LEH Moose for Dad

[stanway]

I just got back from a week and a bit up at my Dad's place near Hixon. Dad was able to draw a bull moose LEH this year for his area (7-09) so that's where we focused our attention. It was pretty slow - not many animals and it was warm (only one morning with frost). However, after a few days we did find a couple of cows and a calf.

On Wednesday, my brother-in-law, Steve, spotted a moose near a swamp on our way out from a morning hunt. We identified it as a bull and then got Dad into position. Dad made the 60 yard (quartering toward)
shot with the 45-70 through the willows and alder. The 405gr cast OMA bullet plowed through the brush, the front shoulder, both lungs and stopped (finally) just under the hide of the rear quarter. It missed the guts (somehow) and the bull only made it another 50 yards or so before he tipped over. Then the "work" began.

He was no monster, but he had lost one of his antlers at some point. It is 522 pounds of meat hanging at the butcher which will make for some great meals over the next year.

No deer - only saw a few does/fawns. Lots of grouse. One small black bear - left him alone. And one nice owl the last evening, who didn't wait around for me to get my camera out.

All in all, it was an excellent trip. We had a great time and I can't wait to taste the steaks on the BBQ.

Here are a few pictures.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/bubbajones1/IM002125.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/bubbajones1/IM002129.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/bubbajones1/IM002128.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/bubbajones1/IM002132.jpg



I had to take this picture of Steve with his "Chuck Norris" grouse. Steve claims to have hit it 4 times with the 22 and chased it for over 200 yards in the bush. One tough grouse!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/bubbajones1/IM002139.jpg

[knighthunter]

Great pictures and story. Looks like great moose country. I miss that kind of country.

[shawnwells]

nice boys i used to hunt around hixon...its nice around there..

[Rattler]

Congrats! I had that draw several years ago. Not an easy draw by any means.

[john-brennan]

Congrats to your dad and you James, good eats for sure.

[Jager-mister?]

Oh man, that will some tasty table fair! Only one antler, that will look kinda funny mounted on a plaque.... great for the stories :)

[timberhunter]

James

You're going to have to hide the 45-70 of your dads. The animals have no chance with him and his 45-70 around :mrgreen:

Tell him congrats for me. I hope he's happy with the penetration he got with that 405gr bullet. If it hadn't been at the angle it was, the bullet would have kept going and going Hehe.

And if you could save the slug I'd like to take a look at it next time we see each other.

Marc

[demlake]

Congrats on a successful hunt.

Thanks for the pictures, they look great.

dl

[stanway]

Oh man, that will some tasty table fair! Only one antler, that will look kinda funny mounted on a plaque.... great for the stories :)

We are not going to bother mounting the antler. Steve (B-I-L) has a friend who is going to make knife handles out of the antler.




James

You're going to have to hide the 45-70 of your dads. The animals have no chance with him and his 45-70 around :mrgreen:

Tell him congrats for me. I hope he's happy with the penetration he got with that 405gr bullet. If it hadn't been at the angle it was, the bullet would have kept going and going Hehe.

And if you could save the slug I'd like to take a look at it next time we see each other.

Marc


Marc - I made sure to save the slug for you. It's true, had the moose been broadside, it would have ended up in the swamp.:wink:

Dad does like his Guide Gun for sure. He doesn't use any of his other rifles anymore. In fact, I am going to put together a bunch of 'shot loads' for Dad so he can shoot grouse with the same gun.:mrgreen:

[308Lover]

Way to go Dad! You don't need the other half antler anyway. LOL

[Steeleco]

Can't believe I missed this thread!! Congrats James and Dad. That's one funky looking rack set up. He's not going to win any battles with that rig!!

[Gunsmoke]

James;

Sounds like a great trip; nice moose and great eats!

Brian

[Ride]

Good job, that is a good area for moose if you hunt hard. I have had that draw three times and filled it twice, and my dad got the draw once as well and we filled that one too. Tough hunting but rewarding. Way to go.