42 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



Many of our important wildlife species are at the crossroads toda>", with a 

 natural tendency- to sHde into an easy downgrade leading to oblivion — part of 

 the famous road paved with good intentions. The condition of our waterfowl 

 is alarming. The propagation of exotic species can easily be merely a sink hole 

 for public and private funds unless there is food and cover for the birds in the 

 area in which they are released, and unless they are protected at release from 

 the shock of changing their environment. Our moose have shown a distinct 

 tendency to go downhill. Our caribou have nearh" vanished. Xow the>' are 

 hanging on and could reasonably be headed upward if we give them a little help. 

 Beaver are abundant, and will sta\' that way if we give them help. Other fine 

 fur bearers are scarce, but where trappers can get a good revenue from beaver 

 the other species can spread out from the game preserves without being perse- 

 cuted to extinction. 



Migratory Birds 



The regulations respecting migratory- birds are established l)\ federal 

 authorit\- under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. There is no doubt that 

 the situation of our ducks and geese is more alarming than it has been since 1936. 

 The\" have shown a sharp decline for the second year in succession, and the 

 report of the mid-winter inventory organized by the United States Fish and 

 Wildlife Service shows a critical condition. Checks of hunters' bags of ducks 

 are reported to have shown a shortage of young birds, and this is reflected also 

 in reports of goose hunters visiting James Bay. For the first time the mid- 

 winter duck count was extended to the entire winter range of ducks and our 

 officers participated by counting ducks on Ontario open waters during the 

 census period. 



Woodcock seem to be holding their numbers. A series of counts to check 

 the abundance of this species on Ontario nesting grounds was commenced. 



Upland Game (Native) 



The various species of grouse now show a general increase, after having 

 been at the bottom of their natural cycle. In a few areas the increase is well 

 enough advanced that the birds can no longer be called scarce, while in others 

 the increase has still not begun. A fairh" general increase in snowshoe rabbits 

 is also reported. Cottontail rabbits remain in normal numbers. 



It has been drawn to our attention that our onh' population of pinnated 

 grouse, on Manitoulin Island, has been spreading recenth. This fact was 

 given publicit\" in the Department's magazine "S\lva" with a view to aiding 

 in protection, so that the colony of these birds on the island could be built up 

 and perhaps used for propagation. 



Fur-Bearing Animals 



Nearly all fur-bearing animals vary in numbers according to the progress 

 of natural cycles. A few, notably the beaver, remain constant excepting as 

 their numbers are controlled by trapping. The most notable population change 

 is a decrease of mink, which are becoming scarce. Muskrat are also showing 

 signs of decline, although in man\- of our best areas the population is still high. 

 Weasel and raccoon are reported to be decreasing locally and although skunks 

 are still numerous they have fallen off to some extent. In some of these low- 

 value furs, the volume of trade gives little indication of populations. Fox 

 remains abundant. In a few areas there are stocks of fisher and marten, but 

 both of these species, and the lynx as well, are so scarce that natural cycles fail 

 to develop normally. The wolverine is practically extinct, a fact which ma>- 

 ultimateh- be regretted, as its fur possesses special properties which are making 

 it valuable. As a predator the species was hardh- more destructive than other 



