Moose population in zone 17 is beginning to show signs of recovery following 5 years of management measures

In 2021, the Cree Nation Government along with local partners undertook a moose aerial survey of hunting zone 17 in partnership with the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). The survey showed a significant decrease in the moose population had occurred since the previous survey in 2009.  Cree and Quebec worked together at the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC) to suspend the sports hunt as the population could no longer sustain it.

The Cree Nation Government worked closely with the Regional Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA), the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou Cree First Nation and the Cree First Nation of Waskaganish, as well as their local CTA representatives, and formed a Moose Management Technical Committee tasked to develop harvest guidelines to ensure the Cree harvest remained sustainable as well as a mechanism to report harvests in Zone 17. Cree communities also supported moose conservation by promoting traditional harvesting practices and the passing down of Cree knowledge to the next generation through on-the-land learning and mentorship.

As a result of these collective conservation and management efforts, the moose population in hunting zone 17 has reportedly risen from approximately 1,036 to 2,060 in the last 5 years making the density of the population more comparable to the neighbouring zones. This could not have been possible without the sacrifice of both Cree and non-Native hunters.

Although the population is showing an increase, management measures are still key in ensuring moose remain in hunting zone 17. Despite the improvement, it is understood that there are a number of cumulative effects that are attributed to the decline. The continued monitoring of habitat and disturbances are essential to our collective efforts and the protection of the species.

The Moose Management Technical Committee will be hosting a workshop this fall on moose management in hunting zone 17. This workshop will allow land users to review the survey results and continue to share their perspective on moose management for the preservation and protection of moose and its habitat in Eeyou Istchee. We need to keep talking about this very important issue. The knowledge held by land users and tallymen is critical to understanding how we can all best support the species.

Jonathan Sutherland, Director of Environment and Wildlife, Cree Nation Government

Email : jonathan.sutherland@cngov.ca