Game Protection on the Eastern Shore

Editor Forest and Stream:

It may be of interest to your many readers to be informed in regard to the game laws of Virginia. In but few cases do such laws apply to the entire State; instead they are enacted to suit the different sections and to protect such game as may be found in such sections. Hence our game laws are more special than general.

Wild turkeys abound in the more western localities; so with deer. This game is amply protected, so that each of these sorts of game has largely increased within the last few years.

The act passed by our Legislature Jan. 27, 1896, prohibits the killing of quail anywhere in the State for two years from the passage of the act, under a penalty of $10 fine for each offense; having or being in possession of the birds being prima facie evidence of guilt. Rabbits cannot be shot between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15 of any year.

The Eastern Shore Game Association (this applies to the counties of Accomac and Northampton only) have done and are doing more for the protection of our sea coast waterfowl than has yet been done. The Association is an incorporated body, having full power to enact laws for the furtherance of the end in view, and which do not conflict with the constitution of the State. The fee required for membership is $2 for residents and $5 for non-residents, with an additional annual fee of $3. This fund is employed in payment of a regularly equipped force, who patrol our bays and narrows during the duck shooting season to make arrests in case of traps or lights or the shooting of birds during night, or the having in possession any arm that could not be shot from the shoulder without a rest. The Association received its charter under act of March 5, 1894, and even for so short a time we find our waters as to the duck family of birds decidedly more populous. If the increase continues our broad waters and narrows will afford the best field for duck shooting sport anywhere to be found along our coast.

Lighting, night shooting and trapping will very soon drive the game away. Under such conditions our game supply, especially of ducks, grew very scarce at one time, and but for timely measures would in but a few years have been entirely gone. T. G. E.

KELLER, Va., Dec. 7.