Moose still hunted/why?

[Lee Borgersen]

Many people who live in Minnesota’s North Country say they're seeing fewer moose.

 But, despite diligent and ongoing research, nobody yet understands why, and a growing number of Minnesotans are wondering why, in the face of such a decline, moose are still being hunted.

As Minnesota moose population declines, DNR says annual hunt remains biologically sound

article..........
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/256752/group/Outdoors/

[stevejedlenski]

just reading through some new bills that are being introduced here. this is a link to a moratorium on the moose season. if it passes, which it probably will there will be no more moose hunting until the DNR finishes a study and report that moose can be hunted without being detrimenal to the population. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0242.0.html&session=ls88

S.F. No. 242,  as introduced - 88th Legislative Session (2013-2014)   Posted on Feb 01, 2013


1.1A bill for an act

1.2relating to natural resources; establishing moratorium on moose hunting;
1.3requiring a report.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5    Section 1. MOOSE HUNTING MORATORIUM.
1.6(a) The legislature finds that a temporary moratorium on hunting moose is necessary
1.7to protect Minnesota's moose population. The commissioner of natural resources shall not
1.8issue licenses to take moose and shall not prescribe an open season to take moose under
1.9Minnesota Statutes, sections 97B.501 and 97B.505.
1.10(b) The commissioner shall conduct a study of the moose population in Minnesota,
1.11to include moose numbers, health, mortality, and habitat and the effects of hunting on the
1.12moose population. On the basis of the study, the commissioner shall determine whether
1.13moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental impact on the moose population.
1.14(c) By January 1, 2015, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and
1.15ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having
1.16jurisdiction over natural resources. The report must include the results of the study under
1.17paragraph (b) and the determination of whether moose can be hunted in Minnesota without
1.18a detrimental impact on the moose population. If the commissioner determines that moose
1.19cannot be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental impact on the moose population, the
1.20commissioner shall recommend extending the temporary moratorium under this section or
1.21eliminating moose hunting in Minnesota. If the commissioner recommends extending the
1.22temporary moratorium under this section, the commissioner shall thereafter submit reports
1.23biannually regarding the health and numbers of the Minnesota moose population, with
2.1a determination as to whether moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental
2.2impact on the moose population.
2.3(d) This section expires upon a determination by the commissioner, submitted
2.4according to paragraph (c), that moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental
2.5impact on the moose population.
2.6EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

[Lee Borgersen]

Nice find there Steve