Moose population concerns MN tribes

A declining moose population in Minnesota has some Indian tribes concerned about losing a treaty right in the future.

For many Native Americans the annual moose hunt is not only a treaty right it's a strong tradition. Family members gather for the hunt and share a feast.

Sonny Myers directs the 1854 Treaty Authority. Myers tells KDLH-TV the hunt is a tradition shared with their ancestors.

An aerial survey this year estimates there are about 4,200 living moose in Minnesota. That's a 14 percent decline from last year. But, while the overall population is declining, observers say there were more calves born this year. Radio-collared tracking is helping researchers determine how many calves are killed by predators, including bears and wolves.

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Information from: KDLH-TV

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