FOREST AND STREAM. 
THE “BIG H UNT. 
W HEN we first published the announcement of what 
is now popularly known as “The Big Hunt,” we 
gave the information merely as a matter of news, little 
dreaming that it would attract such general Interest as it 
has done, or evoke so decided a spirit of opposition to the 
expedition. We have already published a large number 
of letters from promiuent gentlemen, and to-day add a few 
more. Several others have been omitted only because they 
advanced no different views from those already expressed. 
We havo opened our columns freely to all who wished to 
use them, because the project is a novel one, and involves 
material points that may well bear discussion. The two 
leading objections to the hunt are that the time selected is 
unseasonable, and the proposed party so large that it will 
scour the country of game. We have attempted to elicit 
such facts as will determine the truth of the first objection. 
Mr. McCarty, the projector of the expedition, disclaims 
any intention to shoot out of season. He is now on his 
way to Europe to take charge of a large number of gentle 
men who, he says, are booked for the expedition; and his 
statement is verified by letters that we have seen. Several 
Americans have also engaged to join the expedition in sun 
dry capacities, either as photographers, artists, reporters, 
or mere pleasure seekers. It does not appear, from pres- 
ent indications, that the party will reach its hunting ground 
in advance of the season. Neither do we apprehend that 
any great slaughter will ensue. It will be fortunate if 
game enough is shot to keep the larder in meat. From the 
letter of our Fort Sill correspondent, printed to-day, it 
seems that the district to be visited is seldom traversed. It 
is impossible that the party will advance with such comet 
like velocity aud sweep of front as to exterminate the 
game. None of the frontiersmen that have written seem 
to fear any such result. The advance will be slow, and 
possibly tedious. Our Fort Sill letter intimates that the 
route is nearly impracticable, but McCarty assures us that 
the author writes under a misapprehension. He avers that 
he is going to northwestern, and not southwestern Texas, 
and will not touch the Indian Territory at all. 
We have never encouraged this expedition, or given it 
our endorsement— would not join it if we could, and abhor 
“a crowd.” Nevertheless, from personal knowledge which 
we have of some portion of the ground, we maintain that 
no harm will be dono, and that comparatively little game 
will be shot, in season or out of season. We have no pe- 
cuniary interest whatever in the venture, and no personal 
interest different from that of our numerous correspond 
ents. 
Cazenovia, February 1, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream: — 
The pros and cons in your columns have been upon the 
merits and the desirability of encouraging the invasion of 
English sportsmen ; and some ill temper has been evinced 
in portions of this correspondence. 
My own views, which I have hesitated to advance, are 
very simple, but in my own mind definite. I would not 
make any rule applicable only to this case, but would extend 
to our English cousins, who are usually bold, adventurous, 
and excellent sportsmen, the same privileges any sports- 
men are entitled to wno respect game laws, and bring with 
them the love for all that sportsmen value. 
This rule among true lovers of wild life, to be’respected 
and adhered to by all who seek the influences that render 
so pure and elevating real woodland sports, should be; “No 
Big Hunt," no going into the “Aisles of God’s first temples” 
in boisterous crowds, driving away the quiet seclusion, 
and leaving a trail like that of an army ; no desolation of a 
land of forest or prairie, and no mercantile brokerage of 
the favors of woodland aud stream. It conceals the issue 
to mix up any personality or nationality. 
The destruction of fish and game in unreasonable quan- 
tities is not justifiable in any case. The “Side Hunts” 
where all the men and boys in a neighborhood scour the 
woods and destroy everything that will count, from chick-a- 
dee-dees to skunks, are uncivilized ; so are English battues-, 
and so are the drivings of herds of buffaloes over cliffs by 
Pawnees and Modocs. Many of the large hunting clubs 
that go to the Adirondacks leave a sad mark. Their rifle 
balls are in every tree, their names on the rocks, and their 
bottles- in every stream, and the vicinity of such a camp is 
well escaped by enduring the miles of tramp and carry that 
deter them from following with their impedimenta of luxu- 
ries. 
