ANNUAL REPORT, 1945-46 15 



(x) The dividing lines between the north and south sections of these counties and dis- 

 tricts for the purpose of this open season are respectively as follows, viz : — 



Highway No. 7 in the counties of Frontenac, Hastings, Lambton, Lennox and 



Addington, Peterborough and Victoria; 



The Mattawa River in the District of Nipissing; 



The north boundary of the townships of Brock and Scott in the County of 

 Ontario; and 



The north boundary of the townships of Tossorontio, Essa and Innisfil in the 

 county of Simcoe. 



OTTER: — This species is practically extinct in all of the southern counties and in the 

 remainder of the Province conditions are none too favourable. It is possibly correct to 

 state that there are but few signs which justify any anticipation of general improvement 

 in the immediate future. There was an increased number taken during the open season 

 which was provided. 



RACCOON: — These animals exist only in the southern portion of Ontario. Unfavourable 

 climatic conditions which prevail during the winter months are not conducive to the 

 existence and development of raccoon in Northern Ontario. The catch during the 1945 

 season was about the same as that of the 1944 season. The demand for these pelts for 

 commercial purposes is limited with the result that trappers derive little financial benefit 

 from this product. 



SKUNK : — It is difficult to conceive that any reliable trapper would willingly assume to 

 undertake the discomfort and inconvenience which must arise from the skinning of a 

 skunk carcass and the preparation of the pelt for the market for the meagre pittance 

 which he receives from the sale of such pelt. From the standpoint of public ease and 

 comfort these animals still continue to be too plentiful in many sections of this Province. 



WEASEL : — Conditions applicable to this species vary in different sections. There was a 

 noticeable increase in the catch during the period under review. As compared with the 

 catch of the previous year this increase was in excess of forty per cent. Pelt values and 

 market conditions are not sufficiently favourable to encourage intensive trapping oper- 

 ations in respect to weasel. 



GENERAL: — In addition to the open seasons which were provided by special recom- 

 mendation, as have been previously related, with reference to beaver and muskrat, open 

 seasons are established with respect to other fur-baring animals in accordance with 

 legislation included in the Game and Fisheries Act, as follows, viz: — 



For fisher, fox, marten, mink and otter — from November 1st to February 28th; and 



For raccoon — from November 1st to December Slst. 



No protection in the way of a closed season is provided for lynx, skunk and weasel. 



