ELEVENTH EEPOET OF THE PROVINCIAL GAME WARDEN OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 1915 THEG0VERN1VIENTOF THE PROI/IMCE OF BRITISH MXLlBlfl. printed by authority of the legislative assembly. VICTORIA, B.C.: Printed by William H. Ctjllin, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1016. To His Honour Frank Stillman Barnard, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour : The undersigned has the honour to submit herewith the Eleventh Annual Report of the Provincial Game Warden. W. J. BOWSER, Attorney-General. Attorney-General's Department, Victoria, B.C., March 3rd, 1916. Provincial Game Warden's Office, Vancouver, B.C., February 16th, 1916. Honourable W. J. Bowser, K.C., M.P.P., Premier and Attorney-General, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith my Report for the year ending December 31st, 1915. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, A. BRYAN WILLIAMS, Provincial Game Warden. REPORT FOR 1915. In making the Eleventh Annual Report, the most important matter to be brought to notice is the fact that, in spite of the hard times and that some 25,000 men have enlisted, entailing a great loss to the revenue from firearms licences, the Game Department should still be able to show a small profit at the end of the year, even without taking into consideration about $4,000 which has been paid into the Treasury for fines under the " Game Act." While there has not been any curtailment of the regular staff of deputies, this enabling the collection of licence fees to be well looked after, the most rigid economy has been practised in all other items, otherwise this satisfactory result could not have been brought about. A great many permits were issued to people in distress, allowing them to kill deer for food after the season had closed. After it became known that such permits were being issued, there was a regular flood of applications, mostly from people really hard up, but also from many others who had no right at all to them. It was utterly impossible to make proper investigations as to the merits of each applicant, and, though this was done as far as possible, there is no doubt that many got permits who should not have had them.. In addition to giving these permits, several of the deputies were given instructions to kill deer themselves and distribute the meat among people who were unable to go out and hunt for themselves. In one or two instances, by this means, what almost amounted to starvation was relieved. In all, 1,016 permits were issued, but as many of the permit-holders had no experience in hunting, they failed to kill a deer, in spite of the number about. Even if every one had done so, it would have had little effect on the stock of deer; even if it had, it would have been well worth it, as those that succeeded in getting them found one deer a greater benefit at that time than a dozen would have been when times were good. Permits are again being issued, but on a much better-organized plan, whereby not only will a proper record of the number issued be kept, but also of the number of deer killed; as far, however, as reports have come in, there is nothing like the same amount of distress this winter; in any case, there has not been anything like the same number of applications for permits. The returns of game killed by resident big-game licence-holders was so incomplete this year that they were of no value whatever. Those of trappers were a little better, but not even as good as last year, in spite of the fact that they were all notified that they must send them in ; a large percentage of the notices with regard to this were returned through the Dead Letter Office, the men to whom they were addressed probably have enlisted. All the guides' licences, giving the particulars required, came in, and it is most satisfactory to be able to repoi't that, with one or two exceptions, the guides, both white and Indian, gave satisfaction this year, and that the trophies taken away by the big-game hunters were quite up to, if not above, the high standard of the Province, and will certainly encourage others to come here. Referring to trappers' licences again, while the returns were very incomplete, a sufficient number was received to be able to form some comparison of the increase or otherwise of the various fur-bearing animals between this year and last., Beaver, wolverine, otter, and fisher were about the same as the year before. Ermine and mink fell off about a third, and musk-rat quite half, the latter being accounted for by their not being trapped, as the value of the pelts was practically nothing. On the other hand, there were just about ten times as many fox and three times as many lynx. The number of these animals, like that of the coyotes, seems to O 6 Game Warden's Report. 1916 be affected by the stock of rabbits. The value of pelts shipped out of the Province this year must have run up to a very large sum, but, as the Indians almost have a monopoly of the fox. trapping and make no returns, it is impossible to arrive at any figure, but it could easily be double what it is if the Indians could only be persuaded or forced into leaving the foxes alone until their pelts are prime. This year several large shipments of fox-pelts, principally those of the cross-fox, were examined, and more than 50 per cent, of them were not prime and not worth a quarter of what they would have been if they had been left for a month or six weeks longer. During the months of August and September there was a most unexceptional rise in the price of furs ; cross-fox in particular was in great demand ; beaver, too, went up considerably ; however, just as the trapping season commenced, prices fell and many men who were preparing to trap gave up the idea. This not only left a number of men with nothing to do, but resulted in the loss of a good many thousands of dollars to the Province from the value of the furs, and, incidentally, $3,000 or $4,000 loss in revenue from trapping licences. As usual, there were complaints with regard to the Orders in Council opening the seasons, but this year, apart from one or two small matters which did not meet with general approval, these complaints came almost entirely from Victoria and that vicinity and were unusually bitter. Every year recommendations are received from the Deputy Game Wardens, the various game associations and private individuals, etc., on this subject, and it is almost invariably found that opinions differ greatly according to the district and whether it is the opinion of people living in the town or the country. To adopt all the contrary recommendations would be utterly impossible, and even to adopt the recommendations of what appears to be the majority in each district would mean that almost every district would have different seasons, not only for shooting, but for selling also. It is one of the worst problems the Department has to deal with, and it always will have trouble of this kind unless the seasons are fixed by Statute. This, however, would not be satisfactory as far as game-protection goes, as, if it were necessary in the future to have a close season for any particular kind of game, we would once again have all the old difficulties in enforcing it that we had before. Men who are not satisfied with the seasons that are decided upon should try and remember that the Department has a very difficult problem every year to contend with, and that it is out of the question trying to make them absolutely suitable for every district; also that the seasons decided upon in the past must have been pretty well right