Adventurous News

Top 5 Tips for the Best Moose Hunt Success Rates

#5. If possible, always hunt areas that you know are undisturbed from other hunters. This is done by getting off the beaten paths. Hunt away from where other hunters are, away from the roads and traffic, in areas not often visited by other hunters. This ultimately will always provide better hunt areas since moose are more likely to move on if disturbed in their habitat.

Successful Moose Hunt - Brownstone

#4. Scout out areas ahead prior to the hunt and look for signs of moose. Recognizing the difference between fresh and old moose signs is very important. Fresh beds, tracks and scrapings closer to the rut are definitely important in determining where to post. Do some calling in these areas if possible. If moose are in an area very often they won’t be far during the rutting season. During the rut, hunt near ponds or lakes (this is where the cows are). These areas provide an excellent source of food and water. Spreading yourself too thin by working too many areas leaves cows unwatched in the prime hunt times. Try to concentrate on one or two areas only.

#3. Hunt along ridges or in deciduous covered areas early in the season along lakes or ponds. If the weather is warmer than usual, hunt near areas that are generally cooler, like swamps.

#2. When hunting, use the wind to your advantage. Some hunters use a wind indicator to detect the direction in which the air is moving. This is very important since moose have a really good sense of smell. Moose also have very good hearing, so make sure to do some calling. If you happen to see or hear a moose just before dark, or if the winds are blowing in the wrong direction, quietly leave the area. Return later or early the next morning; the moose will still be in the area if it wasn’t spooked.

Set up your camp on the edge of a likely hunting spot but far enough away from your prime hunting spot. Your noise and smells will often chase any close moose away.

Moose Buck
Moose Buck - Tent Camp

Weather plays a huge role in any hunting, whether it is moose, deer or other. Hunting during the moose rut is the best time since moose are more active and apt to come to your call. Moose hunting later in the season might require you to go deeper into the forest, away from the lakes and opening. Moose tend to go into the swamps in bad weather and later in the season for protection and better food sources.

Early mornings and evenings tend to be most productive since winds are lighter and moose usually come to water at that time of day. Although some of our best moose taken have been midday. Remember that few moose are taken in camp so you really need to be watching and scouting prime areas consistently.

#1. Always carry a compass or a GPS with spare batteries if trekking back in off the lakes to ensure you will find your way home. Make sure you are well versed on its usage before you get back in off the beaten path. I have heard a few stories as recently as this fall of hunters tracking the wrong direction on their GPS. This can be very dangerous especially if you are late in the evening returning or disoriented for any reason.

Satellite phones, In-Reach or Spot devices for communication are great to have along in these remote areas. The key to any successful hunt is being prepared not only with a good area to hunt but hunting with a Seasoned Proven Outfitter or person that knows the areas that it is hunting.

Water Access - Moose Hunting