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Moose Hunting | Varieties and Distribution of Huntable Moose Subspecies

Moose can easily weigh over 1,500 pounds and stand seven foot at the shoulder. A large bull’s antlers can weigh over 90 pounds. Atchesons definitely know moose hunting and have fielded thousands of moose hunters over the last 6 decades, and we do know where to send you to get your moose! Our clients have moose in the top ten of all-time of all moose species! Henry S. Budney’s trophy bull has a spread of 72 inches; 20 inches across each palm, and 31 points all total. Larry Hammer’s giant moose is over 73 inches wide, carrying 35 points. Michael E. Laub hunted northern British Columbia, where he took a bull with a 63-inch spread, 23-inch palm, and 31 antler points. At last glance, this bull was the current Canadian world record moose.

Bull Moose and Cow in Alaska

Alaska-Yukon Moose

The Alaska-Yukon moose is the largest antlered animal in the world. The Boone & Crockett Club and Safari Club International (SCI) consider the distribution of the Alaskan-Yukon subspecies territory to include all of Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and all of the Northwest Territories. Until you see one of these gigantic beasts on the hoof, it is hard to imagine just how large they are. They are even more impressive lying on the ground.

Alaska has always been a top choice of trophy moose hunters,  there are many great outfitters and areas! From the south slopes of the Brooks Range to Bristol Bay to the Wrangell Mountains,  we have reserved the best hunting for you!

The Brooks Range has some spectacular bull moose. Due to the remoteness, these moose may live their entire lives never seeing a human. Moose hunting is conducted on the south side of the Brooks Range. They are hunted from the typical fly-out spike camp, river boat, or by horseback. The Brooks Range Alaska Barren Ground caribou herd is one of the largest in the world and may occupy some regions in great abundance, and it might be a good idea to have a Grizzly tag as well, if the hunt allows for taking one on a chance encounter. This is the only Alaska region offering the classic moose, caribou, and Grizzly combo, with limited openings!

Western Alaska is loaded with prime moose hunting.  This part of Alaska is gentle for the most part, with rolling hills from 500 to 2,500 feet high. The higher reaches of these hills are ideal habitat for Brown and Grizzly Bear, plus many Black Bear. The lower lying areas contain birch, spruce, willow, and alder, made to order for growing big moose. The world’s largest salmon runs fill these regions streams, drawing big Grizzly, Brown, and Black Bears to feed on the multitudes of fish. A perfect mixed bag hunt destination, fly-out spike camps are usually a requirement when combining multiple species on a single hunt.

The Alaskan Peninsula has always been famous for big moose, due largely in part to the Alaska Game Department rigidly regulating moose hunting, which has led to high trophy quality. Hunters usually fly to a base camp a day before the hunt is to start. The outfitter often has been scouting and may already have a very large bull moose located. Moose are rutting at this time, so the hunting is excellent. Because of the 10-day season (September 1st – 20th), openings are limited and we recommend booking early, and don’t forget the fishing pole!

Central/Eastern Alaska: A common feature of the moose in this region of Alaska are beautiful antlers and magnificent, multi-pointed palmation. A world record Alaskan-Yukon Moose was taken here a few years back. Late August/September is prime time in this area for a moose hunt. Grizzly or Brown Bear can be combined late August to September 25th, and Dall Sheep or even Mountain Goat can be included in some areas. This country lends itself to using horses! Hunting moose from horseback is far easier than hunting on foot, but the real beauty is watching a horse carry that half-ton of meat back to camp.

