5 
SEASONS IN ZONE NO. 2. 
In most cases the close seasons in Zone No. 2 end on the same dates 
as the seasons under the State laws, but eliminate spring shooting 
after January 15. This avoids confusion in the opening of the hunt- 
ing season and provides shooting in the autumn or early winter, when 
the birds are in the best condition. In four States — Maryland, Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina — the seasons for water- 
fowl do not open until November 1, and the season is consequently 
extended to February 1. The difference of 15 clays in the length of 
the season in these States as compared with the seasons elsewhere is 
more than offset by the fact that the birds are present practically 
tiiroughout the open season, whereas in the northern zone and in some 
States in the southern zone they are present only part of the time. 
HEARINGS. 
The object of the hearings is to afford persons interested an oppor- 
tunity to present evidence showing the necessity for readjustment 
of some of the seasons so as to adapt them better to local condi- 
tions and to submit new data regarding local abundance of birds 
and times of migration. The department already has ample infor- 
mation regarding the seasons provided under existing laws and the 
changes which have been made from time to time. The desire to 
have the hunting seasons as long as possible is natural, but as such 
seasons have heretofore been too long, the question is merely one of 
adjustment within certain maximum limits. Consequently, if the 
birds are to be restored, some curtailment of the season in each State 
is essential. In such an effort general welfare should take precedence 
over private or local interests. In recommending changes the condi- 
tion of each species should be considered throughout its range rather 
than in any one locality, and the effect of proposed changes in extend- 
ing or shortening the season as a whole in all the States must be 
given due weight. 
T. S. Palmer, 
Chairman, Committee on Regulations on Migratory Birds. 
Approved. 
B. T. Galloway, 
Acting Secretary of Agriculture, 
Washington, D. C., June 17, 1913. 
o 
WASHI NOTON : GOVERN MB NT PRINTING OFFICE : 1913 
