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The
moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family. Bulls
(males) average a weight of 500 kilograms, however may weigh as much as
700 to 750 kilograms. Cows (females) are lighter in weight. Both sexes
stand about 2 meters at the shoulder. The body is bulky with a short,
stubby tail and a disproportionately large head. The long, square muzzle
ends with an overhanging upper lip. Moose of both sexes have a
"bell" that hangs under the throat. This is a flap of skin
covered with hair that grows as long as 25 cm on males. The bell is used
in communication, both visual and olfactory. The large surface of the bell
in bull moose transfers scents to the cows during their
"chinning" behavior. The size and shape of the bell on bulls may
be a secondary indicator of sex, relative to age and rank, especially
during the antlerless period.
Moose
are well-known for their distinctive palmate antlers. Only bulls grow them
and the rack is in its prime when the animal is about six years of age.
During the first year a moose may grow short stubs and yearlings may
develop one or two forks. As the moose ages, a characteristic shovel shape
develops, and the antlers form points on both sides.
Antlers
begin growing in April and reach their maximum size in August or
September. They are covered with skin and hair, or "velvet". In
late August, the blood supply to the velvet is cut off and it starts to
shed, aided by the moose rubbing the antlers against trees. Continuous
scraping of the antlers signifies the start of the breeding season. After
about a week, the velvet is completely shed and the white antlers begin to
stain brown. Older bulls lose their antlers in December, following the
rut, while the younger males may keep theirs as late as February.
In
North America, moose range from Alaska to the northern Rocky Mountains in
the United States, and eastward to Newfoundland. The extensive boreal
forests of Canada provide the largest moose range in North America and
moose occur in both territories and in every province except Prince Edward
Island. The best areas for
moose are characterized by semi-open forest cover, an abundance of willow
and aspen stands, and are located close to lakes, river valleys, stream
banks or sand bars. They prefer deciduous shrubs for fall and winter food
and thick conifers for winter cover. In the summer they can be found close
to river valleys and lakes where they feed on aquatic vegetation. Moose
tend to favor areas 15-30 years after a forest fire because natural
regeneration provides all of the habitat types they require.
Many
hunters consider the breeding period the best time to hunt for moose.
It usually begins in late September and runs through early
November. Hunting seasons
follow the breeding cycle of the moose, beginning with a two week archery
only season, followed by a general hunting season composed of archery,
muzzleloader and rifle through the end of November.
Information
sourced from the Northwest Territories Resources, Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries
By
Tom Dade
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