MMF announces 3rd Annual Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative

October 3, 2022

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, announces today that it will reopen the Duck and Porcupine Mountains (GHAs 13, 13A, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C) for the limited harvest of bull moose (i.e., no cows, calves, or yearlings) through the 3rd Annual Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative starting October 17th, 2022.

The MMF's Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative was the first of its kind in Manitoba, and has resulted in safe and successful moose harvests over the past two years despite attempts to discourage Red River Métis Harvesters from practicing the right to feed our families in our traditional ways.

"We have heard from our Elders, Harvesters and Citizens in the area that the moose population has remained stable and safe to harvest for sustenance in the Duck and Porcupine Mountains," said MMF President David Chartrand. "After two successful harvests, we look forward to reopening this opportunity for our Citizens to harvest a moose to feed their family and community."

Based on the province's 2020 moose survey evidence and input from our Red River Métis Harvesters and Elders, the MMF has determined that it is once again safe to reopen the GHAs 13, 13A, 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C for a limited sustainable conservation-minded moose harvest. Manitoba has stated that 2% or 60 bull moose in these GHAs can be harvested and that the population will not be harmed.

Under the Initiative, Red River Métis Harvesters will harvest as a Harvesting Party using one Conservation Moose Tag allowing for the shared harvest of one bull moose in either the Duck Mountain or Porcupine Mountain. The Initiative consists of the following:

• Harvesting Party - The Harvesting Party must consist of a minimum of 3 (maximum 6) Red River Métis Harvesters all of whom hold a valid MMF Métis Harvester Card and have purchased the 2022-2023 Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) sticker. All Red River Métis Harvesters must be registered as Harvesting Party Members and cannot become members of a second Harvesting Party once registered.
• Captain of the Hunt - The Red River Métis Harvester who will be the leader of the hunt and official applicant on behalf of their Harvesting Party. The Captain of the Hunt must ensure that all Harvesting Party Members are valid Red River Métis Harvesters prior to submitting their application.
• Conservation Moose Tag - A lottery-style draw will take place on October 17th, 2022 for 26 special Conservation Moose Tags. Each tag will be GHA or Area-specific with a total of 16 tags to be issued for the Duck Mountain and 10 tags for the Porcupine Mountain. One Conservation Moose Tag will be issued to each successfully drawn Captain of the Hunt on behalf their Harvesting Party.

To help the MMF track the number of animals taken during the Initiative, the Captain of the Hunt of each Harvesting Party will be required to report their successful harvest within two days from the time of the harvest and return the Conservation Moose Tag stub to the MMF Home Office. If a harvesting party is unsuccessful, the Captain of the Hunt must return the unused Conservation Moose Tag at the end of the big-game season (January 15, 2023).

"This year is unique in that we are going to open the Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative for Harvester card holders who reside outside of the province of Manitoba," said Leah LaPlante, MMF Minister of Natural Resources. "This is our first step towards opening up the ability for those who reside outside of Manitoba to return home to Harvest and continue to practice their inherent right to harvest with their friends and family."

The meat may be shared among the Harvesting Party, their families, Elders, and vulnerable community members. Please note that all Red River Métis Harvesters participating in the Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative must hold a Métis Harvester Card and have purchased a 2022-2023 Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) Sticker. All Red River Métis Harvesters must continue to adhere to the 3rd Revised Edition - Métis Laws of the Harvest.

For more information on the Moose Conservation Harvesting Initiative, or to download an application form, please visit www.mmf.mb.ca or contact the MMF's Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management department for information and assistance filling out an application form. Completed applications must be submitted to mooseconservation@mmf.mb.ca by 12:00pm (noon) on October 16th, 2022 to be registered for the draw.

Your National Red River Métis Government is committed to protecting your Métis rights and ensuring that our families can continue to harvest in our traditional ways. Conservation will always be top priority for the MMF.

/wcm-docs/docs/news/2022_10_03_cms_2022_moose_initiative_application_form_v1_62_.pdf

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

 

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

 

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