average and was greater than the objective of management of a sustained yearly 

 catch of 150,000 beaver. From field observations and district reports there are no 

 indications of any decrease in the beaver population. With an increase in price 

 and a better season, 1965-66 production figures could surpass those of the 1963-64 

 season. Fisher pelts taken increased slightly in number, but sold for an all time 

 low of $7.04 average and with very little demand. Coloured fox figures increased 

 slightly over last year with a fair demand, and a slight increase in price. A sharp 

 drop of almost 50% shows in the lynx production figures for 1964-65 with a 

 12.1% increase in average price received. Ontario, even in peak years produces 

 few lynx in comparison with the westerly provincs. The 1964-65 figure on marten 

 of 10,664 pelts taken is 22.7% lower than last year, but is the second highest 

 catch recorded in 46 years. An increase of 5.1% in price helped to offset the loss 

 in numbers taken. Some concern is felt for the low mink production. The figure of 

 32,825 for this year is the second lowest recorded. Some 31,605 mink pelts were 

 taken during the 1955-56 season. A decrease of 16.6% in production and 9.3% 

 in price affected the trappers' livelihood by approximately $115,000.00 for the 

 1964-65 period over the previous season. Otter, down by 8.0% from last year 

 still shows a better than average take over previous years. The $3.00 increase in 

 average pelt price should offset the slight loss in number. Raccoon and small furs, 

 skunk, squirrel and weasel showed a small variation from the previous season. 

 Raccoon fell slightly in number, but average pelt price increased by 60 cents. 

 Then in reverse, squirrel and weasel increased in number, but dropped a few 

 cents in price. 



From the year 1920 to 1958, Ontario's muskrat production averaged 660,000 

 pelts per year. From 1958 to now, a period of seven years, the average has been 

 below 350,000, or an annual deficit of 310,000. This figure multiplied by this 

 year's average price indicates a loss of approximately half a million dollars to the 

 trappers' income. The biggest losses were sustained in the southwestern and south- 

 eastern regions. Areas that normally took 150,000 to 200,000 have only taken 

 25,000 for the past season. Low water levels plus a late spring brought about this 

 year's new low. Through heavier fall trapping, the take could be increased, but in 

 the above mentioned circumstances, there seems to be no practical solution. One 

 or two of the larger marshes have dikes and pumping stations and are able to cope 

 with the water level situation. In time to come this may be necessary on the larger 

 muskrat areas if any crop is to be expected. 



The Fur Sale Service at North Bay sponsored by the Ontario Trappers' 

 Association held five sales last year. Sales were held in December, January, March, 

 April and June. There was a 13.8% decrease in volume of pelts shipped. Dollar 

 volume dropped by 24.0%. In comparison with the Ontario provincial production 

 figure for the year, there was a slight increase over the previous season in pelts 

 shipped. Though the number of trappers in the Province dropped from 9,437 to 

 8,937, shipments of fur to the sale increased slightly. It can only be concluded 

 that the Fur Sale Service by the Ontario Trappers' Association does establish 

 a price for Ontario wild fur and that it continues to increase in trapper participation. 



55 



