Oct. 8, 1904.] 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
305 
Notes From the Game Fields. 
Massachusetts Rutfed Grouse. 
Plainfield, Mass., Sept. 27.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: The autumn foliage at date is resplendent, and 
the leaves are thinning out. I shall hold on here until 
October 1, so as to get a hack at the grouse. The birds 
are really quite abundant. During the summer months, 
in the course of my rambles over the hills, I flushed quite 
a few bevies, so that I know where the birds are, unless 
some "sooner" gets in his work before the legal time. 
When the forbidden period ends, I will just saunter forth 
on some sunny day when the morning air begins to warm 
up, and perhaps bag a brace. .If a bird gets up before 
me, I halt to see if there are others. Usually it will not 
be two minutes before one and then another of the 
beauties will show himself among the leaves, and on the 
grass beside the old pasture wall, until a half dozen or 
more are in sight. Of course I pot my first bird, and if 
I can drop a second on the flight, my "satisfaction is 
full," and the day's shooting is done. As I am 70 years 
old I don't care to travel far. I do very little hunting 
between 10 A. M. and 3 P. M. Of course a man hunting 
all day with a good partridge dog which will stay by, may 
bag quite a few birds at this opening of the season; but 
I myself am not much of a dog worshipper, and care lit- 
tle for count. As a rule, sportsmen lose many birds by 
moving too quick. Even barnyard fowls will fly and 
scatter if vou run in on them. 
Now that the berries are about done, deserted apple 
orchards near a wood lot are likely places to find ruffed 
grouse in the morning hours, and so are old roads that 
are little traveled, as well as spring heads in mixed woods 
of beech, birch, and evergreens; and the birds like worn 
out pasture lots where the grass is short, and there are 
droppings of cows. Mast, especially beech nuts, is more 
abundant this year than last, and there are hundreds of 
nnt-bearing chestnut trees on the Goshen hills, ten miles 
away. Rabbits and squirrels are few, though the nut 
crop" may bring them later on. It is a long time since I 
saw a gray squirrel here. Last year I came across two 
at the cross roads, which were sitting by the roadside, 
apparently scanning the finger-board pointing away from 
(own. The neighborhood was growing too hot for them, 
and as gray squirrels migrate in companies, they must 
have all left these precincts at that time. 
Charles Hallock. 
prairie chicken, the latter being found only in the ex- 
treme western counties, and are reported not very plenti- 
ful this season. Quail are distributed over the entire Ter- 
ritory, and I do not know that any State contains as many 
as Oklahoma. The supply this year is larger, so far as 
I have been able to observe, than ever before, and from 
inquiries I have made, this seems to be the condition over 
the entire Territory. There are practically no wild tur- 
keys left, and but few deer. An occasional small bunch 
has been seen in the Wichita Mountains, and a few scat- 
tering ones in Roger Mills and Day counties. 
J. C. Clark, 
Territorial Game and Fiih Warden. 
turkeys, pheasants, Virginia partridges, and rabbits and 
squirrels. They seem to be increasing. 
Frank Sively, 
New Jersey's Promise. 
Long Branch, N. J, Sept. 30.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: Considering the fact that we have not been able 
tc get any quail for the past two years, the outlook this 
season is very bright. The old birds seem to have sur- 
vived and multiplied, due to the vigilant protection of 
our wardens, and the enforcement of the laws. 
1 am clearly of the opinion that in every part of the 
State where game is scarce, if hunting in the closed 
season were stopped and trapping and snoodmg were 
stopped, and the sale of game were abolished, it would 
become plentiful again. - 
It is a serious problem with us, situated as. we _ are be- 
tween two of the largest cities, how to restrict and 
properly protect our game. The law now in force, which 
has been practically the same for the past three years, 
is working very successfully, and reports now coming m 
show clearly that partridge and quail are on the increase. 
It is very gratifying to be able to tell you that the 
twenty-seven deer liberated last fall are all doing well, 
and have multiplied, and I have no doubt that after two 
years there will be good deer hunting in New Jersey. 
Bent. P. Morris, 
President Fish and Game Commission. 
