Moose down

[huntindoc]

Well thanks to more people than I can name.  This site has provided a ton of help, and definitely made my hunt better.

I drew the unit 1-3 unit of northeast Idaho, the Cabinet mountains.  2 week season, Nov 1-15.

Scouting started mid July.  Drove up with the intent of getting to know the roads and trails.  Was able to meet some locals who were more than helpful and drove a ton of miles.  There was scattered moose sign just about everywhere we went, but no pattern.  We saw 2 moose standing in lake PDO as well as a bunch of really nice white tail bucks.  Caught a bunch of tiny but beautiful rainbows on the dry fly

[Boss .300 winmag]

That’s not a moose.😉

[Oh Mah]

awesome.  do you have pics of the moose?

[huntindoc]

Next got up there in September.  Looking for grouse, doing some fishing.  Again drove miles, hiked miles.  Found a couple dead moose, presumed wolf kills, did not see a live moose.  All the locals had the same line “ 10 yrs ago you would see 15 moose a day, then they all disappeared with the wolves.  Now you will see them here or there”

The other line I loved “Moose are always where you find them”.   Made looking so easy!  That country is remarkably thick, tough to glass, tougher to get around in when off trail.

[huntindoc]

Back for a third scouting weekend in October.  Still no moose.  More sign everywhere, but no moose.  Beginning to get worried.  Heard reports of a good bull in one area, and we hiked around more miles, talked to more folks. 

Finally had 2 days to hunt first of he season, ended up missing a ridge in the fog and my son and I dropped off into a hell hole, spent 2 hours battling the alders, wet and slick.  Got to the road at 830 pm and had to hike 6 miles on the road back to the truck.   Long night, kid did well.

[Oh Mah]

I get it now,story first  get us all in tune  then the pic.I like it.I've never been a good story teller,show the pics right off then the read don't matter. 

[huntindoc]

Finally back up for the real hunt.  First night in the snow up high, miles looking.  Found a bunch of fresh tracks, including a bull that crossed our tracks.  Still no moose seen

Next morning in the same area, driving up the road and the first moose of the season is standing in the road,  gun is in back seat, in case,  unloaded.

Bit of a flurry getting loaded.  Moose trotted off to the right, I chase him and he was about 100 yards away.  Took the only shot offered.

He died in the reprod 40 yards off the road.  Biggest bull checked in the last year or two at the check station.  I could not be happier!

[huntindoc]

As I found him

[X-Force]

Looks thick and cold. Luckily a ton of work will keep you warm. Haha

Awesome! Congrats

[huntindoc]

40 yard pack

[huntindoc]

I suck at attaching pictures

[nwwanderer]

Great pictures, thanks

[jackelope]

Nice work!!! Congrats and thank you for sharing.

[Oh Mah]

great write up,great pics and congrats on a great moose. 

[elkoholic1]