Big Game Species Monitoring Program
Manitoba Big Game Hunting Trends and Statistics
In 2006, big game
hunting in Manitoba should be very similar to 2005. The
status of populations and regulations has not changed appreciably.
Notwithstanding this, it is important for all hunters to familiarize
themselves with changes in bag limits, seasons and general regulations
by utilizing the 2006 Hunting
Guide. Please note that the Guide can be downloaded
as a PDF document, or you can pick up a hard copy of the
Guide at most Manitoba Conservation
regional and district offices, most regular vendor outlets
and some outfitters.
Three changes for 2006
are specifically highlighted in the Guide and should be reviewed.
In the Portage Sandhills Wildlife Management Area in Game Hunting
Area 32, vehicles are prohibited from March 1 to November 30.
For hunters using the Canadian Forces Base Shilo, safety briefing
sessions begin on November 1 and occur three times daily thereafter
until the end of the season. Around Riding Mountain National
Park (Game Hunting Areas 23 and 23A), the moose populations
has recovered from serious losses to winter ticks. Moose hunting
is now being permitted, by allowing hunters who were successful
in the draws for elk licences to also, if they choose, buy Conservation
Moose licences, which allow them to hunt for moose at the same
time.
White-tailed
deer hunting continues to show a very high success rate.
Hunters in the rifle season in 2005 had a success rate of almost
70%. Over 7500 Second Deer tags, which are only for antlerless
deer, were sold. The success rate for this tag was also almost
70%. The high population levels of deer in 2004 and 2005 continue
into 2006. Sales of general deer licences are still declining
(down by 1000 in 2005 to 28,500), generating many areas where
there is little competition from other hunters. For hunters
who want a quiet, quality hunt, there are opportunities in almost
every portion of the province's deer range. One reflection of
the widespread abundance of deer is the expansion of the Second
Deer tag applicability to many GHAs in the Duck Mountain and
Porcupine Mountain areas of western Manitoba.
Elk hunting
is changing in Manitoba. The reduction of the elk herd in the
Riding Mountain area (in response to concerns about bovine tuberculosis)
has reduced the success rates and popularity of licences in
this area, which formerly dominated Manitoba elk hunting. The
Interlake elk herd is substantial, now well over 1000 animals,
and the young herd in the Turtle Mountain area seems to be thriving
and continues to provide hunting opportunities for archers and
rifle hunters.
The numbers of moose
and moose hunters have stabilized recently. The success rate
for general moose hunters continues to be in the 17% to 20%
range. A draw season has been reintroduced for GHA 8, southeast
of The Pas in the Saskatchewan River Delta. As noted above,
elk hunters again have the opportunity to hunt moose in the
Riding Mountain area, by purchasing a Conservation Moose Licence,
which allow two hunters to share one tag.
Black bear
and caribou
hunting are virtually unchanged, with very stable levels of
populations and demand.
Statistical tables (below) are available by year, showing each season's licence sales, tags issued, days hunted and animals taken.
Graphs are also available to illustrate some signficant trends in big game hunting in Manitoba.
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