The importance of moose in the North means that their management must be carefully planned. Detailed harvest data for moose in the Northwest Territories are not available, but based on existing information, it is estimated that approximately 1000 to 2000 moose are killed annually in the Northwest Territories. About 45 moose are taken annually by non-resident trophy hunters in the Mackenzie Mountains, and resident hunters take from 100 to 200 each year throughout the Northwest Territories. At present in the Northwest Territories, moose are managed mostly by controlling the season for resident and non-resident hunters. General Hunting Licence holders may hunt during any season.
Resident hunters are limited to one moose and non-residents to one male.
Current trends indicate that moose are overharvested in areas around communities, but healthy populations exist farther away from human settlement. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has conducted aerial surveys in selected areas and developing guidelines for management of moose populations and habitat. Increased development in the North may significantly affect moose numbers in the future. Pipelines, mines, power lines and roads have a two-fold impact on moose. Clearing of land for development initiates forest regeneration and succession, and the resultant new aspen and willow communities provide excellent moose habitat.