Hello there!

We are writing to you to ask for your support to protect what is left of Minnesota’s moose population. As we all know, moose are in trouble for many different reasons, ranging from brain worm, climate change, ticks, habitat loss, predation of calves, etc. They have been petitioned to be listed as an Endangered Species. We need to do everything in our power to help the struggling, remaining moose stay alive

Why now?

We need to take action now more than ever because of the large number of moose still being hunted. Moose are critical not only to our habitat, but also to our economic activity in Northern Minnesota. Many shops, restaurants and resorts from Two Harbors on up proudly promote moose signs and moose names in their businesses. Tourists eagerly ask “Where is our best chance to see a moose?” It’s important for the tourism industry livelihood of these communities to protect the moose population. 

Moreover, the subspecies of western moose in our woods naturally compete for dominance and mating rights.  Hunting them interferes with natural selection and the chance of passing on  traits for having healthier calves.

Who is hunting the moose population?

The state closed moose hunting in 2013. https://www.outdoornews.com/2013/02/06/end-of-an-era-state-ends-moose-hunting-in-minnesota/ 

Then in 2016- " A three-year hunting reprieve for Minnesota’s struggling moose population has come to an end this fall with the planned shooting of 38 bulls by three Chippewa Indian tribes.

The DNR expressed its concern to the band when they notified the state of their plans, said Wildlife Population and Regulation Manager Steve Merchant.

We asked them to reconsider. But at the end of the day, they do have the right to hunt in the 1854 Ceded Territory, Merchant said.

However, Merchant disagreed with the band's characterization that the moose population in northeast Minnesota has stabilized." (Star Tribune-Oct 19, 2016) 

In the past 5 years since the tribal hunts resumed, approximately 181 bull moose have been killed. That is a significant amount to take from a species of special concern!  From that amount, The Fond du Lac Tribe (FDL) has taken 121. 

The Boise Forte and Grand Portage Tribes hunt to fulfill cultural, subsistence and ceremonial purposes. We all respect this right and they have been reasonable in their limits. However, the Fond du Lac band conduct a general hunt and take 20-30 per year! They do have the legal right to do this as they are not part of the 1854 Treaty Authority. The following article explains it:https://www.nativetimes.com/91-life/history/12714-treaty-tensions-run-deep-in-minnesota 

 The actions of the FDL seem unreasonable to everyone else who savors the chance to catch a glimpse of this majestic animal. It also seems counterintuitive to be killing so many, when moose are so important to their culture. Common sense says this needs to stop.

Indeed, we respect the rights of the FDL to hunt a few moose for cultural purposes. However the uncalled for and excessive hunting needs to stop.

We have a simple request for the DNR: please negotiate with the FDL to limit their hunt. There has to be something we can respectfully offer the Fond du Lac tribe in exchange for this request.

How can you help?

Please sign this letter to show your support. We will be passing this letter onto the DNR to ask for their help in negotiating with the FDL to limit their hunt. 

Thank you,

Buck Weber