Ontario cuts moose tag numbers amid declining population

Moose tags are going to be hard to come by this year.

The number of moose tags for resident hunters will be cut by 15 per cent across the province, while the hunting season for moose calves in northern Ontario will be shortened this year.

The MNRF’s Heather Pridham says the province will issue fewer tags, and delay the hunting season because of a declining population.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters had urged the government not to reduce the number of moose tags or shorten the season.

Aerial surveys show a decrease in the moose population in 15 of what the government calls “wildlife management units:” seven in the northeast, two in the northwest and four in the southern region.

A total of 11,428 tags will be available when Ontario’s moose draw opens next Tuesday, April 21st.

Moose hunting season begins October 10th, 2015, and closes December 15th, 2015.  The calf hunt goes from October 24th to November 6th.

View how many tags are available in each region HERE.

Not sure where your Wildlife Management Unit is? CLICK HERE.

(With files from The Canadian Press)