Of the states that offer Shiras moose hunting, Wyoming is the undisputed leader in the number of permits issued and the number of bulls in the record book. To help you plan toward a possible hunt in 2000, I'll give you an overview of the situation in Wyoming.
In terms of hunting opportunity, Wyoming is by far the most important. Last year a whopping 1,260 moose tags were issued in Wyoming. As this story went to press, the number of tags for the 1999 season had not been determined, but the biologist I spoke to predicted the number will be similar to 1998. While it's too late to apply for a moose permit in Wyoming this year (applications were due February 28), it's not too early to plan ahead for next year. Wyoming allocates 20 percent of the available moose tags to non-residents, and the price is $1,010. Seasons take place between September 10 and November 30, and in 1997, hunter success was a whopping 91 percent.
When looking for the best areas, the Bighorn Mountains and the Pinedale region rise to the top. Both have high hunter success and produce good bulls. The Bighorn Mountains lie almost entirely within the Bighorn National Forest where many hunters go it alone and are very successful. Toby Johnson of Bighorn Mountain Outfitters offers moose hunts in area 1........(continued)
