ANNUAL REPORT, 1939-40 



At this point I desire to draw attention to the effort now being made by the 

 Department to develop the interest of non-resident hunters in the possibilities of a 

 successful bear hunt in this Province during the period between April 1st and June 

 15th, and, while the numbers of such licenses which have been sold for this privilege 

 during the three years this has been in effect are not substantial, there are indica- 

 tions that knowledge of the policy is becoming somewhat more widespread, and 

 there is ever^ reason to believe that the increasing numbers of inquiries being re- 

 ceived from interested hunters will eventually mean that considerably larger num- 

 bers will avail themselves of the opportunity for a splendid spring outing which is 

 thus provided- 



The following is a summary of conditions which apply to the various species 

 of game animals and birds of the Province, compiled from reports received in the 

 Department fiom the officers of the Enforcement Service: — 



DEER: — The white-tailed or Virginia deer common to this part of the Con- 

 tinent continues to be quite plentiful in many sections of the Province, and the 

 hunting- of this species during the regular open season which prevails provides an 

 opportunity for the sportsman to partake in a most enjoyable form of recreation. 

 Reports indicate that so far as the northern and northwestern portions of the Pro- 

 vince are concerned, generally speaking, conditions are quite favourable. There 

 are, however, certain scattered sections in which the habitat is not conducive to 

 the existence of deer and in which areas the herd is not at all plentiful. By reason 

 of its easy accessibility extensive hunting is carried on in the northern districts of 

 the southern part of the Province, nevertheless, deer in these areas continue to be 

 plentiful, and in fact are showing quite an increase in their numbers in some areas. 



In the counties included in the southwestern peninsula and in certain eastern 

 counties there has been an entire close season on deer for the past several years. 

 This complete protection has resulted in deer in these areas becoming quite numer- 

 ous, and it is no unusual occurrence to see these animals as one travels along our 

 highways. In Bruce and Grey Counties the increase has been so favourable as to 

 warrant the provision of a limited open season there. 



Hunters returning from the north have reported a satisfactory deer season. 

 The general opinion was the deer were quite plentiful, increasing numbers of does 

 and fawns being observed. This is the natural result of the present regulations 

 which provide a large measure of protection to does and their young, while in ad- 

 dition to this protective measure the past few winters have been reasonably mild, 

 and this has been an important factor in maintaining and developing the herd. 



With a reasonable measure of protection and the co-operation of the general 

 public to that end, the deer herd is quite capable of replenishing itself and taking 

 care of all reasonable demands. 



MOOSE: — The moose is the largest of the deer tribe found on the American 

 continent. It is of majestic appearance, and a large spread of antlers adds to its 

 value as a sporting trophy. It is to be found in the northern portions of the Pro- 

 vince, though a f e^^^ specimens are frequently seen in the districts of Muskoka, 

 Parry Sound, Renfrew as well as in the sections immediately adjacent to Algonquin 

 Park. Nowhere in Ontario, however, can they be described as plentiful, and restric- 

 tions for their protection which are in effect are necessary to ensure the perpetuation 

 and rehabilitation of this species. In certain sections, such as the Districts of 

 Cochrane, the northern portions of the Districts of Sudbury and Algoma, and the 

 Districts of Thunder Bay, Rainy River and Kenora, they are reported to be fairly 

 plentiful, but their future development will depend on many factors, particularly 

 environment, for even the great northland is opening up before the ever progressive 

 advance of civilization. 



