Feb. 17, 1900.I 
FQREST AND STREAM. " 
127 
North American Fish and Game 
Protection Association. 
Montreal, Feb. 7.— Editor Forest and Stream: I have 
much pleasure in inclosing herewith clippings from Mon- 
treal daily papers containing pretty full and complete 
reports of the work accomplished by those interested in 
the preservation of fish and game, met in convention in 
this city, 2d and 3d inst. Knowing the deep interest you 
take in protection matters, I know you will value them. 
Wm. J. Cleghorn, Sec'y- 
/'"rom the Montreal Gazette^ Feb. 5. 
The most important fish and game convention ever 
held in Canada came to a close on Saturday, with the 
last session of the North American Fish and Game Pro- 
tection Association. The discussions indulged in cannot 
fail to produce much good for the cause advocated by all 
those present, the protection of the game in our forests, 
lakes and streams. 
If once the people can be brought to see that a strict 
observance of the fish and game laws will be more profit- 
able than poaching, all will be made easy. 
Public Seatiment* 
Mr. C. E. E. Ussher drew attention once more to the 
immense importance of having a healthy public senti- 
ment back of the Association, and the greatest means 
of bringing this about was to enlist the aid of the press. 
Mr. D. G. Smith concurred in these remarks. He 
would add that in many portions of the country, the 
local clergy could lend great aid by making the people 
understand that an observance of the fish and game laws 
was more profitable than poaching. 
Mr. Titcomb, of Vermont, was of opinion that all 
laws were ineffective unless backed up by public opin- 
ion. He instanced the liquor prohibition laws in his 
own State and in Maine, which, in some districts, were 
altogether ineffective owing to the opposition of popular 
sentiment. 
Mr, L. B. Knight, Game Commissioner of New Bruns- 
wick, took the same view, and others concurred in this 
sense. 
The following motion was therefore proposed by Mr. 
Ussher, seconded by Mr. W. E. Cormier, and unani- 
mously carried: That the following circular be sent to 
the press: 
North American Fish and Game Protection Association: 
Montreal, Can., Feb. 3. 
Tc the Press : 
Gentlemen— in giving effect to the following resolution, we 
solicit your hearty co-operation, feeling assured that not only will 
your assistance materially help forward a work of real urgency, a 
public necessity and of general benefit to the community at large, 
in the States and Provinces here represented, but redound to your 
credit as a public-spirited institution: 
Proposed by C. E. E. Ussher, seconded by W, H, Wilson, of 
Glens Falls, N. Y., the following resolution; 
"Whereas, the daily and weekly press wield great influence, and 
is the best means for reaching and informing the general public 
in matters of current interest, and, 
"Whereas, it is extremely desirable to create a universal senti- 
ment in favor of the enforcement of game and fish laws, to dis- 
seminate correct information respecting the value of fish and game 
resources as a means of attractmg non-residents, and consequent 
large disbursements of money among the people, much of it in 
the wilder and poorer sections, where its receipt is of the greatest 
value; therefore, be it , , , , . 
"Resolved, that a copy of this preamble and resolution, to be 
.followed as soon as issued by the proceedings of this convention, 
be sent to every newspaper in the States and Provinces here rep- 
resented, and that they be requested to give the subject of fish 
and gaine interests such editorial and other notice from time to 
time as its great importance warrants." 
Election of Officers. 
The following officers were then elected: Chairman, 
Hon. S. N. Parent; First Vice-President, G. W. Tit- 
comb, St. Johnsbury, Vt., Commissioner of Fisheries, 
Vermont; Second Vice-President, S. T. Bastedb, Toron- 
to. Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, Ontario; Third 
Vice-President, John Fottler, Jr., Boston. Mass.; Fourth 
Vice-President, Hon. A. T. Dunn, St. John, N. B., Sur- 
veyor-General, New Brunswick; Fifth Vice-President, 
Charles E. Oak, Caribou, Me., Fish and Game Com- 
missioner. Maine; Sixth Vice-President, C. H. Wilson, 
Glens Falls, N. Y.; Joint Secretaries, L. Z. Joncas and 
Rene Dupont, Quebec, and D. J. Smith, Fishery Com- 
missioner for New Brunswick, Chatham, N. B. 
