DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES 



No. 9 



WEASEL: — Continue to be rather plentiful, though their numbers are possibly 

 somewhat reduced. The figures evidence a considerable decrease in the numberg 

 trapped, but as in the case of skunk prevailing prices for the pelts do not encourage 

 operations for the trapping of this species. 



SQUIRREIiS (black and grey): — These animals are reported to be on the in- 

 crease in southern Ontario, especially in the western and eastern Counties. Their 

 numbers were sufficient to warrant a two-day open hunting season south of the 

 French and Mattawa Rivers and Lake Nipissing, i.e. on October 24th, and 25th. 



Operations by licensed trappers are carried on very intensively throughout 

 Ontario during the periods of the various open seasons, and In a general sense the 

 fur-bearing animals native to the Province are as a result encountering more than 

 a little difficulty maintaining the several species at levels existing in recent years. 

 Restrictive regulations imposed for their protection, particularly in the way of 

 closed periods, undoubtedly require continuation, and the active co-operation of all 

 concerned in observing and complying therewith is urgently needed. 



The following comparative table shows the numbers of pelts of the different 

 species of fur-bearers exported from the Province and dressed within the Province 

 during the years 1933, 1934 and 1936, and upon which royalty was paid as required 

 by the Game and Fisheries Act. 



Based on the average prices as computed by the Department from information 

 secured from reliable sources, the value to the trapper of the fur catch of the 

 1935-36 season is estimated at $1,906,121.'04, appreciated values accounting for 

 the increase over the previous comparative period. These figures do not take into 

 consideration silver, black and blue foxes and mink the product of our licensed fur 

 farms, the pelts of which animals are exempt from the royalty provisions of the 

 Game and Fisheries Act. During the year reported upon a total of 21,318 silver 

 and black fox pelts were either exported from the Province or tanned, as well as 

 15 blue fox pelts and 9,641 mink pelts. The estimated total value of all these pelts 

 was $827,451.11, which, of course, accrued to fur farmers licensed under the reg- 

 ulations which govern such operations. 



FUR FARMING 



At this time a short resume of this branch of industry in Ontario during the 

 past few years, as well as its present status should be of interest. 



