Overview
Moose are the most majestic, most dangerous, and most rare creature in the Long Dark all at the same time. If you haven’t heard of these beautiful creatures before, here’s how you hunt them.
Finding A Moose
Finding a Moose shouldn’t be too difficult- you’ve just got to know where to look. There are a few confirmed locations, but always remember that they have a possibility of not spawning. If you suddenly consider finding one of these creatures, make sure the moose you’re looking for is in your region, for the utmost convenience.
Here are the locations:
Outside the Dam
Trapper’s Homestead (right outside the “lawn”)
Unnamed Pond (rubs)
Cabin, just north of Unnamed Pond
The Train Loading Area
Hunting Lodge
Near the bridge leading to the Hunting Lodge
Milton Basin
Between Spruce Falls Bridge and St. Christopher’s Church, near that rabbit area.
Marsh Ridge
SE of the area nearby the showshelter- Moose like to roam on the ice
Coastal Townsite
Matt’s Truck
Near the bear cave, north of Hibernia
Stone Church
The plane wing, near Crystal lake (rubs)
Between Mountaineer’s Hut and the plane’s Landing Gear (rubs)
Near the Pensive Pond (the shack)
Near the Lonely Homestead
Near Monolith lake (rubs)
In Valley near Valley Cave (rubs)
When at these locations, to ensure the moose has spawned, look for the “rubbings” on the birch trees. Some of the bark will be missing and the area underneath will be brownish. Any location that has the tag (rubs) after it will always have the rubs on those trees but may not have the moose there. When you find the rubbings, keep looking for more. They will make a rough ring around where the moose is currently at.
Getting the Advantage
Once you’ve spotted your moose, you’re going to want to get on elevated ground. Be sure you’re not aiming at it’s hind end but you can still see the head through the antlers. DO NOT, AT ALL COSTS, STAND IN FRONT OF THE MOOSE. If the Moose is aware of you it will charge you and give you a condition called Broken Rib. It reduces your Stamina by 50%, making you unable to sprint, and slices your carry weight by 25%. It takes 120 hours, 2 bandages, and 4 painkillers to “treat” the ribs, but these treatments do 0 to alleviate the symptoms. If you get more then one, you’re done for if you don’t have enough food, water, and sleep for 6 days in one place with 0 scavenging.
You’ll want to get on an elevated surface so you can see it’s head, kind of a diagonal angle. You can’t aim from the side like you could with a bear or wolf because of the antlers. Using a bow isn’t advised as Moose, oddly, do not bleed out after a certain amount of time.
The Deed
Now that you’re in a prime position to fire, it’s time to do The Deed.
Aim your rifle right between the eyes but make sure you’re not going to hit an antler.
Unlike a bear or wolf, a moose can take up to 5 body shots and 2 headshots to die.
Fire one headshot- the moose should make a sort of stun animation, and if it wasn’t aware of you, it should flee. When it runs, aim towards the spot will it’s head will be and fire once more. If you miss, follow it and it will eventually stop. Now you can stand a safe distance away and kill it when it turns towards you.
The Aftermath
You’ve killed the rarest, largest, and arguably most dangerous animal in the Long Dark! Revel in your achievement.
Your reward for tracking the most elusive creature in this game are a whopping 45 KG of meat, even more then a bear’s, and a 5 kg Moose Hide, as well as 12 guts.
Now, you get to deliberate on what you do with your Moose Hide.
1. Moose Hide Satchel
This handy accessory adds 5 kg to your carry weight, plus the extra 5 you get from Well Fed, allows you to carry up to 40 kg, which is very useful.
2. Moose Hide Cloak
This cloak, while worse then the Wolfskin in some aspects, gives a 25% protection bonus. If you don’t have any better coats and already have a satchel, this is a reliable option.