Dave Conley, full time guide and outfitter, offers guided moose hunts in Maine’s Wildlife Management Districts (WMD) 1,2, 4, 5 . These WMDs have the largest population of moose in Maine. The September and October moose hunting seasons coincide with the rut, September being peak rut. Much like turkey and elk, moose can be very susceptible to calling. What a thrill to interact with a trophy bull moose as it responds to the call.
Guaranteed Tags 2021
Guaranteed peak rut hunts available for late September. We’re working for lodges that receive permits through a special drawing in January. Moose hunts take place in prime northern Maine Wildlife Management Districts. This early season is best for taking a moose with a bow but you can use a rifle, muzzle loader or cross bow. Expect opportunities on bulls 40″-50″ with bulls going 55″ and higher. We have a 97% success rate on guided bull moose hunts. When driving to camp and bringing several large coolers, it makes it very easy to go home with all your meat. Cost for these very limited hunts in 2021 are $15,000.00 (56 statewide in 2020). Additional costs include moose permit $1500.00, big game license $115.00 for non residents and having your moose butchered. The 2021 draw is late January for the fall 2021 hunt, contact Dave to get on our waiting list for 2021 & 2022!
Here’s a Recap of our 2020 Moose Season.
The 2021 Maine Moose Lottery
The most common way hunters obtain a moose permit is through the lottery system. The lottery opens up in January or February with the deadline in May and drawing taking place the 2nd Saturday of June. When filling out your moose lottery application, choose WMD 1,2,5,4, 3,6 & 11 in that order. Choose September and October seasons, bull only if you do not want to hunt an antler-less moose. If you desire to bow hunt for a bull moose, choose only the September season as it is the best season for calling a moose in close. (more info)
Cost for lottery hunts: $4995.00, this is a great value on a big game hunt and includes:
- Hunter and sub-permittee (2 hunters, one moose)
- Meals, guide and accommodations
- Transportation while on your hunt
- Quartering and retrieval of moose
- Caping of your moose for a European or shoulder mount.
Note: We are fully insured and licensed with the North Maine Woods to conduct guiding activities in the North Maine Woods.
Additional Costs for Lottery Winners
- Hunting License & Moose permit, non-resident big game license $115.00, moose permit $585.00, Maine residence license $26.00, moose permit $52.00.
- Extra persons (apart from you and your sub-permittee) is $700.00 per person for meals & accommodations.
- Private Land Access Fees collected at the gate as you enter the North Maine Woods.
- Transportation, you can drive right to camp. For those that are flying into Presque isle, we recommend staying overnight at the Hampton Inn before and after your hunt. Depending on the distance to camp, there is a fee for your guide to come pick you up and return you after your hunt. The ride to camp is over mostly good dirt roads.
- Having you moose butchered locally? We have a local guy that does a great job cutting and packaging meat. Turnaround time is 48-72 hours. He charges approximately $500 to cut up a moose.
- Gratuities for the camp cooks and guide at hunter’s discretion
Brett’s 2020 Maine Bull Moose Hunt!
While hunting a mile off road we interacted with two bulls and the ‘game of chess’ was on with moves and calls. While the 1st bull held up just out of sight, 20 minutes later another bull came in raking and grunting more willing to commit to the call. What a thrill to call, interact and watch as Brett harvested this nice bull!
Richard’s 2019 Archery Bull Moose Hunt
It was a challenging week with warms temps, wind and rain a good part of the week. Andrew guided Tom and Richard of New York on this successful bow hunt calling this bull to within 20′. Check out the bow mounted Go Pro video on Richard’s hunt!
Hunt from Comfortable Remote Moose Hunting Camps
While many hunters drive more than an hour one way each day just to get to their hunting grounds, our camps are located in the heart of prime moose hunting country well away from any towns. Camps include top-notch accommodations, the main shelter serves as a community area for meals. Private sleep tents for your party of 1-3 persons are spacious 12′ x 12′ Cabela’s Alaknak Ultimate Outfitter tents complete with cots, carpet flooring and a wood stove.
Success Rate
Maine has one of the highest, if not the highest success rate for a big game hunt anywhere! Nonresidents typically enjoy an even higher success rate over residents attributed to the fact most hire the services of a Maine guide. Dave has personally guided over 30 moose hunts with a 97% success rate.
What to Expect
In the 40 year history of the Maine moose hunt, early on it when clear cuts were much more prevalent, it was much easier to ride the roads and spot a moose. While some moose are still harvested this way and many do ride the roads hoping to bump into one. With the change in cutting practices (fewer clear cuts) and bigger bulls being over called and adapting for survival’s sake, tend to shy away from these areas and hang further back. Our preferred method is calling and spot n stalk which makes for a much better experience. Our guides know how to read sign, locate and call bulls. With the ability to quarter and pack out, we’re able to get on foot placing you in Maine’s best moose country. Expect opportunities to harvest a bull with rack widths middle 40″s to middle 50″s, bulls with wider racks are possible. We encourage hunters to pass on smaller bulls waiting for an opportunity on a bigger bull. Why not visit Trip Advisor and read what past canoe guests and moose hunters have to say about their experience with Dave Conley and Canoe the Wild.
Physical Limitations
For those with physical limitations, we hunt close to dirt roads or shorten the distance we travel on foot. We’ll adapt your hunt based on your physical abilities and desires.
2021 Maine Moose Hunting Seasons
- September 27- October 2
- October 11-16
2021 Maine Moose Auction
The state of Maine auctions off 10 permits in February to the highest bidder with the proceeds benefiting Maine kids going to conservation camp. The winning bids for 2020 went from $22,003.00 to $23,005.00, the deadline for applying on line is February. Contact Dave for more info.
Photos of Canoe the Wild moose hunts.
