Float Hunting for Alaska Moose

The Alaskan wilderness teems with unlimited, and unparalleled, outdoors opportunity.

The Alaskan wilderness is a vast expanse of wild territory teaming with wildlife and hunting opportunities. There are few experiences that can compare with float-hunting for moose along one of Alaska's prestigious rivers.

Alaskan Moose

Antlers of a trophy class bull moose.

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.

Float Hunting

Small boats are ideal for float-hunting.

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.

Costs

Float planes are often used to taxi hunters to remote locations.

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.

Permits

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.

Destinations

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.

References

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Moose
• Outdoor Life: Yukon Giant
• Alaska Guide Services: Alaska Hunting

Resources

• Outdoorsdirectory.com: Float Hunting Alaska