|
Moose hunting in Maine is an opportunity that comes along only rarely, so consider making your hunt a traditional hunt off the beaten path!
Maine has one of the largest moose populations in the lower 48 states, and they live in areas interspersed with miles of logging roads. Because it is easy to cover many miles along the roads while searching for moose, many hunters may miss the experience of a more traditional hunt. A law change allowing hunters to leave more moose parts in the woods makes it much easier to hunt away from the road.
There are many different ways to hunt backcountry moose.
With miles of shoreline along lakes and ponds, rivers, and streams throughout the moose hunting districts, water hunts via a canoe can be especially successful, allowing you to slide up quietly on an unsuspecting moose. Floating when used in conjunction with calling can be most effective, allowing you to cover greater ground and provide for a wonderful hunting experience. When hunting near water, alternate calling and pouring water to simulate a moose walking and feeding in the water. Keep in mind that shooting a moose in the water can cause enormous difficulties. Some will sink, and all are hard to get ashore.
Walking and Stalking is another effective method. Once you have located holding areas for moose with your scouting, try to find old logging roads or jeep trails that are no longer traveled. A DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer will often help in locating these older roads. These make ideal paths for stalking. Slowly walk the road, stopping every so often to call, wait 15 minutes and then continue your walk. When hunting with a call, give the moose plenty of time to respond; often they will travel over a mile to investigate the call, sometimes without making a sound.
If you have found a prime area that moose frequently visit, you may consider building a blind, or a series of blinds over a wide area. You may want to build a morning blind and an afternoon blind. There are plenty of downed trees and brush available to construct a suitable build. Pick out a good spot, allowing for good visibility, comfort and quiet sitting. Calling is optional, but can be very effective. Attracting scents such as a cow in heat and bull urine, scent sticks, and scented gels can help draw animals within range of your blind. These work especially well if applied the night before you plan to sit.
Hunting from a tree stand can give the added advantage over a blind by increasing your visibility and getting your scent off the ground. Again, calling is effective, but sitting quietly works well if you're hunting an active trail. Remember to refresh yourself on the laws applying to the use of tree stands.
|
