Only moratorium can save moose population: MWF

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is calling for a moose-hunt moratorium in two parts of the province after aerial surveys showed “significantly declining” numbers of the animal.

“The populations may never bounce back,” the federation’s Chris Heald said Tuesday.

The advocacy group representing sport hunters and anglers issued a news release calling for the complete closure of the fall moose hunt in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest. It follows Manitoba Conservation’s 2023 aerial survey results, which indicate “significantly declining moose populations” in the game-hunting areas in western Manitoba.

It wouldn’t be the first time for a moose conservation closure there. In 2011, licensed and Indigenous hunters supported a full closure of the moose hunt after a 2010 survey the showed moose population had fallen in both areas to 2,471 animals.

After more than a decade, and surveys that showed the moose population in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest was beginning to recover, a limited Indigenous harvest was allowed in 2022 by permit.

The results of 2023 aerial surveys released earlier this summer showed the moose population fell to 1,578 — well below the 2010 numbers that triggered the full closure of the hunt.

Moose survival can be impacted by climate change, changing landscapes, predation, disease, ticks and development in remote areas, Heald noted.

“The harvest is one of the only things we can control,” he said, adding that’s why the federation has formally asked Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie to impose a moratorium on all moose hunting in those areas.

On Tuesday, the minister wasn’t made available for an interview but issued a statement that committed to protecting moose without committing to a moratorium.

“We’re committed to protecting moose in the Duck and Porcupine Mountain regions by working with hunters, First Nations, communities, and conservation groups on long-term solutions,” it said.

“The last (Tory) government cut scientists, conservation officers and funding for wildlife management. Our government is restoring capacity in the department and making evidence-based decisions that draw on both research and traditional knowledge.”

Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan echoed the MWF’s call for the moratorium.

“Manitobans of all backgrounds rely on hunting for a connection to tradition, to the land and as a source of food,” Khan wrote in a letter to Premier Wab Kinew posted online Monday. Khan called on Kinew to institute a conservation closure in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest areas.

“It is within your power to enact this and you must,” he wrote.

The Manitoba Métis Federation said moose hunters in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Prairie are following provincial recommendations.

“The province does the modelling, they do the surveys and analysis,” Peter Fleming, minister of natural resources for the MMF said from Minitonas, near Duck Mountain.

“They manage the numbers and set the number that they feel can be sustainably harvested without hurting the population. Last year, we did a limited harvest and there’s been no change.”

The MMF issued moose tags for hunting parties with at least four people to harvest one bull moose, Fleming said.

“I am a conservationist and I do want what’s best for wildlife,” he said, adding it’s disappointing that the wildlife federation didn’t reach out to the Métis federation with concerns about the moose population before issuing a news release.

“We’re on the same page on conservation and we do have common ground. Why can’t we work together?”

Members of the public could be left with the impression that Indigenous hunters aren’t responsible or accountable, Fleming said.

“There could be animosity to Indigenous harvesters that have been endorsed by the province,” he said.

Heald said Wednesday that the wildlife federation did reach out to the Manitoba Métis Federation before issuing its news release but their concerns were dismissed.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca