1911 GAME AND FISHERIES. 27 



falling off of 20 per cent, as compared with 1909. The trout was of a very small 

 size in the beginnig of the season, but the October catch was a good size, although 

 few in number. Tlie whitefish are better, but not as numerous as last year, although 

 some of the finest whitefish he ever saw were caught in the vicinity of Blind Eiver 

 this year. There were also some fine sturgeon, but not nearly as many as in past 

 years. The pickerel catch this year is fair, but not up to the average. Black 

 bass seem to be more plentiful in the bay than in any previous year, and if they 

 continue to increase as they have this year there will soon be good angling. In the 

 locality of Blind Eiver and other points, considerable quantities of mullets have 

 been sliipped, and appear to be in better demand than in former years. Maskinonge 

 are very scarce, in fact nearly nil in that district. The stringent regulations as 

 to size of pickerel is having a good effect. However, he considers that a regulation 

 by weight would be much better than by length as now. He has seen some splendid 

 specimens of trout, which were caught in the inland lakes north of Thessalon and 

 Blind River, where there is a chain of inland lakes wliieh vary from a few acres 

 in extent to twelve or fifteen miles, and in these lakes are to be found nearly all 

 the different kinds of fish found in fresh water. But the lakes are so numerous 

 and so different in the kinds of fish they contain, that a description of what is in 

 one lake would be no guide as to what to expect in the next. The trout are of a 

 different type from those in the North Channel, being more solid and of a redder 

 color when dressed. In some of the smaller lakes, the much prized speckled trout 

 are plentiful, and of a large size. There is considerable angling done by non- 

 residents, but the greater number secure their license before coming to the fishing 

 grounds. Richard's Landing, on St. Joseph Island, and Hilton, also on St. Joseph 

 Island, are becoming popular among the summer tourists, and with Kensington 

 Point and Campidore Island are fast becoming favorite resorts for the lover of the 

 canoe and the troll and fishing rod, and a more beautiful and healthy locality is 

 hard to find. 



The fishing laws have been very Avell observed during the season, with the 

 exception of two or three seizures of undersized pickerel taken en route. 



Partridge are fairly plentiful, and quite a number are being shot, but there 

 is no undue slaughter, so far as he can find, the people being well satisfied with the 

 privilege of a short open season. Ducks are scarce, and with the exception of the 

 Spanish River locality and in the vdcinity of the smaller lakes, there was very little 

 duck shooting this year. Moose are reported very numerous, and should supply 

 exciting sport to the lover of big game. The red deer are also fairly plentiful, but 

 are suffering sadly from the ravages of the wolves, which have become very bold, 

 in some cases chasing the deer right into the yards of the lumber camps. A man 

 whom he considered reliable, told him he saw six dead deer one morning in Feb- 

 ruary within a few yards of each other. They had been killed by the wolves and 

 left there, and the prospects are still worse for this winter, as the wolves are be- 

 coming bolder every day. Reliable men- tell him that the wolves are killing more 

 deer than all the hunters. The fact that only one deer is allowed on one license 

 seems to be discouraging hunters from coming long distances as formerly. How- 

 ever, there are considerable numbers of hunters already in the woods all along the 

 line. He considers the law has been well kept with reference to deer and moose, 

 the stringent regulations as to shipping having made it almost impossible to ship 

 game which have not the necessary coupons attached. 



He has endeavored to distribute the placards and books of regulations pretty 

 thoroughly throughout the district, and he believes that where the people are well 

 3 G. F. 



