DNR news briefs
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Outdoors
Moose population still declining
The results of an aerial survey released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), indicates that populations of moose continue to decline in northeastern Minnesota.
"Moose are superbly adapted to the cold but intolerant of heat," said Dr. Mark Lenarz, DNR forest wildlife group leader, "and scientists believe that summer temperatures will likely determine the southern limit of this species."
The researchers estimated that there are 5,528 moose in northeastern Minnesota now in 2010. The number is down from last year's estimated, 7,593.
"These indices along with results from research using radio-collared moose all indicate that the population has been declining in recent years," Lenarz said.
Linking these high moose mortality rates to a cause is not easily done. Of the 150 Minnesota moose that were radio-collared in 2002, 103 have died. Nine died as a result of highway vehicle accidents, trains killed two and wolves distinguishably killed six.
Most of the unaccounted-for deaths are thought to be the result of parasites and disease.
The study was funded in part by the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority.
2009 deer harvest numbers released
Last year's goal of decreasing the deer harvest by allowing hunters to harvest fewer deer in 2009 succeeded, according to a press release from the DNR.
Hunters harvested 194,178 deer during the 2009 season; 165,428 were taken by firearm hunters-the remainder by muzzleloader and archery hunters.
"We regulate deer populations by allocating antlerless deer harvest," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR Big Game Program coordinator. "Total harvest numbers declined because thousands of antlerless deer were not included."
The nearly 500,000 registered hunters in Minnesota took 94,367 bucks and 99,819 antlerless deer in 2009.
The full report can be seen at www.mndnr.gov.
The results of an aerial survey released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), indicates that populations of moose continue to decline in northeastern Minnesota.
"Moose are superbly adapted to the cold but intolerant of heat," said Dr. Mark Lenarz, DNR forest wildlife group leader, "and scientists believe that summer temperatures will likely determine the southern limit of this species."
The researchers estimated that there are 5,528 moose in northeastern Minnesota now in 2010. The number is down from last year's estimated, 7,593.
"These indices along with results from research using radio-collared moose all indicate that the population has been declining in recent years," Lenarz said.
Linking these high moose mortality rates to a cause is not easily done. Of the 150 Minnesota moose that were radio-collared in 2002, 103 have died. Nine died as a result of highway vehicle accidents, trains killed two and wolves distinguishably killed six.
Most of the unaccounted-for deaths are thought to be the result of parasites and disease.
The study was funded in part by the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority.
2009 deer harvest numbers released
Last year's goal of decreasing the deer harvest by allowing hunters to harvest fewer deer in 2009 succeeded, according to a press release from the DNR.
Hunters harvested 194,178 deer during the 2009 season; 165,428 were taken by firearm hunters-the remainder by muzzleloader and archery hunters.
"We regulate deer populations by allocating antlerless deer harvest," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR Big Game Program coordinator. "Total harvest numbers declined because thousands of antlerless deer were not included."
The nearly 500,000 registered hunters in Minnesota took 94,367 bucks and 99,819 antlerless deer in 2009.
The full report can be seen at www.mndnr.gov.
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