At the morning session, Hon. A. T. Dunn presided, 
as the president of the Association, Hon. S. N. Parent, 
was unavoidably detained by other business. 
Sale of Game. 
The first question up for consideration at this meet- 
ing was that of the imposition of a license on market- 
men and dealers. Some of the members were in favor 
of prohibiting the sale of fish and game on markets al- 
together. Mr. D. G. Smith, of New Brunswick, how- 
ever, opposed this, as many game fish, such as salmon, 
were of commercial value, and their sale could not be 
prohibited in this way. Besides, this would operate in 
favor of one class, and would exclude many unpro- 
tected animals and fish. It would, he considered, be 
wrong to say that because a man could not afford to 
take the time to go out and fish and hunt for himself 
he must be without game fish or other game. 
After further discussion, the following resolution was 
carried: 
Moved by W. G. Parish, seconded by Mr. Titcomb, 
''That in view of the large destruction of game, caused 
by market or pot hunters, that the convention would 
recommend the non-sale of game or the restriction of 
same as much as possible." 
Pfesetves* 
The question of leasing hmiting and fishing terri- 
tories caused a great deal of discussion. A resolution 
was presented by Mr. J. McCrombie, and seconded by 
Mr. C. E. E. Ussher, favoring the discontinuance of the 
leasing of large territories, but this was withdrawn after 
some discussion. 
Mr. McCrombie was of the opinion that the wild lands 
should be properly looked after, and preserved for the 
people at large, who might use them on paying a fee. 
Mr. C. H, Wilson took up the cudgels for the club 
men. He thought it was rather hard to try to keep them 
from the exclusive use of lands which they had to lease 
at high prices and pay much to protect their lands from 
poachers. 
Mr, Joncas agred with the last speaker. The wardens 
employed by the clubmen did more to protect fish and 
game than did the Government officers. 
Mr. Fottler opposed the McCrombie resolution. If 
men spent thousands to protect their leased territory, 
their rights should be respected. Besides, experience 
showed that Government control was not efficient. In 
the United States they were obliged to restock their 
streams, wliich had been protected only by Governrnent 
officials. Fie gave as an instance the St. John River 
in Gaspe. He had taken the river in 1891. In 1890 there 
were no more salmon left. He and his associates had 
since spent $30,000 in protecting this river, which was 
now one of the best salmon rivers in the country. They 
had also bought out the fishing rights of the net fish- 
ermen at the estuary, and had got these fishermen to 
sign a declaration that the granting of further licenses 
would injure the supply of salmon. Sir Charles H. Tup- 
per had approved this declaration, and no further licenses 
were granted. 
Mr. Shewan did not see who was benefited by this 
work of club men, except themselves. The people gen- 
erally could have no access to the rivers owned or leased 
by the clubs. 
Col. P. B. Laird strongly upheld the club men's 
rights. He gave instances of rivers under control o^ 
the Government which had been ruined, while others 
had been greatly benefited by the clubs which took care 
to replenish the fish in the rivers and protect them from 
extermination by net fishermen. 
Mr. L. O. Armstrong favored throwing open the pre- 
serves to the people. He believed clubs should have only 
small tracts, where they build a home for themselves, 
but should not have a monopoly of large territories ex- 
tending many miles. The Government should protect 
the game and allow the people of this country or others 
to enjoy the hunting and fishing on payment of a fee. 
He did not favor interference with the acquired rights of 
the present lessees, at least for some years, but would 
like to see the rule changed in the future. In the State 
of Maine they had ben increasing their supply of salmon 
for years, and it was done by ten wardens in the emi)loy 
of the Government. The clubs hal only very limited 
areas. If the present system were continued, in a few 
years there would be no one but a favored few allowed 
to fish and hunt in our extensive territories. Many of 
the club men who came from the United States were 
gentlemen connected with railways, and traveled on 
passes. If there was a greater extent of territory open, 
more visitors would come, and the railway revenues 
would be increased and other revenues as well. Over 90 
per cent, of railway revenues were divided among the 
people in salaries and for supplies, and everybody in 
the country would be benefited. 
Mr. J. McCrombie regretted the absence of Mr. Oak, 
of Maine. In that State there were no lands leased ex- 
cept in small areas. If the Government would pay suffi- 
cient salaries to wardens thousands of sportsmen would 
come in to take advantage of the hunting and fishing ter- 
ritories. His motion had been intended to apply to 
the future, and not to the present leases to clubs. 
