Moose Hunts

Hunting Moose

Moose hunting is an excellent way to get some exercise and spend time outdoors. Moose can be found in many regions of the world, so there's no shortage of opportunities for hunters looking for a moose hunt.

Moose are found in the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They live in various habitats—including forested areas, tundra plains, and mountains—but prefer wetland areas with plenty of food and water.

Moose are most active during the fall when they're looking for food to store up for winter. However, they also become more active in the spring as they prepare to breed. So, if you want to hunt moose, it's best to do so during these times. In addition, because moose are such large animals (males can weigh over 1,500 pounds), they need a lot of food to survive and thrive—and this means that they tend not only to be more active at certain times of year but also in certain places:

When it comes to hunting, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• First, you need a license, which you can get at your local sporting goods store. Make sure to bring an ID with a photograph and money for the fee. It's also important to have good equipment—a good rifle is essential if you're hoping to bring home dinner!
• You'll want something with good accuracy and power, like a .338 caliber rifle or larger, with a scope. 
• Don't forget about clothing! A moose hunt takes place in all sorts of weather—in fact, moose like cold weather! So, if you're planning on hunting them during winter months, bring warm clothes like parka jackets or snow pants, along with lots of layers underneath so that you stay warm. Snowshoes are also extremely useful when hiking overland through deep snowdrifts.

Moose Species

Kamchatka Moose

Until the 1970s, there were no moose on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The narrow bridge that unites the peninsula with the mainland is situated well to the North of the natural moose range, and the animals could not navigate it without help from the Russian hunters. In the new habitat, the moose not only multiply well but also reach an impressive size. The current world’s number two moose trophy was harvested in 2017 in Kamchatka. With such impressive trophies and an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary habitats, Kamchatka moose hunting should be on everyone’s wish list.

The Kamchatka moose hunting season begins September 1 and ends December 15. Many great trophies have been harvested in the late season when the animal's size can be estimated by the tracks. Still, by far the best time for moose hunting is during the rut, which usually happens in late September – early October. Not only does this period allow the exciting hunt “on the roar” (by calling), but also, there are fewer chances of your hunt being ruined by an unexpected shift in the weather.

North American Moose

The moose is the largest member of the deer family. An adult bull can stand above six feet at the shoulder and weigh more than 1,300 pounds. Boone and Crockett define three moose species.

For many hunters, the pinnacle is the Alaska-Yukon sub-species, the largest of the three. They are found throughout Alaska, the Yukon, and the western portion of the Northwest Territories in northern Canada.

Then there’s the Canadian, found from the western province of British Columbia to the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. Canada bull moose can vary in size but tend to be larger in the northwest portions of B.C.

Shiras Moose

The Shrias moose is found throughout portions of the western United States, including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. This moose is the smallest in body size and weight. It is the most difficult trophy to obtain as it typically requires you to apply in the draw for the permit. These are once-in-a-lifetime permits and may require several years of applying before you pull a tag.

Eastern Moose

Maine has the highest concentration of eastern moose in the whole of the United States. The success rate for hunters during the moose hunting season was 72% last year. The commercial forests owned by the state in the Maine North Woods serve as an excellent habitat for eastern moose. However, with a success rate of only 20%, southern Maine cannot be expected to have a similar rate. The exact dates vary based on the wildlife management district, but the season runs from September 22 to November 29. The 25 districts of Maine have a combined hunting area of about 21,000 square miles.

Go southwest to New Hampshire for more eastern moose hunting. The regulated moose hunt in New Hampshire, which lasts just nine days, and begins on the third Saturday of every October, is well-known.

Permits are required for participation and are given out via lottery. If you wish to participate in the hunt the following year, you must submit a bid by August, as only around 120 licenses are available each year. Despite the low likelihood of success, the potential rewards make it worthwhile. All of the holders of permits last year harvested moose, with the largest bull weighing in at over 900 pounds.

Eurasian Moose

In Northern and, to a lesser extent, Central Europe, the moose is a native species. Its habitat includes parts of Russia, the Baltic States, Belarus, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the northern section of Ukraine. Even small, isolated herds had been recorded in Austria a number of years ago. Germany and the Czech Republic both have isolated scattered populations. Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia are some countries where small numbers can still be found.

North American moose hunts are usually spot-and-stalk, by calling, or a combination of both methods. European moose hunts are traditionally conducted by driving or using specially trained dogs who hold the animals in place by barking and staging mock attacks until the hunters can approach. Stalking and calling are also practiced, however.