SELECTIVE HARVEST OF MOOSE IN THE OMINECA: SOME PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Abstract

There is a growing trend to “modernize” moose management programs and hunting strategies. Selective harvesting is being emphasized as a substitute strategy for traditional any age and sex seasons in order to meet biological and recreational objectives for moose. Since 1980, a selective harvest has governed moose hunting in the Omineca region of British Columbia. Through a combination of differential licencing for adult males and females and open season on 2 point yearlings and calves, hunting pressure has been shifted onto the non-breeding segments of the herd. Initial results are encouraging. The harvest of calves is approximately 6 times that reported prior to the inception of the program. The harvest pressure on prime breeding bulls of trophy class has been reduced 50 percent from pre 1980 levels. The program continues to gain support with the hunting public and the Guide-Outfitter industry in spite of traditional biases. A continuing educational effort has been instrumental in winning this lobby support in the Omineca. Hunters are becoming more informed of their responsibility to the resource and the importance of their choice-of-target.