An Alaskan Guide to Moose Hunting: Tips and Strategies

When it comes to moose hunting, it’s not just about the hunt itself but also about the adventure, the preparation, and the experience of being in the wild. Planning a moose hunt, especially in a place like Alaska, requires meticulous planning and a solid understanding of the terrain, regulations, and techniques. Let’s dive into how to plan a successful moose hunting trip, the techniques you need to master, and some valuable tips and tricks to ensure you come back with a memorable story and hopefully, a moose.

Planning Your Moose Hunting Trip

Research and Regulations

The first step in planning your moose hunt is thorough research. Alaska offers a unique opportunity for DIY moose hunting, meaning you don’t necessarily need a guide. However, understanding the regulations is crucial. Each hunting unit in Alaska has specific rules about which moose you can hunt. Some areas allow you to shoot any bull moose, while others have restrictions like a 50-inch antler spread or a certain number of brow tines. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Licensing and Tags

Most moose hunting areas in Alaska offer over-the-counter (OTC) tags, but some regions require a draw. Check the specific requirements of the area you plan to hunt and ensure you have all the necessary licenses and tags. It’s also wise to understand the meat salvage requirements. In Alaska, you must keep the meat on the bone, particularly the hind quarters, to meet legal standards. Always err on the side of caution and keep all meat on the bone to comply with varying regulations.

Choosing the Right Time

Moose hunting season typically falls in September. The peak rut, when moose are most active and responsive to calls, is usually in the latter half of September. Plan your trip around this time to increase your chances of a successful hunt. Keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, cold, and possibly even snow.

Travel and Logistics

Traveling to your hunting location in Alaska often involves a combination of commercial flights, bush planes, and sometimes boats or rafts. For instance, you might fly into a hub like Bethel and then take a floatplane or bush plane to your hunting area. Be mindful of the weight limits for your gear, as bush planes often have strict limits. Consider hiring a transporter who can assist with logistics and drop you at a prime hunting spot.

Hunting Techniques

Understanding Moose Behavior

Moose are creatures of habit and typically stay within a localized area. They prefer areas with ample food sources and water. Unlike caribou, they do not migrate over vast distances. Knowing their habitat and behavior patterns is key to a successful hunt. Moose are also very sound-sensitive, using their acute hearing to detect predators and other moose.

Calling Techniques

Calling is a vital technique in moose hunting. Bull moose respond to both cow calls and bull grunts. When calling, it’s important to mimic the natural behavior and patterns of moose. Cow calls can attract bulls looking for a mate, while bull grunts can challenge other bulls. Remember that moose often respond slowly, sometimes taking a day or more to approach. Patience is crucial.

Cow Calls

Cows emphasize the “EER” part of the call, making it longer and more drawn out: [EER UGH]. Bulls emphasize the “UGH” part, making the “EER” shorter: [EER UGH]. Using a moose calling horn, typically made from leather or birch bark, can amplify these calls and project them over long distances.

Bull Grunts

Bull grunts are deeper and more aggressive, used to challenge other bulls. A typical grunt might sound like, ‘Huh-huh’ (a deep, resonant sound). When using grunts, walk and grunt to simulate a bull moving through the territory. This can provoke a response from a bull looking to defend its area.

Spot and Stalk

Spot and stalk is another effective technique. Use high vantage points to glass large areas and spot moose. Once you locate a moose, plan your approach carefully, considering wind direction and terrain. Moose have excellent hearing and sense of smell, so move quietly and stay downwind.

Setting Up a Calling Station

Choose a location with good visibility and cover. Set up where you can see approaching moose but remain hidden. Call for a period and then listen carefully. Moose may take their time responding, so be prepared to wait.

Tips and Tricks

Gear and Preparation

1. Clothing: Wear quiet clothing like fleece or wool. Avoid noisy materials like Gore-Tex that can rustle and alert moose.
2. Boots: Invest in good boots suitable for wet, boggy terrain. Moose habitat often includes swampy areas that can be difficult to traverse.
3. Navigation: Use GPS and maps to navigate the vast Alaskan wilderness. Mark your camp and significant landmarks to avoid getting lost.

Meat Processing

1. Meat Salvage: Follow regulations strictly. Keep meat on the bone to meet salvage requirements. Understand how to properly field dress and quarter a moose to preserve the meat.
2. Cooling the Meat: In warm weather, it’s crucial to cool the meat quickly to prevent spoilage. Use game bags treated with citric acid to keep flies and bacteria away.

Safety and Survival

1. Bears: Be aware of bear activity. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food and meat away from your camp to avoid attracting bears.
2. Weather: Be prepared for extreme weather changes. Pack appropriate gear for rain, cold, and potentially snow. Hypothermia can be a real danger in the Alaskan wilderness.
3. First Aid: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit and know basic first aid procedures. In remote areas, help can be far away.

Physical Conditioning

Moose hunting can be physically demanding. Be in good physical shape to handle the strenuous hiking and packing out heavy loads of meat. Practice carrying heavy packs and walking in difficult terrain to build your stamina.

Local Knowledge

If possible, talk to locals or other hunters who have experience in the area. They can provide valuable insights into moose behavior and the best hunting spots. Forums like the Alaskan Outdoor Forum can be a great resource.

Packrafts and Rafts

If hunting near water, consider using packrafts to transport meat. They can make the task of moving heavy loads over difficult terrain much easier. Ensure you know how to handle a raft safely in varying water conditions.

Timing and Patience

Moose hunting requires patience. Bulls may take their time responding to calls. Stay persistent and keep calling. Setting up in a good location and waiting quietly can be more effective than constantly moving and calling.