Province ups moose population targets in some area wildlife management units

In addition to delaying the beginning of moose hunting season by a week in 2016, Ontario’s Environmental Registry has increased moose population objectives near Thunder Bay, Dryden and Red Lake.

Citing falling moose populations in Manitoba, Minnesota and “parts of” Ontario, the province increased its population targets in six Wildlife Management Units on Mar. 30. Three of those are in the Northwest.

In Wildlife Management Unit 14 near Nipigon, moose population objectives were increased from between 400 and 550 to between 450 and 650.

Where moose targets in WMU 3 north of Red Lake were between 1,800 and 2,400, they will rise to between 1,900 and 2,500. WMU 8 near Dryden were 900 to 2,400 and the province has adjusted that figure to between 950 and 2,400.

The new targets update moose management policies approved in 2009, as a result of comments received during the government’s consultation period over last fall and winter.

“Moose play an important role in Ontario’s ecosystems and are an integral component of the province’s rich biodiversity,” the registry wrote in its decision. 

“Moose are highly valued by Aboriginal peoples, and contribute significant benefits to all Ontarians. Recent population surveys have shown declines in moose populations in many parts of Northern Ontario, a trend also being seen in other North American jurisdictions.”