Montana Game is Increasing. 
Helena, Mont., Sept. 28.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
The game conditions of our State have never been better 
in the last ten years. People who are seriously opposed 
to game protection, acknowledge the fact that our game is 
increasing instead of diminishing each year. This 
season has been unusually favorable for small or 
feathered game, and our crop of birds this year was in- 
deed surprising. Non-resident and eastern hunters who 
have been hunting this month have met with great suc- 
cess, and the majority have written me expressing their 
pleasure and satisfaction with the results of their hunt.. 
W. F. Scott, 
State Game and Fish Warden. 
Nebraska's Game Increase. 
Lincoln, Nebraska, Sept. 26.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: We have prosecuted every violation of the law 
that came to our notice, and have given particular at- 
tention to the enforcement of the law relative to market- 
hunting and shipping of game and fish within or without 
the State. The results have been very gratifying to all 
who are interested in the preservation of our game ; 
Some time ago I requested our special deputies in the 
several counties of the State to acquaint themselves with 
the conditions as nearly as possible, and report to me on 
blanks which I inclosed, the increase or decrease of 
paririe chickens, grouse and quail, and the per cent, of 
increase or decrease. I inclose herewith a copy of the 
table which we compiled, and you will notice from it that 
the increase under our non-shipping laws have been very 
marked. While the table is not authentic, it will con- 
vince you that there has been a splendid increase. 
Geo. L. Carter, Chief Warden. 
[The statement shows an increase of prairie chickens, 
grouse and quail in almost every county, ranging from 10 
to 500 per cent.] 
New Hampshire Deer and Partridge. 
Lancaster ,N. H., Sept. 29.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
In the northern section of the State the deer are reported 
to be very numerous, more so than usual. Partridges are 
also reported to be very plentiful, and I have no doubt 
that this is true. Our winter was very severe, but the 
cold was so continuous that there was no crust by reason 
of thaws, and the birds were thus able to get out and feed 
all winter long. Then, too, the spring was very dry, and 
the eggs were not destroyed by the wet weather._ Deer 
and partridges are the principal game hunted in this 
section, although there are some ducks and woodcock 
seen in this vicinity. Merrill Shurtleff. 
Tennessee Quail. - 
Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 26.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: Reports to this department from various sec- 
tions of the State indicate an unprecedented number of 
quail, which fact gives promise of unusually fine shoot- 
ing for the lovers of this sport. The Tennessee game 
laws invite and do not repel non-resident sportsmen, and 
are in line with the policy on this subject heretofore 
strongly advocated by Forest and Stream. 
M. L. Beasley, Secretary. 
North Carolina Quail. 
Greensboro, N. C, Sept. 26.— Editor Forest and 
Streamy Regarding game conditions and the outlook for 
hunting in North Carolina for this year, the prospects 
for good quail shooting have not been better for many 
years. Observers in all parts of the State are continually 
reporting on the large numbers of birds which are being 
seen . T. Gilbert Pearson, 
Secretary. 
Connecticut Upland Game. 
Hadlyme, Conn., Sept. 26.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
It is early as yet to forecast just what the outlook is for 
hunting this fall in this State, although I am inclined to 
the opinion that so far as quail are concerned that the 
severe winter has very nearly exterminated them, but 
from all parts of the State come reports that partridges 
are more abundant than for several years past. 
E. Hart Geer, Secretary. 
Colorado Deer and Grouse. 
Denver, Colo., Sept. 27.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
In regard to the game conditions and outlook for hunting 
in Colorado this year, the outlook was never brighter. 
From all reports the deer are more plentiful this year 
than they have been for years, and there are a great many 
o-rouse in different parts of the State. The ducks are not 
very plentiful yet, as we have had no cold weather to 
drive them down from the north, but just as soon as the 
weather gets cold we expect the duck shooting to be very 
fine. We have a very short open season on deer, com- 
mencing September 15 and closing September 30 of each 
year. No open season on elk, mountain sheep or antelope. 
J. M. Woodard, 
Game and Fish Commissioner^ 
Oklahoma's Quail Supply. 
