Soj51hopeful
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Did the thread ferries shut it down? I was getting into SS’s moose hunt story he was in the middle of telling.
SS’s moose story
- Thread starter Soj51hopeful
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DoubleDropMuley
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So the rumor is!! ?
OutdoorWriter
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heywouldya
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jims 15 minutes of fame.
OutdoorWriter
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SS!
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SS!
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Hhahahaha I love it!
OutdoorWriter
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Bluehair
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elkassassin
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joevegas
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Now OW-I told ya to quit wearing pants in the dang shower!I doubt the thread was deleted because of your saga.
Nice curtain, but I would be afraid to take a shower. Prolly have nightmares or pee my pants.
hossblur
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I didn't allow whatever causes new motor mounts, and a bumper(I'm guessing jumping), or the I
Hot Moms T shirt, or the mooning the freeway on the way home from football game either.
For some unknown reason my teenage son, a flatbrimmer, just won't listen???
Hot Moms T shirt, or the mooning the freeway on the way home from football game either.For some unknown reason my teenage son, a flatbrimmer, just won't listen???
eelgrass
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No, that's not it. SS is just too embarrassed to tell you what happened. The second morning they split up and when SS got back to camp his friend never showed up. He went looking for him the next morning and found his remains. A Grizzly bear had killed him. SS went home and acted like nothing happened. He told his friends wife that he never showed up.
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JB1975
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So that’s what that jerky was he posted the other day. Thanks Eel!
smokepolejohnson
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Came for the SS story, but….
OutdoorWriter
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When males & females see me naked, they either get very jealous or swoon respectively. So to as not to provoke a scene, I stay covered up a bit. And out of respect for religion, I'm avoiding a comment.
SS!
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Haha who would lie telling a story about a stinking moose?
SS!
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Hahahaha moose is your favorite? I think we can be friends!
SS!
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2021 Moose Hunt
After just finishing a caribou hunt with some MM members I didn’t have much time to get ready for the yearly moose hunt. A good buddy from WY was coming up and luckily he showed up a couple days before we had to leave. Before I knew it we were on the road. The long drive went fast as our time was consumed with talk about places we’ve been and places we would one day like to go. It’s always good to catch up with old friends. We got to the airport and we stopped to take a picture at the rock @DoubleDropMuley nephew hit with my new truck 10 days before. I suppose it was paybacks for running over his rifle 20 years ago.
Something about this trip felt different. I couldn’t quite figure it out. We were headed to a spot I’ve never been. Maybe that was it? Maybe it was a little stressful since I was bringing a friend from out of state. The financial commitment and time off work is no joke for a trip like this. I couldn’t dial in exactly what it was. It was hard to go to sleep that night.
Wheels were up fairly early. The flight in was uneventful. A few moose spotted and bunch of caribou. Before long we were back on the ground. Our home for the next 10 days.
After just finishing a caribou hunt with some MM members I didn’t have much time to get ready for the yearly moose hunt. A good buddy from WY was coming up and luckily he showed up a couple days before we had to leave. Before I knew it we were on the road. The long drive went fast as our time was consumed with talk about places we’ve been and places we would one day like to go. It’s always good to catch up with old friends. We got to the airport and we stopped to take a picture at the rock @DoubleDropMuley nephew hit with my new truck 10 days before. I suppose it was paybacks for running over his rifle 20 years ago.
Something about this trip felt different. I couldn’t quite figure it out. We were headed to a spot I’ve never been. Maybe that was it? Maybe it was a little stressful since I was bringing a friend from out of state. The financial commitment and time off work is no joke for a trip like this. I couldn’t dial in exactly what it was. It was hard to go to sleep that night.
Wheels were up fairly early. The flight in was uneventful. A few moose spotted and bunch of caribou. Before long we were back on the ground. Our home for the next 10 days.
elkassassin
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.
SS!
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We found a camp spot and had camp up in no time. We then spent the day scouting out potential spots to call from etc. That night we ate some cheap ass beef steaks for dinner. We ate very well on this trip:
The caribou migration was going strong and anyplace you looked you saw caribou:
Pulled out the inreach after dinner and found out both my parents had Covid. With their underlying conditions it had me worried. I was told they were doing fine. We made a game plan for the morning and went to bed late, the theme of the trip.
