The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department issued 85 moose hunting permits this year, resulting in 51 moose harvested in the October 1-7 archery season and the October 17-25 regular season. Moose hunting was only allowed in Wildlife Management Unit E, in northeastern Vermont.
"Moose are more abundant in WMU-E than in other parts of Vermont," says Nick Fortin, the department's moose biologist. "This higher density of moose contributes to high winter tick numbers that negatively impact moose health and survival. This hunt helps to reduce moose density and improve the overall health of WMU-E's moose population."
Moose management goals were informed by years of monitoring data and extensive research on moose and winter ticks from the northeastern U.S. and Canada.
Of the 85 permits available, 79 were issued by lottery, to which nearly 6,000 hunters applied. The department reserves the first five lottery permits for Vermont military veterans. Three non-lottery permits are reserved for persons with life-threatening illnesses, and three more are auctioned as a fundraiser for conservation.