Cape Breton moose harvesting moratorium extended for another year as population rebounds

A moose is pictured. (Source: Facebook/Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs)

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs says it is extending its moratorium on moose harvesting in Cape Breton for another year as the population shows signs of rebounding.

In July 2024, the Nova Scotia government implemented a three-year suspension of the licensed moose hunt in Cape Breton over concerns with dwindling population numbers. At the time the number of moose had dropped from 1,500 to roughly 835.

The Assembly also put a moratorium on their rights-based moose harvest until the population reached a sustainable number.

In a September newsletter, the Assembly said it was extending the moratorium for another year following conversations with the Nova Scotia moose management team, Mi’kmaw organizations, harvesters and community members.

“This decision reflects the continued concern for the moose population and a strong, ongoing commitment of the Mi’kmaw Nation to conservation and protecting the species,” the newsletter reads. “This year’s moose survey shows a slight recovery of the population, but the numbers are still below sustainable levels.”

According to the newsletter, the 2025 aerial survey of the five moose management zones in Cape Breton showed the population now sits at an estimated 1,900 moose. Ten years ago there were more than 4,700 moose in the region.

The survey also found there were more calves and bulls in the population, and more moose were seen in areas farther south.

The Assembly says there needs to be between 3,000 and 3,600 moose for there to be a sustainable harvest.

“As co-managers of the land, we have a responsibility to prioritize protection of the species and long-term planning,” said Chief Gerald Toney, co-lead of the Assembly’s natural resources. “We all agree that opening the harvest now would be premature. But we’re excited for the opportunity to open discussions on Mi’kmaw-led stewardship and what steps we can take as a nation to ensure that the moose population stays healthy, once fully recovered.”

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