If you want to ensure that you next moose hunt is a memorable and successful one, here are five tips that you will want to keep in mind.
Tip #5: It is a good idea to ensure you hunt in areas that are undisturbed from competing hunters. The best way to do this is to remove yourself from beaten paths. Try to hunt in areas where there are no other hunters, away from roads, and in areas that other hunters do not often visit. This will ultimately offer better hunting areas due to the fact that moose have a better chance of moving if they are disturbed in their own habitat.
Tip #4: Before you head out on your hunt, take the time to scout on some different areas and look for signs of moose. It is important that you are familiar with the differences between old and fresh signs. Fresh tracks, scrapings, and beds that are closer to rut are crucial in the determination of where you should post up. If possible, take the time to do a little bit of calling in these locations. If there are some moose nearby, they won’t be too far come rutting season.
During the rut, you should hunt near lakes, ponds, and other water sources, since this is where the cows are located. These areas offer great water and food sources, but you should try to only focus on one or two areas. If you spread yourself too thin by trying to work multiple areas, you will ultimately leave the animals unwatched during the prime hunting times.
Tip #3: Hunt in deciduous covered areas and along ridges early on during the season along ponds or lakes. If the weather is warmer than usual, then you should focus on hunting close to swamps since cooler areas are best.
Tip #2: You will want to use the wind to your advantage. When doing this, some individuals will utilize a wind indicator to determine the direction that the wind is moving in. This is crucial due to the fact that moose have an incredible sense of smell and hearing, particularly if you are calling. If you’re in a location and hear or see a moose just prior to dusk or the winds or blowing in the wrong direction, quietly leave the area and come back later in the day or the following morning. If they weren’t spooked, the moose will still be around the same area.
Set your camp on the edge of potential hunting areas but far enough away from the prime hunting location. Your smells and noise are likely to chase any nearby moose away.
What Are the Best Times for Hunting?
Weather tends to play a significant role in any type of hunting, regardless of whether it is deer, moose, or any other type of animal. The best time to hunt, though, is during the rut because the moose tend to be more active and apt to your calling. Hunting later in the season may require that you go further into the forest away from the opening and the ponds and lakes. Moose often head to the swamps during inclement weather as well as late in the season for better food sources and protection.
The most productive time to hunt is in the early morning and evening due to the fact that the wind is light and the moose head to water sources in the early morning or evening. Of course, it is possible to capture a big moose during the middle of the day. Keep in mind that very few moose are taken inside of your camp so keep an eye out and scout prime hunting areas consistently.
Tip #1: Make sure you always have a compass or GPS with additional batteries with you at all times in the event that you are trekking in the backcountry and need to find your way back home. Before you head off the main trail, make sure you are very familiar with the way your equipment works. The last thing you need is to be unfamiliar with the way your GPS works or how to properly work a compass, as this is incredibly dangerous, particularly if it is later in the evening or you are disoriented for one reason or another.
It is also a good idea to have a satellite phone or an In Reach or Spot device that will help you keep in touch with others while out in remote areas.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do to ensure your next moose hunt is successful is to be prepared with a prime area to hunt and choose to hunt with someone that is familiar with the area or hunting in general, especially if you are a beginner. For more information on making your hunting trip a successful one, get in touch with us at Full Draw Archery.
