(C 0 P Y) 
 
 
                                         October 29, 191, 
 
KEr Frank G. Ashbrook, 
Division of Fur Resouroes, 
Bureau of Biological survey, 
Washngon, D, C, 
 
Dear Mr. Mshbrook: 
          I would appreciate having your suggestions 
about methods which might be mployed in Massaohsetts 
for taking wild fur-bearing animals, particularly those 
which prey on wild gameother than by the use of steel 
traps, is     and pOions, 
          The reason for this request is on aocount of 
the Anti-Steel Trap Law which was passed in this 0tato 
last year. The details are unimportant in this connec- 
tion, but the effect has been to practically eliminate 
trapping. There was little trapping last year, and there 
wll be less this year, Skunks and foxes have increased 
noticeably and are rapidly becoming a very serious mnace 
to wild game, as well as domestic poultry. It is probable 
that o.ther fur--baring predators have increased, although 
that has not yet become so apparent. 
          X am interested in an area of about 150 acres 
where experiments are being carried on in praotical game 
restoration under the principles of the ftioa    O 
Policy as applied to farmland game. This may be considered 
simply a shooting preserve since those who support the 
project enjoy the shooting, In any case, it is essential 
that an undue increase of natural enemies be chocked. 
 
          For all practical purposes the laws here 
prohibit the use of snares, poisons or steel traps. Traps 
designed to oatoh alive or to kill are legal, but I find 
itd ifficult to persuade trappers in the vicinity that 
these are sufficiently effective to warrant investing 
funds in their purchase. I am inclined to hold the same 
opinion. our laws permit the use of Carbon Disulphide on 
onets own land, and the area of 150  acres in question 
would come under that provision. 
 
 
In view of the above, anq suggestions o