Moose Population Stable

From WTIP Radio: The Department of Natural Resources reports the Northeastern Minnesota moose population remains close to last year's survey -- 7,600 animals. But department officials warn there appears to be a slow decline on the horizon. Mark Lenarz, DNR moose wildlife researcher said there is a historically low calf survival rate, declining hunter-success ratio and a higher than normal non-hunting mortality rate. Lenarz said these facts all point to a downward trend in the moose population. Moose remain abundant enough to merit a bulls-only season for a limited number of hunters, but the success ratio is down. The percentage of hunters who took a bull moose was down from 61% in 2001 to 45% in last year's hunt. The non-hunting mortality rate is 17% -- nationally the figure is between 8 and 12% of moose dying from causes other than hunting.