Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Other Big Game => Topic started by: Ridgeratt on September 21, 2008, 08:06:11 PM
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[img]Has any one a thought on harvesting Moose. I have drawn one of the moose tags. After spending hours reviewing the harvest reports the man hour days are all very short for the harvest. Talking to the biologist they say the average horn spread is between 36.5 and 37.5 depending on the area.They also say that the largest amount of harvest is in the first 8 days of the season. I'm pretty good with a knife but not sure I can get that much meat out with out some loss.It appears as maybe the first Moose is on the lawn. Also has any one heard anything about that a Moose shot during the rut or right after is perhaps not the best table fare! Due to the hormones of being in the rut. I know I have ate some really stinky Bull elk.
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So what are the questions again ??
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Is the first Moose that you see the one you tip over! Also if it's during the rut or right after is it the best table fare?
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Congratulations on drawing a moose tag. Those are mighty hard to come by. I think you should shoot whichever moose you would be happy with. If you do not much care about shooting a mature bull then shoot whichever first legal moose you see. Which unit did you draw? Rufous.
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Do a little searching through the numerous moose posts on here. There is tons of good info that answers all your questions. I think 8 or 9 guys on here have moose tags and all the questions have been asked.
But to answer your question, don't shoot the first one unless he's big enough. Also, bring friends or family to help with the meat. It will take 2 guys about 8 hours so plan accordingly.
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That average horn spread is because most people shoot the first one they see. If it's good enough for you and it's in a place you want to shoot an animal that wt. is up to 1200 lbs, go for it. I drew a moose tag this year and most of my hunt is going to be solo, I well carry small cord with me, bone it out, game bag it, and hang it in the timber. The temp well drop below 40 at night, I've hung deer for 4 days when the temp. dropped below 40 at night and 70 during the day. The trick is keeping it in the shade. What unit did you draw?
As far as the rut goes and meat quality? I talked to a guy who shot an 11 yr. old bull in full rut, he called it in and shot it. He said it was the best meat he ever had. :cue:
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Yeah what unit did you draw? I've talked to approximately 25 of the previous permit holders in my unit and the vast majority of them (90%) shot the first bull they saw.
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The guy who shot the 11 yr old bull, hunted 28 days, he was a local boy, so he hunted a lot after work and weekends. He saw bulls, but was holding out for a bigger one.
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Average spread depends on the unit as well, those units in teh southern end (MT Spokane and Hangman) have a lower average spread then the units up north which tend to have the bigger bulls(although the #2 bull in the state is from Hangman unit).
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Depends if you are after meat or bone which one you want to shoot. Out of the last 4 I have killed or have been eating were all in serious rut and they were the best meat ever. Dad killed one in Candada that the dog wouldn't eat though. My advice to you would be to shoot one close to the road. After killing two a long ways from one, I am beginning to learn my lesson.
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I have drawn the Hangman tag. Did some scouting 2 weekends ago and saw 3 Moose one perhaps close to 40 inch Bull and a cow and calf. But since the fact the temps were in the high 80's I really didn't expect to see many. My thought are if I had a big "OL" black coat on I would be in the cool shade in a creek myself! Really not sure if I want that much Moose on the lawn the first week.
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Two questions:
Shot placement recommendation; do or not do. :hunt2:
Calling methods; do or not do.
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Two questions:
Shot placement recommendation; do or not do. :hunt2:
Calling methods; do or not do.
Nothing out of the ordinary w/ shot placement. Anything in the front vitals w/ a mordern rifle should do the trick.
I would definitely call. They do respond pretty well. Be careful though. Bulls can be very aggressive. You may want to limit making bull noises if hunting alone.
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I Hope this photo works I beleive he could be a keeper
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good looking bull, the single brows will hurt the score but he is still very impressive.
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You should be able to find plenty more like that one. If you have time there are several bigger than that. I had that tag last year and had a great time. Good Luck and have fun!
Bowelkin