Sept in AK can’t be beat. Morning sunrise:
Called for a couple hours with nothing to show for it. I love calling moose but I can see it seems doubtful of it’s success by looking at my hunting partner. It’s hard to believe it works until you see it works. Here is where we called the first morning, an old burn:
The caribou migration was going strong and anyplace you looked you saw caribou:
Pulled out the inreach after dinner and found out both my parents had Covid. With their underlying conditions it had me worried. I was told they were doing fine. We made a game plan for the morning and went to bed late, the theme of the trip.
Sept in AK can’t be beat. Morning sunrise:
Called for a couple hours with nothing to show for it. I love calling moose but I can see it seems doubtful of it’s success by looking at my hunting partner. It’s hard to believe it works until you see it works. Here is where we called the first morning, an old burn:
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elkassassin
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Cheap Ass Beef Steaks in Alaska?
I'm Calling You On that!
Oh I Get it!
Cheap Ass Quality Steaks!
I'm Calling You On that!
Oh I Get it!
Cheap Ass Quality Steaks!
SS!
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I’m a horrible moose hunter. The smart thing would of been to stay near our camp and call the moose to us. Keep our scent down as much as possible. But that’s not me. We spent the afternoon hiking to vantage points glassing for moose:
No moose spotted from the spot above so we went west of camp and glassed a long flat bench. It separated the head of two drainages. It looked like a good spot but all we saw were caribou.
We continued down the spine and glassed back towards where we called from that morning. It didn’t take long and we spotted a low 50’s bull with 2x2 brows. Not a first day bull but tempting with how close he was to camp.
Did I mention there were caribou everywhere?
Darkness came and we made dinner and I touched base with the wife to get news on the parents. My buddies wife dropped soup off with them and it seems like they were doing ok. The plan the next morning was to try to call that bull in. Very unlikely because the moose do not hang around long in this country unless they have a cow. It would be a good starting point regardless.
No moose spotted from the spot above so we went west of camp and glassed a long flat bench. It separated the head of two drainages. It looked like a good spot but all we saw were caribou.
We continued down the spine and glassed back towards where we called from that morning. It didn’t take long and we spotted a low 50’s bull with 2x2 brows. Not a first day bull but tempting with how close he was to camp.
Did I mention there were caribou everywhere?
Darkness came and we made dinner and I touched base with the wife to get news on the parents. My buddies wife dropped soup off with them and it seems like they were doing ok. The plan the next morning was to try to call that bull in. Very unlikely because the moose do not hang around long in this country unless they have a cow. It would be a good starting point regardless.
elkassassin
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Come On SS!
You're Typing/Pecking Slower Than Me!
You're Typing/Pecking Slower Than Me!
SS!
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The next morning we sneak down to where we last saw the bull. The wind wasn’t the best but wasn’t too bad. The day before we had found a lot of caribou horns and it was no different this morning:
There was also remnants of summer to snack on:
We called for a long time but nada. We then traversed down into the drainage. In the openings we called and raked but no dice. Lots of caribou but little moose sign. It was like a highway of caribou in some spots:
We hike back to camp and make a plan for the afternoon. My buddy would hunt and call a valley near camp and I will walk a mile to overlook the bench. I hate splitting up so early in the hunt but with my dad being sick I wanted to get a moose on the ground.
I bushwhacked to the bench and started glassing. More damn caribou. I stand up the tallest rock and let out a long drawn out come F me cow call. I was out of breath after it. Right away on the opposite end of the bench a bull stood up. He looked nice and had some funky stuff on one side. I took a crappy pic through the spotter:
There was also remnants of summer to snack on:
We called for a long time but nada. We then traversed down into the drainage. In the openings we called and raked but no dice. Lots of caribou but little moose sign. It was like a highway of caribou in some spots:
We hike back to camp and make a plan for the afternoon. My buddy would hunt and call a valley near camp and I will walk a mile to overlook the bench. I hate splitting up so early in the hunt but with my dad being sick I wanted to get a moose on the ground.
I bushwhacked to the bench and started glassing. More damn caribou. I stand up the tallest rock and let out a long drawn out come F me cow call. I was out of breath after it. Right away on the opposite end of the bench a bull stood up. He looked nice and had some funky stuff on one side. I took a crappy pic through the spotter:
SS!
