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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Kevin Dill on September 27, 2016, 11:40:00 AM
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This is the account of my 2016 Alaska moose hunt... a solo adventure and my second consecutive solo hunt.
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I've been hunting Alaska every year for moose, caribou and/or black bear for almost a decade now. Those years have given me some insight and experience which ultimately led me to seek new and different places to hunt, with new challenges to face. I hunted solo for caribou in 2015 and was diverted from hunting by a wild multi-day storm which kept me in survival mode on a mountainside in eastern Alaska. It all ended with a snowstorm and I flew out after 7 days of being alone in all of it.
For 2016 my pilot decided to open a new area by creating an airstrip along an unnamed stream in a valley known to hold plenty of good moose. The area had never been hunted due to lack of access. Somehow I earned the invitation to hunt this new valley for the first time. During our discussions my pilot gave me plenty of detail regarding the terrain, moose numbers and what to expect. He also wanted me to hunt it solo and use a bow. Check and check....I can do that! I got busy planning and readying gear. After some discussion I decided I needed at least 10-12 days in there to learn what the area held...about moose movement...and to get an opportunity to kill. With schedules and all figured in, I ended up planning for 13 days of hunting alone.
The time passed quickly as departure day neared. On September 7th I flew to Fairbanks and set the wheels in motion for the hunt....a hunt the likes of which I couldn't foresee ever happening. What follows is the story of that hunt, as factual as I can make it. There won't be any embellishment or stretching of the truth: I'll tell it as it played out. Airplanes, rivers, longbows, sharp steel and big moose.
Let's go hunting.....
(https://i.imgur.com/HW7JGCOl.jpg)
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:coffee: :jumper: :jumper:
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Most excellent!!
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Even before arriving in Alaska my pilot was sending me messages telling me about big bulls near my airstrip. He advised me to get my gear in order pronto as he had me placed first on the fly-out list for the 8th. I was up early and repacked stuff for the Super Cub....breakfast...few groceries....license and tags....I'm ready.
(https://i.imgur.com/3WFlnorl.jpg)
Faster than I can say it we were headed for the airport in North Pole and lifting off. I never get tired of bush flying and the endless expanses of tundra below. Flat terrain gave way to hills and low mountains as we entered wilderness territory. Eventually we flew through a low pass and entered the upstream end of a drainage...the one I would hunt. Almost immediately I began seeing moose below along the valley floor and up on hillsides. I scanned the topography carefully as we soared down-valley and circled the area for a better understanding. I liked what I saw...and in some cases didn't see. There were no beaver ponds...perfect. The valley was narrow which lent itself to bowhunting nicely: easier to get on a walking bull in narrower settings. Most amazingly were the number of shed moose antlers spotted from above. I counted at least 6 antlers visible from the air. Something like that pretty well confirms you're in a superb area.
A very large bull was standing on the side of hill which had been burned 8 or 10 years previously. He was no more than 400 yards from us as we touched wheels and braked to a stop. I couldn't help but grin as I unloaded my gear while watching him watch us. I knew I was seeing a moose see his first humans ever. A few exchanges of words and suddenly the Cub was airborne and cutting out of the valley.
(https://i.imgur.com/UVgvqCDl.jpg)
It wasn't a new feeling to me...no profound “I'm alone” moment happened. I simply grabbed my gear and began looking for a suitable campsite.
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On the edge of my seat........ :coffee:
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I'm quite familiar with the PBS and echo Kevin's comments; I've had some excellent hunts just due to being a PBS member...subscribing :thumbsup:
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:campfire:
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I just renewed my PBS associate membership due to the start of this thread. I have great respect for the allegiance PBS members show for their organization.
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It took considerable effort but I managed to cut brush and level off a somewhat decent campsite. I wanted to be back in some trees but that was impossible. The terrain was far too irregular and consisted of boulders covered with 18” deep sponge moss. I gave up and settled for a spot on the edge where water was abundant. Speaking of water, there was a spring-fed cascade coming off the low, steep mountainside right next to my camp. The water was clean and pure and I opted not to filter it. The recent cold weather had a thick crust of ice around the edges. Even the moss underfoot was semi-frozen when I arrived.
(https://i.imgur.com/YLGpuIOl.jpg)
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:thumbsup:
:coffee:
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This is going to be a great read. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Good stuff Kevin,
I echo your words about the PBS. a better group of Bowhunters will not be found.
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OK, buddy. I was going to show patience with you getting started with this as I know what home is like after a trip like this. BUT, you popped this cork so you better be ready empty this bottle now that we've had a taste.
So so happy for you to be back and sharing this tale!
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I agree with Duckbutt start pouring !!!!
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First morning: My camp is situated so that I can basically hunt as soon as I'm out the door. I woke early and made breakfast, then slipped into the gray dawn of a chilly morning. The first of many sunrises definitely didn't disappoint...
(https://i.imgur.com/afUJbxWl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M2SBStDl.jpg)
I spotted a couple cows but no bulls, so opted to play it loose and do a bit of sneaky exploring. I needed to get more familiar with this area and see what pieces of the puzzle might be revealed. I passed my camp at 10 am and noted the frost was still heavy in the shade.
(https://i.imgur.com/WoECepul.jpg)
Straight across from my camp...across 300 yards of valley...the opposite hills were all part of very large burn. The dead black spruce now appeared to be gray hair coat across the hills. The second growth consisted of willow, scrub birch, blueberry, sedges, grasses, poplar and other varied herbaceous plants. The moose were living large in this cornucopia of moose browse and cover. The drainage shown in the middle of the image really had my attention. Experience told me this feature would likely be a major key in finding moose and patterning some movement. Little did I know....
(https://i.imgur.com/po0V80Zl.jpg)
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JT and others...you know better than to gulp the good stuff. Sip and savor....
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I'm hooked Kevin......
David
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The day ended with no bulls spotted, but I knew they were around. Moose are that way. You might see nothing for 2 days and then have multiple chances the next day. I wasn't concerned. I spent some spare time doing camp chores and making sure I had things ready for the hard hunting days ahead. I sat on a rock pile as the evening alpenglow settled over the valley and warmed my spirits.
(https://i.imgur.com/F2dhi2Zl.jpg)
I began to think and it came to me again. This is hunting as it was meant to be...old Alaska and undisturbed. I was an interloper but my task was to blend in and become another predator awaiting an opportunity. How many men will ever see an undisturbed part of this state in their lives? How many will hunt it with a simple bow and arrows? Alone and unfettered? The simple gravity of it was amazing and left me feeling thankful in many deep ways. It was also not lost on me that...not very many miles away from where I sat...Glenn St. Charles and Fred Bear along with several other notable bowhunters hunted 'old Alaska' in the late 1950s. I likely flew in through some of the same valleys and drainages as they did. Wood arrows...hand-sharpened broadheads....some bushcraft...it all seemed so appropriate at that moment.
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Break! Will work on this again later today/evening. Thanks
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Im hooked. Keep it coming.
Jeff
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Sweet!
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Hard not to mess up your string of posts with a bunch of replies, however I'm all in. Thanks for the journey so far.
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This is a great story! The pictures are just beautiful.
:campfire:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Don't know whether to keep checking on this for updates, or just binge read in a couple of days! Love this. Thanks for letting us in!
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:campfire: :campfire:
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Great read so far....... :campfire:
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Fairly dependably I fell into a pattern of morning and evening hunts with camp chores and sporadic midday forays in between. On day 2 I spotted a large bull but he was much farther away than I was willing to pursue. I had a self-imposed limit for packing in a moose. That limit could be lengthened or shortened according to intervening terrain. This guy was off limits absolutely. The same basic thing happened on day 3 and I resisted the temptation to go kill a moose in bad terrain. I spent the midday hours assembling my woodstove and splitting a supply of dry spruce firewood.
(https://i.imgur.com/3q4TyKTl.jpg)
As I moved about the valley I kept my camera handy and took advantage of photo opportunities.
