ESTIMATION OF MOOSE HARVEST FOR "SMALLER" MANAGEMENT UNITS IN THE YUKON

To manage wildlife effectively, information on habitat, population structure and harvest must be integrated at the local population level. The philosophy of subdividing existing management units into “smaller” units is discussed in the 450 Game Management Subzones (GMS) in the Yukon are described. Harvest estimates for each GMS are produced by using a computerized location gazetteer that automatically processes hunting locations reported on questionnaires. A phase mailing estimation procedure and other statistical techniques to improve hunter sample estimates are outlined. Small management units, computerized gazetteers and detailed harvest statistics can provide biologists with better quality data to more effectively manage our valuable wildlife resources