Moose Reduction Zones

The Moose Reduction Zone (MRZ) project was established in 2015 to study the effects of directed moose hunting and adaptive moose management strategies that could potentially address Moose Vehicle Collisions (MVCs) on our highways.

The project has been implemented in two locations; the Avalon MRZ – Moose Management Area 100 and the Central Newfoundland MRZ – Moose Management Area 101. Each MRZ is a unique and separate moose management area (MMA) that is a maximum 6 kilometres wide by approximately 268 km and 98 km long respectively and excludes the actual traveled portion of any roadway or highway. These study areas were selected based on the reported rates of MVC’sas determined by the Department of Transportation and Works. A total quota of 800 either sex licences has been allocated for these MRZs that eligible resident big game hunters may apply for as part the 2018 annual big game licence draw; 600 licences are available for the AvalonMRZ and 200 licences for the Central MRZ.

The Avalon MRZ opens September 22, 2018 and closes December 31, 2018 and the Central MRZ opens August 25, 2018 and closes December 31, 2018. Hunters who hold a valid licence for an MMA that overlaps with a portion of an MRZ are permitted to hunt the portion of the MRZ that is within their MMA boundary; including during the pre-season bow hunt. For example, MMA 36 licence holders would still be permitted to hunt with a bow only within the overlap area of the Avalon MRZ (MMA 100) beginning September 22, 2018; rifle hunting for holders of MMA 36 licence would commence on October 6, 2018. Hunters who hold a valid MRZ licence are permitted to use a big game rifle or bow within in the MRZ boundary during the entire season.

Central MRZ (MMA 101)
Central MRZ (MMA 101)
Avalon MRZ (MMA 100)
Avalon MRZ (MMA 100)

Note: MRZ maps are for general reference purposes only. For further information on maps and boundaries visit www.flr.gov.nl.ca/wildlife/ or contact a FLR office nearest you

As a hunter, your cooperation and participation in this project is very important. While this project involves studying the direct effects of using hunting to reduce moose populations in the MRZs, it is also especially important that hunters travelling along any section of highway or roadway in search of moose recognize that existing traffic and hunter safety laws must be observed at all times. Please be safe and hunt responsibly. Hunters who are successful in receiving a licence in a MRZ through the big game draw will also receive additional information with their licence that will outline other essential details concerning moose hunting in the MRZ’s and how to report their activities as part of their participation in the project. For more information about sample collection please call 709.637.2025

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