Proposal 6 – Michigan Moose Hunt

Member to vote on:

Proposed Resolution #6

Requires 2/3 Majority

Submitted by: TGeorge Lindquist, Executive Board
Passed: August 26 Conservation Policy Board Meeting
Title: Michigan Moose Hunt

WHEREAS: the Western UP moose of today are primarily descendants of animals brought in from Canada in 1985 and 1987. Thanks to the efforts of the DNR and money from private groups, primarily Safari Club International, along with other conservation organizations, including MUCC, we now have a stable, sustainable population of moose in the UP,

and;

WHEREAS: it is inevitable that moose within the population will die every year. Older animals are more susceptible, especially bull moose. Having special hunts would bring awareness and monies towards better management and growth of the UP moose population,

and;

WHEREAS: with the UP moose population stable and increasing, a limited hunt will not affect the existing herd and will draw attention to the moose herd of the UP,

and;

WHEREAS: the monies gained by a moose hunt can and should be earmarked for UP moose research, habitat work, and development of a long-term management plan to ensure the viability of this iconic species,

and;

WHEREAS: only Michigan residents can apply for the drawing of the moose lottery and such tags would be a “once in a lifetime” tag,

and;

WHEREAS: the hunts would be overseen by DNR personnel to ensure that the animals harvested will not harm the existing moose population. IE, the harvest of only older bulls,

and;

WHEREAS: these drawings should be conducted as a lottery, much like our current elk hunts, where every sportsman of the State of Michigan has an opportunity to draw one of these coveted tags,

NOW;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that MUCC work with the Michigan DNR, Natural Resources Commission and Legislature to conduct a very limited bull moose hunt in the UP of Michigan and a separate lottery, much like the current elk lottery, with monies derived going to sustaining and growing this iconic species in Michigan.