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Article Overview: Moose Hunting Alaska

Moose hunting in Alaska is a time honored pursuit deeply embedded in the state’s culture. These massive animals, known for their imposing size and abundant meat, provide sustenance and a connection to the wilderness for hunters across the state. Whether it’s seasoned residents or adventurous visitors, the allure of tracking and harvesting a moose in Alaska’s rugged terrain remains a quintessential part of the Alaskan experience.

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AlaskaExplored is THE DESTINATION for all things Alaska. Whether you’re planning an epic moose hunting trip in Alaska, or you’re just curious about the last frontier, we’ve got you covered. Here at AlaskaExplored.com you’ll find expert tips, detailed guides, stunning photographs, and so much more.

Together AlaskaExplored has more than twenty years of experience traveling, working, and exploring the beautifully rugged, 49th state. Working in television has taken us all around the world, and no place more than Alaska. During our time in Alaska we’ve documented countless stories from every corner and crevasse of the state.

We’ve helped showcase the grandeur of this wild place for National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, Animal Planet, and more. Now we want to share our knowledge and real life experiences with you!

My Experience Moose Hunting Alaska

I haven’t shot any animals in Alaska, but I have shot a lot of people shooting animals in Alaska. Instead of a rifle, my weapon of choice for the past decade has been a video camera. And while filming death isn’t my favorite part of the job, it’s fundamentally essential to the subsistence lifestyle. Life begets life, and I believe there are few purists more noble than providing for yourself and your community by independent sustenance harvesting.

To honestly document the unique lifestyle of substance living in Alaska, its important to include the blood and guts. These folks couldn’t do what they do without. So when I got the chance to film a moose hunt in Alaska, I was beyond stoked. I followed a longtime friend and fisherman in Southeast Alaska on his journey to bag a moose. We skiff’d around islands, hiked through dense forests and muskegs. We slept on his salmon trolling boat, fished, and had an adventure of a life time hunting moose in Alaska.

Moose Hunting Alaska

Table of Contents: Moose Hunting Alaska

Why Trust Us
My Experience Moose Hunting Alaska
Moose Hunting Alaska

Moose Hunting in Alaska: Basics

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, boasting robust bodies, long legs, and distinctive drooping noses. Their fur varies from golden brown to nearly black, depending on the season and age.

Moose Size

Bull moose, reaching nearly 6 feet in height, can weigh between 1,200 to 1,600 pounds, while adult females are somewhat smaller, weighing 800 to 1,300 pounds. A mature moose can usually yield around 500 pounds of meat, enough to feed a village.

So remember that when you’re choosing your hunting grounds and means of transportation. You won’t want to haul 500 lbs of meat and antlers farther than you are physically able to. A general rule of thumb is to “never kill a moose more than a mile from your vehicle.”

moose Habitat

Moose are found throughout most of Alaska except on the Aleutian Islands, but they proliferate in Southcentral, and do well in the Interior, western Alaska, and Arctic Alaska. During moose hunting season, hunters can find moose in various locations depending on their behaviors at the time.

In the early season, moose may still be found in higher elevations, where they seek relief from the summer heat and insects. As the season progresses and temperatures begin to drop, moose gradually move to lower elevations and areas with more abundant forage. Wetlands, river valleys, and areas with dense vegetation become prime hunting spots as moose congregate in these areas to feed and engage in rutting behaviors.

License, Fees, and Regulations

In order to go moose hunting in Alaska, residents and visitors will need a hunting license, a harvest ticket, and a moose tag. Permits are distibuted for specific regions, game management units. These permits often have limited availability and may require entering a lottery system for selection.

Moose hunting Alaska residents are allowed one bull moose while non residents are allowed one bull moose with 50-inch antlers or antlers with 4 or more brow tines. You get one! They’re big mother tuckers so don’t be greedy.

For more regulations regarding moose hunting in Alaska and to register for a hunt and obtain a license, visit the Alaska fish and game website. Don’t f*ck with the Alaska department of fish and game, its crucial that you know your shit and follow the rules!

