What’s the Difference Between Canada and Alaska-Yukon Moose?
When it comes to moose classification, our location at the far northern edge of British Columbia often leads to questions from hunters. First, what’s the defining difference between Canada moose and Alaska-Yukon moose? And which do we hunt here at Kawdy Outfitters?
Canada vs. Alaska-Yukon Moose
The answer to the first question is simple. According to Boone & Crockett scoring, the defining difference in the moose subspecies is the B.C. and Yukon border. A moose on our side of the border is a Canada moose. On the other side of the border, it’s an Alaska-Yukon moose. It may be arbitrary, but that’s the way the subspecies are classified for record book purposes.
Which Do We Hunt?
Our hunting area is in British Columbia, therefore we hunt Canada moose. We’re at the headwaters of the Yukon River system, within spitting distance of the Yukon border. So even though we’re hunting Canada moose, they actually share more genetic similarities with Yukon moose than they do with Canada moose elsewhere in Canada.
For the hunter looking for an outstanding trophy, hunting in this area of northern BC offers a distinct advantage. Since our moose resemble their Yukon counterparts, they are some of the largest Canada moose found anywhere. Each of our moose hunters has a great shot at taking a Boone & Crockett class moose on their hunt.
Other Advantages of Hunting in British Columbia
In fact, one of the most unique things about our hunting area is that hunters have a realistic opportunity to take B&C class animals of all the species we hunt. This area produces outstanding mountain goats, mountain caribou and stone sheep. Taking two species on a 10-day hunt is very doable. We actually recommend that interested moose hunters book a moose-caribou combo hunt. These two species can be hunted from a single camp location, making it an ideal combo hunt opportunity.
In addition to the trophy quality of these Canada moose, our area boasts an incredible density of animals in open, huntable country. Unlike many areas in the Yukon with low moose densities or other areas where spotting moose is challenging, our hunts tend to be action-packed. We are able to glass this country with relative ease and hunters can expect to see good numbers of animals during their hunt.
To learn more about our Canada moose hunts in British Columbia, please check out our moose hunting page. If you’d like more details, pricing or specific availability, feel free to contact us anytime. We would love to tell you more about the outstanding hunting opportunities here at Kawdy Outfitters!
Written by Ryan McSparran
Ryan McSparran is an outdoor writer, a hunting and fly fishing guide, and very proud to be a part of the Kawdy Outfitters team.