36 THE EEPORT UPON No. 14 



Overseer James Voices, of Nanticoha, reports that the Fishery Laws have been 

 well observed, and he has no infractions to report. 



The gill net fishermen from Port Dover had good catches of whitefish, but 

 the fishermen operating from Port Maitland did not do so well. 



The whitefish appeared to be on shore in good quantities last fall, but owing 

 to the high wind which prevailed almost every day the pound net men had diffi- 

 culty in getting out to their nets. 



Herring and pickerel (bliies) were very plentiful and quantities were placed 

 in the freezers, as the market was well supplied. Perch and coarse fish were well 

 up to the average. Sturgeon were about the same as usual. 



Black squirrels have greatly increased and are now quite plentiful. He had 

 no trouble so far last season with persons shooting them illegally. The sharp 

 fines inflicted the previous year having evidently had a good effect 



Muskrats appear to be as plentiful as ever. In his opinion, which is backed 

 by responsible fur buyers, muskrats should not be taken before the first of February, 

 A large quantity of the rats taken early in the season are only half-grown. Such 

 a regulation would also make it much easier for overseers to take care of the 

 rat houses and see that they were not interfered with. 



Mink keep very scarce, and are mostly trapped along the iGrand River. 



Quail are not very plentiful, 'but partridge appear to be steadily increasing in 

 numbers and have been seen all through the county. 



Ducks did not appear to be in such numbers as the previous year. 



If the trappers were licensed, Mr. Vokes is of the opinion that it would greatly 

 simplify the duties of the Overseers, and would have a marked effect on the proper 

 observance of the Game Laws. It is not the bona fide trappers that cause the 

 trouble, but the casual trappers, who take a few furs here and there with no respect 

 for the close seasons. 



Halibueton County. 



Overseer Manly Mayhee, of Cameron, reports that maskinonge fishing was 

 fairly good, especially during September and October, Bass were not so plentiful 

 as in 1913. 



There was a great many mink and coons caught during the previous season. 

 He is of the opinion that the close season for mink should be from March 1st to 

 November 15th, as their fur begins to fade in March, A large number of muskrats 

 w:ere caught in the spring, but their houses are as numerous as ever. Partridge 

 and rabbits seem to be as plentiful as ever. Ducks were scarce during the early 

 part of the season but more numerous in October, There are no deer or black 

 squirrels in his district. Frogs seem to be becoming more plentiful. 



He has kept a close watch over the fish during the spawning season and the 

 dueks during the close season. He finds that people are awaking to the fact that 

 it is to their interest to see that the Game and Fishery Laws are well observed. 



Halton County. 



Overseer W. Sargant, of Bronte, reports that the catch of herring, the main 

 fish in this district, will probably show an increase when the returns are all in. 

 Whitefish did not seem to be so plentiful, but some very nice catches were made. 

 Trout were about the same as in 1913. The fishermen all use a large mesh net 



