SELECTIVE HARVEST MANAGEMENT OF A NORWEGIAN MOOSE POPULATION

Abstract

The moose population at Værdalsbruket in the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway The moose population at Værdalsbruket in the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway has been studied since the 1930s. Complete harvest and weight statistics for sex and age classes and detailed hunter observations have been collected since 1969 producing a data set of 2,667 harvested moose and 17,068 moose observations. These data were used to both manage and assess a selective harvest management system based upon annual hunter guidelines, contracts with sex-age quotas, and progressive pricing of hunting cost related to carcass weight. Combined with a relatively high hunting pressure, the system has produced a controlled increase in the moose population, and an improved population structure with more prime bulls, higher mean age of cows, and an improved cow:bull ratio. Long-term body weights and production have been stable, indicating a healthy moose population in balance with its resources. Success of the harvest system depended largely on the level and progression of the hunting price-carcass weight relationship.