My First Moose

[E.T.]

In 89’ I joined a new group to hunt moose. This group had a location way up north (21 hour drive without including pit stops) that as a rule was usually successful. Well for me it was a successful and quick hunt. Opening morning 10-minutes into the hunt I already had my moose down.

Opening morning I was situated on a rock mount protruding from a low area in a dry swamp, situated 100 yards from a roadway. It was suggested that I watch this location, as the other fellows familiar with the area would drive through. Not caring to sit this one out I mildly objected but the fellows having seen that I at least could decently shoot at the range felt more comfortable with me here. Okay I would agree to accommodate for one day. I arrived at my location 20 minutes before legal shooting time and tried to make myself comfortable. It was a cold frosty morning and scolded my self for the poor choice of footwear as my feet started to get cold. Finally legal shooting time appeared and I fed my clip into my 308 BLR and set one in the chamber. No sooner having done this I heard a commotion about 200 yards from me and saw 2 moose running towards my direction.

Following their course I could see that they were headed for a depression that led into a gulley situated about 100 yards in front and to the right of me. About 25 yards from the depression I lead the bull and fired a shot. The bull stopped in his tracks and I then proceeded to fire 3 more shots into him because after each shot was fired the bull just stood there without reacting. Thinking there was something wrong with my rifle I just put it down and watched the bull start walking away. He managed to get about 25 yards and laid down with his head swaying. Seeing this I grabbed my rifle and reloaded as I approached him. By the time I got there it was all over.

While eviscerating him it was seen that 1 shot had gone through the back area of his lungs and 2 more centered through his lungs. The 4th shot actually tore a chunk from the heart. The moose was dead but did not know it nor did I until he laid down. The one notable side affect was the adrenaline and endorphin rush that lasted 2 days afterwards.
Of course the MNR stopped by our camp and said the animal was a 2-1/2 year old bull with estimated weight at 900lbs. The MNR people were no problem at all and even joined us for a hot coffee while collecting data.

Note; Reason for open jaw on moose was because it was broken when being hauled by 2-ATV’s in tandem to the road.

This hunt will always be my favorite memory.

Ed T

[soggy]

Hey New Kid; Great looking moose, where were you hunting ? You said 21 hr. drive ,but where was it ?
I've been to Newfoundland a couple of times with great success both times...it sure is a rush ain't it ?
There is a couple of good pics of moose that I had posted on the "Bow Hunters Forum" on this site. I believe it is the fourth thread on that forum. titled " Pics submitted by Soggy"

[E.T.]

Soggy

Sorry I did not respond earlier but just got back in town after retrieving my modified 10ML-II. I live in a city called St. Catharines, province of Ontario, approximately 10 miles (16Km.) from Niagara Falls. The moose was shot outside (approx. 60 miles past) a small town called Upsala northwest of Thunderbay. Trip one way is approximately 1000 miles. A lot of people don’t realize how big Ontario really is and if you really want a wilderness moose hunt then you have to travel a bit. Much further north usually requires a charter fly in hunt.

Have been to Nova Scotia a few times because my ex was originally from NS and really enjoyed the great hospitality extended to visitors. Favorite trip (memory) was seeing the brilliant autumn turned colors of the leaves as I was headed towards Pictou in the northern part (hope I spelled that right).
One thing is for sure about moose hunting is the work required to retrieve such a majestic animal in his environment. You are absolutely right about the rush after downing one. Looks like the one Tracy shot is around 4-1/2 or 5-1/2 years old. Beautiful Bull and will provide some of the best eating in my book.
Just wonder if tradition of eating fresh inside back straps by hunters for a celebration meal is observed? Usually the hunt camps I have been with observe this tradition for a successful hunt.

Great to see another fellow moose hunter on the board here and hopefully down the road discuss some different techniques or observations.

Ed T

[KS]

Newkid, not a moose hunter yet, but hope to be some day. How far past Thunderbay is Upsala. Been through St.Catharines hundreds of times on way to college. Have a friend in Sudbury, that I go to see at least once a year. Very differant scenary. My friend always wants me to come up for a weak of moose but haven't been able to get away in the right time frame. Any of that moose you don't eat you could donate to me. ;D ;D ;D KS

[E.T.]

KS

If you have a map of Ontario and follow highway 17 after it splits from the 11 going northwest of Thunder Bay it appears to be about 75-80 miles away. Some of the logging roads back into the bush up there can go in a far ways. Really hope that you can go moose hunting one day and be involved in the harvest, better yet hope you tag one because it will be an experience you will never forget. Including labor-intensive work if you tag one deep in the bush. Keep that in mind when the opportunity presents itself.

I also love deer hunting with a muzzle-loader, especially the Savage 10ML-II which I seem to get more opportunities lately instead of moose hunting because of time commitments with work.
As for any extra meat I am sorry that is a no go because I usually have to part with some (good chunk actually) to my Doctor of over 28 years. That and a few jars of homemade hot sweet cherry peppers helps to keep me in his good grace. ;D ;D

Ed T

[KS]

Well, I suppose if it'll keep ya healthy. ;D ;D KS

[whyohe]

nice moose. ya put a strain on thoes atvs heheheh.
next you have to get one with a ml huh.

[E.T.]

Whyohe

Having what I believe is the greatest ML now in my possession I would love an opportunity to harvest a moose with the 10ML-II. The boys in one camp have been after me to join them on a hunt for 5 years now but have been unable too because of work commitments that I cannot get out of. The other hurtle to deal with is convincing the group of me using a ML instead of a rifle. When I suggested this you would think a riot was about to start.
That was last time of the mention but next time they are going to have to bend a little. I will agree on using my Tikka 300 WSM until an adult moose is harvested (after 1 adult by draw, we only have calf licenses left) but after that I better be allowed to use my 10ML-II for the rest of the hunt.
Now if I can figure out a way, how to be absent from work without repercussions or win a lottery this problem would be history. ;D ;D

Ed T

[RAF]

Newkid. Good luck in winning the lottery but you'll have to wait your turn. My turn first.

