Manitoba Wildlife Federation Urges Full Moose Hunting Ban in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest Amid Population Crisis

Manitoba Wildlife Federation Urges Full Moose Hunting Ban in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest Amid Population Crisis The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) is calling for a complete moose hunting closure in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest after surveys revealed populations are 36% below recovery thresholds. With over 75% of Manitobans supporting closures, conservationists warn that government inaction could push vulnerable herds toward collapse. 🦌 Moose Populations in Peril The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has issued an urgent appeal to the provincial government, demanding a full moose hunting closure in the Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest regions. The call comes after newly released population estimates revealed a dramatic decline in moose numbers, raising fears that without immediate intervention, these herds may not recover. Despite the alarming data, the government has yet to respond to MWF’s formal request. Current regulations still allow harvest opportunities for Indigenous communities, a policy that the federation argues undermines the chances of recovery unless a universal closure for all hunters is enforced. 📉 Population Decline Below Critical Thresholds According to surveys conducted in September 2025, moose populations in the Duck/Porcupine area are now 36% below the threshold that originally triggered a hunting closure in 2011. That earlier closure was credited with stabilizing numbers, but the latest figures suggest the herds are once again in crisis. The MWF warns that without decisive action, the long‑term survival of moose in these regions is at serious risk. Conservationists stress that moose are a keystone species in Manitoba’s boreal ecosystems, and their decline could have cascading effects on biodiversity and habitat health. 📊 Manitobans Strongly Support Hunting Closures Public opinion appears to be firmly on the side of conservation. A Leger poll conducted from September 24–26, 2025, surveyed 400 Manitobans and found that more than three‑quarters support full hunting closures to allow moose populations to recover. The poll carries a margin of error of ±4.9% (19 times out of 20), underscoring the reliability of the findings. The MWF argues that this overwhelming support should compel the provincial government to act swiftly. 🗣️ MWF’s Call to Action In its latest statement, the MWF reiterated its demand that the Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development listen to Manitobans and implement a complete moratorium on moose hunting in the Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest regions. The federation also called for a province‑wide prohibition on the harvest of moose cows and calves, measures they say are essential to give the species a meaningful chance of recovery. “Failure to enforce a full closure and prohibit harvest will put the future survival of this moose population at risk,” the MWF warned. 🌍 Conservation, Culture, and Shared Management The issue of moose management in Manitoba is not only ecological but also cultural. Moose hunting has long been a tradition for both Indigenous and non‑Indigenous communities. However, the MWF stresses that shared management must prioritize conservation first, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from healthy wildlife populations. Experts note that climate change, habitat fragmentation, and predation pressures have compounded the challenges facing moose herds. Without coordinated action, Manitoba risks losing one of its most iconic species. 🔑 Key Takeaways - Moose populations in Duck Mountain and Porcupine Forest are 36% below recovery thresholds. - The MWF is demanding a full hunting closure for all hunters in these regions. - A Leger poll shows over 75% of Manitobans support closures to conserve moose. - The federation also calls for a province‑wide ban on cow and calf harvests. - Government inaction could jeopardize the long‑term survival of Manitoba’s moose. Final Note The Manitoba Wildlife Federation’s urgent plea highlights a growing crisis in the province’s northern forests. With scientific data, public opinion, and conservation principles aligned, the question now is whether the provincial government will act decisively to protect Manitoba’s moose before it is too late.