Maine Moose Hunt...YES!!!

[Craig Warren]

Yes, I got a tag.  I think that may have been the hard part since I have been applying for 27 years.  

Anway, my plan is to use an original Bear Razorhead from a package that my mom gave me when I was 14 years old.  I shot my first dear with a razorhead from that same package when I was 15 years old.  By the way, that was 50 years ago.  So, YES, I'm gettin' old. It is hard to to believe that I am just as old as Gene and Barry, maybe even a week or two older.  

So I need some help with a couple of questions.  First, to those who have had first hand experience with moose and stickbows, should I use the optional "bleeder blade" insert or use the broadhead as a two blade?  There will only be about 20 gr. difference without the bleeder and that's not my concern since I will still be over 10 gr. per pound.  I'll be shooting about 50 pounds and the arrow, without the bleeder, weighs 540gr.   My concern is lack of penetration because of the bleeder.  

My next question:  If I decide to use the bleeder, where can I buy some?  There are none left in the package and it's been a long time since they have been produced.

Craig

[Mohawkbows]

Congratulations Craig...I have been applying for moose almost as long as you.....must feel great to finally pull the tag! If you need some bleeders let me know, I never used em.

[adeeden]

Craig, if it was me I would use them as a 2 blade for optimum penetration but don't take my word for it as I have never been lucky enough to hunt something as big as moose!

With that being said if you decide you want to use the bleeders shoot me a PM I have 8 brand new ones I would gladly send your way. Well brand new as they have never been shot anyway!

[Steve O]

Craig,

Weren't those bleeders designed especially for BIG things just like your moose will be?  If they hit something hard, they shear off.  If not, the give you added cutting surface.  I think I would go with them just as Mr. Bear meant them to be used.

[steadman]

Congrats on the tag! Looking forward to pics and story!

[Dick Langer]

Craig congrats! Your bleeder blades will work fine. By the way which zone did you draw in?

[d. ward]

Congrats on the moose tag.I personaly like to use the bleeder blades they help cut a bit larger hole in the hide then a 2 blade.
Yes as mentioned the bleeder blades were designed to snap off if they hit bone.bd

[Bill Carlsen]

Craig: Good deal. Will you be at the Poke and Hope? If so find me and we can talk moose. I got one two seasons ago and have another tag for this year as well. Just for the record, I used a three blade Razorcap and the moose was down in three strides. Use the inserts and just put the arrow where it belongs. What part of Maine will you be hunting?

This is where the real work begins!!!!!!

 

[Bill Carlsen]

Craig: Good deal. Will you be at the Poke and Hope? If so find me and we can talk moose. I got one two seasons ago and have another tag for this year as well. Just for the record, I used a three blade Razorcap and the moose was down in three strides. Use the inserts and just put the arrow where it belongs. What part of Maine will you be hunting?

[maineac]

Craig,
    Congrats on the tag!  I have only been applying for 20 years, guess I have seven more years to go before I draw       I plan on being at the poke and hope on Sat. morning.  I will bring some bleeders for a satelitte two blade that I believe is actually a bear head under a different name. If they fit I will send you off with some.

[Craig Warren]

Thanks for the advice guys.  Looks like the concensus is to use the bleeders which is what I'll probably do.  My main concern was that I would have to shoot light poundage because of rotator cuff surgery a couple of months ago. I'm back up to about 40# now and I think I will make 50 by the season.  At the lower weights, I was afraid I might not get the penetration needed in a big animal like a moose.  But As Steve O reminded me, the bleeders will fold if they hit bone.
Bill & Maineac, I will be at Poke n Hope on Saturday also and look forward to seeing you.

Vince,  Good to hear from you.  I'd be happy to pay the going rate, whatever that is.  Let me know?  These have to fit the Original glue-on razorheads from the 50's.

Don, What's the best way to get the bleeders really sharp?  They never seemed to be that sharp out of the package as I recall from the old days.  Will you be at Denton Hill this year?

Thanks again for all your help.

Craig

[Steve O]

Craig, you have some awesome incentive for rehabilitation!  I'd get a KME sharpener for any sharpening task.  Looking forward to the hero shots!

[d. ward]

My favorite tool for sharpening the bleeder blades is the Cutmaster sold by Bear Archery and many others as well.
Don't want to hijack your thread but here's a Bear Razorhead and whats left of the bleeder after passing through a black bear in Canada two weeks ago.bd  

[Craig Warren]

Dick,
I drew zone 1--The Allagash area way, way up north.  Bull tag in the early season.  Hopin' they are still coming to a call.

Did you draw too?  
Craig

[Bill Carlsen]

Craig: the best tool I have found to get the bleeders  (and the main blades) razor sharp is the KME sharpener. I'll bring it with me to the Poke and Hope so you can see it.

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Craig,

I shot clean through my moose (twice actually) with 2-blade heads, and I can't imagine him being any less dead with a 4-blade model. But ultimately, use whatever gives you the most confidence.

[Dick Langer]

No craig I did not draw but was lucky in 2001 after about 20yrs of applieing getting zone 2.I used a 2blade with a bleeder and it worked fine.Was zone 1 your first choice,also will you be self guiding?