1912 GAME AND FISHEEIES. 87 



aud other way,s, and to prevent this he would recommend that the open season 

 for catching mink be from the first of November to the first of January. 



Black squirrels are on the increase but very hard game to protect on account 

 boys hunting them. 



He would also recommend that the open season for catching muskrats be from 

 the first of April to the first of May, 



Also open season for maskinonge and bass 15th June to 15th October. 



That a license be issued to trappers of all kinds, at a fee of $5.00 each per 

 year. 



That a gun license be issued to all excepting farmers who don't shoot or hunt 

 off their own lands. 



In conclusion he is pleased to say that the Game and Fishing Laws have been 

 fairly well observed during the past year in his division. 



Overseer John Watt, of Peterhoro, reports that the fish run began quite early 

 this year, which necessitated an early vigilance. Very few nets were confiscated 

 in comparison with previous years, owing to the little chance the fishermen had in 

 getting them set in safety. The result of his watchfulness was plainly to be seen- 

 when the open season arrived, as phenomenal catches of bass and maskinonge 

 were reported all along his territory, one man having told him he had caught 22 

 lunge from June 15th to July 1st, whereas last year he had caught but two the 

 whole season. Owing to the raising of the water at the dam below the city in the 

 early spring, the catch was not quite so good in the little lake inside of city limits. 

 In some instances they took off five feet of water at a time when the fish were 

 spawning, and when they were finding their beds, but he hopes for a better con- 

 dition of things in future. 



Ducks seemed rather scarce in the early open season, but have been very 

 plentiful since. Partridge are numerous in all the woods around there, but some 

 hunters have reported a scarcity in the northern country. 



There were not so many muskrats this year as last. 



The Fish and Game Laws have been fairly well observed in so far as they 

 have been looked after. He has had to report about eleven violations to the 

 Department, the settlements for same amounting to $52.50; also confiscation of 

 one gun. 



Not quite so many anglers came his way this year. However, he can see enough 

 work there to keep an overseer employed all his time the year round. 



Overseer Charles West, of Holland Landing, reports that Fishery and Game 

 Law in his division has been well observed, and he has had no occasion to prosecute. 

 The black bass, pickerel and maskinonge are apparently getting very plentiful, 

 having been caught in waters where they heretofore were unknown. 



Snipe are very scarce this season, owing, he believes, to the extra dry fall 

 which they have had. Ducks seem plentiful, but are all in flight owing to the 

 lack of feeding ground there. 



Mink and muskrat are very scarce, in fact seem almost exterminated, and he 

 would beg to suggest that they be wholly protected for a period of at least three 

 years. 



Overseer G. W. West, of Holland Landing, reports that in Holland Eiver 

 and Cook's Bay black bass is increasing, as well as maskinonge, but as far as he can . 

 learn there has been a very small catch on account of the large amount of feed. 



