Advice scouting for moose

[Jojo]

Hey there,

I was planning to go scouting in mid may/June some area for moose. It's the calving season as that time ?


What do Bull do? Will they be already quite high? Or could they be around the same zone than in the fall.

Thanks for any advice, just planning on checking some zone before applying to LEH and leave some game cam.

Jojo

[Banker]

Hi Jojo,

Yes, mid-May to June is typically the peak calving season for moose across most of their range, all over British Columbia. (you didn't specify where you would be hiking.


Whether bull moose are at higher elevations or in similar zones as during the fall depends on several factors, including region, weather, and food availability.

Here’s a breakdown:

Spring/Summer Habitat:

In mid-May to June, moose (including bulls) typically move to lower or mid-elevation areas with abundant new vegetation. Wetlands, river bottoms, and areas with willow, birch, or aspen are prime spots, as these provide high-quality forage.

In mountainous regions like much of British Columbia, bulls may start moving to higher elevations (e.g., subalpine meadows) by late June as snow melts and forage becomes available. However, in mid-May, snow may still limit access to higher elevations, keeping bulls at lower or mid-elevations, often in valley bottoms or near water.

Compared to fall, spring bulls are less likely to be in dense, high-elevation coniferous forests (typical rutting areas) and more likely to be in open, wet, or regenerating areas with new growth.

[Jojo]

Thanks for the break down, will be looking at different unit betwen Chetwynd and Prince george.

And planning to go during the rut if I get a draw, if the weather is cold in the rut, will bull be in this low level area too?

I guess people scout for moose before the rut ?

[Banker]

Chetwynd

Overview:

• Location: Peace River region (Region 7B), 188-304 km northeast of Prince George via Highway 97.
• Terrain: Wetlands, willow thickets, and clearcuts along rivers like Pine and Sukunka. Prime moose habitat with dense cover and water sources.
• Moose Population: Region 7B has strong moose numbers, particularly in Management Units (MUs) like 7-19, 7-20. Bulls are targeted in LEH draws.

Hunting Context:

• LEH: High demand for moose due to healthy populations. LEH odds for bull moose are competitive (e.g., 1:10 to 1:20). Seasons typically run mid-September to late October (check 2025-2026 BC Hunting Synopsis for dates).
• Regulations: Requires a valid BC hunting license and moose tag. Bull-only hunts may have antler restrictions (e.g., 10-point minimum in some MUs). Compulsory inspection required post-harvest.
• Local Considerations: Remote areas reduce hunting pressure but demand self-sufficiency. Access via 4x4 or ATV on logging roads. Limited services (gas, lodging from ~$95 CAD/night).

Prince George

Overview:

• Location: Central BC (Region 7A), 188-304 km southwest of Chetwynd. A larger city with better infrastructure, surrounded by forests and rivers.
• Terrain: River valleys (e.g., Fraser, Bowron), swamps, and forest edges. Areas like McLeod Lake and Salmon Valley are excellent moose habitats.
• Moose Population: Healthy populations in MUs like 7-07, 7-08. More accessible than 7B but still quality moose country.

Hunting Context:

• LEH: Moose are a top LEH target. Odds for bull moose are competitive but may be slightly better than 7B (e.g., 1:8 to 1:15). Seasons align with 7B (September-October).
• Regulations: Same as Chetwynd: license, tag, and inspection required. Bow-only zones may apply near urban areas, so check MU boundaries.
• Local Considerations: Higher hunting pressure due to accessibility and population. Better amenities (hotels from ~$66 CAD/night, outfitters). Logging roads offer good access, but private land requires permission.

Preparation Tips for Moose LEH Hunt

Based on your May/June scouting plan and game camera use, here’s a moose-specific preparation guide:

1. LEH Application (Soon - May 2025):

• Deadline: Applications typically close late May (e.g., May 25, 2025). Apply online via the BC Hunting Portal (WILD).
• Strategy: Apply for multiple MUs in Regions 7A (e.g., 7-07, 7-0 and 7B (e.g., 7-19, 7-20) to improve odds. Group applications with partners can increase chances.
• Cost: $6.30 CAD per moose application (resident).

