Hello Forum! Just recently joined by have been cruising the forums for some time. Thanks to all the contributors for great information on a variety of topics.
My son is a newish hunter and has yet to put an animal on the ground. He was lucky to get a bull moose draw for 3-30B this year. We just got back from a 2 day trip, just to do some scouting, as we are heading back up on the 16th for a full week. We travelled most of the area around Bonaparte Lake, and explored the North West end and areas south of the lake in more detail. Over 2 days, didn't see any sign moose in the area. We walked the edge of a number of cuts, but didn't come across anything promising.
In the past, I've hunted the area around Loon Lake, and spent time around Pressy Lake and always have managed to turn over some sign. This was very odd not to come across anything.
We are planning on staying at Gorman or Allan Lake next week as a base camp. Any suggestions for a young lad, looking to get his first animal this year? Has anyone been in the area in the last few weeks and bumped into anything of note? We did come across a moose hide, in the middle of the road, on one of the cut roads south of Bonaparte, and south of Jamieson Creek Haul road.
We want to get in to an area and do some calling. Was hoping to find some sign over the last couple days, but now a little discouraged. Hoping things change and we start to see some movement.
Any suggestions for areas to target would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!!!
Last edited by robmac5555; 10-09-2024 at 02:32 PM.
Reason: title incorrect
Is there any possible chance of going up this weekend? This is the prime rutting period and you would have your best chances at success right now. There are a few hanging around the area. Wolves have came back hard this year and are keeping the moose tight in the bush.
Hello Forum! Just recently joined by have been cruising the forums for some time. Thanks to all the contributors for great information on a variety of topics.
We are planning on staying at Gorman or Allan Lake next week as a base camp. Any suggestions for a young lad, looking to get his first animal this year? Has anyone been in the area in the last few weeks and bumped into anything of note? We did come across a moose hide, in the middle of the road, on one of the cut roads south of Bonaparte, and south of Jamieson Creek Haul road.
Thanks in advance!!!
d.
My first off island hunting trip in about '94 or '95 we camped at Gorman lake. [ purely random spot ] My partner and I saw on different days a big moose 10+ points hanging around not far from camp. This was when the pine beetle kill was starting in the area and hadn't made it throughout the province yet
Thanks for the responses. I didn't have a lot of control over the dates. It is my son's draw, and that was the best he could do for availability. So we'll do what we can to find them. I've got a couple others coming up the same time, so we should be able to canvass the area and narrow down the search.
And good point about the wolves, as we did see some tracks through a couple of the cuts. Mind you, we did get some rain so that did erase some of the older tracks that would have been around.
My first off island hunting trip in about '94 or '95 we camped at Gorman lake. [ purely random spot ] My partner and I saw on different days a big moose 10+ points hanging around not far from camp. This was when the pine beetle kill was starting in the area and hadn't made it throughout the province yet
Those were the glory days up on the plateau! It was still pretty wild country up there and plentiful with game. Lots of big bulls cruising around especially if you were willing to work to get into some of those nasty spots off the beaten path. The pine beetle really changed things and created unlimited access into what was once pristine wilderness. You really have to be willing to put miles on the boots in order to get away from the waves of road hunters coming up for the day trip from Kamloops.
To the OP - They will be still rutting when you go up, it will just be tapering off. The biggest bulls will likely have done their thing, but the smaller bulls will be searching hard for the cows that were not bred during their first estrus cycle. I would absolutely stay AWAY from bull calls and only utilize your cow call. They will be starting to think about feed again at that time and red willow is a favourite of moose. Find a spot with some red willow close to water and give er hell. You're in the right area.
Hunted real close to there last year with an LEH, only saw 2 bulls, both together and no other moose. I hunt around there a lot, its pretty scarce these days. Cover ground and good luck, your missing the window for best success which is unfortunate. Hard enough to get a draw, even harder when you don't hunt it at the opportune time. I'd look in the timber, they will be hunkered down resting, but hunting moose in the timber is almost impossible too so...
WSSBC Monarch
WSF Life Member
2% Certified
RMGA Member
CCFR Member
Hunt the edges, if there is any timber left up there to find an edge?
Heard there was to be a huge road deactivation project, howz that coming along?
Been a few years since we've tried that area,
good luck rob
Glad to say I have hunted Northern BC
Simon Fraser had pretty good judgement on what he found in BC
Hi. In your travels how were the deer numbers. Heading up to Watch Lake on the 15. Haven’t hunted that area since we sold our cabin on Green Lake 50 yrs ago. Back them there were pretty good moose numbers and Muskie’s but no whitetail at all. Hear there are white tails there now. Thanks and good luck on your moose. I haven’t had a moose draw since 2017 in 5-02C
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by robmac5555