'* Chacunson mauvais gout," let those go in crowds to the 
wild wood who like it ; let those court nature in crowds 
who do not value her sacred mystery of still life, but let all 
who want game to become abundant, waste not that they 
want not, aud set their hand and seal against all manner of 
gregarious and commercial hunting. L. W. L. 
Since writing the above, the following letter from Mr. 
Batty has opportunely arrived to corroborate our views:— 
Hartford, Todd county, Minn., Fobruary 9, 1975. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Much haa been said lately In regard to the "Big Hunt," which is to 
come off next Summer. I ao not see why Individuals should try and 
cry it down, calling parries about to engage In It poachers, &c I think 
that some persons who denounce the hunt, probably know little or 
nothing of tho country Mr. McCarty proposes to visit, and they imagine 
that thousands of buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, mountain sbc«D, &c.. will 
be ruthlessly sluin. No doubt the hunters will kill considerable game, 
yet they will have to work for what they obtain In Colorado. I do not 
think what game will be killed will be a mite, compared with the amount 
killed unnunlly by the different tribes of Indians during the close season. 
There is plenty of game In the West for all, particularly in some local- 
ities where Mr. McCurty proposes to \ isle. A party cannot travel 
over the "Western wilds” and enjoy themselves, except in the Sommer 
time. In many places the enow lies on the mountains until late In June, 
and falls early in the Autumn, givine the pleasure seekers but a compar- 
atively short time to make long excursions into the mountains. One 
cannot organize a party, fit out pack trains, Ac., and have time to lie 
over at all the different camps of interest and explore the country during 
a few weeks in the Autumn. If some of our Eastern sportsmen would 
give their attention to the poaching which is going on about them, and 
not find fault with a few gentlemen who propose to hunt in an Indian 
country where game is plenty, they would do good, and add to the 
pleasures of the sporting fraternity where It la most needed. 
Jos. H. Battt. 
Fort Sill, India* Territory; 
Editor Forest axd Stream:— January *5, 1875. f 
m f ?, m °"* country In Texas, over 
wh ch McCarty s Big Hunting Party Is to travel, may not be unwelcome, 
so I give you my idea of Ids route, together with some strictures on hls 
letter contained In your Usuoof the Nth instant. I quote from the letter: 
Our quail hatch In February, our wild turkey in Maroh. our grouse in 
the same month, usually hatching two brood, per annum, and the buffalo 
N ° hQntcr cv * n • bufl » l0 cow with a calf, or an 
old bull, but only young heifers and bulls, aud they are nuisances to the 
herdsman of southwestern Texas.” Again: "This, you see. takes us 
Into the middle of June, when wild turkeys and quail arc full grown, 
fawns have lost their spots, and buffalo calves arc brown. After hunting 
through western Texas for fifty or sixty days In quest of buffalo aud 
other varieties, we will reach Pueblo, Colorado, Ac., Ac.” 
Now to facts: "Our quail” do not ‘'hatch in February,” and seldom, 
if ever, do the coveys break up until March. Our wild turacy do not 
hatch in March. I have never found a nest earlier than the first of May 
though they may hatch sometimes a llttlo earlier. The turkeys are not 
fit to kill berore August 1st, and Instead of being full grow n, are about 
the size of a prairie chicken at that time. Our grouso hatch about May 
Instead of March, and August 1st they are about half grown "Usunlly 
hatching two broods per annum.” This Is a much mooted questlou it Is 
possible the quail do. but It Is not positive, by any means. That grouso 
and turkey do not, I am certain, unless their first nest Is destroyed 
"The buffalo calves In April." This Is correct enough, only they don’t 
turn brown until Fall. "No hunter ever shoots a buffalo cow with a 
calf, or an old bull." The dickens they don’t I As tpost hunting Is done 
in the Winter, a cow, if killed, Is alw ays with calf. As to killing old 
bulls, most of sportsmen never get a chance to kill anything else. "But 
only young heifers and bulls, arid they nre nuisances to the herdsman of 
southwestern Texas." Fudgo ! the herdsman of southwestern Texas 
would be cured of sore eyes, If so nffllcted, m the sight of n buffalo. 
