10 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES No. 9 (1941) 



(b) An open season from December 1st to December 21st, 1939, 

 effective in that part of Ontario north and west of the French 

 and Mattawa Rivers and Lake Nipissing (including the Dis- 

 trict of Manitoulin), and in the Districts of Parry Sound, 

 Muskoka and Nipissing (south of the Mattawa River) and 

 the Counties of Grey, Victoria, Haliburton, Hastings, Renfrew, 

 Lennox and Addington, Frontenac and Lanark. Similar pro- 

 vision as in (a) as to limits of catch and disposition prevailed. 



A total of 33,5 30 beaver were reported to have been taken during these 

 periods, and, while this would naturally decrease the stock, sufficient numbers re- 

 mained for purposes of replenishment. 



FISHER: — This animal is practically extinct in Southern Ontario, and is ex- 

 tremely scarce in Northern Ontario. Very few taken in any single trapping season, 



FOX: — Reported to be quite plentiful and showing signs of increasing in all 

 parts of Southern Ontario except in the lower counties in the southwestern peninsula 

 where they are reported to be scarce. They are not at all plentiful in the northern 

 portion of the Province, though there are scattered showings of improvement. 



LYNX: — Prevalent only in the northern section of the Province, and even 

 there its numbers are extremely rare. Reports received indicate no favourable 

 change anywhere. 



MARTEN: — Conditions similar to those for fisher and lynx. It is extremely 

 scarce in every section of the Province and there is no improvement reported. 



MINK: — While there was a considerable increase in the number of pelts taken 

 during the season, this condition cannot be construed as representing an important 

 increase in the numbers of mink which exist throughout the Province. They are not 

 too plentiful anywhere and while reports of increasing numbers have been received 

 from some areas, there has been no general improvement and conditions were about 

 normal. 



MUSKRAT: — Muskrat continues to provide a very substantial portion of the 

 revenue derived by trappers. The catch as compared with that of the previous year 

 showed an increase of more than 35%, possibly attributable to somewhat improved 

 conditions affecting the species and the fact that favourable weather conditions 

 prevailed during the trapping season, which was provided by special regulation 

 and at different periods in different areas. Notwithstanding the decided increase 

 in the take of muskrats this species requires continued protection to assist in its 

 development. 



OTTER: — Found only in Northern Ontario and the more northerly areas of 

 Southern Ontario. It is not too plentiful in any section and the annual catch is 

 limited. 



RACCOON: — Inhabits only Southern Ontario, where numbers remained about 

 the same with probable slight improvement in some areas. The catch during the 

 open season which prevailed was about normal. 



SKUNK: — While this animal continues plentiful, prevailing market prices do 

 not encourage trappers to make any special effort for the taking of the same. 



WEASEL: — This species is still very plentiful throughout the entire Pro- 

 vince, though it would appear not to be increasing to any great extent. However, 

 as in the case of skunk, prevailing market prices are not sufficient return to en- 

 courage trappers in the taking of weasel. 



