2010 Three Forks Moose Hunt - Official Page (Moose Eyes)

[Whitelightning]

Moose,
During Muzzle season the 111 gets very light hunting 108 I dont know hunted that only once a long time ago. Moose in the 113 usually are rutting in early October from my experiance some times even earlier. I would say the 111 should be the same. November can bring snow I was in the 113 for modern Elk and we received 18 inches over night, not the typical but can happen. The snow does not seem to bother the Moose they just keep eatin and sleepin any dang place they want.  8)Your gunna get a good one

[Ridgerunner]

Don;t miss the rut and don't worry about too many other hunters, I know what that is like and it was a nonfactor for me and my area was much smaller than yours, that first week of the season will be prime, but there are advantages to hunting later in the season, but don't miss the rut!  It's too much fun!

[PA BEN]

Don't worry about them. They are your scouts. When you see a mozzleloader hunter ask them if they have seen any moose? They will say, "WOW, you have a tag?" Then they will tell you every place they saw a moose. I would hunt as much as passable. Day one until you fill your tag. Don't worry about what others are doing. I killed my moose opening day of muzzle deer and elk.

[dreamingbig]

Sounds like you have a good plan in place.  This is going to be fun to follow.

[Moose Eyes]

Thanks, everyone.

I had a chance to "scout" last week after work and took this picture of a shooter up on "Cabela's Ridge". 

[carpsniperg2]

well at least you have a back up bull located i don't know how well he will taste

[Moose Eyes]

The last few weeks have been quite an emotional roller coaster ride for me.  Shortly after experiencing the high of getting drawn for a moose permit my dad began experiencing some fatigue and chest discomfort.  What was originally diagnosed as likely a minor blockage ended up being major heart disease requiring multiple bypass surgery.  I woke up at 3:30 this morning and met my family at St. Peters in Olympia at 5:00.  Dad checked in at 5:15 and we were able to stay with him during most of the prep work up until around 7:45 when they wheeled him into surgery.  He received a quadruple bypass and the doctor said he responded very well.  We received updates throughout his procedure but it lasted until after noon.  The surgeon said the arteries he had to bypass were so calcified they were as hard as bone.  He said the heart muscle is strong and in good shape so the prognosis is good, and that my dad should fully recover and be able to resume his normal activities with increased energy and stamina.  My dad is resting comfortably in critical care this evening.  God is good!

I would not enjoy this hunt without my dad along so I have decided to wait until the second week of November to hunt.  That will give my dad 4 months to rest and heal.  Hopefully that will be long enough for him to comfortably ride along in the truck and do some easy walking - but NO PACKING!  (I am already practicing yelling at him.)    I will still make several scouting trips before the season but will not go in the unit with a gun during the permit season until he can comfortably join me. 

I may not kill a record book animal but I am confident we will still be able to kill a nice moose.  And if we don't I will enjoy the hunt anyway, as long as my hunting partner of over 40 years is there to tag along.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Sorry to hear that Moose Eyes.  Your dad will be ready by the opener.  Just make sure he follows the Dr's rules on what he can do and when.  I lost my grandpa 15 yrs ago, 4 weeks after a similar procedure he was loading hay on a truck and had a blood clot.  Just make sure you dad follows the Dr's advice.  He'll have to take it slow, but he'll get to experience it!

[Rob]

Glad he is OK, those are scary things.  do your scouting in the mean time and you will do fine during season.  I understand the importance of having Dad come along!  Those are times you don't get back if you miss.

[Moose Eyes]

Thanks, guys. 

Amazingly my dad is being discharged today after lunch.  He is ready to get out of this place.  He didn't even take pain meds last night.

[boneaddict]

Wow, a change of events.  You'll still get a plenty of chances at big bulls in November.  Many even choose to hunt them then, its just a different style of hunt.  I hope your dad is healthy enough for the trip.  I've done everyone of my moose hunts with my Father and it was indeed the most important part of the trip.

[Little Dave]

Hope your dad is okay.  Good luck on the hunt.

[Moose Eyes]

I am heading over this weekend to do some scouting.  I will give a report Tuesday or so.

My dad is doing well and will be able to join me on the hunt this fall.  I am still waiting until November as that is the best time for everyone in my group.

[Rob]

an update with photos please!

[Moose Eyes]

That's the goal, Rob.  You could always grab Shawn and come over for the weekend and join us if you have the time.