SELECTIVE HARVESTS, HUNTERS, AND MOOSE IN CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA

Abstract

Moose populations in the central interior of British Columbia are managed by a combination of selective harvest strategies, limited entry hunting (LEH), and temporal regulations. Since 1981, harvest structures, hunter performance, temporal adjustments in rutting activities, and conception dates of cows have been monitored. Annual harvests averaged 967 moose since inception of these regulations. Harvest ratios for all hunters averaged 53.5% males, 14.7% females, 31.8% calves. Harvest ratios for LEH-hunters averaged 40.1% males, 52.7 females, 7.3% calves; whereas, non-LEH hunters harvested 35.6% males and 64.4% calves. Success and effort for all groups of hunters when combined were similar to hunter performance prior to 1981 when traditional bulls only regulations were in effect. In spite of educational efforts, hunters continue to select adult animals in preference to younger animals. Mean dates of kill for bulls and mean dates of conception for cows suggest asynchronous rut. No significant relationship was found between duration of the rut and harvests of prime bulls. Harvest options are presented. Management implications an suggestions for strategy adjustment are discussed.