Float Hunting for Alaska Moose
- Antlers of a trophy class bull moose.moose antlers and sky image by Iva Janiga from Fotolia.com
According to the Alaskan Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), the male or bull moose is the only gender of the species to have antlers and may reach weights of 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. The ADNR says as a bull reaches trophy status, it has an antler spread of over 50 inches; this may take 10-12 years to accomplish. - Small boats are ideal for float-hunting.boat n water image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com
Float-hunting consists of drifting down an excluded river atop a raft or river boat in search of one's quarry. Contrary to the name, float-hunting requires more than shooting from the river; oftentimes it requires walking for miles, stalking trophy animals for a clean shot. - Float planes are often used to taxi hunters to remote locations.getting around alaska image by David Dorner from Fotolia.com
Fully guided float-hunts for moose vary in cost for different regions and amount of time afield. Expect to spend $3,500-$8,000 per person for an average 5-7-day float hunt in the Alaskan wilderness, travel expenses to Alaska not included. - Two ADNR permits must be purchased to legally float-hunt for moose in Alaska. Both the non-resident hunting permit at $85 dollars and the non-resident moose kill tag at $400 dollars must be purchased. For a guided hunt, most guides include the price of permits in their costs. Be sure to verify. If going unguided, purchase these permits directly from the ADNR.
- Most float-hunting is done on state and federal land requiring no special permissions. Many of the rivers used for float-hunting are remote and fly-in services will be required. There are seemingly countless rivers to choose from; some popular rivers for moose hunting by boat include the Stoney, Holitna and Kingsalmon.
Alaskan Moose
Float Hunting
Costs
Permits
Destinations
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