Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project

by Jeffrey M. Holden

Isle Royale in Michigan is one of the most remote and pristine of all the U.S. national parks, and it is the site of the world's longest-running predator-prey study. Every summer, Jeffrey M. Holden leads groups of citizen scientists on week-long expeditions to search for dead moose. Those intrepid enough to join him backpacking off trail in Isle Royale's rugged beauty face challenges from treacherous weather conditions, to wildlife, primitive backcountry camping, traveling through swamps and wetlands, and backpacks that grow heavier with bones every time a new dead moose is found. Sometimes the moose they find are long dead, with only a scattering of bones remaining. Sometimes they are freshly departed, rotted, stinking, and covered with thousands of bloodthirsty ticks. Scientists use the bones, photos, and data they collect to reconstruct the moose population through the years, correlating it against other data on wolves, weather, and ticks. This book provides a fascinating look into the day-to-day realities of backpacking in the wilderness, while featuring the extraordinary scientific discoveries of the Wolf-Moose Project itself and highlighting the role and rewards for volunteers in this extraordinary endeavor. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in off-trail hiking, becoming a citizen scientist, or exploring America's least-visited national park.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature

199 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[William Liebermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to be one of Jeff's crew members in 2025. Jeff captured the experience of hunting dead moose to perfection. The pain and glory through his 25 years of experience are well documented. His passion of the project makes him one of the worlds leading authorities in this area

[Susan Beecher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating book about the Wolf-Moose project on Isle Royale from a man who led many of the groups of volunteers who come every year to participate in this project. He is a good writer and describes many of the important and often surprising finds of this project. And he is funny too. I highly recommend this book.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed the wolf moose project for decades, I was very delighted to read this first-hand account of the citizen science that volunteers do on the island. This is a great mix of first hand experiences back country camping on Isle Royale, and the history and science behind the project. If you've ever wondered how a multi-decade science experiment like this works, or are considering volunteering for the project, this is a must-read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC via NetGalley.

This is a really interesting little book about the author's experiences as a volunteer with the "Moosewatch" of the Wolf-Moose Project on Isle Royale. It's mostly written in a rather informal, conversational style that keeps it both entertaining and informative. The chapters tend to function sort of like mini-essays on various topics, and sometimes the flow from one chapter to the next isn't entirely smooth, but all in all it works very well. There aren't that many photographs, but those there are were well-chosen and tend to be effectively explained.

Having some amount of familiarity with the project this volunteer work serves is probably helpful in getting the most out of the book, but Holden does a good job of explaining the project and its purpose regardless. I am not a backpacker and haven't been to Isle Royale, but have read enough about the project to generally have a decent idea of what he's talking about and have spent enough time in northern Michigan to know what he's talking about on the mainland at least.

Does the book make me want to volunteer? Well... maybe someday, actually, if I get a little backpacking experience. He makes it clear that it can be an uncomfortable, sometimes outright gross experience--they're locating dead moose and gathering their bones, after all--while still capturing the idea that it's a really cool project, in a really unique place, and an experience that people keep coming back to participate in again. He also provides some information on the practicalities of volunteering, what kinds of equipment volunteers should provide, etc.--so I would imagine it would be a good resource for someone considering whether they might be interested in volunteering.

All in all, I think most people who are interested in citizen science, Isle Royale, northwoods ecology, or any number of other topics would probably find it interesting and approachable even as laypeople.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project" by Jeffrey M. Holden is a 2025 nonfiction book that offers a firsthand account of volunteer-led citizen science expeditions on Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. The book recounts Holden's experiences leading groups of citizen scientists on week-long backpacking trips off established trails to locate and study the remains of moose killed by wolves, contributing to the world's longest-running predator-prey ecological study of wolves and moose on the island.

Isle Royale is favored by scientists for its simplified ecosystem with primarily one main predator (wolf) and one main prey species (moose), and minimal human interference. The book details the rugged, often uncomfortable realities of hiking and camping in the wilderness while supporting important ecological research through the Wolf-Moose Project, which has been ongoing since 1958.

Holden writes in an engaging, informal style that combines natural history, science, and personal adventure, making the book accessible and informative for outdoor enthusiasts, citizen science supporters, and those interested in predator-prey dynamics. He describes the challenges and "type two fun" (activities that are not fun while doing but fondly remembered later), the camaraderie among volunteers, and the ecology of wolves and moose on Isle Royale.

The book has received praise for its storytelling, wit, and insights, serving as both a practical guide and compelling narrative of citizen participation in world-class ecological research. It is suitable for readers interested in nature, citizen science, and wilderness exploration, with strong regional appeal to the Great Lakes area, especially Michigan.

In summary, "Dead Moose on Isle Royale" offers a vivid, authentic look at the dedication and experience of citizen scientists who help monitor the delicate balance between wolves and moose in one of America's most remote national parks, blending adventure, ecology, and science outreach.

Thanks to Netgalley and Michigan State University Press for the ARC

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

As swamp summer draaaags on, I like to read about people doing things in nature. This time, it’s Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project by Jeffrey M Holden.

