OCR Text |
Show page 2. These mixed blood Indians are educated, and from past trouble with the State wardens, and. from advice of lawyers, ara very well aware that State game law3 do not apply to them while on Indian lands. The advisability of complying with State game law3 on trapping, in the interest of conservation of game, and to avoid criticism of this office for not cooperating with the State Game Department, has been pointed out to them/nUmerous occasions, but with absolutely no effect. To prevent possible trouble in the future it v/ouid appear that legislation by Congress would be in order setting some rule making it a ""trespass for ward Indians to enter upon the trust allotments of other ward Indians, against the expressed objection of the allottees and without a permit from the agent in charge and for trapping on tribal lands without a permit from the agent. Some specific penalty should be provided, and method of enforcing the penalty. Unless the penalty can be enforced, preferably through the U. S„ Attorney, the law would be of absolutely no effect. If such law would be feasible and consistent v/ith existing legislation, it is respectfully recommended that such lav/ be drafted and presented to Congress for consideration v/ith the next Appropriation Act. If this matter of trapping can be disposed of under legislation already existing, instructions are desired as to how it can be done. Respectfully. H. M. Tidwell, Superintendent. |