Manitoba bans moose hunting in 5 areas due to population decline

The moose population is declining in Manitoba's Turtle Mountain area, and hunting the animals in the area is no longer an optionsays Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.

• Manitoba wildlife officers seek leads in illegal moose hunting cases

• Reversing the decline of the moose numbers in Manitoba

The restrictioncomes after the province closed moose huntingin five other areas;including Duck Mountain, Red Deer Lake, Swan-Pelican, Porcupine Mountain and Nopiming to help the population recover.

There is one section of Duck Mountain Game Hunting Area 19A where licensed hunters cannot hunt moose, butindigenous and Mtis harvesters can.

The province will monitor the animals closely, says Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, and if the population increases to what itconsiders acceptable, the restrictionswill be lifted.