D. B. McElwee farm near Minnehaha Springs

 

In 1911, J. A. Viquesney, the State Game and Fish Warden, and Chief Deputy H. M. Lockridge purchased the D. B. McElwee farm near Minnehaha Springs, with the aim of establishing a game and fish preserve. The preserve, a project of the Allegheny Sportsmen's Association, was intended to protect and propagate various species of native game and fish.

Key Features of the Game Preserve:

• Location: The preserve was situated in Huntersville District, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, on land adjacent to the Minnehaha Springs.
• Purpose: The primary goal was to create a sanctuary for game animals and birds that were becoming increasingly scarce due to overhunting and habitat loss. It was also intended as a recreational area for hunters and fishermen.
• Species: The preserve aimed to protect and increase populations of:
  • Mammals: Bear, deer, and elk.
  • Birds: Wild turkey, pheasant, and wild duck.
  • Fish: Bass and trout would be stocked in the streams within the preserve.

Development and Enhancements:

• Clubhouse: The association planned to construct a clubhouse to provide lodging and other amenities for members and guests.
• Artificial Lake: They envisioned creating a 100-acre lake by damming a portion of the property. This lake would be stocked with fish, offering additional fishing opportunities.
• Fish Hatchery: A fish hatchery was planned to facilitate the breeding and stocking of desirable fish species within the preserve and surrounding waters.

Expansion and Acquisition of Animals:

• Increased Acreage: By 1915, the association had expanded its holdings to 25,000 acres, encompassing a significant portion of prime game and fish habitat.
• Elk Introduction: Sixteen elk (a two-year-old bull, a yearling calf, and the rest two-year-old and older cows) were purchased from a preserve in Iowa and brought to the preserve in 1915. These elk were intended as the foundation for a larger herd.
• Deer Shipment: A shipment of deer from the Horness Zoological Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, was planned for April 1916 to further populate the deer herd within the preserve.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Public Perception of Game Laws: The preserve's founders acknowledged that the existing game license laws were unpopular and viewed as an infringement on the liberties of the people, especially in a region where hunting was a deeply rooted tradition.
• Conflicting Interests: As the deer population within the preserve increased, there were instances of deer damaging crops on neighboring farms, highlighting the potential for conflict between the goals of game preservation and the interests of local farmers.
• Legal Interpretation: A court ruling in 1915 clarified that it was lawful to kill a protected animal, such as an elk, in self-defense or to protect one's property from damage, recognizing that the right to protect life and property took precedence over game laws.

The establishment and development of the game preserve in Pocahontas County reflected a growing awareness of the need for conservation and the preservation of wildlife. However, it also brought to the forefront the complexities of balancing game protection with individual rights and the interests of local communities.