Please Help Stem the Moose Decline In Ontario

Moose are in trouble. They have declined by 20% in the last decade in Ontario. Neighboring moose populations in Manitoba and Minnesota have been decimated to the point where hunting has been curtailed or halted altogether. While these developments are alarming, we have an opportunity in Ontario to protect moose before the situation becomes worse.

The underlying threats to moose may be driven by climate change, but excessive hunting pressure and poaching are immediate concerns that can decrease moose populations. While the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) has reduced tag allocations and changed hunting seasons, these measures don't go far enough.

Ontario has the most lax restrictions on calf hunting in North America. There is a lottery for bulls and cows which is more tightly controlled. But in most areas if you buy a moose license, you can shoot a calf. This practice can have much more negative impacts on populations than it was originally thought. It needs to stop.

In addition, OMNRF staffing levels have decreased by 40% since the 1990s. For example, it is estimated that we may need 3-4 times more conservation officers to detect all illegally killed moose. The province needs to provide the funding to enable OMNRF to get to the bottom of moose decline and halt it.

To make things worse, moose are running out of space to escape hunting pressure and poaching. Logging roads and easy hunter access are constantly expanding, thanks to a subsidy from the Ontario government. Moose need enough roadless space to get a break from hunters.

It is crucial that the new provincial government hears from Ontarians on this issue.

Take action now!

Please write a short letter indicating your concern about this important issue.

We have provided a draft letter below for you to use, but it is much more powerful if you personalize it. You can use our recommendations to help you draft your letter.

CPAWS Wildlands League is calling for the newly elected Ontario Government to:

- End the hunting of moose calves
- Increase the funding for science, monitoring and enforcement; and,
- Create Moose Refuge Areas that are roadless.

Your message will be sent to:

Hon. Jeff Yurek, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

Forward any feedback you receive from OMNRF to info@wildlandsleague.org

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It is most effective to write in your own words.

Dear Honorable Kathryn McGarry,

I am writing you to voice my concern for Ontario’s moose population and to provide suggestions on slowing the decline of moose in the province. Though I see that the MNRF have made changes to moose management in Ontario, I believe further steps must be taken to ensure the recovery of the population.

Continuing to hunt moose calves while the population declines is contrary to moose recovery. More recent science suggests that most calf mortality occurs in the spring. By the time the hunting season commences in the fall, these calves who have managed to survive are further suppressed by hunting. To ensure this species has a chance to rebound, we must promote the growth and sustainability of this species.

I believe increased funding is necessary for the MNRF to carry out necessary research, monitoring and enforcement functions as the primary steward of our wildlife. Moose face many challenges, and will likely undergo more pressure in coming years due to increased parasite loads and heat stress due to the warming climate. Adequate research and monitoring will help facilitate decision making based in science and will help assess the effectiveness of management. 
 
Many of the problems faced by wildlife like moose stem from the increasing human footprint. Expanding road networks increase the access to moose habitat and consequently the hunting pressure on moose. I believe this can be mitigated through the creation of Moore Refuge Areas: habitat that is both adequate for wildlife and remote, allowing for species recovery.

In summary, please: 
- End the hunting of moose calves;
- Increase funding for science, monitoring and enforcement; 
- Create Moose Refuge Areas that are roadless and have suitable habitat.

Wildlife like moose are important ecological and cultural fixtures on the landscape. Their disappearance across parts of northern Ontario have sparked concerns over economic sustainability and food security.

The conservation of wildlife like moose is of great importance to me. Thank you for taking swift action on this matter.

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