Post by: Moose Eyes on June 22, 2010, 10:06:48 PM
After finding out through the backdoor Friday I had tentatively drawn a moose tag, I was pulling out my hair all weekend until Monday morning to see if it would become official. Thankfully the rumors of a redraw were just that . . . rumors, and I was able to exhale yesterday morning! I still can't believe it!
Once it became official I immediately contacted the WDFW Spokane Region and informed them of my good fortune and asked for contact info for their biologist and any other folks who might have some useful information. Within an hour or two I was sent an overview of the Three Forks moose hunt with some general location information. I was also given some names and numbers to contact.
I then made a trip to Wholesale sports and purchased the GMU 108/111 map made by LC Sportsmaps. So I guess I have officially started scouting, even though it has been limited to "paper" scouting.
I have also had some early conversations with individuals on this board (who shall remain nameless, unless they choose to reveal themselves). To those who have contacted me, I really appreciate your help! :bow:
I am in the process of trying to determine when I can make the 7 hour drive east for several scouting trips. I have hunted turkeys in the Colville area but usually south of town, not north where the moose unit is.
That's all I have for now. Take care.
Ron
Post by: Wea300mag on June 22, 2010, 10:09:48 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 22, 2010, 10:16:25 PM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 22, 2010, 10:20:04 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 22, 2010, 10:21:44 PM
You have two months to kill your moose but please don't hold out until the very last day to shoot your trophy.
If you do, it may very well have already shed its antlers. :bash: :)
Post by: benhuntin on June 22, 2010, 10:22:58 PM
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 22, 2010, 10:23:05 PM
If you want to start dreaming, Alex Gouthro's Moose madness video's are very informative, a bit slow, but lots of good info.
Thanks. Does it discuss calling? I am looking for a good source to learn how to call.
Also, does anyone have a good recommendation for a moose call and instructional video?
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 22, 2010, 10:24:12 PM
There is one very important thing you need to remember which we have learned by reading about certain people's moose hunts on this board....
You have two months to kill your moose but please don't hold out until the very last day to shoot your trophy.
If you do, it may very well have already shed its antlers. :bash: :)
Thanks for the reminder. Believe me, I have been thinking about that already! ;)
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 22, 2010, 10:32:39 PM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 22, 2010, 10:34:42 PM
It is a collection on calling and hunting, and more than you will probably need to know about moose, kind of spendy, but 6 hours long.If you want to start dreaming, Alex Gouthro's Moose madness video's are very informative, a bit slow, but lots of good info.
Thanks. Does it discuss calling? I am looking for a good source to learn how to call.
Also, does anyone have a good recommendation for a moose call and instructional video?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 22, 2010, 10:38:19 PM
http://www.gouthrosmoosemadness.com/ (http://www.gouthrosmoosemadness.com/)
http://www.gouthrosmoosemadness.com/Moose%20Madness%20Reviews.htm (http://www.gouthrosmoosemadness.com/Moose%20Madness%20Reviews.htm)
http://www.alexgouthro.com/ (http://www.alexgouthro.com/)
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 22, 2010, 10:47:01 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 23, 2010, 12:11:38 AM
Post by: coop2424 on June 23, 2010, 12:23:08 AM
Post by: PA BEN on June 23, 2010, 05:24:30 AM
Post by: seth30 on June 23, 2010, 06:20:15 AM
Post by: bobcat on June 23, 2010, 07:49:20 AM
The backdoor, that is how we got results last Friday, and over the weekend. The official results were available via the link provided on the WDFW website at 8:00 Monday morning.
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 23, 2010, 10:35:51 AM
Have anyone of you guys received an email from WDFW, or did everyone just check the backdoor?
What bobcat said.
Post by: Rob on June 23, 2010, 10:39:51 AM
Good luck!
Post by: Buckblaster on June 23, 2010, 11:42:45 AM
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 23, 2010, 09:38:03 PM
The question is, what are you willing to shoot?
That is DEFINITELY the question!
It really depends on how much time I will be able to hunt and who is with me. I have been planning to make this a family thing with my 77-year old father (I wish he had drawn!) and a couple of out of state cousins my dad and I hunt/fish with a couple times a year. My dad is retired so he is available whenever I am, but my cousins aren't sure yet. I have plenty of backup options but would prefer the family group. So if I am with just my dad I may have to focus in areas where I can get a truck close so I can at least get a rope to it. That will likely limit my options somewhat.
