Glenn
Dunning is a member of New England Outdoor Writers Association
(NEOWA) and contributes monthly to Outdoors Magazine
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Outdoor Magazine, March '04 issue, Traveling Outdoorsman col. Submitted by: Glenn Dunning |
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Moose Mystique: Before buying a trip, know your options |
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| Consider the average mature moose stands three feet off the ground. The average Vermont whitetail is approximately 33 inches to the shoulder. Yup, you got it. That deer could walk right under that moose and never even rub its belly. Probably does not happen much in nature but gives an interesting perspective on comparative size. Moose are huge, twice the size of caribou, bigger than the biggest elk and from Newfoundland to Alaska there are lots of them. Before booking a moose hunt, especially your first moose hunt, its important to have some understanding of the animal and its habits. Additionally, before you go writing a deposit check you should also know the different options regarding which species of moose you want to hunt, how far you are willing to travel for your trophy and what are the comparative trip/outfitter costs. Canada has a large and healthy moose population that stretches from one end of the country to the other. They are found in every province with the highest concentrations in Newfoundland, British Columbia and the Yukon. The largest species; the Alaskan-Yukon moose can weigh over 1800 pounds and bulls have been taken with spreads in excess of 70 inches. Their slightly smaller cousins the Eastern Canada moose, also called Canada moose, weigh up to 1200 pounds and typically top out with 45 to 55 inch spreads. The Shiras moose found in the western United States is smaller still and usually bears a more rounded rack. In many ways moose are similar to deer in habits and culture. They are grass eaters in the summer and sustain themselves on browse during the winter months. They rely on a keen sense of smell and hearing for defense. Healthy mature cows typically have two calves and bulls rut for about six weeks from mid-September into late October. They are not herd animals and sometimes spend a lifetime within a relatively small area. In contrast however, moose are far more vocal than deer, especially bulls during the rut. They live longer and as with deer, reach breeding age at 18 months. Rutting bulls will wallow similar to elk. Wolves and bear are their primary predators causing the most havoc with calves in the spring. Newfoundland is the most popular destination for moose hunting and because the rut and seasons coincide it is often hunted in combination with woodland caribou and/or black bear. Hunters often ask, "What is the typical size of bulls harvested?" Despite the pictures conjured up by purported 90% success rates, the average bull probably supports a twenty-four inch or slightly better antler spread. This is largely due to first time hunters being satisfied with the first bull they see in the bush. While it is true that if you wait you may go home with an empty cooler, for the patient or extremely lucky there are plenty of 40 inch plus moose taken every year and even some over 50 inches. The average weeklong hunt in Newfoundland with a reputable outfitter is going to cost around $3000 for a single permit and about $5000 for a combo with either caribou or bear. The largest animal in the family is the Alaskan-Yukon moose and the best place to hunt them is in the Yukon Territory. As a result of "bunny-hugger" supported legislation, Alaska has a wolf problem that is out of control in much of the state and as a result moose populations have suffered. This is not the case on the Canadian side of the border however and the Yukon consistently produces some magnificent animals season after season. There is a price for this caliber of trophy. Most hunts are 10 to 14 days and can cost from $10,000 - $15,000. Less expensive hunts for quality animals are available in nearly every province. For instance in Manitoba where 50 inch moose are not that uncommon a week long American Plan hunt runs about $6,000 including 1x1 guide service. Hunting methods although varying by terrain and location are generally some form of walk and stalk. If you are going to have reasonable success on a good bull you have got to be in better than average shape. Throughout moose territory boats are used to access remote areas where the animals maintain fairly normal daily activity removed from hunting pressure. Floatplanes and helicopters are usually part of the transportation mix on the more expensive hunts and in the western provinces horses are used. In Newfoundland hunters often access territory with ATV's and Argos. Are moose worth the money? Subjective question, but the pure imagery of power and prowess exhibited by the largest and reigning king of the deer family makes even a small bull a trophy for the successful bow or gun hunter. |
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