BREEDING GAME AND FUR IN CAPTIVITY
GAME BREEDING.--The breeding of game in captivity for sale in the
markets of the world is just as legitimate as the breeding of domestic
species. This applies equally to mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes. It
is the duty of the nation and the state to foster such industries and
facilitate the marketing of their products without any unnecessary
formalities, delays or losses to producers or to purchasers.
Already this principle has been established in several states. Without
going into the records, it is safe to say that Colorado was the pioneer
in the so-called "more-game" movement, about 1899; but there is one
person who would like to have the world believe that it started in the
state of New York, about 1909. The idea is not quite as "old as the
hills," but the application of it in the United States dates back
through a considerable vista of years.
The laws of Colorado providing for the creation of private game
preserves and the marketing of their product under a tagging system, are
very elaborate, and they show a sincere desire to foster an industry as
yet but slightly developed in this country. The laws of New York are
much more simple and easy to understand than those of Colorado.
There is one important principle now fully recognized in the New York
laws for game breeding that other states will do well to adopt. It is
the fact that certain kinds of wild game _can not be bred and reared in
captivity on a commercial basis_; and this being true, it is clearly
against public policy to provide for the sale of any such species. Why
provide for the sale of preserve-bred grouse and ducks which we know can
not be bred and reared in confinement in marketable numbers? For
example, if we may judge by the numerous experiments that _thus far_
have been made,--as we certainly have a right to do,--no man can
successfully breed and rear in captivity, on a commercial basis, the
canvasback duck, teal, pintail duck, ruffed grouse or quail. This being
the case, no amount of clamor from game dealers and their allies ever
should induce any state legislature to provide for the sale of any of
those species _until it has been fully demonstrated_ that they _have
been_ and _can be_ bred in captivity in large numbers. The moment the
markets of a state are thrown open to these impossible species, from
that moment the state game wardens must make a continuous struggle to
prevent the importation and sale of those birds contrary to law. This
proposition is so simple that every honest man can see it.
All that any state legislature may rightfully be asked to do is to
provide for the sale, under tags, of those species which _we know_ can
be bred in captivity in large numbers.
When the Bayne law was drafted, its authors considered with the utmost
care the possibilities in the breeding of game in the United States on a
commercial basis. It was found that as yet only two wild native species
have been, and can be, reared in captivity on a large scale. These are
the white-tailed deer and mallard duck. Of foreign species we can breed
successfully for market the fallow deer, red deer of Europe and some of
the pheasants of the old world. For the rearing, killing and marketing
of all these, the Bayne law provides the simplest processes of state
supervision that the best game protectors and game breeders of New York
could devise. The tagging system is expeditious, cheap and effective.
Practically the only real concession that is required of the
game-breeder concerns the killing, which must be done in a systematic
way, whereby a state game warden can visit the breeder's premises and
affix the tags without any serious sacrifice of time or convenience on
either side. The tags cost the breeder five cents each, and they pay the
cost of the services rendered by the state.
By this admirable system, which is very plainly set forth in the New
York Conservation Commission's book of game laws, all the _wild_ game of
New York, _and of every other state_, is absolutely protected at all
times against illegal killing and illegal importation for the New York
market. Now, is it not the duty of Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, the
Carolinas and every other state to return our compliment by passing
similar laws? Massachusetts came up to public expectations at the next
session of her legislature after the passage of our Bayne law. In 1913,
California will try to secure a similar act; and we know full well that
her ducks, geese, quail, grouse and band-tailed pigeon need it very
much. If the California protectors of wild life succeed in arousing the
great quiet mass of people in that state, their Bayne bill will be swept
through their legislature on a tidal wave of popular sentiment.
_Elk_.--For people who own wild woodlands near large cities there are
good profits to be made in rearing white-tailed deer for the market. I
would also mention elk, but for the fact that every man who rears a fine
herd of elk quickly becomes so proud of the animals, and so much
attached to them, that he can not bear to have them shot and butchered
for market! Elk are just as easy to breed and rear as domestic cattle,
except that in the fall breeding season, the fighting of rival bulls
demands careful and intelligent management. Concerning the possibilities
of feeding elk on hay at $25 per ton and declaring an annual profit, I
am not informed. If the elk require to be fed all the year round, the
high price of hay and grain might easily render it impossible to produce
marketable three-year-old animals at a profit.
