Alaska Moose

A mature bull Moose with fully developed antlers is an impressive trophy. It is the largest member of the deer family in the entire animal kingdom. The largest of the Moose species is found in Alaska. An adult male can tip the scales at over sixteen hundred pounds. In several areas of Alaska the genetics can produce horns that measure between 70 and 80 inches wide. In addition they have good heavy antlers with wide palms and long heavy tines. Quite spectacular!

In the Summer, the bulls are solitary animals that spend most of their days feeding on plants and willows in the higher side valleys. The lush forage which abounds during the summer months gives the necessary nourishment to aid in the phenomenal growth of their antlers, which are covered with a soft velvet. Their growth slows and they begin to harden in mid to late August. With the decreasing daylight and colder frosty nights the bulls will begin to scrape the velvet from their antlers during the first few days of September. At the same time they start moving down from their side valleys to find the cows who are also moving up to meet the bulls on the traditional breeding grounds. They will eventually come together and herd up at timberline. They are partial to the edges of the swampy tundra where it meets the Spruce trees and the Willow thickets. It is not at all uncommon to find 3 or 4 bulls gathered with a group of 10 to 15 cows. With normal weather conditions the rut will be in full swing in late September. Hunting these bulls during the rut can be a very thrilling and exhilarating experience. When you encounter a willow thicket which has been thoroughly destroyed by the bulls as they thrash them with their antlers, it can be a sobering experience. As in most of the big game hunting in Alaska, glassing from a vantage point is a common method of hunting. When the flashing antlers of a big bull are seen a stalk is planned which often takes you right into the middle of the harem and the action. It's quite interesting to hear the soft calling of the females or catch a glimpse of a big bull as he chases off a smaller challenger. Calling and grunting is also a method that is particularly interesting and can be productive during the rut. As the Moose migrate and gather on their traditional breeding grounds, a comfortable spike camp is established near the area. Two guides and two hunters normally share the camp together and cooperate to hunt the area at the same time. When a big bull hits the ground, at least one day is required to butcher the meat and to pack the animal back to camp. All of the meat and the trophy must be salvaged.

Fifteen years ago many hunters did not consider the Moose to be too important on the trophy scale. However, today they are becoming increasingly popular and the possibilities in Alaska for a truly outstanding specimen are diminishing each year. Don't wait too long to add this fantastic animal to your trophy room.

In 2008, a new hunt was offered in Alaska Game Unit 6A. This is one of the areas in Alaska where large trophy Moose can be found that can measure over 70 inches wide. This hunt is conducted near Icy Cape on private property where other hunters are not allowed to hunt. In addition to Moose, the season is open for Brown Bear, Black Bear, and Trophy Mountain Goat. The point of departure is Yakutat, Alaska.

Alaska Trophy Moose Hunt

Point of Outfitting: Icy Cape, Alaska

Time:8 Days, September, October, and November

Price:$12,995 + Brown Bear, Black Bear, and Trophy Mountain Goat can be added to the hunt at Icy Cape.