. . .1131111210— 9 W Harbaugh. ..2111231111— 10 



Ben Dicks 2312203222— 9 AD Booth 0121120002— 0 



CE Felton... .2020211211— 8-32 T La dm 1101 HUH- 9-34 



Prairie Gun Club. Chicago Shooting runb. 



A Hofmann .... 20*1002002— 5 A Heikes 3122001223- 8 



H W Loveday . 2120201120- 7 A J Atwater. ...1120110110— 7 



Geo Hofman. .. 2021021112- 8 J P Eich 2111111111—10 



Gib Harris 1132222211—10—30 R B Organ 2231332012- 9-34 



Pullman (iun Club. Garfield Ohio 



A Torkiaton. .0022122311— 8 S Palmer 1210102120— 7 



.VIDallyn 0112110011—7 TP Ricks 1211311313-10 



Geo Watson .... 0001332021— 6 F E Co ppe.rn oil .22 1 3( 0%jl2— 7 

 C Seluth 1300001200- 4-25 J P O'Brien. . . .3311003201- 7-31 



Jacksonville Club. 



O F Britton 131112UU10- 7 



T W Taylor 2120120122— 8 



J R Stice 8211211122-10 



B Solomon 2211212111-10-35 



Gun Club. 



F H Lord 1211211112—10 



O H Porter 2111222122-10 



C E Willard. . . .1211202122— 9 



F A Place 0211010100— 5—34 



Amboy Shooting Club. 

 C H Wooster. . .11 11222220- 9 

 C! D Khowles.... 2211202022— 8 



WH Hale 2222311111— 10 



A D Cairncross. 1121 112111— 10— 37 

 Pekin Shootiug Club. 



.Tas Haines 2001051122— 6 



W A Heilman., 2210321122- 9 



E Plattner 2 1 11222013- 0 



H Fahne3tock..2220111Ul— 9-33 



South Chicag -1 Uuu Club. 

 J J Larkins . . . .212120U03— 8 



B Yogli 0112021222- 8 



L O Willard.... 0111111132— 9 

 A W Reeves. ...2021102220 - 7-32 

 Mt. Pulaski Gun Club. 



J Anderson 2211012220- 8 



J Schick 2201110012- 7 



J England..., .,0123122212— 9 I 

 W Crosby 111H1U11 -10-34 



Evanston Gun Club. 

 T D Blanehard. 2111111112— 10 



B Purvis 1I2U12U32— 9 



Geo Franklin.. .21 11132033 - 9 



Geo Beck 2220011112— 8 -36 



Lake Countv Club. 

 W J Edbrooke..2332l 12132-10 

 A Henrobin.... 2202001101— 6 



A L Smith 0012121202— 7 



JT Hastings... .2s2111110l— 9—32 

 Calumet Heights Club. 



fir Hudson 0001221220 - 6 



G Liu terbacb . 102 111000)3 - 0 

 O Lamphere... .213:30 '1120- 8 



L L Davis OOU000312- 5-25 



West Chicago Clnb. 

 WmSk el ton.... 0112210212— 8 



T C Brahm 0112H11U- 9 



S Sheahan 0111112030— 7 



E Green 0112210122- 8—32 



Ft. Dearborn Shooting Club, 

 Geo Kleinman. .111 1122111—10 

 W L Shepherd. 2002000100 - 3 

 G T Farmer.... 1202121111— 9 

 W WMcFarlan 1213211021— 9-31 



Douglas ftnn Club. 

 W D Batmer. . .0201202022— 6 



J Church 0222120120— 7 



IB Barto 2221222222-10 



IC Lanston 0111120222- 8-31 