or there certainly would not have been the amount of game there still is. As far as returns have been received, 34,292 licences were issued this year, in comparison 39,163 last year and 39,597 the year before; of this number, 8,653 were free farmers' licences and 2,427 free prospectors' licences. There was an increase of 1,600 in the farmers' licences taken out (but a decrease of 160 prospectors' licences). The decrease of 4,871 in the total number of licences issued is not as large as might have been expected, but this is accounted for by the fact that a great many who were not in the habit of shooting as a general thing did so this year for the sake of trying to lessen their butcher bills. As a matter of fact, though there were not so many men with licences, those who had them did so much hunting that the birds and deer got less rest this year than in other years ; in spite of this, owing to the lack of experience of so many of the hunters, very much less game was killed. While there has been a considerable falling-off in the returns from resident licences, there has been an increase in those from non-residents. There were 44 big game, 10 bear, 149 anglers, 1 season's bird, 3 weekly birds' licences in all, a total of 207 in comparison with 169 last year. These licences were sold almost without exception to tourists from the United States, many of whom, not being able to go to Europe, seized the opportunity of paying this 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. O 7 country a visit. The actual amount of revenue derived from these licences does not amount to a great deal, but the money they expended here did, and in at least one district it made all the difference between very hard times and prosperity. As an instance, it was possible this year to get almost an exact figure of the money left in Telegraph Creek by big-game hunters, and it amounted to $18,034. Of this amount, $5,140 was paid out for horse-hire ; $6,545 in wages to guides, packers, and cooks; $2,765 in provisions; and the balance in furs, curios, hotel expenses, launch-hire, etc. Several other districts benefited considerably in the same way, and if we continue to keep up a good stock of game, it will not be many years before the greater part of the Province will be having its quota of hunters and fishermen and enjoying as much prosperity from them as the State of Maine has done for some years. As such a large percentage of men who shoot have enlisted, there has, of course, been a considerable falling-off in the revenue from gun-licence sales, and, if the war continues, many more are bound to go and a further loss of revenue must be anticipated. Revenue derived. The total amount of money paid to the Treasury this year is as follows :— Resident licences— O.F.L., 21,154 $52,885 00 G.F.L., 1,258 6,290 00 S.F.L., 800 8,000 00 Guides, 40 200 00 F.F.L., 8,653 P.F.L., 2,427 $67,375 00 Less refunds 580 00 3,795 00 Non-resident licences— General, 44 $4,400 00 Bear, 10 250 00 Anglers, 149 745 00 Weekly bird, 3 15 00 Season's bird, 1 50 00 Less refunds. Special licence to trap foxes, 5 Miscellaneous— Branding fees.. Exportation permits Sale of confiscated guns Sale of confiscated heads and pelts. $5,460 00 5 00 5 455 00 500 00 $52 00 38 00 72 50 61 75 224 05 Fines imposed under the " Game Act " $,4,097 50 Less moiety and remittance of fines 780 00 $72,974 25 3,317 50 O 8 Game Warden's Report. 1916 Revenue derived from Sale of Resident Gun Licences. Richmond Electoral District: Vancouver Westminster Balance of district Esquimalt and Cowichan Electoral Districts: Victoria Balance of district Okanagan Electoral District : Vernon Kelowna Balance of district Comox Electoral District Cariboo Electoral District: South Fort George Balance of district Kamloops Electoral District: Kamloops Balance of district Fernie Electoral District Skeena Electoral District: Prince Rupert Balance of district Ymir Electoral District: Nelson Balance of district Newcastle, including Nanaimo .. ■Columbia Electoral District Yale Electoral District Chilliwack Electoral District Dewdney Electoral District Cranbrook Electoral District Lillooet Electoral District Alberni Electoral District Delta Electoral District Similkameen Electoral District,. Greenwood Electoral District ... Revelstoke Electoral District Grand Forks Electoral District., Slocan Electoral District Kaslo Electoral District Islands Electoral District Atlin Electoral District Totals 2,891 699 664 2,040 956 459 524 138 311 376 737 285 468 260 542 638 727 663 464 362 470 550 464 426 180 265 149 76 150 1 $7,227 50 1,747 50 1,660 00 5,100 00 2,390 00 1,147 50 1,310 00 2,240 00 345 00 852 50 1,557 50 940 00 712 50 1,170 00 650 00 1,355 00 2,397 50 770 00 1,595 00 1,817 50 1,657 50 1,160 00 905 00 1,175 00 1,375 00 1,160 00 1,065 00 450 00 662 50 372 50 190 00 375 00 2 50 852,885 00 G.F.L. 40 50 7 170 41 1 5 39 43 33 5 17 18 81 15 18 31 2 1258 $555 00 40 00 40 00 60 00 50 00 115 00 50 00 170 00 195 00 450 00 45 00 55 00 745 00 15 00 170 00 245 00 250 00 35 00 850 00 205 00 5 00 25 00 195 00 215 00 165 00 25 00 85 00 90 00 405 00 75 00 90 00 155 00 10 00 6,290 00 §1,090 00 60 00 70 00 20 00 40 00 70 00 60 00 190 00 390 00 1,850 00 370 00 110 00 130 00 540 00 100 00 100 00 10 00 530 00 210 00 90 00 40 00 150 00 300 00 70 00 I-'. F. L. 150 00 220 00 30 00 130 00 140 00 150 00 $8,000 00 $135 00 65 00 $200 00 225 272 148 184 207 354 313 112 278 358 462 95 166 46 75 118 57 1S8 1 8653 53 5,180 00 2,480 00 41) 1 5 1,332 50 1,420 00 2,600 00 17 154 21 1 107 lie 6 1 122 71 62 46 93 138 District Totals. $9,007 50 1,847 50 1,770 00 $12,625 00 930 00 3,152 50 1,972 50 1,105 00 857 50 1,880 00 995 00 1,705 00 5,352 50 4,127 50 4,082 50 3,077 50 2,837 50 2,737 50 2,700 00 2,442 50 2,150 00 2,010 00 1,912 50 1,722 50 1,505 00 1,420 00 1,410 00 1,400 00 1,375 00 1,305 00 1,075 00 767 50 592 50 485 00 375 00 227 50 507,375 00 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. O 9 Enforcement of the Law. The sentences imposed by the Magistrates during the past year have been most remarkable, varying from the very highest ever imposed down to suspended sentence. A number of the Magistrates have again this year shown far too much leniency, even taking the present hard times into consideration. There are again on record a number of suspended sentences, one or two of which were with the consent of the Attorney-General, but most of them without, and in spite of the fact that in almost every case it was pointed out that if a conviction was given a minimum fine of $5 must be imposed. To such an extent have some of the Magistrates shown leniency in imposing fines that the enforcement of the game laws would be a hopeless task if it were not for the fact that some Magistrates take these laws as seriously as they should and made examples of some of the men who deserved it. A few severe sentences have a wonderful effect on a district for a considerable time afterwards, and as a fine of $1,000 was imposed for killing four cow caribou (just $250 a piece, as fixed by Statute), it is safe to say that nobody will kill any more caribou of this sex for some time to come if there is the slightest possible chance of their being caught. The case was a bad one; there were many reasons for inflicting the full penalty, and nothing that could possibly be considered an extenuating circumstance. The news of such a sentence spread rapidly not only in British Columbia, but all over Canada, and it had a most beneficial effect. There were also some heavy gaol sentences, some of them for what might appear not to be very serious offences. For