How Big Is a Moose?

All moose are big. They are the largest members of the deer family Cervidae, and the second largest land mammal in North America, after the bison. However, the size of a moose depends on the subspecies.

Generally, the biggest bull moose weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds, while adult cow moose weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Aside from weight, moose are also known for their height and antler size. These impressive creatures have a significant impact on North America’s hunters, serving as a staple food source for many and representing the ultimate hunting goal for countless others.

Jack O’Connor, Outdoor Life’s legendary shooting editor, once wrote: “It is difficult for the man who is used to hunting deer or even elk to conceive of the enormous bulk of a big bull moose… The moose is not only very heavy, but with his long legs is also tremendously tall. The largest moose I have ever seen dead was shot … in the White River country of the Yukon in 1945. From the bottom of the hoofs to the top of his hump, he measured about 7.5 feet.”

Here is an overview of the different subspecies of moose found in North America, listed from largest to smallest:

Moose Subspecies of North America

1. Alaskan Moose

• Range: Alaska and western Yukon territory
• Weight: Bulls 1,200-1,800 pounds; Cows 800-1,300 pounds

2. Northwestern Moose (or Western Canada Moose)

• Range: Northwestern Canada down to northern Wisconsin and Michigan
• Weight: Bulls 800-1,600 pounds; Cows 600-800 pounds

3. Eastern Moose (or Eastern Canada Moose)

• Range: Eastern Canada and New England
• Weight: Bulls 1,100-1,400 pounds; Cows 600-800 pounds

4. Shiras Moose

• Range: Rocky Mountains from southern Canada down to northern Utah and Colorado
• Weight: Bulls up to 1,000 pounds; Cows 500-800 pounds

How Tall Is a Moose?

An Alaskan bull moose can stand 6 feet high at the shoulder, with its head and rack towering several feet above that when at attention. For comparison, an average thoroughbred horse stands 5 feet, 4 inches at the shoulder, while a big bull elk stands 5 feet tall at the shoulder, according to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

How Big Are Moose Antlers?

Bull moose grow impressively large antlers each spring and summer, shedding them in the winter. The Boone & Crockett Club scoring system measures moose racks in total inches, considering factors such as spread width, number of points, palm width and length, and beam circumference.

The highest-scoring moose of all time scored 266 4/8 inches and was shot in the lower Yukon River of Alaska in 2010. In terms of spread width, an Alaskan bull moose with 70-inch antlers is considered a giant. For Canada moose, a 50-inch spread is usually deemed trophy worthy, while a Shiras bull with a 40-inch spread is notable.

In 2017, Alaskan hunter Israel Payton made headlines after killing a monster bull moose with an 80-inch spread. To put that in context, it’s more than 6.5 feet in length and taller than the average NBA player.

Packing Out a Moose

If you want to truly grasp the size of a moose, try packing one out of the bush. Experienced moose hunters caution against shooting a bull more than a mile away from camp, a road, or a river accessible by boat. Moose are so massive that moving all their meat can be an arduous task. A 1,600-pound moose will yield approximately 500 pounds of meat after dressing, according to ADFG.

There are many methods for transporting moose, with some hunters using custom moose buggies designed to handle the size and weight. But regardless of the approach, getting a moose out of the wilderness requires know-how and resourcefulness.

Moose Q&A

1. How big is the largest moose?

The largest moose subspecies in North America is the Alaskan moose. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest Alaskan moose weighed 1,808 pounds.

2. How big is a moose compared to a grizzly bear?

Moose are substantially larger than grizzly bears. While an adult male grizzly or brown bear can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, they’re often much smaller. However, grizzly bears still commonly catch and kill moose.

3. Is moose meat good to eat?

Moose meat is not just good, it’s excellent. Many consider it to be even better than beef in terms of flavor and quality.

4. Is moose the biggest animal in the deer family?

Yes, moose are the largest surviving members of the deer family. The extinct Irish elk was bigger, standing at 7 feet tall at the shoulder with antlers spanning 12 feet, according to Berkeley University.

Final Thoughts on “How Big Is a Moose?”

A great bull moose is large enough to both inspire and intimidate hunters. With their impressive size and sometimes aggressive behavior, moose command respect and represent a thrilling challenge. However, they are also elusive creatures that prefer the cover of dense vegetation, capable of disappearing in an instant despite their enormity.