Moose Hunts

Alaska moose hunting is the ultimate adventure. The sight of a mature animal raking its antlers only thirty yards away or hearing a 1500 pound bull crashing through the brush responding to your call is an unforgettable experience.

The Moose, Alces alces, is the largest member of the deer family, we hunt the Alaska-Yukon race, Alces alces gigas, largest of all the moose. Moose go into rut in mid-September, fighting to control groups of cows. During the rut, bulls become vulnerable and frenzied as they become focused on their love life and ruled by their hormones. During the rut, bull grunts and cow calls become extremely effective, sometimes bringing in a trophy sized moose from miles away.
All of our guided moose hunts are conducted out of stationary, comfortable canvas tent camps. Although we use rafts to hunts nearby lake shores and sloughs, we do not offer guided float hunts. By staying away from the main river systems, we are able to provide remote trips where there is nearly no other hunting pressure. The result is a high success rate, bigger bulls harvested, and a more authentic experience for our guest.

Lake Hunting

We have several lake based moose camps that we hunt annually, from September 10-25. These hunts are 1 on 1 with the option of a non hunting companion to come along. This hunt is ideal for the hunter looking to take a trophy of a life time without doing a tough, pack style hunt. Each of our lake camps are placed in locations that allow us to glass the nearby lake shores during the early morning and evening hours.

As the September rut begins, moose congregate on our prime lakes. Here, bulls fight for space and to control their harem of cows. At times the larger bulls have as many as 6-10 cows herded up and are constantly fighting to keep other bulls from stealing their mates. We usually stay put until a desirable bull is found and he has moved into an approachable spot. Using rafts and inflatable canoes we put ourselves downwind of the targeted animal.

While out moose hunting, great care is taken so as to avoid spreading our scent around the lake. Calling both with bull grunts and cow moans can be very effective during the fall rut. On still, cold days, bulls can be heard challenging each other from miles away. We have perfected the art of persuading big bulls into a fight. Even a bull with a large harem of cows can be convinced to leave his mates to show up another bull across the lake. Other bulls are reluctant to leave their cows and we have to get up close and personal in order to challenge them.

Watching a 60”bull charging into your guides bull grunt is an experience that will never be forgotten. Because of the tall lake grass and generally more predictable nature of these moose, our lake camps are a good option for the archery hunter. Ambushing a large bull with nothing but a stick and sting in hand is a heart pounding experience!

North Camp

We take a pair of moose hunters into our most remote camp every September. This hunt is a unique opportunity to hunt a migrating population of moose. We have selected a prime location dubbed the “Northern Camp” where moose funnel through the valley. This travel corridor becomes incredibly active when the temperatures drop and the bulls head south. This is the only moose camp where we will take a pair of moose hunters. We have enjoyed a high success and many phenomenal bulls taken out of the Northern Camp.

Although hunting from a stationary camp, access is more difficult than our lake camps and requires a higher degree of physical ability. Both Grizzly and caribou can be hunted from this camp. The Caribou migration patterns in this area are highly unpredictable, some seasons we see hundreds in the Northern Camp while other seasons there are none. Typically bears taken on our guided moose hunts are off moose gut piles. After harvesting a moose we let the gut pile sit undisturbed for several days. Both wolves and bears will often find the leftovers, providing an idea hunting opportunity.

Travel and Logistics

All of our guided trips originate in Fairbanks Alaska. We suggest booking a flight with an arrival date at least one day before the start date of your trip. There are several options of hotels near the airport that provide shuttle services. On day one of your trip we will pick you up at your hotel. If you have not already purchased your hunting license and tags, we will stop by Fish and Game before leaving town. From Fairbanks, we drive four hours north to Circle City. In this small rural community, your pilot will meet you with the float plane on the Yukon River. Most of our camps are accessed via float equipped Cessna 180. As we have to follow the strict laws of gravity, we ask that you keep your gear under 60lbs. Most flights to camp are an hour to an hour and a half. Due to the unpredictability of Alaska’s weather it is best to leave some flexibility in your travel plans. At times, delays of several days may occur due to severe weather keeping our airplanes grounded.

Fishing

There are opportunities to fish in most of our hunting camps. Some of the smaller rivers provide some of the best grayling fishing the state has to offer. Many of our lake camps are inhabited by both pike and graying. Light tackle, spinners and spoons are our choice for catching both species.