instance, three months in gaol for carrying traps without a licence seems pretty hard; as, however, it happened, the man was a Greek and he had all the appliances for trapping pheasants on him at the time of his arrest, and others of like nationality had already been fined for similar offences in the same locality, even at a time when grain was being put out in winter to save them from starving, and that these fines had no effect, then it will be seen that the sentence imposed was exactly what was wanted. In all other cases where severe gaol sentences were imposed there was every reason for such severity. As usual, one of the worst offences to deal with has been that of "pit-lamping," and until some Magistrate deals with one of these cases in a similar manner to the man convicted of of killing cow caribou, or better still, gives a stiff gaol sentence without the option of a fine, it will be impossible to stamp out this practice. There were several prosecutions for this offence last year and fairly heavy fines imposed, but the practice has been carried to even a greater extent this year, with the result that close to one hundred head of horses, cattle, and sheep have either been killed or injured and several men had narrow escapes of their lives. What makes the use of pit-lamps so dangerous is the extraordinary effect they have on other lights and the impossibility of judging distances when using it. A few actual facts will illustrate this : A man actually fired several shots at a lighthouse several miles away; logs that have been bored with an auger and set on fire by men clearing land are frequently shot at; and this year it is an absolute fact that a man fired a charge of buckshot at the lights of an automobile while the occupants were making some repairs. In this case the culprit was fined just $25, though it was no fault of his that he had only damaged the machine and not killed anybody. Another man actually caught pit-lamping in the same district, after getting away and evading arrest for a month or two, also got off with a fine of $25, and yet the deputies are blamed for not putting a stop to this practice. In last year's report it was stated that informations had been laid against a party of six men who had come up from the Sound cities and shot without non-resident licences. It took over five months before a chance occurred to bring them into Court, but eventually three of O 10 Game Warden's Report. 1916 them were heavily fined ; the informations against the other three were withdrawn, as the evidence against them did not warrant continuing the cases. These cases will have a very good effect upon future visitors of this kind. American launches cruising on our Coast now almost invariably leave their firearms at home or else take out their licences. There was one exception this year, and though every effort was made to arrest the offenders, the attempt was a failure, owing to the cruising permits that are issued by Customs officials unfortunately not requiring such launches to call and clear when leaving. Warrants have, however, been issued for their arrest and will certainly be executed if they come up here again. There have been a very large number of prosecutions for carrying firearms without licences. Such small fines are inflicted for this offence that they simply encourage men to take chances on being caught. The practice of using another person's licence or badge is fairly common in spite of the minimum fine of $50. It is, of course, a matter of great difficulty to catch such offenders, but there have been several convictions this year, three of these convicted being Chinamen; there are also another three cases of this sort still to be brought into Court. There were a great many complaints from Victoria and neighbouring islands of grouse being shot between September 1st and 15th, also that numbers of Americans were coming over from across the line. There may have been some truth about the grouse, but there could not have been much of it going on, as no arrests were made at that time in spite of the fact that the deputies did all in their power to catch anybody killing them; as far, however, as the Americans coming over was concerned, all the reports in that particular district seem to have been without foundation. Special attention has been given to the protection of foxes this year, and, while it has not yet been possible to entirely do away with trapping them out of season, this practice has been considerably checked by the seizure of two silver, one cross, and three red fox skins. Digging the young foxes out of their dens in the breeding season has also been pretty well stopped. 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. O 11 Prosecutions. During the year there have been 273 informations laid, seven of which were subsequently withdrawn, and nine cases have not yet come up for trial. In the remaining 258 cases, there were twenty-one dismissed, twenty-eight suspended sentences, fifteen gaol sentences, and fines amounting to $4,097.50 imposed in the remaining 194 cases. Fines imposed. No. of Cases. 14 4 1 2 5 8 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 2 2 8 3 3 5 1 5 1 2 5 3 2 2 6 3 1 3 2 4 1 1 1 2 1 258 Description of Offence. Deer in possession out of season Killing deer out of season Buying deer out of season Selling deer out of season Selling deer without head on Deer in possession under one year of age Deer (doe) on premises of a hotel. Allowing dogs to run dser Pheasants in possession out of season Hunting hen pheasants Hunting pheasants out of season Hen pheasants in possession Shooting hen pheasants Exceeding bag limit on pheasants Shooting pheasants during close season Grouse in possession out of season Shooting grouse out of season Shooting duck out of season Selling ducks during close season Ducks on premises of restaurant during close season Game in possession during close season Big game on premises of restaurant during close season. Shooting game birds out of season Game birds in possession Game in cold storage Killing beaver out of season Killing four cow caribou Mountain-sheep in possession out of season Marten in possession out of season Musk-rat in possession out of season Swan in possession Mountain-sheep head illegally in possession Buying mountain-sheep head Furs in possession during close season Carrying firearms without a licence Carrying firearms without proper licence Non-residents shooting without proper licence Trapping without a licence Carrying traps and firearms without proper licence... . Acting as a guide without a licence Hunting with head-lights Hunting between sunset and sunrise. Automatic shotguns in possession Repeating guns not plugged Pump-guns not plugged Using another person's badge Allowing licence or badge to be used Firearms in auto during close season Refusing to stop auto Trespassing in pursuit of game Interfering with Deputy Game Warden Giving false information to a Deputy Game Warden. ... Fishing during close season Killing steelheads during close season Non-resident fishing without a licence Total Fines. |270 00 100 00 25 00 40 00 25 00 120 00 5 00 5 00 30 00 10 00 5 00 10 00 100 00 50 00 50 00 145 00 175 00 175 00 10 00 5 00 50 00 25 00 25 00 10 00 5 00 25 00 1,000 00 25 00 5 00 15 00 25 00 10 00 5 00 5 00 317 50 130 00 250 00 60 00 20 09 25 00 170 00 30 00 20 00 35 00 50 00 150 00 50 00 30 00 35 00 20 00 50 00 5 00 20 00 40 00 5 00 ,097 50 O 12 Game Warden's Report. 