The Adventures Of Bowhunting Moose
Bowhunting moose has to be one of greatest hunting adventures one can get involved in. Even though the target is somewhere between very large and huge when up close, this isn't a sport for an amateur archer, or an amateur hunter for that matter. There are those who can't bring themselves to pull the trigger on a long rifle with a deer in their sights a couple of hundred yards away. Imagine the feeling of not being able to release an arrow when a moose is standing but 15 yards away, blocking out the sun and most everything else.
Unless you live in the right spot, finding an expert in bowhunting moose to give some guidance isn't easy. Even if there are moose in the area you live, and it's legal to hunt them, chances are the vast majority of those going after a moose are packing a rifle, not a bow. The first step however, is to work on archery skills, becoming extremely proficient at the sport of archery before even thinking of taking on a moose. Once you're comfortable with being able to skillfully handle a bow and arrow, it might be a good idea to spend a season or two going after deer. No matter what you're hunting, it's always shoot to kill, never shoot to wound. The latter does happen though, but a wounded deer is much less apt to give you a bad time than might a wounded moose.
If you live where the moose do, and have studied them some, you probably already know when and where one is most likely to be found - most likely near water. Unless you consider yourself to be an expert outdoors man and bow hunter however, going out alone isn't he best of ideas, especially if you have some luck, and find yourself with 1,500 pounds of meet and antlers to contend with. In other words, a hunting party or a guided hunt probably makes good sense, especially for a first try at bowhunting moose.
Equipment, Old Is OK - As far as equipment goes, if you ask the wrong person, someone who knows more about retailing than moose hunting, you may end up with archery equipment much fancier than you really need. If you're a good shot with a bow that's 20 years old, and it's big enough to do the job, stick with it. If the arrows you've become accustomed to are aluminum rather than graphite, stick with them. The moose won't notice the difference. Some hunting lodges or outfitters will provide what you need, but whether it’s a rifle or bow, what feels comfortable in your hand is what will usually work best.
Where To Go - The vast majority of moose hunting will be found in Canada or Alaska. There are also moose in Washington, Montana, Minnesota, and a few other northern tier states, but the greatest populations are to be found north of the border. Alaskan moose tend to be somewhat larger than their Canadian cousins, but the latter are plenty big enough, even if it’s a trophy rack you're going after. Most Canadian outfitters are located in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, but you'll find them in most provinces, and as far east as Newfoundland. Alaskan outfitters are found - you know where.
License And A Gun In Canada - If you are a US citizen and wish to hunt moose in Canada, you'll need a US big game license (current or expired) to indicate that you know what you're doing, or you won't be allowed to purchase a Canadian license. Also if you head north of the border, and want to take a gun along, usually as a means of protection in the wilderness, you can, but there will be plenty of paperwork involved in getting a permit.
Do Some Browsing - The Internet is an excellent place to start looking to see where the best moose hunting areas are, and where experienced guides, as well as hunting lodges, are located. Plan on taking about a week, plus travel time, for the hunt. Expect to pay in the order of $2,500 for the experience if going on a guided hunt. It's worth it.
Too make your trip even more successful, check out in advance where meat processors and taxidermists are located. If you're on a guided hunt, the guides will usually help you get the meat to one of those places, but after that, you're on your own, so check the price estimates as well. Bowhunting moose is not cheap, but certainly well worth the expense, and literally an experience of a lifetime.