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The bull was a mile as the raven flies from me and I was already a mile from camp. It would be a chore to shoot him where he was. I was really regretting splitting up. If I didn’t make a move we likely wouldn’t see the bull again. But I also never shoot first on a hunt. It was getting to be late afternoon so I had to make a decision. I figured I could go down to the bench and try to call him across the bench to me. If I kill him where he is now we lose two days of hunting to get him out. But if I called him across it wouldn’t be too bad. I dropped my pack and just took my call and rifle. Mistake number one. Never ever leave your pack. Not even to make a 50 yard stalk. I knew better. I just had too much chit on the mind.
I half jogged there. I didn’t have that much time. The wind was perfect and I started calling in the first bigger opening. The brush was thicker than I thought and after awhile I moved on to the next. It started to rain/drizzle. I had my rain jacket so it was no big deal. Looking back this could of been an omen what was to happen. We have killed a lot of moose in the rain. The next spot same thing, nothing. I was now mostly across the bench. The next call spot would put me near where I last saw the bull. It has been a couple hours. I get setup and start raking. Every time I setup I’m constantly thinking whether to bull or cow call. I rake for awhile and nothing. I text the wife a bit on the inreach and just hang out. More raking. There’s a clucking sound! He’s coming in! I see he’s moving downwind so I keep walking that way. He’s coming in very cautiously and walking to every brush to try to stay hidden. I get behind a small 5’ spruce and he comes in to 10 yards. It’s 5:45. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t see his funky side very well. He’s nice but not what I would call a monster. He’s close to 60” with 4x3 brows. He just stands there and is making the clucking sound old bulls make. He rakes the brush. I don’t call and try to not move. Finally he had enough and turned to walk away. He had a long death point off the back. I realized I’d be foolish to not shoot. I jacked a shell in the chamber and shot. I looked up and he was still standing! Wtf! I reloaded and shot again. Still standing. In fact he starts walking to the trees. 3 shot is at around 30ish yards and he drops. Moose down! Here’s the spruce I hid behind:
The old bull:
I half jogged there. I didn’t have that much time. The wind was perfect and I started calling in the first bigger opening. The brush was thicker than I thought and after awhile I moved on to the next. It started to rain/drizzle. I had my rain jacket so it was no big deal. Looking back this could of been an omen what was to happen. We have killed a lot of moose in the rain. The next spot same thing, nothing. I was now mostly across the bench. The next call spot would put me near where I last saw the bull. It has been a couple hours. I get setup and start raking. Every time I setup I’m constantly thinking whether to bull or cow call. I rake for awhile and nothing. I text the wife a bit on the inreach and just hang out. More raking. There’s a clucking sound! He’s coming in! I see he’s moving downwind so I keep walking that way. He’s coming in very cautiously and walking to every brush to try to stay hidden. I get behind a small 5’ spruce and he comes in to 10 yards. It’s 5:45. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t see his funky side very well. He’s nice but not what I would call a monster. He’s close to 60” with 4x3 brows. He just stands there and is making the clucking sound old bulls make. He rakes the brush. I don’t call and try to not move. Finally he had enough and turned to walk away. He had a long death point off the back. I realized I’d be foolish to not shoot. I jacked a shell in the chamber and shot. I looked up and he was still standing! Wtf! I reloaded and shot again. Still standing. In fact he starts walking to the trees. 3 shot is at around 30ish yards and he drops. Moose down! Here’s the spruce I hid behind:
The old bull:
SS!
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Used the knife @johnnycake buddy gave me after the moose hunt. Worked great:
The bull was nice and fat. We quartered him up, took all the meat off the neck and got the inside tenderloins. It was about 1 am when we finished. There was no moon and it was a nice hike back to camp for a couple hours. As the crow flies it was 2 miles from camp. One of my closer moose pack outs hahaha
We got back to camp around 3am. Some quick food and it was bedtime.
The next morning we hiked to the moose and while my buddy deboned the meat I started hauling it the rock outcrop where i spotted him from. It would then only be a mile from camp and just a little uphill. I kept shuttling meat all day. On one of the trips I saw a big old bull on the hillside. We had our work cut out so we didn’t even consider going after him. Trip after trip I made till finally it was just the rack and the last load of meat.
