Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Other Big Game => Topic started by: Elkric on July 10, 2009, 11:13:26 PM
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OK, so I drew a rifle Selkirk Moose tag. The very second I found out I drew it I started dreaming of doing this with my 9 and 10 year old sons tagging along. The who "OIL" thing is definitely something I'd love to have memories together with them of. The younger one can keep up just fine and is SO into anything like this. Then 10 year old isn't as into it, but said several months ago what he'd really like to try is Moose hunting. I honestly never thought in my wildest dreams I'd draw this tag so I never thought I'd get the chance to take him. Problem is he doesn't do super well in the brush.
To be honest, I'd probably not take either of them on an Elk hunt with me yet as things get hot and fast out there and I think there'd be times they'd definitely be holding me back.
So, my question is...... some of you guys who've moose hunted, do you think it'd be ok to bring them along? Are they going to get into some situations that might be over their heads you think? I'll have at least 1 more adult along (my dad). Just your best guess, would they hold me back from bagging something? I'd like to get some opinions and then make a more informed decision is all. Thanks fellas
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I haven't hunted moose personally but my Uncle has with 2 of his friends that all made a pact together that when each of them draw they will help the other out as in taking time off and doing the boots on the ground spotting and meat packing.
First time it turned into a 300-400 yard adventure into the timber after seeing some cows and calling in a nice bull over 46 and 1/2" did the same thing 1 or twice a day for about a week and a day or two with a few small bulls coming in before they found the one he was happy with.
second time out it was a bit more involved they found a larger patch of old growth and thickets and walked a couple miles after 3-4 days of driving and trying to spot animals for a starting point. since the first approach hadn't produced any sightings at first they went for the longer slow walks and some calling and found a decent bull but a lot farther in that time around.
I guess it depends on what you expect of Your hunt and how you'd like your experience to be. If Driving your truck around part of the day to spot moose and then backing off and trying to sneek in a quarter or half mile hoping to call a bull from some cows then I am sure the kids will do fine but after a few miles even on one day pushing some thickets and cold calling you will have some tired and bored kids for sure even though you may have the patience for it. just my :twocents:
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phool took his 12 yr old daughter on his last year. Take them, it will be the best memories for life.
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When the time for the hunt gets closer take them with you and see how they like it while your just scouting then you will can decide if there up for the real thing. I don;t think even kids would want to miss out on a oil and if it works out you will have hunting partners forever.
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I guess for me it would depend on how many days I could hunt. If I was limited to only a week I think I might just take the kids along on the scouting trips but leave them home for the hunt. Also, it could depend on what type of bull you are after. If you're willing to take any bull then it might not be that difficult with the kids along. I do know the Selkirk is one of the tougher units to hunt. I think I would do some scouting in September just before the season and then make the decision.
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Take them scouting with you and see how they do. Good luck that area it great, I have seen the biggest bull of my life up there and there are some dandy bears as well.
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thats a pretty tough terrian area to hunt correct? not alota roads compared to the other moose units? well i dont have kids but if they was gonna hold me back for a once in a lifetime hunt :dunno:, than again if my dad drew that tag and didnt let me go at 10 i'd been pissed :chuckle:
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I guess for me it would depend on how many days I could hunt. If I was limited to only a week I think I might just take the kids along on the scouting trips but leave them home for the hunt. Also, it could depend on what type of bull you are after. If you're willing to take any bull then it might not be that difficult with the kids along. I do know the Selkirk is one of the tougher units to hunt. I think I would do some scouting in September just before the season and then make the decision.
As far as time goes, I've got the first full week of October off. But if I don't get em then, I won't be back 'til late November because of work and mule deer trip to Idaho in early November.
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Congrats on the tag! If the kids can handle the hours and the terrain of the hunt, I vote to take them now. As they get older it is harder & harder to get them away from school commitments. You will be making memories that will last their lifetime!
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How much time will you have to scout?
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I am taking my 5 yr old scouting for his brothers moose in Sept up on Mica. He wants to go "shoot the moose" sooo bad. I think I'm going to have a hard time getting away without him when we go back for the hunt. I wish he could go but he's just to young for the hunt. But as far as bringing the kids I would take them scouting first and go from there.
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How much time will you have to scout?
Not a ton. probably a couple of weekend trips is all. It's about a 7 hour drive for me to even get up there so its a serious weekend drive just for scouting.
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take them. I just got back from South Africa and took my kids (9&13)'cause it may be OIL. they had a blast even though they get bored with day after day of hunting in the fall. you said your dad was going? if they can't hang or are slowing you up just have dad bring up the rear with them while you are in hot pursuit. my wife has platar faschiitis(sp?) and that's what we do when hunting. she can't keep up sometimes and agrees to "lag" behind when we're hot on a trail. she still enjoys it and never stays home even if she can't always be present for the shot.
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Actually she is 10 PaBen ;) She did great and I would do it again if given the choice. She is now wanting a moose of her own and is dead set on drawing a tag before her uncles Waid, Mark and Shawn. You don't often get the opportunity to share experiences like this with your kids, make sure you take lots of pics for the memories.
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She can have the moose tag before me. Just not the sheep tag... ;)
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Heck yea, let them go, they'll have a blast.... Better yet if they get the tag their selves....
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Good eats right there, I saw those two kids on the wall at Sportsmans :rolleyes:
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I had my little ones with me, they were 4 and 5 I believe. They were not on the kill and where I ended up getting my moose. That was a real good thing as we had some Grizzly issues etc. (Selkirk unit), but they were with me the first couple days. It probably did slow my hunting a bit, but it was worth it. It will depend on the type of hunting you do and how much time you have I would imagine.
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Take the kids, you will never,ever regret it. it is way way more important to share this moment. I had my moose tag and I have hunted the Selkirk's. If you have the extra support do it.
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I would take your kids now.
Mine girls are teenagers now and its not cool to go hunting with dad anymore :(