They are ns seldom seen south of the Concho ns sharks In Croton 
Reservoir. 
“Fawns havo lost thetr spots, and colors are brown," (middle of June.) 
The fawns are not fawned before May 1st, and are not fit to kill, and the 
colors, If brown, are not In Texas at nil. hut considerably northwards. 
"After hunting fifty or sixty days In quest of buffalo aud other varieties 
of game we will reach Pueblo, Colorado." Now, I’ll wager they won’t 
do anything of the kind, und though the Col. assures us, "I know every 
Inch of the ground, Ac.," I equally positively assert he doesn't know 
anything of the kind, and shall now proceed to prove It. 
Takiug Fort Griffith as an Initial point, d aw straight lines to either El 
Paso, Fort Sumner, Fort Bnscom, N. Mexico, or Pueblo, Colorado, and 
you have the entire as yet unexplored "Staked Plain" to cross. This 
was crossed In 1878 for the first time by troops, the same year by troops 
from N. Mexico coming east, and the lower portion by troops the same 
year. I personally know that Col. McC. did not accompany either of 
those expeditions. I know, further, that he can’t lake a party across 
there now, and I am equally certain that he was never west of Double 
Mountains, nbout seventy mllos west of Fort Grlffiu; that far It Is alj 
plain sailing. Now, supposing tho Col. says. "But I'm not going that 
way, but further north towards the Canadian " In the first place, such 
a sized hunting party would not be allowed to cross tho Indian Territory; 
they would have to keep south of Red River until they passed the ]00th 
meridian, and then northwest. Is it practicable? Yes, It can be done; 
but. good thuuder I what a pleasure trip It would be. starting in June, 
the thermometer every day over 100, In a country of endless sand hills 
and gypsum water. I have been there, and If Col. McC. succeeds lu in- 
veigling any party of Englishmen out there, they will dig hls grave lu the 
bottom of Red River, for you must know that Red River Is usually an 
enormous bod of dry sand, which for days marches affords no water, and 
when you do find any it Is salt. 
If tho Col. wants to go south of all tho lines ahovo mentioned, ho may 
Just as well go to Cape Cod for game; he’d get more of It. 
I am glud to see that some of your correspondents, without pretending 
to know the section referred to, still know that June and July aro no time 
to hunt even In Texas, »\lth Its "three months earlier." 
January 27fA.— I had written the above when F. A S. of 21st Inst, was 
received In which Col, McC. goes on to say, "Golden plover In countless 
thousands." Mind yon, Mr. Editor, in June. I say, stuff. 
He thou goes to Fort Richardson "28 miles from Weatherford," (It Is 
just 40, as he knows the country so Intimately ho ought to he a little more 
accurate,) and then they arc to kill June turkeys aud June bear. Ugh ! 
how sick they undoubtedly deseive to get 1 On Salt Creek, where 
Santanu committed the raid on Warren’s train, they uro to hunt cou- 
gar, bear and antelope in June. I wonder If he Intends to bring tho ante' 
lope along and turn them loose? Nary a one will they see if ho don't; 
nor "bar," nor cougar. Then from Griffin they go and have tho cream of 
the buffalo hunt on the Brazos. McCarty may have mode special con- 
tract for the buffalo to come down two months ahead of time this year; 
If so, all right, but I know when I was out there last year, tho buffalo 
wore few and far between, occasionally you would meet a stray old 
bull. 
And thou by Mackenzie’s trail to Fort Baacom. “All aboard, all right 
Mr. Mate, cast her loose and let her skit." • • • In 
1872 McC. remained at Fort Richardson, Texas, over a month, to get an 
escort of troops for a party who already numbered seventy men. Tills 
to go over a country that was constantly scouted by officers with small 
detachments. When at last they cut loose they remained about a mouth 
and only got as fnr west as Double Mountain. 
