1906 GAME COMMISSION. 13 



As you are aware. I have since July, 1906, been Acting Deputy Commis- 

 sioner of Fisheries. The work of the Game Commission has not been neglected 

 by my increased duties. 



I warmly appreciate the uniform courtesy accorded me in the discharge of 

 my respective duties during the year. 



All of which is respectfully submitted 



By your obedient servant, 



E. TINSLEY, 



Chief Game Warden, 



Cedar Springs, December 31st, 1906. 

 E. Tinsley, Esq., 



Chief Game Warden, Toronto, Ont. 



Sir, — I herewith present my annual report for Western District under my 

 supervision for the year 1906. 



Quail have been more numerous than for some years past, the increase to a 

 large extent being due to two close seasons, re-stocking, and the mild winter of 

 1905-6. 



I am pleased to say that sportsmen as a rule during the last open season 

 were satisfied with less birds than in former years, realizing the necessity of 

 leaving a sufficient number of birds for breeding. The rabbit hunters are very 

 destructive to the quail during the month of December, when the ground is 

 covered with snow. A mild winter with a favorable breeding season will 

 enable us to hear the cheery call of Bob White as frequently as in past years. 



Partridge. 



Partridge are becoming more scarce each succeeding year in consequence of 

 nearly all. the woods being cut down for farming and other purposes. The 

 severe k storms of June last that passed over Kent and Essex uprooted a large 

 number of trees, destroying cover for partridge, but making splendid cover for 

 quail. Similar causes affecting partridges have been instrumental in largely 

 reducing the number of black squirrels in my district. 



Wild Geese. 



Wild geese were here in large numbers during spring and fall, some very 

 large bags being made by sportsmen on the corn and wheat stubbles, the 

 favorite feeding grounds of these grand game birds. 



Ducks. 



Wild ducks were abundant in spring and early fall, many sportsmen early 

 in the season being very successful. The ducks for some reason went south 

 earlier than usual, consequently the late fall shooting was not as satisfactory to 

 the sportsmen. 



M USER ATS. 



Musk rats are as numerous as ever, a'large part of my district being suitable 

 for them. They cause some damage to embankments and dams. 