Darkness was approaching and we each carried a load from the rock pile to the strip. My buddy got to taste the work of hauling one of these big bulls out. He was spent!
We got back to camp around 3amand I cooked up some blackstrap. My buddy is too tired to eat but tries it. I fat kid the rest down. I hear my dad isn’t doing very well and have a bad feeling about it.
The bull was nice and fat. We quartered him up, took all the meat off the neck and got the inside tenderloins. It was about 1 am when we finished. There was no moon and it was a nice hike back to camp for a couple hours. As the crow flies it was 2 miles from camp. One of my closer moose pack outs hahaha
We got back to camp around 3am. Some quick food and it was bedtime.
The next morning we hiked to the moose and while my buddy deboned the meat I started hauling it the rock outcrop where i spotted him from. It would then only be a mile from camp and just a little uphill. I kept shuttling meat all day. On one of the trips I saw a big old bull on the hillside. We had our work cut out so we didn’t even consider going after him. Trip after trip I made till finally it was just the rack and the last load of meat.
Darkness was approaching and we each carried a load from the rock pile to the strip. My buddy got to taste the work of hauling one of these big bulls out. He was spent!
We got back to camp around 3amand I cooked up some blackstrap. My buddy is too tired to eat but tries it. I fat kid the rest down. I hear my dad isn’t doing very well and have a bad feeling about it.
SS!
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I get up the next morning and sense the worst. I snuck out of camp and walk to the rock out cropping. I sit for a bit and just watch the sun come up. I finally pull out the inreach and turn it on. A message from the wife, call me asap. That was all I needed to know. I had lost my dad. I load up some meat and start wandering to the strip. I’m close to enough to the strip that I can’t get lost but I’m lost. What should of took an hour takes me 2. I drop the meat and wander to camp. I’m not sure if I had to tell my buddy at this point. It’s honestly just a blur. I call the wife on the satellite phone and then I get back to packing meat. I flag the route because I can’t think. Load up meat. Hike to strip. Repeat. I get the moose to the strip. It was a nice distraction.
A closer look at the death point. A friend who picks up a lot more antlers than me calls this point this. Once they get one they never return:
I didn’t mention this earlier but there wasn’t water close by camp. With still daylight left it was time to get more. There was a little stream we filtered from below camp on the backside where we didn’t hunt. It took awhile to fill up all the containers but time means nothing when you are out there.
That night at camp my buddy mentions us leaving early. I honestly didn’t consider it. I was content with staying. I figured this was as good a place as any to process the loss of my best friend. I couldn’t of been luckier to have such a good friend to share camp with either. He had lost his dad just a few years ago, a loss I took pretty hard. We were both close to each others fathers. We spent the night telling stories of our dads and it was good. I’m not sure what time we went to bed but late nights were the norm this trip. Tomorrow we would continue the pursuit to getting a second moose.
A closer look at the death point. A friend who picks up a lot more antlers than me calls this point this. Once they get one they never return:
I didn’t mention this earlier but there wasn’t water close by camp. With still daylight left it was time to get more. There was a little stream we filtered from below camp on the backside where we didn’t hunt. It took awhile to fill up all the containers but time means nothing when you are out there.
That night at camp my buddy mentions us leaving early. I honestly didn’t consider it. I was content with staying. I figured this was as good a place as any to process the loss of my best friend. I couldn’t of been luckier to have such a good friend to share camp with either. He had lost his dad just a few years ago, a loss I took pretty hard. We were both close to each others fathers. We spent the night telling stories of our dads and it was good. I’m not sure what time we went to bed but late nights were the norm this trip. Tomorrow we would continue the pursuit to getting a second moose.
OutdoorWriter
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For your moose...
For your the loss of your dad...
For your the loss of your dad...
SS!
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We woke up to a beautiful sunrise:
We snuck down below camp call. This was the money spot. We just have to chum them in. We called all morning and finally had a bull coming in. He was a little guy so he got a pass. But it was a good sign.
We kept at it all day trying different spots close to camp. We were going to call the moose to us. It would just take time. The day ends and we have 4 more days to get it done.
We snuck down below camp call. This was the money spot. We just have to chum them in. We called all morning and finally had a bull coming in. He was a little guy so he got a pass. But it was a good sign.
We kept at it all day trying different spots close to camp. We were going to call the moose to us. It would just take time. The day ends and we have 4 more days to get it done.
