


The following estimates of per cent of cripples lost were obtained 
from "pushers," guides, and wardens; Lashbrook 33%, Hamilton 50%. ‘This 
means that for every 10 ducks bagged these men estimate there are 3 to 5 
hit and injured but not recovered. It sounds extra high, My per cent of 
cripples on ducks on the Rio Grande in NewMexico ran: 
1919 - 10% 1922- 7% 
1920 - 17% 1923 - 18% 
1921 - 11% Average - 13% 
This was with an extra competent dog and special care. The 
flooded timber of the Illinois River presents an extra difficult condition 
as to recovering cripples. 
Practice as to limits and hours. The federal warden is authority for the 
statement that all but one or two clubs observe the federal limit of 25 
rather: than the state limit of 15. 
This seems to reverse the umMerlying idea of the migratory bird law 
that the lower of the two should govern. I gathered that the practice 
meets with acquiescence on the part ofboth state and federal wardens, 
Some of the main clubs are said to shoot 50, 15 each for the hunter 
and "pusher", 
Limits of any kind on some commercial preserves and toll farms are 
poorly observed probably. 
There is general verbal agreement that shooting starts at 9 o'clock, 
This enlightened practice is evidently generally observed. 
Toll Rate for Duck Shooting. $10 per man per day has been the going rate 
since 1914 on the Illinois River. This is now being raised to $15, or $25 
for 2 men, with a limit kill often guaranteed. This higher rate is appar- 
ently established on the lower rivers With as high as 10 guns per pen this 
Ee See 


