| Summary: | Concern that open gun seasons across North America may coincide with breeding activity, when moose (Alces alces) are highly vulnerable to harvest, gave rise to this study. Correspondence with Provincial, Territorial, and State agencies indicated that there were at least 147 open gun seasons for moose across North America in 1991-92, 139 different time periods between August 1st and March 31st. Despite geographical, latitudinal, and altitudinal differences across the continent, peak pre-rut/rut activity appears to occur between mid-September and mid-October when many gun seasons are open. Increased vulnerability of prime breeding animals immediately prior to and during peak rut activity may be compromising the gene pool by the removal of individuals exhibiting physical traits linked to dominance, and their potential offspring.
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