1. Scouting (Mid-May to June 2025):

• Timing: Your May/June plan aligns with pre- to early calving (late May peak). Bulls feed in low-elevation wetlands or clearcuts, recovering from winter, and may overlap with fall zones (e.g., near water, new growth) but are less likely at high elevations compared to rut (September).
• Chetwynd: Scout Pine River, Sukunka River, or Moberly Lake. Look for moose in swamps, willow thickets, or forest edges with fresh tracks, droppings, or rubs.
• Prince George: Target McLeod Lake, Salmon Valley, or Bowron River. Focus on riverbanks, marshes, or clearcuts with young vegetation.
• Game Cameras: Place trail cameras on game trails, near water, or at funnels. Ensure compliance with BC regulations (no cameras on private land without permission). Retrieve pre-season to avoid theft.
• Tools: Use topographic maps (iHunter app) and GPS to mark hotspots. Binoculars are essential for spotting moose in dense cover.

1. Gear Preparation:

• Firearm: Use a rifle suitable for moose, such as a .30-06, .308, or 7mm Rem Mag. Sight-in at 100-200 yards.
• Ammunition: Select premium bullets (e.g., Nosler Partition, Barnes TTSX) for deep penetration (moose weigh 400-600 kg).
• Other Gear: Pack a sharp knife, game bags, rope for quartering, A knife sharpener, you will need it often! A first-aid kit. Waterproof boots and layered clothing (merino wool, Gore-Tex) for wet fall weather.
• Calling: Practice moose cow calls or bull grunts for the rut (September-October).

1. Physical and Skills Training:

• Fitness: Train for long hikes and packing out heavy quarters (50-100 kg each). Focus on cardio and leg strength.
• Shooting: Practice field positions (kneeling, off-hand) at 50-200 yards. Visit a range (e.g., Prince George Rod and Gun Club).
• Fieldcraft: Learn to track (e.g., fresh hoofprints in mud), call, and field-dress moose. Watch tutorials or take a hunter education course.

1. Logistics and Travel:

• Accommodation: Book hotels early in Prince George (27+ options, from ~$66 CAD/night) or Chetwynd (4+ options, from ~$95 CAD/night). Crown land camping is an option (check road conditions).
• Guides: Non-residents must hire a guide (e.g., Northern BC Guides). Residents can hunt solo or hire for expertise.

1. Regulations and Safety:

• Licensing: Ensure an active BC hunting license. Buy moose tags post-LEH draw (July 2025). Carry draw authorization, you wil bump more CO's than moose!
• Safety: Hunt with a partner, carry a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach), and follow bear safety protocols. Notify someone of your plans.
• Ethics: Harvest responsibly, process all edible meat, and respect land boundaries.

Location Comparison and Recommendation

• Chetwynd: Less hunting pressure, remote moose habitats, and strong populations in 7B. Best if you have a 4x4/ATV and prefer solitude.
• Prince George: More accessible, with good moose numbers in 7A, but higher competition. Ideal for easier logistics and amenities.
• Recommendation: Choose Chetwynd for better moose odds and quieter hunts if you’re equipped for remote areas. Opt for Prince George if you prioritize access and services. Apply for LEH in both regions to maximize draw chances, then scout based on results.

Next Steps

• Now: Study the 2025-2026 BC Hunting Synopsis (released spring 2025) for MU-specific moose seasons and quotas. Start LEH applications as soon as they are up on the site.
• May/June 2025: Scout low-elevation wetlands and set game cameras. Focus on moose signs (tracks, rubs).
• July 2025: Check LEH draw results, buy tags, and plan hunt logistics.
• August 2025: Practice shooting, confirm travel, and secure lodging or campsites.

[moosinaround]

I have hunted moose, from Dease Lake across to Fort St John, and as far south as the Nazko area near Quesnel, and west to Burns lake! Every area had its challenges as far as finding moose. Near my home area, in MU 7-15, I have no problems finding moose, any time of the year. Tough LEH to pull regularly. but starting to see more spike forks the last 8-9 years, thank you predator hunters/legislation makers!! I set up trail cams on salt licks, and see the same moose as they grow, so in the lower areas the moose seem to be more residential? I watched the same cow produce calf after calf for 5 years straight, 3 of the 5 years she had twins!! She disappeared a couple years ago, dam old age and wolves!! (cont).......

[Jojo]

So much info thanks a lot.

[high horse Hal]

Banker, is that what to expect from ai these days?