1916 Penalties imposed. No. of Cases. Description of Offence. Hunting grouse on game reserve Shooting grouse out of season Shooting hen pheasants Hen pheasants in possession Fawn in possession Selling doe deer Selling deer without head on Using deer-meat illegally killed under permit. Allowing dogs to run deer Shooting mountain-sheep out of season Mountain-goat in possession out of season Foxes in possession out of season Keeping game in cold storage Acting as guide without licences Carrying firearms without licence Netting salmon illegally Fishing for salmon with grapnel-hooks Hunting ducks out of season Killing deer out of season Killing bear without proper licence Deer-horns in possession illegally Automatic shotgun in possession Game in possession during close season Carrying firearms without licence Fishing during close season Spearing trout illegally Netting salmon illegally Fishing with grapnel-hooks Shooting grouse out of season (each) Grouse in possession out of season (Jame birds in possession out of season Mountain-goat in possession out of season Venison in possession out of season Deer-hides in possession out of season Hunting deer with dogs Trapping without a licence Hunting without a licence Penalty. Dismissed. Suspended sentence. 1 month in gaol. 15 days in gaol. 3 mos. and 2 mos. in gaol. 3 months in gaol each. 15 days in gaol each. 2 days in gaol. 3 months in gaol. 3 months in gaol. Handed over to the Military Authorities. Destruction op Noxious Animals. From all over the Province complaints have been received of the enormous increase in the number of coyotes ; reports have also been received that they have, in several cases, attacked calves and foals instead of, as formerly, confining their depredations to domestic sheep, deer, poultry, etc. Last year a record number of bounties were paid on these pests, but it was hoped that the rabbits would die off and then the coyotes would disappear with them, as is generally the case. The rabbits, however, continued to thrive, and instead of the coyotes decreasing, they increased at an alarming rate. Some idea of the increase can be obtained from the number of bounties paid in the last three calendar years. In 1913 there were only 1,618 bounties paid, but in 1914 the number rose to 4,138, which was a record number; this past year, 1915, has, however, completely eclipsed this record, the total number for the year being 7,482 ; thus, during the past two years, the Government has paid bounty on 11,620 coyotes. Of this number, 798 were pups and only half the regular fee paid on them ; nevertheless, it has cost the Government $33,663, and it is quite questionable whether any good has been done or not. It will be argued, of course, that if the bounty had not been paid and these 11,620 coyotes had been left 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. O 13 to breed, there would have been so many of these pests they would have made the country unbearable. It is possible that this may be right; nevertheless, it can be also argued that there would not be a sufficient food-supply for the number of pups that would be born, and that disease would be much more likely to occur, and then when it did, to spread much more rapidly. In the meantime the Province is paying out a great deal of money which it can ill afford to spare under present financial conditions, and has not even the satisfaction of knowing that it is doing any good; in fact, it certainly looks the other way about. After paying bounties on these pests for some fifteen years it is not very hopeful to find they have multiplied very rapidly, and that as fast as they are killed others take their place. Whether it is or is not advisable to continue paying bounties through the whole of the Province, there is no question but that it is money thrown away as far as the Peace River District is concerned. A very comprehensive report on this subject has just been received from the Chief Constable of the district, and this report is accompanied by a map showing the exact location of where the coyotes on which bounties were paid were supposed to be killed, and by far the greatest numbers are shown just on the Alberta Boundary-line. Alberta does not pay any bounty, and even if many of the coyotes on which we have paid bounty were not actually killed in Alberta (and there is not the slightest doubt many of them were), it was not only giving money away, but also throwing out a regular bait for fraud. During the year of 1914 only about eighty coyote bounties in this district were paid; whereas this year the number has increased to a few over 260, and next year it is liable to go up to several times this number. The extermination of the coyote is now almost as hard a problem to solve as the rabbit, was in New Zealand and Australia. The State of Montana has for several years past been experimenting with "sarcoptic mange," with results sufficiently satisfactory to demonstrate it might be made a success if the scheme were generally adopted. Unfortunately, while in no way affecting cattle, horses, or sheep, it is highly contagious among all members of the canine family, and there might be some danger of it spreading among dogs. In the last year's report mention was made of the fact that more wolves had been killed on the Mainland than the year before, and that in the Grand Forks District bounties were paid on fifty-eight. As a matter of fact, it subsequently transpired that the whole of these fifty-eight animals were nothing more or less than big coyotes, locally christened "brush- wolves." Unfortunately, suspicion that there was something wrong about these certificates was not aroused until near the end of the year, when an extra number of certificates came in;. investigations were then started, but before anything definite was established sixteen more of these bounties had been paid. The result of the investigations led to further investigations,, and it subsequently transpired that a certain amount of the same sort of thing was going on all over the southern part of the Province, also in one or two places in the north. It was only possible to get a few of the skins for examination, but as every one that came to hand proved to be that of a coyote, there is every reason to believe that they were all the same species. If this is the case, 106 wolf bounties were paid in 1914 and forty-seven in 1915 on coyotes. While the investigation of this matter did not bring out any actual proof of deliberate fraud, sufficient to warrant a prosecution, it certainly showred that there was a great deal of laxity among certain of the Justices of the Peace who had signed the certificates, as well as absolute lack of knowledge of the difference between the two animals. It is worthy of note that the steps taken to prevent any such occurrences in future have been successful, as not a single wolf bounty has since been paid in any part of these districts. O 14 Game Warden's Report. 