Idaho Fish and Game shares tips on the differences between elk and moose

One of the first rules taught in hunter education curriculums in every state is to know your target. However, every year, a small percentage of hunters ignore this principal and down an unintended big game animal.

With the general elk season upon us, Idaho Fish and Game shares tips on telling the difference between a bull moose and a bull elk.

Elk range in color from light brown in winter to reddish tan in summer and have characteristic white-colored rumps. In winter, a dark brown, shaggy mane hangs from the neck to the chest. Bull elk have large, spreading antlers.

Moose are dark brown with grayish legs. They have a large, overhanging snout and a dewlap on the throat. The antlers on the male are massive, palmate and flat.

While the two species are easily identifiable, sometimes conditions can make doing so difficult. However, the hunter is ultimately responsible for positively identifying their target before pulling the trigger.

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