Judging a moose antler size

[akcabin]

For me .I assume that it's 8" between the antlers. Use that visual guage n start working towards the outside point. And then how much leeway are you going to give to insure it meets size requirements ?

 

[jofes]

I thought it was 10" but a also have never shot a moose...

 

[SaltySailor]

I always used 10" outside eye socket to outside eye socket and am usually spot on or within an inch or two.

 

[AKHUNTER]

We use 7 inches between the antler bases as a guide to judge width. IMO, width can be difficult to judge because every rack is different and the distance of the animal is also a variable. How much leeway is up to the shooter. I would be counting brow tines and if your unsure of the width don't shoot. Study as many as racks as you can that have a verified width to get a feel for judging width. Watch the video below.

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/web/nocache/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/mooseid.pdfC26578E5C079FCC46E98C01A51D95EEF/mooseid.pdf

Moose Hunting in Alaska., Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Information on Moose hunting in Alaska.

www.adfg.alaska.gov

 

[Yellowknife]

10" to the outside of the eye sockets has worked well for me and I've confirmed the number is good with a tape. If the range is close enough, I "mark" the distance on the scope reticle, and slide it over 2x to the left and right. Windage marks are great for this and was spot on for this season's bull.

 

[JP100]

I was told/taught it was about 10" across the head, and ears 10" aswell.

So if the ears are out flat, tip to tip is about 30"

This was with BC moose. I imagine a Shiras, vs Alaska/Yukon, vs Canadian is a slight difference

 

[Robinhood21]

I use a combination of ways to measure. I've looked over so many pictures and videos & seen quite a few moose in person now that there are some bulls that you automatically know he's a shooter as soon as you see him... no need to measure. Width between the eyes works but the most accurate way I've found is to use the reticle on my rifle. Obviously this won't work for archery hunters.

I can judge a moose to see if he's legal from 100yds all the way out to 1000 yards and I feel extremely confident in doing so. You just need to make sure you can get a very steady rest.

Examples:

Range Finder - 300 yards, Moose measures 20MOA
3 X 20 = 60" moose

Range Finder - 475 yards, Moose Measures 13.5MOA
4.75 X 13.5 = 64" moose

Range Finder - 178 yards, Moose Measures 26MOA
1.78 X 26 = 46" moose


The scope I use is a Zeiss V4 4-16X44 with a ZMOA-T30 reticle.

 

[SDHNTR]

The above. Using my Nightforce MOAR reticle I could tell in seconds how big my moose was prior to shooting him. Very useful!

 

[akcabin]

Eh lots of great suggestions folks. We all go threw life different. I guess for me also is to not screw up n be a bit conservative.
And ya know when measuments start getting over 5-6" seems measuments can get a bit different sometimes

 

[dallen]

I use the 7” between antlers method, but……getting it right on a bull that’s 49.5” vs 50.5” is pretty tough until you walk up to them….if it’s close, I count brow tines. The moose below is the only one I’ve ever said yes to when I knew it was close and the brow tines were not there…..but I had someone continuously whispering….I’m on him….I can make this shot…..all while I’m thinking he’s right there at the mark….I think. Luckily it turned out right, and he was just over the 50 mark…. I wouldn’t do that again. It caused a lot of undo sweat. But…. she made a fantastic 450 yard shot.