Author Topic: Alaska Moose Bowhunt 2018 (Read 8021 times)

Herdbull · « **Reply #20 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:13:46 PM »

He was not sure about what his instincts were telling him to do. This could have been the first time he ever heard a cow in heat. Nature is wonderful thing!

Brian got in position for a shot.

wislnwings · « **Reply #21 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:14:15 PM »

Enjoying this one. Definitely a dream hunt for me.

Herdbull · « **Reply #22 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:22:39 PM »

It was great practice should this have been a legal bull. Brian maintained his undefined form, as I grunted the call in. At less than 30 yards the bull broke into the open and Brian successfully completed his draw! But, he soon let up as we watched the bull run off.

Herdbull · « **Reply #23 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:25:06 PM »

Then a final look back!

Stickbow · « **Reply #24 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:44:09 PM »

Herdbull · « **Reply #25 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:45:32 PM »

Above the look-out ridge the mountain face goes way up and then there is shelf or terrace just before timberline where the alder brush and "bear-berries" start before the rocky mountain ridge starts. As we reached our favorite calling spot we heard grunting well above us. Se soon spotted another mature bull coming down through the spruce. He must have been on the shelf and heard our cow calling. He was already committed to us from over 600 yards. His rack would flash us as he never stopped moving down the mountain face toward our familiar marsh at the bottom. He eventually made the wide open park at the bottom and turned toward us. He was a beautiful bull, and right away I recognized his rack. He was the same bull I called in last year. If you have my movie "Chasing Solitude" you too will recognize him as the last bull I called to in the film before taking my big bull. He had nearly full sheets of velvet hanging on the palms, and he had the same this year. He did not increase his rack size that much , in fact this year he only grew two point brows. But most evident and conclusive was the massive vertical scar on his right side.

Herdbull · « **Reply #26 on:** September 30, 2018, 10:49:44 PM »

Photo From 2017 of this bull with scar that causes exposure of white portion of guard-hairs.

If you look close you can see the scar on right side from 2018 photo.

Herdbull · « **Reply #27 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:03:56 PM »

We worked the bull as we did others with cow-in-heat calling, bull grunts and raking. He came in toward us, then like the huge bull he eventually turned and headed back down the marsh and ended up tight to the hill. We were running out of daylight, and I decided to press the issue and try to get him to come up. Unfortunately he had something else in mind as he took out his frustration on the a spruce tree directly below us as we had moved up 150 yards to keep our advantage. This was eating up time on the "light clock". After he was done he walked down about 50 yards then I heard him commit to the climb. He was coming straight up the hill! We moved ahead 30 or 40 yards on our game trail, but alas when the bull finally crested the hill, our shooting light was too limited and we had to hold our breath as we saw the palms of the bull tower above the dwarf birch when he looked in our direction. But, his form all but disappeared when he turned side ways at 50 yards. It was tough to take, as some days the daylight never seems to fade, but on this cloudy evening our hunt was staled by this time-out. The bull was on "gool."

Herdbull · « **Reply #28 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:08:27 PM »

We called in more young bulls, but our hearts were still broken from the evening prior.

The weather change we hoped for , and the rain was here upon us.

Herdbull · « **Reply #29 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:12:31 PM »

Brian looks back at the play ground of a few days earlier that left us flat footed in the dark.

Herdbull · « **Reply #30 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:18:02 PM »

Bear scat

Grizzly bear hair on the pine sap of a moose rubbed tree.

Herdbull · « **Reply #31 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:21:23 PM »

We continued pressing on.

Twin Kifaru Sawtooth tents.

Herdbull · « **Reply #32 on:** September 30, 2018, 11:25:35 PM »

After climbing to the shelf and calling our best, we finally ran out of time and ended up with no bulls this year to pack. But we were still smiling till the end. Alaska is one great adventure no matter the out come. Mike

cacciatore · « **Reply #33 on:** October 01, 2018, 12:25:22 AM »

Great story!

Quickblood · « **Reply #34 on:** October 01, 2018, 01:38:27 AM »

Great adventure from a couple great guys! Thanks for taking us along!

Friend · « **Reply #35 on:** October 01, 2018, 03:09:50 AM »

Thoroughly enjoyed every moment you shared.

Great hunt...thank you for taking us along.

Hopewell Tom · « **Reply #36 on:** October 01, 2018, 06:17:52 AM »

What country! And animals to keep it interesting.
Thanks for sharing.

Steve O · « **Reply #37 on:** October 01, 2018, 06:31:51 AM »

Seems as though it was a tough year for moose in Alaska all around. Glad you guys made the best of it. Those grouse sure do make Mountain House almost edible.

cisco 2 · « **Reply #38 on:** October 01, 2018, 06:52:58 AM »

Thanks for sharing Mike

Sean B · « **Reply #39 on:** October 01, 2018, 07:09:17 AM »

Great story Mike. Was looking forward to this and as usual you didn't disappoint!!


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Author Topic: Alaska Moose Bowhunt 2018 (Read 8021 times)

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