ANNUAL REPORT, 1936-37 



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BEAR: — These animals were reported to be quite numerous throughout the 

 entire northern portion of the Province as well as in the more northerly areas of 

 southern Ontario, which provided a degree of hunting much appreciated by those 

 interested in this branch of the sport. 



BEAVER: — The sectional close season of previous years was made effective 

 throughout the entire Province, and the increase in the numbers of these animals 

 which has been reported from various districts can in all probability be attributed 

 to this protective action. In practically all areas in which beaver have existed in 

 the more recent years there has been some improvement in the conditions applicable 

 to this desirable species of fur-bearing animal and in consequence of the complete 

 protection which is now being provided this improvement should not only continue 

 but become more evident. 



FISHER: — Existing conditions which apply to this species of valuable fur- 

 bearer are not at all favourable in any area. These animals are, generally speaking, 

 very few in number and the sections in which any improvement has been observed 

 and reported are but few and scattered. 



FOX: — ^The several varieties of this species, in the wild, i.e., red, cross and 

 silver, continue to be generally about the same as in recent years. Quite naturally 

 conditions vary in the different portions of the Province and while improvement is 

 noted in some parts this has served only to balance the reduction in their numbers 

 which has been reported from other areas. 



LYNX: — Here, as in the case of the fisher, conditions are not at all favour- 

 able, though it should be stated in reference to this species that no protection in the 

 way of a close season is provided, and they may be taken any time during the 

 period covered by the general trapping season. While some slight improvement is 

 reported from Northern Ontario, general conditions do indicate that this particular 

 species is doing no more than maintaining the levels of recent years. 



MARTEN: — These animals are practically extinct in the southern portion of 

 the Province, and they continue to be extremely scarce in northern Ontario, with 

 some slight improvement being reported from the eastern section thereof. 



MINK: — Reports from practically every section of Ontario warrant the as- 

 sumption that mink are becoming less plentiful. Comparisons show that the catch of 

 mink taken by licensed trappers again shows a considerable decline during the 

 season reported upon. 



MUSKRAT: — There is no doubt that in many areas which have previously sup- 

 ported this desirable little fur-bearer, natural conditions are becoming unfavourable. 

 The fluctuation of water-levels and possible lack of food supply are having an 

 adverse effect. Conditions may be described as only fair, and throughout the 

 Province generally show no improvement. There has been a progressive decline 

 in the number of the annual catch in recent years, as an examination of the sub- 

 joined comparative table will show. 



OTTER: — Conditions here continued to be about the same as in more recent 

 years. While these animals are still scarce they appear to be holding their own 

 under the existing regulations which apply, and as a result a special Order was 

 provided declaring an open season on this species extending from November 1st, 

 1936, to February 28th, 1937, and which open season, of course, coincided with that 

 provided in the Game and Fisheries Act in the case of mink and fisher, as well as 

 fox and marten. 



RACCOON: — These animals are found only in Southern Ontario, and general 

 conditions here are about as usual. While reports from some areas indicate 

 improvement, this is not generally the case, for in many southwestern counties 

 their numbers are reported to be somewhat limited and possibly diminishing. 



