Tips for Moose Hunting

Hunters looking to tackle big game will find a worthy foe in the moose. The largest of the deer family, the moose has seven different sub-species, four of which can be found in North America. The Alaskan moose is the largest of them all, reaching weights of 1800 pounds. And despite their somewhat awkward, gangly appearance, moose can run up to 35 mph and swim and scale steep hills with relative ease. While their eyesight is poor, they have extremely acute hearing, capable of picking up sounds across incredible distances.

The easiest way to undertake a moose hunt is to book accommodations with one of many Canadian lodges specifically catering to hunters. It's up to the hunter to make sure he has all his proper gear. Your list should include a gun, ammunition, sling, knives, thermos, binoculars, compass or GPS, moose call, a small chainsaw, maps, rope, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. A few of the preferred weapons of choice are a .300 Winchester Magnum 180 or a 7mm Weatherby Magnum 150.

Once fully equipped, there are two main ways to hunt moose: still hunting and stand hunting.

Still hunting is when the hunter slowly and quietly walks around the areas known to have moose. Always keep the wind in your favor. And it helps to go after a rainfall, since the wet ground will soften your approach.

The more popular hunting method is stand hunting, which involves taking a position over a favorable area where you can watch for moose without being detected. Choose your position near recent moose dropping trails, eaten brush, or visible tracks. Scouting the area ahead of time will prove beneficial. Preparation and patience are the keys to a successful moose hunt.