Newspapers / The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, … / July 12, 1973, edition 1 / Page 8
Part of The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page 8-The Perquimans Weekly, Hunting In Mattamuskeet Gone From Boom To Bust By Jim Dean Lake Mattamuskeet used to be one of the best Canada goose hunting spots in the worls, but the lake has gone from boom ito bust in the past decade. Water-fowl hunters are keenly aware of this sad situation, but not everyone knows why the goose population at Mattamuskeet has declined so sharply. Mattamuskeet's goose problem is the subject of a rather extensive article in the July issue of Wildlife In North Carolina. The article has been written by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Waterfowl Biologist Jack Donnelley, U.S. Bureau Jof Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist Otto Florschutz and Mattamuskeet Refuge Manager John Davis. These men have studied Mattamuskeet's problems for a long time, and they tell what has happened, why and also what might be done to help. In short, the article is "must" reading for every waterfowl enthusiast. Space is not available to outline all the information in the article, but the findings can be highlighted. Following the establishment of Mattamuskeet as a wildlife refuge in 1934, the goose population steadily increased. From 1940 to 1948, the wintering population fluctuated between 30,000 to 50,000 geese. Then, in 1949, the Thoughts By JIM DEAN In North Carolina, game 'wardens are called Wildlife Protectors. There are 188 of them, and they cover 100 counties in cars, boats and airplanes. What do you think of them? If your pastime, is poaching, it's not hard to guess. But what if you're one of the more than a ''million citizens in the state who hunt and fish legally? . C.J. Overton,, assistant chief of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Com mission's Division of Protection (that means game wardens) believes that the public image of Wildlife Protectors is generally good, though it tends to vary from individual to individual. "One of the problems," says Overton, "is that some people do not understand either the duties or the responsibilities of a Wildlife Protector. "A Wildlife Protector is not a trained naturalist or biologist, though many of them have such interests," continued Overton. "A Wildlife Protector is a law officer responsible for keeping game and fish laws from being violated." Overton explained that this sometimes causes problems because Wildlife Protectors are expected to be experts on everything from water and air pollution to the mating dance of the loon. . "It is," says Overton, "somewhat like expecting a highway patrolman to be an expert automobile mechanic. He may be, but not because it's necessarily part of his main job." How, the question was asked, does this create a problem? "Well, some people do not understand why a Wildlife Protector doesn't usually spend a lot of time chewing the fat about fishing or hunting with people who are getting their licenses checked," said Overton. "That's because Wildlife Protectors are trained to be professional in carrying out their duties. We insist that a protector be polite in checking for proper licenses or other possible violations, but we also wan our men to Hertford, N.C., Thursday, July goose population began to increase again until, by 1959, the lake's wintering population peaked at a whopping 144,000 geese. Soon, hunting became a major industry for Hyde County, and the lake became known as the goose hunting capital of the world. Unfortunately, since 1959, the goose population has declined sharply until there is now only a remnant flock. Last winter, only about 7,000 geese wintered at . the lake. Surprisinglly, the total population of Canada geese in the Atlantic Flyway has increased at the same time that Mattamuskeet's popula tion has declined. Since 1951, the Atlantic Flyway's population has increased from some 495,000 birds