Sportsmen worldwide visit Alberta each year in hopes of bagging a sixty-inch bull while moose hunting in Northern Alberta's remote boreal wilderness. Alberta is one of the top destinations for Canada Moose as only one other province has more bulls in the top one hundred Trophy Records.

The moose is the largest member of the deer family in the world. Bulls can weigh over 450 kg (1000 lb.) and stand 2.3 m (7.5 ft.) at the shoulder. Cows average about 350 kg (770 lb.).

Moose are easily identified by their large size and dark brown to black colours. Other distinguishing features of both sexes are the broad muzzle, shoulder hump, and a loose fold of skin called a "bell," which hangs under the throat.

Bulls have broad, palm-like antlers that can measure as much as 1.8 m (6 ft.) from tip to tip, and together both may weigh up to 40 kg (88 lb.) In spite of their large size and ungainly appearance, moose can move through underbrush very quietly. Moose have acute sense of smell and hearing. Their sense of sight is poor. When alarmed, they will often trot off with smooth strides.

The rut usually occurs from mid-September to mid-October. Calves are born the following spring.

Areas of preferred habitat include muskegs, brushy meadows and small groves of aspen or coniferous trees, particularly where such habitat adjoins lakes, ponds or streams. During the spring and summer, moose feed on aquatic plants and browse on the tender shoots of willow, birch and poplar. In the spring, moose also seek aspen bark, aquatic vegetation and minerals from natural salt licks. During the winter, moose browse near the edges of dense forests where there is less snow.

Natural Resources Service estimates the provincial population (in Sept.) to be about 118,000 animals. This estimate is based on population counts in selected areas and hunter harvest information.

The most popular method of hunting trophy bull moose is to call them during the rut. The weather is typically still relatively mild at this time of year (Sept.-Oct.) and hunters find success with both primitive and modern weapons.

Employing ATVs to explore backcountry wilderness is just one of the common tactics used in Alberta to locate trophy-quality moose. There are zones and seasons in Alberta that allow for archery hunting only, offering undisturbed opportunities for the dedicated archer. Hunters either still-hunt or hunt from ground blinds or tree stands strategically located along travel corridors.

Non-residents, contracting a big game hunt in Alberta, are legally required to book their hunt with a registered Alberta outfitter, such as Winefred Lake Outfitters Ltd.

In general, you may hunt big game with either a shotgun or a rifle. However, it is unlawful to use: ammunition less than .23 caliber, and with an empty cartridge case less than 44 mm (1.75 in.) in length, shotguns having a gauge of .410 or less, ammunition that contains non-expanding bullets, an auto-loading firearm that has the capacity to hold more than five cartridges in the magazine. a pistol, revolver or any firearm that is capable of firing more than one bullet during one pressure of the trigger.

Transportation of Firearms:
It is unlawful to transport a loaded firearm (live ammunition in breech, chamber or magazine) in any kind of aircraft or vehicle whether it is moving or stationary. It is unlawful to transport a loaded firearm in a boat, unless the boat is propelled by muscular power or is at anchor and you are hunting. Ammunition may be transported in a magazine that is not attached to the firearm.

Storage of Firearms:
If a firearm is left in an unattended vehicle, it must be secured in a locked trunk or similar compartment. If the vehicle has no such compartment, the firearm must be stored out of sight in the locked vehicle.

Paul Padlesky will provide a more detailed overview of the Alberta hunting regulations prior to your hunt. As well you may click here to view the online version of the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.