Moose Guidelines

As we move forward with this system, we urge all hunters to actively support conservation efforts. By working together as responsible stewards, we can help the moose population recover, protect our cultural heritage and sustenance, and ensure a sustainable future for our communities and Eeyou Istchee.

Supporting the role of the Tallymen and the conservation of Moose population

In light of the concerning decline of 35% in the moose population as reported by the last aerial survey conducted in 2021, the Cree communities in zone 17 have taken significant steps in their commitment to moose conservation measures. The establishment of the Moose Conservation Cree Guidelines in the fall of 2022 marked a pivotal step towards safeguarding this vital species. Building upon this guidelines, the communities of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou and Waskaganish with the support of the Cree Trappers Association and the Cree Nation Government will be implementing the Moose conservation Special Permit and Tag system with the traplines located in zone 17.

This new system is grounded in a deep respect for the essential role of Tallymen in wildlife management and conservation. It recognizes that there is a need to strengthen our traditional practices and our responsibilities to ensure the conservation wildlife. By introducing a mandatory tag and permit system, we aim to better align hunting practices and reporting in support to the Tallymen’s stewardship role and ensure that the conservation guidelines established by our communities are fully honored.

The implementation of the tag and permit system signifies a collective commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management. It is a proactive measure that underscores the importance of upholding traditional roles and respecting established guidelines. Through this system, we seek to empower our communities to play an active role in preserving our natural resources for future generations.

For More Information

Regional CTA:

General Contact for Guidelines Inquiries:

  • Email: muus@ctaoffice.ca
  • Serves: Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou, and Waskaganish local administrators.

Cree Nation Government:

Land Keeper / Wildlife Protection Coordinator:

  • Permission and Permitting System for Zone 17

     

    The graphic outlines the Moose Harvesting System for Zone 17 in Eeyou Istchee, highlighting the step-by-step process required to obtain a permit and legally hunt moose. It begins with the submission of a permission form, completed by a Tallyman, to the local CTA office. Once the permit is issued, hunters must keep it on hand at all times and follow specific conditions, including showing the permit upon request by a Land Keeper. Hunters are also required to return any hunting tags to the local CTA office, and data from these activities is shared with regional organizations such as the CTA, CNG, and HFTCC. The process ensures a structured and regulated approach to moose hunting in this designated area.

  • Guidelines for Zone 17

    The hunting guidelines for Zone 17 in Eeyou Istchee are designed to ensure sustainable moose harvesting, preserve community traditions, and maintain respect for wildlife. These regulations prioritize responsible hunting practices and ensure that moose hunting supports cultural and subsistence needs, rather than commercial gain. Below is a comprehensive list of the guidelines:

    Guidelines for Moose Hunting in Zone 17:

    1. A limit of 2 moose per trapline must be respected.
    2. All Cree hunters in Eeyou Istchee should limit their harvest to one moose per family.
    3. All Cree hunters should report their moose harvest to the local CTA.
    4. Moose harvest in winter and spring (January/March) is allowed only in traplines where the 2 moose limit has not been reached.
    5. Full-time trappers and land users (Income Security Program) have priority for moose harvest.
    6. Avoid harvesting female (cow) moose and big bull moose.
    7. Use all parts of the moose, leaving no waste, and share the harvest. Donations to the community freezer at the CTA office are encouraged.
    8. Hunting at night is prohibited.
    9. Hunters from other Cree communities are not permitted to hunt in Zone 17, unless invited by tallymen.
    10. Hunters are expected to share their harvest with elders, family members, and low-income families.
    11. Harvesting should be for cultural, educational, or subsistence purposes—not for sales or monetary profit.
    12. Refrain from publicizing moose hunts on social media to respect the animal.
    13. The use of skidoos for chasing moose and drones for hunting is prohibited in Zone 17.

    These guidelines are critical for ensuring the long-term conservation of moose populations and respecting traditional hunting practices within the community.

  • Moose Hunting Permission Form for Zone 17

    The Traditional Moose Hunting Permission Form is required to gain authorization by hunters that plan to hunt within Zone 17. Please take the time to complete all areas of the form and have the form signed by the Tallyman in the respective area you are hunting in.

  • Moose Conservation Special Permit

    The Special Permit will be completed by the CTA Office for your community and the must be kept with your hunting party at all times. When a moose is killed, we recommended that you complete the moose tag and bring it back to your local CTA office as soon as possible. This step is crucial to monitoring harvesting activities and to the conservations efforts for the moose population.