ANNUAL REPORT, 1944-45 15 



reported in connection with fisher and lynx. This species is extremely scarce 

 throughout the entire area, and they are practically extinct in the southern portion 

 of the Province. As in the case of fisher, the season in this case extends from No- 

 vember 1st to February 28th. Trappers take but a limited numxber of marten dur- 

 ing the season, though there was a slight increase in 1944-45. 



MINK: — This species continues to be fairly plentiful and is available in many sec- 

 tions of Ontario. The open season which prevails extends from November 1st to 

 February 28th. It is one of the more desirable species of fur-bearing animal avail- 

 able to trappers. Returns compiled in the Department show that between fifteen 

 and twenty per cent of the total amount received by trappers from their entire fur 

 catch of 1944-45 was derived from the sale of mink. The catch of mink for the year 

 under review decreased seventeen per cent in comparison with that of the previous 

 year. 



MUSKBAT: — General conditions with reference to muskrat continue to be quite 

 favourable in practically every section of the Province and the revenue earned by 

 trappers from the sale of these pelts constitutes their principal source of income. 

 It has been estimated that 38 per cent of the total value of the entire fur catch in 

 1944-45 was attributable to the sale of muskrats. The 1944-45 catch exceeded by ap- 

 proximately 100,000 pelts the number which was taken in 1943-44. 



The open season which is in effect is provided annually by regulation to 

 coincide as far as possible with suitable weather conditions in the various sections. 

 In the past the periods of this open season have been omitted from this report for 

 the reason that in many instances the season commences in one fiscal period and 

 terminates in the succeeding fiscal period. However, it may be desirable for pur- 

 poses of record to incorporate in this report details of such open season, and to 

 inaugurate this decision this open season which prevailed in 1944 will be recorded. 



Period of Open Season 



