SUGGESTIONS FOR A LETTER ON THE SUBJECT OF SELECTION OF 
 
APPLICANTS FOR A LICENSE TO HUNT IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
           Committees representing the three organizations 
named above are thoroughly in accord with the sentiments ex- 
pressed in this letter.    We feel that it is time to make plans 
leading up to an examination of the qualifications of persons 
applying for licenses to hunt game in this State. 
 
           One of the greatest concerns of those interested in 
conservation is the rapid increase in irresponsible persons 
licensed to hunt by the State.     Unfortunately for the good of 
all concerned, landowners, bird protectionists and the law- 
abiding sportsmen as well, it is now possible for almost any per- 
son other than a foreigner to obtain a sporting license regard- 
less of his qualifications. 
 
           There is no question but what many persons now li- 
censed to hunt have criminal records, many others through lack 
of experience in the handling of dangerous weapons or through 
abysmal ignorance of the kinds of birds which may be legally 
taken, are not qualified to carry a loaded gun into our woods 
and fields.     Still others are temperamentally unfitted to 
carry weapons.     We submit that the fields and woods are be- 
coming nearly as badly crowded as the highways, and some system 
of selection is as necessary to sportsmen as it is to drivers of 
motor vehicles. 
 
            The present tendency, if allowed to go on unchecked, 
must inevitably lead to serious consequences.  It is becoming 
intolerable. 
 
            First.    To the real sportsmen who respect the game 
 laws and the rights of landowners, and are themselves handi- 
 capped in the pursuit of their recreation by the growing aver- 
 sion of all good citizens towards the irresponsible gunner. 
 
            Second.   This increase in irresponsible license 
 holders is becoming anuIually rm.ore annoying to residents in the 
 country who.desiro, and should have, protection against the un- 
 desirable elements now licensed to hunt.   Farmers and others 
 find that privileges to hunt on inposted land are constantly 
 abused and finally, as a last resort, when signs against tres- 
 pass are used, they meet with less and less respect.   If the 
 State issues licenses to large numbers of persons about whose 
 qualifications it knows little or nothing, is it not at least 
 morally responsible for the damage and annoyance caused by their 
 thoughtless or criminal behavior?