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



The following is a comparative table indicating the number of pelts of various 

 species of fur-bearing animals taken in Ontario, and which were exported or dressed 

 during the fiscal year 1945-46 and the three preceding years: — 



1942-43 1943-44 1944-45 1945-46 



Bear 



Beaver 



Fisher 



Fox ( Cross ) 



Fox ( Red) 



Fox (Silver or Black) 



Fox ( White) 



Lynx 



Marten 



Mink '. 



Muskrat 



Otter 



Raccoon 



Skunk 



Weasel 



Trappers again experienced a rather profitable season. Generally speaking the fur 

 catch of all species was average or better, and according to information compiled in the 

 Department there was a marked increase in the market value of many species, including 

 beaver, marten, mink, muskrat, otter and weasel. This combination of favourable con- 

 ditions naturally resulted in a large increase in the revenue derived by trappers from the 

 marketing of the fur catch. It has been estimated that during the year this revenue to 

 trappers amounted to a total of $6,966,611.24. As compared with the returns secured 

 from a similar source in the previous year this represents an increase of $1,828,484.56 or 

 in excess of thirty-five per cent. The pelts which contributed principally to this total 

 were : 



Beaver $2,160,841.34 



Muskrat 2,148,122.84 



Mink 1,518,313.72 



From the remaining species previously mentioned in this paragraph and on the pelts 

 of which there was a reported increase in market value, i.e., marten, otter and weasel, 

 the returns accruing to trappers from the sale of such pelts amounted in all to a total 

 of $522,900.40. 



In addition to the foregoing, it has be-en calculated from the records filed with the 

 Department that during this fiscal year now reviewed, licensed fur farmers marketed 

 the pelts of 62,635 mink, 26,998 silver or black fox, 941 blue fox and 138 cross fox, all of 

 which had an estimated value to the vendors of $3,013,401.26, an increase in value of 

 $1,161,316.77, or more than sixty per cent, as compared with the returns derived from 

 a similar source in the previous year. 



From the statistics previously analyzed it may be observed that the value of the fur 

 marketed as a result of trapping and fur-farming operations amounted to the sum of 

 $9,980,012.50 or $2,989,801.33 in excess of this figure for the previous year, or an in- 

 crease in excess of forty per cent. 



FUR FARMING 



Despite the rising costs and scarcity of labour, feed and materials resulting from 

 war-time conditions, the Fur Farmers of the Province realized the highest prices for 

 their production known to the industry. 



