Post by: USMC86 on November 15, 2015, 05:58:16 PM
Left Vegas Friday afternoon, overnighted in Idaho Falls and picked up Dad and my buddy in Spokane on Saturday. Had limited time but headed over to Boyer Mountain based on a tip from a forum member. (thanks!)....ran into some deer hunters and then out of light, but had a good time and enjoyed the area.
Fueled up this morning in Chewelah and headed up Flowery towards Winchester Creek (another forum tip form multiple members). Saw our first moose- a cow- close to the ski area. Awesome! What a beautiful animal.
Made the wrong turn up the road just west of Winchester Creek. Ran it 'til the road closed and started hiking. Beautiful morning....made it to an open area and glassed for awhile, then headed back. Basically spent the morning in that area and saw grouse, a snowshoe hare (completely white already) and a ton of moose poo and tracks low, elk poo and tracks high.
Time for a cheeseburger....anyone ever try the Burger Hut in Usk? Fantastic! Highly recommend the milkshake.
Over to Winchester Creek where we spent the afternoon cruising, glassing open areas. I assume that we're doing this right....cruised the roads, walked a bit, even tried calling some to see if we could generate some activity. Saw a decent buck. Alas, no moose this afternoon. Ended up working our way west back to Chewelah and I literally lost count of the whitetail and turkey....even saw some more grouse.
Great first day of moose hunting. Those of you that live around here....wow...lucky. This place beats the crap out of Nevada. Sorry that I didn't have a more exiting tale, complete with pictures. But we're having a blast and will keep at it. Thanks again for all the tips and I'll post again tomorrow.
Post by: Shawn D on November 15, 2015, 06:05:58 PM
Post by: Cat hunter on November 15, 2015, 08:40:30 PM
Post by: Ripper on November 16, 2015, 01:33:15 PM
Post by: USMC86 on November 16, 2015, 07:02:59 PM
Well, for forum members looking for pictures of a big bull down, sadly, I'll be disappointing with the day three update. We got some snow last night, which made for interesting driving. Got an early start and headed to a new area recommended by a forum member. Super cool place that made for a fun morning of glassing and hiking. Ran into a couple nice deer hunters (everyone we've met has been friendly) and saw a 4pt. bull elk and four cows.
Quick sandwich and we started pounding the roads. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but we covered a lot of ground, glassing open areas/pockets as we went. Good times, enjoyed some laughs and again saw grouse, deer, turkeys, etc. For some reason my hunting buddy thought it'd be funny to sing John Denver songs, over and over. A combination of no moose and the tenth rendition of "Annie's Song" got me a little crabby.
They're calling for more snow tonight. The plan of attack tomorrow morning will be to hit areas where we've seen sign and look for fresh tracks. Dawn to dark we are going to absolutely hammer it!
Post by: Whitpirate on November 16, 2015, 07:17:50 PM
Post by: benhuntin on November 16, 2015, 07:53:01 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 16, 2015, 07:53:31 PM
Post by: Falcon on November 16, 2015, 08:27:20 PM
Good luck. Look for small jack for thinning operations and tender browse! Giants are walking about. Shoot straight and above the truck!
That's good advice right there. I think I'll take it for my hunt :tup:
Post by: USMC86 on November 18, 2015, 11:06:48 AM
A couple forum members reached out with a tip and we had a fun hunt in the afternoon. (Thanks Ben and Jasen!). Spent the morning there as well, lot's of fresh rubs, tracks, etc but no moose yet.
Winds yesterday were strong and killed the power in the cabin.....sounds like a lot of folks in this area were/are in the same boat. Still have heat and plenty of food though, so life goes on.
Headed back for lunch now and the afternoon will be spent checking out some spots recommended by Brian.
Thanks again to everyone who has reach out with words of encouragement, advice and tips. We're having a blast and remain confident that at some point, we will bump into a bull.
Post by: Ripper on November 18, 2015, 12:19:10 PM
Post by: Cat hunter on November 18, 2015, 12:32:20 PM
Post by: USMC86 on November 18, 2015, 12:46:54 PM
Post by: 1bugman on November 18, 2015, 01:08:53 PM
Post by: Buckblaster on November 18, 2015, 01:31:53 PM
Moose meat is mighty tasty, are you going to consider taking a cow as a last resort?
