Join Moosewatch 2026: Volunteer to Track Moose on Isle Royale

Volunteer with Moosewatch: Isle Royale moose tracking in 2026

A nonprofit research effort studying wolf–moose dynamics on Isle Royale National Park is recruiting volunteers for weeklong Moosewatch expeditions in 2026. Volunteers hike the archipelago to locate moose skeletons, record field data and support the long-running Wolf–Moose Project.

About the Wolf–Moose Project

The Wolf–Moose Project, supported by Michigan Technological University, the National Park Service and the National Science Foundation, is the longest continuous study of any predator–prey system worldwide. Founded in 1958, it will mark its 68th year of field work in 2026.

What volunteers do

The primary objective of Moosewatch is to search systematically for moose skeletons. Moose bones provide critical scientific information — cause of death, age at death, year of death and body condition at death — and the project now curates the world's largest collection of Isle Royale moose remains (more than 5,300 specimens documented to date).

Additional tasks may include:

• Observing live moose to estimate spring hair loss (an indicator of tick impact)
• Collecting wolf scat for DNA analysis
• Recording island flora, habitat and other ecological observations

2026 expedition schedule

Four one-week expeditions are planned:

• Expedition 1: May 9–17 — access via Voyageur II (Grand Portage, MN ↔ Windigo)
• Expedition 2: May 20–28 — access via Voyageur II (Grand Portage ↔ Windigo)
• Expedition 3: June 2–10 — access via Ranger III (Houghton, MI ↔ Mott Island)
• Expedition 4: July 31–Aug 8 — access via Ranger III (Houghton ↔ Mott Island)

Each team spends seven days in the backcountry searching with a team leader; the eighth day is reserved for debriefing, final data entry, hot showers and a celebratory banquet, followed by morning ferry transport back to the mainland.

Physical demands & expectations

These expeditions require experienced backpackers. Volunteers should be able to hike roughly 16 km (about 10 miles) per day and carry a pack that may exceed 50 pounds. A single adult moose skeleton can add up to 15 extra pounds of bone to a pack.

Participants should expect:

• Off-trail hiking through brush, water and rocky terrain
• Many insects and variable weather
• Pre-expedition training
• To carry their own food, water and personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping gear, etc.)

The project requests a suggested minimum voluntary donation of $500 from participants to help support field operations.

Applications, selection & deadlines

Applications will be reviewed beginning in late 2025 and continue until teams are filled. Returning volunteers receive priority consideration in December 2025. Acceptance depends on application review and available space in the selected expedition. Approved applicants will receive detailed expedition information and instructions for making a tax-deductible donation.

Note on wolves: Moosewatch is not intended for wolf viewing. Organizers actively avoid interactions with wolves to minimize human contact and reduce disturbance to animals that are facing summer survival challenges.

Internships & educator opportunities

The project offers internships (4–5 weeks in May and June). Internship applications must be received by March 10, 2026; candidates may be interviewed by phone by March 20. An educator workshop runs June 15–22, 2026; Michigan teachers may earn up to 35 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) for participation.

For more information and application details, consult the Wolf–Moose Project's Moosewatch webpage or the Lansing State Journal article: "Moosewatch seeks volunteers for Isle Royale trips. How to apply."