Proposed Enhancements to the Points-Based Moose Tag Allocation Process for Resident Hunters

1 – Any hunter awarded a tag based on their first choice in the ‘second chance allocation’ will forfeit their points, whether or not they decide to claim the tag.

• This proposed change is intended to encourage moose hunters to only apply for tags they intend to claim with this first choice. Hunters who do not want to have their points reset to zero should not apply for a tag with their first choice in the second chance allocation. More on this in the proposal linked below.

2 – Advance the tag claim deadline of the second chance allocation to be prior to the opening of moose seasons.

• This will provide better certainty with respect to the moose tags claimed prior to the moose seasons opening. This change would be necessary to allow for a last chance allocation stage (see below), but may by itself encourage tag claiming and address concerns raised by some hunters.

3- Create a new ‘last chance allocation’ step in the process, where any unclaimed and unawarded moose tags would be made available for purchase by resident hunters.

• Numbers of available tags would be communicated ahead of time. Tags would be available from late August until mid-September, before the first moose seasons open. Tags purchased at this stage would not impact a hunter’s points. This process would utilize modern automated processes to avoid long waits on the phone to access a tag.

It is important to note that these proposed changes will not impact tourism industry moose allocations. This is only related to how they will allocate tags to resident hunters.

The main concern we have heard for operators so far relates to timing. The creation of a last chance allocation system that will make tags available from late August until mid-September would hamper operators ability to plan in advance to accommodate resident hunters. The creation of this last chance allocation may also make it more difficult for operators to fill their calf/cow and calf tags as some resident hunters use outfitter services when they are unsuccessful during the draw.

If you have concerns, please contact NOTO staff. We also encourage you to submit comments by clicking on the button below. Consultation closes November 22, 2024.