Post by: USMC86 on November 18, 2015, 07:02:34 PM
Post by: benhuntin on November 18, 2015, 07:04:36 PM
Post by: USMC86 on November 18, 2015, 08:39:21 PM
Post by: benhuntin on November 19, 2015, 06:16:39 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 20, 2015, 10:47:17 PM
Post by: PA BEN on November 21, 2015, 09:50:57 AM
Post by: benhuntin on November 21, 2015, 03:22:49 PM
Post by: Cat hunter on November 21, 2015, 05:29:48 PM
Post by: USMC86 on November 21, 2015, 08:48:56 PM
Big Benhuntin and his buddy James took pity on this old boy and took me out yesterday evening and today, and we had one on the ground around 8.
I am fried from the pack job and would do a lousy job telling the story tonight. Driving back to Vegas tomorrow but will try to get the particulars down tomorrow night or Monday morning. I can text a pic if anyone wants to post it for me- haven't figured that out yet.
I am extremely grateful to everyone on this forum who offered advice, encouragement, tips and/or direct support. My Dad, buddy and I bumbled through the week and would not have filled this OIL tag without your help. We take away wonderful memories, our trophy and plenty of meat, thanks to you.
Pictures and story to follow :tup:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 21, 2015, 09:20:26 PM
Post by: clearwater on November 21, 2015, 10:10:26 PM
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Post by: clearwater on November 21, 2015, 10:10:36 PM
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Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 21, 2015, 10:33:38 PM
Congrats can't wait for storey.
Post by: Ripper on November 22, 2015, 08:56:26 AM
Post by: actionshooter on November 22, 2015, 09:04:11 AM
Post by: Netminder01 on November 22, 2015, 09:07:58 AM
Post by: benhuntin on November 22, 2015, 09:18:56 AM
Post by: jasnt on November 22, 2015, 09:21:49 AM
Post by: Cat hunter on November 22, 2015, 09:39:04 AM
Post by: dewandgin on November 22, 2015, 09:49:38 AM
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Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 22, 2015, 09:53:48 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 22, 2015, 10:20:38 AM
Great bull USMC86. :tup:
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 22, 2015, 10:38:25 AM
Post by: Buckblaster on November 22, 2015, 02:54:31 PM
Post by: starbailey on November 22, 2015, 02:55:13 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 23, 2015, 06:53:00 AM
Post by: MADMAX on November 23, 2015, 07:11:41 AM
very nice
Post by: bearhunter99 on November 23, 2015, 07:21:03 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on November 23, 2015, 07:34:49 AM
Post by: USMC86 on November 23, 2015, 02:39:32 PM
I think my last posting was essentially a pity party for me, a daily tale of woe regarding the lack of moose and my general incompetance hunting them. On Thursday, we went for a lengthy hike and saw more of the same- poo, tracks and little else. Dad and my buddy had flights scheduled, so we broke away for a trip to Spokane, and I spent the evening driving some areas that had seemed promising earlier in the week. Again, no moose. I'm not normally one to panic, but I was looking at having to burn this tag!
Benhuntin reached out to me with a suggestion for Friday. That morning, I parked my rig and started up the hill. Within a mile, I looked up and saw a dark shape. Hmmmm, must be a bear, can't be...no, a moose! Hallelujah! Cow, though, so the march continued. I took my time, glassing as I walked, and topped out in a clearing. Something caught my eye and I looked up the hill to my right and saw a beautiful bull. Caught flatfooted, stunned that I was finally seeing a mature bull, it took me a moment to react. He didn't seem to mind though and just stood there feeding. I eased over to a clump of trees and set up my spotter. Not a wide bull, but double split brows, long palms and wide enough with a bunch of points on each side. Problem though...he was 396 yards away, uphill and I was carrying an old Savage '99 in .358 Winchester. Felt like a smart option given how tight the cover is in this unit, but not the gun I needed in the moment. Wind was drifting uphill and cover was minimal. With few options, I got myself out of sight and tried to sneak closer. When I eased around the corner, the bull was gone. Never heard him bust out so he either drifted away for his own moose reasons or got a bit of wind. I was encouraged/discouraged at the same time. Time was getting tight!