to roughly 1,000,000 in 1972. In 1972, Maryland alone had 462,000 birds, or nearly as many as the entire flyway in 1951. Therefore, while wintering flocks south of Virginia have fallen, they have increased greatly in the Delmarva area (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia). They have also increased in Pennsylvania, New York and Massuchusetts. There are several reasons for this. Perhaps the most important is that farming practices have changed both in the northeast and in the south. In the Delmarva area, corn is being' planted in abundance where once vegetable Of Wildlife Protector have an air of professionalism. There are dangers in being overly friendly when you are checking a man or woman you have never met. "One of the problems is that you may find a violation, and if you have I'een too palsy-walsy, the relationship will certainly be "nre difficult if a citation muM be written. If a ; roii'Ctor has bt-en polite, but piolessional, this problem does not occur as often. "Then, of course, we know that many people have very few chances to hunt or fish, and they don't want to be disturbed any longer than necessary," said Overton. "Therefore, we ask our Wildlife Protectors to con duct their checks as quickly and as thoroughly as possible." Isn't there also another reason for adopting a professional bearing'? "Yes," said Overton. "Remember that during six or seven months of the year, our Wildlife Protectors are checking people that are NOW Phyllis' Shop WEDNESDAY THRU SATURDAY WE HAVE THE LATESTIN BECOMING NEW HAIR STYLES. LET US SHOW YOU AT 1700 POT OF GOLD LANE ELIZABETH CITY, NX. PHONE 338-6669 12, 1973 farming was the major crop. Meanwhile, North Carolina's corn and soybean production declined while vegetable farming increased. Also, new grain harvesting techniques have left barren fields in the winter. ; From a goose's point of view, stopping up north makes sense. Why fly farther for less food? The biologists also point out that excessive hunting pressure at Lake Mattamuskeet contributed to the decline. Hunter harvest was high during the 1960's, and adding to this pressure was an extension by law, not Commission or, Federal regulation of the hunting hours from sunrise to sunset. Previously, hunting stopped at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. During the mid-60's the season was extended by Federal authorities, and the bag limit raised from two to three geese. To counter this, large flocks of geese flew to the fields to feed only at night. Others left to feed in areas where pressure was not so great. Most, however, began to stop farther north for the winter where food was plentiful and hunting pressure was less severe. Hunters have also learned to encourage farmers to use agriculture practices to encourage geese to stop in the Delmarva area, and the populations there are increasing, and will armed. "We've had men shot, some killed. By con ducting our checks with professionalism, we tend to keep our guard up and treat everyone alike. You never know when the next man or woman you meet might pull a gun. It happens often enough, and we feel that the chances of this happening are lessened if we act like law officers which we are rather than like hypocritical long-lost bud dies." Another question Overton is often asked is why Wildlife Protectors do not issue warnings for violations. "The laws that govern us are different," Overton explained. "We have no authority under the law to make such judgements. In other words, we can't tell someone we'll 'let them off this time'. "We are charged by law to issue a citatipn whenever we observe a violation, even when the violation is a small one. We cannot judge whether there might be extenuating circumstances. OPEN Beauty PHYLLIS MANSFIELD Owner r "A no doubt continue to do so. . The conclusion reached by Donnelly, Florschutz and Davis is that the previous bonanza in goose hunting at Lake Mattamuskeet, Hyde County and the entire south is gone forever, largely