Moose

Alces alces andersoni

Western Canada Moose

• Length - 8.5-10.5 feet (2.5-3.2 metres)
• Height at the shoulder - 5.5-7.5 feet (2-2.25 metres)
• Weight - 900-1,300 pounds (360-591 kg.) with some tipping the scales even larger

Moose are the largest member of the deer family and the tallest wild mammal in North America. They are noted for long legs, a short neck, broadly palmate antlers, a prehensile muzzle and a dewlap or bell on the throat.

Moose are non-migratory ruminants that can consume up to 60 pounds of browse per day. They also make use of seasonally available pond plants and are capable of feeding well below the surface of the water. Moose are excellent swimmers. They are generally solitary.

Each year, beginning in April, a bull moose grows a set of antlers. These continue to grow all summer, and in the early fall they shed the velvet. The breeding season extends from September through October. Bull moose in rut do not gather a harem but mark out a territory to which cows will be attracted.The bull stays with one cow for a week or so before breaking off to find another.

During the rut, cows protect their calves from the very aggressive rutting bulls. The gestation period is about 8 months. The first pregnancy most often results in a single calf. In subsequent pregnancies, the female generally gives birth to twins. At birth a calf will weigh 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg). After the mating season, the bulls start losing their antlers, and this is generally completed by late January.

The Canada Moose found in our area are among the second largest moose in North America. Our hunters are always amazed when they see the awesome size of this animal. The Canada Moose is an animal that never suffers from 'ground shrinkage'. After a day of packing one out, our guides say "they got bigger!"

Thunderbird Lodge & Outposts own 11 fly-out fishing camps, and offer hunts during the prime time of year that consist of 2 lucky guests. No other hunters are in camp the rest of the year. Our guides are some of the most famous moose callers in the north and are anxious to show you their talent in duping a bull to within close range for you.

The hunt takes place during the mating/calling season and is a thrill that you won't soon forget. Calling is the method of choice, but sometimes there's opportunity for a stalk. Transportation in and around the hunting area is by motor boat or my favorite, the canoe.

• 7 day/6 night hunting adventure
• Round-trip transportation to Thunderbird Lodge from Pine Dock, Manitoba
• Rate includes all licences, export permit, game transportation, and taxes
• Accomodations include all meals, hot showers, wood stove
• Fully guided hunt during early rut season
• Hunts are last week in September or first week in October
• You are responsible for your own gear
• Solo and bow hunts are subject to additional service fees
• Deposit of $2,500 per hunter is non-refundable

We hope this gives you some insight into one of the two famous big game in these parts (also see Black Bear). Our guests come from all over the world to bring down one of these beasts. Due to limited tags available and our strict conservation polices; this is one you shouldn't wait too long on. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to share some moose tenderloin with us!