Got drawn for the zone 4a moose hunt in Maine for anterless moose. Week October 26-nov 1 so I’m assuming post rut.

This will be my first big game hunt. I know nothing about moose hunting any tips or pointers would be appreciated.


Does anyone know of any good overlay maps for Timbers harvests 1yr/5yr etc…?

So far I just got the boundaries of this wmd N zone in google earth and trying to mark some areas to go check out this summer. I’m ordering game cameras right now.

Have to get a scope for rifle, any decent scope that won’t break the bank you guys suggest? I’m pretty low funds right now building my house myself and it has me drained. I’ll be heading up to get feet on ground and camp up there very soon

I’ve killed 16 bulls, but never hunted Maine. So I can’t say what the shot distances there. But I’ve always used a .300WM, Ruger 77 MK 2, with 180 grain Hornady Interlock bullets. Never had to chase any I shot.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds to me like you’ve bitten off more than you’re ready to chew

Might be true. Probably could’ve said the same when I started building my house with no experience but I’m almost finished with that.

Best case scenario I end up with freezer full of dank meat. Worst case scenario I take a couple camping trips up there this summer to scout and fish for native Brook trout, then hunt hard in the fall. I don’t come from hunting family or have hunting friends but gotta start somewhere.. lucky to be drawn, started applying ten years ago knowing I wanted to hunt when life slowed down a little.


I put boundaries of wmd in google earth and pinned some beaver flowages and marshy bog areas, these will be my first points to check out this summer. I know when I get up there that’ll probably all change because of the terrain and road system.

Learn how to quarter a big game animal so you can pack it out if you’re a ways off a road. I recommend learning the gutless method, as you won’t get into the guts and potentially introduce bacteria to the meat. The hide also a ts as a barrier between dirt and meat.

You’ll need a good backpack for packing out (Stone Glacier, KUIU, or a Barney bag). Get something heavy duty - moose quarters are no joke. I’d also recommend game bags for keeping the meat clean, free of bugs, and you can pre-treat with citric acid to help prevent bacteria growth.

Bring along 2-3 friends who have weak minds and strong backs. Or don’t shoot one more than about 200 yards from where you can get a truck, boat, quad (whatever you have) to load quarters onto. And you don’t need a big rifle per se, but you do need to be able to very consistently shoot whatever you’re using. So buy the best glass you can afford right now, buy as much ammo as you can (the kind you’ll be hunting with) and go shoot your gun at least a few times a week between now and then, doesn’t need to be a high round count but I’d do at least 10 per sitting from different positions and at different ranges.

Do you have any experience butchering/field dressing? A moose is a large animal, shoot one near the road if possible.

I'm guessing most moose in Maine are shot at less than 100 yards, does your rifle have open sights? Open sights should be adequate to hit a moose from the truck door to the ditch...

I’d pm BruceT on here. He lives there and has good past experience

….. hope you bust one

Don’t forget to send pics once you punch that tag!

Get up there and do some scouting.

A moose is one of the few things I've never hunted before , however I have seriously thought about it and mentioned that to some friends who have the general consensus was wherever you shoot a moose chances are it will die in water , either a creek , pond or lake so good waders and come a long with some rope or even " mule tape " will be helpful to recover it .

The one thing you never want to d is shoot one that is in the water. That is the cardinal sin.

You don’t need a super mag to drop one, they die easy. They’re big, but you’ll see just how big once even a small bull is laying there. Be ready to quarter & pack it out.
Good luck!!!

Good luck

Moose is on the top of my list of critters to take with a bow

I go to Ontario every year moose hunting scouting is your best bet it has definitely helped going year after year we bring lots of ropes and use a chainsaw winch definitely will want a few good knives and where we go good rain gear helps I am currently using a 33 nosler with 14 power scoop which is plenty