October 14, 2026
Hon. Ian Bushie
Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures
301 Legislative Building
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8
Email - no hard copy to follow
Dear Hon. Minister Bushie,
On behalf of the MLOA, I am writing to address the increasing number of concerns related to the provincial moose harvest. In a recent statement you said “...And let's be clear, game hunting areas across Manitoba are open and they're open with the support of Indigenous nations." As you are aware, on October 10th Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) released a response stating “MKO rejects this assertion.”
Further to that, MKO stated “Multiple First Nations, including Misipawistik Cree Nation, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and Bloodvein First Nation have publicly called for closures and restrictions on licensed moose hunting due to concerns about declining moose populations within their traditional territories.” Though the MLOA respects the possible intentions here, it is worth noting that MWF and MLOA have called for complete hunting closures in the Duck Mountains and Porcupine Mountains multiple times to no avail. In these areas, the responsibility has been placed only on licensed hunters. These same organizations have requested province wide bans on cow and calf moose harvests for licensed and non-licensed hunters, which to date, were never imposed.
In order to move forward with moose populations as the primary focus, it is critical for all parties to listen to the science whether it serves the personal agenda or not. A provincial ban on cow and calf moose harvest, and a complete ban on moose hunting in areas deemed by science to be critically low are two logical approaches. These approaches are not unique to moose management. In fact, whitetail and elk management often see annual fluctuations by region with respect to the sex of animals that may be harvested. This is not by chance or personal choice. This is to ensure that game populations are managed sustainably. With respect to moose it appears the focus has become far greater on rights and race than scientific based wildlife management and the media is working overtime to keep up.
As was suggested in an October 2025 MLOA letter to the Premier and Minister of Natural Resources, “viable solutions include predator population assessment and likely increasing hunting and outfitting opportunities, studying disease impacts on moose starting with critical population areas, and considering the positive impacts of forestry and controlled burns on moose habitat. It is also imperative to consider that licensed hunters, anglers and trappers directly fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts.....Mapping current moose hunting activity by all users is another critical step that could lead to shared management discussions aimed at sharing the landscape. This work is long overdue and the MLOA stands ready to assist with this critical work.”
Since then, the MLOA has taken an active approach and has been engaging in solutions beyond just hunting, placing a heavy emphasis on predator assessment and management. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that apex predators are placing pressure on newborn moose calves and as a result, the MLOA is pursuing the province's first scientific based black bear population estimate.
Moose are important to so many Manitobans for many reasons. We understand and respect indigenous harvesting rights and recognize the importance of moose hunting to licensed hunters. It is also worth reminding Manitobans that moose outfitting generates approximately $6 million in direct economic benefits, in northern regions where it matters most, with a very low and modest harvest estimated at less than 60 bull moose annually. Moose outfitting typically occurs in remote, fly-in areas where there is little conflict with other users, is tightly regulated with a bulls only harvest, and mandatory harvest reporting. In addition, many operators self-manage their areas with minimum bull sizes and rotating camp usage to ensure sustainable populations and viable long-term businesses.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these important concerns. The MLOA remains committed to working collaboratively with the Province and other stakeholders toward science-based solutions that ensure sustainable moose populations for future generations. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Robert Morrissey
Executive Director
Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association
cc: Hon. Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba; Hon. Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism; Hon.
Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations; Carly Deacon, Managing Director, Manitoba Wildlife
Federation
