| dc.description.abstract | This study was aimed at providing an objective analysis of
native hunting of moose (Alces alces) and woodland caribou (Rangifer
tarandus caribou) in the Cat Lake Band Area, an isolated area of some
11,560 km [superscript 2] in northwestern Ontario. Specifically, the study was designed, to; 1) assess big game population levels and trends; 2)
quantify native harvest; 3) assess sport hunting for moose; 4) assess
the inportance of big game to the people; and 5) gain an understanding
of the attitudes regarding wildlife management and conservation held by
Cat Lake trappers and hunters. Sources of information were: 1) data
from 5 aerial surveys dating from 1977 to 1980; 2) government native
and sport harvest data; 3) a detailed interview involving 44 Cat Lake
trappers and hunters.
Aerial survey results were highly variable and imprecise for
both moose and caribou, making interpretation risky. There was
however, some indication that moose had declined during the study
period. Ratios of moose;caribou calculated from transect surveys were
near 2.2;1.
Government records of native harvest indicated that local
trappers took 26 moose and 6 caribou during the 1979-80 season, with 4
of the moose being taken from outside the Band Area. Results from the
detailed interviews suggested that actual harvest was closer to 50
moose and 10 caribou, with 4 of each species taken outside the Band
Area. Government records of sport harvest within the Band Area
indicated a total of 21 moose taken during the 1979 hunting season.
Enquiries directed towards tourist outfitters and native trappers
revealed an additional 2 moose taken by non-Indians.
Interviews with native trappers and hunters indicated that
moose were perceived to have declined in numbers, while caribou were
thought to have been approximately stable. A majority of men believed overhunting, particularly by sport hunters, to have hurt the local
moose population. Moose were overwhelmingly preferred over caribou as
a game animal; caribou appeared to generate relatively little interest
or hunting effort. One instance of overhunting of caribou was
recorded, however. In early 1977, at least 65 animals were taken,
primarily by 4 hunters. Snowmobiles contributed substantially to
hunting success. Complaints of wastage were voiced and the overall
consensus was that the harvest had been excessive.
Wild foods apparently provided more than half of the protein
in the diet of the Cat Lake people. While store-bought meats were the
largest single item, moose meat made up an estimated 28% of the total;
caribou contributed only 2%. While most men hunted primarily for
subsistence reasons, non-subsistence (aesthetic) values were also
strongly in evidence.
Most hunters made comments indicative of a concern for
wildlife conservation. A wide variety of approaches was suggested,
including traditional, non-scientific views. In general, however,
there was no consensus, and it appeared that there had been little
attention directed towards the problem of positive wildlife management.
The most consistent view was that total (native and sport) moose
harvest was excessive, a perception that was corroborated to some
extent by aerial survey and harvest data. | |
