The State of Montana has noted a state-wide decline in moose populations. Moose hunting in the districts immediately north of Yellowstone has been limited to antlered bulls since 1996. Only 2 permits were issued in those districts in 2014. In 2012, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks began a study to assess and monitor the population across the state. Since winter 2013–2014, a northern Yellowstone National Park moose study has been underway with the main objective to estimate population abundance and vital statistics of northern Yellowstone moose using non-invasive methods.