Moose Hunt

[outdoorsman_3]

Hi Gang,

I am in the beginning stages of planning a dream moose hunt for my dad and myself.  My dad and I are both starting to realize that the number of days that we get to hunt together are limited (I am in my late twenties and my dad is approaching 60.  We understand that if we want to do a remote trip, then we must do it in the next couple of years before he is unable.

My dad has asked that if I could start to plan this hunt.  On the trip total will be my dad, a family friend (60 years old and in decent shape, and myself.  My dream hunt is a float trip down Alaska, but I am not sure if this is the best plan for my dad and his friend with their age.  Also I would hate for a float trip to turn out bad (low river, bear problems, destroyed raft, etc) and have the trip turn bad instead of a memorable experience.

A couple of other options I have considered,

1. Remote Alaska self guided camp.
2. Guided Newfoundland Moose Hunt
3. Unguided Newfoundland Moose Hunt
4. Other options

My question is, what would you recommend for a hunting trip for us?  We all understand that if we did Alaska that we would have to get into really good shape.

I would love to talk with individuals who have experience. Our goal for the trip would be to shoot a moose (or a couple) and to have a good time together.

[eidsvolling]

Having taken my parents on a float fishing trip in AK when my wife and I lived there, I will strongly suggest that you look into a float hunt. Floating for moose has a lot to recommend it. Here's a good resource on the subject:

   A Complete Guide to Float Hunting Alaska by Larry Bartlett

[damascusdave]

Interesting that you would think the only place to hunt moose in Canada is in Newfoundland...how did you arrive at that conclusion?

DDave

[outdoorsman_3]

Hi Dave,

I know that is not the only place to hunt moose.  However, from the (at this point) limited research that I have done it seems like Alaska offers smaller numbers, however large moose.  Also like the adventure aspect of Alaska.  I then hear that Newfoundland offers smaller moose, but large numbers.  I am all ears if you would recommend something else.

[Terry Lightle]

If you hunt Newfoundland you have to have a guide to hunt or fish if you do not live there.Hunted there last fall and would go back in a heartbeat.

[Matt Quick]

What kind of budget do you have to work with?  Nfld offers one of the lower priced moose hunts compared to other providences. With that said I would look closely at B.C.  AK is a great adventure and you might get a moose. You'll probably see more moose in Canada.  My personal experience has been in AB and AK. I killed a nice bull in AK. Based on the sign I saw I think the area in AB had more moose they just didn't cooperate.
Maine is an option too. I have a friend that had a great hunt there and was  into moose everyday. He ended up shooting a 57" bull. Which by the way is a little bigger than the one I got in AK. Maine outfitters can get resident tags that a non-resident can hunt off of as a sub-permittee so you and your dad don't have to draw a tag. Good outfitters will have a waiting list so may not get to hunt next year in Maine.

[eidsvolling]

Originally posted by Matt Quick:
Maine outfitters can get resident tags that a non-resident can hunt off of as a sub-permittee so you and your dad don't have to draw a tag.

Keep in mind that a moose permittee in Maine is only allowed to have one sub-permittee in the field at a time. The permittee must also be in contact with the sub-permittee that does not require "visual or audio enhancement devices, including binoculars or citizen band radios."

   Title 12 Maine Revised Statutes § 11601

[Bowwild]

I'm 60 and my hunting buddy of 40 years is 68. We are both scheduled to go on our first moose hunt in Alberta in 24 days.

My buddy recovered from cancer last year but the chemo did a number on his previously healthy heart. So, he can't do a lot of walking.

We chose Alberta and this particular outfitter because:
1. They see and kill moose.
2. They walk and call.
3. They hunt from ground blinds
4. The hunt is only 72 miles from Edmonton
5. The hunt is $6,000 which is less than many
6. We can fly and Nov. deer hunters will drive our trophies and meat back.

I would also love to hunt Alaska, mainly to get into the largest variety of Moose and to experience that remoteness. But, it isn't in the cards for my buddy. Maybe, my son and I can do it. I'll know more after this Alberta trip.

Good luck.

[vintage archer]

BOWWILD….I would say your hunting buddy of 40 years is lucky to have a friend like you…and I am sure you fell the same about him.
To me this is what hunting is all about.The people you met along the way and friendships and relationship developed.        

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR HUNT    

Can you share the name of the outfitter you are using .

Thanks

[pamike]

Just did nwfoundland last year and was very impressed!! Highly recommend tuckamore lodge and sign up for the remote trophy area/camp. Awesome!

[outdoorsman_3]

Thanks for the replies.  It seems everyone that I hear from Newfoundland offers a relatively cheap hunt but outstanding opportunity.  Our budget is around 5-8k per person.

Thanks