Chances are residents have seen a helicopter hovering overhead in several Pontiac areas recently. It is part of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks’ (MFFP) ongoing aerial moose inventory being conducted between Feb. 4 and Feb. 25, 2022.

This inventory is coordinated by MFFP biologist for the Outaouais region, André Dumont, and MFFP wildlife technician Catherine Greaves. It is also being conducted in collaboration with the Algonquin Nation. Overseeing the . . .

study is Environmental Specialist Andréanne Lord, environmental specialist at the heart of the Anishinabe Algonquin community of Lac Simon and Blythe Commando, a technician for the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community.

The purpose of the study being conducted is to gain a better picture of the winter population and their demographics (how many males, females and calves). The data collected is important in order for the MFFP to make informed management decisions that will permit them to maintain a healthy moose population and to optimize the economic impact of hunting in zone 10 and the Outaouais’ wildlife territories.

The last inventory conducted for zone 10 occurred in 2012, according to MFFP media contact Caroline Bujold.

When they are not conducting these inventories, the MFFP uses other indicators to assess the health and status of the moose population, such as dental study of the animals and the successful harvest rate during the hunting season.

Included in zone 10 are Zec Rapides-des Joachims, Saint-Patrice, Pontiac and Bras-Coupé-Désert. (A Zec is a controlled zone of exploitation.)

Though deforestation can affect the moose population, it is not a concern for the Outaouais, according to a correspondence with Bujold, who said there is no deforestation in the region.

In Quebec the forest regenerates itself and planting is carried out after harvesting in certain areas, she added.

In anticipation of the current study, the MFFP has taken the concerns of different speakers who sat at regional tables as well as those of the Indigenous communities into consideration over the past year. They have also conducted individual surveys with thousands of Quebec moose hunters.

The results of this inventory will permit the MFFP to quantify the current moose population management plan for the province. This will enable them to adjust the procedures that will be in effect for the 2024 to 2031 hunting seasons if necessary.

This will ensure a continued abundant and vigorous moose population.

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