The Natural Hatch 



Weather during the brood season was exceptionally favourable. 

 The anticipated good hatch was reflected in reports of hunters in the fall. 

 Generally birds were plentiful although cocks were somewhat difficult to 

 flush. 

 Hunting Season 



For the first time the season was extended to seven days, 

 throughout the district, October 26th to November 2nd, with a bag limit of 

 three cocks per day. There was some apprehension to the larger season as 

 many feared the population would be seriously reduced. However, hunting 

 pressure was reduced throughout the entire season. Reports indicate that 

 there was an adequate supply of cocks after the shoot and that hens were 

 plentiful. The general feeling now favours the longer season; some recommend 

 an extension to two weeks. In Elgin County, hunter reports indicated a cock 

 to hen ratio of one to five. 

 Post Season Mortality in Essex County 



Conservation Officer G. T. Greenwood reports that from February 1st 

 to May 11th, 1956, at least one hundred and eighty pheasants were killed on 

 the roads, the majority being hen birds. The mortality occurred in all 

 townships but was particularly heavy in Sandwich West, a restricted area. 

 In the township, Mr, Greenwood personally counted three hundred pheasants 

 feeding in one corn field one morning during the first week in May, 



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