(https://i.imgur.com/RVEY2Gsl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZbNvDSQl.jpg)
My backcountry rig:
(https://i.imgur.com/Mi6w66El.jpg)
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Wow, just excellent :)
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:thumbsup: I'm loving this so far!
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Been waiting for this!!
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This is gonna get good!
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Living the dream!
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My camp was situated on the side of this little back channel branch of the main stream. I basically used it as a hidden walking path up and down the valley.
(https://i.imgur.com/cpJfCjCl.jpg)
Everywhere I looked there were blueberries in abundance...even excess. They were growing all over my camp area and I could walk nowhere without seeing hundreds of them. I ate them until I simply lost interest.
(https://i.imgur.com/RB26lMDl.jpg)
Not long after arrival I found I wasn't the only blueberry admirer in the neighborhood.
(https://i.imgur.com/1CdtQm4l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zKDnobXl.jpg)
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OH MY!!! :scared:
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(https://i.imgur.com/9HFXE4Rl.jpg)
Cold gray dawn over the valley on about day 4 or 5. I spotted several moose hanging out across the valley up on the hillside burn. One of them was a tremendous bull with excessive total width. I watched with interest as he moved along a corridor of scrub spruce and toward a hidden cove of sorts. I felt like I knew where he was heading and might have a chance to play him. I slipped across the valley and into position on a small elevated knob covered with spruce trees. A couple of nasal cow bawls from me and I waited quietly. I never heard a thing, but 15-20 minutes later he appeared headed toward me...hooking brush and looking for the 'other' moose. His path took him to me but well out of bow range. He hung up at about 75 yards and played me until the wind changed long enough for him to smell me. In 10 minutes he was ½ mile away and going. His rack was gigantically wide and I named him him Airplane right then, because that's what he looked like headed away from me. Damn. Big doesn't mean dumb....or slow.
This is what the inside of the burn looked like in one of the more open areas.
(https://i.imgur.com/pjdulobl.jpg)
That afternoon I nearly intercepted another massive-racked brute as he made his way down the valley. His closing pace was just too fast and I missed getting into position by 50 yards. He wouldn't come to the call and all I could do was grin as he ambled off into the evening.
(https://i.imgur.com/KoLnPqpl.jpg)
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Kev
I admire your tenacity in both the hunt and the story telling, I am envious to say the least,,,keep it comin'
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Backcountry hunting like this is so good.
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The days became one much like another and I had to work to keep track of the date. I hunted hard each day and my companion...the stream...was always there. Cold and fast; noisy and full of exuberance on its ultimate trek to the Tanana and Yukon Rivers.
(https://i.imgur.com/HNYaa3Il.jpg)
I became less aware of its constant background noise as the days wore on. Some days I saw moose and others I saw nothing but Alaska, which is not such a bad thing really. Always there was something to find, interpret or understand in my quest to learn more about 'my' hidden valley.
(https://i.imgur.com/ajgQ73Al.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dLieubYl.jpg)
I saw no sign of man and no planes flew over. It was almost as though I'd been taken back in time to the age of Pope & Young and dropped into interior Alaska to hunt, survive and tell of my adventure.
(https://i.imgur.com/vtFtFotl.jpg)
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I love the Interior of Alaska, and love going back there through hunts like these. Thanks for sharing it Kevin.
David
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A few bits of personal observations:
Food becomes an inadvertent countdown calendar on these hunts. Each day finds me counting what's left and adjusting my eating to balance things.
(https://i.imgur.com/SFIZJgVl.jpg)
If you don't have it, make it. If you can't make it, learn to live without it. If you can't live without it, you might as well give up.
Expiration dates mean nothing. Food labels, batteries....you won't throw something away because of a date. Everything is important.
A stack of firewood is more valuable than a stack of money.
Credit cards can be used for reading material when you're bored.
A big handgun is an adult teddy bear at 9 pm.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Rf5k6hl.jpg)
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That's it for today...next installment tomorrow.
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edge of my seat LOVE IT! :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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One of the best threads ever, an experience I dream about.
Can't wait till tomorrow!
Eric
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This is great, Kevin. Thanks for taking us along! Can't wait for the rest.
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My dream hunt. Hopefully to one day come true. Thank you so very much for sharing.
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Brings back memories. We are a fortunate bunch who have been privileged to hunt this awesome animal in this magnificent place!!
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Excellent photos.......I like big handguns!! Almost as much as bows. :dunno:
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Dream hunt right here guys! Awesome adventure Kevin. Thanks for taking us along.
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In awe Kevin! Best thread ever :notworthy:
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:campfire:
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Love reading of your adventures Kevin! Your prose and pictures draw us in and give us a taste of something most of us will never experience. Thank you for taking the time to share it all!
Looking forward to the next "sip"...
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Love it!
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Awesome so far! In for the rest!
Bisch
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Excellent story, it must be a spiritual experience as well being all alone and exploring wilderness as man was intended to do and has done for hundreds and thousands of years.
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Great hunting story! I wish it wouldn't end... Just keep writing Kevin! :campfire:
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Great story, Kevin. Enjoying it very much.
Regards,
Gary
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How much rain did you get up to this point, Kevin? And what were the temps?
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Excellent story telling and wonderful pictures.
There is a solitude, and soul cleansing that comes with time alone in wilderness, thanks for sharing your adventure.
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Appreciative of the comments. Doing such a story isn't easy work for me. I'm not an author or writer. My hopeful goal in any story is to take you along and put you beside me every step...to have that 'over the shoulder' type feeling when you read. That's what I like when I read a good story.
Keith: There was plenty of rain through the hunt. I wouldn't call it excessive but I slept late a couple mornings and had to hunt after it cleared. No big deal. I don't hunt in a steady rain.
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Superb storytelling and photos!
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Heck of a way to start the day, woke up and had to check if you started the story. Not a writer? I beg to differ, sir!
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A few notes on gear: It's important, so I don't skimp. I know guys who do and get by which is fine...until it isn't. Last year's horrendous weather hammered home the need to take the best stuff you can afford or make. I'm near o-c when it comes to this, and hate preventable gear failures.
A good bedroll is important when you will sleep 15 nights on a 26” wide bed. Try it at home. Alaska isn't the place to learn your bed isn't up to the task of helping you sleep. One-third of your trip will be spent sleeping. Your bow will be used less.
(https://i.imgur.com/pvCyUbSl.jpg)
Choose your food wisely and bring exactly enough, plus a couple days extra. Better to bring it out than run out. Steve O gave me the line on a superb dehydrated egg product and I brought them. They probably exceed the quality of most restaurant scrambled eggs...very tender and egg-tasty.
(https://i.imgur.com/OplsiJul.jpg)
I switched from a liquid fuel stove to a canister unit. Mine is a Primus ETA Spider. It is superbly fuel efficient and fast. While heating water I can feel very little heat above the pan. The stove/windscreen/pan/lid combo captures over 90% of the btu output, hence I was able to make one canister of fuel last over ten days without skimping.
(https://i.imgur.com/2iYXdZEl.jpg)
Speaking of nutrition, don't discount the value of locally available stuff. Berries count, as do grouse, hares or other in-season edibles. I found these lingonberries (low bush cranberries) not far from camp. They were a delicacy and I added them to my granola along with a few blueberries.
(https://i.imgur.com/XE2He0Jl.jpg)
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Kev
Being someone who does a lot of back country hunting, I appreciate your willingness to share in the positives on gear, and the negatives as well. Great way to tell of your adventures, and yes, I feel like I am in that Kifaru sitting by the stove with you...keep it comin'
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I guess I ate a lot of blueberries. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/EVQXVDal.jpg)
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Originally posted by Kevin Dill:
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/P9180274.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/P9180274.jpg.html)
That would go good with one of Monty's patented thick sliced campfire bacon clotheslines!
