Abstract

Topic: Moose management and monitoring

Current Status, Research, and Monitoring of Moose in Minnesota, USA

Morgan Swingen¹, Amanda McGraw², Michelle Carstensen³

1854 Treaty Authority, 4428 Haines Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, United States
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1201 Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463 West Broadway, Forest Lake, MN, USA

Abstract
Moose (Alces alces) are at the southern edge of their North American range in the northern part of the state of Minnesota, USA. Moose are an iconic species, and are particularly important to the indigenous peoples of the area. The moose population in Minnesota has declined and shifted over the last 50 years. A sharp decline fifteen years ago led to the cessation of moose hunting by non-indigenous people. Estimates of the moose population size in the state are done annually via a rigorous aerial survey and sightability model. This survey work is done via collaboration between state government staff and staff that work for tribal (indigenous) agencies. The results of the 2025 survey showed a slight increase in the population estimate (N = 4,040), although the population appears to have remained relatively stable over the last decade (N = 3,700). There are multiple ongoing and upcoming efforts to better understand the population dynamics in this area, and to increase moose populations through habitat management. Over the past ten years, collaring of moose in Minnesota has been primarily accomplished by tribal agencies. This work has focused on habitat use and survival. An upcoming research project (co-led by tribal and state biologists) will capture and collar juvenile moose to learn more about survival and recruitment of young moose in Minnesota. Management and monitoring efforts to increase the moose population have focused on better understanding causes of mortality, and improving forage quantity and quality on the landscape. A group called the Moose Habitat Collaborative has been using state grant funding ($6.7M since 2013) to pay for habitat improvement in areas with low timber potential (nearly 50,000 treatment acres). A recent effort funded by a national grant has focused on identifying where and how to conduct this type of habitat work on a larger scale (i.e. three project areas of 10,000 – 50,000 acres) across land ownerships.