In the 18-minute YouTube video below, guide Tim Winslow (above left) shares a hunt for a giant Alaska/Yukon bull moose. As you’ll see, it requires a smart strategy, as well as perseverance and patience. This isn’t like pursuing pronghorns in the western United States where you see animals regularly. Even though moose — bulls and cows — are massive in size, the vast landscape and tall brushy cover of Alaska easily hides them.
Finding a vantage point overlooking prime moose habitat and then glassing for hours on end is typically the recipe for success. Of course, the weather in Alaska changes often, and comfortable conditions for hunters are generally opposite of preferred conditions for moose to be up and active. In other words, moose hunters must have the mindset that they’ll be uncomfortable, even in the best clothing.
So, what’s the sticker price for a fully guided/outfitted Alaska moose hunt? According to Winslow’s website, it begins at $25k. He does offer drop camp DIY hunts, too, for moose and other species. The DIY hunt price is $10,500 per person (bush flights included), with dates of August 20 – September 30. You’ll have 10 full days of hunting.
You’ve probably heard that the real work begins after you kill a moose. That is certainly shown at the end of this video. And Winslow is clear about this fact when describing who should — and shouldn’t — consider a DIY drop camp moose hunt: “An Alaska drop camp moose hunt is not for the novice, or those who can’t physically pack heavy loads, as you will be responsible for getting your Alaska/Yukon moose quartered and all legal meat requirements protected and packed back to your camp or landing location.”
DIY moose hunters have two choices in terms of hunt types/styles: a float trip (traveling and hunting with aid of a raft), or a backpack trip (setting up a tent camp as a base). In both cases, you’ll be dropped off by a bush plane.
Perhaps you’re asking, “What happens to all the moose meat?”
According to Winslow, “Moose have enough meat to feed whole families all year; every piece of meat is salvaged, as well as some choice organs. The meat usually is divided. The hunter can take home as much as he or she wants, and the local native indigenous villages have need for meat, so the rest is donated to needy families that were unable to hunt that year. Finally, whatever is left, us guides get to enjoy as well.”
Viewing tip: If you're in hurry, fast-forward to the 13:08 mark. The hunter, who is using a Gunwerks rifle, does an excellent job of capitalizing on a quick shot opportunity. Distance was 315 yards.
