Moose Hunting

Wild Pursuits Guiding

In the wild forests of Northern Europe we provide one of the most challenging and dramatic hunts that you are ever likely to experience. These extremely exclusive hunts will see you taking part in an ancient and almost mystical pursuit that has been used by generations of Scandinavians to provide meat for their families. The most special thing about this traditional way of hunting is the connection between hunter and dog, this collaboration between man and beast is something that must be seen to fully understand.

With a combined hunting area of over 8000 hectares with a mix of Forests, marsh, lakes and mountains this is a true hunters paradise. It’s a fact that Sweden actually has the highest density of Moose in the world and our hunting areas are some of the more populated regions in Sweden, this puts our clients in a very good position for encountering animals on our trips.

These wild places are home to more than just Moose, whilst quietly navigating our terrain in search of your prey you are likely to see more lapland dwellers. At certain times of year large herds of reindeer migrate through these areas in search of fresh feeding grounds, you can also encounter roe deer, who’s numbers seem to increase year by year. Beavers can also be spotted by lakes and rivers and when sitting quietly you might Catch glims of both fox or pine marten as they search for prey. We have all the European species of forest grouse present and it is very likely that you will see capercaillie, black grouse, hazel hen and willow grouse during your stay. For a very lucky few there is also the chance of witnessing the European brown bear that is actually in abundance in this area, we see many signs of these animals when out hunting but actual sightings are a rearer occasion.

What to expect

This trip is fully guided and designed for one or two hunters, this allows for clients to get the maximum from this trip with one guest per guide. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation at a pre arranged time, from there you will be taken a short distance to the hunting area. The guide will choose the days hunting area based on local knowledge and weather conditions.

Once in position your guide will release the elkhound and let it work the area in search of a moose. The dog has a fitted tracker collar with a gps locator, so you will be able to monitor its actions as you hunt. Your guide with their experience will be able to interpret what is happening by looking at how the dog works the terrain both over the gps info and by what tracks are found. The dog might pick up moose trails or scent early on and be straight onto finding the moose, or it might go out in search of these at a further distance. As the dog combs through the area, you will follow and progress into the landscape as the dog searches every meter around you. When a moose is found the dog will alert you by barking. It’s amazing at what distance the sound will carry, the barks will echo through the woods, sending shivers down the spine.

Now you’re about to stalk into the bay, and a chance at your moose. This type of hunt is an otherworldly experience, to witness the dog work on a moose bay and to see it hold the ground while you wait for a chance is a memory for life. Sometimes the moose won’t stand in bay, then the dog will follow until it stops again. With the gps locator you will be able to see where it goes, and you might be able to post out on the trail in the terrain where the moose is most likely to pass, hopefully giving you an opportunity.

If you are more than one hunter then we like to alternate walking with the dog between you throughout your stay, the hunter who is not walking with the dog on that day will go with another guide and be posted on a likely looking spot. As the dog team work their way through the forest your guides will be in close radio contact, it is likely that as the hunt progresses you will be moved onto other posts depending on how the moose move. Although post hunting is a totally different kind of hunt it is no less exciting, you and your guide will also have a gps to keep tabs on the dogs movements. When the dog is on a moose and starts to bear down on your post position, there is literally nothing more exciting in the hunting world through the adrenaline you must stay calm and get ready. Depending on the situation on where the dog is and the season, your guide might try and call a moose to your spot. When you hear the moose answer the call, and hear branches breaking as he moves closer, it really gets the heart racing.

Hospitality

You will be provided with different options of light snacks, chocolate and high energy foods, as well as some fruit and a pre packed lunch packet every day which you can bring with you out on the hunt. The going can get tough during some parts of the day depending on what action you meet, and it’s good to have an energy boost now and again through the day. Depending on what the day brings, you and your guide will decide when to have lunch. Its great to sit out in the forest enjoying your food in the beautiful surroundings of the Swedish wilderness.

What to Bring

If you would like to bring your own rifle then this is fine as long as it is caliber 6.5x55SE or larger, we are also happy to help you with travel documentation.
The cloths that we recommend would be wool under layers and mid layers for warmth, outer layers should be comfortable and light weight. A lightweight waterproof coat is a good option that can be stored in a rucksack until needed, Hats, gloves and face veil are all useful to have with you. A small rucksack can be a good idea for putting extra clothing in, any gear and your food. On your feet you will need a waterproof and sturdy set of walking boots.

We provide full gear lists and Itineraries with booking confirmation but for any more details please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Accommodation

For your stay you will live in your own cabin at Borgagården. It has a main building with several cabins situated in the beautiful wilderness close to the hunting areas. The cabin has its own fireplace, bathroom, two bedrooms and is fitted with a kitchen, and has a view over the Borga Lake and the proud Borga Mountain. Down by the lake you will find a wood fired sauna which can be pre booked, its a nice place to wind down after a day in the forest with a cold beer and maybe even a dip in the lake which is a Scandinavian tradition after a sauna. If you want a more modern touch there is also an electric heated panoramic view sauna which has a toilet and a shower available for its guests. In the main building you will find a saloon which serves drinks and some food, and the restaurant which pride itself in serving food made of local produce like local fish, reindeer, berries and mushrooms depending on the season availability.