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The Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to increasing hunting opportunities while maintaining the sustainability of wildlife populations.
MOOSE DRAW AND MOOSE TAG ALLOCATION
* The Ministry of Natural Resources manages the moose population in Ontario under a selective harvest system which ensures the population is sustainable. Moose hunting is very popular in Ontario and hunter numbers have increased from about 80,000 in the late 1970s to more than 100,000 now. Despite that increase, this system has been successful in increasing the moose population over the past two decades from approximately 80,000 moose in the late 1980s to about 114,000 moose now. This has resulted in increased moose hunting opportunities.
* The number of moose tags is determined annually based on harvest and population data. Typically, the demand for adult moose tags exceeds the number available. The province has implemented a draw process to distribute tags.
* Applicants to the moose draw may apply to two Wildlife Management Units (WMU). They may choose to apply for gun or archery season and must specify whether they are applying for bull or cow tags.
* There is also a group application system, which gives preference to groups of hunters and ensures that as many groups of hunters as possible have at least one adult moose validation tag in their hunting party.
* Unsuccessful moose draw applicants can still harvest a calf moose in any WMU in the province with a moose hunting season, except in four WMUs around Bancroft and Pembroke where there is a concern about high calf harvests. A calf tag is required in these areas.
* Northern Ontario ’s reputation as a prime destination for moose hunters attracts hunters from southern Ontario, all over Canada and the U.S.
* Moose hunting and associated activities contributed more than $90 million to the gross provincial income in 2001.
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