About

Did you know that moose are actually quite picky about what they eat? They prefer to eat rare plants within their habitat range, primarily feeding on trembling aspen, black poplar, and willows. And, if they’re lucky, Red osier dogwood, which is the “ice cream of the moose world,” says Dr. Vince Crichton, certified wildlife biologist and retired manager of Game, Fur, and Problem Wildlife with Manitoba Conservation. Thanks for putting in terms we can understand, Dr. Crichton.

from 9 Hilarious Awkward Moose Photos by Alysha Vandertogt
Cottage Life – February 12, 2020

Riding Mountain National Park was Vince’s Manitoba home. In the spring and fall he spent much of his time cameras in hand, searching for, documenting and monitoring the patterns of the park moose. Every day at dawn and dusk, Vince’s truck could be seen driving up and down Highway 10 or biking the Strathclair Trail on the search for his “rubber nosed swamp donkeys”. After Julia was born, he could be seen with her in a carrier on his back, then in her “chariot” being pulled behind him on his bike, and later beside him on her own bike – teaching her how to call moose; learning where and what they eat; and seeing them up close and personal.

from Vince’s Obituary

It was a very sad day for Alces and the North American Moose Conference and Workshop group when we learned that Vince, a near-inaugural member, a regular scientific contributor, a relentless inspirational leader, and treasured friend of so many, was taken from us on December 3, 2020, at 78. His presence at every meeting since 1972 was hugely important to the scientific and social development of our association. First and foremost, he will always be the beloved husband of Kim, Dad to Scott (Vita), Susan (Craig), and Grampy to Julia.

from Alces/NAMCW tribute

Vince’s unique character and persuasiveness came from his never-failing pursuit of good wildlife management, not to mention his tall stature. One might presume that his outspokenness survived in the civil service only because of the principled and absolute conviction of his positions. His objective he said was to get people "into the same canoe, paddling in the same direction".

from Alces/NAMCW tribute

Madam Speaker, I stand before the House today to recognize a very special individual known throughout the province and around the world as Doc Moose. Dr. Vince Crichton is best described as passionate, dedicated and committed to moose and moose management in Manitoba and around the world. The son of a conservation officer, Vince pursued university degrees in both Ontario and Manitoba, obtaining a bachelor of science, a masters of science and a Ph.D. With these impressive academic credentials and extensive knowledge of wildlife, Vince Crichton began a career in wildlife management with the Province of Manitoba in 1972.
 
Regional wildlife biologist, provincial moose manager, habitat manager, section manager were just some of the many hats Vince wore in a 40-year career with the Province of Manitoba. Vince had an intense passion for moose and spent the majority of his career focusing on studying and understanding moose biology, physiology and habits. He became a world authority, the go-to man. 

Doc Moose led and participated in moose management research, conferences and symposiums across Canada and internationally. Dr. Vince Crichton's achievements have been many. He was among the first wildlife managers in Manitoba to advocate for the co-management of moose between First Nations and the provincial government. Doc Moose has made many appearances on both the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Distinguished Moose Biologist Award, the 2014 Conservation Award from the Manitoba Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Vince was the first ever recipient of the honorary moose hunting licence from the Manitoba Department of Agriculture and Resource Development.

Madam Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to honour Doc Moose, Dr. Vince Crichton, in our hallowed Chamber today. 

Thank you.

from Legislative Assembly of Manitoba – November 2nd, 2020