After unexpected, unexplained delay, Manitoba issuing results for moose, elk licences this week

After an unexpected and unexplained delay to the issuing of some hunting licences, the province says Manitoba's 2024 season is set to go ahead as scheduled. 

The results of draws for permits for this year's elk and moose hunt will be released Friday, a Thursday news release from the province said. The province's 2024 application guide for the draws initially said applicants would be notified of results by June 21.

The province announced last month the results for moose and elk draws, in which non-Indigenous hunters are granted permission to hunt, would be delayed by a few weeks.

Thursday's release said the province has decided to reduce the number of licenses in a "limited number" of game hunting areas this year, which it said was needed to balance population sustainability and the needs of harvesters, while still offering hunting opportunities. 

A post about the draws on the province's website said only four of the 62 game hunting areas in Manitoba are affected. The post also said the number of available moose licences has been reduced by 75 per cent in the four game hunting areas.

The post said while the province manages the moose population for all residents, it also must "prioritize rights-based harvesters as per their constitutionally protected treaty and Aboriginal rights."

There have been no changes to the elk draw, according to Thursday's news release.

Some Manitoba hunters previously raised concerns about the unexpected delay in issuing the hunting licences, which came without explanation.

The province issued a notice about the delay on June 20.

That was two days after Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which advocates for First Nations in northern Manitoba, said it told government ministers in a meeting to stop issuing licences to non-Indigenous hunters without first ensuring First Nations people have harvested enough for food and ceremonial purposes.

In a June Facebook post, MKO accused the province of dismissing its constitutional obligation to recognize that First Nations people have priority rights to hunt, fish, trap and gather for food. 

It called on the province to "immediately terminate the draw for Manitoba resident hunter licences in the specific game hunting areas where First Nations traditionally hunt, and to cease enforcement of Manitoba regulations against First Nation hunters."

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation told CBC last month that MKO warned the province in its meeting it might file a class-action lawsuit if the government didn't act.

However, the province wouldn't attribute the delay in issuing licences at that point to MKO's concerns.

After the delay, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation told its members it would "take any steps necessary to defend our outdoor heritage and legally enshrined right to hunt."

In a letter to members Thursday, the federation alleged the decision to reduce available moose draw licences in the four game hunting areas "was made in response to pressure from MKO," and said it "lacks scientific justification, and is contrary to the principles of conservation and reconciliation."

The federation said it has consulted with legal counsel and will proceed with an application for judicial review.