Moose Hunting License: Draw Odds, Cost by State & How to Apply (2026)
Compare moose hunting license costs, tag fees, and season dates across 12 states.
Moose Hunting in the United States
Moose hunting in the United States is an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime pursuit limited to fewer than a dozen states. The moose is the largest member of the deer family, with bulls weighing 1,000–1,800 pounds and sporting palmate antlers spanning up to 6 feet. Three subspecies exist in the US: the massive Alaska-Yukon moose in Alaska, the Eastern/Canada moose in New England, and the smaller Shiras moose in the Rocky Mountain states. Alaska is the only state offering general-season moose hunting accessible to all hunters without a draw, while the remaining moose states use highly competitive lottery/draw systems with success rates often below 1–5%. Many states impose once-in-a-lifetime restrictions — once you draw a moose tag, you can never apply again. Due to low draw odds, many hunters accumulate preference or bonus points for 10–20+ years before drawing. Non-resident moose tags are among the most expensive hunting permits in the US, ranging from $350 to over $2,500. The total US moose population is approximately 300,000, with Alaska holding roughly 175,000 animals.
Moose Hunting License Cost by State
Compare moose tag and permit fees across 12 states for the 2026 season.
Best States for Moose Hunting
Expert-recommended destinations for moose hunters.
Alaska
Alaska is the only state with general-season moose hunting accessible without a draw. The state holds the largest moose population in North America (175,000+) with three subspecies, including the massive Alaska-Yukon moose (bulls up to 1,800 lbs). Residents receive free harvest tickets, and many Game Management Units (GMUs) are open to all hunters.
Only state with OTC moose tags — no draw required in many GMUs
Maine
Maine has the largest moose population in the lower 48 states (~75,000) and issues the most moose permits outside of Alaska (~3,000/year). Draw odds around 6% are the best in the lower 48. Non-residents can participate, with tags at $585. The state offers archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons.
Best draw odds in the lower 48 (~6%) with 3,000 permits annually
Wyoming
Wyoming produces trophy Shiras moose in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Bighorn Mountains. While draw odds are extremely low (<1% for most units), successful hunters enjoy world-class hunting in spectacular mountain scenery with high success rates. The state maintains premium quality with very limited permits.
Trophy Shiras moose in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Montana
Montana offers Shiras moose hunting in its western mountain ranges with draw odds of 1–3%. The preference point system ($50 res/$100 NR per year) allows dedicated hunters to build odds. Western Montana's wilderness areas produce quality bulls in stunning terrain.
Preference point system helps build odds over time
New Hampshire
New Hampshire's moose lottery draws strong interest with about 50–75 permits annually. The state's North Country offers the best hunting, and success rates for permit holders exceed 70% — among the highest of any state. Tags are relatively affordable at $500 NR, and some of New England's largest bulls come from NH.
70%+ success rates for permit holders with scenic North Country hunting
Moose Hunting Season Dates by State
Season dates, weapon types, and regulations at a glance.
Moose Hunting License Requirements
Tags, endorsements, draw systems, and what you need to know.
Moose hunting in the US almost universally requires winning a lottery/draw (except Alaska general-season hunts). Key requirements include: (1) Valid hunting license for the state; (2) Successful draw application (submitted 3–12 months before season); (3) Non-refundable application fee ($5–$100+) separate from tag cost; (4) Hunter education certification; (5) Many states have once-in-a-lifetime provisions — if you draw a moose tag, you can never apply again (WY, ND, MN, UT). Non-residents are excluded in several states (MN, ND). Moose tags are among the most expensive permits: $52–$413 for residents, $350–$2,575 for non-residents. In states with preference point systems (MT, WY), accumulating points costs $50–$100 per year and may take 10–20+ years. Some states require hunters to take the first legal moose encountered. Harvest reporting is mandatory within 24 hours in most states, and biological data collection (tooth extraction) is often required.
Always purchase your base hunting license before applying for moose tags or draw applications. Many states require a qualifying license to be eligible for the draw. Check your state's application deadlines well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moose Hunting Licenses
How much does a moose hunting license cost?
Moose tag costs vary enormously. For residents: Alaska is free (harvest ticket), Maine is $52, Vermont is $100, Montana and Wyoming are $125 each, and Minnesota is $310. For non-residents: Vermont is $350, Maine is $585 (2025), New Hampshire is $500, Alaska is $800, Montana is $1,250, Washington is $1,304, Utah is $1,543, Idaho is $2,102, Colorado is $2,520, and Wyoming is $2,575. Plus you need a base hunting license.
What states have moose hunting?
Twelve states currently offer moose hunting: Alaska (general season), Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Minnesota and North Dakota are resident-only. Alaska is the only state where moose tags are available without entering a draw.
What are the odds of drawing a moose tag?
Draw odds vary but are generally very low. Maine offers the best odds in the lower 48 at around 6%. Montana and Wyoming residents see 1–3% odds in most units. New Hampshire is about 1–2%. Western states like Colorado, Idaho, and Utah often have odds below 1%. Building preference or bonus points over 10–20+ years is the main strategy to improve odds.
Is moose hunting once-in-a-lifetime?
In several states, yes. Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Utah have once-in-a-lifetime provisions — once you draw a moose tag, you cannot apply again, ever. Other states like Maine allow hunters to reapply after a waiting period. Montana and Idaho allow reapplication after a waiting period. Alaska has no such restriction.
Can non-residents hunt moose?
Non-residents can hunt moose in Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Minnesota and North Dakota restrict moose hunting to residents only. Non-resident tags range from $350 (Vermont) to $2,575 (Wyoming), making moose one of the most expensive hunting pursuits.
What is the best way to get a moose tag?
For immediate access, Alaska is the only option with general-season (no-draw) areas — NR moose tags are $800. For the lower 48, Maine offers the best draw odds (~6%) with a $585 NR tag. In states with preference point systems (Montana at $100/year NR, Wyoming), buying a point annually builds your odds, though it may still take 15–25+ years to draw in competitive units.
How big is a moose?
Moose are the largest deer species in the world. Alaska-Yukon moose bulls average 1,200–1,800 lbs and can stand over 7 feet tall at the shoulder with antler spreads up to 6 feet. Eastern/Canada moose in New England are slightly smaller (900–1,400 lbs). Shiras moose in the Rockies are the smallest subspecies (800–1,200 lbs). A single moose can yield 400–700 lbs of meat.