224 KEPORT OF ONTARIO GAME No. 52 



to the hunter, result in a decreased slaughter, but would tend, also, to 

 keep the ducks for longer periods on the feeding grounds on which they 

 settle. There would appear to be much force in the contention, and it 

 is not to be doubted that a considerable effect would be produced on the 

 numbers of ducks by limiting the number of days on which they might 

 legally be shot. It is by no meanis easy, however, to determine what 

 would constitute a reasonable period of time for this purpose or which 

 days would best suit the convenience of the majority of ■sportsmen. It 

 would seem, perhaps, best on the whole that the close period should be 

 integral, for alternating close and open days would be apt to lead to 

 confusion and, in any case, would enhance the difficulties of enforce- 

 ment of the law over so wide an area as the Province. Sunday is a cloKe 

 day already, and Saturday, in many parts of the Province, affords numer- 

 ous hunters their only chance in the week of enjoying this sport, while 

 Wednesday is also in some localities and in some businesses made use 

 of for the purpose of a weekly half-holiday. It would seem, therefore, 

 that Monday of each week might in any case reasonably be added to the 

 list of close days for ducks on public lands, waters or marshes, nor is 

 it to be doubted that it would be of material advantage if Tuesday of 

 each week were included also. 



The shortening of the open season for wild duck by the elimination 

 of the first two weeks in September was undoubtedly a wise and bene- 

 ficial measure in regard to the great bulk of the Province. It has, how- 

 ever, given rise to a situation somewhat akin to that already referred 

 to in the case of the woodcock, partridge and quail in that, as it remains 

 legal for the hunter to shoot plover, rail and snipe from September 1st, 

 many of them will be found in the marshes during the first fortnight of 

 September and, consequently, not only is it most difficult for the war- 

 dens to enforce the close season for ducks during this period, but un- 

 doubtedly also the ducks will not derive the full benefit of the additional 

 protection afforded them through the postponement of the opening of 

 the duck season to September 15th. There is no apparent advantage 

 in or necessity for making the open season for the waders different 

 from that for ducks sufficient to compensate for this great disadvantage, 

 and it would, therefore, seem most desirable that the open season for 

 ducks, plover, rail and snipe should be made coincident. 



Another migratory bird, the numbers of which annually visiting the 

 Province have materially decreased, is the Canada goose. Probably no 

 bird is more wild or more wary than the goose, and yet it is not to be 

 doubted that the main cause of the decreasing numbers of the bird in 

 the Province has been the reckless overshooting and slaughter that has 

 taken place whenever opportunity offered. As remarkable an illustra- 

 tion, as perhaps could be found anywhere, of how wild fowl appreciate 

 a measure of security and of the instinct that will guide them in increas- 

 ing numbers to localities where it is accorded to them, is furnished by 

 the experience of that genuine sportsman, Mr. Jack Miner, of Kingsville, 



