Wildlife Branch
Moose Conservation Initiatives
|
Aerial surveys conducted have determined that moose populations in Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 13 and 13A (Porcupine Mountain); GHAs 14 and 14A; GHAs 18, 18A, 18B, 18C (Duck Mountain); and GHA 26 have significantly declined.
As a conservation measure, the cancellation of all licensed moose hunting seasons and restrictions on rights-based harvest in these areas will be in effect until moose populations have recovered. These management actions are necessary to allow the recovery of the moose populations. The success of the recovery depends on the co-operative efforts of all Manitobans.
Hunting
Manitoba Conservation is concerned about rapidly declining moose populations in certain areas of our province. Aerial surveys completed in 2007 and 2010 in the Duck Mountain Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 18, 18A, 18B, 18C; the Porcupine Mountain GHAs 13 and 13A; GHA 26 and GHAs 14 and 14A show populations in these areas are less than 50 per cent of what they were in the past.
As a conservation measure, all licensed moose hunting seasons have been suspended in the Duck Mountain, Porcupine Mountain, GHA 26 and GHAs 14 and 14A, as well as harvest restrictions on Rights based harvest in these areas. Moose seasons in these areas will be reinstated when populations have recovered.
Wolf Management
Wolf hunting and trapping seasons have been extended province-wide. The bag limit in Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 18, 18A, 18B, 18C (Duck Mountain) and GHA 26 is now two wolves for licenced hunters. Hunters who harvest a wolf in these GHAs are requested to submit: the lower jaw, with teeth attached; a 2.5 sq. cm (1” x 1”) sample of hide with at least 50 guard hairs from the groin or upper hind leg; and a 5 cm (2”) piece of tongue to any Manitoba Conservation office. When submitting your sample, you will be expected to provide the date of kill, exact location of the kill, sex and contact information.
In addition, trappers on Registered Traplines in GHA 18, 13, 14,14A and 26 will receive a $250.00 incentive payment for each wolf trapped in these areas. Payment is conditional upon trappers providing the necessary wolf samples, similar to hunters.
This will result in the harvest of more wolves in areas where moose populations are depressed. Manitoba Conservation will increase aerial surveys of wolf populations and assessment of wolves’ diet.
Disease and Parasite Management
Parasites (brain worm, liver fluke) carried by deer in the southeast part of the province have negatively affected moose. Deer muzzleloader and general rifle seasons in Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 26 and 36 have been extended to reduce deer numbers. As well, a second deer licence is available in GHAs 17A, 26 and 36. A third deer licence is available in GHA 26.
Access Control
In conjunction with Manitoba Conservation’s Wildlife and Forestry Branches and forestry companies, selected roads and trails are being closed by removing culverts, digging trenches and berms and placing barricades at river crossings. This is being done in high moose density areas to restrict truck travel, reduce off-road vehicle traffic and decrease access to areas where moose reside. See attached photo.
Population Assessments
$190,000 will be used from the Wildlife Enhancement Initiative for aerial moose surveys in the areas where hunting restrictions are in place. Populations of concern will be monitored annually to evaluate the effectiveness of management actions.
Consultation with Rights-Based Communities
Consultation has been undertaken with First Nation and Métis communities regarding the closures in Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 18, 18A, 18B and 18C in the west, where areas have been closed to all moose hunting, including rights-based (First Nation, Métis) hunting.
Consultation is continuing in the east in regard to a possible closure to rights-based moose hunting in GHA 26. Consultation is also continuing in both areas regarding a moose recovery strategy.
Management Strategies
Manitoba Conservation has established moose advisory committees consisting of local groups, Aboriginal organizations and government to help develop moose recovery strategies. These strategies will guide the management actions and assist in development of the long term regional moose management plan. Two moose biologists have been hired by Manitoba Conservation to help deliver the moose conservation initiative.
Enforcement
Two natural resource officers have been hired – one for the Duck Mountain area and one for Game Hunting Area (GHA) 26. Hunting closure signs have been placed throughout the areas of the moose conservation initiative. See attached photo.
