What‘s the Biggest Moose Ever Shot in Maine?

With antlers spanning over 6 feet and weighing up to 1,500 pounds, the Eastern moose is an iconic symbol of the Maine wilderness. Generations of hunters have ventured into the vast North Woods each autumn in pursuit of these magnificent animals. According to official records kept by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the largest moose ever harvested in Maine was brought down in 2016 by avid hunter Scott Flaherty of New York. This monster bull shattered previous state records with a staggering antler spread of 257 5/8 inches.

The massive moose shot by Flaherty stands testament to the impressive sizes reached by the subspecies Alces alces americanus found in Maine. However, experts say there are likely even larger specimens still roaming those remote forests. "There‘s no doubt in my mind there are bulls up there that make the current state record look small," says registered Maine Guide Tom Austin, who has been leading moose hunts in the Allagash region for over 20 years. "On a good day, you can spot moose that would rival any in the world."

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the history, science, and culture around moose hunting in Maine to discover why the Pine Tree State produces such mammoth animals and where your best chances lie of bagging one of your own.

A Historical Tradition of Giant Moose Taken by Iconic Hunters

Maine has a long tradition of producing record-book trophies, in part due to its remote wilderness areas teeming with moose. Back in the late 1800s, famous Maine Guide Bert Call claimed to have guided multiple hunts that brought down bulls over seven feet tall at the shoulder. In 1895, the legend goes that Call led a client to an incredible bull with an antler spread wider than a set of ox horns.

More recently in 1967, a bull moose shot by Guide Bert Clifford on the Main Branch of the Penobscot was estimated to have antlers measuring 96 inches wide. And in 1998, Guide Randy Cross helped arrow a monster bull moose with an antler spread of 63 1/2 inches taken near Jackman.

Cross described it as the largest moose he had ever seen. "I knew right away it was a once-in-a-lifetime bull," he recalled. "Big, old moose like that are few and far between these days." Tales of massive moose taken by Maine‘s iconic guides help cement the state‘s reputation as a world-class moose hunting destination.

Typical Size and Weight Ranges of Maine Moose

So how big do moose really get in Maine? A mature bull moose typically stands about 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs from 800 to 1,200 pounds, though large males can reach up to 1,500 pounds. Average antler spreads range between 40 and 60 inches.

Cows are smaller, averaging 500-700 pounds and reaching a maximum of 5 feet at the shoulder. Calves weigh 25-35 pounds at birth. Bulls grow antlers starting as yearlings that get larger each year until peaking between ages 5-12 when their size levels off. Here are some more key facts about Maine moose from state biologists:

• Estimated population in Maine: 60,000-70,000
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years
• Average antler beam diameters: 4-6 inches
• Antler growth rate: Up to 1 inch per day in summer
• Max antler spread on record: 80 inches (Alaska-Yukon moose)

"In ideal conditions with great genetics, Maine moose can certainly reach trophy proportions over 200 inches," says IFW biologist Lee Kantar. "But on average, bulls will max out around that 40 to 60 inch range."

Maine‘s Record Moose Shot in 2016 by Scott Flaherty

In September 2016, while scouting new hunting areas near Millinocket, avid outdoorsman Scott Flaherty spotted a massive bull moose high up on a ridge through his binoculars. Over the next few days, Flaherty and his guide analyzed the moose‘s travel patterns to determine the optimal time and place to intercept it.

"As soon as I saw him up close, I knew it was the biggest moose I‘d ever lay eyes on," Flaherty recalled. After shooting the moose with a carefully aimed shot, they approached and realized the enormity of the animal. Official measurements found antlers with a spread of 257 5/8 inches and a green score of 259 3/8. The right beam measured 66 inches and had circumferences of 37, 34.5, 37.5 inches.

This dwarfed the previous state record moose shot in 2014 by Benedict Picard that scored 244 4/8. Sadly, on the way to the Boone and Crockett Club for verification, the record antlers were badly damaged. However, based on field photos, biologists have confirmed Flaherty‘s bull as clearly the largest ever harvested in Maine.

How Maine‘s Moose Compare to Other Regions

The Eastern moose found in Maine are a distinct subspecies, Alces alces americanus, and are larger on average than the Shiras moose found out west. Experts credit this increased size to superior nutrition.

"Maine moose have access to high-quality foods year round, allowing bulls with the best genetics to reach their full potential size," says retired IFW biologist Karen Morris. Their antlers also grow wider and more palmated than western moose.

However, the moose subspecies Alces alces gigas found in Alaska and northwestern Canada is considered even larger. A mature Alaska-Yukon bull can stand over 7 feet tall and weigh up to 1,800 pounds. The current Boone and Crockett world record Alaska-Yukon moose has an antler spread of 82 1/8 inches.

Canada is also home to huge moose, with mature bulls in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario averaging between 1,100-1,500 pounds. There are an estimated 1 million moose in Canada.

Ideal Habitat Allowing Maine‘s Moose Population to Flourish

So just why do the moose living in Maine‘s forests grow so large? A combination of factors make the Pine Tree State perfect moose habitat:

• Low Predation: With very few natural predators left, moose in Maine enjoy high survival rates. Occasional wolf and coyote predation occurs but is minor. Winter ticks pose the biggest mortality threat.

