John Labanc: Alaska Moose Hunt

TRIP TAKEN: Guided Moose Hunt in Alaska
CONSULTANT: Kyle Hanson, Outdoors International

September 21, 2025

I was fortunate to hunt moose in Alaska with arguably the largest and best run outfitters. I did a ridge line moose hunt meaning dry land and no waders necessary. There were many moose around our spike camp, but high winds keep the moose bedded in the low lying alders with their harem of cows.

Our best opportunity to harvest a moose came on day six of a nine day hunt with a calm breeze and clear sky. My guide and packer spotted a mature moose bull deep in alders with a cow. Calling and raking were unsuccessful in luring the bull out of the protection of the alder patch and away from the cow. The bull moose and cow were 1.6 miles from our glassing spot. The weather report for the next three days not good with continued high winds and rain. The guide said this was our best and most likely our last opportunity to conduct a stalk and get within shooting range.

The plan was to stalk as close as possible to the bull moose using alders as concealment. The challenge was to be quiet while stalking so as not to alert the cow and bull to our approach. We broke out of our alder patch with 200 yards of open area between our alders and where the bull and cow were. The tall grass constrained our shot to standing. I positioned my 300 WM on GunStix and set the elevation on my Vortex LHT 4.5-22×50 scope to 200 yards. The packer racked the alders and the guide called. There was no movement detected and the concern was the cow and bull had escaped from their alder patch.

A plane flew over our position and a cow emerged from the alders and headed to the far end of the drainage. No sign of the bull. Then we looked to the side of the ridge opposite our position and spotted a bull. The guide confirmed it was a mature bull. I ranged it at 365 yards true ballistic range uphill from our position. I adjusted my elevation to reflect the new range and placed the reticle on the moose waiting for the guide to give me the command to shoot. The bull was initially giving a frontal presentation. When it turned to give a broadside presentation the Guide told me to shoot and I sent a 200 grain ELD-X that found its mark just behind the right front shoulder of the bull. The bull dropped out of sight, but the packer and guide did not detect any movement of the alders or grass where the moose had stood.

I remained at the shooting position while the packer and guide picked their way through the alders upon the ridge toward the last position of the moose. I would periodically yell directions to assist in locating the last know position of the moose. Finally, the guide yelled, “We found it.” It took two days to ferry the moose meat back to camp. The packer made 5 round trips the guide 3 round trips and I made two round trips to get the moose to our camp for pick up by the super cub. Words cannot begin to express the expertise and professionalism of the guides, packer and pilots that made this hunt successful, rewarding and memorable.

• Can we use your stories and/or photos on our website? YES
• Can we use this in social media? YES

Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner

Outdoors International

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.

See Full Bio