Best Times for Moose Hunting

Despite their large size compared to other animals, moose can hit speeds up to 35 mph if they become upset or spooked, so it is essential to approach these giants with extreme caution. 

You're most likely to find moose in Alaska, Canada, New England, Fennoscandia, Latvia, Estonia, and Russia. Additionally, moose, unlike other deer species, are solitary animals and do not live in herds.

If you're planning a western hunt this season, stop here and read our insights into the best times for hunting moose.

Why Hunt Moose?

Moose are generally gentle animals, especially compared to other big game-like bears that are more aggressive. However, when provoked, an angry moose is very dangerous. Since these animals spook easily, you may run into an angry moose easier than you think when these animals are in the area.

Why do people hunt moose if they are generally docile? The primary reason is to help control the population where they threaten to overrun the area. It's also an exciting hunt that can deliver an impressive trophy if you're successful.

What to Consider When Hunting Moose

What should you consider when planning a moose hunt? Even if you're a seasoned whitetail or turkey hunter, you'll want to pay attention to specific variables to increase your chances of a successful moose hunt.

The Location

The moose population in the U.S. is not widespread, so you'll likely need to plan to travel to find and harvest this type of game.

Moose are at home near bodies of water such as lakes, bogs, swamps, streams, and ponds. They are built to withstand the cold temperatures of their natural habitats and find survival in warm climates difficult.

Areas with young trees and swampy lakes are ideal moose habitat. 

The Solunar Calendar

Are moose impacted by the position of the moon?

Despite a theory by John Alden Knight in 1926, most experienced moose hunters and those who study their behavior don't believe that the moon's phase has much of an effect on moose movement or behavior.  Instead, the weather and time of year tend to have a more significant impact on moose behavior and movement.

The Time of Year

Obviously, you'll want to hunt moose only when the season opens, depending on where you plan to hunt. However, the time of year can impact how many moose you see during the open season.

Mating season for moose begins in late September and continues through mid-October. Hunting during this time of year is ideal, as moose are much more active, and bulls are more likely to respond to calls. If hunting later in the season, your search for a bull may take you deeper into the forests. 

The Time of Day

Plan your hunt during the coolness of early mornings and evenings. This is when moose are the most actively in search of food and water.

However, experienced moose hunters will tell you not to overlook a mid-day hunt, as many moose can also be found roaming prime locations at this time.   

The Temperature

You aren't likely to find any moose sunning on a beach in the heat.

Moose are made for cooler climates. Warmer temperatures typically lessen your chances of spotting a bull, as bulls do not travel far during warmer weather.

However, if the temperature is higher than the season average, look for moose near cooler areas, including small bodies of water and swamps, where they will retreat to cool off.  

Barometric Pressure

As part of the family, moose behavior can be likened to that of other deer species regarding changes in barometric pressure. As the air pressure decreases, moose activity tends to increase as they search for food and shelter from the oncoming front. 

However, rather than rely too much on changes in barometric pressure, watch the weather and use the HuntCast feature in the HuntWise app for accurate, real-time moose movement predictions.

General Weather Conditions

Moose may be built for extreme conditions, but that doesn't mean they are fond of them. These animals will seek shelter from unpleasant weather in wooded areas or swaps, which provide protection and better food sources.

The Wind

Like other deer species, moose have an extremely good sense of smell. Use the wind to your advantage when hunting, and make sure to set up camp on the outermost border of a likely hunting area so as not to spook the moose by your scent.

Use HuntWise to Find the Best Hunting Times For Moose

As with any species and any season, you need the best tools of the trade to optimize your time in the field. From scouting to assembling the right gear and pinpointing the ideal days for your hunt, HuntWise is the best hunting app for moose hunts (or any hunt)!

While the insights we shared today are good research to apply to planning a moose hunting trip, we also recommend using HuntWise to scout hunting areas in search of the prime locations where you're most likely to find a moose. You can use markers to note areas of interest and streamline your in-person scouting when it's time to get into the field.

With different map topography options, hundreds of available map layers, HuntCast, WindCast, and more, you'll experience more success when using HuntWise to hunt.

If you don't yet have the app, now is the time to download it and plan your hunts this season. We'll give you free access to every feature for a week!

Content reviewed and updated July 19, 2024.