Moose Points are now posted

[Sam Menard]

The MNR could review previous years application data and figure out how many points would have been required to get a tag. I’m hoping that they will publish something that will inform hunters of their probable chances.

[rf2]

On the flip side of the patterns for draw %, You are going to have hunters study the charts after the 1st year to see if there are any changes in draw #.
So, you see a WMU you don't hunt but is in the area you scout and hunt, just for instance with 100 bull tags and 300 people applied last year for a 33% success rate.
Your preferred WMU had 100 bull tags and 1800 people applied so you had only a 5.5% chance of drawing.
I could see next year large numbers of people changing their WMU choices and hoping for a better chance at winning the lottery.
I think it is going to be a gong show for a few years with wild swings in draw percentages for different WMUs as hunters look to get an edge, and that is if MNR even keeps tags available at the same numbers they are now.
John

People could do that under the previous system - the number of tags and applicants were published in the regulations summary. I don't see how it's really different now - or are you saying that the previous group application system prevented people from freely changing the area they applied in because it favoured established groups?
I think that in reality, lots of hunters are limited to hunting in certain WMUs due to proximity, the location of their camps, or the location of the hunters in their group. I'm not sure if they will be willing to change that just because of the new system. Anyway, who knows. Time will tell.

[outdoorlife]

Last year 2500 people applied for 40 tags in WMU 49. Presumably as well, many hunters in 49 probably didn’t even bother applying. So likely 3000-5000 people went up to 49 for moose season to fish, shoot grouse, ride atvs and spend the week in camp.

In 2021 only hunters associated with those 40 tags + new calf tags will be out the week of moose season in WMU 49.

While this is going to be hard on the Northern hospitality industry (motels, restaurants, tackle shops etc.) It has to be good for the moose, no?
And finally putting the interests of the moose herd ahead of $, well that has to be good too, no?

I think the lack of traffic in the woods going forward should be wonderful for those fortunate to get tags. Ultimately it should result in more moose and less intrusion and disturbance in good moose habitat. Those can’t be bad things...

[JUDGE]

Best chance for a tag will be through an outfitter.
Who only cater to Americans.

[redd foxx]

Best chance for a tag will be through an outfitter.
Who only cater to Americans.

And some charge an arm and a leg for the tags that are supposed to be supplied free.

[Ahuntr300]

Last year 2500 people applied for 40 tags in WMU 49. Presumably as well, many hunters in 49 probably didn’t even bother applying. So likely 3000-5000 people went up to 49 for moose season to fish, shoot grouse, ride atvs and spend the week in camp.

In 2021 only hunters associated with those 40 tags + new calf tags will be out the week of moose season in WMU 49.

While this is going to be hard on the Northern hospitality industry (motels, restaurants, tackle shops etc.) It has to be good for the moose, no?
And finally putting the interests of the moose herd ahead of $, well that has to be good too, no?

I think the lack of traffic in the woods going forward should be wonderful for those fortunate to get tags. Ultimately it should result in more moose and less intrusion and disturbance in good moose habitat. Those can’t be bad things...

So you think that only the tag holders are going to go? I beg to differ. I think the tag holders will be taking their gang with them and it will make no difference in the numbers of hunters going, it could even be more. You do not need a tag to party hunt for moose, only a license which will be 15+35 =$50. Party hunting for moose is still allowed.

Also, it is not legal to moose hunt without a tag or a member of your camp to have a tag and like you said go up to shoot grouse and ride their ATVs, which could still be construed as moose hunting that week. A lot of guys buy bear tags in case the MNR asks them, but this is still not acceptable - never was.

[outdoorlife]

So you think that only the tag holders are going to go? I beg to differ. I think the tag holders will be taking their gang with them and it will make no difference in the numbers of hunters going, it could even be more. You do not need a tag to party hunt for moose, only a license which will be 15+35 =$50. Party hunting for moose is still allowed.

By “associated with” I was referring to the tag holders and their groups. A fraction of last year’s moose hunters in that area

[Deer Hunter]

Best chance for a tag will be through an outfitter.
Who only cater to Americans.

They cater to anyone that wants to pay the asking price.

[Deer Hunter]

Last year 2500 people applied for 40 tags in WMU 49. Presumably as well, many hunters in 49 probably didn’t even bother applying. So likely 3000-5000 people went up to 49 for moose season to fish, shoot grouse, ride atvs and spend the week in camp.

In 2021 only hunters associated with those 40 tags + new calf tags will be out the week of moose season in WMU 49.

While this is going to be hard on the Northern hospitality industry (motels, restaurants, tackle shops etc.) It has to be good for the moose, no?
And finally putting the interests of the moose herd ahead of $, well that has to be good too, no?

I think the lack of traffic in the woods going forward should be wonderful for those fortunate to get tags. Ultimately it should result in more moose and less intrusion and disturbance in good moose habitat. Those can’t be bad things...

How do we know it wont be the same?
Is there going to be the same amount of adult tags?
What if they give out a pile of calf tags?
No limit on how many hunters can party hunt on one tag?
Unregulated hunters will be doing the same!
Will they be putting the interests of the moose herd ahead of $, not sure about that?
We don't know enough yet about tag numbers IMO.
Might be the same hunting pressure, under a new point system format?

[Ahuntr300]

How do we know it wont be the same?
Is there going to be the same amount of adult tags?
What if they give out a pile of calf tags?
No limit on how many hunters can party hunt on one tag?
Unregulated hunters will be doing the same!
Will they be putting the interests of the moose herd ahead of $, not sure about that?
We don't know enough yet about tag numbers IMO.
Might be the same hunting pressure, under a new point system format?

IMO nothing is going to change and its going to be more expensive to go moose hunting while doing so. All smoke and mirrors IMO.

This new system is just going to please people that complained for years that they were not able to get a tag as they applied as individuals in high demand areas. They'll get their wish for a year or 2 until it catches up to them as well.

As far as tag numbers, there is too much regional economic pressure and MNR needs the revenue so, don't expect the tag numbers to be reduced drastically as they should as the moose populations are disappearing from most accessible areas.