MOOSE HUNTER EDUCATION IN NORTH AMERICA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Hunter knowledge and cooperation are essential for a successful moose management program. Twenty two Jurisdictions in North America currently employ a variety of methods to communicate information, including, in order of increasing frequency: posters, special seminars, brochures, audio-visual material, pamphlets, personal contact, radio and television advertising, newspaper articles, and a printed summary of annual hunting regulations. Most agencies require first-time hunters to complete a hunter education course before granting hunting privileges, but few offer or require specific training for moose hunters. To date moose hunter education has been minimal and generally has failed to effectively communicate biological principles and management objectives. The strengths and weaknesses of current effort to educate moose hunters are reviewed and discussed.