Unguided Moose Hunting in Alaska

Moose are challenging and fun to hunt without a guide

Hunting moose in Alaska without a guide is challenging, but bagging a moose on your own can be extremely satisfying. Hours of planning and research can help you conduct your hunt successfully and legally.

Who May Hunt Without a Guide

Not everyone may legally hunt moose without a guide in Alaska. Alaska residents and U.S. citizens who are not Alaska residents may hunt moose unguided. However, aliens (those who are not U.S. citizens) must be accompanied by a guide.

Hunting Regulations

Alaska's hunting regulations are extensive. Obtain a copy of the current Alaska Hunting Regulations pamphlet well in advance of your hunt. Moose seasons and regulations differ by Game Management Unit (GMU). The state is broken into 26 GMUs, with further divisions into sub-units. Check regulations to learn when moose season opens, what constitutes a legal moose and whether you may purchase a tag over the counter or must enter a drawing for your chosen GMU.

Advantages

There are several advantages of an unguided moose hunt. In addition to the satisfaction of bagging a moose on your own, you will save a lot of money. A one-week guided moose hunt generally costs about $10,000 per person, plus hunting licenses and transportation.

Disadvantages

An Alaskan moose hunt is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It requires a lot of time, effort and money, so you want to give yourself a reasonable chance of success. A guide can greatly improve your odds of bagging a moose because he knows the areas moose frequent and has the means to access them, whether by truck, plane or boat. Moose hunting is a lot of work and a guide can take care of butchering and transporting your moose.

References

• 2010-2011 Alaska Hunting Regulations

Resources

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Moose Hunting in Alaska