HELP: Wife drew Mt. Spokane North Bull Moose

[HereDuckyDucky]

My wife, Sara, drew the Mt. Spokane North bull moose tag...and I can't screw this up! 

I know there is a ton of knowledge on this board, so I figured the best place to start would be to pick the brains of those who know the area and the animals. Any information is good information! And I'm happy to buy lunch / beers to talk it over...

Also, if anyone else drew the unit, I'm happy to share whatever information I get and to pool resources  .

Thanks in advance and happy hunting!

RW

[Kanooper]

I also drew Spokane north bull tag. Let the fun begin.

[wheels]

congrats

[bearpaw]

Congrats guys, the best thing you can do is get the Inland Empire Paper Recreation Permit, it gives you access to a lot of good moose hunting country.
http://iepco.com/forestry/rec-use/

[boneaddict]

Dont stress over it, dont chase false leads and rainbows.  Make it an experience for you and her.  All the fun is from now until when you pull the trigger.    Make the best of the experience.  Congrats to her.

[washingtonmuley]

Congrats guys, the best thing you can do is get the Inland Empire Paper Recreation Permit, it gives you access to a lot of good moose hunting country.
http://iepco.com/forestry/rec-use/
[/quote
Lots of Moose on their property.

[HereDuckyDucky]

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely grab the permit.

RW

[Ridgerunner]

There will be lots of rainbows to chase.  You'll soon find out everyone has seen a "huge" bull over yonder...........huge is a very variable term that means many different things to different people. 

[HereDuckyDucky]

There will be lots of rainbows to chase.  You'll soon find out everyone has seen a "huge" bull over yonder...........huge is a very variable term that means many different things to different people.

I can only imagine. On a serious note, she's not looking for anything "huge". We are excited about the experience.

RW

[benhuntin]

There will be lots of rainbows to chase.  You'll soon find out everyone has seen a "huge" bull over yonder...........huge is a very variable term that means many different things to different people.

I can only imagine. On a serious note, she's not looking for anything "huge". We are excited about the experience.

RW

You will see bulls but that is definitely not a trophy unit. Know what you want and don’t shoot one downhill.


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[bearpaw]

There will be lots of rainbows to chase.  You'll soon find out everyone has seen a "huge" bull over yonder...........huge is a very variable term that means many different things to different people.

  Every moose looks huge to a lot of people!

I have seen big bulls in this unit but not as many as other units, if you see a big one go after it, no matter down hill or not. The big ones are not behind every tree so when you see one go for it!

[Buckhunter24]

I know the unit pretty well if you get over here and have trouble finding good spots let me know I can send a map or 2. Like Bearpaw said get the IEP permit and you should be able to find moose👍

[HereDuckyDucky]

There will be lots of rainbows to chase.  You'll soon find out everyone has seen a "huge" bull over yonder...........huge is a very variable term that means many different things to different people.

I can only imagine. On a serious note, she's not looking for anything "huge". We are excited about the experience.

RW

You will see bulls but that is definitely not a trophy unit. Know what you want and don’t shoot one downhill.


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Any bull is a trophy to her! It's going to be a blast!

RW

[boneaddict]

best advice no one told me.....upgrade your freezer(s). 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Are there good places to stay near hunting access? I was looking at Spirit Lake, but we're up for a good tent spot if there's camping to be had.

RW

[Tenkara]

How much do they charge for the IEP pass? I didn't see the price in the link.

[HereDuckyDucky]

How much do they charge for the IEP pass? I didn't see the price in the link.

I think it's $80 for a family pass.

RW

[Tenkara]

Thank you.

[bearpaw]

Are there good places to stay near hunting access? I was looking at Spirit Lake, but we're up for a good tent spot if there's camping to be had.

RW

I've had hunters stay at Sacheen Lake, you might also check Jerry's on Eloika Lake, it's closer., and there are resorts on Diamond Lake too.

[benhuntin]

Are there good places to stay near hunting access? I was looking at Spirit Lake, but we're up for a good tent spot if there's camping to be had.

RW

Newport is pretty close. Couple hotels.


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[TL23]

I drew a cow moose tag. I’d be happy to share any information or bull intel I pick up along the way. If those of you who drew can get me your contact info I can relay anything I get to you. Even willing to help pack out if I’m up there at the same time.

[benhuntin]

I drew a cow moose tag. I’d be happy to share any information or bull intel I pick up along the way. If those of you who drew can get me your contact info I can relay anything I get to you. Even willing to help pack out if I’m up there at the same time.

That cow tag is way harder to fill than the bull tag.


