Quick Answer
Moose antlers are a consideration for trophy hunters due to their massive size and impressive growth, with some antlers reaching up to 6 feet wide and weighing over 40 pounds. These antlers are also highly prized for their intricate details and symmetry. The record for the largest moose antlers in Maine was set in 1983 with a bull measuring 65 inches wide.
Antler Characteristics
Moose antlers are made of bone and are grown by the bull moose every year. They can grow up to 1 inch per day during the summer months, with the antlers typically reaching their full size in mid-October. The antlers are made up of a series of palmate branches that are connected to the main beam, with the branches being the most highly prized by trophy hunters. In Maine, the antlers of a bull moose are considered a trophy if they exceed 50 inches wide.
Hunting Techniques
Trophy hunters in Maine often use a combination of scouting and hunting strategies to locate and harvest large bull moose. This can include using trail cameras to monitor moose movement and feeding patterns, as well as tracking moose during the fall rut. Hunters may also use calls to attract moose, as well as set up stands near known moose habitats such as marshes and river corridors. In order to ensure a clean shot, hunters should aim for the heart-lung area and use a rifle with a flat trajectory and sufficient power to make a quick kill.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.