This covers the long running history of the wolf and moose populations on Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior. While considered part of Michigan, it’s closer to Canada. It takes looking at a map and hearing Holden’s description to fully appreciate how remote this place is.

A big part of their study involves retrieving bones and carcasses and gathering information. Bone health, age, cause of death, state of teeth, etc. If you are weak of stomach, you may need to skip this. Holden doesn’t hesitate to describe some of the grosser aspects of their work.

I was hoping for a bit more of a narrative element. For various reasons, I’m not an outdoor adventurer so I love hearing about people’s experiences in the wilderness. Some of the chapters on the inner workings of the study can be a bit dry. The chapters were short and to the point. It made it easy to dip in and out.

I loved his concept of types of fun. Type 1 is exciting leading up to it, fun doing it, and fun thinking about it after. Type 2 is messy, complicated, and occasionally dangerous. It’s not great in the moment but has extra fondness looking back because it was an adventure. It’s like Vegas versus a road trip to the Grand Canyon with strange side quests.

If this hits your niche, go for it. It’s informative, accessible, and very interesting but very niche. If nature, biology, conservation, hiking, or outdoorsy pursuits are your niche, go for it. 4/5

[Jim Clink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that accurately describes what it’s like to spend a week with a group of people you haven’t met before off trail on Isle Royale searching for moose bones and ending the week with new friends. It examines why it is a worthwhile endeavor on a personal level and on a scientific level. And why being a citizen scientist can both be rewarding and addictive. It’s a worthwhile read.

[Tom Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I liked about this book:
The “story” of the moose wolf project was told in such an interesting an informative way that I felt like I understood what it must feel like to be a “moose watcher” without bogging my little brain down with data and graphs. Instead the author described the importance of the work involved, admitted that it wasn’t easy work and motivated me to want to apply to volunteer.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful to have discovered this through the Dexter District Library as this year’s read, share, and discuss selection! After seeing The Wolf-Moose Project featured in our local paper a few months ago, I was immediately intrigued. This book offered a wonderful opportunity to learn more, providing a realistic yet heartwarming look at both the philosophy and the hands-on work behind this unique, volunteer-driven project.

[Sydney Sea]

I loved this book, as I’ve always been curious about the Wolf-Moose project in Michigan. It was my local library’s Michigan author ‘community read’ this year. Long live citizen science!

pp. 156-160: “Not all fun is created equal. Growing up, my parents loved to go to Florida every year. This was my family’s main vacation. It wasn’t adventurous, but it was fun. It was Type 1 fun— something that you know will be fun as you are doing it and fun afterwards as you think about it. Also known as just plain old ‘fun.’”

“….an adventure where it wasn’t always fun in the moment, but it was in retrospect. That is Type 2 fun.”

“It's hard to have a real adventure without some Type 2 fun. And what is life if you don't have an adventure once in a while? Maybe not hiking off trail looking for dead moose, but doing something new, getting outside your comfort zone, and learning. Who knows, after a while, the Type 2 fun might become Type 1 fun.”

[John Clexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great stuff on animal behavior and wildlife science. But what I also really enjoyed was the adventures, or shall I say misadventures, of backpacking and off-trail hiking.

Written from the heart, I found this to be a great motivator to get back to hiking in the woods and exploring wildlife.

We are lucky to have him visit our library this summer for a book talk.
Can't wait!!!

[Lucy Abernethy Eazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation of the Wolf Moose Project with background on the always fascinating Isle Royal. Loved the writing style: chatty, funny, and accessible while also super knowledgeable. Definitely made me want to volunteer for the project with my kids when they’re older, despite all the dead decaying moose stuff.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun and interesting read! I cannot wait to join Mr. Holden in a couple to be a part of this project. This book taught me a lot that I didn’t know about the island, the research, and the volunteer program.
A lot of great insight about the project, put forward in a fun way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a lot of things along side of Mr. Holden!

[April L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff’s prose masterfully transports the reader to Isle Royale and brings them along on a unique adventure. Equal parts entertaining and enlightening, you’ll never look at a moose the same way again. Kick back in your armchair or lean up against a favorite tree for a truly enjoyable read.

[Quentin Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book dives into the life of a volunteer hunting for dead moose on isle Royale, which I knew nothing about! Really fun and quick read! The moose are cool but I think my attention spiked even more when he talked about the wolves!

PS
I really enjoyed reading this book after having went to his book talk in Chelsea MI at serendipity books where he gave a brief overview.

Also I am going to the island in a week and getting more insight into the ongoing science project and some helpful reminders for my backpacking trip was nice!

A star rating is hard to give for a book like this, but well written and enjoyable to read!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for anyone with even a passing interest in Isle Royale or backcountry hiking. It made me want to go back.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite place in the world is Isle Royale. Summers spent here backpacking has always been incredible. I've done a lot research about the island and feel like my knowledge about backpacking is more advance than most. But man Jeff's account as being a guide for the Moose Project offered such a fun lens to life off trail on Isle Royale looking for Dead Moose. I learned a lot and have such a new desire to take part in the Moose Project.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance read copy. It was well written and so worth it to learn more about my favorite place.