Licensed Hunting Clubs: In 1941 the Illinois Department of Con- 
servation initiated its club permit system which required registra- 
tion of hunters and kill. Section 57 of the Illinois Game and Fish - 
Code sets forth the requirements for licensing and compulsory report- 
ing for lands operated as commercial wild goose hunting areas. This 
regulation has undergone minor changes, but remains in effect today 
(Game Code of Illinois--1959). This was one of the éarly milestones 
for controlling hunter activity and provides an effective method for 
determination of harvest as the season progresses. 
No other State in those portions of the Central and Mississippi 
Flyways with which we are concerned presently has a club license 
regulation, but this procedure is being given serious consideration 
in those States where early closures have been effected and where 
more accurate kill data are required. 
Blind Spacing and Confinement: Section 31 of the Illinois 
Game and Fish Code sets. forth methods by which. migratory game birds 
may be taken on property operated under a wild goose hunting area 
permit on other than licensed hunting areas.” Specific regulations 
govern pit and blind spacing. It is unlawful for any person to 
establish or use more than” one blind or pit for each 20 acres or 
major fraction thereof; for any person to establish or use any blind 
or pit for the taking of wild geese within 200 yards of any other 
blind or pit or within 100 yards of the property boundary; and for 
any person to establish or use any blind or pit for the taking of 
wild geese within 200 yards of any refuge boundary or public road 
right-of-way adjacent to any State or Federal waterfowl refuge. 
Section 31 of the Illinois Game and Fish Code states that it 
is unlawful for any person to take wild geese, except from a blind 
or pit, on any area operated under a wild goose hunting area permit 
or other than licensed areas, and makes it unlawful for more than 
two persons, but not including any employee of a licensed hunting 
area, to occupy any blind or pit at the same time. All guides are 
required to register with the Department so the proper credentials 
can be issued. 
In 1960 the Wisconsin Conservation Department established a 
number of area regulations pertaining to goose hunting in the vicinity 
of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, such as prohibition of shoot- 
ing from roadside and railroad rights-of-way in the 2 p.m. closing 
zone and the requirement that all blinds be at least 75 yards from 
the refuge boundary. In 1961, additional restrictions were adopted 
which required that goose hunting within the 2 p.m. closing zone be 
confined to pits or blinds, and that such blinds be 200 yards apart 
ani at least 100 yards from property lines, with not more than three 
hunters per blind permitted (Wisconsin Administrative Code, amended-- 
1958). While there were some fears initially that these restrictions 
would meet considerable public opposition, it is encouraging to note 
