Fur Management 



Due to the fire emergency this summer In the northwestern part of the 

 Province fur production returns from the Patricia West and the Patricia Central 

 management districts have not as yet been received. However, estimates on this 

 past years production Indicate an overall provincial Increase from the 1959-60 

 season catch. Prices received by the trappers for their pelts were down from the 

 previous season although the demand for Ontario pelts was fairly strong with the 

 exception of wild mink and muskrats* 



At the Ontario Trappers' Association Pur Sales Service In North Bay pelt 

 volvmie Increased more than 65$^ over last season but dollar volume only Increased 

 about 25J^. Shippers to the sales Increased 255^ and the prices they received for 

 their fur were higher than those paid by the local dealer In most areas. An 

 Increasing Interest by the fur trade In the North Bay sales was evident last year 

 by the larger and more representative attendance at the sales. Brokers and buyers 

 from New York, London-England and Winnipeg as well as those from Montreal, Toronto 

 and other Ontario centres attended the sales and Indicated their Intention of 

 attending the sales again this coming year. 



Trapping conditions were generally good throughout the Province with 

 some areas suffering from abnormally heavy Ice due to unusually light snowfall In 

 western and northwestern sections. 



The overall quality of Ontario fur continues to Improve due to better 

 handling techniques and a smaller percentage of spring pelts being taken by the 

 trappers. The Department's programme of Instruction for the trappers In handling 

 methods will be continued with special emphasis on stand£u?d sizes and shapes of raw 

 pelts. 



Ontario pelts were put on display at a number of local fairs and 

 exhibitions throughout the year Including the Canadian National Exhibition and the 

 Sportsmans Show In Toronto, the Central Canada Exhibition In Ottawa and several 

 other shows In London, Kitchener, North Bay, Tlmmlns, etc. About sixty typical 

 pelts from Ontario were also sent overseas as part of the Department of Trade and 

 Commerce showing of Canadian fur In Europe smd these pelts are now on display In 

 London at Ontario House* 



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