Bi-Annual Moose Day
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Mission
Moose Day data are given to Wyoming Game and Fish Department to aid in the management and conservation of moose in the area. Moose populations, summer and winter range, and reproductive success (how many calves are born and survive each year?), aren't well understood in this area of Wyoming .
Moose Day
These data are sent to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and researchers at the University of Wyoming to help study and manage the moose herd. Data are also uploaded to WyoBio for public viewing.
The idea came from Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, which has been surveying for moose in this same way since 2009. In Jackson, moose congregate in town where winter habitat is ideal, which makes surveying for moose both relatively easy and very rewarding. In the Laramie area, moose are much more spread out, so it takes a large group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to make this happen!
How it Works!
Adopting a route is simple. First review the routes coresponding to the season you are participating, Summer or Winter, and select two routes that are appropriate for you; a first and a second choice. Make sure you select routes that haven't been adopted already (adopted routes will be marked as such). Remember the area that each route is located in, and head to the registration form from the link in the right hand sidebar (link is unavailable when registration is closed).
Routes are awarded as they are selected, on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an email verifying your registration and the route (either first or second choice) and your route will be marked as adopted. In the unlikely case that both of your routes were selected before your registration we will contact you directly to let you select a third option, or to see if you might be interested in combining parties.
Summer Moose Day
If seeing moose in the woods makes your day, and you love to hike or drive through the beautiful forests outside of Laramie, this event is for you.
Summer Moose Day allows anyone to adopt a route, hike that route on Moose Day, and record how many moose or signs of moose you see. We'll ask questions like the gender, age, etc. Not sure how to tell? No problem: we will offer a short training before Moose Day to help you feel comfortable identifying moose in the wild.
If you're curious about how many moose are in this area, be sure to mark your calendars for this day and stop by in the Spring or Summer to register for a route!
Winter Moose Day
The annual Winter Moose Day in Vedauwoo / Happy Jack and the Snowy Mountains is held each January! If you love to ski and snowshoe in the beautiful forests outside of Laramie, and love spotting moose or thier tracks in the snow, this event is for you.
Winter Moose Day allows anyone to adopt a route, ski or snowshoe that route on Moose Day, and record how many moose you see. We'll ask questions like the gender, age, etc. Not sure how to tell? No problem: we will offer a short training before Moose Day to help you feel comfortable identifying moose in the wild.
If you're curious about how many moose are in this area, be sure to mark your calendars for this day and stop by this Fall or Winter to register for a route.
How will the data be used?
The Summer Moose Day data will be given to Wyoming Game and Fish Department for their management and conservation of moose in the area. Moose populations, summer and winter range, and reproductive success, (how many calves are born and survive each year?) aren't well understood in this area of Wyoming. In addition, all sightings will be loaded into the iNaturalist, and will be available for public viewing - you'll be able to see right away where your moose are! We will share these data openly with the community
Coordinated and Sponsored by:
Coordinated by the UW Biodiversity Institute, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the University of Wyoming Department of Zoology and Physiology.
