Norway research finds moose rutting hunting does not impact fertility

Research from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and Faun indicates that hunting during the moose rutting season does not appear to negatively impact fertility. Despite concerns that hunting during this period might disrupt mating behavior or lead to fewer calves, data analyzed from 1992 to 2023 shows no correlation between hunting timing and changes in calf numbers or weight.

Paradoxically, the decline in calf weight and the proportion of cows with calves has been most significant in municipalities where there has been little to no hunting before or during the rutting season. Researchers suggest that moose are largely undisturbed by hunters during this period, as mating instincts tend to override other behaviors.