SS!
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I’m leaving out a lot of details because honestly I don’t remember a lot of it. I do recall it was getting cold at night though. We decided to hunt towards where we saw the big bull the day we were packing meat out. Again it was a beautiful day
No moose spotted on the morning hunt. We went back to camp and ate some food. We did not starve this trip:
The Sandhill cranes were pushing south in large numbers. It’s always an enjoyment to watch them catch a thermal and work their way up and out of sight
No moose spotted on the morning hunt. We went back to camp and ate some food. We did not starve this trip:
The Sandhill cranes were pushing south in large numbers. It’s always an enjoyment to watch them catch a thermal and work their way up and out of sight
SS!
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We hike to the farthest point we can hunt before it gets too thick. All the late nights catch up to us and we take a mid day nap. Love those sept naps! We also ate some smoked Gouda sandwiches, a staple on our sheep hunts
This guy wanted one:
We work our way to a point and start calling. We have a bull responding. It doesn’t take long before we spot a cow moose and then a bull. A vey big bull. A quick look through the spotter shows big brows. It’s late in the day and going to be dark soon. We should back out and come back in the morning. But again, nothing has felt right this moose hunt. My mind can’t think clearly. We decide to go down there after him. You know, where he has all the advantage. On our stalk we kick up a smaller bull which must of been the one responding to the call. Daylight is fading and we are close to where the big bull is. The wind is swirling. Not good. We spot the bull about 100 yards away but all we can see is his head. He winds us and is gone. I knew we would never see that bull again. He was the size of bull we came here for and I knew better than to go down after him like we did. We were pretty bummed. It was dark so another hike back to camp by headlamp.
I was feeling the pressure. We didn’t have much time left and with low moose densities that could likely be the last mature bull around.
As we hike back we can hear it the pack of wolves howling and the northern lights were going pretty strong. My buddy kept a positive attitude and that made the walk of shame back to camp easier. We took our time because we had no place to go and the night was beautiful.
We would try again tomorrow.
This guy wanted one:
We work our way to a point and start calling. We have a bull responding. It doesn’t take long before we spot a cow moose and then a bull. A vey big bull. A quick look through the spotter shows big brows. It’s late in the day and going to be dark soon. We should back out and come back in the morning. But again, nothing has felt right this moose hunt. My mind can’t think clearly. We decide to go down there after him. You know, where he has all the advantage. On our stalk we kick up a smaller bull which must of been the one responding to the call. Daylight is fading and we are close to where the big bull is. The wind is swirling. Not good. We spot the bull about 100 yards away but all we can see is his head. He winds us and is gone. I knew we would never see that bull again. He was the size of bull we came here for and I knew better than to go down after him like we did. We were pretty bummed. It was dark so another hike back to camp by headlamp.
I was feeling the pressure. We didn’t have much time left and with low moose densities that could likely be the last mature bull around.
As we hike back we can hear it the pack of wolves howling and the northern lights were going pretty strong. My buddy kept a positive attitude and that made the walk of shame back to camp easier. We took our time because we had no place to go and the night was beautiful.
We would try again tomorrow.
SS!
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We woke up and it was cold. Today was going to be a good day. Everything was frosted over.
We spend the morning across where we spooked the bull the night before calling and glassing. We see the cow but the bull is gone as expected. If it was the full rut maybe he would be there but even then likely not.
We head back to camp and my buddies feet are bothering him so he’s going to lay down. We make a plan of him going below camp and calling while I walk around to the bench. I want to see if a grizzly is on it yet.
I get to the rock pile but I can’t see the kill. I work my way around to where we dropped off to stalk the big bull. I just sit there and my thoughts are heavy. I’m calling off and on but my minds not there. The wind is blowing hard and right to me. I spot a grizzly walking suspiciously along the ridge. After a few mins he barrels off on a run and attacks a moose. I can hear it and occasionally see the bear. It’s quickly over and i can see blood all over the bears body. I watch him feed on the kill and every few mins he would poke his head up to look for danger. I couldn’t even process what I just saw when I realized that there’s a cow moose calling to my left. It was the only cow we’ve seen this trip. All of a sudden a bull moose pops out below me and walks within 30 yards of me. I couldn’t get a good pic but here’s a video:
It wasn't a huge bull but a nice bull especially with only a day left to hunt. I was 1.5 miles away from camp so I gathered my stuff up and hauled ass to meet up with my buddy....