Yukon Territory: As their name implies, the Canadian Yukon is home to the largest subspecies of moose as well. Areas to the east of Whitehorse in the central Yukon contain the bulk of the truly good moose hunting found in this part of Canada. All the terrain here is fairly mountainous and often heavily forested. Hunters utilize a number of hunting styles in this area, such as horseback in the higher basins, or by boat on large rivers and numerous lakes. Trophy quality moose become feasible in late August and remains very good through freeze-up, which usually occurs in mid-October. Spot-and-stalk is normally used, and the art of calling moose is practiced with a high degree of success as well. Moose hunts are generally 10 to 12 days in length, with multiple species including Dall/Stone/Fannin Sheep, Grizzly and Black Bear, and Mountain Caribou hunts running 14 to 16 days. Also, make sure you’re “saddle ready” if you book a horseback hunt.

(Western and Eastern) Canadian Moose

We offer Western Canadian moose by horseback, progressive travel tent camps, and by boat on rivers and lakes. Northern British Columbia produces bulls carrying a horn spread of 50 to 60 inches or more, which is not a bad bull at all! Combo with Mountain Goat, Mountain Caribou, Elk, and Stone Sheep. In Alberta, Canadian Moose hunts run from September to November 30th.  Combo with Whitetail and Mule Deer, Black Bear, or even the Giant Woodland Bison.

Eastern Canadian Moose are hunted in Manitoba and Newfoundland. Productive Manitoba combos can include Central Barren Ground Caribou, Black Bear, and even Muskox in nearby Nunavut.  In Newfoundland, you can hunt Black Bear, and limited Woodland Caribou are available. The popular and productive “moose calling” rut season has a wide range and runs mid-September to late October. Bulls sport antlers of 45 to 60 inches in width. Lodging varies from mountain tent camps to rustic cabins.  What is best for your party? A boat hunt, horseback, vehicle, or ATV? All have high success/opportunity rates.

Shiras Moose

There is a difference of opinion on the distribution of Shiras moose, but it is generally accepted that the western states and southern British Columbia contain this species. Within the states, it is very difficult to draw. However, we have access to landowner (no draw) Shiras Moose hunts in Utah, and a limited number of no drawing permits are also available for Shiras Moose in British Columbia, where most bulls range from 35 to 45 inches and hunts have historically been very successful. In the southern third of British Columbia, Shiras moose can be combined with Mule Deer, Mountain Goat, and Black Bear. Most hunting here is done out of a lodge or cabin, and then using horses, on foot, and vehicles for day trips.

 

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Click photo to view full gallery

Season

Moose in August

In late August, moose can be hunted in the Yukon and northern British Columbia.  Moose are scattered and often still wearing their velvet.  If you like the meat, this is the best time to take a moose.  Moose are found from the lowest valley to treeline in the high mountains, so a variety of hunting terrain can be expected.  Farther north, moose frequent lakes and rivers for  the aquatic vegetation.  A boat hunt can be productive.  Some alpine areas can offer good hunting as well.  Book longer hunts in August.  Days are long and warm weather keeps moose rather sluggish.  Morning and evening are best.  At this time period, it is often possible to combine caribou, grizzly, black bear, sheep, or mountain goat.

Moose in September

In Alaska, moose season opens in most areas around September 1.  Moose have begun to shed their velvet gloves in preparation for the genetic Olympics of the oncoming rut.  This can be a good time to hunt moose throughout the North country.  Outfitters have spent time in the field, and have located bull moose, which normally do not move a lot at this time of year.  The creamy white palms on moose just after they shed velvet make them easier to spot, even several miles away.  It is usually an excellent time of the year to hunt grizzly and brown bear, which are often on salmon streams or berry patches on lightly vegetated hillsides, making them easier to find.  It is also the start of good elk hunting.  Goat and sheep hunting can still be very good.  Several species of caribou can be hunted, all with good success.  Beautiful fall foliage is in full color.

Toward the middle of September, the rut is in full swing.  Like all species of the deer family, males do a great deal of roaming, looking for groups of cows, but, of course, weather can greatly affect the rut.  Calling moose can be productive at this time.  Watching areas where a large number of cow moose are gathered is also a good bet.  Hunting remains excellent for most other species.  Goat and sheep hunting can become difficult if heavy snows have fallen in the high country.