1916 There was a certain amount of fraud being carried on in obtaining coyote bounties on pups; sufficient care was not taken by the Justices of the Peace in destroying the pups, and in a few cases the applicants, after obtaining their certificates, regained possession of the pups and took them to some other Justice of the Peace and obtained a second certificate. As far as is known, this practice was confined solely to Indians, two of whom were prosecuted and given gaol sentence. While there may be some doubt as to whether any benefit is derived from the bounty on coyotes, there is no doubt that the bounty on cougars and wolves is having a beneficial effect. During the past year only 235 cougar bounties were paid, in comparison with 280 the year before; of this total, in spite of the fact that there are more men hunting cougar than formerly, only 114 came from Vancouver Island, which is forty-eight less than the year before. There was a decrease in wolf bounties everywhere; that is, of course, in a great measure due to the precaution taken to regulate the payments in the south, but not entirely so, as, even in the north, where wolves are most plentiful, there has been some decrease also. The following table gives the number of bounties paid in the various districts during the past calendar year :— Bounties paid during 1915. Mainland. Atlin ... Cariboo (North) Cariboo (South) Columbia Comox (Mainland) Cranbrook Dewdney Fernie Grand Forks Greenwood Kamloops Kaslo Lillooet Okanagan Revelstoke. .... Richmond Similkameen Skeena Yale Ymir Vancouver Island. Alberni Comox Cowichan Balance of Island Totals 89 22 7 13 16 1 6 10 1 4 103 1 12 299 1 4 1 18 16 3 7 13 2 14 3 3 15 37 19 38 26 235 185 1,047 1,295 138 143 ik 30 104 1,071 10 789 609 27 3 134 314 1,364 85 7,4S2 Golden Eairies. 37 3 55 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. 0 15 Fur-farming. The reports received from the fox-farming companies that are operating in this Province have been extremely satisfactory, some of the operators having gone to a great deal of trouble in giving a lot of information as to their methods. A most comprehensive report of the operations of the companies at Telegraph Creek was also received from the Government Agent of that district. Great pains were evidently taken in getting up this report, and it is most valuable, as it gave most detailed information on everything that could possibly be of interest. It is hoped that before long it will be possible to embody this and the other reports into an article that will be of use to those who are either engaged or about to engage in the industry. Until this year no records were received at this office of any foxes bred in captivity, but this year eleven different farms have sent in such records. In all, fifty-six foxes were bred this year, and, as far as is known, these are all still alive. In addition, one or two litters of red foxes were bom, but destroyed as not being worth raising. The company operating at Bella Coola reports that several litters were born, but that heavy blasting on a road close to the farm caused the parent foxes to destroy all their young. The Telegraph Creek companies had no success at all; most pups born were killed by their parents ; one litter that might have been raised was destroyed, as they were only of the red variety. The most successful operators were those located at Atlin, Pouce Coupe, and Francois Lake. There was a fairly heavy loss of foxes during the year ; some escaped from the pens, others got killed in fighting, but the principal loss was through " worms." All such losses can easily be done away with if the foxes are in the hands of a man who has requisite knowledge of his work. The recent collapse of the boom in fox-farm shares will eventually result in just as much good as the collapse of the real-estate boom. The industry will now come down to a proper business footing. Prices of live foxes having fallen, nothing like the capital hitherto required will be necessary, and many people will go into it on a small basis who were not able to before, and it is the small operators that are likely to meet with the most success. Even with the price of fox-pelts 50 per cent, lower than it is at present, a good profit could be made in breeding foxes, as it costs very little more to raise foxes on a small scale than it does to raise small dogs. There is no reason why all the farmers' sons should not have a pair or two as pets, in the same way that boys in England keep rabbits, pigeons, etc., and often make good profits. It is likely that far more money would be brought into the country in this way than by a few big companies. Every encouragement should therefore be given to those living in the country to make a start. It would be best to begin with red foxes, which are easily obtained and of little value. Pamphlets giving full particulars as to the handling of these animals should be available for beginners. Undoubtedly there would be some little trouble getting the industry started in this way, but once it was given a fair start it would spread rapidly, and, taking the natural advantages of this Province, particularly the northern portions, it might eventually develop into a most important revenue-producer. O 16 Game Warden's Report. 1916 The following table is a list of foxes that are at present in captivity in this Province;; placing their value at about one-tenth of the prices asked before the collapse of the boom, they still represent close on to $100,000 worth of foxes :— Cassiar Silver & Black Fox Co. Stikine Fox Co W. E. Lennox Thorman & Williams Atlin Fur Farming Co A. Swanson Pacific Silver & Black Fox Co.. Landry & Demorest Co Honiray & Axten J. V. Valkenberg S. H. Colwell M. Ross O. S. Haywood D. Laiti A. Blaynev W. McCullough R. H. Stewart M. Coons W. C. Ramsey A. Falk Totals. Address. Telegraph Creek.. Telegraph Creek.. Telegraph Creek. Telegraph Creek.. Atlin Atlin Revelstoke Bella Coola Walhachin Atlin Klinaklini Soda Creek Fort Fraser Sointula St. Francois Lake. Pouce Coupe . Pouce Coupe Pouce Coupe Pouce Coupe .... Pouce Coupe Old Foxes. 20 4 27 11 4 7 4 5 9 5 2 6 5 2 1 5 2 4 104 Pits dug out under Permit. Pups bred ix Captivity Silver. Cross. Red. 4 7 "$ 4 S 2 2 i 3 4 2 5 2 1 'e 3 1 21 31 4 Total No. of Foxes.. 48 18 4 24 V 15 14 6 20 3 6 18 5 10 15 Deer. For the past three or four years we have had exceptionally mild weather in the fall, but this one has been milder still, and the deer stayed up in the mountains until very late; in consequence, very few were killed until almost the end of the season, when heavy snow in the mountains at last brought them down ; then people living in the country and those fortunate enough to be able to get out of town had no difficulty in getting as many as they were allowed, to kill. This year's Order in Council allowing the sale of deer from September 1st to October 15th came in for much adverse criticism. For many years past no sale of deer has been allowed on Vancouver Island, though there has always been on the Mainland, and consequently it was. almost impossible to prevent the sale on the Island, as they were shipped across to the Mainland and then sold; it was therefore advisable either to prohibit the sale altogether or to allow it everywhere. There certainly was no reason why they should not be sold on the Island if they were on the Mainland, as there are many more deer on the south end of the Island than on the southern part of the Mainland. This matter was given very careful consideration, but, in view of the hard times and the desire of the Government to give people living in the country a chance to get a few dollars by selling a deer or two, it was not deemed advisable to entirely prohibit the sale this year, and in consequence the same period of sale was allowed everywhere. As far as Vancouver Island was concerned, the number of deer sold was a mere bagatelle;, as near as can be estimated the total did not exceed 170. The sale of deer has a very much worse effect on the stock of deer in the Interior than on the Coast, as practically every hotel and restaurant uses venison when they can get it. In the Interior the market-hunters are almost entirely comprised of Indians and half-breeds, and almost to the same extent on the Coast, so that it is very doubtful if many of the people the sale of deer was intended to help did benefit by it, as very few of these actually in great need of money had sufficient experience, in hunting to be able to kill bucks during the period the sale was allowed. 