Canadian Lynx Trappings

The numbers of Canadian lynx trapped in the MacKenzie River District of Northwest Canada have been used to illustrate a number of methods associated with time series analysis. Many of these methods are associated with autoregressive or periodic models. Table 3.1 presents these data for the years 1821 to 1934. Table 3.2 presents lynx pelt sales of the Hudson’s Bay Company together with the price paid for the period 1857 to 1911. These large numbers reflect trappings over a wider area of North America. Some of the data in this table appear to be in error. It is of interest whether variation in MacKenzie River District trappings is shared by all the areas contributing to Table 3.2. Is there a relation between price of pelts and size of catch? Any relation would affect the interpretation of an autoregressive model. Note that there may be a delay between the trapping and sale of a pelt.