Rusty Myers ' Moose and Moose Hunting
For the experienced or novice moose hunter alike, nothing compares to an isolated moose camp to optimize their chance for a successful hunt, as well as provide surroundings of exceptional natural beauty.
One way to ensure a private, secluded hunt, and have a large portion of the planning, accommodations and equipment provided for you, is to take part in a fly-in trip, the likes of which Rusty Myers Flying Service can provide.
The following will provide a general overview of moose and moose hunting which will hopefully include information for the well-schooled hunter as well as newcomers to the sport.
Moose:
The name moose is derived from the Algonkian name meaning "eater of twigs". Moose are the largest of the deer family with seven different sub-species recognized in the world, four of which inhabit North America. They are the Alaskan, Shiras, and the two which inhabit Ontario, the Eastern and Northwestern moose.
Moose are generally the size of a horse, with long ears, humped shoulders, an elongated head and a "dewlap" or bell hanging from the throat. Their "gangly", awkward appearance is deceiving as it suits the diverse environment which they inhabit and allows them to travel over any type of terrain. They are capable of running as fast as 35 mph. and can swim or climb steep hills with equal ease. Although their eyesight is relatively weak, they certainly aren't blind, but their most acute sense is that of hearing which is aided by their "donkey like" ears that help the animal to pick up even minute sounds at great distances.
Below is some general information specific to the Eastern moose, most prevalent in Ontario.
Calves: Birthweight - approx. 30 lbs. Weight at 1/2 year - male 350 lbs. female - 330 lbs.
Adults: maximum weight - male- 1200 lbs female - 850 lbs.
Maximum age: captive - 20-25 years wild - 15 years
Mating: mid September to mid October
Gestation: 240-245 days
Habitat:
For the most part, moose habitat is generally quite diverse including swampy areas as well as mixed forested higher ground. Summer will find them feeding more on aquatic vegetation, while during the fall season their diet shifts to include more leaves and shoots of hardwood trees and shrubs. Fresh or second growth areas are a favorite during the fall. Moose will still enjoy frequenting spots around lakes and swamps where yellow marsh "hay" is abundant.
Generally speaking, an area which includes both young trees and swampy lakes would be considered prime moose country.
Movement:
During the summer, moose tend to spend most of their time within one or two square miles of "home territory". This begins to change somewhat during the fall, where bulls tend to be the greater wanderer, traveling up to 4 miles from their "home" area in search of a suitable mate.
Antler Development:
On bulls, antlers begin to grow early in the summer until their maximum size is reached by late August. Up until this point the antlers were covered by a "velvet" which now begins to have a reduction in blood flow causing the covering to gradually peel off, resulting in the more polished, bone like structure seen in the fall.
In the winter, sometime between December and March / April the antlers are shed and the process begins anew.
The Hunt: Moose hunting, like all big game hunting, requires a good deal of preparation and planning, as well as all the necessary equipment.
A Fly -in trip with RUSTY MYERS FLYING SERVICE eliminates a large portion of equipment needs, as comfortable accommodations, heating and cooking utensils, boats motors & gas, and transportation to the hunt camp from our Air Base are all provided. As these issues are taken care of for individuals on such a trip, only the more personal hunting equipment and supplies will be advised upon below:
Personal Gear: When planning for a trip such as this, great attention must be paid to detail, while not going overboard. A comprehensive list of needed gear should be compiled and include the following hunting equipment:
1. Gun, ammunition and sling OR Bow
2. Knives
3. Thermos
4. Binoculars
5. Compass or GPS
6. Moose call
7. Small chain saw
The large size of a moose dictates that a suitable caliber rifle be used. The rifle should be one which maximizes your potential opportunities while minimizing the animals unnecessary suffering or loss.
Many caliber's are considered suitable for hunting moose, as long as they have the necessary power for a clean kill. A heavier bullet is recommended for game the size of a moose, as it is the bullets weight which influences penetration and expansion. This will, of course, lead to somewhat less velocity, producing poorer trajectory, but, in turn produces more shocking power at relatively shorter ranges, thereby being more effective for game as large and as tough as the moose.