[whyohe]

newkid cough cough!!! 48 hr sickness ;D heheh i cant do that either. i just use vacation time.

PS rules area ment to be bent!!! i seen large elk taken with a ML!!

[E.T.]

Whyohe

I will admit to bending rules in the past to the point of breakage just to be able to again take a trip into wilderness. ;D



Here I find peace, tranquility and God felt presence I can find nowhere else. But venturing into such a wilderness is not without hazards. Now I always carry a map, compass and GPS with spare batteries along on such treks. This picture was taken on a cold morning and when venturing outside saw the first traces of winter with a light coating of snow. Scenery was breath taking enough to warrant a picture. River below in valley actually has some nice size brook trout in it but they are out of season this time of year.

Hope you enjoy the scenery.

Ed T

[whyohe]

im drooling my friend just showed me vidio of his vacation to colorado ( not hunting) man i need to go.

[Bayouman]

Nice moose there Ed!! Enjoyed your hunt report and pics. Man, I bet thats alot of good eatin for alot of meals. ;D

Ive been up to Quebec (above Maniwalki and in the Gracefield area) on several bear huntin/fishing trips and real enjoy some of the beautiful and vast wilderness up there.

[E.T.]

Bayouman

I will gladly confirm your comments about good eating and a lot of meals. By the time the meat was prepared (steaks, roast, sausages) with the equivalent of ½ a moose per hunter my portion well exceeded 300lbs. including pork mixture for lean sausages. My doctor of many years as mentioned got a 20lb plus portion of steaks. After dealing a few times with me on certain issues he deserves it. But what really dented the meat supply was family members from both sides once they had a taste of moose over Christmas. And once outdoor barbecue weather arrived I had company about every weekend requesting you know what. Not complaining because I enjoyed seeing family get together a lot that year but by the beginning of Aug. the next year the freezer was bare.

But I also enjoy deer meat almost as much and was a little disappointed when I lucked out this year because of logging operations nearby my location. There are a few close friends who displayed disappointment when I informed them that there would be no smoked deer and goose (Canada) mixture pepperoni. Or lean sausages to enjoy on the barbecue this coming summer. Got a good ribbing over that one.
But all was forgiven after I told them a special attempt would be made next year. ;D ;D

Wilderness country has always been in my blood and the love for exploring no matter where it can be found. I understand that the mountains in Northern PA are beautiful and hope to experience them one day before I get too old. But the most common thing I find that most hunters like us here on the board share is the love and respect of the outdoors. Look forward to reading about your adventure during flintlock season.

Like many others I enjoy seeing pictures so I thought I would add one more from that hunt. The skinning chore after returning home and just before a visit to the butcher’s. Three quarters are hidden from view and I swear some of the wooden trusses flexed a little from this venture. But this is the stuff strong memories are made from.



Ed T

[mamaflinter]

New Kid Congrats on the hunt. I have a friend who guides moose hunts up in Maine, he's been after me for several years to come up there and take one with a flintlock. If I can draw a tag, I just might do that someday.

[E.T.]

Mamaflinter

There isn’t a whole lot that would please me more then to have you or any other large game hunter take on a moose hunt and tag one. To experience the exhilaration of first time harvesting such a majestic animal and then share it with others. But then to accomplish that with a flintlock WOW. I might sound a bit over passionate on the subject but such a memory of tagging your first moose in pristine wilderness still feels like yesterday to me even though the event occurred 15 years ago. The only way I could ever generate that feeling again is by taking one with a 10ML-II instead of a rifle and am working on that one.

Secondary Note:

Would really enjoy and appreciate hearing from some Elk hunters’ on this section of the board, as I have not had the pleasure to try and harvest another such majestic animal. There is a re-introduction program of Elk here in Ontario but doubt if an opportunity for hunting them in my lifetime will occur.
If I win the lottery out of turn before RAF maybe he won’t be so upset if I take him on an all expense paid Elk hunt to Alberta. Ah what the heck let’s make it an Elk and Moose hunt combined but only if his wife doesn’t threaten me for making the offer. ;D ;D
10ML-IIs only of course.

Ed T

[RAF]

"If I win the lottery out of turn before RAF maybe he won’t be so upset if I take him on an all expense paid Elk hunt to Alberta."

I wouldn't be too upset to give up my turn in the lottery.

[Redclub]

Good going
I got my first moose this year also. It was in SK. Saw lots of elk too but didn't hunt them. That moose meat is tops for wild game. 550 # of processed meat.
Redclub

[E.T.]

Redclub

Agreed on moose meat quality. Just have to watch the pounds that are easily added when enjoying the barbecues. The steak servings are larger than beef and once the taste buds savor the flavor that steak seems to completely disappear.
I wouldn’t worry about the process poundage especially once family and friends get a taste. ;D
Congrats on a successful moose harvest also and that first one is always the best.
Hope to get a few hunters together down the road to discuss tactics pursuing moose. Lot of the guys like calling and sitting on watch but because I have an exploring nature I prefer to combine stalking as long as my legs hold out and then try sitting on watches along burns or logging cuts once some good travel routes are discovered.

Also Merry Christmas to all with wishes of a safe and wonderful holiday for you and your family.

Ed T

[Bayouman]

NewKid said:

Bayouman




Ed T

Man Ed, thats some serious meat there! Looks like that would set you for a long hard winter for sure.

[Rifleman]

Now thats my kind of garage. ;D