We spend the morning across where we spooked the bull the night before calling and glassing. We see the cow but the bull is gone as expected. If it was the full rut maybe he would be there but even then likely not.
We head back to camp and my buddies feet are bothering him so he’s going to lay down. We make a plan of him going below camp and calling while I walk around to the bench. I want to see if a grizzly is on it yet.
I get to the rock pile but I can’t see the kill. I work my way around to where we dropped off to stalk the big bull. I just sit there and my thoughts are heavy. I’m calling off and on but my minds not there. The wind is blowing hard and right to me. I spot a grizzly walking suspiciously along the ridge. After a few mins he barrels off on a run and attacks a moose. I can hear it and occasionally see the bear. It’s quickly over and i can see blood all over the bears body. I watch him feed on the kill and every few mins he would poke his head up to look for danger. I couldn’t even process what I just saw when I realized that there’s a cow moose calling to my left. It was the only cow we’ve seen this trip. All of a sudden a bull moose pops out below me and walks within 30 yards of me. I couldn’t get a good pic but here’s a video:
It wasn't a huge bull but a nice bull especially with only a day left to hunt. I was 1.5 miles away from camp so I gathered my stuff up and hauled ass to meet up with my buddy....
smokepolejohnson
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Great write up and read. No better place for a Heavy heart than the backcountry in September.
Thanks for the story and Condolences
Thanks for the story and Condolences
Plumber333
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Awesome bull SS! Unfortunately I know the the feeling of losing my dad. My dad was my best friend and the best hunting partner. He was taken from us at the age of 56 in a tragic accident. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Keep your chin up and continue to make him proud everyday. He is watching over you.
SS!
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I haul ass back to meet up with my buddy. Hes already in the calling spot and is looking at a bull. It’s a different bull and is a nice one. We put the spotter on him:
Just one of those bulls that needed one more year. We sneak down and start calling and we call in a little bull:
We decide to go further down the ridge which would put us on the backside of where I saw the bull from the video go. On our way down there my buddy spots a bull working our way. We setup and start calling. He hears us and comes in on a string. At 40 yards my buddy takes him. Bull down!
Just one of those bulls that needed one more year. We sneak down and start calling and we call in a little bull:
We decide to go further down the ridge which would put us on the backside of where I saw the bull from the video go. On our way down there my buddy spots a bull working our way. We setup and start calling. He hears us and comes in on a string. At 40 yards my buddy takes him. Bull down!
SS!
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Emotions were high for so many reasons. But the last day we could hunt we got it done. It wasn’t a monster bull but it would do. Gives a guy a great excuse to come back again. You couldn’t beat the spot either, within half an hour of the strip.
Night came and it was another headlamp meat cutting sesh
Got back to camp late again but still had enough energy to cook up some moose:
We went to bed that night knowing we could sleep in till 7 because all we had to do was pack him up to the strip…
Night came and it was another headlamp meat cutting sesh
Got back to camp late again but still had enough energy to cook up some moose:
We went to bed that night knowing we could sleep in till 7 because all we had to do was pack him up to the strip…
rmanwill
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great looking unique bull. Congrats SS. Thank you for sharing.
Congrats on 2 for 2 on the bulls. Sorry for your loss, been there and a tough thing to go through, but no better place to be then where you were to get your head and thoughts together. Keep him close in your memories and keep making him proud.
Thanks for sharing both the good and bad of this moose hunt with us here at MM.
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SS!
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The next morning it was beautiful and it felt good to sleep in. There was a lot of plane activity today since it was getting close to the end of the season. The pack out was uneventful for the most part.
We get the meat back to the strip and call the pilots for a pickup in the morning. They tell us a storm is moving in and to give them a report in the am. Now we knew why there was so much air traffic today.
The wind blew all night and it also snowed. We woke up and upon looking outside I knew we were not getting out today. Doesn’t matter. I wasn’t ready to get back to society anyhow. We hung out and did camp chores and packed up what we didn’t need.
We get the meat back to the strip and call the pilots for a pickup in the morning. They tell us a storm is moving in and to give them a report in the am. Now we knew why there was so much air traffic today.
