24 THE- AUDUBON BULLETIN 
Conservation 
By Henry B. Warp 
One of the fundamental dangers in the conservation program today 
is due to failure of many good men to think out the problems that arise. 
After all, natural resources are to be utilized for the benefit of the race. 
We cannot keep untouched every beautiful spot in our country. Mines 
must be dug, roads built, quarries opened, forests cut down, swamps drained, 
and all of these as well as other activities be continued if the nation is to 
prosper. But it is equally true that such an argument does not justify the 
destruction of all that is beautiful. The rule of reason must apply and 
it demands thought and vision to apply the rule. 
Recently magazines, newspapers, and even the air have been filled 
with comments on hunting wild birds, especially the migratory water fowl. 
Individual shooters, duck clubs, and even state conservation ofhcers— 
all of them ardent sportsmen—proclaim that the birds are as plentiful as 
ever and restrictions are uncalled for. Arrayed on the other side one 
finds a battalion carrying the banner of ‘““No Shooting” and supported by 
some big guns with plenty of ammunition. Really two questions are in- 
volved; first, general policy and second, present practices. How shall 
we decide the two questions? 
As a general policy the conservationist seeks the proper utilization of 
all natural resources; and as far as birds are concerned, I confess I admire — 
and adopt Jack Miner’s position. No one on this continent has given as 
much time, thought, work, and money from very modest resources, to 
the preservation of our birds as Jack Miner has devoted unselfishly to the 
migratory water fowl. But he says frankly that he believes in reasonable 
shooting and so do I, for it is the great adventure of youth. 
Now as to this year: All the really careful studies agree in reporting 
a greatly diminished waterfowl population in many areas. Other reports 
are based upon occasional local observations, or on more serious limitations 
of the observer. “The restrictions were necessary for 1931 and may be for 
1932 also. “The decision must be based on scientific study in the field. 
Mere opinions niust be rejected without hesitation, whatever our prejudices. 
Let us keep our balance despite the violence of the attacks of extremists 
and prove that the safe and sane Americans are in the majority. 
