Michigan DNR
The moose population in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula has been a topic of interest for decades, with residents and researchers eager to track their numbers, locations, and the possibility of a future hunting season. Despite a reintroduction effort in the 1980s, the population remains below expectations, prompting a new study to examine why growth has stalled.
Once nearly extinct in Michigan, moose were reintroduced from Canada in the mid-1980s. While their numbers increased steadily between 1997 and 2007, the growth slowed, and the 2023 aerial survey estimated only 426 moose—far below the initial goal of 1,000 by 2000. To better understand the stagnation, researchers launched an extensive tracking study in February 2024.
A collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), and Northern Michigan University (NMU) involved fitting 20 moose with GPS collars. Using helicopters and spotter planes, researchers captured and tagged five calves, five bulls, and ten cows in just 13 hours. The GPS collars will track their movements and health, providing crucial data on mortality rates, habitat use, and population distribution. Next winter, 40 more moose will be collared.
“This is the first study in Michigan to examine cause-specific mortality in moose,” said Tyler Petroelje, a DNR wildlife research specialist. Since collaring, moose have already transmitted over 10,500 GPS locations, offering insight into their post-capture behavior and overall well-being.
The operation was a well-coordinated effort. Spotter planes first located moose across a 200-square-mile area west of Marquette. Once identified, a Texas-based helicopter team, HeliWild, moved in to sedate and collar them. Researchers collected biological samples—blood, feces, hair, and ectoparasites—to assess DNA, pregnancy rates, parasites, disease, and overall health.
Collars on adult moose will remain in place for up to 14 years, transmitting hourly data. Calf collars, which expand as they grow, will detach after 14 months. Researchers hope this long-term study will uncover key factors limiting population growth, such as disease, habitat availability, predation, and climate change.
Moose have become a symbol of the Upper Peninsula, deeply embedded in its culture and ecology. The KBIC, whose land overlaps moose habitats, has been instrumental in supporting the study. “For tribal communities, moose represent courage, determination, and a deep spiritual connection to the land,” said Erin Johnston, KBIC’s wildlife and habitat manager.
The potential for a moose hunting season remains uncertain. While moose are a game species in Michigan, no hunt has been held since the 1800s. The 2011 Moose Hunting Advisory Council recommended hunting only if the population maintains an annual growth rate of 3% or more. With numbers still below expectations, wildlife managers have been cautious.
In 2023, citizen advisory councils proposed a limited hunt with up to five bull moose tags, similar to the state’s elk lottery system. However, DNR Wildlife Division Chief Sara Thompson responded in January 2025, stating that without understanding the factors affecting moose growth, a hunt would be premature.
“This study is crucial in determining the future of Michigan’s moose population,” Petroelje said. By identifying limiting factors, researchers hope to develop management strategies that support long-term population sustainability.
Moving forward, the research team will monitor the moose closely, analyzing movement patterns, habitat preferences, and mortality causes. This data will help shape conservation efforts, ensuring that Michigan’s moose continue to thrive for future generations.
For more updates on the study and Michigan’s moose population, visit Michigan.gov/DNRStories or tune in to the DNR’s “Wildtalk” podcast.
