Why are so few Moose permits issued?

[cmiller85]

We spent a little time hunting in unit 117 this past weekend and the amount of moose in this unit is just amazing. I can't help but be irritated at the Department for the amount of moose permits that are issued up there. According to the regs, this year they issued 28 permits for this unit (21 any moose and 7 antlerless).

We messed around in clear cut about about 20 acres in size and ran into probably 9 different moose. We went over to another spot about 20 miles away and walked down a closed logging road and literally within a quarter mile of each other ran into 6 moose. A half a mile later, we ran into 2 more. So, within 2 square miles (exagerated) we ran into 17 moose.

By my quick calculations, this unit is at least 800 sq. miles or so. If there is 1 moose per square mile, why is there only 28 moose permits issued? Any moose experts out there who might have some insight on this?

[Kola16]

I am no moose expert, but when I hunt 108 for deer, I see more moose  Although I see more deer during the archery season.

[Woodchuck]

Need to keep them stocked up for the wolves. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Cmiller nice flippin avatar! Dandy bull elk right there! Like stated its how the state is going to control moose numbers! Thats with wolves!!!

[cmiller85]

Cmiller nice flippin avatar! Dandy bull elk right there! Like stated its how the state is going to control moose numbers! Thats with wolves!!!

Thanks!

Unfortunately, I think that wolves likely have a lot to do with it now, but still, 28 permits? I don't really see why they can't double that number even with wolves.

[Elkslayer]

Need to keep them stocked up for the wolves. 

Exactly!  In a few more years the amount of tags issued will start dropping because of them.

[PA BEN]

13 years ago in a hunter saftey course I asked the area Bio the same question. He did all the moose serveys. He said that there would be a regular season but the Poaching is keeping them from doing it.

[Ridgerunner]

Permit numbers are way too conservative IMO.  They could definitely give more out and not hurt the herds.

[cmiller85]

Permit numbers are way too conservative IMO.  They could definitely give more out and not hurt the herds.

I agree, best I can tell the moose population is booming up there and yet WDFW has reduced permits over previous years. It doesn't make sense. Even with poaching and wolves and natural die off the herd seems to be increasing steadily to the point they almost seem over populated. I mean, they are absolutely everywhere I go. Which is why I was curious on what others were seeing. Maybe I'm just getting lucky and am getting into the right places? 

There are more bulls than cows up there last I checked. I'm not sure why we need bull to cow ratios of 1:1, let alone greater than 1:1.

[huntnphool]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

[MrsTurkeyFeather]

My husband and I used to hunt Mica Peak (had permission/access thru the south side) and I swear we couldn't go up there without tripping over a Moose. One imparticular young bull with a typical teenager attitude held us up on a few occasions hiking into our stands. Of course he was always in a area of one way in/one way out so we were stuck waiting for him to get bored and wander off out of our way. Needless to say we know who's getting whacked if we ever get drawn!   

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

If its anything like the bull elk then no thanks, nothing but rag horns up there!  I think the olympic peninsula is a much better choice

[carpsniperg2]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

Now there is a idea!!! Hell I have a horse trailer they could use!!!

[fair-chase]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

There's already a few of them in there. They just don't seem to do to well in that area though.    If it's the terrain, blistering hot summers, or just not enough browse; but their numbers never seem to take off.

[steeleywhopper]

I would love to see more moose tags avaliable. As for the Blue's, when I lived in Dayton back in 1993 there were a Cow and a calf moose hanging out in Mill Creek. They have been there a while, but don't seem to have taken off like in the NE.

[huntnphool]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

I think the olympic peninsula is a much better choice

I'd love to see that too.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

My backs bad enough packin bull elk out of that country! Now you think moose will help it? Mulles and horses only get so far? If the moose do get established ill be the first to help pack out!!! Maybe only one pack but it would be helpfull!

[huntnnw]

Huckleberry is a joke on the amount of tags issued..there should be atleast 25-40 tags.. I can go up into any part of this unit and find 2-6 bulls a clearcut hillside and the unit is huge! The most southern end of this unit which almost nobody hunts for moose is loaded with them.. I saw 9 bulls and 4 cows one morning in there.

[boneaddict]

I actually like that they are being conservative with the numbers (of course I've drawn so don't have as much to be wanting for) I think it allows them to expand.   Its fun to actually see and have wildlife around versus keeping it trimmed to the minimium.  This will allow them to really get a foothold all over this state, and possibly if not ruined by their stupid wolf agenda, have the best moose populations in the nation.   Finally they are not being greedy and you guys want more.  Interesting.

[brokehunter]

I'd sure like to see them translocate about 40 of them to the blues, can you imagine the size of the racks they could grow in there.

How about another 40 into the Gifford Pinchot! 

[270Flat]

I would love to see more moose tags avaliable. As for the Blue's, when I lived in Dayton back in 1993 there were a Cow and a calf moose hanging out in Mill Creek. They have been there a while, but don't seem to have taken off like in the NE.

+1 saw a cow moose on trailcam in the Blues earlier this month. There aren't many but there are moose in the blues.

I posted a picture of a bull moose that walked into my hunting spot opening morning of early archery deer. Every spring there is a cow and calf or two that make their way into College Place. Neat stuff!!

[cmiller85]

I actually like that they are being conservative with the numbers (of course I've drawn so don't have as much to be wanting for) I think it allows them to expand.   Its fun to actually see and have wildlife around versus keeping it trimmed to the minimium.  This will allow them to really get a foothold all over this state, and possibly if not ruined by their stupid wolf agenda, have the best moose populations in the nation.   Finally they are not being greedy and you guys want more.  Interesting.

When I drew back in 2006, there were 22 any moose tags issued for 117 if I remember correctly. There were moose running everywhere and it was one of the most awesome hunts I've ever done!

Over the last six years, as far as I can tell from year to year, the moose population has just continued to boom, and yet the WDFW only issued 21 any moose tags this year?  Is this suggesting that population has actually gone down slightly?

I'm curious as to what their objectives are. I like that they are wanting to grow the populations up there, yes, but to what end? At what point will they issue more tags? I mean, there are so many moose up there it was almost annoying trying to hunt anything else. Finding a B&C class bull is almost no challenge and is guaranteed IMO if you spend a halfway decent effort beating the brush, and in some of cases not even leaving the roads.

I mean, do moose need more than 1 bull for every cow out there for optimum population growth? The hunters who have their work cut out for them (if you can call it that) are those who have to try to find a cow.

[MichaelD]

Saw 3 of these in the Blues this weekend.  Cow and calf together, and this one about 5 miles away.

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[CedarPants]

Huckleberry is a joke on the amount of tags issued..there should be atleast 25-40 tags.. I can go up into any part of this unit and find 2-6 bulls a clearcut hillside and the unit is huge! The most southern end of this unit which almost nobody hunts for moose is loaded with them.. I saw 9 bulls and 4 cows one morning in there.

I agree and have always been confused about the lack of permits in the Huckleberry.  Not uncommon to see upwards of 10 per day where I'm at