JACKSON, Wyo. — A bull moose was caught making its way out of Fish Creek in Wilson as the Hunter’s Moon – full moon rises over the east side of the valley on a beautiful fall evening.

According to the Famers Almanac, October’s full moon, the Hunter’s Moon, reached peak illumination yesterday, Oct. 9. The Hunter’s Moon gained its name because it signaled the time to go hunting in preparation for the cold winter ahead.  Animals are beginning to fatten up ahead of winter, and since the farmers had recently cleaned out their fields under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily see the deer and other animals that had come out to root through the remaining scraps.

Moose become more active this time of year, as they are in rut.

“We typically get a number of moose calls this time of year because it’s the breeding season, the bulls are starting to travel a lot in pursuit of cows and they tend to start rubbing their antlers on whatever they can find,” said Aly Courtemanch, Jackson Wildlife Biologist for WGFD.

Bulls must compete for breeding rights to the groups of cows, and do this by fighting. Video: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.