The wind blew all night and it also snowed. We woke up and upon looking outside I knew we were not getting out today. Doesn’t matter. I wasn’t ready to get back to society anyhow. We hung out and did camp chores and packed up what we didn’t need.
SS!
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The next morning it cleared up and we packed up everything to get ready for pickup. My cabelas pajama pants which I’ve had for over 10 years were done. I took a pic for @nfh
Flight out was uneventful and before we knew it we were loaded and headed home:
I don’t have the words to end this story the way I should but I will say this. If you want your kids to love hunting as much as you do you have to get them engaged early on. My dad pulled me out of school anytime it snowed during the fall. If it snowed we were going elk hunting. I never sat in school opening day of deer season. It was a conflict with my mom but a battle worth fighting. You also may have to change your style of hunting to make it more fun for your kid. Too many parents try to take their kids on long physical hikes where they get cold etc. You have to make it fun for them. One time when I was 8 I found a shoebox of my dads photos of huge pack strings of horsies with elk racks. Big wall tents etc. I asked him why he didn’t do those trips anymore and he said it was because he wanted me to love hunting as much as he did. The type 2 hunts are not fun for little kids. We did hunts close to the road with lots of junk food. Whatever he did it worked.
I realized on this moose hunt my kids are at the age where if I don’t get them involved more it can go either way. It’s time to stop doing big adventures with the boys and get the kiddos out. Junk food and caribou trips are in our future. Antelope hunts. Everything else can wait until they get to the age they don’t want to be around their parents. If I do it right they will come back to hunting just like I did.
That’s it. The end. Not the best story and I missed a lot but you can’t beat the price for admission.
Flight out was uneventful and before we knew it we were loaded and headed home:
I don’t have the words to end this story the way I should but I will say this. If you want your kids to love hunting as much as you do you have to get them engaged early on. My dad pulled me out of school anytime it snowed during the fall. If it snowed we were going elk hunting. I never sat in school opening day of deer season. It was a conflict with my mom but a battle worth fighting. You also may have to change your style of hunting to make it more fun for your kid. Too many parents try to take their kids on long physical hikes where they get cold etc. You have to make it fun for them. One time when I was 8 I found a shoebox of my dads photos of huge pack strings of horsies with elk racks. Big wall tents etc. I asked him why he didn’t do those trips anymore and he said it was because he wanted me to love hunting as much as he did. The type 2 hunts are not fun for little kids. We did hunts close to the road with lots of junk food. Whatever he did it worked.
I realized on this moose hunt my kids are at the age where if I don’t get them involved more it can go either way. It’s time to stop doing big adventures with the boys and get the kiddos out. Junk food and caribou trips are in our future. Antelope hunts. Everything else can wait until they get to the age they don’t want to be around their parents. If I do it right they will come back to hunting just like I did.
That’s it. The end. Not the best story and I missed a lot but you can’t beat the price for admission.
Bookhead
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Best story I've read on here maybe ever. No bs no heroics. Just a bare bones get it done hunt and story to match. Awesome hunt definately jealous. I will make a similar trip someday, hopefully with some of the same results. Thanks for sharing, and dont stop getting after the blowhards on here. They need it
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Plumber333
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huntindad4
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Excellent ending to the story IMO, describes my upbringing and intro to hunting to a T and how I've brought my kids up through it.
My youngest is 17 and oldest is 27 now and they are the 2 biggest hunters of the 4 wilderness hunts are on their menu now and the reason I have worked my old azz back into shape the last few years. Ready to get back to it.
Sorry about your dad, mine is 81 now and I'm dreading the day. He still hunts with us now. Another reason to miss a few wilderness adventures, but a good one.
My youngest is 17 and oldest is 27 now and they are the 2 biggest hunters of the 4 wilderness hunts are on their menu now and the reason I have worked my old azz back into shape the last few years. Ready to get back to it.
Sorry about your dad, mine is 81 now and I'm dreading the day. He still hunts with us now. Another reason to miss a few wilderness adventures, but a good one.
Gadjet
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SS, that is a fantastic and very well written story. I've been through some pretty tough losses in my time, so the part of you losing your dad pulls at my heart strings. I drag my daughter and son in law all over the woods these days and they have become hunting addicts. I definitely feel like a lucky man for that.
