The efforts underway to…

The efforts underway to improve upon the moose hunting application process is a positive step. Amending the application/draw process as proposed should theoretically provide greater moose hunting opportunities than those provided under the current system. However, the frustration felt by hunters about the moose hunting tag allocation system has primarily been brought about by the substantial tag reductions that appear to have been arbitrarily imposed. The credibility of this reduction is suspect, in that either insufficient scientific data to support these extreme reductions exist or the MNR has dismally failed to communicate sufficient scientific data to support their dramatic reductions in tag allocations. Furthermore, either insufficient scientific data is being gathered or it is not being adequately communicated to reflect the success/failure of their tag reduction initiative in increasing moose populations. The consensus of many avid outdoorsman is that the MNR’s management of the moose population has been deplorable and continues to lack a credible scientific basis. In addition, the management of the moose population appears to be singularly focused upon licensed hunters with a failure to address indigenous harvesting activities, logging activities (habitat), over population of predators (bears and wolves) precipitated by poor management strategies (cancellation of spring bear hunt and implementation of wolf tag system). In conclusion, I concur that a new system needs to be implemented for a fair and equitable tag allocation system to ensure a continued and sustainable moose population. However, this is only one small facet of a constellation of failures by the MNR in effectively managing our natural resources. A collective approach is required to truly ensure the success of the species for future generations and to allow all of our children the opportunity to experience this part of their heritage.