Moose Hunting in Colorado Vs. Alaska

Moose hunting is popular sport.

Colorado and Alaska are popular moose hunting states. The moose hunted in these states are of different species. Colorado's general regulations and requirements for moose hunting are the same for residents and non-residents. In contrast, Alaska requires non-residents obtain additional certification such as completing a moose hunter orientation course. Alaska residents also have access to a special license and moose hunting opportunities that are unavailable to non-residents.

Background

Moose hunting in Colorado is perceived as purely a sport and a huge recreational attraction open to all residents and visitors of the state. Although Alaska may offer moose hunting as a recreational activity for some residents and visitors, village natives conduct moose hunting as subsistence hunting. This means that hunting animals is their main source for food. These natives are mostly located in the interior parts of Alaska. Thus, the Alaskan government gives higher priority and hunting privileges to their residents.

Requirements

In Colorado and Alaska, all hunters need to complete a hunter education course before applying for a license. After completing the course, the application for a license can be completed in person, over the phone or internet. For both states, the hunter certification given upon the completion of the course is valid in other states that require hunter education. In Alaska, a distinct tier 2 license is awarded to Alaska residents ages 10 years and older for subsistence hunting.

Species

According to the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game, the moose in Alaska have the biggest antlers in North America. They can be found in recently burned places with willow and birch shrubs, habitats along the Stikine River of Southeast Alaska, the Colville River on the Arctic Slope and other rivers of Southcentral and Interior Alaska. While moose have been inherently abundant in Alaska, most Colorado moose subspecies were originally taken from Utah and Wyoming in the 1970s. The Colorado Division of Wildlife reported that this moose population called 'shiras', or Wyoming moose, is the smallest North American subspecies. Moose in Colorado can also be found in willow areas and habitats along rivers, particularly the Illinois and Laramie rivers.

Opportunities

In Colorado, the main hunting opportunity for moose is called big game hunting season. Residents and non-residents are welcome to join these hunts. They usually take place in the autumn season from September to October. Alaska offers different moose hunting opportunities. For residents, they offer tier II hunts which are hunts for subsistence. For residents and non-residents, they have draw hunts, registration hunts and general season hunts. Draw hunts involves giving out license permits through lottery. Registration and general season hunts require permits and harvest tickets.

Regulation

For both states, there are specified regulations for hunting moose. There is also a prescribed bag limit for storing moose meat. Regulations and hunting seasons may change from year to year. Therefore, it is the responsibility of hunters in both states to educate themselves with new regulations and rules before hunting. Both states strictly administer penalties and fines for non-compliance of such set regulations. The regulating government body in Alaska is the Department of Fish and Game while Colorado has the Division of Wildlife as the primary office that carries out regulating and licensing responsibilities.

References

• Colorado Division of Wildlife: Hunting
• Alaska Department of Fish & Game Division of Wildlife Conservation: Moose Hunting in Alaska

Resources

• Hunting Trips R Us: Colorado Moose Hunting Guides and Outfitters