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The days became indistinct as the hunt grew longer. One day blends into the next until the memory is more like a twisting river. The moose sightings became few and I began to see another hunt ending without a kill. I can deal with that, but honestly it's not like we are forever consoled by fresh air or content to wear out our boots without walking down a blood trail. We are there to hunt and to produce a kill if possible. I wanted that, but all I could do was play my role and let Alaska do her thing. I continued to shoot images in place of the moose I hoped for.
(https://i.imgur.com/bsLV0ACl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jir6z3Gl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zl2wDGol.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UP4yKIBl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1gnHM6Ol.jpg)
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One afternoon the moose suddenly appeared. 2 bulls and 3 cows showed on the burn opposite my camp. One of the bulls was a stud and the other was darned fine, too. I called to them as they headed off the burn into the valley and generally toward me. The big bull actually trotted off the hill and toward me. I basically flew off my rockpile perch and forded the stream, then headed cross-valley toward a key movement point. I never made it. Moose began filtering out of the trees and moving my way. I was pinned 70 yards from my objective. I settled for a clump of willows to hide my form. And of course you already somehow know the big stud bull walked withing ten yards of the key point I hoped to reach. I could only grit my teeth and send him a soft cow bawl. He walked directly to me and glared into the willow clump head-on. I held my breath and waited for the broadside turn. It came and I tensed the string as I leaned out for the shot. Too late...his turn became a 180 degree walkaway and I could only stare daggers into his wide rump. He left the valley and went over ½ mile west up into the edge of the burn. Then unaccountably he began a wide turn and began walking back my way. I lost no time getting to the key point and setting up an ambush in the highest probability spot I knew. 15 minutes later I found him. He had walked directly down the stream and was standing 50 yards from my tent. That was the moment I knew this hunt wasn't going according to Kevin's plan. The bull walked on as the sun dropped low and shadows consumed the valley.
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Good story telling Kevin. I almost feel like I'm right there with you when reading this. Like I'm an invisible ghost somewhere in the background watching it all unfold. I am Sooooo jealous!
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Throughout the hunt I maintained contact with my wife Marilyn via satellite phone calls and texts. She was able to keep me updated on weather forecasts and it was a big help. She was also my constant supporter; always encouraging me to keep chipping and hope for the best. The day after the encounter above rain arrived again. I lost most of the morning's hunt and saw few animals that day. Her text message that evening: “Rain ending tonight. Clear and no rain tomorrow. Kill a bull day. Chance of rain and wind on the 21st.” I looked hard at the 'kill a bull' comment and smiled. The hunt was nearing its end and the weather wasn't helping.
I woke to partly cloudy and cold conditions the next morning. Breakfast just like always and then hit the vantage points. Zip except for a long range cow. Never saw a finer morning for moose to move, but that's moose. At 10:30 I decided to cut some brush and wood for a fire that evening. I was making a heck of a racket and not caring at all. Sometimes bulls are intrigued by these sounds and will respond. At this point I wasn't holding my breath. I was there more for moose meat than antler and would have happily shot a paddle horn full of wood arrows. Anyway...you know things never happen when you're expecting them.
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Kevin I have have been daydreaming my whole life for a trip such as yours,your words and excellent descriptions of the bush put me there,,,thank you!
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Kevin,
Thank you so much for sharing. Some day I hope to do it myself.
Big Ed
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I glanced up and across the valley at the key zone...the side drainage...and my eyes caught movement. No glass required; a bull was headed to the valley in front of me. Panic. Grab the bow and get across the river. No good cover. Where to go? There....2 small spruce trees. I made time and got to the trees.
(https://i.imgur.com/sPO5uizl.jpg)
The bull was at 200 yards and acting rutty. Pawing, raking and slopping up a rut pit...looking good so far. Then he bedded and that was it. Nothing would get him up and there was no way to pull off a stalk. I could only wait and watch hm thru the glass. Long points and paddles. Plenty of bone up there. I was in anguish, wanting this dude to have a bad day and end up on my arrow. The wait went on for minutes....a lot of them.
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Unlucky
I've said it before. I have this sort of internal leveling philosophy about big game encounters. I figure in any hunting encounter with an animal, one of us will be unlucky. And of course it's almost always me which is part of the deal when you're carrying a longbow. This philosophy keeps me balanced and is a coping mechanism of sorts. I'm never terribly disappointed when I'm unlucky.
So when the bull suddenly rose to his feet and started walking my way I was startled. I didn't expect this kind of good luck. He was coming right into the open and acting rutty. That's when I noticed a big and very available cow headed down the valley. She spotted him and made a beeline to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/uKbnyjyl.jpg)
I've never seen a cow moose throw herself at a bull before but that's what she did. Rubbing, nuzzling and licking...she circled him like he was her prince. I guess I stood behind my tree with a slack jaw figuring the unlucky part of this had just been decided. “Really?” A desperate cow bawl would do nothing, but I had nothing else for this bull. I wailed and he came 20 yards. The cow circled and played. Another bawl and another 20 yards. The cow was throwing herself on him and pleading “what about ME?”. At 50 yards I gave out a slight nasal squeal and that tripped his trigger. He raised his head and strode confidently straight to my tree. The effect was one of watching a school bus drive right up to you and stop a few feet away. I was shocked when the bull was eyeball-to-eyeball with me at a few feet. I could have reached out and fed him a carrot. His eyes were moving and sides heaving as he stood there reading the situation.
I can't explain it...why I let it happen. I've been close to plenty of big and dangerous animals before, but this was the peak of insanity. A rutting bull with a cow in tow. 36” away if that. One lunge from getting plowed into the tundra or river behind me. Any sudden move was highly likely to produce a reactionary charge. I could only hold ground and hope it defused somehow. I was on a razor's edge and any sudden move by the bull would've likely caused me to react violently. And then it happened.
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The pictures are great but I enjoy your insight the most. Obviously steeped in experience.
I sense a surprise coming...!
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Incredible! Thanks for taking us along Mr. Dill!
Jonathan
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With no warning the bull swung his head to my left...his antlers brushing the top of the spruce just over my head. He turned and walked left with his massive shoulder right against the opposite side of my small tree. I somehow had luckily lined up my arrow with the gap between the 2 trees and he was going to walk right in front of it. As he began taking steps I slowly raised the bow...expecting him to see the motion and either bolt, stop or somehow react. None of that occurred and I tensed the string as his shoulder entered the opening. My last conscious thought was something like “There's no way to predict what's about to happen”....and then his chest was there. I hit full draw with no aiming and watched the arrow plunge between ribs all the way to the crest. The distance from bow hand to moose hide was 4 feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/cAEWHyQl.jpg)
Maybe it was the cow, but the bull sort of just jumped at the shot and trotted off 30 yards. I don't think he even felt much of the arrow. He walked slowly and his cow continued to circle him playfully. At 50 yards he stopped...head down...and began to do what I call the moose-hula. Hips swaying...head swinging....and then he just laid down purposely to die. It was as good a death as any bull moose can ever accept. That's what I told myself as I began dealing with the emotions of 12 days of solo hunting that culminated in the killing of an animal I revere. I wanted a good death for him and I did my part.
(https://i.imgur.com/vDcKLHcl.jpg)
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It does not get ANY better than that!
Fine job as always Kevin :thumbsup:
I dread what you are going to have to deal with next though. Moose are a handful with two people to butcher and pack.
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Amazing stuff Kevin.Thanks for sharing it.
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:clapper:
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What a Grand adventure!
Congradulations Kevin & Thanks for takin us along!!
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Great job Kevin! Absolutely amazing the way you relay the story. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on another big bull.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I definitely felt like I was "along for the ride" and it was a great ride! Can't wait for the rest! I am slightly jealous of your adventure! lol. I did learn that I am a social hunter. I like to have friends there. I'm sure you did as well when the packing out began! ;)
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WOW! I felt the tension building in myself. Not many writers are able to create that feeling in their readers. Congratulations on a fabulous experience. Now we have to get him out! :D
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Outstanding... What life is all about... Thank you for letting us ride along. A heart felt congratulations. Jeff
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After approaching the bull and assuring he was dead, I took a few minutes to look him over and appreciate his bulk. I was less interested in his antlers truthfully, as I badly wanted his body for meat. He was in prime condition and I was grateful. I found myself kneeling by him and giving sincere thanks for his sacrifice. I thanked Our Creator for many things, including my safety. I then headed back to camp for a couple sat phone calls and some lunch. I recall walking inside my tipi and sitting down to collect my thoughts. That's when the enormity of it all hit me hard. I sat and just let myself take a well-deserved emotional ride. I'm usually pretty stoic.