Oklahoma, O. T., Sept. 27.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: In answer to your inquiry as to the outlook for 
hunting in Oklahoma this year, beg to advise that the 
pit! Yirfttifj pj pme found In OWs^mi m p&il and 
New Brunswick Big Game. 
Saint John, N. B., Sept. 29.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: The hunting outlook is good. Moose are very 
plentiful, and there are also abundance of deer and cari- 
bou, as well as ducks and other small game. 
L. B. Knight. 
Quebec Reports Favoraole. 
Aylmer, Quebec, Sept. 26.— According to reports from 
fire rangers and fish and game keepers, the game condi- 
tions and outlook for hunting this year ought to be very 
good, as the game is plentiful outside of partridges. 
N. E. Cormin, 
Provincial Game Warden and Fishery Overseer. 
Iowa Prairie Chickens and Quail. 
Warden George A. Lincoln, who is now distributing 
fish from the State fish car, writes, under date of Septem- 
ber 27: Prairie chickens are scarce, but will be better 
the last of October and November. Quail are plenty. 
There will be good hunting during open season. The 
outlook for ducks is good; there will be large numbers. 
Wisconsin's Outlook Good. 
Madison, Wis., Sept. 26.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
Partridges and grouse are very plentiful, and deer are 
becoming more numerous every year. 
Henry Overbeck, Jr. 
Wfst Virginia Reports an Increase. 
Hinton, W, Va., Sept, Editor Forest and Stream: 
We f»*YS plenty fif Otfrj mm Urn ?M m timmw m 
County by County in Illinois. 
Springfield, 111., Sept. 24.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
I beg to inclose you a clipping from the Springfield Jour- 
nal of September 23, which will give you an idea of the 
game conditions by counties, and you will please note that 
nearly all of them show a marked increase, under the 
operation of the new game law. ' 
John A. Wheeler, 
State Game Commissioner. 
SUMMARY OF THE REPORTS. 
Adams— Pheasants, squirrels and prairie chickens have increased 
during the year. , . , 
Alexander— Ouail increasing, and plenty of all kinds of squirrels. 
Also plenty oT snipe and wild turkey. Lots of geese, duck and 
brant in the fall. . _ . . , . , 
Bond— Quail and squirrels are plentiful. Prairie chickens are 
increasing since last year. , . 
Boone— Prairie chickens have made a gain. Plenty of rabbits, 
but partridges are scarce. 
Brown— puail and squirrels increasing. 
Bureau— Squirrels, rabbits, quail and chickens increasing. 
Carroll— Ouail, snipe, squirrels and rabbits plentiful. Some 
chickens and ducks, but farmers are protecting the quail and 
chickens very well. ' 
Green— Quail plentiful; also squirrels. General conditions 1m- 
Pr Case— Ducks, quail, squirrels and rabbits are plentiful. Prairie 
chickens a ' little scarce, but increasing. 
Christian— Ouail and doves are plentiful, but chickens and 
squirrels are "scarce. General conditions increasing. 
Clark— Squirrels are plentiful, while chickens and quail are 
s Cetrcc 
Clay— Quail and prairie chickens are plentiful and on the in- 
crease. , . 
Coles— Squirrels, quail and prairie chickens are scarce, but on 
the increase. , , , .., . 
Clinton— Ouail, prairie chickens and squirrels are plentiful. 
Some wild" turkeys and pheasants, but ducks and snipe are 
Cook— General condition of prairie chickens, quail and ducks is 
good, but they are not plentiful. . 
Cumberland— Quail and squirrels are on the increase and are 
Pl ] )e' Kalb— Prairie chickens and quail are not very plentiful, but 
on the increase. . 
Douglas— Prairie chickens, quail and squirrels are not very 
plentiful, but more so than last year. . 
Effingham— Quail and prairie chickens are on the increase, but 
there are only a few squirrels. . - . 
Du Page— Prairie chickens and quail quite plentiful and m- 
^Edgar— Squirrels and quail are plentiful, but prairie chickens 
are scarce. , , , . , 
Fayette— Quail in this county are on the decrease, and chickens 
are very scarce. .. 
