FUR MANAGEMENT 



In 1962-63 most of the province enjoyed better trapping conditions than 

 those that prevailed during the preceding season. Partly as a result of the improved 

 weather, snow and ice conditions, there was an increase in the quantities caught of 

 all species except marten and mink. Beaver were outstanding with a total catch 

 greater than ever before recorded for Ontario. The previous record was in 1957-58 

 with a harvest of 140,371 pelts whereas this year the harvest was 167,408, thus 

 breaking the record by some 27,000. 



In recognition of the frequently late spring thaw in the extreme north, the 

 closing date for beaver trapping in the North and Northwestern sections of the 

 province was extended this year from March 31 to April 15. 



The Ontario Trappers' Association Fur Sales Service held five sales at their 

 North Bay warehouse again this year, with continuing success. Sales were Decem- 

 ber 11, January 18, March 4, April 18 and May 27. Further quantities of fur 

 were received at the warehouse after the final sale, so with the trappers' consent 

 a bulk shipment was made to Winnipeg to be sold at the June 26 sale. 



Pelt volume increased 48% over the previous year while the total value 

 increased 85%, indicating an improved demand for most species. 



Beaver dominated the sales again this year making up 63.5% of the total 

 sales value. Mink and Muskrat were about equal, with the former accounting for 

 12.4% and the latter 12.1%. Otter made up 4.2% of the sales revenue, followed 

 by Marten and Raccoon each with 1.7%, Lynx 1.6%, Fisher 1.3%, and Fox, 

 Weasel and Squirrel together with Wolves, Bear and Castoreum making up the 

 remainder. 



Beaver — Demand, value and catch are all higher than last year, and the 

 outlook is good for next year. 



Mink — The catch is still slipping down, although not nearly as badly as 

 last year. However, the drop in volume was offset by an increase in the average 

 value. 



Muskrat — The price and demand is much improved, due in part to increas- 

 ing European interest in this item. The volume harvested is still far below the 

 provincial potential. 



Otter — A slight increase in the harvest was evident. This species is one of 

 the most stable of our furs both in production and value. 



Fox and Raccoon — There is an improving demand for these two items 

 which resulted in increased values. 



Fisher and Marten — There was a very poor demand for fisher coupled with 

 a lower average price. On the other hand, demand and price for marten increased, 

 although the catch dropped. 



Lynx — The catch is still improving, thus setting another record for harvest 

 of this species in Ontario. Along with the other "fine" or "long" furs, except 

 fisher, the price is increasing. 



Weasel, Squirrel and Skunk — Numbers of these taken remain quite low and 

 combined with the low prices paid are of little importance except to the young 

 trapper. 



Castors — There is an increasing demand for this item and the price is also 



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