A message from MNRF
From December 2022 to mid-February 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be conducting moose aerial inventory (MAI) surveys. The MAI survey program is designed to monitor moose populations across Ontario. MNRF staff use aircraft to look for moose and their tracks in fresh, deep snow, following standardized, science-based provincial protocols. Survey information about the number, age, and sex of moose is used to inform moose and habitat management.
This winter, the ministry plans to conduct MAI surveys in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, 14, 17, 18A, 18B, 19, 20, 21A, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 36, 37, 42, 48, 50, 51, 54, 55A, 55B, and 59 (see attached map). WMUs 6, 7A, 7B, and 40 have been identified as contingency units, to be flown if weather conditions are unsuitable in other areas or if time remains after completing planned surveys. As is the case every year, survey completion depends on appropriate weather conditions, such as snow to ensure staff can reliably detect moose and moose tracks from aircraft. If the required weather conditions are not met during the survey timing window, some planned WMUs may not get surveyed.
More information about moose management and monitoring, including the current WMU population estimates and MAI results, is available at www.ontario.ca/page/moose-population-management. Moose population estimates on this web page will be updated following completion of this winter’s surveys.