I collected my kill kit gear and headed back to the bull. Uh...wait....did I say “bulls”?
(https://i.imgur.com/E1ZzGB7l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4jfyN6Rl.jpg)
Another bull was chasing cows in the valley and he headed my way when he saw me walking out. I played with him a bit but he was far too willing to threaten me so I gave up after some good pics and video. I had to talk to him to convince him it was time to go. All the moose backed off a couple hundred yards but I could see them for hours. The rutting and chasing was impressive. Cow moose were moving around and squalling like alley cats in the valley. I set my bow down and snapped a few pictures.
(https://i.imgur.com/tCM069ml.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BIY11sdl.jpg)
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Fantastic adventure and a wonderfully told story. This is why I went trad. It's about so much more than the kill, and you did a great job of showing that. I just hope to one day be able to make it up there myself. Thanks so much for taking us all along with you.
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Congrats on a great bull, and a lifetime of memories.
Jeff
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That was AWESOME!! Thanks for taking us through your hunt.
Gilbert
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Kevin, simply phenomenal! It brings back so many fond memories and the similarities are very fun. I'll talk to you soon my friend.
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What a wonderful hunt. I imagine most of us if not all here on TG dream of an adventure like this. Thanks so much for posting your story and photos.
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Kevin, I know I posted this over on the PBS site for Bryan's great hunt, but brother it applies to you and your hunt even more so. Nothing at all to detract from Bryan's amazing hunt, but solo just adds more to the equation.
Vance Bourjaily eloquently stated in his article “Hunting is Humane” in the February 15, 1964 issue of the Saturday Evening Post. “..in killing there is no satisfaction. Killing, and this is generally misunderstood, is not pleasure at all if the challenge of hunting does not accompany it.” Most will agree that the feeling of accomplishment, pride, satisfaction, and culmination of a truly successful hunt, is not the size or score of the animal harvested, but in the effort and energy expended in the pursuit! In fact, a truly successful hunt often times does not even include the killing of an animal. Robert Ruark summarized a short anecdotal quotation as follows: “There was a Russian school of acting which once maintained stoutly that a good tragic actor had to suffer. The same must be true of all hunters… The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition.” Theodore Roosevelt was also a student of the chase, as evidenced in the following quote: “Of course in hunting one must expect much hardship and repeated disappointment; and in many a camp, bad weather; lack of shelter; hunger; thirst, or ill success with game, renders the days and nights irksome and trying. Yet the hunter worthy of the name always willingly takes the bitter if by so doing he can get the sweet, and gladly balances failure and success, spurning the poorer souls who know neither.”
Kevin, you are an amazing hunter!
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Kevin,I could close my eyes and felt I was with you the whole way.Bull or no Bull this hunt sounds like it would have been successful either way.
Congrats on a great hunt!!
That ended with the last piece of the puzzle
Randy
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I really, sincerely appreciate the fine comments from everyone...great folks.
Terry you and I have known each other for some time and I value your friendship. You're the complete man...not just hunter...to me. I always appreciate your wisdom, humility, experience and logical counsel. You're a rare man in my book! Thank you.
Now.....
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For the record I'm getting less and less about true 'trophy pictures'....the grip and grin variety. So many of them just seem to be glorifying the hunter's accomplishment. I try to keep it more about realism and documenting....portraying the moments after a kill. Hard to explain I guess. You'll seldom find me seeking the lens. Anyway.....
(https://i.imgur.com/1ga51Ggl.jpg)
So later today let's tackle getting this dude field-processed and back to the staging area. Lots of work to be done and time is narrowing down steadily.
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Almost as impressive as having a bull at 4' and making the shot, is getting a quality photo of yourself and the animal before the work begins. I know I failed miserably at that in August.
Looking forward to seeing the hard part.
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in what you say you capture the essence of the hunt and this is what I wish all hunters could takefrom their archery pursuits. thanks for the sharing!
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Anazing!!! Great story telling about a subject that most of us will only ever dream of.
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WOW!!! Just stunning, pictures, story, values and emotions, I will remember this thread for a long time... THANK YOU
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By far, the best story I have read all year! Thanks for taking the time to take us along with you. Congrats on a fine animal.
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Just an outstanding tale......well told!! :thumbsup: I'm in awe of the whole thing. :notworthy: :notworthy:
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Great story and great photos Kevin.
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What a great story .... felt like I was there
Many thanks and Congrats on a fine hunt and an outstanding moose
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Very cool!
I would be interested in hearing more about your gear and food.
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Wow, just wow...thanks for sharing your journey!
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Well Done and Thank You! :clapper:
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Time to get cutting.
No easy way to do it, but there are certainly ways to make it harder. It starts with completely skinning one side of the bull, followed by removal of the front and rear quarters. These are so heavy on a mature bull that it's usually a 2 man job. With one man I had to get creative, and so I devised a pole system to help me leverage and balance the quarters. It worked pretty well and saved me huge effort.
(https://i.imgur.com/xFRz9Obl.jpg)
The finished rear quarter is off and laying on my sil-nylon tarp I sewed before the hunt.
(https://i.imgur.com/IxRUEjbl.jpg)
One big beautiful backstrap.
(https://i.imgur.com/L7wKI39l.jpg)
One half is complete. I like to photo-document my work in case of future questions about meat recovery. I use the gutless method always and it works. Even the interior tenderloins come out easily and without gutting. Done correctly there is basically no contact with the internal abdomen or contents.
(https://i.imgur.com/USbSFCdl.jpg)
By the way, I recovered the other section of my fir arrow after removing the rib meat. The broadhead was lodged in the opposite ribs.
It was dusk by the time I had half the bull done. I headed for camp and some dinner. Tomorrow would be long and physical.
First thing the next morning I needed to bag 90 pounds of meat. Next I removed the head and set it aside. Tough job with just a knife.
(https://i.imgur.com/dXHpbA0l.jpg)
The bull died with his body parallel to a small gulch. I needed to flip him but doing so would put him in the gulch. No chance of that, so I needed to pull him. Pulling gear is part of my kit now, so I went to work. I set 4 anchors in the ground in a semi-curve, then attached a double pulley to the anchors.
(https://i.imgur.com/xo4bDMel.jpg)
Next I made a 'moose noose' and slipped it on his leg above the hoof. I clipped in a carabiner holding a single pulley and a locking device. The rope I used was 3/16 Dyneema with over 5,000# tensile strength. I used this rig to turn the carcass 90 degrees and away from the gulch.
(https://i.imgur.com/4trtOJ3l.jpg)
More work. I had to flip the carcass next. I had a plan and used it. A pole (and noose) helped me elevate the rear leg and get the hip up some. I got it as far as possible and 'set' the pole. All that remained was for me to hopefully have enough strength to raise the front leg/shoulder and power the whole mass up and over. It worked and I triumphantly flopped his body over. Skin...quarter...bone...bag...work steadily until completed.
I ended up with 10 bags of prime moose meat. A quick breather and I started backpacking the meat to the staging area. I spent the rest of the day packing meat and the head, followed by setting up an electric fence. It was a 13 hour day and I was definitely beaten down at the end...but I had done what I set out to do. I slept like a dead man sleeps.
(https://i.imgur.com/TeacJivl.jpg)
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Thanks for taking the time to post the story and pictures.
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Congratulations on a beautiful bull, I had a feeling the story would involve a kill. It looks like a lot of good eating, I hope you roasted some over a nice fire to celebrate!
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There is so much more to the story than a notched moose harvest tag, but it's a privilege to do one.
