Hunt Alberta Moose | Moose Hunts | Facts for the Hunter

Moose Hunts

Hunt Camps

Across much of northern Alberta, moose hunters still enjoy the wilderness adventure of living in traditional tent cabins or wall tents. Though spartan, these camps are extremely comfortable with the glow of wood stoves keeping hunters toasty warm throughout the night. The southwestern Alberta moose hunts, although still rugged, offer easier access and generally better accommodation than the far northern hunts. The vast majority of these hunts take place from mid-September through to early October when the rut of these magnificent beasts is in full swing. Be forewarned, though, that this is not a hunt for the weak of heart, as more than one experienced guide has called monster bulls to within spitting distance of their client. A few grunts imitating a lovesick cow can turn a 1600-pound bull moose into jelly and he'll travel miles to seek out the affection of his supposedly amorous admirer. But while he may give away his heart without a moment's hesitation, he's much less likely to give away his cautious nature; it never ceases to amaze how such huge creatures can get so close to you without betraying their presence. Those who've experienced it will tell you that there is arguably no more thrilling experience in the entire hunting world than calling a trophy bull in close enough to shake hands with him. And because you're asking him to come to you, calling is as effective a technique for bow hunters as it is for rifle hunters.

Hunt Access

Where access is restricted to float planes only, most of the hunting is done out of boats; hunters travel around isolated northern lakes calling from every likely looking spot. Some of these lakes rarely see a person throughout the year before you touch down to hunt. Another option is to hunt moose along northern rivers by canoe. Your partners and guides will paddle through some of the most remote and untouched wilderness imaginable, calling for bulls wherever the habitat looks promising. These hunts are true northern adventures and camp is erected and taken down each day as you progress along the river. In southwestern Alberta, many hunters are treated to old fashioned ranch accommodation on a working Alberta ranch while hunting both private and public land. Some of Alberta's finest moose are routinely coming from southwestern Alberta hunts.

Transportation

Where vehicular access is available, hunts are conducted with the support of all-terrain vehicles including eight-wheeled argos or four-wheel drive quads. These mechanical workhorses allow a hunter to get into some highly productive moose habitat that would be near impossible to access by any other method. For those who prefer to hunt the rolling terrain of the Rocky Mountain foothills, horses are an option on some hunts. If you've yet to experience the high country from the back of a steady mountain horse, you're in for an exciting trip that will offer memories sure to last a lifetime. In the more settled areas, hunts that combine calling from stands in combination with spot and stalk tactics are to be expected. Spot and stalk becomes the norm for moose throughout the province once the rut has passed. Don't dismiss this hunt by any means. Some of the largest bulls in the province each year are taken well after the rut has ended.