VT Fish & Wildlife news: Moose hunting permits, caution around nesting loons

July 3, 2020  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

July 8 deadline for moose hunting permit applications 

Hunters wishing to explore the Northeast Kingdom for a moose this year need to apply for a permit by July 8. 

Moose hunting permit applications are available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website for the hunt limited to Vermont’s Wildlife Management Unit E in the northeastern corner of the state where moose population density is more than one per square mile. 

“Moose densities greater than one per square mile support high numbers of winter ticks which negatively impact moose health and survival,” said Nick Fortin, the state biologist in charge of the moose project.   

The Fish and Wildlife Department partnered with University of Vermont researchers to conduct a study of moose health and survival in WMU E.  The results of this study, in which 126 moose (36 cows, 90 calves) were fitted with GPS tracking collars, clearly showed that chronic high winter tick loads have caused the health of moose in that part of the state to be very poor.  Survival of adult moose remained relatively good, but birth rates were very low and less than half of the calves survived their first winter.

“Research has shown that lower moose densities, like in the rest of Vermont, support relatively few winter ticks that do not impact moose populations,” said Fortin.  “Reducing moose density decreases the number of available hosts which in turn decreases the number of winter ticks on the landscape.  The goal is to improve the health of moose in [management area E] by reducing the impact of winter ticks.” 

The department will issue 55 either-sex moose hunting permits in this area for the moose seasons this October. Lottery applications for hunting permits are $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Winners of the permit lottery may purchase resident hunting permits for $100 and nonresident hunting permits for $350. 

Hunters who held a permit within the past five years are not eligible to apply for a permit. More details and applications are available on the department’s website. 

Boaters, anglers urged to use caution around nesting loons 

Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo

In order to protect loons on Vermont’s lakes and ponds this season, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance.

“Loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, but two threats loons face are human disturbance during the breeding season and ingestion of fishing gear,” said state wildlife biologist Doug Morin.

“Although most areas where loons are nesting on Vermont’s lakes are surrounded by signs reminding people to give loons the space they need, not all nesting areas are marked. We’re asking people to view loons using binoculars rather than from up close, whether they are in a boat, a canoe or a kayak.” 

Morin also reminds people to avoid lead fishing tackle. Two loons died from lead fishing gear ingestion in 2019. Loons sometimes swallow stray fishing tackle and suffer the effects of lead poisoning. Lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are illegal in Vermont, but larger tackle­­­ still has the capacity to slough off lead into the environment over time.  

Morin also recommends anglers to be careful to not attract loons to their bait and lures, and especially do not leave any fishing line behind as it can kill loons. 

Eric Hanson oversees the Loon Conservation Project for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies in partnership with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.  He and his colleagues monitor Vermont’s loon population using game cameras around loon nests to monitor the behavior of the birds and people around them. Hanson says most people are respectful of nesting loons and give them space, but people sometimes inadvertently harm loons.

“Loon chicks can be difficult to see, so we ask motorboaters to note where loon families are and to avoid those areas,” Hanson said.  “We also ask that motorboaters obey ‘no wake’ laws within 200 feet of shorelines because boat wakes can flood and destroy shoreline loon nests.” 

Hanson also reminds boaters to avoid pursuing loons in a canoe or kayak, especially loons with young. “Occasionally a loon will be curious and approach people and if that happens, just enjoy it,” said Hanson. “However, loons that are constantly swimming away from you are stressed and may abandon their young if they feel they are in danger.”

Volunteers are needed to help monitor loons for the Loon Conservation Project both all summer and on Loonwatch Day, July 18, when a morning population survey will be done simultaneously on lakes 20 acres and larger. For more information, contact Hanson at ehanson@vtecostudies.org.