Below is a chart of popular moose caliber's and bullet weights.
CALIBER - BULLET - WEIGHT
One way to ensure a private, secluded hunt, and have a large portion of the planning, accommodations and equipment provided for you, is to take part in a fly-in trip, the likes of which Rusty Myers Flying Service can provide.
The following will provide a general overview of moose and moose hunting which will hopefully include information for the well-schooled hunter as well as newcomers to the sport.
Moose:
The name moose is derived from the Algonkian name meaning "eater of twigs". Moose are the largest of the deer family with seven different sub-species recognized in the world, four of which inhabit North America. They are the Alaskan, Shiras, and the two which inhabit Ontario, the Eastern and Northwestern moose.
Moose are generally the size of a horse, with long ears, humped shoulders, an elongated head and a "dewlap" or bell hanging from the throat. Their "gangly", awkward appearance is deceiving as it suits the diverse environment which they inhabit and allows them to travel over any type of terrain. They are capable of running as fast as 35 mph. and can swim or climb steep hills with equal ease. Although their eyesight is relatively weak, they certainly aren't blind, but their most acute sense is that of hearing which is aided by their "donkey like" ears that help the animal to pick up even minute sounds at great distances.
Below is some general information specific to the Eastern moose, most prevalent in Ontario.
Calves: Birthweight - approx. 30 lbs. Weight at 1/2 year - male 350 lbs. female - 330 lbs.
Adults: maximum weight - male- 1200 lbs female - 850 lbs.
Maximum age: captive - 20-25 years wild - 15 years
Mating: mid September to mid October
Gestation: 240-245 days
Habitat:
For the most part, moose habitat is generally quite diverse including swampy areas as well as mixed forested higher ground. Summer will find them feeding more on aquatic vegetation, while during the fall season their diet shifts to include more leaves and shoots of hardwood trees and shrubs. Fresh or second growth areas are a favorite during the fall. Moose will still enjoy frequenting spots around lakes and swamps where yellow marsh "hay" is abundant.
Generally speaking, an area which includes both young trees and swampy lakes would be considered prime moose country.
Movement:
During the summer, moose tend to spend most of their time within one or two square miles of "home territory". This begins to change somewhat during the fall, where bulls tend to be the greater wanderer, traveling up to 4 miles from their "home" area in search of a suitable mate.
Antler Development:
On bulls, antlers begin to grow early in the summer until their maximum size is reached by late August. Up until this point the antlers were covered by a "velvet" which now begins to have a reduction in blood flow causing the covering to gradually peel off, resulting in the more polished, bone like structure seen in the fall.
In the winter, sometime between December and March / April the antlers are shed and the process begins anew.
The Hunt: Moose hunting, like all big game hunting, requires a good deal of preparation and planning, as well as all the necessary equipment.
A Fly -in trip with RUSTY MYERS FLYING SERVICE eliminates a large portion of equipment needs, as comfortable accommodations, heating and cooking utensils, boats motors & gas, and transportation to the hunt camp from our Air Base are all provided. As these issues are taken care of for individuals on such a trip, only the more personal hunting equipment and supplies will be advised upon below:
Personal Gear: When planning for a trip such as this, great attention must be paid to detail, while not going overboard. A comprehensive list of needed gear should be compiled and include the following hunting equipment:
1. Gun, ammunition and sling OR Bow
2. Knives
3. Thermos
4. Binoculars
5. Compass or GPS
6. Moose call
7. Small chain saw
The large size of a moose dictates that a suitable caliber rifle be used. The rifle should be one which maximizes your potential opportunities while minimizing the animals unnecessary suffering or loss.
Many caliber's are considered suitable for hunting moose, as long as they have the necessary power for a clean kill. A heavier bullet is recommended for game the size of a moose, as it is the bullets weight which influences penetration and expansion. This will, of course, lead to somewhat less velocity, producing poorer trajectory, but, in turn produces more shocking power at relatively shorter ranges, thereby being more effective for game as large and as tough as the moose.
Below is a chart of popular moose caliber's and bullet weights.
CALIBER - BULLET - WEIGHT