(https://i.imgur.com/p8pJ7r5l.jpg)
All the work was done by the end of the 21st. Bad weather held me in camp until the 23rd when my pilot sailed in and got me out. I hadn't seen another human in 15 full days. I was almost unprepared for conversation. Meat, antlers gear and hunter eventually made the ride out.
I recall taking a last look at my valley before climbing into the Cub. I knew I would miss it soon. It's now a part of my hunting life and memories.
(https://i.imgur.com/5olB8Jfl.jpg)
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Wow, thanks!
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I don't think a story could be documented in a finer matter. Well done.
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Great adventure, thanks for taking us along.
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In the end.
Moose hunting is tough. Solo hunting is tough. Combine them and you've got yourself a challenge. Doing it with a bow only makes the killing less likely. I know I beat the odds several times here.
Old Alaska. I never thought I'd see it. That river never leaves me now. I woke up in camp on the 23rd. By day's end I was in street clothes and sitting in a fine restaurant with friends. There was no sign I was a hunter. The restaurant was noisy and I enjoyed the people....the televisions....the chatter. Still...there was a moment where I dropped away mentally and the sounds faded. I was back standing along my river and hearing the steady gurgle and rush over rocks. Longbow in hand, the sun was warm on my face. Then I heard laughter and my name....and the valley became a memory until my hopeful return.
Thanks for following my adventure.
(https://i.imgur.com/rv23gUHl.jpg)
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No, thank you for taking us along.
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Thank you for sharing...
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Couldn't have been detailed any better! Thanks for taking us along on this awesome adventure! Congrats on your accomplishment!
Nick
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Great story Kevin. Congratulations on doing it the way all of us dream about. Thanks for taking us along.
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Wow, just wow and thank you.
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Kevin that was by far one of the best stories I've read in a long while. I'm so glad you decided to take us along on the hunt (vicariously).
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Good job showing all that happens after the moose is on the ground.
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That is an absolutely awesome adventure! Your story and pics were as good as it gets!
Congrats to you on a fine hunt!!!
Bisch
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Thank you Kevin for sharing your journey with us and making me long to be where you've been.
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What a great story and adventure. Congrats on the fine trophy and I am so grateful you have taken us along.
My sincerest thanks.
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Awesome story. Awesome pics. Congrats on a beautiful bull. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. What kind of shelter is that?
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What a fantastic story, felt like I was almost there with your pictures!!! Congrats on the bull! Perhaps one day!...
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You couldn't have wrote a finer story and I felt like I was with you the whole way through..CONGRATULATIONS on such a fantastic animal,harvest and for taking us along on your journey!!WELL DONE!! :clapper: :clapper:
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Awesome hunt and awesome job! Making the right moves at 4 feet is not easy. That hunt can really fuel the soul...
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Kevin would you mind detailing, (maybe in a separate thread?) the gear you and equipment you used. It would be really helpful to get first hand experience of brands and systems that have worked for you out in the bush.
Congratulations that was an epic 13 days! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!
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WOW what an experience! Thanks for sharing and a big congratulations to you.
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What you have accomplished is something we as hunters can only dream of doing someday,My hat is off to you. That truly was an adventurous story and well done. Congratulations and by the way love the picture with the Case pocket knife and the tag as I am a knife nut. lou
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That was a great hunting story, loved it! Thank you for taking the time I do it!
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Kevin, thank you for those of us who may never get there. It was truly an honor to read and see your story. You are a fine ambassador for our way of life. Congratulations on all of it!
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Incredible Kevin, Just WOW!! Enjoyed reading it all and Congrats on the fine Moose
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Outstanding Kevin, one of the finest stories I have read. Congratulations on a great hunt and fine bull.
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My Gawd! What an adventure, and what a story. Simply doesn't get any better. Good for you. Thanks for taking us along. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Wow, Kevin! You may say that you're not a writer, but your story says otherwise. That was a truly impressive adventure, and you captured it as well as anyone could. Great photos, too. Congratulations and thank you.
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Amazing!!! Fantastic story and adventure.
Thanks Kevin
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Excellent story and pics Kev. Very excellent execution of your hunt. Impressed with how clean that hind quarter looks after it came off. Thanks for sharing!
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That was an incredible account of an amazing adventure Kevin! All of us are in awe of your woodsmanship and all around skill as a hunter. Kudos to an outdoorsman we certainly admire and aspire to emulate! Well done!!!
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Lots of friends here. Thank you all sincerely. Every comment is appreciated.
I give a lot of credit to PBS and those who went before me. Those men and women are directly responsible for many of the adventures I enjoy now.
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God Almighty What a Hunt!!! I really don't know what else to say. I am stirred deep within my soul! Thank you Kevin....thank you.
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Best thread in a long time. Just amazing. Your picture with the bull is a classic. Very well done. I love it. Your pic of the leaning pine tree reminds me of Fred's hunts. Credit your Caribow for coming thru again. Amazing bow in the hands of an amazing hunter.
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What a helluva story!
Surpassed only by the actual experience.
Thank you for enriching us all.
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Kevin Dill, If you ever want to hunt pigs under a corn feeder in Texas please let me know. What's mine is yours. You are my hero.
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Congrats on the moose and super job on sharing it with us all. Really appreciate it.
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As everybody else as said,what a great story and hunt.Thank You
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What a great read. I'm glad I didn't see the thread until you were done. I read it from start to finish.
Congrats on a fine bull. Thanks for taking us along.
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Amazing hunt, amazing story, great Job! Congrats on a great Moose and a great hunt! Thanks for taking us all along with you!
LD
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The story that my dreams are made of. Congrats on such an adventure
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Congratulations and thank you for sharing. I felt like I was there... Just an amazing hunt and story.
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Thank you Kevin for taking the time. It means a great deal to all of us here.
Congrats. Just breath taking.
Dan in KS
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Congrats and thanks for sharing the adventure with us.
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Kevin, Very nice job. That last black and white photo and the text that went with it, struck a nerve with me. I have hunted solo in the wilderness for decades, but connected with this awsome story. I can smell the strong scent of that rutting bull, and taste the tenderloins. Thanks, from a fellow PBSer. Mike
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Wow, awesome story and documentation. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Great story. I enjoyed it, thanks for sharing.
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All the way around...simply superb. I really admire you folks who do these solo hunts in such wilderness. Truly something that we should all experience yet many won't or can't. Thank you so much for taking the time in telling such a grand story.
Bill-
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Great story w/ great pics...looks like you could've lived off of fresh trout the whole time if you wanted?
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Outstanding job all around, Kevin. I really enjoyed the story and admire your perseverance.
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Epic.
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Unbelievable ride! I'm glad you let us come along.
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Don't lie to yourself, you are a writer, and have done a great job. Thanks for taking us along on a hunt of a lifetime.
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Thank you for your great story and adventure.Every hunters dream right there. Great job. Congratulations!
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Congratulations Kevin!...for the bull you took and that superb job of storytelling..you wanted to take us along with you and you did exactly that. Well done sir!
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Excellent story telling. Great bull. You are a true champion.
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Wow congrats that's amazing thanks for such a detailed story
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Incredible story, and very well told. What an adventure it must have been. Congrats on achieving your goal.
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Oh Man Kev! That was incredible. Well told story of your adventure! Definately something I one day wish to partake in! I'm so happy for you sir! Many congratulations and well done!
:thumbsup: :campfire:
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Really enjoyed your story,well done.
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As one who has spent prolonged periods in the Alaskan bush all by my lonesome, I had the privilege of reliving some of those times by reading this account. I thank you sir!
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I don't comment much but I have to comment on this thread...incredible!!
Congratulations on a wonderful journey, hunt, adventure and experience of a lifetime.
Well told and and we'll done!!!
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Very well done sir , Congrats on a great adventure ....
,,,Sam,,,
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It has all pretty much been said, I agree with most everything previously written so I'll just say "thanks" Kevin.
Gary
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:thumbsup: perfect.
