Newfoundland Moose Hunt first week of Sept - suggestions?

[pamike]

I am going on hunt this coming sept.  early archery season.  Looking for recommendations for clothing  - sounds like it will be 50 - 70 deg.  I am expecting bugs and rain, but what about terrain - how tough must clothing be?

Any other thoughts from those who have done this hunt please let me know.

Thanks
Mike

[LITTLEBIGMAN]

I have been on the rock twice. Count on rain. Both times that I was there the remnants of a hurricane blew over. There is a lot of knee high evergreen type of forage that can make walking rather difficult . You are forced to stay on the actual game trails.  Be sure your pants are totally noiseless when brushing against anything. Other than the island is pretty easy to hunt. Rolling terrain nothing to steep or high to climb. a light layer of merino underwear and early fall gear is what I wore when not wearing my rain gear.

[markliep]

Have been there at that time of year - good boots, wicking layers & wind protection are a gimme - we did some climbing & there were patches of scree higher up that were pretty manageable - the place is teeming with moose so you should b lucky - watch out when you're on the road though those guys come through the wind screen if you hit them with a car - M

[Terry Lightle]

Will be there the second week in October.Who are you hunting with and please keep me up to date on any and all things concerning your hunt.Above all have the time of your life!

[pamike]

Pant recommendations - sitka? Kuiu? Others?

[Hummer3T]

never been to NFLD but I would bet on fold down hip boots, bug suit (canadian brand), good light and packable rain gear "space rain" is very handy and packable).

[Flatshooter]

Hey Mike and others who have hunted moose in NFLD, I'm planning a hunt for next year and would appreciate info regarding reliable outfitters. Any help would be appreciated. Mike, I'd love to hear about your hunt when you return.

[pamike]

Cant really make any recommendations for outfitters but i will definitely give my report after the trip.  I would highly recommend talking to mark at BSC as he has helped me a number of times.  

Will sitka or KUIU hold up to the brush of Newfoundland or must i find a tougher material?

[breathed]

My father went there years ago on a gun hunt for moose and caribou. I think he wore some kind of Cabela's breathable rain gear and quality knee high rubber boots. He said it was a lot of low scrub trees and swamp with tussocks that made walking difficult.

[pamike]

Thinking ascent stuff from sitka or light KUIU, anyone use that in similar hunt

[Tutanka]

Can't comment on the KUIU, but all my Sitka gear has fallen apart. I have switched back to wool because of this. First lite wool for lighter warmer hunting, Silent Predator for when it gets a little cooler.  I got away from wool for a few years, I got hung up on the next great thing......wish I would have stuck with wool, lots of money wasted IMO.

[calgarychef]

It seems to me that might be a tad early if you want them to come to your calls.  Is he offering you an early hunt at a lower price instead of a rut hunt later on?

[pamike]

How about first lite kanab pant?

[Tutanka]

Originally posted by pamike:
How about first lite kanab pant?

Mike, I have the Kanab and an older version pant that I don't think they offer anymore.  The older version was supposed to be a little heavier, but I truly do not notice any difference between the two.  I am extremely happy with the Kanab pant.  The only thing I would recommend is to check with them and see if the sizing issue has been straightened out.  By that I mean, I have a 32 waist and a 35 inseam, I originally ordered mediums (per their website) they were way too small.  Sent them back for a large.....perfect.  I have also read similar comments on their sizing for pants but that was last year, they may have corrected it.

By biggest complaint with the Sitka gear is the glued seams, I am not sure why they glue the seams rather than stitching them.  All of the seams on the first lite pant are stitched.  Also, I really like the rip stop in the first lite, I have a couple of tears from barb wire, but the tears have not grown even after washing them.  

My brother never had a pair of the Sitka Ascent pant last longer than two weeks, they all came apart at the crotch.  They were good about replacing them, but it really got irritating.  His first lite pants have lasted him the last two seasons, he typically gets out close to 60 to 70 days a season, and is hard on his stuff, but they have held up so far.

[Tutanka]

One other thing, I would highly recommend boot gaiters that go up to the knee for the type of terrains that you are going to be hunting.  You can find goretex gaiters that are soft on the outside, they will stay quiet going thru the vegetation.

[pamike]

Thanks for the report on tha kanab pants. Only problem now is finding a pair - sounds like not available til at least June.

Gaiters are a good idea and I have some of them.

[Hopewell Tom]

That low scrub/brush is called "Tuckamore". It's really stunted spruce and fir trees that is a real leg/foot grabber.
Good quality rubber boots, not neoprene or maybe LL Bean 14" RBLT's should handle it. Leather part of boot well sealed with more in camp to re-apply if needed. Pants wise, I'm wondering about Filson Whipcord wool. I don't have a pair, but they're "supposed" to be tough. Filson oil cloth pants/chaps would be good, except for the "scratchy" sound on the tuckamore.
Usually when moving through the tuckamore, you'll stay to the game trails, but we all know how that can change.
I'm envious, it's a great place with wonderful people. Ask your outfitter about your gear requirements. At least be a start. If you're driving, you'll drive about 5 minutes from my door, could offer an overnight if needed. In the New Glasgow area of Northern Nova Scotia.
Good luck, have fun.

[pamike]

interesting - i am hunting at tuckamore lodge...must have alot of that "stuff" around.  i was wondering what the name meant - guess that would have been an easy google search.....

[Hopewell Tom]

That's where I hunted in 1991. Went for Caribou (with the rifle) on one of the Gray Islands off shore.
Is Barb Genge (sp?) still the outfitter?

[pamike]

yep still barb - just talked to her the other day. sounds like she has been doing this for awhile.....