Where To Hunt Moose
The Moose’s range includes most of Canada, Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, and much of northern New England. They are also spread amongst Northern Europe and Asia, typically above a certain latitudinal line. The largest individuals are of the Alaska-Yukon subspecies, and have been known to grow to up to 1,600 pounds and stand at 7 feet tall. The best place to chase these brutes is Alaska, as the vast amounts of land and low pressure make it a prime location for big bulls. In addition, Colorado, Montana, and Idaho are also among top western states for moose. Less obvious is northern New England, as Maine and New Hampshire have large populations of trophy animals as well.
Why Target Moose?
Moose are the largest antlered game animals in the world. Couple this with the facts that you can call them into bow range, they taste fantastic, and they live in some of the wildest places on earth, and you will be hard pressed to find a hunter who does not have this animal on their bucket list.
Moose Regulations And Tags
Moose are a highly regulated species. Depending on your chosen state, the odds of drawing are usually very low, and tags are often “once-in-a-lifetime”, meaning you can only draw them once. However, many outfitters offer over-the-counter tag options that help simplify the process. The tags vary in price, but are typically on the higher end of the spectrum. If you are lucky enough to draw this coveted tag, make sure you are aware of any antler restrictions in the area you are hunting, as many states have fairly specific rules on how big the moose’s antlers must be.
Moose Hunting Techniques And Equipment
Much like an elk, moose can be called in during the rut, which typically begins in late September and continues through mid-October. However, unlike elk, moose typically have lower population densities, as individuals are spread out over large areas. Because of this, moose have specialized antlers that help amplify sound, allowing them to hear calls from up to several miles away. Hunters are able to take advantage of this and use a call similar to an elk bugle cone in conjunction with the thrashing of brush to bring in bulls from a distance.
Moose can be taken by gun and bow and arrow, however stopping power is of utmost importance. They are not as tough as a bear, but a wounded moose is a problem that no one wants to be faced with. Larger caliber rifles in the .300 range and above will get the job done, and, as always, bullet placement is of critical importance, so make sure you are comfortable with your rifle before your hunt. When considering bow hunting, ensure that you are confident with your set up, because if all goes according to plan, you will have a fired-up bull at very close range.