12 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES No. 9 (1944) 



more plentiful than this in the north they are not sufficiently numerous to justify 

 any claim that they are an important part of the trapping industry. The numbers 

 which are taken vaiy but little in any particular open season, though the total catch 

 in 1943-44 was somewhat in excess of the number taken in 1942-43. 



RACCOON: — It is only in that part of the Province south of the French and 

 Mattawa Rivers that these animals are to be found. Weather conditions in the north 

 are too severe to encourage the hope that this species could survive to any great 

 extent north of this area. Favourable reports regarding the prevalence of these 

 animals were received from many southern Ontario sections. The open season pro- 

 duced 20,664 pelts, 50% in excess of the previous year's catch. 



SKUtNK: — This species continues to be plentiful throughout every section of On- 

 tario. An average catch was the result of operations during the trapping season. 

 The trapping of skunk is altogether too obnoxious and pelt values are not suffi- 

 cient to warrant any intensive effort along these lines by licensed trappers. 

 WEASEL: — Conditions with respect to weasel are variable, and though they are 

 plentiful in many sections the pelts are not sufficiently valuable to generally en- 

 courage any extensive trapping operations for the taking of this species. The catch 

 in 1943-44 showed an increase over the previous year, and it was a good deal bet- 

 ter than an average catch. 



The following is a comparative table showing the numbers of pelts of the 

 several varieties of fur-bearing animals taken by licensed trappers, and which were 

 either exported or dressed, during the 1943-44 fiscal period, as well as similar 

 figures for the three preceding years: — 



Bear 



Beaver 



P^'isher 



Fox (Cross) 



Fox (Red) 



Fox (Silver or Black) 



Fox (White) 



Lynx 



Marten 



Mink « 



Muskrat 



Otter 



Raccoon 



Skunk 4 



Weasel 



Wolverine 



1940-41 



21 



15 



1 



38 



739 



3 

 11 

 72 

 53 



274 

 ,605 



858 



722 



,059 



67 



91 



383 

 ,439 

 ,976 

 ,224 

 ,931 

 ,973 

 ,005 

 ,719 

 2 



1941-42 



384 



25,197 



884 



1,780 



32,215 



206 



114 



537 



1,652 



63,996 



722,387 



3,880 



13,499 



94,656 



80,776 



3 



1942-43 



288 



24,194 



691 



' 2,649 



31,297 



265 



185 



552 



1,417 



60,331 



642,810 



3,557 



13,420 



48,337 



62,553 



6 



1943-44 



269 



32,266 



1,035 



4,350 



53,205 



499 



33 



646 



1,610 



52,289 



683,450 



3,964 



20,664 



79,298 



67,461 



5 



Trappers experienced a very successful season both from the standpoint of 

 an increased number of pelts which were taken and regarding the financial returns 

 which were derived by them from the sale of such pelts. The demand for furs result- 

 ed in a considerable increase in market values for practically all species and from 

 information compiled in the Department it has been estimated that trappers who 

 were responsible for taking these pelts received a total of $5,774,014.16 from the 

 sale thereof. Due to the very favourable conditions which prevailed and to which 

 previous reference has just been made this amount is $2,228,076.64 in excess of 

 the proceeds derived from such sales in the preceding season. 



In addition Departmental records show that during this fiscal year licensed 

 fur farmers marketed the pelts of 22,862 silver or black foxes, 1,243 blue foxes. 