because of changing farming practices. But, they express hope that with the proper management, the population can be built again to higher levels than now exist. Their reccommendations in clude reduction of hunter harvest, and some biologists suggest even closing the lake to hunting for a few years. They also recommend the leasing or acquisition of several thousand acres of private farm land adjacent to the refuge where corn and other crops could be planted to feed geese. A cooperative farm program to increase the food for geese is also suggested, along with the development of "decoy" flocks to attract geese. The biologists make no guarantees, even if all these things are done, but they say quite candidly that if these things are not done, there will be no hope at all for the future of the Canada goose at Mattamuskeet. Pick - . - r 1 , nWyf Q 50 FREE ' vm b t ) W Y -J,-,. , si nX I f I ) i r WITH $30 PURCHASE OR MORE i PRICES EFFECTIVE THRU. 714.73 - . .., v AFTtt Ma tl . n un nratva auva USD GRADE A CORNISH HENS . GORTON'S FRGZ FISH STICKS 2 TCVJELS HsaN 8 Fr;aTccciiiAiF3 BLEACH C0RN-0N-C0B HOME GAOWN 5-39 ruiF. UkmMU rxmrftiDC ...- JJLf o-i D-CON VOID AFTER 4 'io"t f7 . 1W : mmm ioooiopbooapq.QtoaoQOQBOOQQi hdMt taklt Pm. 1IMIT AM VOW AfTfN .Mini .- rti i ade my . J!.,,.,,,..,;.,,,.;.., Airman Rosetta Nixon, daughter of Mrs. Irene Nixon of Rt. 1, Hertford, N.C., has been assigned to Keesler AFB, Miss., after completing Air Force basic training. During her six weeks at the Air Training Command's Lackland AFB, Tex., she studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special instruction in human relations. The airman has been assigned to the Technical Training Center at Keesler for specialized training in the communications field. Airman Nixon is a 1972 graduate of Perquimans High School. The airman's father, Mason Nixon, also resides in Hertford. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Having qualified as Executor of the estate of Lloyd A. Chenoweth, deceased, late of Perquimans County, North Carol ina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at P.O. Box 245 Hertford, N.C. on or before the 25th day of January 1974 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This 14th day of June 1973 Walter G. Edwards Executor of Lloyd A. Chenoweth, Dec'd. up your copy today PACK OSDA CHOICE-FULL Cirr, BONELESS A1 1C5 QOUHCt steak) b 5 cjy RCXliJP UUi4U IB. SINGLETON'S COOKED SHRIMP LB. SJ49 S01 PKG. PKC REDGATE HOe s APPLE SAUCE 5 :'" $100 'CMS a SIM sum mm SEG0 CAMS :itj lib. n. cam . '.39 4S lb. STRAWBERRIES CHERRIES 49 NORTHWEST INC w OnTHCk.Ca. g D-CON ' a VOID AFTCH M4-7S g 3"l 0 mmmmmmimamwuK WITH THIS COUPON AND THI PURCHASt OF ONI 80Z.JA FREIZK DKICO COFFEt i TASTERS CHOICE fOUOOM MR MMHV CUSTOMM MU1T MY SATURDAY ON RIOULAI HIT First Golf Tourney The first annual Ridgecresl Bible Conference - Golf Tour-' nament for ministers and other church staff members will be Oct. 1-5, 1973, at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center, Ridgecresl. Bible study during the week will i be a preview of January Bible Study for the upcoming year. Evening worship services will be held daily, using the theme "The Minister and His Career." The Golf Tournament will be held at the nearby Black Mountain, N.C. Golf Course. II will consist of 54 holes of golf, with trophies presented for each flight winner in the tournament at a Thursday evening banquet. Black Mountain Golf Course has (he distinction of having the longest hole in the world, a 745 yard par 6. The conference is especially geared for ministers. Additionally, other church staff members, denominational workers and wives are invited to participate. 