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. O 17 Mule-deers do not seem to be as plentiful as they were thought to be in the Lillooet District. The Chilcotin Indians kill far too many, and until the district is declared organized it is almost impossible to stop them. In most other parts of the Province mule-deer continue to increase. Some mule-deer have lately been reported in four different places on the Peace River, all to the west of Fort St. John. They are said to be increasing and in sufficient numbers to become firmly established there if no open season is allowed for several years. There are rumours of mule-deer being in that district received from time to time, but this is the first authentic report of them that has come to hand. The few white-tailed deer that were left in the southern part of the Okanagan have been very carefully looked after for the past few years and have made a splendid increase. If they continue to do so well it will be possible to open the season for them again in a year or two. Red Deer. The red deer imported from New Zealand have become completely acclimatized and are in splendid condition. They were, of course, too young to breed this year. Wapiti. In East Kootenay wapiti are still increasing, although no further reports of the small band that had crossed into the Selkirks have been received. On Vancouver Island there is an undoubted increase, particularly in the southern part; it will, however, be most advisable to keep a close season on these animals for a good many years yet;' at any rate, on Vancouver Island, though in the Kootenay District in a year or two it may be possible to have a short open season. The wapiti in captivity at the Colony Farm did not do as well as was hoped for. Only two calves have been born so far this year, and both of them at an extraordinary time of the year. One was born in the middle of August and the other one actually in December. Another calf was born at Burnaby Prison Farm; it also is, unfortunately, a bull, as also was last year's calf. Mountain-goat. Goats have been but little hunted this year; they seem to have increased in several of the places where they were getting a bit scarce. Bear. A tremendous number of black bear were seen on the Coast this year; this being due to the extraordinary dry weather keeping the creeks so low that the salmon were not able to get up. Moose. These magnificent animals continue to work their way south, and are increasing rapidly almost everywhere. There is one exception to this, and that is on the Nelson River, where they are reported to be very scarce, and the Indians are suffering in consequence. Reports from Cassiar varied somewhat, but the men who are in the best positions to know say they were extra numerous, but that there is an extraordinary percentage of young bulls. That there are plenty of moose- in that country can be easily believed from the fact that one tourist counted 280 odd during the short time he was out. A bull moose was lately seen as far south as the 108-Mile House, on the Cariboo Road. Signs of others were seen a little farther north. B 0 18 Game Warden's Report. 1916 Caribou. Some magnificent trophies were obtained in Cassiar this year, though, owing to the mild weather, the caribou were late in coming to their fall ranges; however, everybody that went there to hunt found them without much trouble. When the last report was written the mountain caribou in the Selkirks were supposed to be very scarce, but subsequent reports were quite the contrary; in fact, there were more caribou about than for some years, though, owing to a bad crust on the snow, they were hard to get. The Chilcotin caribou have almost disappeared; even the Indians are now agitating for an absolute close season in certain areas, and promise to see that if any such regulations are made they will be observed. There are many more caribou on the ranges towards the headwaters of the Fraser River than were thought to be. This country was hunted a good deal during the past season, and one party reported having seen 128 head, which is a very large number for this district. Sheep. In Cassiar the Stone sheep were very numerous, and some good bands were seen on several ranges that have been almost deserted for several years past. The Lillooet sheep have been hardly hunted at all during the past two years. The few men who were after them this year reported them very numerous, and as they all returned with excellent trophies, there is little doubt about the veracity of their reports. The Okanagan sheep have done remarkably well and several have been seen in places where they have not been known for years. Two rams were shot this year in spite of the close season. In each case a mistake was claimed in extenuation and only a light fine imposed. Now that these sheep are really increasing and spreading into new country, there is going to be greater difficulty in protecting them. In fact, it will be impossible if men are allowed to plead it was through an accident or ignorance and then get off with what, for such an offence, amounts to a nominal fine. Although many of the trails leading to some of the best sheep-ranges in East Kootenay are quite impassable, a fair number of sheep have been killed this year. Wild-fowl. The wild-fowl shooting this season has been the best we have had for years. Not only were there many more local-bred birds than usual, but the northern ducks and geese came in large numbers ; in fact, in some places there were ducks almost equal in number to what there used to be years ago. It is extremely pleasing to find that there is still every reason to believe that the wild-fowl shooting, instead of being more' or less a thing of the past except in remote districts, can be improved, even in the vicinity of the larger towns. Cutting down the length of the shooting season was extremely unpopular with a great many men, and some of the expressions of disapproval made by selfish shooters, who considered nothing except their own sport, where by no means pleasant to hear. This year has amply proved that it was a move in the right direction, as the wild-fowl resting here on their way back north, not being molested in February while pairing, stayed here to breed in greater numbers than usual, and many more of those that went farther north to breed returned in the fall, bringing with them other birds. Probably there were other influences to account for the increased number of birds, such as further restrictions with regard to taking eggs in the northern breeding-grounds and doing away with the spring shooting in the States; nevertheless, the measure adopted here must have had a great deal to do with it. 6 Geo. 5 • Game Warden's Report. O 19 The United States is still endeavouring to get through a treaty with Great Britain for the absolute protection of all insectivorous birds, and also to prohibit the shooting of all wild-fowl, sea and shore birds after once the mating season is commenced. The idea is a most excellent one, but the present proposal sent to this Province for approval is much too far-reaching; it covers the protection even of mergansers (commonly called sawbills), which exist in hundreds on our lakes and rivers and do no end of damage to our salmon and trout fry. There are several other things in the proposal which would by no means suit this Province; if, however, the treaty were confined to the protection of insectivorous birds and the various