Surveys by Manitoba Conservation show moose numbers have fallen as steeply as 65 per cent in several regions since 2000, including around the Duck Mountains, the most popular moose-hunting area, located 400 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

Cancellation of all moose hunting will apply to Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) 13 and 13A, located on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan near Duck Mountain Provincial Park, for the 2011season. These cancellations are in addition to cancellations previously announced for nearby GHAs 14 and 14A. To allow applicants time to reapply for other areas, the Hunting License draw results date has been changed from July 16 to Aug. 3.

"As a conservation measure, cancellation of these moose hunting seasons will remain in place until the populations have reached levels allowing resumption of sustainable hunting. If moose populations decline further, there is a risk the population may not recover or the recovery period will be extended over many years," said Manitoba Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie.

In March 2011 the province announced it was directing $800,000 towards dealing with declines in moose populations. The funding included: two new wildlife biologists, additional natural resource officers with better patrol coverage, and a moose advisory committee comprised of local groups, Aboriginal organizations and governments to partner in further development of a moose recovery strategy.

The province states it is working co-operatively with all concerned parties to develop a comprehensive moose management plan. Discussions with First Nations, Métis, and stakeholders are ongoing. The sharing of moose population data, reducing access to the areas, increased predator control measures and conservation closures, are all being actively considered.