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[huntnphool]

I drew a cow moose tag. I’d be happy to share any information or bull intel I pick up along the way. If those of you who drew can get me your contact info I can relay anything I get to you. Even willing to help pack out if I’m up there at the same time.

That cow tag is way harder to fill than the bull tag.

+1!

[lonedave]

Congrats to you and your wife.  I did my hunt in 2015 solo and ended up with a bull on the ground about a mile off the road.  Here's what I can add:
1. If her hunt is in October, learn how to call.  (it's not tough at all to mouth call - youtube!)

2. Carry something to scrape trees and brush.  A shoulder blade works well, but lot's of other smaller and lighter things work too.  Use it along with calling.

3. Spend some money on at least one good pack that is comfortable under loads of 60 - 100+ pounds.  I have an EXO 5500 and it worked great, but there are several others to look at.

4. Carry lots of rope or at least have it in the vehicle.  I don't know how many pieces I had in use at the same time, but it was probably 10 sections at least.  I don't think one person can roll one over by themselves, but maybe 2 people can.

5. Have a lantern and extra gas in the truck to bring in to the kill site, or at least a couple good flashlights or headlamps.  I think a lantern plus headlamp is best.  I had a bear come by huffing at me in the dark and the extra light was welcome.

6. Learn how to do the gutless process.

7. Bring plenty of meat sacks.  I had 8 or 10 and used 7.

8. Have a cooler ready to hang or at least store meat while you cut it up.  I had access to a friends walk-in cooler and it was nice to have as it takes a while to process that much meat if you're only one or two people.

9. Extra freezer space is very handy.

10. Get ready to be eating some excellent meat for quite a while.

11. Get ready for one of the most fun hunts you'll ever have and if you have the time available, consider not shooting the first bull you run into.  I shot an average bull of 38" the first day and kind of kicked myself just a little afterwards for not waiting and enjoying more hunting days.  I was in the Kettle range and the permit allows 2 full months to hunt.

[Alan K]

Haven't been there in several years, but my dad drew it a long time ago before the north/south split, then my sister drew the north side 8-10 or so years ago. I'd highly suggest carrying her ammo for her so she doesn't get an itchy trigger finger. A lot of people who draw tip over small bulls on the first day, and more power to them if they're happy with it, but it's a once in a lifetime deal so I'd try and hold for a 40"+ bull at the least.

Calling isn't all that hard to do, and would highly suggest it on the north side. At least when we were up that way it was mostly timber, so calling was the way to go. I'm sure things have changed since though, may be some logging you can see into by now.

And bring along anyone who wants to come along, you'll be happy you did when it comes time to pack!

[benhuntin]

Haven't been there in several years, but my dad drew it a long time ago before the north/south split, then my sister drew the north side 8-10 or so years ago. I'd highly suggest carrying her ammo for her so she doesn't get an itchy trigger finger. A lot of people who draw tip over small bulls on the first day, and more power to them if they're happy with it, but it's a once in a lifetime deal so I'd try and hold for a 40"+ bull at the least.

Calling isn't all that hard to do, and would highly suggest it on the north side. At least when we were up that way it was mostly timber, so calling was the way to go. I'm sure things have changed since though, may be some logging you can see into by now.

And bring along anyone who wants to come along, you'll be happy you did when it comes time to pack!

Completely different moose population than when you hunted it.


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[sagerat]

Haven't been there in several years, but my dad drew it a long time ago before the north/south split, then my sister drew the north side 8-10 or so years ago. I'd highly suggest carrying her ammo for her so she doesn't get an itchy trigger finger. A lot of people who draw tip over small bulls on the first day, and more power to them if they're happy with it, but it's a once in a lifetime deal so I'd try and hold for a 40"+ bull at the least.

Calling isn't all that hard to do, and would highly suggest it on the north side. At least when we were up that way it was mostly timber, so calling was the way to go. I'm sure things have changed since though, may be some logging you can see into by now.

And bring along anyone who wants to come along, you'll be happy you did when it comes time to pack!

Completely different moose population than when you hunted it.


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So what are you saying? Shoot the first bullwinkle?

[benhuntin]

Haven't been there in several years, but my dad drew it a long time ago before the north/south split, then my sister drew the north side 8-10 or so years ago. I'd highly suggest carrying her ammo for her so she doesn't get an itchy trigger finger. A lot of people who draw tip over small bulls on the first day, and more power to them if they're happy with it, but it's a once in a lifetime deal so I'd try and hold for a 40"+ bull at the least.

