Many of the districts conducted summer surveys of duck populations. In some 

 areas counts were made of breeding pairs while other districts concentrated on 

 post-hatching brood counts for various duck species. These studies are essential in 

 determining the relative success of the hatch, the survival of young ducks and the 

 limits of breeding range of the key duck species across the Province. 



Waterfowl banding is another important phase of management in Ontario. 

 Cooperative banding projects are carried out largely by our own staff with some 

 help and encouragement from the Canadian Wildlife Service, the U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service and the Flyway Councils. Since waterfowl winter in the south but 

 spend a good portion of their life in Canada, it is logical that much knowledge can 

 be gained by such projects as banding while the birds are here during the breeding 

 season. 



Recoveries of birds banded in Ontario contribute to the general understanding 

 of waterfowl population dynamics and assist in determining the effects and safe 

 margins of hunting. Not only are migration patterns confirmed but also an estimate 

 of the total kill and the varying vulnerability rates of the many species and age 

 groups of waterfowl may be obtained from this source. 



During the summer and early fall of 1964, banding programs were conducted 

 by staff and interested individuals or groups in fourteen administrative districts. The 

 results of the cooperative waterfowl banding effort in Ontario is presented in the 

 Table entitled, Summary of Waterfowl Banding in Ontario, 1964. 



The provision of quality waterfowl hunting in southern Ontario where most of 

 the best and largest marshes are in private hands, pose acute management problems. 

 Public areas are so few and far between and so overcrowded on opening day that 

 they cannot accommodate all hunters. Managed public shooting areas have success- 

 fully filled part of this void and have provided quality waterfowl hunting; the 

 number of these units must be stepped up considerably if the needs of all hunters 

 are to be met. 



Wetland sanctuaries, which hold waterfowl throughout the season, have ex- 

 tended hunting opportunities in some areas but here again the paucity of these 

 suggests that acquisition of suitable marshes and wetlands is of prime importance. 



Public Hunting Grounds 



Public hunting for pheasants was provided in four different Provincial parks 

 and on the Gananoque public hunting area in recognition of the multiple use con- 

 cept for publicly owned lands. The pheasant shooting season in the parks com- 

 mences two days after the Thanksgiving holiday. At this time, it has been found 

 that there is little demand on the park facilities for any recreation except hunting 

 and there is no conflict in use. 



Both male and female birds which are used in this type of hunting are trans- 

 ferred to park holding pens and released at a rate of about two birds per paid 

 hunter. Hunting is permitted every day except Sunday, and the daily fee is $5.00 

 per hunter with a bag limit of three pheasants of any sex. Licences are available on 

 a first-come-first-served basis with the hunters lining up for their licences at the 

 park gate. A total of twenty-five hunters are allowed at one time in each area with 

 the exception of Earl Rowe Provincial Park where thirty-five hunters are allowed. 



These hunting opportunities have been enthsiastically received by many upland 

 bird hunters; many are anxious to work their dogs in cover which is known to 

 contain birds. 



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