Alaska Moose Hunting

Moose Hunting in Alaska

Hunting moose in any area of North America requires a great deal of pre-planning and patience. But with a little information, even the novice hunter can enjoy an Alaska moose hunting expedition that is enjoyable and satisfying. This article is meant to provide just that. However, if there are lingering questions that a professional needs to answer, Donovan's Guide Service has knowledgeable guides that can assist you. Alaska moose hunting started out as the primary method of supplying meat to mining camps. Throughout Alaska's history, moose were used as a source of food and clothing all over the state. Today, Alaska moose hunting harvests approximately 6,000 to 8,000 moose. This translates into 3.5 million pounds of meat. Because this high quality meat is in demand, it is a requirement that anyone on a moose hunting trip salvage the meat for human consumption. If a hunt has excess meat, perhaps the guide can arrange to make a donation of the extra.

Alaska moose hunting is extremely popular. This is most likely because Alaska is home to the largest moose in North America. Adult males can weigh from 1,200 to 1,650 pounds. Adult females weight between 800 and 1100 pounds. The reasons for Alaska moose hunting can vary from desiring trophy antlers on the wall to acquiring a large amount of meat for consumption. Whatever your reasons, moose hunting trips arranged with Donovan's Guide Service can get you what you are after.

Alaska moose hunting season runs during the first few weeks of September. Most hunts run about 10 days in length and cover a few miles of area in the locations of the Nushagak River and the Wood-Tikchik State Park. Alaska moose hunting through Donovan's Guide Service is done out of tent camps set up on rivers and lakes. Some of the time on your hunting trip will be spent on a boat. Talk about a great way to get away from it all!

During the month of September, when Alaska moose hunting is in full swing, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Reports have shown variations in temperature between 35-65 degrees. Because of this, it is a good idea for hunters to pack clothing that can be layered, and diverse enough to keep you warm in freezing temperatures and cool in weather that can be quite warm. Wool outer clothing is ideal. One might not initially consider this, but wool is a quieter fabric than its synthetic counterparts. It also has the ability to keep you warm even when it is wet. An Alaska moose hunting trip also requires a set of rain gear and hunter orange outerwear.

Moose are rutting this time of the year so they tend to spend most of their time within a few square miles of territory. It isn't until later in the fall that the bulls begin to wander, looking for a mate. When they begin to do that, they will travel up to 4 miles away from their home base. Strategies used in Alaska moose hunting are calling, spotting and stalking. Calling can be tricky, but effective. Alaska moose hunting with a guide can teach you the art, and snag you a large bull while you learn.

Keys to successful Alaska moose hunting trips are inclusive of technique, equipment, and experience. Working with a guide service for your first few Alaska moose hunting trips is probably the best way to get the most out of the experience. Skilled hunters who already have their own tools and know how also have the opportunity through Donovan's Guide Service to embark on unguided trips for moose hunting if that is their preference.

In closing, the sport of Alaska moose hunting is not necessarily just a popular pastime; it has become a time where one can reconnect with family and friends in the most amazing scenic settings in North America. Alaska moose hunting expeditions can challenge you, physically and mentally. They will test your patience and your stamina. But in the end, you will gain a new appreciation for nature and even a new sense of yourself through the challenging experience. Well worth it!