Province must act now to save plummeting Moose populations.
Based on recent moose population survey data released by the province, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) is calling on the province to enforce a longstanding conservation closure in the Duck Mountain (GHA’s 18/18A-C) and Porcupine Forest (13 and 13A). Conservation closures can prohibit all harvest – licensed and Indigenous – to give moose populations a chance to recover.
In 2010, when moose populations in this Duck/Porcupine Area dropped to 2,471 animals, the Manitoba Government prohibited moose hunting by establishing a conservation closure in 2011. All stakeholders (licensed and Indigenous hunters) supported this decision knowing that if moose populations continue to decline, there is risk they may not recover. While there are many factors affecting moose survival – climate change, changing landscapes, predation, disease, ticks, increased human development in remote areas and hunting – there is one factor we can control to help sustain moose populations, and that is the moose harvest through hunting.
Successive provincial governments maintained this moose hunting closure since 2011. In 2022, a limited Indigenous harvest was allowed by permit based on surveys showing the population was beginning to recover.
Following recent 2023 surveys in the Duck/Porcupine Area, population estimates are now showing the moose population is over 36% below the threshold that triggered the original closure in 2011. The MWF has formally requested that the Minister reintroduce a full closure for all hunters.
Summary of Survey Results in the Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest:
- Duck Mountain: 2010 (1349 moose), 2023 (1169 moose)
- Porcupine Forest: 2010 (1,122 moose), 2023 (409 moose)
- Total for Duck/Porcupine Area: 2010 (2,471 moose), 2023 (1,578 moose)
Failure to enforce the closure and prohibit harvest would put the future survival of this moose population at risk. Like the response in 2011, we believe all user groups would support this decision, along with any other measures aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vulnerable population.
Given the ongoing pressures on moose populations across the province, the MWF is also asking the province to prohibit harvest of moose cows and calves by all harvesters. This measure is recommended in order to foster recovery of the population.
Background information:
Past Survey Results: https://www.manitoba.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/resource/articles-and-publications.html?wg=wildlife_and_fisheries_branch&term=survey
2023 Survey Results containing 13/13A (Porcupine Forest) and 18/18A-C (Duck Mt): https://mwf.mb.ca/archives/11735
