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Histories Forgotten: The 1870s saw the rise of the sportsman in Illinois

Michael Lyne notes that when the 1870s opened, publications featuring hunting, fishing, and conservation topics were limited. Forest and Stream (above) first published in 1873 and was followed in 1874 by Field and Stream. Covers from the early 1900s are shown below. (Photo provided)

Before the 1870s, in Illinois, market men – men who hunted for profit – exercised free reign over state natural resources deemed wildlife.

Despite economic downturns and social upheavals, Illinois’ fertile fields, ample transportation systems, and geographic proximity to two of the nation’s top five population centers (Chicago and St. Louis) all but guaranteed the state’s continued growth. The question asked, but not answered, was at what price to the natural resources would this growth occur?

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