Scenic Rides

If you have a day to spend in the Jackman region, consider going into the natural splendor of our great outdoors. Scenic rides are a fun way to waste hours and find many beautiful animals, plants, waterfalls, mountains, etc. Pick up a map at the Jackman Chamber of Commerce Booth and get out!

Moose Watching

Anywhere around the Jackman-Moose River Region is considered prime moose country. Along Route 201 from the Forks to the Canadian Border, on Route 15 from Rockwood, or along our many dirt roads, you’re bound to see a moose or two or five. There are certain times of the year when they are out more than others: September, October, and December are the prime months, with September and October being the best time to spot a fully antlered bull! During the hot summer, the best viewing times are in the early morning and late afternoon when the air is cooler.

If you have never seen one in person, mature bulls can weigh over 1,000 pounds and are about 7 feet tall at the shoulders. Please be aware and stay alert! And remember, although usually moose are not aggressive, they are still wild animals and deserve our respect.

Moose Statistics and Appearance

  • Life span: 15-25 years

  • Male moose weigh about 1200-1500 pounds

  • Female moose weigh more than 900 pounds

  • Newborns are about 33 pounds and will be 300-400 pounds by its first winter

  • Average Body length: about 8.5 feet

  • Average Height: 6-7 feet at the shoulders

Moose Antlers

Only the males have antlers, averaging 5.5 feet across and 40 pounds in weight. Mature males shed their antlers once a year in November/December and replace them with new larger ones beginning in the spring. They are formed of living tissue supplied by blood through a network of vessels covered with a soft smooth skin called VELVET. Eventually the tissue solidifies, the velvet is scraped off and the antlers become completely formed of mineralized dead matter. Their main function is for display during the rutting season (mating season which is Mid September to mid October) and to show dominance within the herd.

Moose Behavior

Moose are active throughout the day with activity peaks during dawn and dusk. They are good swimmers and are able to sustain a speed of 6 miles per hour, and can run up to 35 mph.

Moose are not normally aggressive, however, they can be very aggressive when hungry, tired or harassed by people, dogs, and traffic.

  • During the mating season (September-October) Bull moose are often more aggressive toward people.

  • Mothers, during pregnancy, can be very aggressive, (probably due to the lack of food in the winter) and also are very protective of their young calves. They will attack humans who come too close.)

  • You can identify when a moose might attack if the long hairs on its hump are raised and it's ears laid back. A moose may also lick its lips.

  • Charges may only be "bluffs", warning you to get back, however take this seriously as even a young calf could cause significant injuries from its size alone.

  • A male moose may use his antlers to hold off a predator but when he/she does charge, it often kicks forward with its front hooves as a moose's sharp hooves are his first line of defense. They can kick out in all directions.