By Brandon Walker EBS STAFF WRITER
BIG SKY – Moose populations and hunting
opportunities are not what they once were in the Gallatin Canyon. Since the
1970s and ’80s, moose numbers have steadily declined and Montana Fish, Wildlife
and Parks has greatly reduced their harvest objectives. Between Montana hunting
districts 306, 307 and 310, which encompass the area surrounding Big Sky and
the Taylor Fork region, there once were 45 moose hunting licenses offered but
now there are much fewer.
In 2000, only five moose hunting permits, all
for antlered bulls only, were offered throughout hunting districts 306, 307 and
310. Fast forward 10 years and the districts didn’t offer a single moose
hunting license. The areas were re-opened for hunting in 2012 and currently
only one permit, strictly for a bull, is offered throughout districts 306, 307
and 310.
Bozeman area Wildlife Biologist Julie Cunningham, of MT FWP, said the decision to reopen hunting in the area resulted after a population survey and public input.
“A winter 2011 flight showed 15 moose with more moose tracks in the area
suggesting we counted a portion of what was actually there,” Cunningham said in
an email to EBS. “Discussions within MT FWP and with Gallatin residents and
sportspersons led to the idea that if we opened the three districts together to
one antlered bull license, it would retain hunter opportunity on the landscape,
while keeping it at a conservative level to protect moose populations.”
The downtick in moose numbers is something
Cunningham has been monitoring for some time, and it’s a trend common in other
parts of the state as well.
“Regarding why moose numbers have declined,
there are many potential factors,” Cunningham said. “I’ve opportunistically
documented moose mortalities since 2012 and have documented 17 mortalities on
Highway 191. The next most common cause of death has been disease with winter
tick infections and arterial worm infections.”
She added that MT FWP is currently conducting a
state-wide research project to better understand all of Montana’s moose
populations.
Change may be looming, though, as the local
moose population continues to shift. MT FWP has suggested to recombine hunting
districts 306, 307 and 310 as part of the state-wide biennial season setting
process.
“This would simplify the regulations because it
would be easier for hunters to see the district number and moose license they
are applying for,” Cunningham said. “Instead of applying for one license
good in three small areas, it would be one license good in one larger
area.”
The Fish and Wildlife Commission is set to
review the proposal in December. If the commission were to decide in favor of
it initially, it would go before the public for a formal comment period in
January. After public input is received, it would be reconsidered for final
approval.
Visit fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/diseasesAndResearch/research/moose/populationsMonitoring/default.html to learn more about moose populations and research.
