Late season moose hunting

[Guest shooter]

I was asked this question a few times but I don't really know the answer. If during the december hunt someone mistakenly shoots a bull moose with no antlers thinking it was a cow is it the same charge as shooting an animal without the proper tag?

[Guest MNR]

Studies in northern Ontario have shown that less than 10% of bull moose typically shed their antlers before the end of hunting season on December 15. Hunters should still be aware that this is a possibility during late season hunts and should always use as many features as possible to identify the sex of the animal before pulling the trigger. For example, a bull that has dropped its antlers will have pedicel scars where the antlers were attached to the skull. Bulls tend to have dark brown or black nose bridges while cows tend to have light brown nose bridges. Cows also have a vulva patch which is visible if the animal is facing away from the hunter. Mature bulls may have a prominent bell. Don't just rely on the presence or absence of antlers to make your determination of the sex of the animal. Binoculars can be very helpful to assist in identification.

A bull moose is defined as a male moose that is at least one year old at the time of the hunt. If a hunter mistakenly shoots an antlerless bull because they thought it was a cow, they have committed the offence of unlawfully hunting bull moose without a validation tag. They should immediately contact a Conservation Officer, either by calling the nearest Ministry of Natural Resources District Office (during business hours) or by calling MNR's 24 hour TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. The officer will investigate the circumstances of the kill and will use their discretion to determine whether or not charges are appropriate.