A ten-day hunt is really the minimum you should consider.  If you want more game, two weeks is a much better choice.

October Moose Hunting

Moose season is closed in most of Alaska, with the exception of a few areas, but remains open in prime areas of the Yukon and British Columbia.  The leaves have fallen from the trees, and visibility in the forest is far better.  It is prime time to hunt caribou, elk, grizzly, and brown bear.  Winter is approaching, and deep snow and cold temperatures are a real possibility.  Most moose hunting tapers off around mid October, but a few areas remain good until the first of November.

Additional Information

Meat for the Freezer

There is 400 to 500 pounds of boned meat from an adult bull moose.  Beef at home is going to be cheaper than your moose meat from Alaska or Canada.  If you don’t want the meat, the outfitter uses it in camp or gives it to locals.  They want the meat.  It is easy to bring home 50 pounds of the best cuts.  But if you are in a remote part of Alaska and plan to fly all your meat out, it may require an additional charter flight costing hundreds of dollars.  Some camps in Canada can be reached by vehicle, enabling you to easily take the meat home.  Ask your outfitter about his meat policy.

General Licenses

Licenses should be purchased in advance, but they can be purchased upon arrival in most major cities.  Ask your outfitter for the best procedure in obtaining licenses.   No drawings!

General Time Required

It is possible to take a moose in as short as a seven-day hunt.  If you plan to take two or more species, a ten-day hunt is best.  The average on all our mixed bag hunts is 2.2 animals per hunter on a ten-day hunt.  If you plan to hunt more than two animals, a 15-day hunt is best.  If you have the time and money, don’t cut time or corners.  There are no bargains on quality hunting trips.

Trophy Hunt Versus a Meat Hunt

If you are a trophy hunter, a privately guided hunt is the only way to go.  You should never consider a two hunter/one guide arrangement for a trophy hunt.  If you are sharing a guide, take the first legal animal you have opportunity for.  Savings on two hunter/one guide hunts can be considerable.  Let us know if the trophy size is most important, or if meat is the main focus.  Some areas are much simpler in terms of transporting the meat home.

Moose Size

Moose is one animal that won’t disappoint you.  Moose are immense, usually larger than you would expect.  Antler spreads can vary considerably.  The average Alaska/Yukon moose taken has a spread of around 60 inches, give or take several inches either way.  Each year our clients take record class moose, and a few exceed 70 inches in spread.  They are awesome!

The average size of a Canadian moose is around 50 inches, give or take several inches either way.  A particularly big Canadian moose might go 55 inches, although each year a few of our hunters will take moose 60 inches in spread.  The guides will try hard, and you must try hard, too.

The hunts we recommend in southeast British Columbia are considered Shiras moose by Safari Club International (SCI) record keeping books, but not by the Boone and Crockett Club.  Shiras moose hunted in southeast British Columbia are on a drawing for resident hunters, but are available on a no-drawing quota to outfitters with good moose populations. Book in advance for these hunts.  There is a strong demand.  A good Shiras moose will carry a rack 38 to 45 inches in spread, though we have had hunters take moose over 50 inches.

Pricing Information

Call or email Atchesons for pricing and details directly.   office@atcheson.com or 406-782-2382.  We will be happy to send you a quote!

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Mission Statement
  • About the Atcheson Family
  • Hunt Specials
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Adventure Planner
  • Hunter Reports
  • Gallery
  • Client Benefits
  • Discount Club
  • Good Will Plan
  • Resources
  • Sport Hunting Disclaimer
  • Booking a Hunt
  • Travel Insurance
  • Equipment Lists
  • Game shipment & Taxidermy
  • Forms
  • Hunting Books & Literature
  • Links
  • Index of Hunting Terminology

Jack Atcheson & Sons, Inc.

3210 Ottawa Street
Butte, MT 59701

Phone: 406-782-2382
Fax: 406-723-3318
Email: office@atcheson.com

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