species of what are considered sporting wild-fowl and shore-birds, this Province should give its most hearty support. Grouse. The stock of grouse varied a great deal, according to the district, but, with the exception of a few places, and a very few at that, blue grouse in the Interior were extremely scarce. Before this year's seasons were decided upon this fact was definitely known, and it was thought advisable to delay the opening date in the Interior for two weeks. A great deal of dissatisfaction was expressed at this decision and an attempt was made to have an alteration made. It was a most fortunate thing that the later date was made and adhered to; as a matter of fact, however plentiful blue grouse may be, September 15th is quite early enough to shoot them in the Interior, no matter what anybody may say to the contrary. Those who advocate an earlier date either want them to eat or think more of easy shots and full bags than sport. Four or five birds killed up on the ranges in October are worth a dozen killed at the beginning of September, when they are altogether too tame. On the Coast there were plenty of blue grouse in August, more than the year before, and probably more than there were years ago, when they were allowed to be sold and were brought into the market by the sackful. As usual, a few wet days just before the season opened put the birds into the trees, and it was hard to make any sort of a bag. That few birds were killed was generally ascribed to the season for deer having been opened earlier than the season for grouse. This was not the case; it is possible, even probable, that a few were killed by men hunting deer, but it is quite certain that practically the same number would have been killed anyway, and in any event the number killed could not have made any apparent difference in the shooting on the 15th. The same thing happens year after year; there are generally more or less birds about all through the month of August, and this year they were exceptionally plentiful, but almost invariably the majority of them disappear before the shooting season. It is simply a question as to whether it is better to work hard and get a moderate number of birds or open the season earlier and get big bags one year, with a good chance of an entire close season for a year or two after. The number of ruffed grouse (commonly called willow-grouse) also varied considerably. In the Interior there was not a fifth of the number that there have been during the past few years. In the Fraser Valley they were generally scarce, but along the Coast they seem to have been more plentiful than usual. The extraordinary decrease in grouse of all kinds in the Interior is rather hard to account for. It is true there was a most exceptionally wet season in the Interior, and there was also a regular plague of " wood-ticks." A combination of this kind certainly would be very hard on all game birds, but not bad enough to account for such a rapid decrease. A report just received from the Chief Game Guardian of Alberta also relates a similar disappearance of both grouse and prairie-chicken in that Province. O 20 Game Warden's Report. 1916 Pheasants. After an extremely mild winter, an early spring, and apparently an excellent breeding season, both on the Mainland and Island, it was expected that there would be better shooting this season than for many years. The number of birds did not nearly come up to expectations ', nevertheless, there was nothing really to complain about; Vancouver Island probably had about as many as usual, and on most of the Mainland there were more and in some plains considerably more than the year before. That the stock of birds did not come up to expectations was due to several things, but principally owing to the fact that the summer was actually too dry, and except on very low ground the birds suffered considerably from want of water. Then, again, fires did a lot of damage, particularly in the Delta District. The number of birds shot was very small, many less than would have been expected, but the birds having been hatched out early were unusually strong on the wing and wild, and it took better dogs and much straighter shooting than usual; whereas a great number of the best shots had enlisted and were hunting, or preparing to hunt, much bigger game. Owing to the limited number of birds shot, there is a splendid breeding stock left over for the next season almost everywhere. Not many reports have been received from Vancouver Island, but as far as it has been possible to find out, there are rather more left than usual. On the Mainland there certainly is a much larger stock, and, what is more to the point, plenty of cock birds, so that next year's sport depends on whether there is a good or bad breeding season next spring, and also how much snow we have this winter. At the present time, while birds are not yet suffering, there is snow almost everywhere, and there is good reason to expect a fairly bad winter, which means a certain amount of mortality, even if every effort is made to feed them. There is a much stronger feeling on the Mainland in favour of not opening the season until November 1st, some even advocating a later date. It is undoubtedly the proper thing to do as far as the sport of shooting is concerned, and this applies to Vancouver Island as well as the Mainland. October 1st on Vancouver Island and the 15th on the Mainland are good dates for men who want to be sure of nice fine weather and easy shooting; it is also suitable for those who think more of the number of birds they take home than the sport they have. A fortnight or three weeks at that time makes quite a difference in the strength of the birds. Opening the season, even if only at two weeks' later date, would by no means be generally popular; in fact, at present it would only be approved of by a very limited number; at the same time it is the proper thing to do. One suggestion made with regard to the season for pheasants, which sounds like a good one, is that the opening date should be November 1st; that for the first part of the season only cock birds be shot, but that during the last fortnight two hens be allowed; but that the limit be six birds a day, no matter what sex. This suggestion has been given very careful consideration, and the conclusion come to is that there is no real reason why it should not be tried in certain districts, but that it would not do in all. For instance, in the greater part of Dewdney there are none too many hens, but in the Delta District on the Mainland, and on the most of Vancouver Island there are quantities of hens. The only thing that can be said against it is that too many young hens might be shot. This is a matter that can only be settled by a trial ; but one thing is quite certain, and that is that the hens are so numerous in some districts that no serious damage could be done in a fortnight. On the other hand, the change might be beneficial; there is no doubt that, with one or two exceptions, there are too many hens and that the cock birds need more protection, and that an extra fortnight's growth, with the increased chances of bad weather as a handicap, would mean quite a lot. Then, again, and this seems the strongest argument in its favour, it would enable the men who know pheasants 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. 