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Mighty Moose
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| PACKING
IT OUT - What to do—and avoid |
| TIPS |
1.
Bull moose will thrash branches to signal their
presence to rivals; they’re also attracted
to thrashing from other bulls. The more confident—and
larger—the bull, the louder he will thrash.
Hunters can likewise thrash branches to entice hesitant
bulls out from cover.
2.
Bulls create rutting pits by scraping out small
depressions and then urinating into them; they then
splash the urine-soaked mud onto their bells and
antlers to help attract cows. Cows are also lured
to the pits by the odour and will at times fight
over them. Hunters locating an active pit would
do well to hunt the area thoroughly.
3.
Since shots are not typically long when hunting
moose, the best choices for riflescopes include
1.5-5X and 2-7X variables. These provide the necessary
magnification for extended shots and the low power
needed for close cover.
4.
Spot-and-stalk hunting is at its best when snow,
rain or wind helps dull a bull moose’s otherwise
keen senses.
5.
Moose rely on their acute sense of smell to alert
them to predators, so it’s imperative that
hunters pay close attention to wind direction. Just
remember that old adage, “Wind in your face
and sun at your back.”
6.
Burned-over areas and clear-cuts are good places
to hunt for moose, as they offer considerable amounts
of young deciduous growth that moose love to feed
on.
7.
Beaver dams are also potential hot spots for moose.
That’s because many of the food sources that
beavers rely on are also important to moose.
8.
When camping in moose country, try calling for an
hour before going to bed. This can bring moose into
the vicinity, thus producing quick results during
early morning calling.
9.
When looking for a place to set up camp along a
river, choose a spot that offers an early morning
calling opportunity.
10.
Tracking means moving, so be certain to wear outer
garments that reduce noise as much as possible.
Fabrics such as wool or fleece are recommended.
11.
Post-rut is the best time of the season to track
bulls since they tend not to move much.
12.
Recoil-sensitive shooters should consider adding
a muzzle brake to allow them to shoot the .300 magnum
and greater calibres needed for taking down large
game, such as moose.
13.
Opt for one of the heaviest bullet weights available
in the calibre selected. Premium bullets designed
for maximum penetration are best.
14.
Moose hunting is definitely not for the solo hunter.
The difficulty of extricating a downed bull requires
at least two people, preferably more.
15.
A downed moose will float, so if you harvest a bull
on or near the water, consider towing it either
to camp or to a place more suitable for eviscerating.
16.
If you’re float-hunting by canoe, make sure
you have enough room to take home a quartered moose
and its rack.
17.
Don’t forget to remove the tenderloins from
the inside of the rib cage in the process of eviscerating
your moose, as these are the choicest slabs of meat.
Some hunters overlook them completely, while others
wait too long and risk having them dry out. |
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These huge
animals have a knack for expiring in some of the most awkward
places imaginable, and the hunter who isn’t willing to
get down and dirty and do a little grunt work simply shouldn’t
be moose hunting. In short, there’s just no way to finesse
the field dressing of a 1,000-pound-plus animal. Along with
a sharp, stout knife or two, a bone saw or hatchet, and several
lengths of rope for tying back limbs, you need a strong back
for this job.
A moose’s anatomy is really no different than a deer’s,
with the exception of the sheer mass. Take your time and you’ll
get through it, being careful to avoid the unpleasantness associated
with perforating the rumen, intestines or bladder, which certainly
doesn’t enhance the flavour of the meat, either.
The key to ensuring the best
meat possible from your moose is getting it cooled as quickly
as possible and keeping it clean. This is especially true for
those who hunt early in the season when temperatures can still
be quite mild. The huge masses of muscle can take a while to
cool naturally, and meat will spoil quickly on warm days.
If you’re hunting with a
vehicle, it’s generally not difficult to transport your
moose in short order to a meat locker. But if you’re at
a remote camp, you face a much greater challenge. In warm conditions,
you should skin and quarter your moose to speed up the cooling
process. Elevate the meat off the ground to let air circulate
around the quarters, and don’t hesitate to immerse the
carcass in a nearby lake or stream if you’re at all concerned.
In remote camps I usually quarter
a moose immediately, then wrap the pieces in cheesecloth or
manufactured game bags. This helps keep the meat clean and free
of flies and other insects. A quartered moose is considerably
easier to handle, too, when loading into boats, aircraft or
trucks.
Just remember that when it comes
to field dressing a moose, there are no shortcuts and no easy
ways out—just like the hunt itself. 
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| Read
more on hunting Canada's king of the beasts: |
| Introduction
| Tracking The Trophies, Hunting
The Rut | Hitting The Water,
The Family Tree | Searching
For Signs, Choosing Your Calibre | Packing
It Out, Tips |
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