Moose Hunting Season in Alaska

Moose hunting season in Alaska is structured to align with the animal’s breeding season, or rut, which typically occurs in September and October. This timing allows hunters to target bull moose during their peak activity and vulnerability. No woman no cry, said the moose lying on the forest floor with a bullet hole in its chest.

Additionally, moose hunting season in Alaska varies based on the specific region and hunting regulations set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Regions are divided into different zones or game management units throughout the state. For non-residents, the moose hunting season in Alaska typically spans from early September to late September. For residents and subsistence hunters, moose hunting season in Alaska usually includes a week in late August.

Additionally, some regions in Alaska can offer winter hunts. For more info on winter moose hunting season in Alaska, click here.

Scouting for Moose in Alaska

Successful moose hunting hinges on understanding the whereabouts of bull moose are during the autumn hunting season. It can take years to scout and locate moose hot spots. But putting the work in prior to your Alaska moose hunt will pay dividends. Here’s a couple things to think about when scouting for moose in Alaska.

It’s crucial to recognize that bull moose relocate as the fall hunting season approaches. So don’t waste your time scouting all summer for hot spots and expect a bull to stick around when moose hunting season in Alaska begins. Don’t get me wrong, you could get lucky in late August, but they’ve usually moved on by the time September rolls around.

Additionally, migration routes serve as prime locations for moose hunting, especially when timed correctly. Rivers, creeks, and low mountain passes often serve as pathways for moose as they move to different seasonal ranges. Locating a moose migration route can pay off for years, as they tend to use the same route every year.

Even after the fall moose hunting season in Alaska ends, there’s still an opportunity for scouting. Bull moose often linger near rutting areas for a month or two. If you can identify a concentration area during the fall, come back the following year towards the end of hunting season and theres a good chance they’ll return.

Identifying Moose Sign

Moose Tracks

Alaskan moose tracks are distinctive and easy to identify. The elongated heart shaped tracks have two pointed tips at the top representing the hooves and a rounded bottom where the back of the hoof left an impression. The tracks are large, with an average length of about 5 to 6 inches and a width of 4 to 5 inches for adult moose.

*How to go Moose Hunting in Alaska: FULL GUIDE* // Shutterstock

moose Rub

A rub is a definitive sign that moose have been in the area. Bull moose begin rubbing in early September to shed the velvet off their antlers. They continuing rubbing as a display of dominance. These signs, even from previous falls, indicate areas frequented by bull moose during the hunting season.

Moose Scat

Know your poop! In summer, moose droppings resemble cow patties, while in winter, they are big old pellets. During fall, droppings appear somewhere in between, partially loose and partially pellets. This reflects the moose’s diet change, from leafy to woody forage.

Moose poop also makes a popular Alaskan souvenir, Seriously. Check out our full list of souvenirs here: Souvenir Shopping in Alaska: Bring Home a Piece of the Last Frontier

Moose Hunting in Alaska: Tips

I’ve filmed a ton of hunts in Alaska, and the first couple days are usually the same. We walk around the woods, maybe see some poop, a rub, and if we’re lucky a female we can’t shoot. But, I’m making tv so while the build up can be frustrating, it’s good for story. For the hunter however, there’s just no way around it; you gotta put in the hours in order to be successful. That’s why it’s called hunting and not shooting. With that in mind, here are some tips on hunting for moose in Alaska.

Wind Direction

Moose are on edge during rutting/hunting season in Alaska. They’re all jacked up and ready to find their partner, testosterone oozing from every orifice. So understanding that their senses are extremely heightened is paramount for a successful hunt.

Start by strategizing wind direction; hunting into the wind minimizes the risk of detection, as your scent will not precede you. This can be maddening though, cause you can’t control the wind and it can change on a dime. Regardless, it remains an important consideration.

