The Province will strengthen its current moose management strategy as the initial phase in examining how to modernize aspects of wildlife management, such as licensing, inventory, research and increased engagement in wildlife management decisions.

These actions are one of the key responses to recommendations from Mike Morris’ report, Getting the Balance Right – Improving Wildlife Habitat in British Columbia. 

The ministry manages all wildlife populations on the principle of conservation first. Other principles considered in the management of moose include First Nations’ rights, hunting and predator management, as well as access and habitat management.

The moose enhancement strategy will focus on growing moose populations for the benefit of all British Columbians. The strategy will build on interim findings from the five-year provincewide moose research project and the ministry’s 2015 Provincial Framework for Moose Management.

Al Gorley is being contracted to engage with key wildlife stakeholders and First Nations in developing a moose enhancement strategy. In addition, Gorley, in consultation with interested parties, will identify opportunities to improve and modernize British Columbia’s overall wildlife management framework.

Quotes:

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson ─

“We’re committed to healthy and sustainable wildlife populations. We’ve heard loudly and clearly from First Nations and stakeholders that we need to re-invigorate and re-examine our existing approaches to wildlife. In modernizing wildlife management processes and decisions, we’re focusing on moose first.”

George Wilson, president, BC Wildlife Federation ─

“Moose is the most-demanded species for resident hunters. Nearly 70,000 resident hunters apply for 12,000 lottery moose-hunting opportunities annually. Moose populations have declined across parts of B.C. over the last three decades. Recovering moose populations in partnership with stakeholders, industry and First Nations across the Province is a positive step forward.”

Brian Glaicar, president, Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. ─

“We applaud Minister Thomson’s commitment to advance the current moose management strategy and acting on the recommendations in the Mike Morris Report ‘Getting the Balance Right.’ We also fully support the ministry’s efforts to increase provincial moose populations for the benefit of all British Columbians.”

Dave Fyfe, Wildlife Stewardship Council ─

“The Wildlife Stewardship Council (WSC) is most pleased to note the commitment to ‘increased engagement in wildlife management decisions’. Moose are of particular importance to many First Nations, licensed hunters and others in B.C., and the decline in moose populations has had broad cultural and social implications throughout the province. The WSC believes that if all parties are genuinely committed to doing what is best for wildlife by developing a comprehensive strategy for wildlife and habitat conservation, the future is bright for B.C.’s wildlife and all British Columbians will ultimately benefit from this initiative.”

Quick Facts:

• The limited-entry hunt system is moving online for the fall 2016 draw.
• In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the ministry has spent $750,000 annually on wildlife inventories.
• The provincewide moose research project is a comprehensive five-year moose study (2013-18) investigating recent moose population declines in B.C.’s Interior. The study involves 11 wildlife biologists, one wildlife veterinarian and several other staff over its five-year duration. Over 200 cow moose are radio collared, and their movements tracked and all mortalities investigated to determine cause of death.

Learn More:

2015 Provincial Framework for Moose Management:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/management-issues/docs/provincial_framework_for_moose_management_bc.pdf