RENO, Nev. (AP) — In what will be a tiny big-game hunt for some of the largest animals in North America, Nevada is planning its first-ever moose hunting season this fall.

Wildlife experts have observed a significant increase in the number of moose in Nevada over the last five years, with a population now exceeding 100 individuals. This growth has led to a small number of planned harvests, which wildlife managers believe are justified.

Researchers state that this particular experiment could offer insight into the effects of climate change on wildlife in real time, and offer an explanation as to why these large, horse-sized mammals have extended their habitats into warmer regions, showing their majestic and at times comical appearance.

Cody McKee, a specialist from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, stated that moose are recent immigrants to North America.

According to McKee, the most recent type of deer to migrate across the Bering Sea land bridge and reach Alaska and Canada has been the moose. This pattern of movement from the Lower 48 states has primarily taken place within the last 150 years.

“Their expansion in range after the glacial period is not entirely finished,” stated McKee. “This is evident by the ongoing movement of moose into Nevada where they are locating suitable environments.”

Only a few Nevada moose, perhaps just one, will be killed across an area larger than Massachusetts and New Jersey combined. But state officials expect thousands of applications for the handful of hunting tags, and it’s already controversial.

Stephanie Myers of Las Vegas expressed her concern at a recent wildlife commission meeting, questioning the purpose of a moose hunt. She stated that the public wants to observe and appreciate the animals rather than be involved in their deaths.

In Nevada, the initial sighting of a moose occurred during the 1950s, shortly before the appearance of the unintelligent animated figure “Bullwinkle” on television. After only a few sightings in the following decades, the number of moose sightings began to rise approximately 10 years ago.

In 2018, it was approximated by officials that there were 30 to 50 of them located in the northeast region of Nevada. However, since then, the number has more than doubled and experts theorize that the available habitat could support around 200 individuals. This milestone could potentially be reached within the next three years.

Bryan Bird, Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife‘s Southwest program, is one of many doubters who believe that this is a temporary occurrence.

Bird stated that the moose story pertains to the expansion of habitat or range, akin to a “ghost”. This refers to the concept that these animals are moving into areas that may not be viable in the future due to changing climate conditions.

Government researchers acknowledge that they do not have a complete understanding of the reasons behind the moose’s migration to more southern regions, where the weather is typically warmer and drier than their usual habitat.

Marcus Blum, a researcher from Texas A&M University, was hired to evaluate potential movement patterns of moose. After studying aerial surveys, sightings, and habitat data, he concluded that the expected expansion of moose is not aligned with their typical ecology.

Moose, which can reach heights of six feet (equivalent to 1.8 meters) and weights of up to 1,000 pounds (approximately 453.5 kilograms), inhabit riparian regions in Nevada’s northern territory. They primarily feed on berry bushes and aspen leaves found along the borders of mountain forests.

They typically stay away from locations with temperatures consistently above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius).

Blum reported that the Nevada study observed moose using approximately fifty percent of their time in regions where the “thermal threshold” was surpassed for around 150 days per year. However, according to climate change predictions, this threshold will be exceeded for an additional 14 days per year by 2050.

The valleys situated below the snow-covered mountain ranges, where moose can be found, are approximately 500 miles (805 kilometers) away from the Las Vegas Strip. This is in the desert region commonly associated with Nevada.

Researchers are faced with numerous uncertainties and a lack of information in regards to the continued migration of moose into Nevada, despite the harsh impact of prolonged drought on other animal species, as stated by McKee.

According to McKee, there is much speculation and curiosity surrounding the presence of moose in changing and potentially warmer and drier environments. Despite prolonged drought cycles, the moose population does not seem to have been impacted.

The population size near the border between the United States and Canada has fluctuated for over 100 years. In some states, such as Idaho, Minnesota, and Maine, hunting restrictions have been lowered in order to aid in the recovery of these populations.

In Alaska, there are over 200,000 moose, making it the state with the largest population in the US. Each year, about 7,000 moose are harvested. Maine also has a significant moose population with 70,000, which is five times more than any other state in the contiguous US. Last year, they issued 4,100 permits for moose hunting. In comparison, New Hampshire only offered 35 permits for their 3,000+ moose, and Idaho issued approximately 500 permits for their 10,000 to 12,000 moose.

There were no moose sightings in Washington state prior to the 1960s, but the population has since increased to over 5,000. In 1977, the state issued three hunting permits, but now issues over 100 each year.

According to McKee, Nevada’s study indicates that its population could withstand additional harvests beyond what was originally planned. However, being cautious is the strategy being employed here.

Biologists have equipped four male moose and nine female moose with radio-tracking collars since 2020 to support aerial surveys. In certain areas, there is a notable imbalance of male to female moose. The researcher suggests that removing a couple of males could potentially enhance the dynamics of the herd.

The specific quantity of permits will be decided in the next few weeks, however McKee expects a maximum of three. Only residents of Nevada can submit applications for the first hunt, which will aid in making choices regarding future undertakings.

Hunters who have achieved success must have the skull and antlers inspected by the state within five days. This will provide researchers with a better understanding of the herd’s overall health, physical condition, and the presence of any illnesses or parasites.

Sparks resident Bill Nolan, who began duck hunting at 12 years old, plans to submit an application for the limited opportunity to obtain a moose tag, which he believes to be highly improbable.

“For hunters, it would be comparable to winning the lottery,” he exclaimed.

Source: wral.com