Generally the bulls are solitary animals that spend most of their summer days feeding on plants and willows in the higher side valleys. The lush forage which abounds during the summer months gives the necessary nourishment to aid in the growth of their antlers, which are covered with a soft velvet. Their growth slows and they begin to harden in mid to late August. With the decreasing daylight and colder frosty nights the bulls will begin to scrape the velvet from their antlers during the last few days of August. At the same time they begin to move down from their side valleys to find the cows who are also moving up to meet the bulls. They will eventually come together and herd up at timberline. They are partial to the edges of the swampy tundra where it meets the Spruce trees and the willow thickets. It is not at all uncommon to find 3 or 4 bulls gathered with a group of 10 to 15 cows. With normal weather conditions the rut will be in full swing in mid September.

Hunting these bulls during the rut can be a very thrilling and exhilarating experience. When you encounter a willow thicket mixed with alders and aspen which has been thoroughly destroyed by the bulls as they thrash them with their antlers, it can also be a sobering experience. As in most of the big game hunting in Alaska, glassing from a vantage point is a common method of hunting. When the flashing antlers of a big bull are seen a stalk is planned which often takes you right into the middle of the action. It's quite interesting to hear the soft calling of the females or catch a glimpse of a big bull as he chases off a smaller challenger. Calling and grunting is also a method that is particularly interesting and can be productive during the rut. On one occasion a small bull of 45 inches responded to the call. He came charging out of the brush so quickly that the safety of the horses was a concern. There was a real rodeo until the bull realized his mistake and quickly did an about face.

As the Moose migrate and gather on their traditional breeding grounds, a comfortable base camp is established near the area. The horses are trailed in and it's time for them to begin earning their keep. Two guides and two hunters normally share the camp together and cooperate to hunt the area at the same time. When a big bull hits the ground, at least one day is required to butcher the meat and use the horses to pack the animal back to camp. The meat and the trophy are generally flown back to the main Lodge.

Fifteen years ago many hunters did not consider the Moose to be too important on the trophy scale. However, today they are becoming increasingly popular and the possibilities in Alaska for a truly outstanding specimen are diminishing each year. Don't wait too long to add this fantastic animal to your trophy room.