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Great story with stunning pictures!
You are truly blessed.
Congratulations
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You definitely have a gift for story telling. Truly Outstanding!
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Wow. Thanks for sharing with us Kevin, there are a lifetime of memories that you will cherish forever from this hunt.
Congrats, and thanks for letting us be a part of it.
David
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Well done :campfire:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Thanks Kevin, You're story is awing. Thanks again and Congrats.
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Hunting thread of 2016!
Well done Kevin. I once saw a Shiras moose cross the road while driving when I was in Canada in 2008. The thing was huge. I can only imagine how big an Alaskan moose looks when viewed through the sight window of a longbow at 4 feet.
I like everyone else here enjoyed the journey.
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Mate, well done.
Your story was beautiful and gave the moose dignity.
Thanks for sharing the adventure.
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Clint and Benny...a couple classy Aussies and I appreciate your comments. Too bad there isn't a moose population in Australia...I know how you guys love physically large game. Some day I hope to go up against your buffalo...it's a dream.
And to all my friends here...PBS or otherwise...thanks again for following along and for your comments. I'm humbled.
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Well done Kevin. Thanks for sharing your great adventure. Nose to nose with a rutting bull, must have been an awesome experience.
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Wow Kevin.
The thread was a rare combination of a dream hunt, stunning pictures and beautifully told. Well done mate,
Memo.
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Way to go Kevin.... I always look forward yo your adventures! Thanks for taking us along
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AWESOME story and bull!!! Congrats brother! :thumbsup: :notworthy: :clapper:
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That pulley caught my interest Kevin. I've been looking for one like this. Who makes it or where can I find one?
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pm sent to snag
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Congrats on your solo hunt and THANKS for taking us along - great job.
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Well done Sir... Thank you much, for so vividly taking us along.
:archer2:
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Awesome job Kevin! Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Outstanding!!!RC
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That is something to dream about right there! Incredible! SS
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Outstanding. Well done Kevin.
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Congratulations Kevin on a hard earned memory. You sure did that old bull justice by your detailed account.
Further more, thanks putting this out there in the interest of promoting the PBS. The PBS is without a doubt the best organization to hang out with true die hard bowhunters.
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Epic! :thumbsup:
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Great stuff! Very inspirational. On my bucket list for sure!
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Excellent job in helping us get the 'feel' of the hunt! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us...
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That was a helluva bull and an even better story! Congrats and thanks for sharing.
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Great story as always!! Between you and Bryan Burkhardt, my heads about to explode!! Congratulations on a great adventure !!
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Originally posted by Sean B:
Great story as always!! Between you and Bryan Burkhardt, my heads about to explode!! Congratulations on a great adventure !!
I know right???? LOL and to Think, Monty has a story to tell as well. I can't take it any more.
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Thank you ,Sir, for taking time to relive this adventure for us. Most of us will never experience such an adventure. I was completely "there" with you last night when I read the posts about the kill. My daughter thought I was a little strange when I was reading on the computer and started breathing funny. She's 19 and not into hunting at all. She loved your photos and said the photos with the kill were very respectful. She even looked at the butchering process and was asking how one guy could do all that. She has seen me butcher deer and domestic pigs, but realizes a Moose is way beyond that.
Well done Kevin!
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Any close bear encounters?
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Originally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Any close bear encounters?
Didn't see a single bruin. I did see 3 wolves near camp one day.
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Kevin,
Thanks for sharing an awesome adventure. Made me feel like I was there.(I wish!)
Don't kid yourself, you're a great writer/storyteller. Glad you didn't try to outdo some of Monty's adventures.
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Great job on field processing the meat. Doesn't look like much was left for the wolves! :thumbsup:
I'm interested in your pull kit if you could elaborate?
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Kevin,thanks ever so much for doing this for all of us.I've never been to Alaska,but experienced many great hunts in British Columbia,reminds me of the old days with my father,thanks again for rekindling the memories and congrats on a great adventure and a wonderful moose.The next 2 weeks I'll be helping my son in law fill his Moose tag here in southern Sask. I've applied for close to 30 years and never been drawn.My son-in-law got drawn his first year applying.
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"I've applied for close to 30 years and never been drawn.My son-in-law got drawn his first year applying."
Something wrong with that system!
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Gun your so right.Once your in Super A pool everyones name is just thrown into ahat.I really wished they used a priority point system.5000 applied for only 10 permits in this zone.Like trying to win the lottery.
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Well...now I've been on a solo moose hunt.
Thank You Sir :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Originally posted by Mojo Rising:
I'm interested in your pull kit if you could elaborate?
First off I don't have any supporting images to speak of.
I bought 150' of 3/16" 100% Dyneema rope. It's stout enough to winch a Jeep or truck.
I bought a small single pulley and a double pulley. Both have aluminum sheaves. They are Bluewater units.
I bought a CamJam XL (XT?) which is a combination carabiner/pulley/locker. It's not really a pulley but serves the same purpose. It has a locking mechanism which holds the rope from back-slipping when you pull. That's important.
A couple of decent sized quality aluminum carabiners from REI are handy.
Since moose die where they will, you're not guaranteed of a stout tree or other anchor in exactly the right place. You need ground anchors. I brought 4 pieces of 18" aluminum conduit to drive in the ground. The problem was rocks after about 12". The anchors held but they bent in a couple cases. So I'm still looking to improve my anchor system. I just ordered some Wolf Fang anchors to try during the off season. In any event I would bring 4 anchors every time to distribute the pulling pressure.
With a single pulley, double pulley and the CamJam I can create a 4:1 pulling advantage. After the first pulley, every pulley basically reduces pulling effort by 50%. It's not entirely that simple, but 3 pulleys will allow me to pull 1000 pounds of resistance with 250 pounds of effort. A fourth pulley drops that to 125 pounds. Things like friction, angle, pulley efficiency etc will all reduce the advantage somewhat.
Also you could theoretically use 550 (pound) paracord to pull 2,000 pounds in a 4:1 system. That's because there are essentially 4 lines traveling between the pulleys and each of the lines is handling 1/4 of the total load...or resistance.
All my pulling gear goes in a zippered bag just big enough to hold it. That way I've got it all if I need it.
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Congratulations on a great hunt with awesome pictures and story!
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Great story and pics thanks for sharing.
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Great story! Just the type of hunt that my soul needs. Thanks for sharing!
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One of my dream hunts. Congrats on the fine bull and safe trip. Thank you for sharing!
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Originally posted by Kevin Dill:
Originally posted by Mojo Rising:
I'm interested in your pull kit if you could elaborate?
First off I don't have any supporting images to speak of.
I bought 150' of 3/16" 100% Dyneema rope. It's stout enough to winch a Jeep or truck.
I bought a small single pulley and a double pulley. Both have aluminum sheaves. They are Bluewater units.
I bought a CamJam XL (XT?) which is a combination carabiner/pulley/locker. It's not really a pulley but serves the same purpose. It has a locking mechanism which holds the rope from back-slipping when you pull. That's important.
A couple of decent sized quality aluminum carabiners from REI are handy.
Since moose die where they will, you're not guaranteed of a stout tree or other anchor in exactly the right place. You need ground anchors. I brought 4 pieces of 18" aluminum conduit to drive in the ground. The problem was rocks after about 12". The anchors held but they bent in a couple cases. So I'm still looking to improve my anchor system. I just ordered some Wolf Fang anchors to try during the off season. In any event I would bring 4 anchors every time to distribute the pulling pressure.
With a single pulley, double pulley and the CamJam I can create a 4:1 pulling advantage. After the first pulley, every pulley basically reduces pulling effort by 50%. It's not entirely that simple, but 3 pulleys will allow me to pull 1000 pounds of resistance with 250 pounds of effort. A fourth pulley drops that to 125 pounds. Things like friction, angle, pulley efficiency etc will all reduce the advantage somewhat.
Also you could theoretically use 550 (pound) paracord to pull 2,000 pounds in a 4:1 system. That's because there are essentially 4 lines traveling between the pulleys and each of the lines is handling 1/4 of the total load...or resistance.
