Originally Posted by
Fishy Wishy
Again not a biologist here but we aren't talking a few less tags we are talking 2,901 fewer adult tags across Ontario. 18% fewer across the province with some WMUs 94% fewer. I still cannot understand why such a large cut in bull tags (2700) and such a small cut in cow tags (201)...it makes no sense to me.
Seems that the tag allocation/quotas of the past must have been erroneously high...or there is a fault in the frequency/adequacy of the aerial surveys. I don't believe for one second that Natives "from Quebec" or otherwise have killed that many moose in one season or that bears or wolves have had that much effect in a single year. Perhaps surveying 7/27 of the Northeast WMUs isn't adequate, just sayin'.
Maybe with such a low survey in those selected WMUs they should have expanded and surveyed more. These are the types of issues that show clearly, how underfunded the MNR is. In 2013 there were 102,770 hunters buy licenses and apply for adult tags (added up all Pool 1 and Pool 2, 1st choice applicant numbers for gun and bow tags).. @ $56/ each that is over $5.75M that in my opinion should go back into managing the moose herd. I know that is not a huge number when talking MNR budget but I'm tired of hearing excuses for lack of CO action due to budget restraints. And I know licensing fees go to general coffers not individual ministries but I believe in a pay for use system.
The last couple years I have seen lots of moose in 28, that were unshootable for a myriad of reasons (season, no tag/wrong tag, unverified ID etc).
That being said. If none of my group gets a tag, I don't think I'll be searching out calves this year. Echoing the sentiment, just because I can doesn't mean I should. Perhaps I'll hunt blackbear, perhaps I'll try waterfowl, or the fall turkey hunt...maybe I'll get more small game time in searching for grouse and bunnies. But I will do my part for conservation of my favourite game animal.
FW