0 21 well to kill some of the old hens which they frequently see and, under present conditions, have to let go, though they know perfectly well it would be better to shoot them. There seems every reason to believe that pheasants stand a good chance of being a success in many parts of the Interior where hitherto it was not even thought worth trying them. Apparently they are now permanently established in the Okanagan, all the way from Penticton to the United States boundary-line. The Mongolians put out near Okanagan Falls have done splendidly and spread for miles both north and south. Now it appears some of the ordinary Chinese ring-neck (they were either put out there years ago or came up from the States) have also increased and stocked the lower part of the valley. In addition, a few birds which were sent to Kelowna last year as an experiment, also appear to be doing well, as a report just received from there states that twenty-four were just counted in a garden. There is very good news with regard to pheasants at Creston in West Kootenay, where they are said to have increased tremendously. A few birds (two cocks and six hens) were sent to Lillooet last winter and turned out in the spring. They did well and, it is said, there are fifty birds there now. This is a large number for six hens to raise, but even if there are only half as many it would be a very good start. Two cocks and six hens were sent to the Otter Valley (between Nicola and Princeton); they wintered well and must have raised a number of birds, as only a short time ago thirty- three birds were counted, twenty-four in one field and nine in another. The pheasants sent to Texada Island, on the Coast, a few years ago seem now to be permanently established. There is also a nice stock of birds for a start on Valdes Island. In In 1914 two settings of eggs were sent there and ten hens raised; two cock birds were placed with them last spring and there are now over fifty birds there. No reports have been received of the pheasants sent to Queen Charlotte Islands last year. This year another lot was sent there consisting of six hens and two cocks. They arrived in good condition. Six hens and two cocks were sent to Keremeos, Similkameen; one hen died, but the others all arrived in splendid condition. No reports have been received since. Very few birds were bred at Chilliwack this season, as almost all the stock on hand was turned out, and it "was decided to try the experiment of sending out most of the eggs obtained; all the hens that were raised are being kept up for breeding next year; the few spare cocks are being kept to send over to Vancouver Island, where a little fresh brood will do good. The following is a list of eggs sent out this year :— Name. Address. Settings. Birds hatched. R. A. Bartholemew Okanagan Mission 2 !} Very successful. D. G. Warden F. B. Frowl A. V. Scott Trail Courtenay Island (Coast) No report. Twenty birds raised. No report. Three hens and eight cocks raised Four birds raised. No report. Nine turned out. Five turned out. No report. J. R. A. Pritchard Salmon Arm (Kamloops) Salmon Arm (Coast) Kaleden Arjacush Buchbard (West Kootenay) Midway (Greenwood) Frank Harrison S. S. Coif —. Studdy J. A. Jackson H. 0. Bell-Irving 0 22 Game Warden's Report. 1916 European Partridges. For the first time in the history of the Province there was an open season for these birds ; it was confined to the Delta District and was for only two days, November 13th and 14th. On these two days there were even more men out after these birds than there were after pheasants on their own opening day. Almost everybody reported seeing lots of birds; everybody reported them very wild and that coveys of any size almost invariably got up out of shot; consequently bags were generally small. Still everybody seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the sport, and while there were a few who returned with empty pockets, those who worked hard and had steady dogs had excellent sport. Nearly everybody got a bird or two. An effort was made to get an estimate of the number of birds that were killed, but there were so many out shooting it was quite impossible to get anything like a correct figure. Certainly, at the very least, 200 birds were killed, but between 400 and 500 would be somewhere nearer the mark. Anyway, no matter what the actual number killed amounted to, no harm was done, as there appear to be just as many birds now as there were before. It is more likely that the reverse was the case, and that there will be a marked improvement in next year's broods, as, after two days' incessant hunting, the coveys must have got fairly well broken up and mixed. At present it looks as if another two days might be allowed next year, but this cannot be decided upon until after the breeding season; it will entirely depend on whether we have a good or bad one. A short time ago there were rumours of a bob-white quail having put in an appearance near Waneta, in West Kootenay. Then there were rumours that they were another kind of quail, and then came a report that they were partridges. Finally, a bird that had been killed by a cat was sent to this office for inspection. There was absolutely no doubt about its identity ; it was a partridge. Now it transpires there are a number of coveys in the district, but how they got there is a mystery. A good many have, of late years, been put out in various places in the United States, but, as the partridge is a bird that is most local in its habits, they were not likely to have come from there unless some were turned out close to the boundary-line. The most probable solution of the problem is that some enthusiastic sportsman imported them on his own account. If this is the case and the birds continue to thrive, the district will owe him a debt of gratitude. Quail. California quail are reported to have been unusually plentiful on Vancouver Island, a mild winter and excellent spring having had a good effect. The birds put out in the Okanagan have done remarkably well, and a short open season was allowed in the northern part of the district, and the same might easily have been allowed around Penticton, where the few birds that were put out a year or two ago increased so splendidly that a good fifteen miles of the valley is now well stocked. It is pleasing to be able to report that the bob-white quail have migrated into the Province in several places, probably from the United States. Close to Grand Forks there are quite a lot of these fine little game birds, and their number is now estimated to have increased from a few pairs to several thousand. That they have done so well there is, in a great measure, due to the enthusiasm of the local sportsmen, who not only assisted in seeing that nobody shot them, but also assisted the Deputy Game Warden in carrying grain out to feed them during severe weather. There are also a fair number of these birds in Greenwood District, and a few have lately put in an appearance in West Kootenay, where they are also having special attention. 6 Geo. 5 Game Warden's Report. 0 23 It will be extremely interesting to see whether these quail will prove a permanent success or disappear just at the time they appear to have become permanently established, as they did near Ashcroft and any other place where they have been tried. Prairie-chicken. These birds, like the blue grouse, were very scarce, and an entire close season almost everywhere next year will be ad.visable unless it transpires there is a much better stock of birds than there appears to be. Better reports come from the southern part of the Okanagan Valley and from Greenwood District than from anywhere else. In these places prairie-chicken have been fairly plentiful. VICTORIA, B.C. : Printed Ity Williah II. Cullin, Printer to.the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1910.