Manitoba Moose have died back to 25,000 from most recently was a herd of 45,000 strong...........Human hunting restrictions are what are being called for with parasites, human land alteration as well as predators being seen as the "medley of destructive broth" hammering the Moose

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://globalnews.ca/news/2382937/wildlife-group-wants-action-on-dwindling-manitoba-moose-population/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoTMzAxMTk1Mzk0NjYwNDQ1MDA4MTIaM2JiNTcwMGRiYTRlZTUyZDpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AFQjCNHLEB3DAcNrUPqw26hLzsngj_aNo

Wildlife group wants action on dwindling Manitoba moose population

By Canadian Press

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THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Becky Bohrer

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WINNIPEG – A group that represents wildlife professionals is asking the Manitoba government to do more to protect the province’s declining moose population.

The Wildlife Society Manitoba Chapter says in an open letter written late last month to Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff that the moose population in Manitoba has declined from a high of over 45,000 animals to just 20,000 now.

It applauds recent hunting bans in areas, but says a comprehensive, province-wide moose conservation strategy is needed and that moose management needs a “higher prioritization” in provincial policy.

The society represents scientists, professors, biologists, managers and planners.

In October, the province issued moose hunting bans to two regions in the Turtle Mountain area southwest of Winnipeg, on top of six other bans that were already in place across the province.

In August, the province announced stiffer fines for the illegal killing of wild animals, including a $10,000 penalty for moose.

“As wildlife professionals, the recent significant downward trend in moose populations in our province has called us to action in a way we have rarely done in the 35-year history of our organization,” the letter from Nov. 25 states.

The society says its population estimate is based on accounts from its members that was acquired from aerial survey reports, field investigations, research projects and scientific surveys. It says population declines “are substantial and not restricted to any particular region.”

It blames over-hunting, a lack of hunt protection for cows and calves, disease, parasites, predators and increased human access for the drop.

A province-wide strategy, the society says, would complement aboriginal knowledge and practices in moose management. It says the strategy should include more hunting closures, a province-wide moose survey, research on moose diseases and parasites, and allowing forest fires to regenerate habitat.

The government has previously said moose numbers will be monitored and if the population increases to an acceptable level, hunting restrictions may be lifted.

The provincial fines don’t apply to anyone legally exercising a treaty or aboriginal right to hunt.

The society says it recognizes the rights of aboriginal groups for food and subsistence hunting, but says all interested parties must work together to conserve the shared resource.
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Where have all the moose gone?

By: Alexandra Paul
Posted: 01/12/2014 2:37 PM | Last Modified: 01/13/2014 7:22 PM | Updates | Comments: 15

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A cow moose and her calf as seen on trip with Dr. Vince Crichton- Certified Wildlife Biologist in Riding Mountain National Park (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

A elk while on a walk with Dr. Vince Crichton- Certified Wildlife Biologist in Riding Mountain National Park. (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Dr. Vince Crichton- Certified Wildlife Biologist uses his mountain bike to look for moose in Riding Mountain National Park. (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)