Without any ill will to such a hunt, or Its originator, tho time of year 
selected is ridiculous, and the originator cannot make it a success. You 
sco, I have confined myself to Texas, I do so because I know whereof I 
speak. I havo no doubt some of your contributors can pick up Mc- 
Carty where I drop him— somewhere on the staked plains— aud show- 
other objections to hls trip. b 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Equal rights for all, should be our motto for our guesls, as well as for 
those to the manner born As long as we permit an Individual to destroy 
several thousand buffalo, If ao Inclined, within a yenr, a few animals, 
more or less, are of little consequence. Game needs protection only 
while breeding, natural enemies and diseases being far more destructive 
than hunting. Is it not Incongruous to talk of protecting game In local- 
ities where tho frontiersman can hardly protect Ids scalp? 
Saml. A Mead, Jr. 
Wicm N -c- T .. „ For forest and Stream. 
WISCONSIN STATE SPORTSMEN’S 
CONVENTION. 
Death of a Hermit Naturalist.— James Gately, well 
known as the “ Hyde Park Hermit,” died on the 2d lost. , 
near Dedham, Mass., from Congestion of the lungs, brought 
on by neglect. The hut in which he lived is about five 
feet square. Gately was visited a few hour# before he 
died, and was found curled up on the floor. The snow 
had leaked through the roof, and every article was com- 
pletely frozen. There was no fire in the stove, nor had 
there been, apparently, for some time, and the hermit him- 
self was in an emaciated and filthy condition. He said 
that he had had nothing to eat or drink for five days pre- 
vious. The sum of $1,031 92 was found sewed up in the 
rags that covered his body. He has left a large collection 
of stuffed animals— quite a museum in itself— which will 
probably go to the town of Hyde Park. Gately was sixty- 
four years of age, a native of Cheshire, England, and was 
the eldest of a family of six. His father was the owner of 
a vast tract of land in Cheshire, and bis wealth was fabu- 
lous. He is still living, so far as is known. 
A m-,. , Madison, Wis., February 5th, 1875. 
l tnc annual meeting of the Wisconsin State Snorts. 
S. 8 of A ^ ftti0n ’ “ oI ‘ l her ® d -‘ ri "K 1110 last three 
f K r f? 1 troportance to tho future of this State 
”r2 r;S ,ly debated and voted upon 
of boa tlh anl eam? ' t'i 01 ' ’ P r <*i* rv ‘“»°n and cultivation 
oil ! h , The true sportsmen of the State 
are awakening to the necessities of the hour and from 
thoSafd *i Uring ! hU ,no, ‘ Un « there will soon bo In 
ht field one of the most powerful and influential oreauiza 
Hons that our country can boast of. urgamzu 
„.J h ?i fol '°; vi 1 n l< ^cora wore elected for tho ensuing year 
• ■ • 1 , III 1 
Cornlnc, Treasurer! Cor,cs P“" <!l "8 
The President appointed tho following as Executive 
- l ie year: Gen. Hamden? Mndi on; WU 
lmm Beck, Milwaukee. II. B. Harshuw, Oshkosh; C. lieu- 
nlng, Wan pon; J. C. Neville, Green Bay. 
rho following were elected delegates to attend the Na- 
Bflfolt . C S nV s n \Kl 3‘ C1 °i Ve w ,Hl ' ,luue 11 N. Sherman, 
lSdoii : ; S ■ S-Woodward, Watertown; N. F. I, un ,i Mndi- 
son; !•. W. Woodward Eau Claire: Fred Pond, Montello. 
