Moose Calls & Scents

Moose are elusive and roadside sightings are rare.

To determine how effective moose calls and scents might be in the luring of moose during a hunting trip, it is necessary to know about the physiology and habits of the moose male, female and calf. An informed decision may then be made regarding the purchase of the many call and scent products available to moose hunters today.

Moose Habitat

A young bull moose is just developing his antlers.

In North America, moose may be found from Alaska to the northern Rocky Mountains in the United States and in every province and territory of Canada except Prince Edward Island. Moose traditionally range in marshy habitats below the treeline. Moose meat continues to be a staple to the native people of the north, and their tough hides are used to make mukluk (hide slipper) soles and sturdy winter mittens. Recreational hunting for moose has brought many non-natives into the sport. Moose scents and calls are used by these hunters to lure the elusive moose out of the bush.

Moose Physiology

Bull moose (adult males) average 1,100 pounds and can grow to over 1,600 pounds. A single animal may yield as much as 660 pounds of meat. While cows (adult females) are generally lighter, both animals average 6 feet tall at the shoulder. A flap of skin called the "dewlap" or "bell" hangs under the throat of both sexes. The hair-covered bell is used by the moose to communicate visually and to transfer scents from bull to cow. Moose generally plod through deep snow and while wading through swamps but can trot up to 34 miles per hour if frightened. Moose do not see well but have an acute sense of hearing that can pick up tiny sounds at great distances.

Hunting Techniques

Moose hunting is done using either still hunting or stand hunting techniques. Still hunting is done by walking slowly and quietly upwind from areas that have shown fresh moose droppings or recently eaten brush. Still hunting works best after a heavy rain that dampens the sound of movement through the underbrush. Stand hunting is performed by staying put and allowing the moose to venture into the hunter's position. Moose calls and scents may be used during stand hunting to lure the moose within range. Calling is most effective during the rutting season between mid-September and mid-October.

Moose Scents

Moose scents are available in two ounce bottles, each costing less than $10. Cow moose urine is used outside of the rutting season. The scent lets both male and female know that there are other moose in the area and they feel comfortable to stay. A scent mimicking the cow moose in heat lures the bull moose into the hunting area, while 100 percent dominant bull moose urine encourages the approach of a bull moose anxious to defend his territory.

Moose Calls

Moose calls can be low tech, offering simple magnification of the human voice mimicking a moose, or extremely high tech using prerecorded digital sound, remote control operation and various moose calling scenarios involving cows, bulls and calves. Prices vary with the complexity of the operation. As with any fishing or hunting gear, moose calls and scents cannot and do not guarantee a successful hunt.

References

• Government of the Northwest Territories- Environment and Natural Resources: Moose in the NWT
• North Superior.ca: Moose Hunting Tips
• All About Moose .com: Birch Bark Moose Calls