Shooting a record or book bull isn't that important to me, however I could change my mind over the next 3 months. :dunno: I just want an unforgettable experience with people I enjoy being with.
My plan is to study and scout and see enough bulls before the season starts so I have a good feel for what I want to shoot and then hold out until later in the season if need be.
I can be swayed in my approach so let's hear your opinions. ;)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 23, 2010, 09:52:51 PM
Post by: Whitelightning on June 23, 2010, 09:57:53 PM
I think your aproach is solid, go over and see what is there. Keep in m ind that you will also get Moose that will travel back and forhth across the border so you might need to get one of them calls that end in AEY too.
That area holds some nice animals, My Nephew used to cover portions of that unit with the DNR as a fire fighter I will see if he has some ideas too.
Post by: Wea300mag on June 23, 2010, 10:08:35 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1664.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1664.0.html)
Here is one of the moose that I saw on opening day while he was about 1/4 mile up the road.
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 25, 2010, 08:21:47 PM
OK Moose, I didn't want to have to throw my friend 50calJiim under the bus, but hey, what are friends for. Here is his story from several years ago.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1664.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1664.0.html)
Here is one of the moose that I saw on opening day while he was about 1/4 mile up the road.
I remember seeing that pic! That looks like a shooter to me.
Post by: Jerome on June 25, 2010, 08:32:53 PM
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 25, 2010, 08:50:13 PM
October 1-3 appears to be limited to muzzleloader deer and October 2-8 is muzzleloader elk. Can anyone tell me how crowded these unit typically are during these muzzleloader seasons?
It looks like October 9-15 and November 8-20 there will not be any hunters in the unit except 5 other moose tag holders and people chasing bear, cougar, small game etc. That seems ideal to me. But I have some questions regarding those dates I am hoping someone can help me with. When do moose typically rut in this area? Do you think they will still be rutting October 9-15? Am I missing out on a good opportunity if I don't hunt the first 8 days of the season? What about snow risk November 8-20? Is it pretty high or should I be safe? Obviously some snow is good but too much isn't! Also, am I risking bulls dropping their antlers if I wait until November 8?
Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
I attached the chart I made in case anyone is interested in it.
Thanks.
Ron
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on June 25, 2010, 10:01:57 PM
I also dont think they get that much Elk pressure, but I don't know 'nuthin. :dunno:
Post by: 280ackley on June 25, 2010, 10:09:50 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 25, 2010, 10:32:25 PM
Post by: Whitelightning on June 25, 2010, 10:59:04 PM
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. :IBCOOL: 8)Your gunna get a good one :drool:
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 25, 2010, 11:08:33 PM
Post by: PA BEN on June 27, 2010, 07:34:14 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 28, 2010, 06:54:07 AM
Post by: Moose Eyes on June 28, 2010, 07:42:58 PM
I had a chance to "scout" last week after work and took this picture of a shooter up on "Cabela's Ridge". ;)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 28, 2010, 08:07:56 PM
Post by: Moose Eyes on July 09, 2010, 09:25:33 PM
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.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on July 09, 2010, 10:37:05 PM
Post by: Rob on July 12, 2010, 08:33:21 AM
Post by: Moose Eyes on July 12, 2010, 12:02:44 PM
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.
Post by: boneaddict on July 12, 2010, 12:10:58 PM
Post by: Little Dave on July 23, 2010, 01:14:06 AM
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 13, 2010, 09:50:53 PM
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.
Post by: Rob on September 14, 2010, 08:48:27 AM
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 14, 2010, 08:55:31 AM
Post by: Rob on September 14, 2010, 11:13:46 AM
I'd love to come along, but I am headed out to look for bear this weekend.
Post by: bearpaw on September 14, 2010, 11:16:03 AM
Post by: NWBREW on September 14, 2010, 12:37:04 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 14, 2010, 01:08:38 PM
I thought I had seen something really cool until I told my buddy Brian, and he took me to see the 50+ incher that lived up there. Three Forks has been my #1 choice in the draws since then.
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 14, 2010, 02:09:05 PM
Hope your dad is doing well, how is your scouting going?
Heading over Friday morning, Dale!
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 14, 2010, 02:12:52 PM
Shawn has requested I stop grabbing him. I guess it made him feel uncomfortable...
I'd love to come along, but I am headed out to look for bear this weekend.
Yeah, he mentioned that. :o
You could always look for bear in 108/111.
