When it comes to Nevada’s outdoor pursuits, for many of us, our thoughts immediately turn to gnarly mule deer, full-curl bighorn sheep, elk and even mountain goats. While all of the aforementioned species are likely to make up any avid outdoorsman’s bucket list, the state has recently added another to even further sweeten the deal.
Announced last month, Nevada’s Department of Wildlife confirmed the state’s first-ever moose hunt. Having tracked over 100 moose over the past number of years, the agency believes the population is sustainable and one that can support a limited hunting season.
The Silver State is now officially home to its own herd of Shiras moose, the smallest subspecies of moose here in North America. What were once believed to be a few wandering animals from neighboring Idaho, have since been confirmed as permanent residents.
The sightings of the first moose in Nevada date back to as early as the 1950s when residents in the northern town of Elko first reported sightings. Since then, the moose, which were never native to Nevada, have continued to move in. With new technology available to help hunters and those in the field report sightings, the DOW reported a 300% increase in moose sightings in 2023, thus prompting the discussion around a possible hunting season.
Using collars and other methods of tracking populations, the department has watched as the state’s population of moose has flourished. Last year’s population was believed to be pegged around 107 individuals with high calf survival rates being reported.
The proposed hunting season, set to begin this fall, would run from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 and would solely target bulls in high density areas. Northern Nevada seems to be the best area for moose during most seasons of the year, with the majority of the population residing alongside the Rub Mountains.
