A preliminary study of the moose (Alces and alces andersoni Peterson) in northern Manitoba, with special reference to its management ...

• Main Author: Bryant, Joseph Edward
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2012
• Subjects: Cree indians
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0106353; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0106353

A study of the history, numbers, distribution, utilization, habitat, and economic importance of moose in Manitoba north of the 53rd parallel, was commenced in the spring of 1951 and continued for three of the following four years. In the past 200 years moose have advanced their range from the 55th parallel and 97th meridian to the northern and eastern limits of the boreal forest. The advance is considered to have been part of a "normal" post-glacial movement accelerated by the concurrent extension of range of the Cree Indians which increased the number of fire-produced openings in the forest. Limited aerial censuses and ground counts by trappers showed few areas with more than 1 moose per square mile, but a number of isolated blocks with up to 1 moose per five square miles. Adult sex ratios approached 1:1 in most areas where both sexes were hunted. Calf:cow ratios approached 1:1 in the trappers' censuses and .5:1 in the aerial censuses. It is believed that the true ratio probably lies near .75:1. Utilization ...