To the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources
Re: Improved Supercub moose survey method:

Current Status:

The standard method for obtaining accurate moose population counts requires extensive use of helicopters and is thus very expensive and often prohibitive as a means of monitoring moose populations on a regular basis. A method which relies on Supercubs instead of helicopters has been experimented with but so far does not yield results with a satisfactory level of accuracy.

Concern:

In the absence of an affordable moose population monitoring method, many other options have been considered and will have to be relied upon to gauge the status of the moose population without having any figures to deal with. This, in turn, will make setting harvest levels more difficult and, of necessity, more cautious.

RECOMMENDATION to YDRR:

The Alsek Council, therefore, recommends that the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources accord high priority to further testing and improvement of the Supercub method in the anticipation that such work will provide a much needed tool for community-based moose management in the Yukon. The Council further advises that the RRCs be updated on the progress on this method so that they may take advantage of it as soon as possible.