Advocating for Wisconsin's Moose: My Input to the WI DNR

I recently submitted formal input to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) as part of their strategic planning process, providing data and observations that suggest moose may be a resident species in the state. Drawing on both WI DNR records and my own long-term research, I believe there is strong evidence of breeding and recruitment within Wisconsin. My submission outlines key data points that support this possibility and respectfully requests a comprehensive analysis to further assess the status of moose in the state.

I always encourage everyone to stay informed about the work being done by the WI DNR and to provide input when possible. Public engagement is essential to ensuring that wildlife management decisions are shaped by the best available data and the voices of Wisconsin residents. If you’d like to participate, you can submit your own input through their survey here: WI DNR Wildlife Management Input Form.

Below is the full text of my submission.

I believe the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ own data supports the hypothesis that moose are a resident species, with both breeding and recruitment occurring in the state. According to annual moose observation reports, cows with calves were documented every year from 2008 to 2018, except for 2014. No cow/calf observations were reported in 2019. The 2020 data is reportedly missing due to staffing turnover and COVID-19, but public records confirm at least one cow/calf observation that year.

Observation reports for 2021–2023 also seem affected by staffing turnover, as 21 observations I personally submitted via large mammal observation forms and/or captured on my Snapshot Wisconsin camera are missing. I am resubmitting these reports to the appropriate parties as well as notifying the DNR with this submission. Additionally, my own records—also being shared separately—confirm cows with calves were observed in 2022, 2023, and 2024 (with one of the 2024 calf sighting also documented in the WI DNR observation report). This means cows with calves have been documented in Wisconsin in 13 of the past 16 years.

Further supporting recruitment within the state, my personal data and analysis—including but not limited to the WI DNR observation reports—indicate the following suspected young-of-the-year counts (These are observation counts and not actual individual moose counts.  Several observations included twins).  My personal data collection begins in 2010, which is why no earlier years are included:

2010: 1 | 2011: 2 | 2012: 5 | 2013: 1 | 2015: 1 | 2016: 3 | 2017: 2 | 2018: 1

2020: 2 | 2022: 1 | 2023: 2 | 2024: 4

Suspected yearling counts include (These are observation counts and not actual individual moose counts.  Several observations included twins):

2014: 1 | 2016: 1 | 2017: 2 | 2018: 3 | 2022: 2 | 2024: 3

Assigning individuals to the yearling category can be difficult, as they quickly begin to resemble fully mature adults. This may explain why yearling counts appear low, and further investigation would be needed to accurately assess recruitment patterns. I am happy to discuss these and all other findings in detail with anyone who may be interested.

While I understand that budgets are tight and unlikely to improve soon, failing to recognize moose as a resident species overlooks a vulnerable population in our state. With evidence supporting the hypothesis that moose are a resident, reproducing species in Wisconsin, I strongly urge the WI DNR to conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine whether moose meet the criteria outlined by the IUCN (2008) and NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments (2012):

"Conservation status assessments should only be applied to wild populations inside their natural range. To be included in an assessment or have a conservation status assigned, populations should be established and have produced viable offspring, thus providing evidence of persistence at that location with probable future reproduction. However, such populations should not be included if there are no data to support the persistence of viable progeny."

It is crucial to understand moose population dynamics in the southernmost portion of their range, especially in light of the status of neighboring populations. In Minnesota, moose populations have moderately stabilized following a drastic decline, while in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, population growth has slowed. Recognizing moose as a resident species and treating them accordingly is vital for their conservation, as this understanding could play an essential role in shaping the future of moose populations in Wisconsin and beyond.

To see the full text of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (2008), visit: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/RL-2001-001-2nd.pdf 

To see the full text of NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Factors for Evaluating Species and Ecosystem Risk (2012), visit:NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments (2012).