Moose are not native to Newfoundland. A cow and a bull from Nova Scotia were brought to Gander Bay in 1878. Two pairs from New Brunswick were set free at Howley on the west coast in 1904. Now over 120,000 animals live in the Island's forested areas.

Moose are the largest living member of the deer family. An adult male can range from 450 to 550 kilograms. A female weighs about 100 kg less. An adult male can be over three metres long and stand close to two metres high at the shoulder. A cow has a white patch between her hind legs. This helps hunters tell cows from bulls with no antlers. Moose vary in colour from almost black to shades of brown or grey that may have a tinge of red.

Only bull moose have antlers. Antlers are shed in late fall and winter. They begin growing again each spring. Antlers can range in size from 5 or 6 points to 20 to 30 points.

The word moose means "twig eater". Moose browse mostly on new growth of deciduous trees and balsam fir. In summer they eat grasses and water plants. They eat 15 to 20 kg of food each day. Their long legs and large hoofs make them suitable for travelling over fallen trees, snow, and bogs. Their shaggy coat and hollow hair keep them warm in winter and help them float well in the water.

The moose's natural enemy is the black bear.

Moose are most active early morning and late evening. They roam along highways because many roads and highways run through moose migration areas. Other reasons for this are, "good growth of hedging along the roads and, they like the salt used on icy roads", said conservation officer, Eric Seabright.

The Wildlife Division advises hunters to carry binoculars. They help identify an animal's gender. Hunters should learn differences in the bulls, cows, and calves. A yearling is considered an adult moose under present rules.

Some features to look for in animals are size, head shapes, body shape, antlers, nose bridge, and bells (hair covered skin hanging under the throat). The moose's behaviour shows if it is a calf or yearling because a calf stays close to its mother.

Bow hunting is Leon Caines' favourite way to hunt moose. Leon lives in Bartlett's Harbour on the Northern Peninsula. He got an eight point, 400 pound bull moose this year. Two years ago he shot a 16 point, 600 pound bull.

Leon uses a powerful bow. He says a 45 pound draw weight is the minimum required to shoot a moose and he uses 60 pounds. He uses arrows with three cutting blades.

Leon did a bow hunting course at Deer Lake Rod and Gun Club two years ago. He says the course made him a more capable bow hunter. He practiced a lot, talked to other bow hunters, and got tips from books and videos.

Bow hunting opens two weeks before the regular moose hunting season. This provides bow hunters a better chance to get a moose. They have to get closer to the animal to shoot and they wear camouflage clothing. Leon says you have to pick your shot, shoot the moose broadside in the vital area, and don't try if you cannot make a clean kill. "The main thing about bow hunting is to know your range because if you are off by ten yards you will miss," he warns.

He says that there is a growing interest in bow hunting in his area and more areas are opened to bow hunters. Leon says anyone with a big game licence can bow hunt but there may be more rules in the near future. A new rod and gun club has opened at Plum Point and, as a member, Leon says he tries to promote responsible bow hunting.

"Firearm hunting is no comparison to bow hunting. Bow hunting is more of a "hunt". It is more of a challenge and more exciting." he said.

Interest in moose hunting has grown with the number of animals. The first open season on the Island was in 1935. This year on the Island 28,320 moose licences are available in three types. There are 14,360 either sex, 13,460 male only or calf, and 500 female only or calf. Labrador has 175 licences and a different season. Non-residents get ten percent of moose licenses. They must follow all the rules for hunting big game. They get licences through licensed outfitters and must hunt with a licensed guide.

Moose hunting season is from September 12 to December 12, 1998 in most areas. Other areas have hunting from October 3 to January 2, 1999.

Hunters carry the licence, tags, and Outdoor Identification Card at all times. Only people named on the licence can use it.

How to get a moose licence

• You must be 18 years old by August 31 to get a licence for that year.
• A person with no hunter training must do a two day Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course. It is taught by the College of the North Atlantic in your area. It costs $50 to do both parts of the course.
• You must do the course before November 30 to be eligible for a licence next year.
• You have to apply for an Outdoor Identification Card when you complete the course.
• You then apply for a moose licence from Inland Fish and Wildlife Division. It costs residents $46.
• After you complete the course, your name goes into a DRAW. A name picked in the draw is eligible for one of the three types of licences.

Forest Resources and Agrifoods
Inland Fish and Wildlife Division
Building 810, Pleasantville
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's NF A1B 4J6
(709) 729-2815