10 THE EEPOET UPON No. 13 



License for Trappers. 



Fnr-bearing animals being the property of the Province, just as the fish are, 

 do you not think the men who make a business of trapping them are as much 

 entitled to pay for the privilege as the fishermen are? I would not ask for a large 

 license fee, but do not think any trapper would object to a fee of $5.00. I know 

 that a great many of them would be pleased to have it enforced. In this connec- 

 tion why not license fur buyers as well. If both trappers and buyers were licensed 

 and compelled to make returns to your Department of catch and business done, 

 you would at least have some check on them, and should be able to much easier pre- 

 vent the illegal handling of furs. Beaver are reported as being on the increase, in 

 some places doing damage. 



The wolf question is still a serious one. No doubt they are increasing in 

 nimibers ; one of your special patrol men who was on duty north of Lake Superior 

 telling me that he was satisfied that they killed more deer than the hunters. The 

 present bounty of $15.00 does not appear to be large enough to induce the trappers 

 to make hunting them a business. They say the only ones killed are what they get 

 when looking for something more valuable or more easily caught. 



I would like to see the bounty raised to $20.00 or even $25.00 for some years 

 and note the effect. I am told this would be an added inducement for fraud, but 

 since to secure the bounty the whole hide must be given up the chance for fraud 

 is not as good as under the old law. 



Deer and moose are reported as being plentiful, especially in the Western part 

 of the Province. 



The game and fishery laws have been fairly well observed. 



Your overseers and special men have, with very few exceptions, been diligent 

 in the discharge of their duties. 



I must congratulate you on acquiring the fine yacht "Athene" for patrol ser- 

 vice on Destroit and St. Olair Rivers. She, with her crew, has rendered valuable 

 service in those waters. 



You still require a good boat for the west end of Lake Superior, the one char- 

 tered for that work not being suitable. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Youi- Obedient Servant, 



(Signed) Wm. W. Holden^ 



Inspector. 



E. TiNSLEY, Esq., 



Superintendent of Game and Fisheries. 



Sir, — I beg to submit my report for the season of 1912, 



Commercial fishing has been as good as in former years. There have not been 

 as many tourist visitors this year as last, caused no doubt by the cold and wet 

 summer. The laws and regulations governing both commercial fishing and angling 

 have been fairly well observed. A few fines have been inflicted for infractions, but 

 one lesson seems to be enough. I have received numerous complaints from different 

 towns that the citizens are unable to obtain their food supply of fish, except at 

 exorbitant prices. I think that some arrangement should be made so that our 