Benhuntin called back and offered to take me for a drive that afternoon. Saw a small bull and had some laughs- but we were down to one more day.
Saturday found us back in the same area. Moving uphill we saw three moose but nothing worth stalking. Topped out and caught some movement to the right- a palm, but the rest of the bull was out of sight. We needed elevation and so eased up a hill to our left until the bull was fully in view. We were able to get a range, evaluate the bull (plenty big!) and get set up on sticks. Don't want to bore you with gun talk, but for those that care, I decided to carry my .300 Weatherby after my experience the day before. Would have loved to have taken my moose with a vintage gun but it was a bitter pill to swallow to miss out on the bull Friday. I was able to get a solid broadside double-lung shot and after a very brief run the bull piled up.
Pictures, pictures, pictures and then field processing began. Benhuntin, his buddy James and I were able to get all of the bull off in one trip, except for a quarter and some trim meat. By the way, those guys are awesome at packing moose if anyone needs help :chuckle:. I grabbed a quick lunch, headed back up the hill and grabbed the last load. On the way down, it was dark, cold, snowy.....just a beautiful night to reflect on the week, the hunt...time with Dad and a friend. Also, time to reflect on the incredible support and assistance that I received. People like: Cat hunter, Bowhunter2476, Benhuntin, Brian, Boss .300 Win Mag, Jrebel, Magnum_Willys, Bull blaster, Elkterd, Splitshot, Machias, PA Ben, Jonathan_S, Bowhunter45, Ridgeratt, Falcon, Kodak 907, JLS, Walt....I may have missed someone (sorry if I did) but these folks contributed advice, words of advice and encouragement and direct support when needed. As I've mentioned in earlier posts, it wouldn't have happened without these folks pitching in. I come away from this experience grateful to have drawn the tag, and with my faith in the hunting community renewed. Quality folks- all of you. Can't thank you enough for my beautiful bull.
If I can ever return the favor, ask.
Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2015, 02:47:12 PM
Post by: jasnt on November 23, 2015, 04:08:33 PM
Post by: benhuntin on November 23, 2015, 04:12:41 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 23, 2015, 04:17:40 PM
Post by: elkrack on November 23, 2015, 05:35:35 PM
Post by: HUNTaHOLIC5 on November 23, 2015, 05:55:35 PM
Post by: runningboard on November 23, 2015, 06:10:25 PM
Post by: Shawn D on November 23, 2015, 08:06:21 PM
Post by: Cat hunter on November 23, 2015, 09:08:26 PM
Post by: benhuntin on November 24, 2015, 11:42:52 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 24, 2015, 11:56:51 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 24, 2015, 11:57:38 AM
Post by: benhuntin on November 24, 2015, 01:42:21 PM
Is that the colon? :yike:no, it's a moose lei.
Post by: USMC86 on November 24, 2015, 04:26:19 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 24, 2015, 04:45:10 PM
Post by: USMC86 on November 24, 2015, 09:35:55 PM
Post by: BullMagnet76 on November 25, 2015, 09:23:32 AM
Post by: Camp David on November 25, 2015, 11:46:10 AM
Post by: Elkpiss on November 25, 2015, 01:16:38 PM
Post by: Falcon on November 25, 2015, 02:01:17 PM
Way to finish strong :tup:
Post by: USMC86 on November 25, 2015, 10:45:35 PM
Camp David, were you by chance stationed at Camp David?
Post by: opdinkslayer on November 28, 2015, 07:42:37 AM
Post by: BullMagnet76 on November 29, 2015, 12:08:00 AM
Congratulations USMC86 on a great bull and time not on your side! I know what it's like as I just filled my Selkirk tag this past Wed. and my clock winding down as well. The pressure that comes along with an OIL tag sucks but worth it in the end. :) :tup:
Pics????????? :dunno:
Post by: USMC86 on November 29, 2015, 04:51:33 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 29, 2015, 04:57:27 PM
Post by: Mark251 on November 29, 2015, 05:32:32 PM
Post by: calib on November 30, 2015, 09:48:27 PM
Post by: USMC86 on December 01, 2015, 08:50:15 PM
Post by: Turner89 on December 01, 2015, 09:17:56 PM
Post by: bear hunter on December 03, 2015, 07:08:55 PM