Moose Antlers -Judging Moose

Moose Hunting In Alaska - Judging Bull Moose Antlers

Judging bull moose, approximating antler spread, moose antler terminology and definitions, moose hunting tips, scoring moose antlers.

2011 Hunt Photos Now Available

What makes a "legal" bull moose?
Harvest requirements for bull moose in the areas we hunt are a minimum of 50 inch antler spread OR four brow tines on at least one side.,

Approximating (judging) antler spread of bull moose in the field.

Using the width of the head at the widest point (across the eyes) as a 10 inch guide is helpful in judging antler spread. Another common method used by moose hunting guides when judging larger bulls, is to visualize the ears laid out horizontally to the sides of the head, then use this "visualized" distance between the tips of the ears as a 30 inch guide. The approximate length of an adult bull moose's ear is 10 inches, the width of a moose's head is also roughly 10 inches. To effectively judge a bull you need a good straight-on look at the moose. Giving a quiet grunt or cow call just loud enough to be heard by the moose will cause him to look and listen, thus providing the ideal perspective.

Though antler spread is the most common measure of size, there are many other factors to be consider. Other considerations might include: Palmation, Mass, Point distribution, beams, bases, symmetry, and the overall aesthetics of the rack. For many hunters selecting a bull for harvest involves more than just the size of the antlers; to them a particular animal's role in the hunt may also be considered. Perhaps the animal was the most elusive, or most aggressive. Every hunt is unique, there are countless factors that may contribute to the development of a personal connection between a hunter and game he pursues.

Moose Antler Terminology and Definitions:

Spread: The total width as measured between the widest points on each side. . Adult Alaska-Yukon bull moose antler spreads can exceed 75 inches. Though Spread is the most common measure of size, there are many factors to be considered.

Brow Tines: tines or points originating from lower part (brow palm) of the antler. Brow palms are usually separated from the main palms by a defined bay.

Main Palm: The larger upper palmate are of the antler. Main palms are sometimes referred to as "paddles".

Bases: Button like mass where antler originates form heat

Beams: The section of antler between the base and the palms. Massive drooping beams are a good indicator to the overall mass of the rack.

Points: A projection from the antlers longer than one inch and longer than it is wide. Points are also referred to as "tines"

Information on scoring moose antlers coming soon.

For Alaska moose hunting pictures, see the Client Photo Galleries page.

For more information about moose and guided moose hunts in Alaska, see the Moose Hunting page

For Question about outfitter operations, available bookings, or to request a client reference list, please Contact Max Schwab

Max Schwab is a licensed Alaskan Master Guide with over 30 years experience outfitting and guiding moose hunts in Alaska.

External Links

Alaska Department of Fish and Game -

General Information about moose: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=moose.main

Hunting Moose: www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.moose

Moose Hunting - Judging Legal Moose: http://www.multimedia.adfg.alaska.go...mooselegal.wmv

Big game hunting FAQ: http://www.wc.adfg.state.ak.us/index.cfm?adfg=info.faqs

Articles about judging moose: in the field:

http://www.moosehuntingsource.com/field-judging-moose.html

Discussion about Judging Bull Moose:

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/62143-How-to-judge-moose-antler-size

http://cabinchat.primos.com/lofiversion/index.php/t34433.html

http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=242282