ANNUAL REPORT, 1934 



Otter— Not much, if any, general change for the better. Annual catch has re- 

 mained about the same, even though a short open season on this species was 

 declared in 1934 to take in the entire Province. 



Kaccoon — While the figures of the annual catch show an increase of fifty per- 

 cent over the previous year, reports indicate that this species is not so numerous. 



Skank — These animals continue fairly plentiful throughout the Province. 



IVeasel — Decreasing in number somewhat, as is indicated by the figures of the 

 annual catch. 



The fur-bearers of our Province are subjected to very intensive trapping opera- 

 tions during the periods of the various open seasons, and practically all species, as 

 a result, are encountering considerable difficulty in maintaining their numbers 

 unimpaired, without even considering improvement, and if we are to preserve our 

 wild life fur resources for the benefit of future generations of trappers and those 

 engaged in the fur industrj', it is quite apparent that the present restrictive regu- 

 lations must be continued and every effort made to secure observation of and com- 

 pliance with the same. 



The following comparative table lists the pelts of fur-bearing animals, other 

 than those which were raised upon licensed fur farms, on which royalty was paid 

 in the years 1932, 1933 and 1934. 



Bear 



Beaver 



Fisher 



Fox (cross) 



Fox (red) 



Fox (silver or black) 



Fox (white) 



Fox (not specified) . 



Lynx 



Marten 



Mink 



Muskrat 



Otter 



Raccoon 



Skunk 



Weasel 



Wolverine 



891,704 



780,679 



Statistics based on average prices, as compiled by the Department from inform- 

 ation, supplied in this connection indicate that the trappers responsible for the 

 taking of these pelts during 1934 received some $1,595,668.65 from the sale thereof. 



The foregoing figures do not include silver and black foxes raised on licensed 

 fur farms, the pelts of which animals are exempt from royalty provisions, and 15,638 

 of such ranch-raised silver and black fox pelts were disposed of during the year. 

 Of this number 14.052 were exported from Ontario, and the remainder, numbering 

 1,586 were dressed within the Province. It is estimated that these particular pelts 

 were worth $555,930.90 to the fur farmers responsible for the production of the 

 same. 