Clothing

Another pro tip for hunting moose in Alaska has to do with your clothing. For stealthy movement, opt for wool or synthetic fleece attire. Avoid over noisy fabrics like hard finished cotton or polyester. Don’t be loud, not a super outlandish idea, but one folks can often overlook.

Additionally, proper footwear is essential. You’ll likey be covering a lot of various terrain. Wear xturafuffs or muck boots. They’ll be good for hiking though creeks, mud, and forest.

Go Slow

While moose are way bigger than we are, they know we hold the boom stick and once a moose sees you, they won’t stick around to see if you’re a good shot or not. So whatever method of moose hunting in Alaska you decide, it’s important to move slowly and thoughfully.

For example, when scanning for moose, position yourself below skylines and amidst natural cover to avoid revealing your presence. Moose possess keen eyesight, capable of detecting movement from considerable distances.

The early bird gets the moose

This is my least favorite part about moose hunting in Alaska, but it’s probably the most important tip. If you want to be succesful, hunt very early and very late in the day; this is when bull moose are most active.

Moose Hunting in Alaska: Techniques

There’s more ways than one to skin a cat and hunt a moose, here are some techniques to moose hunting in Alaska:

Stand Hunting/Glassing

This isn’t the most exciting way to go moose hunting in Alaska, but it’s undoubtably effective. Bring a snack and your patient pants and prepare to stake out for awhile. Find a vantage point with a wide view of the terrain, while making sure you are hidden in a blind or some natural cover.

Use binoculars and a spotting scope to look for moose, focusing on movement or unusual shapes amid dense vegetation. Avoid moving your binoculars; instead, hold them steady in one area before shifting to a new spot. Be patient and vigilant, as moose may be partially obscured by foliage or terrain features. Listen for sounds like antler clashes or mating grunts.

Floating

Remember, creeks and river can be great areas for migrating moose during hunting season in Alaska. So pick a route, pack accordingly, and drift silently down the water in a raft or canoe. Keep an eye out for moose along the water’s edge or on gravel bars.

Utilize maps or aerial photos to identify potential stopping points such as side sloughs, meadows, or ponds where moose may gather. A few years back, a buddy of mine filmed a successful moose hunt this way.

Road and Trail Hunting

This gas guzzling method is common among the lazier folks that are moose hunting in Alaska. Success rates are usually low, and the time and gas spent high. Instead, use Alaska’s roads and trails to access prime hunting areas, park your vehicle and proceed on foot. If you can’t be bothered to get out of your car to hunt for moose in Alaska, its probably time to hang the rifle up.

How & When to Call a Bull Moose

No matter when or how you’re moose hunting in Alaska, a moose call can improve your chances. However, its important to know the different types of calls and the times to use them.

During early September, before the rut begins, bull moose tend to congregate without engaging in fights. Antler scrapes on brush and soft calls, like the non-threatening bull “glucks,” are effective. Bulls may approach slowly or respond with their own antler scrapes. If a bull responds but hesitates to approach, it’s best to move toward it, lightly scraping on brush as you approach from downwind. This action mimics social behavior, prompting the bull to perceive you as another bull, potentially leading to a closer encounter.

In mid-September, mature bull moose grow more aggressive as the rut nears. Their hardened antlers and heightened testosterone levels signal this change. While traditional calls like antler scraping and “gluck” sounds still attract attention, a robust bull challenge, a deep “mu-wah” issued three or four times, can be especially effective. It’s crucial to ensure other bulls are engaging in similar challenges nearby to avoid intimidating them.

Toward the end of the month, cow calls can be a very effective tool for moose hunting in Alaska. North American cow moose are notably more vocal compared to their European counterparts. The call, characterized by a melodic, nasal “mo-ooo-ah” that begins high, descends, and then rises again, is distinctive and effective in attracting bulls.

Calling for moose while hunting in Alaska can feel silly, practice a few times before you get out in the woods and potentially scare a bull off.

