Moose & Deer hunt

Just got back from 9 days of hunting moose and deer in Idaho. 1st day of moose hunt ended with no moose being spotted on a float trip, although the scenery, company (son-in-law and daughter) who both had moose tags was great. Brown trout fishing while hunting, cast and blast, was decent with some smaller ones being caught. Only had 2 days for the moose hunt due to deer hunt for the rest of the week. 1st day light snow falling, the rut should have been in full swing. Hopefully, the moose would be coming down to the river for our 2nd day ....

Sounds like the start of a great trip!!

2nd day started out clear and cold. We launched the boat down a steep embankment. As we were launching, 3 cow moose were along the river just downstream. After launching we checked for any bulls in the area and called from the boat to see if any would come in. Without any bulls answering, we headed downstream. Should be a good day. Since this was our last day, it was decided to shoot any legal bull to fill the freezer and hope for a larger one on a later hunt.

Fishing was slow, and the moose spotting was even slower. After about 5 miles into the hunt, we spotted a small bull coming towards the bank. We decided since it was close, and an easy pack out to try and take him. A good broadside shot with a 50 caliber muzzleloader put the moose down at 1st. A follow up shot with a pistol finished the job. Real exciting for the moment. The bull landed about 20 feet from the boat. I called him a management moose, with a small paddle on one side and the other a deformed antler on the other. After gutting and quartering the moose, it was in boat and we were heading downstream to the take out. Nice smaller, meat bull for the freezer. Tomorrow we were heading up to deer hunt in central Idaho...

Great!!! I have been waiting for a report from you. Congratulations on the full freezer.

Good job

Awesome! Heading up your way this weekend. Glad you got your Moose.

Meat in the freezer!! Always wanted to do a float hunt, looks like you had a great time and congratulations to the hunter.