1908 GAME AND FISHERIES. 19 



north the red deer are abundant, whereas some years ago the species was 

 unknown. Moose are quite plentiful in some sections along the southern 

 part of the district, but hunting parties wishing to have success must go into 

 northern parts of the district, where the moose are to be found in large 

 numbers. 



Beaver and otter are becoming very plentiful again, and the protection 

 of these animals is a very difficult matter to contend with, owing to the high 

 prices realized from the pelts, which many of the trappers are unable to 

 resist. 



Mink, muskrats, and other small fur animals are quite plentiful, but 

 he would suggest that mink and muskrat be grouped together, having the 

 same close season. 



He is pleased to say that there has been a great increase in the number 

 of partridge this season. The close season has been well observed by the 

 hunters, and he thinks that the close season for partridge should be enforced 

 for another season. 



He would like to see a general gun license established in the Province 

 at a moderate license fee. 



Game and Fishery Warden C. N. Sterling, of Kenora, reports that uj» 

 till fifteen months ago there was no game warden in that district, which 

 meant to go as you please, and which has made it very difficult for him to 

 get it in any kind of order. But he found a greut improvement during the 

 past year. A large portion of his district is unorganized, and extremely 

 difficult for him to travel over, which makes it hard to secure evidence suf- 

 ficient for conviction. 



He says that fishing has been, if anything, a little better than last year, 

 and he has had little or no trouble in this connection, most of his trouble 

 ])eing along the line of construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific, but as this 

 is nearly completed in his district, he hopes to have things a great deal 

 better next year. 



With regard to game. Moose and caribou are very plentiful, and there 

 have been more red deer this fall than he has seen in the last twenty-five 

 years. He thinks the reason of this is the numerous fires in Minnesota. 



The wolves are very numerous, and he would suggest that a larger 

 bounty be given for the female. 



Partridge are very plentiful a few miles back from the railways. 



Ducks and geese are also plentiful in the western portion of his district. 



There have been more mink and muskrat caught this year than for any 

 single year for some time. 



The protection of beaver and otter has been the most difficult to contend 

 with. Although it ig well known that there is a large traffic in illegal fur, 

 yet the protection has had a most beneficial effect. 



He has been over a large portion of his district, which is very extensive, 

 being about six hundred by four hundred miles. He would strongly 

 suggest that more deputy wardens be appointed, in fact in two or three 

 places he would like to see salaried officers, as they are bounded on the north 

 by Keewatin Territory, on the west by the Province of Manitoba, and on 

 the south by Minnesota, U.S. 



Game and Fishery Warden J. H. Willmott, of Beaumaris, reports that 

 anglers during the past season have met with better success than for 

 several seasons. This has not onlv come under his own observation, but has 

 been corroborated by others in various sections. There is a difficulty in 

 collecting the fee from non-residents, as many only remain for a day or two. 

 He would recommend that in lake districts where summer resorts are num- 



