66 THE EEPOET UPON No. 13 



Wild geese are very scarce, and only come in the spring, and not many are 

 killed. Ducks of all kinds are gradually becoming scarcer, owing to the fact that 

 the duck hunters are allowed to set decoys 200 yards from the shore, which 

 necessitates punting on them from that distance. 



There seems to be a wide difference in opinion as to what constitutes a legal 

 hunting boat, some claiming that a monitor or sink box is an improved hunting 

 boat. He does not agree in this opinion, claiming it to be illegal and suggests that 

 an open skiff or canoe be the proper hunting boat. 



Snipe and plover should be from 15th September to 15th December, which 

 will remove the excuse to be on the duck grounds on the 1st of September or before 

 the ducking season opens. 



In his opinion the open season for muskrats should be from the first of March 

 until the last day of April, which will stop the early and illegally caught furs 

 from being offered for sale before March, and give no excuse for destroying the 

 houses and burrows which the muskrats inhabit, as it is impossible for any inspector 

 to be at all points at once. 



He thinks the open season for mink should be from 15th November until the 

 first day of February, after which time the animals rapidly go off prime, and it 

 is then their running season also. 



Beaver, otter and the other large fur-bearing animals are totally extinct in 

 that district. 



Overseer Gordon Clark, of Westport, reports that he is unable to make a very 

 full yearly report, having only been appointed overseer for the Township of North 

 Crosby in February last. 



In regard to fish. The pike have been very plentiful, and the close seasons 

 have been very well observed. He only had to fine one man for catching pickerel, 

 and another for shooting a loon. The bass and pickerel were very scarce in the first 

 part of the season, but better later on, the reason being that the lakes are full of 

 ling. There have been quite a number of tourists there this summer. He has sold 

 49 permits, and quite a few came bringing their permits with them. He has 

 found them all very gentlemanly in every respect. 



Ducks have been very plentiful. Mink are very scarce, and he thinks they 

 should have been protected years ago. Partridge are very plentiful. The deer 

 are more numerous than usual around there. It is not a very good country for deer, 

 as it is too well settled. It was no trouble to sell deer licenses, and all seem satis- 

 fied with one deer. 



Overseer William Clarlcson, of LaTcehurst, reports that the catch of bass and 

 maskinonge was up to the average in his division, except in Sandy Lake. He 

 would recommend that Sandy Lake be restocked with parent bass. 



The tourist trade is increasing every year. 



He sold one hundred and two permits this year. There was also a large number 

 who secured their permits on their way there. 



He also sold twenty guides' licenses. 



The Fisheries Laws and Regulations were well observed; only two violations, 

 both of catching fish in close season. The parties were both fined. 



Mill owners gave no trouble during the season. 



Duck, partridge and muskrats are plentiful. Apparently the deer are very 

 scarce, just about one deer for every four hunters last season. 



Overseer Alex. Clunis, of Claude, reports that he has gone over his territory 



