10 surefire ways to totally screw up your moose hunt

#9  IGNORE THE SIGN

Moose leave many markers during the rut. Savvy hunters pay close attention to these and focus on areas with the most sign. Overlooking noteworthy sign such as fresh rubs, rut pits and tracks will lower your odds for success. Old rubs indicate a historical presence, but find trees freshly shredded by antlers and you’ll soon get an idea of the size and territory of resident bulls.

Rut pits, or wallows, are obvious patches of turned-up ground used by bulls and cows to communicate with one another. Perhaps the most welcome sign for moose hunters, these are prime indicators you’re in the zone. Bulls and cows regularly visit rut pits during their breeding period, from as early as mid-September through to mid-October. They’ll both urinate and roll around in these pits to deposit and acquire scent. Likewise, tracks are always a good sign. Seasoned hunters pay attention to everything around them, but they always keep one eye on the ground, as tracks can give you an idea of the population density of bulls, cows and calves in the area, along with the size of the animals.

#10  WAVE THE WHITE FLAG

Moose hunters love cool, wet weather. Unfortunately, late September and early October can sometimes present bluebird days with the mercury higher than we’d like. But packing up and going home is a sure-fire way not to close your tag—you can’t knock one down when you’re sitting on your couch. I’ve listened to many hunters complain about the weather being too hot, too windy, too rainy, too snowy and—believe it or not—even too nasty, declaring that the moose hold up tight under such bad conditions. While this sometimes happens, the annual rut waits for no one. Weather that’s less than ideal can present tough conditions, but year in and year out, it’s the persistent hunter who eventually fills the freezer. Never forget: When you give up, your hunt is over.