Calling isn't all that hard to do, and would highly suggest it on the north side. At least when we were up that way it was mostly timber, so calling was the way to go. I'm sure things have changed since though, may be some logging you can see into by now.

And bring along anyone who wants to come along, you'll be happy you did when it comes time to pack!

Completely different moose population than when you hunted it.


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So what are you saying? Shoot the first bullwinkle?

Maybe. I would know what I was looking for and be happy when I found that bull. I guarantee I am the most picky moose hunter on here and have seen a ton of moose. The first bull you see may be the biggest in the unit.


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[Todd6117]

I had this tag last year. I spent 11 days hunting it .  Definitely get the IEP pass.  This is a way easier hunt in November than in October. We hunted on October 1 expecting the rut to be going but it wasn't. Also, in October you can't see very far because of the vegetation. If I was to do it again I wouldn't start hunting until November. By then you can see a lot farther because the leaves are off the trees. I passed two very small bulls initially and finally settled for a very average 37 incher.  I was happy to get it given it was an OIL tag. Both game wardens I spoke with were extremely helpful so it does pay to talk with them if you can.  Hunting the north side Blanchard seemed to be the most fruitful.  You will have a great time. Moose meat is fantastic!

[B4noon]

Hunted it a couple times on youth cows over the years, would agree november is usually better however we saw great bulls in early october as well,  big thing to avoid is general deer season it will lock them down with all the traffic. If possible i would spend as much time oct1st-the 10th then plan on last 2 weeks of november,  bit of caution be aware that alot of years in late october  early november weather conditions will usually make for soft roads and IEP will shutdown roads to ATV traffic only so if you don't have access to ATV's I would work on that or plan to spend as much time in there in October as you can before gate closure becomes a risk.  I pack a 3000' role of mule tape and a block and tackle worth the investment.  Most resorts were shutdown for the year we stayed at North Spokane RV Park  GOOD LUCK will be fun 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Thanks for the info., everyone! All good stuff!

RW

[Ridgerunner]

Since those of us lucky enough to draw a moose tag will only get to do it once, one thing that I did was look at as many pics of WA shiras bulls as possible. The more you can get from that unit the better  That will give you a good idea of what a small, average or really good bull is.  Then when you are hunting it will be very quick to see if the bull you are looking at meets your expectations, reality is all moose look big in person and most guys aren't used to passing up legal game in this state.  This hunt should offer that opportunity for you, of course if you see a huge bull first thing then don't pass but I wouldn't be afraid to look over a number of bulls till you find one you'll be happy with.  I passed on a number of bulls on my hunt before I found one that I really liked.  Had I not done my homework beforehand I probably would have ended up with one that wasn't as nice.

[BowhunterPNW]

I've hunted the Mt Spokane North 2 of the last 3 years (daughter's youth cow moose tag & father's bull moose tag).  In terms of lodging both times we camped at Sedlmayers Spirit Lake Resort.  Once via tent and the second trip took the RV.  Many resorts are closed down that time of year but with this resort they run a restaurant year around, so I was able to camp affordably.  I was even able to keep my RV on site instead of hauling it back and forth across the state while I had to work in between hunting trips.

In terms of where to hunt, I agree the go to is to get the IEP pass and hunt both sides of Blanchard Hump and as another said, be sure to have a UTV or ATV available if Inland Empire closes the access gates.  In terms of moose numbers, both hunts proved to be more difficult than other OIL hunts I've been on.  The moose numbers are down considerably so in my opinion, the first bull moose you see that is at or near 40", I would seriously consider not passing it up.  In the end, both my daughter and my dad filled their tags and my Dad's bull was right at 48" but it took a lot of time, commitment and help from others to make it all come together.

Best of luck on your hunt.

[HereDuckyDucky]

Tag in the mail. Getting real....

RW

[HereDuckyDucky]

Getting close!

Anyone local seeing any good bulls yet?

RW

[dgraisy29]

Congrats on the tags! It’s been pretty slow so far. I’ve seen a few bulls but nothing over 32-35”. I drew the unit 2 Idaho tag. Hunting mostly Twin Lakes/Spirit Lake area. I agree with most, the population seems to be down.
The hunt has has been really fun so far. Hoping here soon I’ll run across that right bull! 

[Lady Grouse hunter]

If lands are open to hunting, hunt the marshy lake edges and expect to get wet! SOO Bring waders...

[coachcw]

take a shoulder scapula or a wooden boat paddle . play the wind just like elk . beat the tar outta the brush and wait for that faint urrah sound , they may come in slow but its a blast . make sure you have the inland empire permit too. good luck to the ms.