My hunting buddy brought up the idea of hunting moose. I've not explored the options here too much but believe the following : lower 48 hunts take a high number of pp or luck in lotteries, AK provides opportunity, but non residents have a size minimum, I don't know if it what Canada may offer. Being 55, I don't see me accruing enough pts in my lifetime, especially in western states. I do like the DIY experience, but don't have the experience sizing spreads on bulls. I'm frugal, so paying big money to an outfitter just isn't palatable. Suggestions or more importantly experiences? TIA
Try New Hampshire or Maine. See moose hunting on the conservation officer shows. Was going to Waterville Valley, NH for a meeting. Got off the interstate. Not a half mile on the state road- sign Moose Crossing. Lady at the lodge said they see them all the time. Alas, I didn't see one.
I know Idaho used to do around 66 non-resident tags, but with the clamp they've put on non-residents this last year I can't say if they still do or not. There's no point system, so you'd have the same odds as anyone else. Spendy though. A $165 hunting license is needed before applying. You have to pay the price of the tag up front when applying, I think non-resident is freaking two grand or so. I believe the tag fee is refunded if unsuccessful. Application deadline is normally April 30th.
For a DIY experience Alaska and Eastern Canada is where I would start. Alaska gives you the opportunity for bigger moose and otc tags. The size requirement makes judging bulls intimidating but with some research and practice it’s not impossible. There’s plenty of moose and tons of information out there on fly in or float trips. Eastern Canada I believe as a non resident you have to purchase a tag through an outfitter, with some outfitters having options of self guided or fly in hunts. Moose hunting is a great adventure and unforgettable experience if you get the chance to try it
Good point, but if I put in for elk, I'd be paying the license fee anyway. I'd was not in the plans this year for elk app strategy... Kinda glad with the chaos. Seems like it may take them a few more years to realize the non res weren't the problem ... Time will tell. The 2k pill, the hardest to swallow.
By chance, might you have a cost swag for either AK or eastern Canada... Guessing low end DIY in AK still would run around 5k (some savings or miles may be realized with credit cards, airline, hotel or car rental points; weight/bags checked /shipped; be meals/food), but high end could probably easily run 10k or higher.
You could elk hunt the same year with an OTC tag, but if you put in for moose you can't apply for any other big game controlled hunt tag that same year. If you got a moose, you have to present the antlers to a F&G office within 10 days, along with a hunter report. If successful drawing a tag, but then unsuccessful in getting one, then the unused tag has to be mailed back to them.
Yes, you must have a guide/outfitter to hunt Canada. Good luck with that, with this virus situation the way it is. Hopefully it's resolved by next season.
Check on both and then choose. Good luck. Both are beautiful states. Upper parts of those states are really isolated. Kids in border areas go to Canadian schools as they are much closer.
AK could definitely be done around 5k. Plenty of variables to be included depending on your hunt preferences, paying for an air taxi to fly you in somewhere will up your price, or rented equipment for a float hunt. Also moving to and from different places within AK could vary in cost, you can save by taking the bus instead of small plane flights from say Anchorage to Fairbanks Eastern Canada I think would be cheaper probably 3-5k depending on province you chose to hunt and outfitter you go through. Lots of unknowns in the covid world make this a tough trip to plan
I been on handfull of moose hunts though out Na. I am on cat hunt right now getting my ass kicked. I will subscribe and give you some feedback as soon as I have time.