_White-tailed Deer_.--Any one who owns from one hundred to one thousand
acres of wild, brushy or forest-covered land can raise white-tailed (or
Virginia) deer at a profit. With smaller areas of land, free range
becomes impossible, and the prospects of commercial profits diminish
and disappear. In any event, a fenced range is absolutely essential; and
the best fence is the Page, 88 inches high, all horizontals of No. 9
wire, top and bottom wires of No. 7, and the perpendicular tie-wires of
No. 12. This fence will hold deer, elk, bison and wild horses. In large
enclosures, the white-tailed deer is hardy and prolific, and when fairly
cooked its flesh is a great delicacy. In Vermont the average weights of
the deer killed in that state in various years have been as follow:--in
1902, 171 lbs.; in 1903, 190 lbs.; in 1905, 198 lbs.; in 1906, 200 lbs.;
in 1907, 196 lbs.; in 1908, 207 lbs.; and in 1909, 155 lbs. The reason
for the great drop in 1909 is yet to be ascertained.
In 1910, in New York City the wholesale price of whole deer carcasses
was from 22 to 25 cents per pound. Venison saddles were worth from 30 to
35 cents per pound. On the bill of fare of a first class hotel, a
portion of venison costs from $1.50 to $2.50 according to the diner's
location. It is probable that such prices as these will prevail only in
the largest cities, and therefore they must not be regarded as general.
Live white-tailed deer can be purchased for breeding purposes at prices
ranging from $25 to $35 each. A good eastern source of supply is Blue
Mountain Forest, Mr. Austin Corbin, president (Broadway and Cortlandt
St., New York). In the West, good stock can be procured from the
Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, through C.V.R. Townsend, Negaunee, Mich.,
whose preserve occupies the whole of Grand Island, Lake Superior.
The Department of Agriculture has published for free distribution a
pamphlet entitled "Raising Deer and Other Large Game Animals" in the
United States, by David E. Lantz, which contains much valuable
information, although it leaves much unsaid.
All breeders of deer are cautioned that during the fall and early winter
months, all adult white-tailed bucks are dangerous to man, and should be
treated accordingly. A measure of safety can be secured in a large park
by compelling the deer always to keep at a respectful distance, and
making no "pets," whatever. Whenever a buck finds his horns and loses
his fear of man, climb the fence quickly. Bucks in the rutting season
sometimes seem to go crazy, and often they attack men, wantonly and
dangerously. The method of attack is to an unarmed man almost
irresistible. The animal lowers his head, stiffens his neck and with
terrible force drives straight forward for your stomach and bowels.
Usually there are eight sharp spears of bone to impale you. The best
defense of an unarmed man is to seize the left antler with the left
hand, and with the right hand pull the deer's right front foot from
under him. Merely holding to the horns makes great sport for the deer.
He loves that unequal combat. The great desideratum is to put his fore
legs out of commission, and get him down on his knees.
Does are sometimes dangerous, and inflict serious damage by rising on
their hind feet and viciously striking with their sharp front hoofs.
These tendencies in American deer are mentioned here as a duty to
persons who may desire to breed deer for profit.
_The Red Deer of Europe_.--Anyone who has plenty of natural forest food
for deer and a good market within fair range, may find the European red
deer a desirable species. It is of size smaller, and more easily
managed, than the wapiti; and is more easily marketed because of its
smaller size. As a species it is hardy and prolific, and of course its
venison is as good as that of any other deer. Live specimens for
stocking purposes can be purchased of S.A. Stephan, Agent for Carl
Hagenbeck, Cincinnati Zoological Gardens, or of Wenz & Mackensen,
Yardley, Pa., at prices ranging from $60 to $100 each, according to size
and age. At present the supply of specimens in this country on hand for
sale is very small.
