REVIEW OF PROVINCIAL GAME LEGISLATION 281 



servation of one of the most valuable natural resources and 

 economic assets in the province. 



Ontario. — A few years ago the Ontario government cre- 

 ated a special Department of Game and Fisheries, with a 

 deputy minister in charge to administer the Ontario Game 

 and Fisheries Act. The Minister of Public Works and High- 

 ways administers the department. The organization for the 

 enforcement of the provisions of the act consists of a deputy 

 minister, a superintendent, inspectors (not exceeding three 

 in number), wardens who have districts, and overseers who 

 have the authority of constables under the act. 



The greatest need in Ontario is the prohibition of the sale 

 of all protected game, which is discussed elsewhere (p. 331). 

 In view of the fact that there are not, so far as our records 

 show, any wild turkeys in Ontario, this bird might advisedly 

 be placed in the category of extinct game-birds, and given 

 at least a permanent close season instead of an open season 

 of a fortnight as at present ! The absolute close season on 

 quail should be maintained (see p. 160). It would also be 

 in the interests of the wild fowl, such as ducks and geese, to 

 establish a daily limit in addition to a seasonal bag limit. 



Manitoba. — The Game Protection Act of Manitoba is 

 administered by the Minister of Agriculture, the provisions 

 of the act being enforced by the chief game guardians, with 

 the assistance of local game guardians. 



The Manitoba government wisely prohibits the sale of all 

 protected game, and has recently given the wapiti or elk a 

 permanent close season. In view of the fact that antelope 

 no longer occur in Manitoba, and are permanently pro- 

 tected in Saskatchewan and Alberta, where the few that 

 remain are now to be found, the provision of an open season 

 of three weeks for antelope in Manitoba should be repealed. 

 A bag limit of forty ducks per day in October and Novem- 

 ber, without a seasonal bag limit, appears to us to be too 

 large at the present time. 



