Report of the Department of Lands and Forests for fiscal year ending March 31, 1951 Page 24 



DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 



WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 

 General 



A close season was established on moose throughout the Province, leaving 

 deer and bear the only widely distributed big-game animals open. In view of the 

 finding of a thorough investigation by Dr. A. A. Kingscote, of the Ontario Veterinary 

 College, that an increase in elk would prejudice the health of wild and domestic 

 animals, permits to shoot elk were issued free to holders of deer licences. Very few 

 were killed. 



Upland game birds are generally numerous, but the first signs of cyclical dying- 

 off of ruffed grouse appeared in a few scattered areas. The European hare, which 

 has been scarce, is now increasing. 



Fur-bearing animals increased, with the exception of lynx. The beaver popula- 

 tion is very high, and territories depopulated by disease are recovering. Nevertheless, 

 beaver disease still exists in scattered areas. We are indebted to Dr. N. A. LabzofYsky 

 of the Ontario Department of Health, working with Dr. J. F. A. Sprent, of the 

 Ontario Research Foundation, for the identification of the disease as a form of 

 Tularemia. The same disease was also identified in muskrats in southern Ontario. 

 The prevention of die-outs depends on adequate harvesting and prevention of over- 

 population. 



J^ndex of- ^cibie. 



leS 



Table No. Page 



1. Summary of breeding stock — licensed fur farms ----- 26 



2. Comparative table showing annual wolf bounty statistics - 27 



3. Wolf bounty for fiscal year 1950-51 — counties ----- 28 



4. Wolf bounty for fiscal year 1950-51 — districts ----- 29 



5. Comparative table showing annual bear bounty statistics - - 29 



6. Bear bounty for fiscal year 1950-51 ---------30 



7. Revenue received from export permits -------- 30 



8. Revenue received from tanners' permits --------30 



9. Summary of pelts exported and tanned --------31 



10. Total value of pelts exported or tanned --------31 



11. Statement OF RANCH raised pelts exported or TANNED - - - - 31 



12. SuMM.ARY of FISH DISTRIBUTION -----------33 



13. Distribution by age groups ------------34 



14. Comparative table showing fish distribution according to 

 species -------------------35 



15. Comparative statement of the yield of the fisheries of 

 Ontario, by lake ----------------38 



16. Comparative statement of the yield of the fisheries of 

 Ontario, by species ---------------38 



17. Statistics of the fishing industry in the public waters of 

 Ontario for the year ending December 31, 1950 ------ 39 



18. Quantities of fish taken -------------39 



19. Details of officers responsible for seizures -------40 



20. Articles seized -.--------------41 



21. Firearms seized ----------------41 



22. Pelts and hides seized --------------41 



23. Miscellaneous articles seized -----------41 



24. Results of prosecutions -------------41 



25. Details of convictions for fiscal year ending March 31, 1950 - 41 