All my pulling gear goes in a zippered bag just big enough to hold it. That way I've got it all if I need it. [/b]
I use the dyneema rope on all my climbing sticks. Its the strongest, skinniest, hollow, spliceable rope I've ever seen or used.
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Great story and good job!
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Thanks again for taking us along Kevin... what a ride...
Jonathan
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Well done in every way...Story, hunt, equipment, perserverance and respect for the animal!
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Probably one of the best stories ever told here. Great job Kevin. Guys, Kevin and Steve O both made a very good point about the P.B.S. I'm only an associate member but I annually turn down hunts that I otherwise would never have dreamed of. Someday I will make more of them. That certainly isn't the best reason to consider joining the P.B.S. but it is a nice perk. P.B.S. Is comprised of some of the finest bowhunters on the plannet and these guys have done it all so there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained.
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Thanks for the info on your kit!
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A truly inspiring read, only enhanced by the amazing photos.
Taking photos on a big trip like that in all types of weather and conditions can sometimes be a pain, but our dreams and your memories have benifited greatly because of your effort .
Thank you .
Regards
Mark
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Excellent job with your hunt preparations, the actual hunt and the story telling with great photos. You sure represent traditional bow hunters and the PBS well. Did you book the pilot for a return in 2017?
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Kevin,
Finally had a chance to read all about your adventure!
Congrats on an amazing experience and a ton of hard earned moose meat as well as memories that will last a lifetime!
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Wow, what a great thread! Actually like someone else mentioned I felt like I was right there with you! Incredible adventure and written account of it! Thanks for sharing!
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Just a fantastic story and hunt Kevin! Congratulations on a fine bull!
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Well done,great animal,great story.
Thanks
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Lord willing I will be back there in 49 weeks. I'm missing it already.
And again...sincere thanks to you for the nice comments and for reading this. I hope some of you are motivated by this story and kickstart your own Alaska dream-come-true.
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Kevin,
You told the story well!
I can't thank you enough for allowing us to join you on this journey!
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Thank you very much for sharing an incredible adventure. Congratulations on a successful hunt.
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My planning started after the PBS banquet in March of this year. A tremendous amount of logistics and research has to be done for the first timer. My first trip is planned with a fellow PBS member and more planning starts in October after their bow season.
I sat down and had a discussion with my boss just this week, she was complaining about Jeff and I planning three hunting trips and being out of the Department at the same time. I told her that I would not be elk hunting with Jeff next year but I would be going to Alaska. Problem solved.
Kevin, it is people like you that truly inspire us to fulfill lifetime dreams as a Bowhunter.
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Kevin
Great adventure. By the way what was the cot/pad combo you used.
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Kevin, what an amazing adventure & hunt. You have the gift of telling the story that makes us feel like we were right there by your side. The photos make it all come to life. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing adventure with us.
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Originally posted by tracker12:
Kevin
Great adventure. By the way what was the cot/pad combo you used.
LuxuryLite cot. Exped Downmat 9LW.
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Im always late to the party but glad I found this thread. Great story and well told. Congratulations.
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Kevin, I really enjoyed your story. For your anchor system have you looked into using a load sharing anchor system. Using this you can get much more out of your stakes or you can even use small bushes for your anchor. We used a similar anchor in a whitewater rescue class that I took and it was amazing how much pull you could put on a few small bushes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds0uWXZIcZM
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Kevin, I really enjoyed your story. For your anchor system have you looked into using a load sharing anchor system. Using this you can get much more out of your stakes or you can even use small bushes for your anchor. We used a similar anchor in a whitewater rescue class that I took and it was amazing how much pull you could put on a few small bushes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds0uWXZIcZM
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Absolutely awesome hunt and story ! Thank you so much for sharing something most of us can only dream of doing.
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What an awesome story and bull! Congratulations and well done!
-Jay
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Well done Sir!
Congratulations all around. Thank you for sharing.
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Fantastic!
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Jeff,
I am fairly sure Kevin, Bryan, and Monte, all have the pilot booked until they are too old to hunt. While talking to Monte on the air strip on the way out he said he is 68 and will be back next year. I am booked with the same pilot for the next two years and have the option to keep extending as I want. The pilot is in high demand, I let my place lapse after my hunt in 2012 and it took 2 ½ years to get Hunters and my hunt this year.
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Walt is right. Getting into good moose areas is every bit as hard as finding some place to reliably hunt giant whitetails or elk with no competition. These moose see few or no humans in a year and they act like normal moose...not that there was ever a 'normal' moose in that sense. Once you get into a spot you either keep going back or it's one-and-done. I left my previous spot (Bryan and I hunted there) and had no option for moose in 2015. I 'settled' for caribou. I was extremely fortunate that my pilot decided to find me a new area and go to the trouble of opening a new airstrip there. Trust me...that just doesn't happen in your lifetime. That's a big part of what made my solo hunt and success very special. I'm still pinching myself.
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Yep once you find the "spot" you lock it up for a generation. John and I had the same thing this year. Pilot opened a new spot for moose that had never been hunted. We are going back for many years to come.
Mike
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Originally posted by Kevin Dill:
JT and others...you know better than to gulp the good stuff. Sip and savor....
I am just back from a hunt myself and this is the first hunt report I am reading and the one I have been most anticipating.
I just turned to page 2, and see I have 16 pages yet to read. I know it should be sipped, but I can't help myself - I'm going to gulp this one down as fast as I can!!
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You know you have read a well told story when you can feel chills run down your spine and tears of joy fill your eyes as you finish. This one brought those feeling and more for me.
Last week during my own moose hunt I was telling my partner about what you were up to this year. I am forwarding this to him so he can see how it all turned out.
Congratulations my friend! Not just on a fine bull, but on the detailed planning, facing the challenges, and conquering fears, physical and mental hurdles every step of the way. Well done! I am just so darn proud and happy for you!
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Thanks a bunch Joe! I know there was some luck in there and I'm okay with that. I think I might need to shorten my draw length and arrows for those close-in shots....don't you?
And I am happy tonight. Nearly 400 pounds of superb moose meat is waiting at the airport for me.
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epic adventure, excellent photos, all brought back to life through your words. That is what its all about. Enormous achievment and life experience. Congrats are an understatement.
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Wow....... truly a fantastic adventure and narration. A sincere congratulations, Kevin.
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Kevin. Beautifully written story. Excellent photos. Great skill shown in the field. You have much to be proud of. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
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Originally posted by Kevin Dill:
I hope some of you are motivated by this story and kickstart your own Alaska dream-come-true.
DIY Alaska would be a dream come true for sure. Though as a non resident alien it's never going to happen for me unfortunately. People like me see this story and dream while living the experience through wonderful threads like this. Thank you.
Everyone has their own unique opportunities, grab them while you can, I have.
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Have spent the last 3 months moving to northern Idaho and finally got my computer set up and back on line. Kevin's story was the second one I read and wow how I've missed Trad Gang. Kevin you made my day with your pictures and story, what an great experience. God bless you!
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I'm not even sure what I want to say here..except thank you for writing that in such a way that it felt like I did it, and not you....
I totally agree that is likely the best hunting story I have ever read here.
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Originally posted by Russ Clagett:
I'm not even sure what I want to say here..except thank you for writing that in such a way that it felt like I did it, and not you....
I totally agree that is likely the best hunting story I have ever read here.
I can not say it any better than that.
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Great Stuff !!
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Wow!!!! What an experience! I felt like I was there with you a few times. A crazy busy work schedule has kept me away from tradgang for a while. I had the opportunity to set down and read your whole experience at one time. Well done sir! Congrats on a huge accomplishment!
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Great story Kevin. You did a heck of a job all around.
Deno
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Simply outstanding! I have dreamed of a hunt like this most of my life. Thanks for sharing!
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Wow...awesome thanks for sharing...now I wanna go!
