The MWF has filed its arguments with the Manitoba Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the provincial government’s decision to arbitrarily reduce moose hunting opportunities for licensed hunters. The MWF maintains that this decision was unreasonable, made for political rather than scientific reasons, and that key stakeholders, including licensed hunters who are directly affected, were not consulted
On June 17th, 2024, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak (MKO) representatives met with the Manitoba Premier and several Ministers, demanding a ban on the moose hunting “draw” seasons for licensed hunters in northern Manitoba. Three days after that meeting, licensed hunters were notified that the provincial big game draw was halted and then on July 11th the province announced a 75 percent reduction of moose tags available to licensed hunters in four Game Hunting Areas in northern Manitoba.
The Minister’s decision was challenged by both MWF and Pimicikamak Cree Nation (PCN). On October 9th, 2025, King’s Bench Justice Bowman rejected both applications in upholding the Minister’s actions. Justice Bowman’s decision is now under appeal to the Court of Appeal.
The MWF believes that the process that led to the announcement was not transparent, inclusive or based on science. The MWF was not consulted prior to reduction of the licenses or provided any rationale for the decision.
MWF will always take any steps necessary to defend our outdoor heritage and legally enshrined right to hunt in this province. We are hopeful that the court will overturn this unjust decision and that that provincial government will take a more collaborative and science-based approach to managing our province’s precious natural resources.
