 WHERE
TO GO.
Moose live all over Southcentral Alaska and can be seen most anywhere
from downtown Anchorage to the tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Some of the
best viewing opportunities are:
Within the Homer Airport Critical Habitat Area in early spring, up to
75 moose may be seen at once as they feed around Beluga Lake. A good
place to watch from is the viewing platform at the end of the Calvin and
Coyle Nature Trail, which is owned and maintained by Kachemak Heritage
Land Trust. Another good spot to view moose is the viewing platform
across from the Homer Airport Terminal entrance.
On the lower Kenai Peninsula, wintering moose can be seen along
roadsides, but the biggest concentrations are on the lower sections of
the Anchor River as well as at the mouth of Fritz Creek and on Beaver
Creek Flats. Farther north, the lower elevations and riparian areas of
the Ninilchik, Kasilof, and Deep Creek Rivers are important wintering
areas with lots of moose.
The 1969 wildfire burn area along the North Kenai Road is still one of
the best moose habitats on the Kenai Peninsula and is an excellent place
to see moose at any time of year.
The Skilak Loop Wildlife Management Area bounded by the Sterling
Highway and the Skilak Lake Road is closed to hunting and covers about
135 square miles. It is home to 150 moose in the summer and about 300 in
the winter, including some protected bulls whose antlers exceed 60
inches in width.
For those who like to hike, the hills above Skilak and Tustumena
Lakes are excellent places to see large bulls and other wildlife in
summer and fall. The south side of Tustumena is a good place to see
moose in winter.
In early winter, moose migrate through the central Kenai Peninsula,
moving down from the uplands towards the lower elevations along the west
side. Many stop along the way to take advantage of the new growth coming
up in old homestead fields as well as unfenced gardens in the Soldotna
and Sterling area.
Moose can be seen almost anywhere in the Anchorage Bowl. Young calves
are common in Kincaid Park. Rutting bulls are safely seen from a
distance in the Campbell Creek Valley north of Flattop Mountain.
ln spring, moose can be seen wading to get sedge and other emergent
plants in wetlands along the Glenn Highway, especially near Spring
Creek. During summer, the southern slopes of the Talkeetna Mountains,
Wishbone Hill near Sutton, the wetlands along the Knik River and the
Swan Lake area are all good places to observe. In winter, the Palmer Hay
Flats State Game Refuge and the Point McKenzie area are good places to
see feeding moose.
THE BEST TIMES TO WATCH.
Moose can be seen any time, but as any seasoned moose hunter can tell
you, at dawn and dusk moose are most active. Move slowly and quietly and
try to see the moose before they see you.
MlND YOUR MANNERS.
Moose watching is a very safe activity if you follow a few simple
rules and don't step on any bears or porcupines. Mind your manners and
keep your distance. A good distance is one where the moose continues to
go about its life as if you weren't there. Part of the fun of watching
big game is trying not to disturb your prey. Binoculars, spotting
scopes, and telephoto lenses allow for viewing and photography at safe
distances and provide stress-free experiences for both people and moose.
Being quiet always helps. Many people like to hear the variety of
noises a moose can make. |