_The Fallow Deer_.--This species is the most universal park deer of
Europe. It seems to be invulnerable to neglect and misuse, for it has
persisted through countless generations of breeding in captivity, and
the abuse of all nations. In size it is a trifle smaller than our
white-tailed deer, with spots in summer, and horns that are widely
flattened at the extremities in a very interesting way. It is very hardy
and prolific, but of course it can not stand everything that could be
put upon it. It needs a dry shed in winter, red clover hay and crushed
oats for winter food; and no deer should be kept in mud. As a commercial
proposition it is not so meaty as the white-tail, but it is _less
troublesome to keep_. The adult males are not such vicious or dangerous
fighters as white-tail bucks. Live specimens are worth from $50 to $75.
The Essex County Park Commissioners (Orange, New Jersey) have had
excellent success with this species. In 1906 they purchased twenty-five
does and four bucks and placed them in an enclosure of 150 acres, on a
wooded mountain-side. In 1912 they had 150 deer, and were obliged to
take measures for a disposal of the surplus. Messrs. Wenz & Mackensen,
keep an almost continuous supply of fallow deer on hand for sale.
_The Indian Sambar Deer_.--I have long advocated the introduction in the
southern states, _wherever deer can be protected_, of this great,
hulking, animated venison-factory. While I have not delved deeply into
the subject of weight and growth, I feel sure from casual observations
of the growth of about twenty-five animals that this species produces
more venison during the first two years of its life than any other deer
with which I am acquainted. I regard it as the greatest venison-producer
of the whole Deer Family; and I know that is a large order. The size of
a yearling is almost absurd, it is so great for an animal of tender
years. When adult, the species is for its height very large and heavy.
As a food-producing animal, located in the southern hill forests and
taking care of itself, "there's millions in it!" But _it must be kept
under fence_; for in no southern (or northern) state would any such mass
of juicy wild meat long be permitted to roam at large unkilled. Through
this species I believe that a million acres of southern timber lands,
now useless except for timber growth, could be made very productive in
choice venison. The price would be,--a good fence, and protection from
poachers.
The Indian sambar deer looks like a short-legged big-bodied understudy
of our American elk. It breeds well in captivity, and it is of quiet
and tractable disposition. It can not live in a country where the
temperature goes down to 25 degrees F. and _remains there for long
periods_. It would, I am firmly convinced, do well all along the Gulf
coast, and if acclimatized along the Gulf, with the lapse of time and
generations it would become more and more hardy, grow more hair, and
push its way northward, until it reached the latitude of Tennessee. But
then, in a wild state it could not be protected from poachers. As stated
elsewhere, Dr. Ray V. Pierce has successfully acclimatized and bred this
species in his St. Vincent Island game preserve, near Apalachicola,
Florida. More than that, the species has crossed with the white-tailed
deer of the Island.
Living specimen of the Indian Sambar deer are worth from $125 to $250,
according to size and other conditions. Just at present it seems
difficult for Americans to procure a sufficient number of _males!_ We
have had very bad luck with several males that we attempted to import
for breeding purposes.
_The Mallard Duck_.--A great many persons have made persistent attempts
to breed the canvasback, redhead, mallard, black duck, pintail, teal and
other species, on a commercial basis. So far as I am aware the mallard
is the only wild duck that has been bred in sufficient numbers to
slaughter for the markets. The wood duck and mandarin can be bred in
fair numbers, but only sufficient to supply the demand for _living_
birds, for park purposes. One would naturally suppose that a species as
closely allied to the mallard as the black duck _is_ known to be, would
breed like the mallard; but the black duck is so timid and nervous about
nesting as to be almost worthless in captivity. All the species named
above, except the mallard, must at present, and in general, be regarded
as failures in breeding for the market.
Of all American ducks the common mallard is the most persistent and
successful breeder. It quickly becomes accustomed to captivity, it
enjoys park life, and when given even half a chance it will breed and
rear its young.