Mr. C. H. Wilson knew of no club members who rode 
on passes. He belonged to the St. Bernard Club, and 
they paid for all they got. One of their members has 
built a club house and hatchery at a cost of $100,000, and 
they were propagating salmon and trout in the territory 
they occupied. If they wanted to invite a guest they 
had to secure a license; if they wished to ship a deer 
home they had to pay $2 for a tag. Then they had set- 
tled the country where their leased land was situated. 
They had their guides and wardens there, and these were 
the first settlers in that region. Even if one of their 
honorary members wanted to come on their grounds 
he had to secure a license. He thought it was rubbing 
it in to ask that they allow everybody to come in and 
enjoy the privileges which it cost them so much to se- 
cure. 
Col. P. B. Laird wanted to know where you could 
find any one to pay license on rivers or territories that 
were not properly guarded. 
Mr. W. E. Cormier was of opinion that it would be 
well to lease some territory to clubs, but it would be 
wise to reserve some tracts for those who would like to 
enjoy an occasional trip. 
Mr. McCrombie having withdrawn his resolution, the 
following was moved by Dr. Brisson, seconded by L. O. 
Armstrong: 
"Whereas, The object of this convention is also to make 
more accessible to sportsmen, either of this country or of 
any other country, the numerous fishing and shooting ter- 
ritories of this Province, it is therefore moved by Dr. 
Brisson, seconded by L. O. Armstrong: 
"That it would be desirable to have on sale by the De- 
partment of Lands and Fisheries, lots from one-half to 
ten acres at ordinary conditions, excepting land clearing." 
The mover explained that at present, to own property 
in this Province, it was necessary to settle upon it, clear 
a certain number of acres, and keep a domicile there six 
months in the year. Now, there were lands which were 
situated on the borders of rivers and lakes. Some of these 
lands were rocky and unfit for cultivation. These could 
be sold to parties who could erect a summer residence 
thereupon, and have a home of their own. This would 
not mean they had the exclusive use of the waters of the 
lakes on whose borders they were established. 
Mr. L. O. Armstrong was very much in favor of such 
a provision. He numbered hundreds of friends among 
the Americans, and far from wanting to keep them out, 
would like to see them come in larger numbers. He 
thought a provision based on this law would have the 
effect of bringing many to the country to spend a few 
days in summer. This was the effect of a like system in 
Maine. 
Mr. Fottler reminded the meeting that even in Maine 
the clubs had large tracts. The Megantic Club OAvned 
many miles in northern Maine, while other clubs owned 
lars:e territories. 
Mr. D. G. Smith told of the existing regulations m 
New Brunswick. Some rivers were leased, but any one 
could obtain the right to fish by paying a fee to the guide. 
Mr. Brisson's motion finally passed by one majority. 
Mr. Toncas, of Quebec, and Mr. Bastedo. of Ontario, 
paired on this question, the latter favoring the motion. 
Moved by C, E. E. Ussher, seconded by Dr, Porter: 
"Resolved, that the sense of this meeting is that the 
best interest of those States and Provinces which permit 
leases to clubs would not be served by leasing their entire 
wild lands, but that a considerable portion of such terri- 
tory should be left open for shooting and fishing under 
proper restrictions." 
Mr. Joncas pointed out that the Province of Quebec 
already had such reserved territories. The Laurentides, 
National Park and the Trembling Mountain Park were 
preserves containing thousands of acres. It was proposed 
to establish other such parks in the Metapedia Valley and 
in the Temiscouata district. By paying a license parties 
would be allowed to go in and kill a certain amount of 
game or take a certain quantity of fish. The motion was 
adopted. 
Protection Clubs. 
The next question up for consideration was the en- 
couragement of fish and game protection clubs. 
It was moved by I. H. Stearns, seconded by Dr. W. H. 
Drunimond, and unanimously resolved: "That we believe 
the formation of fish and game protective associations is 
a very desirable feature in the enforcement of fish and 
game laws, and we therefore recommend to the Govern- 
ment of our respective States and Provinces that every 
reasonable encouragement be given to the formation of 
such associations." 
