Late one night last week I received a call on my cell phone. The guy on the other end of the line (close friend) says "hey, can you take off for about a month in September?" My answer was "sure if it's for hunting" but I never expected what came out of his mouth next "the guys that were going with us on the moose hunting trip to Alaska can't go and dad is going to pay for your spot if you'll help me get his moose out.". Uh, hello yeah. It's a semi guided trip...sorta.. we are flown in to his camp but finding, killing and getting the meat back to camp is all on us which is perfect for me. I'm fine with flying,bears and wolves and what not but my only fear is shooting a bull under 50" and getting in trouble. I've saw moose before in Alaska and Maine both I wasn't trying to kill one either. Any of you moose hunters have any tips or advice?

Don't shoot one in the water.

Don't shoot one far from wherever the plane, motor vehicle, or boat picks you up. I'm serious. You can kill yourself packing a hind-quarter a mile through muskeg.

Don't think about the fifty inches. Look for three brow tines on one antler. If I don't see three brow tines, or massive antlers, I pass.

Jim

Happy days for you my friend. Make the best of it you can~!!!

I agree with James about not shooting one far from transportation. I wouldn't consider shooting one a mile from the boat or plane.

Also, some areas require 4 brow tines or 50+ inches, for non-residents. Be certain you know the regs in your area

Don't get spooked by shooting one farther from camp, If there's a will there's a way. I shot mine 2.5 miles from camp and it ran out in died in a lake, But I'd do it all over again. Buy a good frame pack and trekking poles and rain gear and have the best glass you can afford you'll spend a lot of time glassing.

As others have said don't shoot one very far from your landing strip or boat, and be aware of the terrain. The farthest we've ever shot one was 2 miles of easy walking gravel bars in a river bottom. We had three guys packing five trips each (15 man trips), I wouldn't do it again.

Be aware of the regs where you are hunting; some units require you to leave the meat on the bone until you get the meat transported. That requirement will result in many more packing trips (12-15 man trips).

Salvage ALL of the meat; ribs, brisket, etc., the brown shirts don't mess around when enforcing these requirements. Don't shoot anything with less than the minimum brow tine requirement unless you're absolutely positive it's over well 50", if in the least amount of doubt don't even think about it.

P.S. Have a great trip, take pictures, it will be an adventure.

I hunted in a zone that required the bone in the meat. You haven't packed out till you go up a steep hill with a full front quarter on your back.