Which animal is considered the largest big game animal in Idaho?

Moose are regarded as the largest big game animals in Idaho. They are significantly larger than other big game species in the state, such as elk, deer, and bears. Adult male moose can weigh between 800 to over 1,400 pounds and can stand more than six feet tall at the shoulder. Their imposing size is characterized by long legs, a broad, palmate (or shovel-shaped) antler structure, and a distinctive dewlap known as a bell, which hangs from their throat.

Elk and deer, while substantial in size, do not reach the mass or height of a moose. For example, adult elk typically weigh between 500 to 800 pounds, while deer vary considerably but are generally much smaller. Bears, too, can be large but still do not match the sheer size of moose; even the largest bears tend to weigh less than the average moose. Therefore, the classification of moose as the largest big game animal emphasizes their dominance in size within Idaho's wildlife population.