Post by: bearpaw on September 14, 2010, 02:16:17 PM
Hope your dad is doing well, how is your scouting going?
Heading over Friday morning, Dale!
You should try to stop by and say HI!
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 14, 2010, 06:50:09 PM
Hope your dad is doing well, how is your scouting going?
Heading over Friday morning, Dale!
You should try to stop by and say HI!
Will do, Dale. I figured you would be in Idaho by now.
Post by: triplenickel 555 on September 24, 2010, 08:54:10 PM
I have really enjoyed reading about past years' OIL hunts on this board. As luck has it, I was drawn for an "any moose" tag in the Three Forks unit this year! In keeping with the great tradition of sharing all aspects of the hunt with folks here, I will be sharing my activities on this page. Guys like huntnphool and Shane(WA) set the bar pretty high in years past so please lower your expectations with my page :P.
After finding out through the backdoor Friday I had tentatively drawn a moose tag, I was pulling out my hair all weekend until Monday morning to see if it would become official. Thankfully the rumors of a redraw were just that . . . rumors, and I was able to exhale yesterday morning! I still can't believe it!
Once it became official I immediately contacted the WDFW Spokane Region and informed them of my good fortune and asked for contact info for their biologist and any other folks who might have some useful information. Within an hour or two I was sent an overview of the Three Forks moose hunt with some general location information. I was also given some names and numbers to contact.
I then made a trip to Wholesale sports and purchased the GMU 108/111 map made by LC Sportsmaps. So I guess I have officially started scouting, even though it has been limited to "paper" scouting.
I have also had some early conversations with individuals on this board (who shall remain nameless, unless they choose to reveal themselves). To those who have contacted me, I really appreciate your help! :bow:
I am in the process of trying to determine when I can make the 7 hour drive east for several scouting trips. I have hunted turkeys in the Colville area but usually south of town, not north where the moose unit is.
That's all I have for now. Take care.
Ron
Post by: triplenickel 555 on September 24, 2010, 09:02:31 PM
Post by: Moose Eyes on September 25, 2010, 06:34:22 PM
I had a lot to get done before heading east last Friday morning. When I got to my buddies place and began helping load his gear into the truck I noticed his hunting boots and realized I had left mine at home. :bash: So I had to run back to the house and grab mine and off we went, about 40 minutes or so later than I had hoped.
I had made an appointment to meet with the WDFW biologists in Colville and managed to get there on time even with the delay. My objective for the weekend was to cover a lot of ground in search of decent habitat and sign, and to get more familiar with the Three Forks road network. We were not able to cover much area Friday evening so we got up early Saturday and headed for some promising areas to scout. The bios told us to focus on old clearcuts and burns in certain areas of primarily GMU 111. We did see a fair amount of sign but no moose the first day. It was a little frustrating because most of the area we scouted was really too overgrown to see much.
We found a little better habitat the second day. Again lots of sign, but no moose throughout the day. Then at the end of the day just before dark I saw my first Washington moose! From a half mile through my binos I could tell it was a smallish bull. I knew it was near another road so I headed over that way to try to get a closer look. I walked in a bit where I thought I saw the moose and made a couple of calls and out stepped a cow. She looked at me and made a pretty nasty sound that really caught me off guard. She sounded like she was really telling me off. She moved away and out came the bull. He had single brow tines and looked to be in the low to mid 30" range. Definitely a shooter . . . on the afternoon of November 30th! ;) I took a few pictures but it was too great a distance and too dark for the photo op. We hopped in the rig and headed for "home". We didn't make it a half mile and we saw another moose ahead of us on the side of the road. In my headlights I could tell it was a bigger bull than the first one but I never got a front view so I don't know what type off head gear he was carrying.
We covered a few more areas Monday morning before beginning the long drive back home and again saw sign but no more moose.
So after a weekend of scouting I feel a little better about hunting season. I don't plan to hunt until November so I know those brushy areas will be a little more open then. I found several good areas with moose sign so I feel good about the trip. Sorry I couldn't deliver on the pictures. I will try to do a better job in November. 8)
Post by: phishisgroovin on September 25, 2010, 09:59:20 PM
he made the FIRST kill with my Rough Rider since i couldnt hit the side of a barn until i saw where it was hitting on an empty pop case.
Awsome time learining a new area for sure and i too hope to go back there soon and hunt the area up there.
Ron even found moose tracks in the friggin store! :lol4:
Post by: saylean on September 26, 2010, 12:18:50 AM
Good luck!
