PROTECTING PHEASANTS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5231, 25 January 1928, Page 2

PROTECTING PHEASANTS

1 a HEAVY COST TO SOCIETY.

UNSUITABLE' LIBERATION AREAS-

In advising the tOhinemuri Acclimatisation Society, Paeroa, that 40 pheasants wertv being forwarded for liberation early in February, the Auckland Society wrote as follows : — "The council earnestly requests you to consider the fpllwing points in the liberation of tliei birds: ,(1) Birds should not be liberated on closely settled areas or dairy farms ; farmers do not take out a license to shoot on their own property, and the, presence of dogs and cats presents breeding. Each club has holdings open to shooters where breeding is possible. (2) No birds should be liberated where rabbit poison is laid at any time of the year. (3) Large holdings where bush, cover, and food are available should be preferred. (4) The owners of property who will prevent shooting 'n the first season after liberation are the only persons .who should receive birds.

“The council feels that unless better results are -obtained for the shooting public from the liberation of phejasants, and in view of the heavy cost of each bird to the council, that the funds in future will have to be devoted to more hardy birds, such as snipe, Mallard duck, ete. If, therefore, the pheasant shooter desires the council to continue tlie present liberal expenditure on pheasants, then he must do all that he can on the above lines to assist the society in this work.

“It is heped that the regulations for next season will be gazetted early in February, when' the society will print and circulate the licenses for sale. In order' to provide more birds and better shooting for the spoirtsmen of. the district the council -desires your society to make a special effort to increase the sale of licenses in yo-.ur area.” It is the intention of the local society to call a meeting of membars and others interested at an early date to consider the matter.