Mr. L. Z. Joncas, speaking to this resolution, paid a 
high tribute to the Fish and Game Protection Club of this 
Province, which rendered great assistance to the Govern- 
ment in the enforcement of the game laws. The law of 
this Province allowed such. an organization to prosecute 
offenders, and with this club political considerations did 
not count, and offenders were punished, regardless of 
their political leanings, 
Mr. W. C. Parish also did justice to the Anglers' Asso- 
ciation of Ontario, which was a terror to poachers. 
Mr. T4tcomb testified to the efficiency of the Vermont 
association, which was backed by the press of the State, 
and did excellent work. 
Newsptapers and Railroads* 
At the afternoon session Hon. S. N. Parent took the 
chair. The first business before the meeting was the mo- 
tion of Mr. Ussher, which is given at the beginning. All 
the speakers favored this measure. The question of how 
the press could be reached was answered by the chairman, 
who, amid the cheers of the members, announced that 
the Government of this Province would print and distrib- 
ute the necessary circulars, as well as the report of the 
proceedings of this meeting. 
It was moved by D. G. Smith, seconded by E. T. D. 
Chambers, and resolved: "That a committee of this asso- 
ciation, to be called the promotion committee, be appoint- 
ed for the purpose of furnishing data to and otherwise 
disseminating through the press and other public chan- 
nels of communication with the people, information cal- 
culated to promote particularly our protective objects." 
Col. P. B. Laird remarked that the Canadian press was 
already with them, while Mr. Titcomb, of Vermont, and 
Mr. Fottler, of Massachusetts, testified to the good work 
done by the press in their respective States. 
.Mr. W. E. Davis, of the Grand Trunk, said he was glad 
to see in the resolution that other channels besides the 
press were to be tttilized. He thought transportation com- 
panies could do a good deal, and related an incident to 
show how much could be done. He had succeeded in 
having it made a rule on his road that when game was 
offered for transportation, the agent should inform the 
head office before he accepted it for transportation. 
Mr. S. T. Bastedo said he had contemplated making it 
obligatory for carriers in Ontario to make a return of the 
amount of game carried, but he had found the railways 
perfectly willing to furnish such a return. 
Mr. H. E. Welsh, of the Canada Atlantic, said every 
employee of their road was a volunteer game warden. 
1 hey found the coupon system worked well. They were 
willing to do all they could to further the protection of 
fish and game, for it would preserve their freights for the 
future. , _ , 
It was then proposed by Mr. John Fottler, Jr., sec- 
onded by Hon. A. T. Dunn, and carried: 
"That the association request transportation companies 
to instruct their agents to render any assistance to the 
enforcement of the law in regard to shipments of game 
and fish." ^ „ ^ . 
Mr. P. W. Resseman, of the Ottawa & Gatineau, ex- 
plained that his company had already taken steps in that 
direction, and issued such orders to their agents as to 
help the protection of fish and game. 
The following motion by W. G. Parish, seconded by 
H. E. Welsh, was also passed: 
"Resolved, That it is expedient for the proper author- 
ities to instruct their wardens and officers to enforce laws, 
in all cases, with as much courtesy as possible, especially 
regarding foreign sportsmen." 
Coatiau'oos Close Season. 
Mr. Ussher brought up the question of a continuous 
close season. He did not think that the Ontario system, 
for instance, of closing a whole Province to moose hunt- 
ers, produced the eft'ect sought. 
Mr. Titcomb was of contrary opinion. In Vermont, 
through such a system, they had propagated deer. 
Hon. A. T. Dunn explained the New Brunswick 
method. They had made a close season west of the St. 
John River for moose, and this had proved a success. 
Mr. Dickson maintained the wisdom and good effects 
of the Ontario close season for moose. Messrs. Mc- 
Crombie and Ussher were of opinion that the law was 
not observed near the Quebec border. 
After further discussion, the question of close season for 
fish came up, and it was moved by W. C. Parish, seconded 
by J. McCrombie: 
"As many waters have not at present the right dates for 
close season for angling, 
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this convention that 
the authorities who have the naming of said dates should 
make more efforts to find out proper times for close sea- 
sons." This was carried. 
As the committee appointed on harmonizing the laws 
had not been able to deal sufficiently with the subject, it 
was proposed by E. T. D, Chambers, seconded by D. G. 
Smii:-.: ^_ 
