THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



Department of Game and Fisheries of Ontario 



1 



TO: THE HONOURABLE G. H. DUNBAR, 



Minister in Charge, 



Department of Game and Fisheries. 

 SIR: 



I have the honour to submit to you herewith the Thirty-Eighth Annual 

 Report of the Department of Game and Fisheries, in which is contained information 

 with reference to the various Departmental services, as well as condensed statistics 

 and comparative tables for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1945, and other in- 

 formation which will probably be of interest. 



INTRODUCTORY 



For several years, in compiling the Annual Report, it has been found neces- 

 sary to refer to the fact that war and wartime economy are still the most 

 important factors in our national life, and the period under review is no exception; 

 but as the year closes it is quite apparent that the backbone of enemy resistance 

 has been broken, and hopes are high that the end is not far distant, and perhaps in 

 sight. 



In reviewing the wild-life situation and administrative activities of the De- 

 partment during the year, it is desirable and necessary to point out that while 

 there has been but little change in the former, the latter has been carried on under 

 the handicap of prevailing economic conditions. Despite this fact, however, the con- 

 servation policies of the Department have been maintained to a very satisfactory 

 degree, and the general situation has^not been allowed to deteriorate. 



The work of conserving the wild-life natural resources of the Province is 

 complex and perhaps difficult, involving as it does many factors actually not within 

 the scope of Departmental authority, and which have a direct bearing on conditions 

 relative to food, habitat and environment, all of which play a very important part 

 in the continuation and development of the wild-life resources. It is pertinent to add 

 that these governing factors, such as soil, reforestation, water control, and similar 

 problems are receiving a great deal of consideration and attention by various 

 interested public spirited organizations, as well as by the responsible Departments 

 of Government. Every progressive step which is taken to improve deficiencies with 

 a view to restoring the previous natural conditions which existed will be reflected 

 in increased production as well as in the development of wild-life. 



The economic and recreational value of wild-life has been emphasized on 

 more than one occasion and in previous reports, but it may be repeated that these 

 values have assumed new and increasing importance during the recent years of 

 conflict. Fishing and hunting have continued to provide clean, wholesome and 

 healthful recreation for an ever growing number of people, included among whom 

 are thousands of war-workers, who because of the strenuous nature of their employ- 

 ment and services require relaxation of the type to be found in the outdoor environ- 

 ment of field and stream, and while the direct contribution made by wild-life to 

 the war effort may not be immediately obvious, it is nevertheless of great signiflc- 



