A moose was shot and left to rot in northern Minnesota earlier this month, leading to a federal investigation.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for help in finding the shooter. The moose was shot during the deer rifle hunting season near Fosston, which is about 35 miles west of Bemidji.
There is no moose hunting season this year in the state, as officials work to figure out what’s causing a sharp decline in the moose population, down 52 percent since 2010. Only about 100 are believed to be in the state.
Another moose made a rare foray into southern Minnesota, near Sleepy Eye, earlier this month, and was found dead on a farm.
The federal agency is investigating the dead moose south of Fosston because it was shot on federal land. Officials are asking anyone with information on the case to call the USFWS at (218) 844-3423 or the state’s Turn in Poachers hotline number is (800) 652-9093.
Bullets cause a reduction in moose numbers.
Swans too, are “reduced” in number by shooting them.
Population estimate correction
This article’s population estimate is incorrect (most likely a typo). The 2014 DNR moose survey cited estimates “After adjusting for sampling and sightability, we estimated the population in northeastern Minnesota at 4,350.” (following Mr. Kimball’s link above, or go to http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/moose/2014_moosesurvey.pdf). Thanks for posting this article though to aid finding the shooter!