72 Pinto 71 PLYMOUTH Fury III 71 Ford Gal. 500 2-dr 71 LTD 4 dr. H. Top 70 TORINO 4 dr. 70 TORINO 4 dr. 70 MAVERICK 2 dr. 70 FORD GaL 500, 4 dr. 70 CHV. WAGON 66 CHEV. Impala 2 dr. with air. 69 CHEV. Impala 4 dr. 69 FORD Gal. 500 2 dr. H.T. 67 BELAIR 4 dr. 69MACH I WINSLOW I PHONE 426-5245 or 426-5654 at COLONIAL MIXED L 79 99 qoo 49 Ulf! TAX 3 AH FIICI BR1 ' ' ourrti juuuuuujuuuuui vntjv Kiinnrnr- &mmmamn , viT7 I SELECTED SLICfcO - I fcfi L-.H" i ms I " - I : IFatS ; ':v- WYMV 3iiUB"iN irA "' 3lj WITECLOUD ' sliiT PRIME 'pJmammiiimmmmimmnS miimmSSSSSMiS fc3 t di I MAHUAHINE ft.' VOtDAFTEMT.14.'l NC Coastline By Jim Tyler This is the time of year jellyfish are numerous along the tarheel coast. How big is the problem? , According to a year long study report, for 1972, by Dr. Frank Schwartz and Dr. A. L. Chestnut of the University of North Carolina, Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, jellyfish reach peak numbers here June through October. They found jellyfish the other months but not near as many or as widespread. .. Besides temperature, the amount of salt in the water has a lot to do with where you find jellyfish. If the water is salty, like it is in the ocean and near the .inlets, and in the narrow sounds south of Pamlico Sound, there is not a jellyfish problem. And if the water is too fresh, like in Albemarle and Currituck Sounds, there is no problem. Consequently, the two scientists found the half-salty waters of Pamlico Sound and the mouth of the Neuse and Parmo Rivers the jellyfish country, especially during warm weather. : They found eight species of jellyfish during the year. One species, Chrysaora Quinquechirrha, was by far the most abundant. All the jellyfish can sting; some mild, some, severe. And they found two species of Ctenophore jellyfish here (no tentacles, small, egg shape, clear) which are harmless to man. Ctenophores do pose an aggrevation to commercial men by clogging nets and making it worrisome to cull the good from the bad in their catches. The dreaded jellyfish, the purple Portugese man-o-war, is an offshore species of the nearby Gulf Stream and is apparently blown to shore by northeast winds. During ' 1972 the greatest incident of Portugese medical stings were reported in April from Morehead City to Wnghtsville Beach. 69 CHEV. Impala 2 dt.H.T. 69 CHEVELLE 2 dr. 69 CHEV. B.A.,4dr. 69 FORD Cust 500, 4 dr. 69 FORD LTD 2 dr., H.T. 68 FORD GaL 500, 4 dr. ' 68 CHEV. Impala 2 dr., RT. 68CHEV. Chevelle,S.S. 68 Mercury MX 68 PLYMOUTH Wagon 67 FORD Gal. 500, 4 dr. 67 CHEV. Impala 4 dr. 67 BUICK 225, 4 dr. - BLANCHARD MOTOR CO., Inc 1741 DEALER'S LIC, U.S. 17 can UltlliliO V IK W 24 'riKs flavors - BATHROOM fur tissuo. ONI COUPON MR f AMR.Y BAnyuti rum. r j VOIO AFT IB tATURDAV M 1IMIT OMI COURON MR VOID AFTER SATURDAY ' nnrrrr 'mmmmm (AMILV DETERGENT LIUIT ONI COURON MR FAMILY VOtO AfTIR SATURDAY Mmtwm GILLS tlL OKI COUPON PI MMItV f0R DISHES SILVER LABEL Rift Oil ILIC. H ill m arm . i ivuiti jkrjw rewj.pjlr: COFPGE I W I IMIT VOID AFTIR SATURDAY M ONI COURON MR PA ifUliTflfilCOLONm - t-u rug., r tgiriti, Sufm or Tmhrw irr.toi. T -B ijuxxixi.iiu.: lONS . g .J it VOIOA-TI.M4-11 Mi , S -J ... .... S:J ; LOUD ' SfiT 'RIME VARIETY i. 3 ' MA-71 S 3 W VOIOAFTtA 7-1A.7J 2;? sljjr axion siflr 5 F VO0 AFTEA M4-TI '. S tJ VJ ON OUR USED CARS 67 LTD 4 dr. 64 CHEV. Impala 4 dr. 66 FORD GaL 6UO, 4 or, 66 FORD GaL 500, 2 dr. TRUCKS 65 CHEV. C10 Pickup 68 FORD F100 70 FORD F100 pickup 71FORDF100 69SIMCA2dr. 67 RANGER Pickup 72 FORD Ranchero 69 FORD LB-SS NORTH HERTFORD, N. C. CUirOMIR MUST PAY SAL It TAX ON IIGULAR RHAIL MICf MOUPONIlftl(lll(infjlj f FARM CHARM CV A lECRElf.lM? W CUSTOMIR MUST RAY SAKS TAX ON RIGULAR R IT All RRtC( 3. 5 sTOEGsf DETERGENT U UITOMfR MUST RAY IALIS TAX .3 ON RIGULAR RITAtL RftlCI . T FtY I ml CUSTOMIR MUST NT SALII TAX ON RfGUlAR RITAIL RRICI I IK CAN MILT CUSTOMIR MUST HiY SAt.lt TAX ON RICUIAR RITAIL vftlCI Ktf MONEY COUPOfNl On I lb. I Oi. tan g. Dry RkKti " Sr CLOROXII i VOIOArYCN M4-71 sm.mssmttmjmsmitsmKt IRISH SPRING VOID AFTER T-IA-Tl mm.Mimsmmmmi'itiiiiM; 'sumfWdtfasisw, OwTOtCM RENUZIT .1- VOID AFTEA T-14.TS 9 8 r
The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
July 12, 1973, edition 1
8
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75