S - DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES Nb. 9 (1946) 



able conclusion there are naturally some sections in which reports state that there 

 has been a diminution of the numbers of rabbits, but in no case would this be 

 applicable to more than one of the species which were prevalent therein. 



It is undoubtedly true that the favourable hunting which rabbits provide 

 is a source of considerable satisfaction to the hunters who are interested, and 

 their numbers are legion, and provides a condition which is greatly appreciated. 



PARTRIDGE: — The general conditions which applied to the various species of 

 partridge native to this Province, judging from the reports submitted, was none 

 too favourable in many portions of Ontario, nevertheless there were other sections 

 in which it was indicated that their numbers were sufficiently plentiful to justify 

 the provision of a restricted period of open season. 



The regulation which established this open season provided that it would 

 prevail in that portion of Ontario lying south of the French and Mattawa Rivers 

 and Lake Nipissing, except in those counties lying south and west of, but not includ- 

 ing the counties of Huron, Bruce, Grey, Dufferin, Simcoe and Ontario, and in the 

 districts of Nipissing, Temiskaming, Cochrane, Sudbury, Manitoulin, and Algoma. 

 It will be noted that in addition to the southwestern counties previously referred 

 to this open season was not in effect in the northern districts of Thunder Bay, Rainy 

 River and Kenora. Two periods were included in this open season, i.e., from October 

 7th to 14th, 1944, and from November 6th to 11th, 1944. It was further provided 

 "that no person shall take or kill such birds in excess of five (5) per day in all, or 

 twenty-five (25) in all during the aforesaid two periods, or have in possession at 

 any time such birds in excess of the numbers herein prescribed." 



No provision was made to permit the hunting of partridge in the townships 

 established as Regulated Game Preserve Areas, on the days on which the hunting 

 of pheasants was permitted, as had been the case in previous years. 



HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE:— In connection with this species it would be appar- 

 ent that while there are quite a few of the southern Ontario counties in which 

 scattered small fiocks are to be found there are very few extensive aibas in which 

 they have been observed. Perhaps the best areas are located in the extreme south- 

 western counties of Essex and Kent and adjoining counties and in the eastern 

 counties of Dundas and Stormont, but their numbers are not too plentiful even in 

 these counties. These birds are not native to the Province and those which are now 

 found here are the result of re-stocking undertaken in previous years by the 

 Department. 



During the year 1944 the hunting of these birds was provided by regulation 

 effective on three days only, October 26th, 27th and 28th, in the counties of Essex 

 and Kent. The regulation which governed established a bag limit of two (2) birds 

 per day. 



PHEASANTS: — The Department continued its policy of purchasing and liberating 

 pheasants for the restocking of the various Township Regulated Areas, and in other 

 areas in which suitable conditions for the development of these birds exist. This 

 policy was inaugurated some years ago and has been continued with the object of 

 establishing this species in suitable areas and in which it may be practicable to de- 

 clare a period of open season. According to statistics which have been compiled in 

 the Department, a total of 11,896 pheasants were secured from three bird farms 

 operating in Norfolk, Northumberland and Victoria Counties. Of this number, 9,972 

 were distributed in varying quantities throughout the Regulated Townships, 1,907 