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Outstanding!!! Why I joined Tradgang. Thank you
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What an amazing well told hunt! Thank you for sharing with us! As mentioned before, probably the best thread I've read this year on Tradgang!
Bernie
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Incredible adventure and storytelling. Thank you for sharing something I can only dream of! Simply awesome!
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Great adventure...and it rates up there with the best told hunting stories I've seen.
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Thanks sincerely for the comments. I don't do many stories but always hope I can make someone feel what it's like to be in my boots. 15 days without seeing another human would test most people I think. I was tested, though the solo part of it wasn't an issue. I never grew lonely or dispirited. I just kept to my routine and hunted as hard as possible.
I've never been Mr Last Minute Hero. Killing the bull on day 12 amounted to a semi-miracle and I recognize that. I consider that bull a gift and even a sacrifice. The close encounter is beyond anything I've experienced.
So today I have a big freezer loaded with moose meat which I value greatly. I brought home 5 loaded coolers of meat from the processor. I am a lot more excited by that than anything...even the beautiful rack & skull which will ship down to me sometime in early winter.
I hope you all have a great hunting season. KD
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:shaka:
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Kevin,
How, or I should say, with whom do you ship the horns and meat?
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PM sent Walt.
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That would be good info Walt.
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This is one of the best stories/go along Ive read :)
Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
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Congrats :thumbsup:
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Kevin, I've just now seen this post. Wonderful job of documenting your hunt and doing it all alone brings double kudos! Congratulations from someone who fully appreciates just how darned hard your accomplishment is.
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looks like an incredible adventure kevin. thanks for sharing and congrates.
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Originally posted by John Havard:
Kevin, I've just now seen this post. Wonderful job of documenting your hunt and doing it all alone brings double kudos! Congratulations from someone who fully appreciates just how darned hard your accomplishment is.
Well I for sure know YOU understand what it's like to work hard for a big bull in Alaska. Even the easiest moose isn't easy. I tried to offset the 'hard' parts by employing as much 'smart' as possible. Experience is certainly the best of all teachers. It also helps to have fine friends who share their knowledge. Thanks John!
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Thank you for sharing the great story Kevin.
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Wow what a hunt and great story and pic's
:clapper:
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Most excellent Sir! Outstanding story and pictures. :thumbsup:
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Just read all of this. Fantastic job. You got me interested in a pulley system again for my elk hunting At 60, heavy stuff on steep hillsides is not at easy to muscle around.
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Awesome story thanks for sharing!
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Thank You Kevin and Congratulations!
I've enjoyed your hunting adventure.
Such a pleasure following along and very much appreciated.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!
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my mouth is watering !
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Wow! Just awesome!
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I really appreciate you sharing the hunt with us. I have been fortunate enough to spend time way out in Alaska doing fly fishing float trips but I certainly recognize the difference in your wilderness experience. Man I loved it. Looking at your sleeping cot or whatever it is reminds me of trying to sleep in a bag on the tundra where it feels like you are sleeping on dried sea sponges of all shapes and sizes. And I am with you on coming back with meat. A good hunt and meat is far more relevant than trophy horns.
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Words cannot describe how good that was! Make sure you publish that one my friend. Most impressive.
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What an incredible adventure. Thanks for taking me along!!!!!
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I'm serious, I just went back and reread this again. The most amazing thing I have ever read. Congrats again. I will relate this to the first time I ever saw someone shoot a recurve on a hog hunt I went to. AMAZING!
If there are books out there with stories like this please tell me so I can read them.
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This is by far the best hunt I've read about in a very long time!
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Wow! What a great read, thanks for sharing and congrats on your bull!!
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I'm glad this came up to the top again .
I needed to read it .
Wonder adventure .
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Hi!
You made a perfect story about a perfect trip - would like to say a flawless planning of a trip and good experience about life in general is a canvas here and living the good life in the bush is the artwork - my hat off, Sir !
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One of these days i will see one of you on the big strip. Ive missed by one day! Lol.
Next time when u guys over night in fairbanks holler!
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Kevin, Congratulations on a fantastic hunt and truly great documentation of the story. Your pictures are outstanding and show an appreciation for the land. You sell yourself short in your storytelling ability. I have followed your adventures for years and you have a way of making me feel like I am there. Fine job, sir!
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Wonderful. Inspiring. Beautiful. Many, many thanks to you for the tale. It filled my cup this New Year's Day.
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I love your hunting stories and pics Kevin! Thanks for taking us along on your adventure...
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Outstanding documentation and story telling. Very inspirational! Congrats to you Sir.
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Fantastic hunt and bull Kevin. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing! That was excellent and congratulations.
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I just tuned in and I am nearly speechless. Your passion and respect for bowhunting and all of Gods creation is beyond admiration. Congratulations on a magnificent moose, and I want to say thank you Kevin for taking us along on an incredible journey.
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Thanks for the story, Kevin. Congratulations. It looks incredible.
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Kevin
Great story telling. Amazin' pics also.
Deno
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Great story and photos could you let us folks that are going to Alaska in 2017 what equipment you used? looking for what boots you used.
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Congratulations again,this was a great story. The moose stew looks awesome,great gift idea.
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Just came upon this thread, what a story and adventure. Congrats on your epic hunt and thanks for the tale.
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wow. Just read this again. You should really write books.
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Those look great!
Great story as well, just read it again.
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Impressive!
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I'm glad this thread came to the top. I've been on a few backcountry jounts in Ak, but never with a tag in my pocket and never more than 7 days. There's something definitive about that kind of backcountry that words can't describe. It fills you with a feeling of satisfaction that no other place can. Thanks for sharing your story, it was uplifting and I needed that.
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Wow. Thanks. I rifle hunted Nelchina 33 years ago. Backpacker in 2 days. Stalked in range of a nice bull.then thought about shooting an animal the size of a VW 2 days from pickup point, and the wanton waste laws. Just watched him walk. Hats off to you
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Is it possible to get a copy of this article ( with pics ) ??
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Great story, but the pictures would sure have made it.
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This was the best thread I've read on any forum. The pictures were great too. Crummy photobucket robbed us of them.
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Images restored.
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thank you Kevin! I reread it again the pictures are great with the hunting story! :campfire:
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Yes,thanks Kevin. I reread it too and thanks for getting the pics back. Jim
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:clapper: :clapper: Thanks Kevin for the restoration
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:campfire:
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THANKS again Kevin :clapper:
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Kevin, You are blessed to be able to do a hunt like that, we are blessed that you are the type of guy to share it with us, thank you for an excellent job.
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Wow I really enjoyed reading that again!
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This is one of my all time favorite threads.
Kevin, thanks for bringing the pictures back, it is appreciated!
You going to the PBS Banquet?
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DP
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Great read Kevin! You should get that published.
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Incredible hunt, thanks for sharing Kevin. I find myself coming back to this thread often. Thanks for updating the posts with pics!!
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This is an AWESOME story
Thank you
F-Manny
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This is an AWESOME story
Thank you
F-Manny
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Great story. I picture well painted.
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I have just read your story and can only dream of such adventures, that has to be truly amazing thanks for sharing, regards wayne
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So happy for you Kevin! Thank you so much for your great story , that is what it's all about, sharing your love of our sport with others. Yes a moose is one of my greatest dreams and I am so happy for anyone that pulls it off. Thanks
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What a great thread. Better than most hunting books I've read. Thanks for putting us over your shoulder to enjoy the experience :thumbsup:
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Very well done. Classic
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Fantastic read!
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Finding this gem while stoking the wood stove early on a chilly January morning made my day better. What an adventure! :archer2:
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Just reread this and brought it back to the top. What an excellent read!
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Kevin! Looking to try this in 2026. This was an amazing hunt and thanks so much for sharing.
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Excellent! Thank you again these years later!
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It's a great story. What an adventure it must have been. I haven't heard anything from Kevin in a long time. I was looking forward to a few more stories like that.
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A true beyond gem of and adventure and story. Big thanks for takin time out too share and post it with us . Again thank you SIR '''''''.