Post by: NWBREW on September 26, 2010, 12:50:12 AM
Post by: TheHunt on September 26, 2010, 09:13:21 AM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 02, 2010, 07:09:54 PM
Good luck on your hunt Ron!
Post by: Moose Eyes on November 02, 2010, 07:31:18 PM
I will do my best to document the hunt as best I can. If I get something I will try to send a "sneak peak" photo before I return.
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on November 02, 2010, 08:17:06 PM
Joe
Post by: Hyde on November 02, 2010, 09:22:43 PM
Post by: NWBREW on November 03, 2010, 02:17:15 AM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 03, 2010, 10:09:43 AM
Post by: GoldTip on November 03, 2010, 10:22:37 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on November 03, 2010, 10:40:53 AM
Quote
Good luck to you Moose Eyes! Hope you have some "packers" and I don't mean cheese heads! Get a big one!
Hey, I could fit both of those bills!
Good Luck Moose Eyes. Would love to see another monster swamp donkey on the ground.
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 03, 2010, 11:19:10 AM
Best of luck Moose eyes, hope you dump a biggun and get back here with a great story and pics.when scouting the area he dumped a biggun, had the mean mommie moose all in a huffing roar screaming at something making me thing a grizzly was coming through the brush near the canadian border hehe! :chuckle:
Post by: Moose Eyes on November 06, 2010, 06:44:05 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 06, 2010, 07:01:35 PM
Post by: Whitelightning on November 06, 2010, 07:08:52 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on November 09, 2010, 07:46:53 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 09, 2010, 09:22:56 PM
Does anyone know if he is packing moose quarters yet?i sent a text asking. he passed on a small one sunday and hasnt seen anything since.
still looking.
Post by: SeaRun1 on November 11, 2010, 06:11:51 PM
SeaRun1
Post by: Moose Eyes on November 11, 2010, 10:53:49 PM
Short version is I passed on a bull Sunday and didn't see anything Monday. I had to cut my trip short so I decided by Tuesday I would shoot a smaller bull if necessary in order to not go home empty handed. I looked over the bull I shot for a bit before I decided to end my hunt. Literally 10 seconds after dumping him the big boy gets up and stands no more than 5 feet directly behind my dead bull! DOH!!!
But the bottom line is I got to do this with my dad and I wasn't sure I would be able to just a few months ago when he had a 4-way bypass. So I am happy and I have some prime moose meat as a bonus.
Post by: cle elum bowhunter on November 11, 2010, 11:02:50 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 11, 2010, 11:30:06 PM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on November 11, 2010, 11:34:34 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 11, 2010, 11:39:22 PM
Post by: NWBREW on November 11, 2010, 11:59:09 PM
Post by: scout88 on November 12, 2010, 12:34:30 AM
Post by: krout81 on November 12, 2010, 12:44:21 AM
Post by: GoldTip on November 12, 2010, 06:40:21 AM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 12, 2010, 07:33:53 AM
May not have been there for the hunt, but the scouting trip was a blast and i got to kill stuff and eat ALOT of junk food doing it lol!
Post by: SeaRun1 on November 12, 2010, 07:56:00 AM
SeaRun1
Post by: PA BEN on November 12, 2010, 04:09:55 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 12, 2010, 05:52:11 PM
Good job can't wait to see the pictures. ;)its nice! i am sworn to secrecy though.
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on November 13, 2010, 12:48:29 PM
Now let me know when you are going to be down at the Nisqually, I wil ltry and make it down there.
Joe
Post by: Wea300mag on November 14, 2010, 01:07:08 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 18, 2010, 08:02:58 PM
Post by: Tman on November 18, 2010, 08:15:45 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 18, 2010, 08:16:28 PM
Post by: PA BEN on November 24, 2010, 05:55:21 AM
Post by: GoldTip on November 24, 2010, 06:38:28 AM
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 24, 2010, 02:27:16 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 24, 2010, 04:47:40 PM
Nice bull too lol!
But its not mine to post, sorry people.
Post by: SeaRun1 on November 24, 2010, 11:03:59 PM
SeaRun1
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 25, 2010, 08:33:01 AM
Ron has been pretty busy with work and it is a heavy family time of year. He'll post when he has the time I'm sure.I just sent a text asking if i can put the picture up.
SeaRun1
Post by: C-Money on December 01, 2010, 10:52:18 PM
Post by: PA BEN on December 16, 2010, 06:37:38 AM