GAME AND FISHERIES FOR 1929 



Sharp-tailed Grouse {Prairie Hen). — As in the last annual report, it must 

 be said that these birds are confined to the northwestern section of the Province. 

 Not much change in conditions, though a little improved. 



Quail. — This species is confined to the southwestern counties. Reports 

 are that numbers are not sufficient as yet to warrant a regular open season. 



Ducks. — Continue to make their appearance in sufficient numbers to make 

 the hunting of them a source of considerable satisfaction to a large number of 

 hunters. 



Pheasaiits {Ring-necked). — This species continues to thrive and increase 

 its numbers in the most southerly sections of Ontario and is becoming very 

 popular. The propagation of these birds is carried on at the bird farm at 

 Eugenia and by interested individuals throughout the Province to whom settings 

 of eggs are shipped on application. During 1929, from the Eugenia Bird Farm, 

 some 16,000 eggs were shipped for hatchery purposes, practically 1,100 chicks 

 were raised to maturity, and 1,345 adult birds liberated. 



Hungarian Partridge. — Accommodation has been prepared at Normandale 

 to make provision at that point for the propagation of this species along the 

 lines carried on at Eugenia in connection with the ring-necked pheasant. The 

 small supply secured by the Department last year was received too late in the 

 season to obtain results. 



Furs 



While there was again an increase in the number of pelts on which royalty 

 was paid, accounted for by increase in number of muskrat pelts, generally 

 speaking conditions aft'ecting our fur bearers showed little, if any, improvement. 

 This condition is largely attributable to the intensive trapping carried on in 

 the past, but strict enforcement of present regulations and observance by all 

 concerned of existing close seasons will assist in the re-establishment of our 

 fur-bearing animals. 



Bear. — Catch shows a little increase, possibly accounted for by slightly 

 increased prevalence of these animals. 



Beaver. — Catch shows marked decrease. In that section of the Province 

 in which close season prevails there is noticeable improvement in the conditions 

 affecting this species. Restrictions on the taking of beaver are evidently justified. 



Fisher. — Apparently holding its own even though catch was somewhat 

 diminished as compared with previous year. 



Fox. — The annually diminishing catch is an indication that this animal is 

 decreasing in numbers. 



L; nx. — Conditions show no improvement. Becoming scarce throughout 

 the Province. 



Marten. — As in the case of lynx, this species is becoming very scarce. 



Mink. — Reports are to the effect that numbers of mink are diminishing in 

 practically all sections. 