Ford— A few quail and prairie chickens. 
Franklin— Quail are plentiful and on the increase. 
Gallatin— Squirrels, quail and ducks are plentiful and on the 
increase. . . , , . ., , , 
Green—Quail, mourning doves and squirrels are plentiful and on 
the increase. ... , , , , j 
Grundy— Chickens, quail, pheasants and doves are plentiful and 
increasing. Squirrels more generally. 
Hamilton— Quail and squirrels are scarce, but increasing. _ 
Hancock— Condition of mourning doves, quail, prairie chickens 
and snipe is fair, and they are on the increase. 
Henderson--Quail very plentiful. ... , 
Jackson— Quail plentiful and increasing in the northwestern 
part of the 'county. . 
Johnson— Wild turkeys are scarce; quail are plentiful and in- 
creasing. ..... ' , , 
To Davies— Quail, prairie chickens and pheasants are very 
plentiful and on the increase. 
Kankakee— Quail are quite plentiful, but chickens are scarce. 
General condition increasing. . • , • 
Kendall— Prairie chickens, quail and squirrels are plentiful in 
the south and western parts. Condition increasing. _ 
Knox— Ouail, squirrels and prairie chickens are quite plentiful. 
Very few~snipe. General condition increasing. 
La Calle— Quail are plentiful. Chickens, squirrels and doves 
are quite scarce. ..... , 
Lake— Ducks on the decrease. A few prairie chickens and . 
squirrels. , . , , 
Lawrence— Plenty of rabbits and quail, but chickens and squir- 
rels are scarce. . . , ., '. 
Logan— Squirrels are on the decrease; rabbits on the increase. 
Quail and chickens are fairly plentiful, and conditions are in- 
Cr Macon— Quail, prairie chickens and squirrels are fairly plentiful 
and conditions increasing. . . ... . 
Macoupin— Quail, chickens and squirrels are fairly plentiful, 
and the numbers are increasing. . ... . 
Madison— Squirrels, quail and rabbits are very plentiful. 
Chickens are very scarce. ".. . 
McDonough— Chickens, squirrels, ducks, geese, quail, snipe, 
brant and pheasants are plentiful. General condition increasing. 
McHenry— Prairie chickens, snipe, squirrels and rabbits plenti- 
ful. Pheasants, woodcock and partridges are scarce. 
McLean— Chickens, quail and doves are plentiful; also rabbits. 
Squirrels getting scarce. , .... , 
Mason— Squirrels and doves are plentiful and on the increase 
Massac— Turkeys, squirrels, quail and rabbits are plentiful and 
on the increase. . ... , 
Menard— Condition of quail, chickens, and squirrels- is good 
and increasing rapidly. . , .., , ., . 
Mercer— Quail and squirrels are more plentiful than usual, 
and on the" increase. , . ,., . , . 
Monroe— Squirrels and mourning doves are plentiful and m- 
Cr Morgan— Quail, doves and rabbits are plentiful; ducks scarce. 
Moultrie— Ouail are plentiful; squirrels and chickens are scarce. 
Ogle— Chickens, quail, squirrels and pheasants are scarce, but 
on the increase. ' . ... , 
Pike— Squirrels, doves and quail are plentiful. 
Piatt— Prairie chickens, quail, squirrels, rabbits, geese and 
ducks are quite plentiful and all on the increase 
Pope— Gray and red squirrels and quail are plentiful and on 
th pulaski— Quail, squirrels, rabbits and doves are fairly plentiful 
and on the increase. , ,. , . ... , 
Richland— Squirrels, quail and chickens are plentiful. 
Rock Island— Quail, rabbits, squirrels and a few chickens; all 
are increasing very rapidly. . 
Saline— Quail, doves and squirrels are plentiful and on the 
increase. , . 
Sangamon — Quail, doves and prairie chickens are not very 
plentiful, but slightly increasing. , 
Schuyler— Quail, squirrels and ducks plentiful ; chickens scarce, 
AH' are on the increase. t v . 
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