16 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 
before charges are filed. During the biennial, charges have been filed 
against seven deputies, six by the Fish and Game Commission and one 
by a citizen. In four instances, resignations were filed before the date 
of trial. Three, however, stood trial and were dismissed. 
One of the hearings held by the Civil Service Commission was the 
most bitterly contested in the history of civil service in California. 
Three sessions were held and on account of the voluminous evidence 
introduced, the commissioner who acted as judge, requested that briefs 
be submitted. In the decision every charge filed against the deputy 
was upheld. 
It is sometimes said that civil service handicaps efficiency and that 
it is impossible to remove an employee after he is once in office. The 
experience of the Fish and Game Commission refutes any such state- 
ment. When an employee is not doing the work he is supposed to do, 
the civil service law will not hold him in office. 
Civil service trials are not particularly pleasant for those who file 
a complaint, for they are as much on trial as the defendant; but if 
they have the good of the service at heart, an unpleasant incident of 
that sort should not hold them back. 
New Laws. 
At the last session of the legislature, several-laws were passed that 
will have the greatest influence upon future game conditions in our 
state. 
One of the most important of these laws was the change in the Game 
Districting Act, whereby a number of game refuges upon which there 
can be no hunting, were created. On these refuges deer and other 
game animals will be allowed to breed undisturbed. There are now 
game refuges covering nearly two million acres in the heart of the 
game country. From these refuges game will spread on to the adjoin- 
ing land where the general public can reap the benefit. No matter 
how scarce game may become in other parts of the state, as long as 
these refuges remain there will be an abundance in the lands adjoining 
them, ; 
The Trapping License Act was another important law passed during 
the 1917 session. By this act, proctection is given to valuable fur- 
bearing mammals and the wanton killing of these mammals prohibited 
during the season of the year when the furs are worthless. The fur 
industry is one that is well worth conserving and if it can be developed 
through the protection given by this act, it will bring additional 
thousands of dollars into the state. The law was very well received by 
the trappers throughout the state. Between three and four thousand 
licenses were taken out and approximately one-sixth have reported the 
