10 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES No. 41 (1948) 



to attract the attention of hunters who derived from their participation therein a 

 substantial proportion of the pleasure and healthful recreation which accrues from the 

 pursuit of game. The legislation which provides protection for waterfowl is a Federal 

 Act, and the regulations which apply to govern this division of hunting are provided 

 under the authority of this legislation, viz: — The Migratory Birds Convention Act, or 

 "An Act Respecting a Certain Convention Between His Majesty and the United States 

 of America for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada and the United States." 



The Regulations which were then in effect provided an open season for the hunting 

 of ducks in the fall of 1945 extending from September 15th to December 5th in the 

 northern zone, and from September 25th to December 15th in the southern zone. The 

 taking of eider ducks was allowed only in the territory lying north of the Quebec- 

 Cochrane- Winnipeg line of the Canadian National Railway, during the period from 

 September 15th to November 15th. The bag limits for ducks were 15 per day (increased 

 from 12 per day in 1944) and 150 per season, with a new proviso to the effect that not 

 more than one wood duck could be included in the daily bag limit. 



GEESE: — ^There are but few sections in Ontario in which goose shooting is available, 

 the principal of which are located along the shores of James Bay in the far north, and 

 in the extreme southwestern portion of the Province, including the Counties of Essex, 

 Kent and Elgin. As is the case concerning ducks they ^re protected under the provisions 

 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Regulations which are thereunder 

 provided. The variety — Brant — is provided the protection of an entire close season, 

 and specimens of this variety are observed very infrequently in Ontario. 



The periods of open season were similar to those provided in the case of ducks, 

 except in the Counties of Essex, Kent and Elgin in which section the open season 

 extended from November 1st to January 10th. Bag limits were five per day and 50 per 

 season. 



WOODCOCK:— As a general rule this species is not plentiful, and it would appear from 

 reports which have been received that their occurrence in numbers sufficient for hunting 

 purposes is restricted to a few scattered areas. 



In 1945 the open season provided by the Migratory Bird Regulations extended from 

 October 1st to October 31st, with a bag limit of eight per day and 100 per season. 



SNIPE: — This species is not plentiful. Areas in which satisfactory hunting conditions 

 exist are scattered and restricted in extent. 



The dividing line between the northern and southern zones is similar to that provided 

 for ducks and geese. In the northern zone, the open season in 1945 extended from 

 September 15th to November 15th, and in the south, from October 1st to November 30th. 



Bag limits were eight per day and 50 for the season. 



PLOVER: — Conditions are not favourable, and improvement is limited. Hunting of this 

 species was not permitted at any time during the period under review. This complete 

 protection, in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations, 

 would appear to be essential if improvement is to be effected. 



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:— Regulations were promulgated to provide special 

 open seasons in accordance with the following details: — 



DEER:— 



(i) In those portions of Ontario lying south of the French and Mattawa Rivers and 

 Lake Nipissing, as defined in clauses (dd) and (ddd) of Section 7 of The Game 

 and Fisheries Act, the open season for deer in 1945 extended from November 

 5th to November 27th. 



(ii) Ih that portion of the County of Carleton lying west of the Rideau River there 

 was an open season for deer in 1945 extending from November 5th to 

 November 27th. 



