Please note this news release has been updated to include information on Game Management Subzones and a link to the 2022 Permit Hunt Authorization map for moose.
As of April 1, 2022, Permit Hunt Authorizations (PHAs) will be required for the Sifton-Miners Range and South Canol Moose Management Units (MMU). As well, Mayo will now be on a threshold hunt for moose.
There will be 12 permits available for the Sifton-Miners Moose Management Unit and 10 permits for the South Canol. Hunters can apply for these through the permit hunt authorization lottery, open from April 21 to May 19, 2022. The Mayo threshold hunt will open September 1, 2022, and be limited to 11 moose.
In these Moose Management Units, the combined licensed and subsistence harvest of moose is at or above sustainable levels, particularly in areas that are easy to access. These changes to high access areas will help protect the Yukon's moose population for future generations and ensure responsible wildlife management.
While maintaining licensed harvest opportunities and respecting First Nation Final Agreements, it is important that we protect the incredible diversity of wildlife species in the territory, including moose. As the most-harvested big-game species in the territory, we are taking steps to keep a healthy moose population in the Yukon and these changes will help ensure that these majestic animals will thrive in our territory for generations to come.
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke
In 2021–22, the Department of Environment spent approximately $700,000 on moose inventory work in the Lower Stewart, White Gold, Sifton/Miners Range, Fish Lake, Wheaton River, Mount Lorne and Teslin River Moose Management Units.
The Government of Yukon proposed harvest restrictions in the Sifton-Miners and South Canol Moose Management Units during the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board's Wildlife Act regulation public review process in 2019.
The Mayo threshold hunt was proposed by the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council and applies to Game Management Subzones 2–56, 2–58, 2–59, 2–62, 2–63 and 4–04 to 4–06.
The Sifton-Miners Range MMU is comprised of Game Management Subzones 5-48 to 5-50. The South Canol MMU is comprised of Game Management Subzones 8-19, 8-20, 8-22, and 10-01 to 10-03.
There are an estimated 70,000 moose in the Yukon.
The Department of Environment conducts moose population estimates annually and prioritizes which Moose Management Units to survey based on a combination of factors including: harvest levels, access, community concerns, length of time since the last survey, industrial activity in the area and land-use planning data needs.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications Government of Yukon
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Chantelle Rivest
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
chantelle.rivest@yukon.ca