• Abundant Young Forests: Constant logging creates ideal feeding habitat full of tender new tree growth. Regrowing clear-cuts support moose densities 2-5 times higher than mature forests.

• Wetlands and Water: Maine‘s countless lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands provide aquatic vegetation and drinking water. Moose need to drink regularly.

• Careful Management: Annual moose hunts keep populations at healthy numbers, and biologists closely monitor conditions. Permit numbers are adjusted based on winter tick impacts.

• Climate: Maine‘s colder weather helps deter debilitating winter ticks. Deep snows also drive moose to traditional yards, allowing for easier winter viewing.

"Maine has some of the best moose habitat conditions found anywhere in the lower 48 states," says IFW biologist Scott Lindsay. This allows bulls with superior genetics to reach their maximum growth potential.

Scouting and Hunting Trophy Moose in Maine

To maximize your odds of harvesting a true trophy-class moose in Maine, seasoned local guides suggest the following tips:

Look for Recent Signs

Focus scouting in areas with ample evidence of moose activity, including tracks, droppings, rubs, trails, and scratchings:

• Fresh rubs on trees from antlers indicate bulls marking territory
• Look for plentiful tracks around muddy ponds and waterways
• Check shorelines for feeding areas and water crossings
• Locate small poplar trees stripped of bark where bulls velvet antlers

Scout Remote Areas

The best trophy potential exists in Maine‘s most remote wilderness zones with limited hunting pressure, such as:

• North Maine Woods above Baxter State Park
• AuClair Township near the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
• Chesuncook Township northwest of Moosehead Lake
• Anywhere requiring extensive hiking or float plane access

Focus on Food Sources

Concentrate efforts where moose feed heavily in early morning and evening:

• Recent clear-cuts full of new growth like willow, birch, and aspen
• Shoreline aquatic vegetation like lilies or pickerel weed
• Valley bottoms and meadows with abundant browse

Situate Between Bedding and Feeding Areas

Set up along known moose travel corridors to intercept them moving between food and cover:

• Saddles connecting feeding meadows to nearby hillside bedding areas
• Ridge fingers providing easy access to riparian feeding zones from upland security cover

Use Calling

Employment bull and cow calling strategies:

• Cow calls work well pre-rut to locate bulls
• Aggressive bull grunts entice territorial bulls to investigate during rut
• Use cow calls sparingly during the rut and only to pull in unseen bulls nearby

Glass Optimal Habitat

Utilize high-powered optics from hidden vantage points:

• Scan clearings, field edges, and marsh openings at dawn and dusk
• Watch hillside benches, saddle areas, and brushy funnel zones
• Spend at least an hour glassing from each vantage point

Aim for Double Lung Shot

Wait for moose to fully broadside or quartering away before taking a shot:

• Pick a spot low on shoulder and tight behind front leg
• Penetrate both lungs for fastest, most ethical kill
• Avoid risky head-on shots at extreme angles

Prepare for Packing Out

Plan ahead to get your moose out of the woods:

• Assess terrain anddistance to access points beforehunting
• Bring gear to field dress, quarter, andpack meat
• Use ATV, sled, horse, creek boat, or manpower as needed

By scouting thoroughly, hunting patiently, and focusing efforts in remote areas, the once-in-a-lifetime bull of your dreams could be waiting in the wilds of Maine.

Improving Your Moose Permit Draw Odds

To legally harvest a bull moose in Maine, you must first draw one of the limited permits issued each year through a lottery system. Here are some insider tips from veteran guides and hunters on how to boost your moose permit chances:

• Apply annually and accrue preference points to rise up in the draw order.

• Enter as part of a large group. Groups up to 7 can apply together and increase odds.

• Buy extra chances in the Superpack. Each extra chance costs $15 and significantly improves your probability.

• Target zones with the highest permit allotments like Wildlife Management Districts (WMD) 4, 19, and 11.

• Purchase a permit transfer from another hunter unable to use their tag. Transfers run from $1,500-$5,000 typically.

• Put in for leftover tags, which go on sale each hunt. You must act extremely fast as leftovers sell out within hours over the phone.

Here are the moose permit numbers, applicant pool, and draw odds from 2021 to give you an idea of what to expect:

Wildlife Management District	Permits	Applicants	Odds of Drawing
District 1	105	15,623	1 in 149
District 2	150	15,623	1 in 104
District 3	390	15,623	1 in 40
District 4	780	15,623	1 in 20
District 5	150	15,623	1 in 104

As you can see, your best chances of being drawn occur when you apply for zones with higher permit allocations. Focus on Districts 3, 4, and 19 if you want to maximize your odds of hunting moose in Maine this fall.

The Tradition Lives On

The remote wilderness of Maine will likely continue producing record-book moose for generations to come. While the 2016 state record may stand for years, there are surely even larger bulls wandering those sprawling northern forests. With patience and dedication, you too could be lucky enough to experience the moose hunt of a lifetime and etch your name in Maine history. Just be sure to purchase your permit chance, scout diligently, and believe that your dream moose could be out there waiting. Because in the wilds of Maine, you just never know when the next record-breaker will step out into your sights.