Alternates — Col H. M. Strong, Bamboo ; (’. Henning 
ZSTAX-SSS*?**-- Coraln *. Pom s c ; & 
n,w,? miUco of , thrco waa n PP0lnted to issue an nddress 
to the farmers ami sportsmen of tho State explaining fully 
the meaning of “protection," and the benefits that will 
certainly accrue to them by their handing together now 
A committee was appointed to receive and accent the 
name of every known sportsmen in the State as a member 
of the association. Tho dues and assessment being only 
one dollar, they expect to secure every name sent In as an 
“ct ve working member. The club membership fee Is ten 
dollars, is umes were presented of about . seventy live gen- 
tlemen who had signified their willingness to become meui- 
bers, and embracing all the prominent cities of tho State 
A resolution was adopted that the State bo requested’ to 
secure a collection of birds belonging to Charles Dirremrcr 
of Sauk City, to be kept in the University, and said to ho 
one of the most complete in tho country, comprising only 
those found in the State. ® 3 
One of tho fish commissioners is a lawyer, aud has 
drawn up a bill that will stop netting, spearing, Ac. in a 
great measure, if passed. They are earnest in nil their pro- 
posals, and are well supported by some of the most Inlluen 
ttal members of the Senate ami Assembly. They are nnx- 
ious to secure a larger appropriation from the State and 
should succeed. Mr. Palmer, fish oulturist, of Boscobcl 
is confident that tho salmon of Maine would he more pref- 
erable for Wisconsin waters than any other, nml is anxious 
to secure them, 
Mr. Beck, of Milwaukee, has submitted a hill, which 
they hope will become a law, prohibiting the building of 
stationary blinds, or moveable ouch, over eighteen inches in 
height, on Puckaway Lake or the duck feeding grounds of 
tliut county. I lie destruction during last season was so 
great that you could buy them in Milwaukee for five cents 
apiece, and a great many spoiled Hint could not be sold or 
given away. 
Your representative, (J. G. True,) was made an honorary 
member by unanimous consent. J 
Taking into account the adverse conditions of politics und 
weather, the meeting was a success in every manner possi- 
ble, ami will do any amount of good before the next one 
occurs. Many thanks arc due to members for kindnesses 
shown to me. Truk 
FROM another CORRESPONDENT. 
The Convention met February 2d, President H. II 
Strong in the chair. 
The following gentlemen were present hr delegates from 
e clubs named: J. II. Noble, Eau Claire Club J{ M 
Strong, Baraboo, Skillet Creek Club; .1 1'. McGregor and 
W. W. Corning, of Puckaway Club’; William Iieck and 
It. M. Strong, Caw Caw, of Milwaukee, 
An address wus delivered by the President, and a paper 
from Fred Pond, of Montello, wus rend by tin- Secretary 
who also offered the following resolution, on behalf of Mr 
Pond, which was adopted : 
Resolve d. That a voto of thank* bo tendered to tin. Forest and 
Strkan. of New York, American Spor lemon, of West Meriden Conn 
and the field and Stream, of Chicago, for gouerouit co-operation in aid 
Of tills AHBOciution and its object*. 
The following resolution was next offered: 
Resolved, Thnt the Field and Stream, of Chicago, n» the earnest advo- 
cate of We«tem State association*, bo adopted a* tho officlul orann of 
lid * Association. 
Laid on the table. 
On motion, the Fish Commissioners of Wisconsin were 
admitted as members ex ojjtciu, without fee. 
A committee of five on legislation was then appointed 
os follows: Gen. N. F. Lund, Elisha Burdick, J. I\ m c ! 
Gregor, William Beck and IV M. Strong, 
The following persons were elected members on the indi- 
vidual list: It. H. Strong, Baraboo; Gen. Henry Hamden 
Madison, and Fred Pond, of Montello. 
Mr. McGregor offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted : 
Resolved, That this Association will heartily co-oporatc with the Fish 
Cotnml— loners of this State In their effort* to lncr*-u-o the production 
of fish tn our wulcrs, and to protect fish from destruction ut iiioesson- 
aide lloies. und by Improper moon*; and thnt we will personally and 
collectively endeavor to draw the attention of our people and our Lccls- 
latnre to tno great Importance of tills matter 
Yours truly, Fred. 
[Much of this correspondent's excellent letter is embodied 
in the above letter, and is therefore omitted. — E d.] 
— The members of the Boston club expect to have a club 
room worthy of the boys who have won the championship 
during the psst three years. The amount of funds neces- 
sary to cany out the project is not, however, fully made 
up. If the Bostonians do not give their model club appro- 
priate headquarters they will act very small indeed. En 
courage honest play, gentlemen, by making all its surround- 
ings attractive, 
