Adult bull moose

This year, the success rate in all regions was higher than last year, but lower than the ten year average. Rines said that the Connecticut Lakes region saw a success rate of 86%, the North region had 79% success. The White Mountains region had a 63% success rate, while the Central region had a 62% success rate. The Southwest region saw a 44% success rate while in the Southeast region, 30% of the hunters got their moose.

A record 16,779 people entered the 2007 annual moose hunt lottery last spring for a chance to win a permit for this fall’s hunt. Applications for the 2008 moose hunt lottery will become available in late January 2008 on the Fish and Game website at: www.HuntNH.com. However, there is a catch. The price of a ticket to enter the lottery was formerly $10 for residents. If you won a chance, it cost an additional $100. In 2008, prices to enter the lottery and the permit fees will increase. To enter, residents will pay a $15 fee. Non-residents will pay a $25 fee. Those who have winning tickets will then have to buy a moose hunt permit. For residents, the permit fee will be $150. For non-residents, the permit fee will be $500.

The moose hunt lottery began in 1988, when only 75 permits were issued. The moose population back then was estimated at 2,000. This year, Fish and Game estimated the moose population to be at 7,000 animals which is a considerable increase in numbers. Those
who win a permit to hunt moose have to wait for three years to pass before they can reapply for another permit, even if they didn’t get a moose.

I have seen many moose in my times afield. However, I admit to never hunting them. A deer is enough for me to handle. I have eaten moose meat at game dinners and that friends have given me and can vouch for how delicious it is, as well as it being good for you. Unlike store-bought meats, moose and deer eat in the wilds. Store bought meats, like cows and pigs, are grown and raised for market and fed with chemicals in their feed to fatten them up quick for the market.

Because of their habitats and the size and weight of moose, the hunt takes much planning and research. You must be well prepared for getting this huge animal out of the woods and to the nearest check-in station after making your kill. Moose do offer the hunt of a lifetime.