Moose Hunting in Kootenays

[BC Hunter85]

I have been lucky enough to be awarded an LEH moose hunt this year in the Kootenays. I have hunted there before but am looking for any info on when the moose rut tends to be going on. We are contemplating going for bow season because the rifle opening does not start until oct 15th. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[rocksteady]

Which MU did you draw?

[J_T]

Which MU did you draw? Yup, logical first question. Maybe some additional information about where BC Hunter is coming from or if they are staying in tents, camper, trailer..... . Maybe how he intends to hunt, horse, bike, ORV.

[huntingfamily]

Typically the first couple weeks of October.
That's why rifle season starts when it does. It's the same with the peace region.

[cameron0518]

Welcome to the site. What made you decide to join now for your first post? Maybe tell us a bit about yourself and your hunting method of choice and experience?

[BearSupreme]

I lived in 4-06 for a few years and Ive seen the bulls rutting strong about the 3rd week of September, very responsive to calling at that point from my experience.

[BC Hunter85]

I am a novice hunter from Vancouver Island. I hunt with a rifle. I love camping and fishing and have found my love for hunting over the last 6 or 7 years. I have been on island and mainland elk hunts as well as deer hunts annually. I love hunting on the mainland and in the Rockies because the land and scenery is fantastic. This is my first ever moose draw and is in 4-25. We bring a wall tent as well as our truck and camper. I enjoy getting out and exploring new terrain every year that I hunt and this year will be no different. I decided to make an account on the website pretty much to see if I could get a bit of info on the moose rut in the Kootenays. I have two young children and can only get away for one trip... so I was hoping to try and time it with the best chance to be successful on our draw. I appreciate the replies that I have received and hopefully I have answered a few questions in the thread. Look forward to reading some more replies!

[heybert]

One thing you will need is a radio since there's lots of logging truck traffic in the area Monday to Friday. Saw lots of moose hunters come up for the October 15th opening for immature bull. They usually camp and park around Km 25 on the Kootenay-Palliser FSR. Find swamp/water areas that butt against terrain that rabidly gain elevation. Look for willow around these areas.

[swampthing]

The koots has become a real moose hotspot! While the population has plummeted everywhere else it seems to be booming in the koots! Oct 15 will be great timing for your hunt!

[LBM]

The koots has become a real moose hotspot! While the population has plummeted everywhere else it seems to be booming in the koots! Oct 15 will be great timing for your hunt!

Havent heard that one yet which units are booming in population.

[LBM]

I am a novice hunter from Vancouver Island. I hunt with a rifle. I love camping and fishing and have found my love for hunting over the last 6 or 7 years. I have been on island and mainland elk hunts as well as deer hunts annually. I love hunting on the mainland and in the Rockies because the land and scenery is fantastic. This is my first ever moose draw and is in 4-25. We bring a wall tent as well as our truck and camper. I enjoy getting out and exploring new terrain every year that I hunt and this year will be no different. I decided to make an account on the website pretty much to see if I could get a bit of info on the moose rut in the Kootenays. I have two young children and can only get away for one trip... so I was hoping to try and time it with the best chance to be successful on our draw. I appreciate the replies that I have received and hopefully I have answered a few questions in the thread. Look forward to reading some more replies!
IMO if your trying to hit the rut better off to come in bow season, but since you hunt with rifle guess that option is out, you can still get them being vocal in rifle season but not as much. That area gets hit hard at the first of the rifle season
with lots of camps, there was camps in all the main spots last year with some changing every 10 days or so. You just coming with your family or other people, there is a few spots that may hold a moose but you will be packing them out.
Opening day may be your best bet but would be there a few days before to try and have one located, if you don't mind the weather would wait till end of season and hope for snow and hopefully find some tracks to follow but again will
lead to a pack job, as gets closer to season will let you no if have seen any hanging around. Last year not as much pressure in bow season but soon as rifle season came lot more pressure.
Good luck

[rocksteady]

Decent grizz population in that zone. Be careful, especially if you are bringing your kids..

[swampthing]

Havent heard that one yet which units are booming in population.

That all we find elk hunting these days is moose! The word "booming" may not have been the right word though!

[GreyDog]

25 years ago the population was very strong. Now? Not so much. GD

[LBM]

25 years ago the population was very strong. Now? Not so much. GD

.....Yep....

[Elkaholic]

The koots has become a real moose hotspot! While the population has plummeted everywhere else it seems to be booming in the koots! Oct 15 will be great timing for your hunt!

I think that statement would be news to most in this area. There are MU's that should not even have an LEH season they are that gutted of moose.

[slowjo]

lots of area there to explore, lots of fsr access, lots of elk hunters.
it's a grizzly bear zone and we had wolves come in to our elk calls out there.

[Ron.C]

I'm usually out in 4-25 for a couple weeks in early to mid Oct every year. We have seen more moose in one spot in particular compared to everywhere else I've hunted in that MU. ( I'll send you a pm with those details). Its an easy spot to access and hunt, just depends on if there is a bull there or not. Well, depends if there is a cow. Every year we see a cow or cow/calf we see at least one bull here.

But even this spot is very hit or miss year to year. Some years we see a few in this spot and see them multiple times throughout our stay, other years not a single one anywhere.

In personally think your best bet for 4-25 moose is to hunt up the Palliser. Park at the end of the Palliser River FSR and pack in with horses and hunt up towards the outfitters cabin. But not many have the means to do this. If you have an LEH, might be worth a call to the outfitter and see if he would pack you in?? Never know, they may be willing to discuss or may hang up the phone.

Like many have said, seems like all ungulates in this MU have taken a massive decline in recent years. You have the draw so you are going to go, but dont expect to have your hair blown back or be in moose heaven.