Not long after his appointment, Earnest Vivian Visart went after songbirds in people’s homes because keeping any birds, except game birds, in captivity was unlawful. Raising game birds required a license. He went after Sunday hunters, too. This stance probably hurt the warden’s reputation. Some Arkansawyers thought the actions petty. One newspaper claimed that “there is sure to be a tearful parting between owner and some birds.” The law, in his opinion, pertained to bird breeding for captivity and nest robbers. By the end of November 1909, Visart changed his mind, explaining that canaries and other songbirds kept as pets were permissible unless someone complained. He did not, however, change his mind about Sunday hunters, calling it unlawful and “a bad example” to hunt on the Sabbath.
In his July 1910 report, the Arkansas State Sportsmen’s Association’s Game Warden complained bitterly about the state government’s inaction in supporting his office. He wanted a licensing system with the monies from licenses used to support enforcement. Since September 20, 1909, authorities had already convicted 260 offenders yet operated solely by monetary donations.
He could appoint deputy game wardens (already deputy sheriffs) to arrest lawbreakers. Still, Visart had to have a county deputy with him in the field because of his lack of recognized authority.
The ASSA tasked Visart with appointing deputies, gathering evidence against lawbreakers, and raising money for the cause.
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Arkansas Wildlife History 