Unquestionably, the mallard duck can be reared in captivity in numbers
limited only by the extent of breeder's facilities. The amount of net
profit that can be realized depends wholly upon the business acumen and
judgment displayed in the management of the flock. The total amount of
knowledge necessary to success is not so very great, but at the same
time, the exercise of a fair amount of intelligence, and also careful
diligence, is absolutely necessary. Naturally the care and food of the
flock must not cost extravagantly, or the profits will inevitably
disappear.
As a contribution to the cause of game-breeding for the market, and the
creation of a new industry of value, Mr. L.S. Crandall and the author
wrote for the New York State Conservation Commission a pamphlet on
"Breeding Mallard Ducks for Market." Copies of it can be procured of our
State Conservation Commission at Albany, by enclosing ten cents in
stamps.
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BREEDING FUR-BEARING ANIMALS
When hundreds of persons wrote to me asking for literature on the
breeding of fur-bearing animals for profit, for ten years I was
compelled to tell them that there was no such literature. During the
past three years a few offerings have been made, and I lose not a moment
in listing them here.
"_Life Histories of Northern Animals_", by Ernest T. Seton (Charles
Scribner's Sons, 2 volumes, $18), contains carefully written and
valuable chapters on fox farming, skunk farming, marten farming, and
mink farming, and other valuable life histories of the fur-bearing
animals of North America.
_Rod and Gun in Canada_, a magazine for sportsmen published by W.J.
Taylor, Woodstock, Ontario, contained in 1912 a series of articles on
"The Culture of Black and Silver Foxes," by R.B. and L.V. Croft.
_Country Life in America_ has published a number of illustrated articles
on fox and skunk farming.
With its usual enterprise and forethought, the Biological Survey of the
Department of Agriculture has published a valuable pamphlet of 22 pages
on "Silver Fox Farming," by Wilfred H. Osgood, copies of which can be
procured by addressing the Secretary of Agriculture. In consulting that
contribution, however, it must be borne in mind that just now, in fox
farming, history is being made more rapidly than heretofore.
I do not mean to say that the above are the only sources of information
on fur-farming for profit, but they are the ones that have most
impressed me. The files of all the journals and magazines for sportsmen
contain numerous articles on this subject, and they should be carefully
consulted.
BLACK-FOX FARMING.--The ridiculous prices now being paid in London for
the skins of black or "silver" foxes has created in this country a small
furore over the breeding of that color-phase of the red fox. The prices
that actually have been obtained, both for skins and for live animals
for breeding purposes, have a strong tendency to make people crazy.
Fancy paying $12,000 in real money for one pair of live black foxes!
That has been done, on Prince Edward Island, and $10,000 per pair is now
regarded as a bargain-counter figure.
On Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, black-fox breeding
has been going on for ten years, and is now on a successful basis. One
man has made a fortune in the business, and it is rumored that a stock
company is considering the purchase of his ten-acre fox ranch at a
fabulous figure. The enormous prices obtainable for live black foxes,
male or female, make diamonds and rubies seem cheap and commonplace; and
it is no wonder that enterprising men are tempted to enter that
industry.
The price of a black fox is one of the wonders of a recklessly
extravagant and whimsical age. All the fur-wearing world knows very well
that fox fur is one of the poorest of furs to withstand the wear and
tear of actual use. About two seasons' hard wear are enough to put the
best fox skin on the wane, and three or four can be guaranteed to throw
it into the discard. Even the finest black fox skin is nothing
superlatively beautiful! A choice "cross" fox skin costing only $50 _is
far more beautiful, as a color proposition_; but London joyously pays
$2,500 or $3,000 for a single black-fox skin, to wear!
Of course, all such fads as this are as ephemeral as the butterflies of
summer. The Russo-Japanese war quickly reduced the value of Alaskan blue
foxes from $30 to $18; and away went the Alaskan fox farms! A similar
twist of Fortune's fickle wheel may in any year send the black fox out
of royal favor, and remove the bottom from the business of producing it.
Let us hope, however, that the craze for that fur will continue; for we
like to see our friends and neighbors make good profits.
PHEASANT REARING.--This subject is so well understood by game-breeders,
and there is already so much good literature available regarding it, it
is not necessary that I should take it up here.
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