Conservation and
Water Stewardship
September 2015
Committee for
Cooperative
Moose
Management
Moose News
MOOSE RECOVERY UPDATES
Moose Recovery Measures began in 2010
after an aerial moose survey of Game Hunting Area (GHA) 26
detected severe declines in moose numbers.
The survey showed a 65% decline in
moose numbers over the previous 10
years—from approximately 2,350
moose in 2000 to only 823 moose in
2010. Actions were started to stop
the decline and help restore moose
numbers to a healthy level.
Consultations began with First Nations
on a proposal to temporarily close the
GHA to all moose hunting, including
rights-based hunting. The consultations
led to a decision to close moose hunting
in a smaller area, comprising about
12% of the GHA (see map on back).
Licenced hunting was suspended
throughout GHA 26 as of 2010, and
remains suspended today. Wolf and
deer reduction programs began, and
several forest access roads were
temporarily decommissioned.
The restrictions on rights-based hunting
came into effect in 2012 . They remain
in effect as of 2015, but are intended as
a short term-measure only, pending
further consultations with First Nations.
The Recovery Measures and Local Conservation Efforts are Working
Moose Population Numbers Appear to be Increasing
GHA 26 Aerial Moose
Survey Results
Survey
Year
Estimated
Moose Numbers
2000
2, 350 +/-17.8%
2006
1, 553 +/- 16.3%
2010
823 +/-18.0%
2013
1, 307 +/- 17.2%
The next survey is
scheduled for the winter
of 2016
When a population has declined,
follow-up surveys are needed every
2-3 years to assess the success of
recovery measures, and the progress
of moose population recovery.
The one survey conducted since
2010 (in 2013) indicates that the
population is responding positively to
recovery measures . Additional
surveys planned for 2012 and 2015
had to be cancelled due to
inadequate snow depths . The next
survey, scheduled for the winter of
2016, will provide data on whether
the positive recovery trend has
continued, and, to what extent.
Temporary hunting closures, wolf and
deer reduction programs and other
measures have helped start the recovery
process. Of equal importance has been
the combined conservation efforts of
many people, and most particularly, those
local hunters, trappers and First Nations
communities who are committed to
ensuring sustainable moose populations
for future generations.
Decisions on next steps, including when
and how to remove hunting restrictions,
are expected once the 2016 survey has
been completed and this information can
be considered in further consultations
and management planning discussions.
This Map shows the moose hunting closures
currently in effect in GHA 26
When will the moose hunting
closures be removed?
Everybody wants moose numbers to be sustainable,
and many people have asked to be involved in
managing the population. Further consultations and
discussions are needed with interested communities
and other parties to determine when and how the
hunting restrictions will be lifted. Successful moose
management requires good information. Everything
that may be affecting the population must be
considered — whether natural or human-related.
Moose
Moose News
What information is needed
to arrive at decisions?
The 2016 survey will provide current information on
moose numbers and the proportion of cows, calves
and bulls in the population. Research projects are
occurring to collect information on how wolves and
deer may be affecting the population. Information on
traditional conservation practices and moose hunting
harvests are also needed. All of this information must
be considered along with the influences of habitat ,
and the uncertain future affects of climate change.
September 2015