Moose in the Lower 48

[ryped]

I would like to start applying for a moose tag in the lower 48 and was wondering if anyone had some advice on what states would be the best to start, since I can't do them all.

[mrpenguin]

I'd like to know too!!

[Bill Carlsen]

NH has the best odds. Maine and Vt. have lotteries as well but apparantly are more difficult to get drawn in. All of them are currently taking applications.

[Jeff D. Holchin]

Bill's right, then your next best chances with no preference points would be in Idaho, followed distantly by Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and Utah.  Your best strategy to draw a moose tag in the next 5 years is to apply in NH, ME, VT (fairly cheap) and ID (you also have to buy the NR license to apply).  Since you have almost zero chance even in WY's random drawing, I'd just buy the preference point the first year or two, then shell out the $1400+ to apply each Feb. for the few lower-quality units that you might be able to draw.  I don't waste my time and money anymore applying in MT, CO and UT.  Note:  one way to greatly increase your odds is to put in for a cow tag when you apply - you will still be bowhunting moose and the meat is better!

[ryped]

Thanks Bill and Jeff.  That's the kind of information I'm looking for.  I appreciate the advice.

[Huntrdfk@Work]

Ain't no moose in New Hampshire........right Jeremy?    


David

[vtmtnman]

VT

 http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/index.cfm

NH

 http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/

ME

 http://www.state.me.us/ifw/

Of the three I say Maine has by far the best moose hunting.I saw more moose than deer while hunting there in 07.

We're limited for area here in VT.I only put in for the southern GM national forest,as I know these areas like my back yard.Only limits me to about 65 tags or so.I'll probably just put in for points this year instead of the tag drawing.

[woodworker]

After 6 years of applying I drew a cow tag in Vemont in (09) but have been applying in NH almost as long and have not hit yet but I have racked up some pref points for the drawing.  I feel good about New England's draw odds and as mentioned Idaho has good odds but that is a lot of money out of pocket.  Like also mentioned moose meat is moose meat and that cow filled my freezer with 370# pounds of meat from the butcher.  My advice it never hurts to apply and the worse that could happen is you have two tags to talk to the wife about, vtmtnman could not have made it easier to apply.

[ryped]

Congrats Joe.  I applied for Maine and New Hampshire so far.  Might put in for Vermont.  Thanks for the links and information so far.

[hayslope]

Much experience at this moose lotto system (that was difficult for me to admit.....since I haven't drawn anywhere as of yet!)

Focus on the NE states for now......the odds of drawing in the western states seems to be somewhere in line with hitting PowerBall when the jackpot is upwards of $350 million!

VT may actually have the best odds (use that term with a smile on your face).  Apply in ME and NH as well.  Ya never know.

Now lets focus on a location where the odds are really not all that bad.......and it's not in the US...but it's close....New Brunswick!  While the numbers may not be totally accurate, they will give you an idea of the odds to draw a permit.  It seems the average number of applicants for non-resident moose permits is around 1300 applicants for around 130 permits, give or take for a particular year.  Anyhow...you do the math....none of the states can match those odds.  Unlike the states however, you will be required to hunt with an outfitter.  There are quite a few just over the borders with Maine (think NB bear hunting camps).  Its only a 3 day season, but you usually book for a full week and do some scouting and fishing.  Being forced to use an outfitter is what turns most people off about Canada, but, overall, if you draw (I have not in 5 years) it's still a relatively cheap guided hunt.  Note that there seems to be a very wide variance in what these outfitters charge.  Getting a moose hunter seems to be an added benefit for these lodges since they main focus is really bear hunting and deer hunting.

I started applying for moose (and sheep) in various western states when I was much younger.  I gave up on WY after a few years based on feedback from some locals ("lost cause").  Not long after that I stopped applying in all the western states.  I've been applying in ME the longest (since we own property there), along with the other states for quite a while.  I'll keep applying until 1:  I draw,  2: I break down an book a hunt in Quebec, or 3: I retire in about 5 years and move to AK.

Good luck to all you fellow moose lottery addicts!