Moose Hunt Outlook
by Kristine Rines, N.H. Fish and Game Moose Biologist
The 2011 moose season saw 395 permits issued. Forty-five of these permits were antlerless-only and the remaining 350 were for any moose.
In the Connecticut Lakes Region, 60 either-sex and 25 antlerless-only permits were issued. This permit level resulted in a success rate of 86% last year. Sixty-three percent of the take of all permits combined was adult bulls and of that take, 85% were bulls older than 1.5. Either-sex permit holders took 4.6 bulls/cow. This region and the next three regions have seen a high number of winter tick mortalities this spring, so yearling bulls may be in short supply in the coming fall. The populations within these regions are all relatively stable otherwise. If we do not see the near perfect cool conditions of last fall, all these regions may see a slight decrease in success rate as well as a lower component of bulls in the either-sex kill. Overall success rates should fall within normal limits for these regions given normal fall weather patterns.
The North Region was issued 80 either-sex and 15 antlerless-only permits. Last year, this region saw a success rate of 90% for all permits combined. Sixty-nine percent of all permits were composed of adult bulls and 86% of these were older than 1.5. Either-sex permit holders took 3.9 bulls/cow. Due to the extensive network of log roads and heavy cutting that has taken place in this area, sightability of moose is relatively high.
The White Mountain Region (units E1 – E3, D2, and F) offers hunters the opportunities for a true wilderness hunt. The bulk of this region lies within the White Mountain National Forest. Access is primarily limited to foot traffic. Hunters must be prepared to get their moose out without the use of motorized vehicles. This year, 60 either-sex and 5 antlerless-only permits were issued. Last year, the success rate for all permits combined was 72%. Seventy-nine percent of the kill was adult bulls and of that, 76% were bulls older than 1.5 years. Either-sex permit holders took 9.5 bulls/cow.
The Central Region is more heavily settled than those regions to the north. Moose densities are good, as is access. Land ownership here and in the two remaining regions is primarily by individuals. One hundred and ten either-sex permits are issued here. Last year, the success rate was 67%, with hunters taking 67% adult bulls, of which 87% were bulls older than 1.5.
Hunters in the Southwest Region saw a 57% success rate, which was quite high for this region. Land ownership and development patterns are similar to those in the Central region, but moose densities are slightly lower. In an attempt to grow this population, permits remain at an all-time low of 20 either-sex permits. The adult sex kill ratio is usually quite high here, ranging from 2 – 8 bulls per cow in the recent past. Last year, however, this changed, and the bull/cow ratio dropped to 0.4bulls/cow. Only three adult bulls were taken, and all of these animals were older than 1.5. Success rates tend to jump around here but tend to fall within the 40-50% range.
The Southeast Region has high human population densities and the lowest moose density. Access is limited and hunters will need to do considerable scouting and contact property owners to have a successful hunt. The success rate last year was 45%, which is high for this region. Fifty-six percent of the kill was composed of adult bulls and 80% of these were older than 1.5.
