South Mountain
Press
PARK VISITORS
Friday, MAY 9, 2025 Vo lum e 17 N um b e r33
FREE TAKE ONE SERVIN G ERICK SON , ON AN OLE, SAN D Y LAK E, ELPHIN STON E, W ASAGAM IN G, ROLLIN G RIVER, K EESEEK OOW EN IN & SURROUN D IN G AREA
DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / SO U T H M O U N T AIN PR E SS Foot traffic within Wasagaming is gaining numbers with each passing weekend, as business owners look forward to a steady flow of customers as the attractions come alive this weekend with temperatures forecasted in the 26°C range. Nature lovers will be keeping their fingers crossed that the weather holds for the May long weekend, allowing countless outdoor activities to be enjoyed.
M a nitoba increa ses m oose h unting licenses for 2 0 2 5 RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss
The Manitoba government has announced the availability of 350 moose hunting licenses for the 2025 season, marking an increase of 250 tags compared to the previous year. This decision comes after a controversial reduction in moose tags in 2024, which stirred considerable conflict among hunters and advocacy groups across the province.
Last year, the government made headlines when it decided to cut moose hunting licenses by 75%, drastically affecting various northern hunting regions. The debate regarding the tag reduction remained off the table and left residents grappling with the implications for both conservation efforts and hunting rights, highlighting a clash between non-Indigenous and Indigenous hunting priorities. The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) condemned this move as
unreasonable, advocating for collaboration and transparency in decision-making processes concerning wildlife management. The announcement from July 2024 for the cuts was framed by the government as a necessary step towards wildlife sustainability and to support Indigenous harvesting rights. However, the lack of consultation with key stakeholders like the MWF fueled outrage about the motivations behind the sudden decision. Critics argued that the
cuts were made without sufficient data, as Indigenous harvest rates were not adequately reported, complicating the government’s rationale for the reductions. Fast forward to 2025, the new government initiative seems to address some of the concerns raised last year. Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, Ian Bushie, provided assurances that the increase in moose tags would respect the hunting rights of all Manitobans while emphasizing
Running a SMALL BUSINESS means staying agile, and when opportunities arise, timing is everything. Whether you’re expanding operations, purchasing inventory, or covering unexpected costs, we put the power of quick funding in your hands.
Some conditions apply, visit sunrisecu.mb.ca for more details.
improved data collection methods. The government has also introduced a wildlife advisory and planning board, in collaboration with the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, to guide future wildlife management decisions and foster communal dialogue. “This is a pivotal time for all of us who share an interest in conserving and enhancing Manitoba’s moose population,” stated Bushie.
SEE GO VE R N M E N T , PAGE 2
Fast Approval Simple Application Secure up to $100,000