91 Moose were killed by New Hampshire hunters in the just wrapped 9 day season...................When the first moose hunt occurred in New Hampshire in 1988, there were about 1,600 animals in the state............ The moose population peaked in the late 1990s, with between 7,000 and 7,500 moose in New Hampshire.............. Since that time, the population has gone down to about 4,000 animals today.............. About half the decline was an intentional response to the public's desire for fewer moose-car collisions................ The other half is due to threats such as winter tick in the north and deer transmitted brainworm in the south......................... A study begain in 2014 to try to learn more about the health of New Hampshire's moose and the impact of these expanding maladies............. Today moose occur in all ten counties, with the highest densities in the Great North Woods.............With the continued evidence that tics and brainwork will continue to destabilize New Hampshire's Moose population, it is sound thinking to only have hunters killing 2 to 3% of the herd annually, as this years statistics seem to suggest

N.H. moose hunt a success

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Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:05 am

N.H. moose hunt a success

CONCORD — New Hampshire’s 2014 moose season wrapped up on Sunday. Preliminary figures show that 91 hunters succeeded in taking their moose during the nine-day season.  With a total of 127 permits issued, this represents a statewide success rate of 72 percent. The breakdown for the harvest this year was 57 bulls (63 percent) and 34 cows (37 percent). Final season results will be available upon completion of registration data entry and analysis.

“We’re pleased with this success rate,” said Kristine Rines, Fish and Game’s longtime moose biologist. “The percentage has been down a bit the last two years, so this is good.”

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NH Fish and Game Dept.

11 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03301

info@wildlife.nh.gov

603-271-3421 

Moose (Alces alces)

Range and Distribution
Moose occur in Alaska, Canada, northern U.S. from Washington across to northern New England, and the northern Rockies south to Utah. Prior to European settlement moose were more common than deer in New Hampshire; their range extended from the Canadian border to the seacoast.

 During a year, moose home ranges vary from less than one square mile to more than 25, depending on the season. By the mid-1800s, fewer than 15 moose existed in New Hampshire. The small number and loss of habitat slowed the recovery of the moose population. The moose herd didn't begin to rebound noticeably until the early 1970s. By this time, abandoned farmlands and changes in forest practices created a mosaic of mature and young re-growing forests providing excellent moose habitat.

 When the first moose hunt occurred in New Hampshire in 1988, there were about 1,600 animals in the state. The moose population peaked in the late 1990s, with between 7,000 and 7,500 moose in New Hampshire. Since that time, the population has gone down to about 4,000 animals today. About half the decline was an intentional response to the public's desire for fewer moose-car collisions. The other half is due to threats such as winter tick in the north and brainworm in the south. A study begain in 2014 to try to learn more about the health of New Hampshire's moose (click here to learn more). Today moose occur in all ten counties, with the highest densities in the Great North Woods.

Moose may live 20 years, but average lifespan is 10-12 years. They die from various causes. Black bear are a significant predator on moose calves until calves are nine weeks old. By then calves can outmaneuver a bear. Coyotes may take an occasional calf. Moose are susceptible to a tiny parasite known as brainworm.

White-tailed deer carry the parasite, although they're unaffected. The parasite passes from deer feces to a land snail to the moose which ingest the snail while feeding on browse. Moose usually die from this infection. Moose also die from severe infestations of winter ticks. Moose attempt to remove ticks by scratching, licking, and rubbing often removing their hair at the same time. This can lead to secondary infections and hypothermia. One moose can carry 10,000 to 120,000 ticks. Moose also die as a result of collisions with automobiles.
Brake for Moose
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