Moose Hunting: All the Essentials

If you want a chance at harvesting the majestic moose, you’re going to need patience, cunning, and a keen eye for observation. You will also need some proper hunting clothes and gear to be fully prepared for the challenge. Read on to discover all the essentials that just might lead you to success!

This article was written in collaboration with Born to Hunt.

https://www.sail.ca/en/hunting https://www.sail.ca/en/hunting/species/moose-hunting

Pick the right time and place

In the words of Martin from Born to Hunt, “The best way to hunt moose is to find moose.” When these animals are comfortable somewhere, they tend to stay in that area, usually around shallow water sources, swamps, and natural shelters. If you spot droppings, hoof tracks, broken branches or marks on trees, then there’s a high chance you’ll come across moose.

If you want to focus on prime hunting hours during your trip, the Born to Hunt team recommends the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before sunset. During these times, the wind is calm, the temperature is cooler, and the timing is ideal for using moose calls and other methods to awaken the animals’ senses.

Dates, zones, and destinations

Moose hunting season takes place around the following periods, depending on the province and the areas where you hunt:

• From the end of August to the end of October in Quebec.
• From September to mid-December in Ontario.

Opening and closing dates vary based on the age and sex of the moose and the hunting weapon you use. Dates also shift slightly from year to year and are subject to change without notice, so be sure to check a reliable source as you plan your hunting trip.

Both Quebec and Ontario offer prime territory for hunting. You can find top moose hunting spots in wildlife reserves, at outfitters, and on public land across both provinces. Remember that the rules and dates vary by zone, so plan accordingly.

Get all the information you need about dates, zones, and regulations by visiting the Government of Quebec and Government of Ontario websites.

Essential clothing

The dates you choose for your hunting trip will obviously impact how you dress. Plan ahead and bring various pieces of clothing to adjust to changing temperatures and conditions.

Wearing silent clothing is essential for moose hunting. This is especially important when there’s a lot of walking involved (which is often the case) or if you need to get close to your target to take a shot (like when using a bow or crossbow).

Unlike their hearing, the eyesight of moose is not very acute, but they can still distinguish contrasts. Choose camouflage clothing in darker shades (brown, black, not too much green) to blend in with your hunting environment.

Complete your attire with a good, comfortable pair of hunting boots. Consider your hunting style and the type of terrain you’re likely to encounter (e.g., laced boots for rough terrain, waterproof boots for wet or muddy surfaces…). Insulated boots are also a good option if your feet tend to get cold or if you’re hunting late in the season.

Dressing for the season

It’s no secret that fall brings changing temperatures and conditions. So when you’re packing for your moose hunting trip, you have to be prepared for anything. Start with a comfortable, breathable base layer with the right level of insulation, and build from there, adding other items for warmth and protection against the elements. A hoodie, for instance, will keep you comfortable and warm while remaining pretty much noiseless.

For your top layer, choose a waterproof hunting jacket and pants to wear over your other hunting clothes. If it’s late in the fall or if you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, consider packing hunting gloves and a tuque as well. As long as there’s still room in your backpack, it’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothes, extra layers, and spare socks and gloves.

One thing you can’t go without when moose hunting is an orange vest, plus an orange head cover if you’re hunting in Ontario. Make sure your high-visibility clothing is visible at all times and from all sides, even when you’re wearing a backpack.

Essential equipment

In order to hunt moose, you need to “be a moose.” That means you must think, act, and sound like a moose if you want a chance to harvest. Being well prepared is also key to having a pleasant, safe, and hopefully successful experience. Here’s a list of essentials to bring along:

• A game call to make realistic sounds that attract moose. This should be high on your list of moose hunting essentials – and mastering your calls before the hunt is just as important.
• A wood pallet or antlers to recreate the sounds of moose hitting and rubbing their antlers on trees. Antlers (or pallets that resemble antlers) can also serve as a visual tool for attracting moose.
• Binoculars to examine your hunting territory and spot game (Bushnell is a reference in that field).
• A headlight to see clearly when it gets dark – and keep your hands free.
• Orange flagging tape to set landmarks, mark strategic hunting areas, and help you find your way back.
• A map, compass, or GPS device to help you navigate your hunting grounds and minimize the risk of getting lost in the woods.
• A first aid kit in case you need to tend to cuts, blisters, or minor wounds during your hunting trip.
• Snacks and a water bottle (always bring extra in case you stay outside longer than expected).
• A good hunting backpack with compartments and plenty of pockets to organize your gear and access it easily (and silently) when you need it.

Weapon, ammunition, and more

Naturally, a weapon (bow, crossbow or firearm) is a must-have for moose hunting. You can find all the rules and details about calibre, components and additional equipment on the Ontario and Quebec government websites. Make sure you bring plenty of ammunition for your weapon, and pair it with a few tools to boost your chances of success:

• A scope for precise, accurate shooting.
• A rangefinder to measure the distance between you and your target and place an effective shot.
• A shooting stick to increase stability and precision when shooting.

In case you have success on your moose hunting trip, you need to be prepared to handle your harvest and make sure no meat goes to waste. Pack a sharp hunting knife, gloves, and an evisceration kit. Check out nearby butchers and have a freezer or cooler ready to store the meat. Remember also that a moose is an enormous and heavy harvest, so you need to be well equipped to get it out of the woods. A sled, cable, mechanical saw and portable winch should be among your essentials.

Essential products

Once you’ve got your clothing and equipment ready, all you need is a few more products to complete your moose hunting arsenal.

Staying unnoticed

One of your main goals as a hunter is to stay undetected as you roam the forest and move closer to your target. Slip a bottle of odour eliminator into your hunting backpack to mask body odours and other scents that don’t belong in the moose’s natural environment. You can also use soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents and dryer sheets for yourself and your gear before heading out. Be sure to carry a wind indicator as well, so you can easily determine wind direction and position yourself accordingly to avoid being detected by moose.

Other essentials you might overlook

To round out the list, here are a few often-overlooked items that are definitely worth counting as moose hunting essentials:

• Waterproof hunting seat. You will be walking a lot when hunting – and you will also need to sit and wait a while for the right moment to take a shot. Since the ground is likely to be muddy, wet, or even frozen, you’re better off bringing something comfortable (and dry) to sit on.
• Survival kit. Roaming your hunting territory in search of game can lead you deep into the woods. Be prepared for unexpected situations, like getting lost or caught in the dark, so you can stay safe if you need to spend the night.
• Lens cover for your scope. There’s no point in having precise and effective tools if you can’t use them properly. Keep your scope clean, undamaged and functional by covering its lens when you’re not using it.
• Tick remover. Ticks are especially active in the fall. Since you’ll be walking through leaves, grass, and wooded areas, it’s always best to be aware and well equipped to deal with them.

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