Photo Credit Ryan Menard
Have you ever sat there, watching tv, admiring the large Moose someone has just harvested and thought to yourself “I want to hunt Moose”? Well, if you are anything like me, I sure have this animal and excursion on my bucket list, especially for Alaska. The beauty of Alaska is that it is the one of the very first, big states that hits the big game draws. Alaska is also home to the Yukon Moose which is the largest of the Moose family.
My goal is to outline items that you will need to think about when consider hunting Moose in Alaska and a couple areas to consider applying for. Below are a few thoughts for you.
Moose are a big animal so you really should consider going with at least 1 other person. Most groups I have seen hunting Moose are 4-6 people.
You should consider going with a guide if you can afford it but you do not have to have one for this species in Alaska. This will make breaking down the animal and the knowledge of the area much easier for you.
You will likely have to charger a plane to drop you off into no-man’s land. Charters are booked out 2-3 years in advance so as mentioned in my prior post, think about your hunt and plan it a couple years in advance at a minimum. (Just to give you an idea..I am currently waiting to get drawn for a charter as a raffle. I am on year 2 and I likely won’t be able to go for sure until 2024!)
If you are hunting with a bow, you will need to complete an IBEP certification before applying.
If looking to complete a Muzzleloader hunt, you need to be certified for that as well before applying.
You better be ready to see some big Grizzlies!
It is a super wet hunt in most instances. You better have some great rain gear. I would recommend the KUIU Yukon Jacket and Pant.
Some guys love to have a inflatable boat and go up and down river with them to float their gear. Think about how you will get into the area with your gear.
Cost on average will be 10k when you are all in at a minimum. Charters alone are costing 8–10k to fly you and your group in. If you are going guided, don’t be surprised with a 20k cost.
Photo Credit Ryan Menard
How do I go about getting a tag?
First thing to know is that you will need to purchase a Non-Resident Alaskan Hunting License. This is $160.
You can go about getting a tag in 2 ways. Either you will draw the tag for a limited entry area or you can get a tag for certain areas OTC (Over The Counter)
A: OTC hunts in Alaska are just as good, if not better than limited entry areas because residents can likely be hunting in those limited entry areas while you would be hunting so there will still be pressure.
3. Your Metal Locking Tag is $800. (This is what you consider your tag in most states. Alaska calls it a metal locking tag
4. If you are looking at a high success rate hunt, these 2 units have the best success rates based on last year. (1C and 20D)
5. On the limited entry, these 2 units have the most tags available to Non-Residents (20A and 21B)
All in, this will be a hunt that you will remember for the rest of your life and certainly an amazing experience. You will be in a truly remarkable place that does deserve the name of the last frontier.
As always, if you have questions or would like to have a consultation to get rolling with tag applications or hunt planning, please shoot me a note.
Scout, Hunt, Repeat- Alex~
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