Data from: The role of predation, forestry and productivity in moose harvest at different spatial levels of management units

Management of ungulate populations to the desired density and/or
demographic composition are challenged by contrasting aims of different
stakeholders. For example, hunters may want to maximize hunting
opportunities whereas commercial forest owners may want to minimize moose
densities to mitigate browsing damage. In addition, the return of large
predators such as wolves (Canis lupus) affects the possible harvest yield
of ungulates and influences the population composition through their
selection of specific age classes. The aim of this study was to gain a
better understanding of factors related to the variation in moose (Alces
alces) harvest. We used moose harvest statistics from the period
2012-2020, wolf annual monitoring data, annual brown bear (Ursus arctos)
density, proportion of young forest per management unit, and proportion of
agricultural land per management unit (index for productivity and roe deer
(Capreolus capreolus) density) to explain variation in moose harvest
across different management units at two spatial levels in two bordering
countries, Sweden and Norway. The results showed variable responses in
total harvest to changes in wolf territory density both at the regional
and local management level. The proportion of young forest was correlated
with both increased total harvest and proportion of calves. Increased
proportion of agricultural land was linked to both increased total harvest
and proportion of calves, likely due to that increased roe deer densities
re-directed wolf predation from moose to roe deer, and an inverse
relationship with brown bear density. Differences between countries may be
due to differences in the management regime of moose, both in an
historical and present perspective. Improved monitoring for individual
hunting areas over time will be important for both the understanding of
how different ungulate populations are affected by various factors and for
the desired management of wildlife populations shared across borders.