Feb. 28, 2011

Results from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment's biennial aerial moose survey indicate little growth in the western Upper Peninsula's moose population over the past two years, the DNRE announced today.

The January 2011 survey data indicates approximately 433 moose in Marquette, Baraga and northern Iron counties. The results show a slight increase from the 2009 estimate of 420 moose. Informal estimates for the eastern UP moose population suggest fewer than 100 animals, putting the entire mainland UP moose population at approximately 500 animals.

"The results suggest that moose population growth during the past two years may have slowed down, compared to the growth rates we saw over the previous decade," said DNRE wildlife research biologist Dean Beyer. "However, surveys in coming years will help us determine if slowed population growth is going to be the trend, or if it's just a short-term deviation."

Legislation passed in late 2010 authorized the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to establish a moose hunting season, should the commission members choose to do so. The legislation also created the Moose Hunting Advisory Council, and directed the council to issue a report on the biological and economic impacts of a moose hunt to the NRC by Dec. 22, 2011.

The 2011 moose survey results, along with a new DNRE Wildlife Division report detailing the current status of the moose population and related management issues, will be available for review by the NRC and Moose Hunting Advisory Council as the two groups consider the possibility of a future moose hunting season.

In 1985 and 1987, 59 moose were trans-located by the DNRE from Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, to northwest Marquette County, with the long-term goal of a self-sustaining population of free ranging moose. To gauge the project's success, the health and population growth of the western Upper Peninsula moose have been closely monitored since that time. Part of that monitoring includes the biennial aerial moose survey, conducted every other year during the winter, when it is easiest to spot moose on the snow-covered landscape.

To learn more about the history of moose in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click on "Research Projects."

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.