British Columbia Moose Population Trends
In several areas of British Columbia, moose population trends are declining. Find out where and what this means to you.
During recent years the BC Government have undertaken studies of the moose populations and the results are in some cases... alarming. With population trends falling by as much as 70% in some areas action must be taken.
How will this affect you?
To start with, there will be a reduction of the AAH (annual allowable harvest). How will this be achieved?
You know it!, Reduced limited entry opportunities, shorter GOS (general open seasons) and closed seasons. But these closures and reduced opportunities are necessary in order to rebuild and sustain healthy moose populations.
Photo Courtesy of Big Country Outfitters
Regions of Concern
- Skeena – Nass Wildlife Area; 70% reduction in the moose population from 1997 to 2011.
- Skeena – Bulkley Valley; since 2004 there has been a population decline of 20%
- Caribou – Anahim Lake Dean River area; 60% decline.
- Omineca – Prince George region; a 50% moose population trend decline since 2005.
- Peace – A small decline since 2004 indicate a stable trend in the moose population
- Thompson Okanagan – This area historically has a low moose population but as the survey has shown, the moose population is stable and growing.
- Kootenay – The West Kootenay survey shows the moose population trends are stable to increasing. The data for East Kootenay is not available
Across all areas of the province stakeholder groups (first nations, resident hunters and guides) are being consulted as to: why the trends are falling and how to remedy the areas most effected.
The knee-jerk reaction is to close seasons... but we need to find out why these areas are in decline. There are numerous factors that contribute to the moose population decline in British Columbia and until the government spends some money to find out why... we will never know.
Contributing Factors- Wolf Predation
- Bear Predation
- Poaching
- Un-regulated hunting
- Pine Beetle Deforestation
- Pine Beetle Forest Harvest
- Increased Forest Access
As most of you most likely already noticed there were several management units across BC this year where the LEH opportunities were cut significantly. Be sure to consult this season's new LEH data and BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis for season changes.
News Release
In a recent article published in the Globe and Mail, writer Mark Hume reveals a new study that will be started this coming winter by B.C.’s Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources.
"Research there has suggested wolf predation is higher than expected, but scientists are still struggling to understand “tip-over events” in which the moose simply lie down and die from unknown causes." (Globe and Mail; Mark Hume)
The biologists for the government will capture and collar 230 moose and using the latest in GPS technology track the movements of the moose.
It is possible to track moose movements minute by minute if necessary but likely daily or weekly movements will be monitored.
The technology will enable the biologists to determine exactly when an animal dies and this information will allow a necropsy to happen, hopefully within 48 hours.
The information gathered by this study will shed further light on just why the moose populations in the north west are trending downward.
To read the entire Globe and Mail article, copy and paste the following URL into a new browser window:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-study-to-probe-mystery-of-dying-moose/article15258560/
Further reading about the decline of moose populations in Eastern Canada and USA can be found by reading our recent article about the Moose Brain Worm.
BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis
BC LEH Hunting Regulations Synopsis
Want to learn how to hunt moose? Or are you wanting to increase your moose hunting skills?
Look no further!
Our moose hunting tips book is written with
not just the novice in mind, there are tips in the book that even the
most seasoned moose hunter will find of value.
The book includes 57 chapters, with more than 150 pages of information, jam packed with tips, techniques and discussions - The Ultimate Guide to Moose Hunting!
And don't forget to order one of our Fiberglass Moose Calls. In stock and ready to ship.
Top of the Moose Population Trends Page
Good
morning Mark, I want to thank you again for your outstanding service. As luck
would have it, when I arrived home after work yesterday the moose call was in
my mail box. It figures when the Postal Circus is involved.
Ed
Manya from Tampa Bay said: My sister-in-law came down with a box of goodies from Alaska. One was a moose steak. I have thought about cooking it but didn't know how. I looked on your site. Thank you so much for having such wonderful ways to fix moose.
Laurie wrote to us:
"I just wanted to let you know how much I love
your site and how much I appreciate all the help you give everyone. I have
learned so much from this site. It is my go to guide for moose hunting. You
have a great way with words and make this site very approachable for new
hunters and very informative for both new and veteran hunters alike. Thank you
for all your hard work. Again, it's a fantastic site, keep up the great work."
Dale emailed us:
Cool website, nice to see others that consider the moose as a majestic creature. We are going to park the quads this year and use the boat, get away from the others. Will let you know if it is a successful hunt.
Recent Articles
-
MOOSE GUN
Sep 07, 24 10:10 AM
I have shot plenty of moose and with the gun that feels like my right arm and that is the Browning Bar 30-06 using Remington 180 gr bullets. People complain -
BC Limited Entry Hunting – How it Works
Jun 24, 24 11:13 AM
Limited Entry Hunting in British Columbia, updates and news. We keep you up to date with LEH News and information. -
Impact of Climate Change on Moose Populations
May 09, 24 10:21 AM
This article examines the various ways climate change is impacting moose across different regions...
Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.