Representatives from a dozen countries have spent this week in Brandon to discuss moose conservation around the world.  It was the 50th Anniversary of the North American Moose Conference /Workshop, as well as the 8th International Moose Symposium.  

Rob Olson is the Managing Director for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.  He was one of a number of speakers who addressed the dropping numbers in moose population across Manitoba.  He says Manitoba’s moose population is at a critical low and the Province of Manitoba needs to get involved and take serious action to stop moose hunting activity.

Olson speaks to how other countries share the same dilemma in moose population as the Prairie Provinces, and is encouraged that Canada might be able to use some of the same strategies that have worked on the other side of the world.

All stakeholders are passionate about their position in the activities of hunting, management and preservation.  It is agreed that relationship between interested parties needs to be maintained and protected.  “It has been difficult in the past,” shares Olson, “as we tend to blame each other. We need to come together as moose hunters and find the common ground; the moose itself.”

Olson states that the diminished moose population in Manitoba is a crisis and there are long-term and short-term plans that need to be in place.  He adds that it starts with the Province of Manitoba to take immediate steps to enforce poaching and trespassing laws in a creative way that works for all involved.

There are ways the public can get involved.  Rob Olson encourages land-owners, farmers and ranchers to watch for suspicious activity.  If you see an illegal kill, take a picture and call your local Conservation Officer or the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and provide details on date and location.  

Letting Conservation Officers know where there are moose populating the area will help those CO’s keep watch for their protection.  If you see moose in your area, call your local CO and let them know their location and how many.

If you suspect illegal activity call the Turn-in-Poachers Line (TIPS) line at 1-800-782-0076.  Information, such as the time and location, vehicle description (make, colour and licence number if possible), number and description of people, and the direction vehicle went when reporting the offence is helpful.  Go to www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/rpt_enforce for more information.

For more information about the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, visit the website at mwf.mb.ca.

Courtesy Rob Olson