Alaska Moose Hunting Guided Trips

If you an afford it, guided moose hunting in Alaska can be very rewarding. It offer hunters an unparalleled opportunity to pursue Alaskan moose without a lot of the planning and logistical headaches. With experienced guides leading the way, hunters can rely on the local guides invaluable knowledge of moose behavior, habitat, and tracking techniques.

The most stressful part of moose hunting in Alaska can be ensuring you follow all the rules and regs. With a guide, you can trust that they are well-versed in the local regulations and hunting ethics, ensuring a safe and sustainable hunt. In addition to that, they often provide transportation, accommodations, meals, and necessary equipment, allowing hunters to focus solely on the hunt.

Moreover, guided moose hunts often result in higher success rates compared to self-guided hunts, as guides leverage their expertise to locate prime hunting areas and track moose effectively. They may also assist with field dressing, packing out meat, and other logistical aspects of the hunt, easing the burden on hunters. While it kinda feels like cheating, booking a guided moose hunt in Alaska remains a very popular option.

Alaska Moose Hunting Prices

Alaska moose hunting is freaking expensive! There’s just no way around it. Even if you do it DIY, you’re going to be spending a lot of money. The base cost of an unguided moose hunt can range from $8,000 to $15,000 per hunter. While guided moose hunts in Alaska can cost anywhere from 30,000-40,000k per hunter. Prices vary depending on the outfitter and the duration of the hunt.

This fee often includes accommodations, meals, transportation during the hunt, and field dressing of the moose. However, additional expenses may apply, such as hunting licenses and tags, which can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on residency status and the specific hunt area.

Travel expenses, including airfare to and from Alaska and any necessary overnight accommodations before or after the hunt, should also be factored in. Additionally, hunters should tip guides and staff, typically around 10-20% of the total hunt cost, as a gesture of appreciation for their services.

Optional expenses might include trophy fees for larger or additional animals, taxidermy services, and shipping costs for meat and trophies. It’s essential for hunters to carefully review the pricing and inclusions offered by different outfitters to understand the total cost and ensure it aligns with their budget and expectations.

Alaska Moose Hunting Price Breakdown

Here’s a full breakdown of what it might cost you to go moose hunting in Alaska as a non resident. Things like airfare and hotel accommodations can vary wildly, so we did an average cost.

License and Tags

Non-Resident Hunting License: $160
Moose Tag (Non-Resident): $800

Transportation

Airfare to Alaska: $500 – $1,500
Rental Vehicle: $300 – $700
Hotel Accommodations before and after hunt: $250-$1000

Guide Fees:

Guide Fee: $20,000 – $40,000 (varies depending on duration and services included)
Gratuity for Guide : 10% – 20% of guide fee

Equipment and Gear:

Rifle or Bow: $500 – $2,000
Ammunition or Arrows: $50 – $200 (depending on quantity and caliber)
Hunting Clothing and Gear: $200 – $800

Miscellaneous Expenses

Processing and Shipping of Meat: $500 – $700 (varies depending on quantity and services)
Taxidermy: $500 – $3,000 (varies depending on size and complexity)
Trophy Shipping: $200 – $500 (varies depending on destination and shipping method)

Total Estimated Cost: $26,000 – $56,000 (costs can vary greatly depending on individual choices, duration of hunt, and level of luxury)

Alaska Moose Hunting Guides/Outfitters

Here are some trusted moose hunting guides in Alaska:

Nushagak Guides & Master Guide Brian Donovan (Dillingham): “A hunt with Nushagak Guides is a one-on-one, high service Alaskan hunting adventure. We are happy to work with all levels of hunting experience, and to customize the hunt to your needs. ” Phone: (907) 843-1832 Email: https://www.donovansguideservice.com/contact/

Double Shovel Outfitters (Fairbanks): “Specializing in remote operations, Double Shovel Outfitters operates within three exclusive guide use areas in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.” Phone: (907) 699-7801 Website

Alaska Moose Hunting FAQ’s

Do female moose have antlers?

No.

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My Experience Moose Hunting Alaska

Moose Hunting Alaska

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