numbers and eventually proposing caribou as a game animal for sportsmen. The 

 collection of specimens and data on food habits, age and reproductive characteristics 

 of herds and mortality due to predation and hunting are continuing. Population 

 numbers, distributions and movements are now known for many of the main herds 

 in the Patricia Districts and a report on these has been prepared for distribution 

 to management officers. 



Predators 



The objectives of predator management continues to be those of developing 

 efficient control techniques and of moderating the extreme opinions of some seg- 

 ments of the public. The research program has progressed well toward the former 

 but the latter remains a problem in some areas. 



The Algonquin Park research program on timber wolves, which is the core 

 of most predator research, is nearing completion. Results of aerial surveys through- 

 out the winter showed that wolf populations in the Park had not increased since 

 snaring was stopped in 1958 nor had there been an increased movement of wolves 

 from the Park to adjacent areas. There were no indications of increased predation 

 on deer, moose and beaver, which are the chief prey species in the Algonquin area. 



Training of 1 3 predator control officers, principally from central and northern 

 districts of the province, was conducted in Algonquin Park during the summer. 

 Techniques of trapping and snaring were emphasized and equipment was supplied 

 for control work in the various districts. The use of all kinds of poisons has been 

 restricted and they are now under the control of the chief predator control officer, 

 who is a member of the predator research group. During the fall and winter, 15 

 cases of predation on livestock and/or wildlife were reported from throughout the 

 province. Action by predator control officers stopped predation in 11 cases; com- 

 plaints ceased in the other four cases after a thorough investigation had been 

 completed. 



A progress report on predator research and management was prepared and 

 given wide circulation throughout the province. 



As part of the over-all predator research program, aerial surveys were made 

 of polar bear populations along the coasts of Hudson and James Bays. The popu- 

 lation in Ontario during late summer was estimated to be in excess of 70 animals 

 and two well-defined areas of concentration were found; one near Cape Henrietta 

 Maria, where James Bay and Hudson Bay meet, the other near the Ontario- 

 Manitoba border. Recommendations for improved management of polar bears in 

 Ontario are under consideration. 



Upland Game and Waterfowl 



The need for greater hunting opportunities for small game animals in agri- 

 cultural or semi-agricultural areas of Ontario is clearly recognized. Research on 

 several species of birds and mammals is directed to this end. 



Studies of the characteristics and habitat requirements of prairie grouse 

 (sharptailed grouse, prairie chickens and their hybrids) on Manitoulin Island were 

 continued. The information obtained from this research will be used in an attempt 

 to extend the range of these species into southern and eastern Ontario. In this 

 connection, mapping of potential prairie grouse range in eastern Ontario was begun 

 and an experimental planting of sharptail grouse was made in the Garden area 

 of Lindsay District in co-operation with the Fish and Wildlife Branch. 



Research was started on ruffed grouse and analysis of the stomach contents 



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