Sorry for the loss of your Dad/hunting partner and congratulations on a great hunt!
Greg
Sorry for the loss of your Dad/hunting partner and congratulations on a great hunt!
Greg
joevegas
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Damn Straight!!
Soj51hopeful
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Great story SS! I’m sure glad what’s his face didn’t get you banned.
littlebighorn
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Well SS, You did yourself proud with that one. That may be one of the best reads I've had on this forum.
I especially like the story moral (friends, family and hunting). It is certainly no secret that my son is my favorite, and generally my only hunting partner. Bonds created by sweat and fresh air are never broken. Undoubtedly you will continue to miss your Dad, but the memories you have ahead of you with your own kids will quickly ease the pain.
Well done my friend.
I especially like the story moral (friends, family and hunting). It is certainly no secret that my son is my favorite, and generally my only hunting partner. Bonds created by sweat and fresh air are never broken. Undoubtedly you will continue to miss your Dad, but the memories you have ahead of you with your own kids will quickly ease the pain.
Well done my friend.
SS!
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I believe it was 7 cub trips. Maybe 8.
nontypical
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Epic story and well told. Sincere condolences to you. It's never easy.
mta5672
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You shower with pants on?I doubt the thread was deleted because of your saga.
Nice curtain, but I would be afraid to take a shower. Prolly have nightmares or pee my pants.
hawkbill
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I have not been in the spirit to post on here in awhile, I really enjoyed reading your story. My father passed away on Saturday. All I’ve ever done is hunted, taught my wife and kids to hunt and they pretty much feel the freezer right now. Im really not even in the mood to apply for tags at this time, maybe that’s what I need is a good walk about.
SS!
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Damn that sucks! Hold on the the good memories! It sounds cliché but I would give almost anything to have one more day with my father.
PleaseDear
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Dang good Read
Thanks for sharing,
Robb
Thanks for sharing,
Robb
OutdoorWriter
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You obviously didn't read my reply to the same question a way back in #21. Keep up.
elkhunterUT
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Thanks for sharing SS! Loved the story and pics - definitely jealous and hope I can do a moose hunt in Alaska at some point in my future. Real sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Keep following in his boot tracks.
I loved your comments about getting kids out and making the trip enjoyable for them - truer words were never spoken!
I loved your comments about getting kids out and making the trip enjoyable for them - truer words were never spoken!
rmanwill
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Sorry for your loss Hawkbill. Been there/done that. Lossing a father and lifetime hunting partner is a tough one. The hurt will subside, but always remember the memories.
Soccerdude
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Great story.
Man I only hope that someday my kids will talk about me and my passion for hunting the way you talk about your dad. Thank you for sharing.
Man I only hope that someday my kids will talk about me and my passion for hunting the way you talk about your dad. Thank you for sharing.
dwalton
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Thanks for sharing one of the best stories in a long time! I lost my dad when I was 27. He, too, did the same things to get me involved in hunting, and I've carried that on with my children.
Btw, those hunting pajamas are way better than anything from SitKu
Btw, those hunting pajamas are way better than anything from SitKu
Focoelkman
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Fantastic write up!!! Bad a$$!! Would love to do one of those Moses hunts.
I will caution
️:
getting kids too involved even with close hunts, yummy grub, hot cocoa and fun.
I think I ruined my son?!! It’s hard to turn off The sob is blowing on goose calls, duck calls, Turkey calls and fixing his fishing set ups … doesn’t want to Be in class because the bite is on!?????
Sure is fun though,
Make the most of it!
I will caution
️: getting kids too involved even with close hunts, yummy grub, hot cocoa and fun.
I think I ruined my son?!! It’s hard to turn off The sob is blowing on goose calls, duck calls, Turkey calls and fixing his fishing set ups … doesn’t want to Be in class because the bite is on!?????
Sure is fun though,
Make the most of it!
blazintowers
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Don't post much but felt inclined to do so to tell you how much I enjoyed reading and following along on such a great hunt/adventure. Also sorry about your pops, may he look over you on all your adventures! You are a true inspiration! Thanks for the kick in the ASS! Now I gotta fill out my tag apps for my son and I!!!
JakeSwensen
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Thanks for sharing!
sjhgraysage
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Sincere Condolences.
Thank you for sharing your story and pics.
Thank you for sharing your story and pics.
