Michigan Moose Hunts May be Limited

Specific recommendations in the Moose Hunting Advisory Council’s report include:

- A lottery application system, with no more than 10 bull moose licenses initially;
- Hunting only in the core moose area in the western Upper Peninsula, which includes portions of Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties;
- A hunting season could be held only in years following a moose population survey, currently every other year.

The council, which was created through legislation in December 2010, was established to examine the biological and economic implications of establishing a moose hunt in Michigan and present their findings to the NRC, DNR and the Michigan legislature. The seven members represented hunting, conservation, and wildlife management stakeholders. Representatives from tribal governments also served on the council.

The final decision to move forward with establishing a moose hunt, and what that hunting season structure would entail, would be subject to formal consultation with affected tribal governments and Department review. Before any final action is taken by the NRC, a formal proposal would be presented for public comment.

The report can be found online at www.michigan.gov/moose, along with more information about the Moose Hunting Advisory Council and Michigan’s moose population.

In 1985 and 1987, 59 moose were trans-located by the DNR from Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, to northwest Marquette County, with the long-term goal of a self-sustaining population of free ranging moose. A January 2011 survey indicated approximately 433 moose in Marquette, Baraga and northern Iron counties, and an estimated total of approximately 500 animals across the entire mainland Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.